Top of the pops:
Also spin: 2:54, El-P, Public Image Ltd., Sigur Rós
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Sigur Rós
Add Date: May 29
Artist: Sigur Rós
Album: Valtari
Label: XL
Genre: Defies classification
Comments: In responding to Valtari, the sixth studio album from Sigur Rós, many critics have conjectured that--between the band's most accessible work to date, 2008's Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust, and frontman Jónsi's upbeat 2010 solo issue Go--these Icelandic masters got all of the pop out of their system. There's certainly a compelling argument for that, especially when Valtari is held up to either of those albums; here, the songs build more slowly, the vocals are less prevalent, and, in general, there's more open space for the tunes to develop.
Yet none of these traits should be considered off-putting. At its core, Valtari has all of the quality and qualities that you'd expect from a Sigur Rós LP: namely, beautiful compositions that incorporate elements of classical, post-rock, folk and more. This time around, the band collaborated with the British ensemble The Sixteen, providing the orchestral feel for which Sigur Rós is renowned.
And there are still traces of pop left over, particularly mid-album highlight "Rembihnútur". Meanwhile, "Varúð" is as moving as any song that Sigur Rós has ever recovered, with crescendoing percussion and triumphant horns building to a fever pitch before giving way to peaceful choral vocals. "Dauðalogn" and "Ekki Múkk" are more tranquil, pensive compositions, while the closing 3-track instrumental suite is truly gorgeous, though perhaps not quite as suited for radio play.
Overall, another great outing from Iceland's finest. Spin tracks 3, 4, 5 and 2.
Artist: Sigur Rós
Album: Valtari
Label: XL
Genre: Defies classification
Comments: In responding to Valtari, the sixth studio album from Sigur Rós, many critics have conjectured that--between the band's most accessible work to date, 2008's Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust, and frontman Jónsi's upbeat 2010 solo issue Go--these Icelandic masters got all of the pop out of their system. There's certainly a compelling argument for that, especially when Valtari is held up to either of those albums; here, the songs build more slowly, the vocals are less prevalent, and, in general, there's more open space for the tunes to develop.
Yet none of these traits should be considered off-putting. At its core, Valtari has all of the quality and qualities that you'd expect from a Sigur Rós LP: namely, beautiful compositions that incorporate elements of classical, post-rock, folk and more. This time around, the band collaborated with the British ensemble The Sixteen, providing the orchestral feel for which Sigur Rós is renowned.
And there are still traces of pop left over, particularly mid-album highlight "Rembihnútur". Meanwhile, "Varúð" is as moving as any song that Sigur Rós has ever recovered, with crescendoing percussion and triumphant horns building to a fever pitch before giving way to peaceful choral vocals. "Dauðalogn" and "Ekki Múkk" are more tranquil, pensive compositions, while the closing 3-track instrumental suite is truly gorgeous, though perhaps not quite as suited for radio play.
Overall, another great outing from Iceland's finest. Spin tracks 3, 4, 5 and 2.
1776
Add Date: May 29
Artist: 1776
Album: 1776
Label: Beat the World/The End
Genre: Rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Comprised of four young dudes with tasty vintage gear and excellent hair, 1776 enthusiastically pulls from their influences the best kind of psychedelic rock. Guitarist and vocalist Nigel Legerwood bangs away on a Danelectro 12-string, while bassist Zach Whitton keeps the entire troupe anchored with Rick Danko-inspired bass lines... Recommended if you like The Dandy Warhols, MC5, The Rolling Stones..."
These Washington state natives are touring with The Dandy Warhols, and they're currently signed to Beat the World Records, the imprint run by that band's frontman Courtney Taylor-Taylor. Check out tracks 3, 6, 10 and 7.
Artist: 1776
Album: 1776
Label: Beat the World/The End
Genre: Rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Comprised of four young dudes with tasty vintage gear and excellent hair, 1776 enthusiastically pulls from their influences the best kind of psychedelic rock. Guitarist and vocalist Nigel Legerwood bangs away on a Danelectro 12-string, while bassist Zach Whitton keeps the entire troupe anchored with Rick Danko-inspired bass lines... Recommended if you like The Dandy Warhols, MC5, The Rolling Stones..."
These Washington state natives are touring with The Dandy Warhols, and they're currently signed to Beat the World Records, the imprint run by that band's frontman Courtney Taylor-Taylor. Check out tracks 3, 6, 10 and 7.
Mode Moderne
Add Date: May 29
Artist: Mode Moderne
Album: Strange Bruises
Label: Light Organ
Genre: Rock, electronic rock
Comments: Vancouver-based Mode Moderne switches between a dancey New Order sound and an aimlessly sad Wild Nothing mood. Whichever way you cut it, the dark synth quintet is being followed around by its mope-pop rainy cloud that, with the sunshine of Strange Bruises, is being lightened up with sunnier tempos and brighter songs. Weird alt rock-meteorological analogies aside, Mode Moderne isn't entirely original in its take on post-punk dance music, but it sure does make up for it with some dreamy goth-pop. "Electrocute Me", " Nightly Youths", and "Open Air" are just as fantastically moody as you'd hope them to be.
Artist: Mode Moderne
Album: Strange Bruises
Label: Light Organ
Genre: Rock, electronic rock
Comments: Vancouver-based Mode Moderne switches between a dancey New Order sound and an aimlessly sad Wild Nothing mood. Whichever way you cut it, the dark synth quintet is being followed around by its mope-pop rainy cloud that, with the sunshine of Strange Bruises, is being lightened up with sunnier tempos and brighter songs. Weird alt rock-meteorological analogies aside, Mode Moderne isn't entirely original in its take on post-punk dance music, but it sure does make up for it with some dreamy goth-pop. "Electrocute Me", " Nightly Youths", and "Open Air" are just as fantastically moody as you'd hope them to be.
El-P
Add Date: May 29
Artist: El-P
Album: Cancer for Cure
Label: Fat Possum
Genre: Hip hop
Comments: From the promoter: "Independent rap icon El-P is set to release... his first full-length rap album since 2007's critically acclaimed I’ll Sleep When You're Dead... Cancer for Cure takes another huge leap forward from the production work of his 2010 instrumental album weareallgoingtoburninhellmeggamixxx with a bombastic collision of synths, bottomless bass tones, live instrumentation, ear-worming melody, and tightly coiled drum patterns, setting the standard for hip-hop production higher than ever. The obvious diversion from the previous album is the presence of El-P's ever-developing vocal style, continuing to raise the bar on his already highly verbose flow that swiftly and muscularly navigates a rapid-fire explosion of syllabic conundrums and quick-witted elocutions full of heart, purpose, style and grit."
For fans of Killer Mike, Outkast's Andre 3000, or even the eyebrow-raising group of Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, El-P has some crazy beats that will make your head spin, like tracks "Tougher Colder Killer" and "Works Every Time".
Artist: El-P
Album: Cancer for Cure
Label: Fat Possum
Genre: Hip hop
Comments: From the promoter: "Independent rap icon El-P is set to release... his first full-length rap album since 2007's critically acclaimed I’ll Sleep When You're Dead... Cancer for Cure takes another huge leap forward from the production work of his 2010 instrumental album weareallgoingtoburninhellmeggamixxx with a bombastic collision of synths, bottomless bass tones, live instrumentation, ear-worming melody, and tightly coiled drum patterns, setting the standard for hip-hop production higher than ever. The obvious diversion from the previous album is the presence of El-P's ever-developing vocal style, continuing to raise the bar on his already highly verbose flow that swiftly and muscularly navigates a rapid-fire explosion of syllabic conundrums and quick-witted elocutions full of heart, purpose, style and grit."
For fans of Killer Mike, Outkast's Andre 3000, or even the eyebrow-raising group of Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, El-P has some crazy beats that will make your head spin, like tracks "Tougher Colder Killer" and "Works Every Time".
Shawn Lee
Add Date: May 29
Artist: Shawn Lee
Album: Synthesizers in Space
Label: ESL Music
Genre: Electronica
Comments: The synthesizers are spacey, full of subtle, ear-twitching effects. Psychedelic grooves with sunny melodies, smokey grooves and propulsive rhythms turned into an inimitable sound: Synthesizers in Space totally delivers on its title by giving as much space as it does synth. For some electronic nirvana, try tracks 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
Artist: Shawn Lee
Album: Synthesizers in Space
Label: ESL Music
Genre: Electronica
Comments: The synthesizers are spacey, full of subtle, ear-twitching effects. Psychedelic grooves with sunny melodies, smokey grooves and propulsive rhythms turned into an inimitable sound: Synthesizers in Space totally delivers on its title by giving as much space as it does synth. For some electronic nirvana, try tracks 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
Add Date: May 29
Artist: Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
Album: Here
Label: Vagrant
Genre: Folk, psych rock
Comments: Let's make this very clear: Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros need only take one tiny step forward to fully become a "Manson-era hippie jam band, complete with multi-culti sing-alongs and hygienically suspect old-timey beards." And while their debut album, Up From Below, chose not to showcase this communal neo-psychedelia brand of living and loving, Here makes a point of abandoning all indie subtleties in favor of some truly laid-back, twang-filled, down-home jamborees.
The problem is definitely not in the catchiness of the new album's all-you-need-is-love songs (like "That's What's Up", "Fiya Wata", and "Child"); rather, it's the lack of hippie heart and connection to the audience that a song like "Home" could give. Regardless, Here is the first of two albums that the group will release this year (please, oh please, let the second be called There), so if this album doesn't suit your ES & tMZ fancy, you won't have to wait too long for another. But for a good ol' time, try tracks 8, 2, 6 and 7.
Artist: Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
Album: Here
Label: Vagrant
Genre: Folk, psych rock
Comments: Let's make this very clear: Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros need only take one tiny step forward to fully become a "Manson-era hippie jam band, complete with multi-culti sing-alongs and hygienically suspect old-timey beards." And while their debut album, Up From Below, chose not to showcase this communal neo-psychedelia brand of living and loving, Here makes a point of abandoning all indie subtleties in favor of some truly laid-back, twang-filled, down-home jamborees.
The problem is definitely not in the catchiness of the new album's all-you-need-is-love songs (like "That's What's Up", "Fiya Wata", and "Child"); rather, it's the lack of hippie heart and connection to the audience that a song like "Home" could give. Regardless, Here is the first of two albums that the group will release this year (please, oh please, let the second be called There), so if this album doesn't suit your ES & tMZ fancy, you won't have to wait too long for another. But for a good ol' time, try tracks 8, 2, 6 and 7.
The Walkmen
Add Date: May 29
Artist: The Walkmen
Album: Heaven
Label: Fat Possum
Genre: Rock
Comments: The Walkmen are celebrating their 10th anniversary as a band in 2012, and what better way to do so than to release another fine album? Ten years is, in many ways, quite a long tenure--especially considering that the original 5-piece lineup is still intact: frontman Hamilton Leithauser, guitarist Paul Maroon, bassist Walter Martin, multi-instrumentalist Pete Bauer and drummer Matt Barrick have been working together since their 2002 debut Everyone Who Pretended to Like Me Is Gone.
Unfairly lumped into the garage rock revival bin upon their debut, The Walkmen have outlasted most of their supposed peers, and have continued to broaden their sonic palette over time. Indeed, Heaven, the band's sixth studio LP, continues a run of albums that strike a near-perfect balance of musical acumen and pop accessibility. Taking influences that run the gamut from '60s pop to '80s and '90s alternative, The Walkmen have crafted another excellent collection of pop-rock tunes.
One of 2012's best. Start with tracks 11, 3, 7, 2 and 8.
Artist: The Walkmen
Album: Heaven
Label: Fat Possum
Genre: Rock
Comments: The Walkmen are celebrating their 10th anniversary as a band in 2012, and what better way to do so than to release another fine album? Ten years is, in many ways, quite a long tenure--especially considering that the original 5-piece lineup is still intact: frontman Hamilton Leithauser, guitarist Paul Maroon, bassist Walter Martin, multi-instrumentalist Pete Bauer and drummer Matt Barrick have been working together since their 2002 debut Everyone Who Pretended to Like Me Is Gone.
Unfairly lumped into the garage rock revival bin upon their debut, The Walkmen have outlasted most of their supposed peers, and have continued to broaden their sonic palette over time. Indeed, Heaven, the band's sixth studio LP, continues a run of albums that strike a near-perfect balance of musical acumen and pop accessibility. Taking influences that run the gamut from '60s pop to '80s and '90s alternative, The Walkmen have crafted another excellent collection of pop-rock tunes.
One of 2012's best. Start with tracks 11, 3, 7, 2 and 8.
Public Image Ltd.
Add Date: May 29
Artist: Public Image Ltd.
Album: This is PiL
Label: Cargo
Genre: Rock, punk
Comments: This Is PiL, the new album from former Sex Pistols frontman Johnny Rotten's Public Image Ltd., is equal parts post-punk nonsense and brilliance. Rotten hasn't lost any of his '60s ire with this record, and he's still spewing vitriol at the monarchy and anyone who wishes to dismantle the working class. After listening to PiL yell about chaos and revolution and the demise of human nature, you're guaranteed to get in a rage-worthy mood.
Not my cup o' tea, but I have to appreciate the pulsing bassline and post-punk revival of PiL, particularly on tracks 2, 4, 9 and 12.
Artist: Public Image Ltd.
Album: This is PiL
Label: Cargo
Genre: Rock, punk
Comments: This Is PiL, the new album from former Sex Pistols frontman Johnny Rotten's Public Image Ltd., is equal parts post-punk nonsense and brilliance. Rotten hasn't lost any of his '60s ire with this record, and he's still spewing vitriol at the monarchy and anyone who wishes to dismantle the working class. After listening to PiL yell about chaos and revolution and the demise of human nature, you're guaranteed to get in a rage-worthy mood.
Not my cup o' tea, but I have to appreciate the pulsing bassline and post-punk revival of PiL, particularly on tracks 2, 4, 9 and 12.
The Mynabirds
Add Date: May 29
Artist: The Mynabirds
Album: Generals
Label: Saddle Creek
Genre: Rock
Comments: Laura Burhenn was angry--namely about politics and society--so she decided to make a rock and roll record to release this indignation. But she also wanted to channel that frustration, perhaps even mitigate it, by expressing the influence of women like Rosa Parks, Gloria Steinem and Sojourner Truth. "It was important for me that this record made sense of my own anger and turned it into positive energy," Burhenn said. "I needed it to be transformative, of both the individual and the body politic. It's as much a meditation on Walt Whitman's hope for America as Gandhi's directive to 'be the change you want to see in the world.'"
Generals is the second LP from Burhenn's project The Mynabirds, and sonically, it's a completely different animal from her excellent 2010 debut What We Lose in the Fire We Gain in the Flood, a collection of soul-inspired folk-pop gems. But while the new album is louder and brasher, there are several stylistic elements that can easily tie the two records together: Burhenn's songcraft and singular vocals, her knack for the perfect pop melody--as readily apparent here as on her Americana-infused debut--and Richard Swift's top-notch production, to name a few.
I was a huge fan of What We Lose in the Fire We Gain in the Flood, an album that was immediately accessible for fans of the genre. Generals is certainly a grower, but spend some time with it, and you'll be rewarded. And it's not as if Burhenn has abandoned her soul and folk influences, as they show up throughout the record--though sometimes masked behind electric guitars and rumbling percussion.
The standout title track is FCC-unfriendly on the CD--play the radio edit version on the studio computer instead, and also spin 7, 4, 8, 9 and 1. Also, be sure to check out Burhenn's accompanying portrait project, The New Revolutionists, her expression of "what true revolutionary American women look like."
Artist: The Mynabirds
Album: Generals
Label: Saddle Creek
Genre: Rock
Comments: Laura Burhenn was angry--namely about politics and society--so she decided to make a rock and roll record to release this indignation. But she also wanted to channel that frustration, perhaps even mitigate it, by expressing the influence of women like Rosa Parks, Gloria Steinem and Sojourner Truth. "It was important for me that this record made sense of my own anger and turned it into positive energy," Burhenn said. "I needed it to be transformative, of both the individual and the body politic. It's as much a meditation on Walt Whitman's hope for America as Gandhi's directive to 'be the change you want to see in the world.'"
Generals is the second LP from Burhenn's project The Mynabirds, and sonically, it's a completely different animal from her excellent 2010 debut What We Lose in the Fire We Gain in the Flood, a collection of soul-inspired folk-pop gems. But while the new album is louder and brasher, there are several stylistic elements that can easily tie the two records together: Burhenn's songcraft and singular vocals, her knack for the perfect pop melody--as readily apparent here as on her Americana-infused debut--and Richard Swift's top-notch production, to name a few.
I was a huge fan of What We Lose in the Fire We Gain in the Flood, an album that was immediately accessible for fans of the genre. Generals is certainly a grower, but spend some time with it, and you'll be rewarded. And it's not as if Burhenn has abandoned her soul and folk influences, as they show up throughout the record--though sometimes masked behind electric guitars and rumbling percussion.
The standout title track is FCC-unfriendly on the CD--play the radio edit version on the studio computer instead, and also spin 7, 4, 8, 9 and 1. Also, be sure to check out Burhenn's accompanying portrait project, The New Revolutionists, her expression of "what true revolutionary American women look like."
JEFF the Brotherhood
Add Date: May 29
Artist: JEFF the Brotherhood
Album: "Sixpack" (single)
Label: Warner Bros.
Genre: Rock
Comments: "Sixpack" is the lead single from JEFF the Brotherhood's forthcoming LP Hypnotic Knights, which will mark Jake and Jamin Orrall's major-label debut after a string of successful releases on their own Infinity Cat imprint. It's a summer-ready party anthem, featuring delightfully juvenile lyrics ("It's getting hot out/It's only 15 miles/I want to cool out/And get wasted") laid over impossibly catchy guitar hooks--in short, it's a nice taste of what we should expect when the full-length lands in July.
Artist: JEFF the Brotherhood
Album: "Sixpack" (single)
Label: Warner Bros.
Genre: Rock
Comments: "Sixpack" is the lead single from JEFF the Brotherhood's forthcoming LP Hypnotic Knights, which will mark Jake and Jamin Orrall's major-label debut after a string of successful releases on their own Infinity Cat imprint. It's a summer-ready party anthem, featuring delightfully juvenile lyrics ("It's getting hot out/It's only 15 miles/I want to cool out/And get wasted") laid over impossibly catchy guitar hooks--in short, it's a nice taste of what we should expect when the full-length lands in July.
Emily Jane White
Add Date: May 29
Artist: Emily Jane White
Album: Ode to Sentience
Label: Antenna Farm
Genre: Folk
Comments: From the promoter on Emily Jane White's new LP: "White's third album, Ode to Sentience, is her most realized work to date. Drawing upon finger-picked folk, traditional country, classical music and rock, White creates an expansive space for her intuitive lyrics and elegiac vocals. The spare skeletons of the songs on Ode to Sentience are fleshed out with subdued electric guitar thrums, diaphanous organ, ethereal pedal steel guitar, lush strings, and White's dusky alto with its signature catch."
White's music has been compared to the likes of Kate Bush, Townes Van Zandt, Cat Power and Hope Sandoval, and it's easy to hear why when listening to Ode to Sentience. It's been a good couple of weeks for folk-leaning records--see Cold Specks and this week's new Marissa Nadler EP, in particular--and White's new album belongs right up there, too. Start with tracks 3, 1, 10, 2 and 9.
Artist: Emily Jane White
Album: Ode to Sentience
Label: Antenna Farm
Genre: Folk
Comments: From the promoter on Emily Jane White's new LP: "White's third album, Ode to Sentience, is her most realized work to date. Drawing upon finger-picked folk, traditional country, classical music and rock, White creates an expansive space for her intuitive lyrics and elegiac vocals. The spare skeletons of the songs on Ode to Sentience are fleshed out with subdued electric guitar thrums, diaphanous organ, ethereal pedal steel guitar, lush strings, and White's dusky alto with its signature catch."
White's music has been compared to the likes of Kate Bush, Townes Van Zandt, Cat Power and Hope Sandoval, and it's easy to hear why when listening to Ode to Sentience. It's been a good couple of weeks for folk-leaning records--see Cold Specks and this week's new Marissa Nadler EP, in particular--and White's new album belongs right up there, too. Start with tracks 3, 1, 10, 2 and 9.
Crocodiles
Add Date: May 29
Artist: Crocodiles
Album: Endless Flowers
Label: Frenchkiss
Genre: Indie rock
Comments: From the promoter: "After their lo-fi, scuzzy debut album... Endless Flowers sees [Crocodiles] at the height of their powers. The opening song and title track is melodic, with booming drums and charming vocals from frontman Brandon Welchez. Second cut and early favorite 'Sunday', however, will knock you over: with wandering electric guitar chords, washed-out distortion effects and a pounded piano sound that brings to mind The Velvet Underground's 'I'm Waiting For The Man', the track is a complete summer jam... All in all, the group's best entry yet in their already rad catalog! Fans of Girls, Dum Dum Girls and The Jesus & Mary Chain, run through Crocodiles' Endless Flowers!"
And, like the promoter references, tracks 1, 2, 3 and 6 are the album's gems.
Artist: Crocodiles
Album: Endless Flowers
Label: Frenchkiss
Genre: Indie rock
Comments: From the promoter: "After their lo-fi, scuzzy debut album... Endless Flowers sees [Crocodiles] at the height of their powers. The opening song and title track is melodic, with booming drums and charming vocals from frontman Brandon Welchez. Second cut and early favorite 'Sunday', however, will knock you over: with wandering electric guitar chords, washed-out distortion effects and a pounded piano sound that brings to mind The Velvet Underground's 'I'm Waiting For The Man', the track is a complete summer jam... All in all, the group's best entry yet in their already rad catalog! Fans of Girls, Dum Dum Girls and The Jesus & Mary Chain, run through Crocodiles' Endless Flowers!"
And, like the promoter references, tracks 1, 2, 3 and 6 are the album's gems.
2:54
Add Date: May 29
Artist: 2:54
Album: 2:54
Label: Fat Possum
Genre: Rock, alternative
Comments: The London sister duo of Colette and Hannah Thurlow took the name 2:54 from a drum roll in a Melvins song ("A History of Bad Men", in case you were curious), and that Washington state band's trademark sludgy post-punk sound can certainly be heard on 2:54. But there's a lot more going on with this eponymous debut, which also touches on shoegaze, minimalist rock, and '80s and '90s alternative--think Sonic Youth and early Queens of the Stone Age, in particular. Warpaint, with whom 2:54 have toured, might be the best reference point among contemporary bands.
A very solid effort; start with tracks 4, 8, 1 and 10.
Artist: 2:54
Album: 2:54
Label: Fat Possum
Genre: Rock, alternative
Comments: The London sister duo of Colette and Hannah Thurlow took the name 2:54 from a drum roll in a Melvins song ("A History of Bad Men", in case you were curious), and that Washington state band's trademark sludgy post-punk sound can certainly be heard on 2:54. But there's a lot more going on with this eponymous debut, which also touches on shoegaze, minimalist rock, and '80s and '90s alternative--think Sonic Youth and early Queens of the Stone Age, in particular. Warpaint, with whom 2:54 have toured, might be the best reference point among contemporary bands.
A very solid effort; start with tracks 4, 8, 1 and 10.
mewithoutYou
Add Date: May 29
Artist: mewithoutYou
Album: Ten Stories
Label: Pine Street
Genre: Rock, alternative
Comments: While listening to the first track from mewithoutYou's newest album, Ten Stories, I was immediately reminded of another band that has a penchant for allegorical songs: Editors. The Editors are known for their dark, '80s-inspired indie guitar rock, dour and warbling vocals, and hauntingly jarring sounds; needless to say, mewithoutYou is striving for the same fan-base, and if they were to only work on their lyrical hooks, they may one day get the same recognition on the alt-rock market.
Tracks 1, 2 and 4 are recommended by the promoter.
Artist: mewithoutYou
Album: Ten Stories
Label: Pine Street
Genre: Rock, alternative
Comments: While listening to the first track from mewithoutYou's newest album, Ten Stories, I was immediately reminded of another band that has a penchant for allegorical songs: Editors. The Editors are known for their dark, '80s-inspired indie guitar rock, dour and warbling vocals, and hauntingly jarring sounds; needless to say, mewithoutYou is striving for the same fan-base, and if they were to only work on their lyrical hooks, they may one day get the same recognition on the alt-rock market.
Tracks 1, 2 and 4 are recommended by the promoter.
Marissa Nadler
Add Date: May 29
Artist: Marissa Nadler
Album: The Sister (EP)
Label: Box of Cedar
Genre: Folk
Comments: It's been less than a year since the excellent self-titled fifth LP from Marissa Nadler graced our playlist shelves, but the Boston-based songwriter is already back at it with this 8-song mini-album. The Sister picks up where Marissa Nadler left off, with the artist's ethereally gorgeous vocals and top-class songwriting laid over beautiful instrumentation: Nadler's guitar work is nicely complemented by light percussion, synthesizers and the occasional cello, piano or mandolin part.
Magnet calls the record: "... a delicate and transfixing balance of acoustic-folk clarity and dream-pop haziness... This is a singer's album, one that luxuriates in the pure, lovely tones of Nadler's warmly, intimate, darkly insistent voice." Spin tracks 4, 7, 1 and 6, and you'll surely agree.
Artist: Marissa Nadler
Album: The Sister (EP)
Label: Box of Cedar
Genre: Folk
Comments: It's been less than a year since the excellent self-titled fifth LP from Marissa Nadler graced our playlist shelves, but the Boston-based songwriter is already back at it with this 8-song mini-album. The Sister picks up where Marissa Nadler left off, with the artist's ethereally gorgeous vocals and top-class songwriting laid over beautiful instrumentation: Nadler's guitar work is nicely complemented by light percussion, synthesizers and the occasional cello, piano or mandolin part.
Magnet calls the record: "... a delicate and transfixing balance of acoustic-folk clarity and dream-pop haziness... This is a singer's album, one that luxuriates in the pure, lovely tones of Nadler's warmly, intimate, darkly insistent voice." Spin tracks 4, 7, 1 and 6, and you'll surely agree.
Hilltop Hoods
Add Date: May 29
Artist: Hilltop Hoods
Album: Drinking from the Sun
Label: Golden Era
Genre: Hip hop
Comments: Australian rappers with orchestral arrangements and collaborations with Sia and Black Thought of The Roots? The premise sounds like a recipe for a disharmonious failure, but Hilltop Hoods blends pop, rap and classical elements to create a distinct, catchy sound. Drinking from the Sun goes to prove that there's more than one way to tell a story through rap, just like there is more than one subgenre to rock, pop, and other music styles. If you're wanting some radio-friendly and genre-bending rap, look up the gents from Hilltop Hoods and tracks 3, 2, 5, 6 and 9 from Drinking from the Sun.
Artist: Hilltop Hoods
Album: Drinking from the Sun
Label: Golden Era
Genre: Hip hop
Comments: Australian rappers with orchestral arrangements and collaborations with Sia and Black Thought of The Roots? The premise sounds like a recipe for a disharmonious failure, but Hilltop Hoods blends pop, rap and classical elements to create a distinct, catchy sound. Drinking from the Sun goes to prove that there's more than one way to tell a story through rap, just like there is more than one subgenre to rock, pop, and other music styles. If you're wanting some radio-friendly and genre-bending rap, look up the gents from Hilltop Hoods and tracks 3, 2, 5, 6 and 9 from Drinking from the Sun.
The Doc Marshalls
Add Date: May 29
Artist: The Doc Marshalls
Album: Look Out, Compadre
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk, country
Comments: Let me preface my review with a personal statement: I don't like country music. I just don't. Bring up Taylor Swift around me, and I won't hesitate to take out my trust "I'm with Kanye" flag (figuratively and literally). But I can stand and, more importantly, appreciate the kind of artists that attempt to straddle the line between folk rock and country, which makes enjoying The Doc Marshalls' Look Out, Compadre a lot easier on me.
On their third record, The Doc Marshalls mix some alt-country with some honky-tonk blues to make a sound similar to Dawes or Drive-By Truckers. And because of this, I can say that the music is listenable and, at some parts, infectious. The band knocks out some decent tunes, like tracks 1, 2, 4 and 6.
Artist: The Doc Marshalls
Album: Look Out, Compadre
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk, country
Comments: Let me preface my review with a personal statement: I don't like country music. I just don't. Bring up Taylor Swift around me, and I won't hesitate to take out my trust "I'm with Kanye" flag (figuratively and literally). But I can stand and, more importantly, appreciate the kind of artists that attempt to straddle the line between folk rock and country, which makes enjoying The Doc Marshalls' Look Out, Compadre a lot easier on me.
On their third record, The Doc Marshalls mix some alt-country with some honky-tonk blues to make a sound similar to Dawes or Drive-By Truckers. And because of this, I can say that the music is listenable and, at some parts, infectious. The band knocks out some decent tunes, like tracks 1, 2, 4 and 6.
Kimbra
Add Date: May 29
Artist: Kimbra
Album: Vows
Label: Warner Bros.
Genre: Pop
Comments: In true American fashion, we only discover an out-of-this-country musical phenomenon a year after it has been released back in its home country, and only after the hit single has been circulating on Ryan Seacrest's drive-time radio show, not to mention covered by the kids over at Glee. And that's a shame, considering that New Zealand singer/songwriter Kimbra has such a lovely (and eccentric!) sound that deserves to be showcased on something other than a split-second Goyte verse.
With her major-label debut, Kimbra showcases her wide-ranging vocal efforts by reducing the celebrity cameos to "Warrior", a track that could potentially help "Foster" her new indie career (get it? because Mark Foster is on it?). Kimbra definitely delivers the kooky, catchy, poppy hits with Vows. I'm overjoyed that she's pushed out Zooey as the new indie it-girl and chanteuse. She has the looks to kill, and the songs to back them up. Can't take my word for it? Just pick up a copy of Vows and spin tracks 13, 3, 8, 6 and 4.
Artist: Kimbra
Album: Vows
Label: Warner Bros.
Genre: Pop
Comments: In true American fashion, we only discover an out-of-this-country musical phenomenon a year after it has been released back in its home country, and only after the hit single has been circulating on Ryan Seacrest's drive-time radio show, not to mention covered by the kids over at Glee. And that's a shame, considering that New Zealand singer/songwriter Kimbra has such a lovely (and eccentric!) sound that deserves to be showcased on something other than a split-second Goyte verse.
With her major-label debut, Kimbra showcases her wide-ranging vocal efforts by reducing the celebrity cameos to "Warrior", a track that could potentially help "Foster" her new indie career (get it? because Mark Foster is on it?). Kimbra definitely delivers the kooky, catchy, poppy hits with Vows. I'm overjoyed that she's pushed out Zooey as the new indie it-girl and chanteuse. She has the looks to kill, and the songs to back them up. Can't take my word for it? Just pick up a copy of Vows and spin tracks 13, 3, 8, 6 and 4.
Apollo Cobra
Add Date: May 29
Artist: Apollo Cobra
Album: Motherland
Label: Rocketsnake
Genre: Electropop, indie pop
Comments: It's taken them two years, but 3-piece synth-a-licious group Apollo Cobra is finally releasing some new dancefloor jams for our entertainment. Motherland has the group drawing from early rave music as they update their New Wave act. If you're looking for some good jamtronic pop, look no further than this album. Keep to tracks 1, 2, 8 and 5.
Artist: Apollo Cobra
Album: Motherland
Label: Rocketsnake
Genre: Electropop, indie pop
Comments: It's taken them two years, but 3-piece synth-a-licious group Apollo Cobra is finally releasing some new dancefloor jams for our entertainment. Motherland has the group drawing from early rave music as they update their New Wave act. If you're looking for some good jamtronic pop, look no further than this album. Keep to tracks 1, 2, 8 and 5.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Best New Music - May 22
Sonnymoon
Add Date: May 22
Artist: Sonnymoon
Album: Wild Rumpus
Label: Plug Research
Genre: Indie pop, electronica
Comments: This review is absolutely, positively fueled off the energy core that emits from Planet Sonnymoon, a mystical and vast and foreign entity in the not-so-distant universe where people named Anna and Dane create songs titled "∞" and "Watersboiled." And in the words of the onesheet that was beamed down from the planet for my reading pleasure: "Upon first landing on Earth... Dane quickly found that the music Earth most often communicated via airwaves was not indicative of the wants (or needs) of the people. Meanwhile, Anna was challenged to make sense of foreign concepts such as ignorance, mediocrity, and perhaps worst of all, suburbia."
All weird exposition and background stories aside, Soonymoon's self-titled debut is super trippy and peaceful ambient music. If you're expecting something as deep as the planet's craters, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you just want to escape Planet Earth's "conformist music taste," tracks 12, 9, 1 and 11 are waiting for you on the spaceship.
Artist: Sonnymoon
Album: Wild Rumpus
Label: Plug Research
Genre: Indie pop, electronica
Comments: This review is absolutely, positively fueled off the energy core that emits from Planet Sonnymoon, a mystical and vast and foreign entity in the not-so-distant universe where people named Anna and Dane create songs titled "∞" and "Watersboiled." And in the words of the onesheet that was beamed down from the planet for my reading pleasure: "Upon first landing on Earth... Dane quickly found that the music Earth most often communicated via airwaves was not indicative of the wants (or needs) of the people. Meanwhile, Anna was challenged to make sense of foreign concepts such as ignorance, mediocrity, and perhaps worst of all, suburbia."
All weird exposition and background stories aside, Soonymoon's self-titled debut is super trippy and peaceful ambient music. If you're expecting something as deep as the planet's craters, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you just want to escape Planet Earth's "conformist music taste," tracks 12, 9, 1 and 11 are waiting for you on the spaceship.
Quantic & Alice Russell
Add Date: May 22
Artist: Quantic & Alice Russell
Album: Look Around the Corner
Label: Tru Thoughts
Genre: Funk, R&B
Comments: From the onesheet: "Look Around the Corner is the first-ever full collaborative album from Quantic and Alice Russell. The sound of this intoxicating record mixes sweet soul and blues with overtones of folk and gospel, and the inimitable swing of Quantic's world-renowned outfit the Combo Barbaro, who from the core band... Quantic and Alice Russell infused the style with a Latin undertone; the blues and soul sound still takes centre stage though, rather like the soul records made in Miami and New York in the '70s, or the disco from the Bronx."
Recommended if you like a more soulful and raw sound than Fitz and the Tantrums--try tracks 1, 5, 7, 2 and 4.
Artist: Quantic & Alice Russell
Album: Look Around the Corner
Label: Tru Thoughts
Genre: Funk, R&B
Comments: From the onesheet: "Look Around the Corner is the first-ever full collaborative album from Quantic and Alice Russell. The sound of this intoxicating record mixes sweet soul and blues with overtones of folk and gospel, and the inimitable swing of Quantic's world-renowned outfit the Combo Barbaro, who from the core band... Quantic and Alice Russell infused the style with a Latin undertone; the blues and soul sound still takes centre stage though, rather like the soul records made in Miami and New York in the '70s, or the disco from the Bronx."
Recommended if you like a more soulful and raw sound than Fitz and the Tantrums--try tracks 1, 5, 7, 2 and 4.
Simian Mobile Disco
Add Date: May 22
Artist: Simian Mobile Disco
Album: UnPatterns
Label: Wichita
Genre: Electronica
Comments: What else would you expect from a group called "Simian Mobile Disco" than some experimental house music? Because that's what your getting with their new album, UnPatterns, and there's not much else to it other than cyborg noises and the occasional spaced-out lyric. Simian Mobile Disco isn't exactly ahead of the electronica curve with this 9-track album, I'm sorry to say. Although the ghosts in this machine aren't too exciting, at least tracks 2, 3, 6 and 8 have some potential to get your move'n on a Saturday night.
Artist: Simian Mobile Disco
Album: UnPatterns
Label: Wichita
Genre: Electronica
Comments: What else would you expect from a group called "Simian Mobile Disco" than some experimental house music? Because that's what your getting with their new album, UnPatterns, and there's not much else to it other than cyborg noises and the occasional spaced-out lyric. Simian Mobile Disco isn't exactly ahead of the electronica curve with this 9-track album, I'm sorry to say. Although the ghosts in this machine aren't too exciting, at least tracks 2, 3, 6 and 8 have some potential to get your move'n on a Saturday night.
All Good Funk Alliance
Add Date: May 22
Artist: All Good Funk Alliance
Album: Jacks of All Trades
Label: Fort Knox
Genre: Funk, hip hop
Comments: All Good Funk Alliance's new album, Jacks of All Trades, is a genre-spanning release featuring funky basslines, spaced-out Nintendo 64-like synths, and even rappers spitting out some slick verses. One has to admire the group's effort in to trying to bring funk to the Skrillex era, and they definitely are serving up some funky, fun and fresh sounds in the process. Tracks "I Don't Care If It's Your Birthday", "Mr. Hipnoid", and "Throwdown" are choice.
Artist: All Good Funk Alliance
Album: Jacks of All Trades
Label: Fort Knox
Genre: Funk, hip hop
Comments: All Good Funk Alliance's new album, Jacks of All Trades, is a genre-spanning release featuring funky basslines, spaced-out Nintendo 64-like synths, and even rappers spitting out some slick verses. One has to admire the group's effort in to trying to bring funk to the Skrillex era, and they definitely are serving up some funky, fun and fresh sounds in the process. Tracks "I Don't Care If It's Your Birthday", "Mr. Hipnoid", and "Throwdown" are choice.
Grass Widow
Add Date: May 22
Artist: Grass Widow
Album: Internal Logic
Label: HLR
Genre: Rock
Comments: It's been a great couple of years for the San Francisco trio Grass Widow, starting with the release of their second LP, Past Time, on Kill Rock Stars back in 2010. They've received lots of well-deserved critical praise from the likes of Pitchfork, The New Yorker, The New York Times and myriad other outlets; they've shared the stage with Wild Flag and The Raincoats; and (another Carrie Brownstein connection, to be sure) they even appeared in this Portlandia sketch alongside Joanna Newsom and Fleet Foxes' Robin Pecknold.
Now Grass Widow is self-releasing its third album, Internal Logic. From the promoter: "Grass Widow--Hannah Lew (bass, vocals), Raven Mahon (guitar, vocals), and Lillian Maring (drums, vocals)--write their hypnotic layered melodies collaboratively. Their haunting songs, rich in metaphor and couched in reference and allusion, are mined from the personal narratives of each member. Vocal duties shared equally all around complete the overall sensibility. Grass Widow has no front person, and offers a musical experience not based on celebrity or spectacle..."
In short, Internal Logic is another collection of excellent DIY tunes that bridge the gap between post-punk and psych pop. Start with tracks 3, 5, 1, 9 and 2.
Artist: Grass Widow
Album: Internal Logic
Label: HLR
Genre: Rock
Comments: It's been a great couple of years for the San Francisco trio Grass Widow, starting with the release of their second LP, Past Time, on Kill Rock Stars back in 2010. They've received lots of well-deserved critical praise from the likes of Pitchfork, The New Yorker, The New York Times and myriad other outlets; they've shared the stage with Wild Flag and The Raincoats; and (another Carrie Brownstein connection, to be sure) they even appeared in this Portlandia sketch alongside Joanna Newsom and Fleet Foxes' Robin Pecknold.
Now Grass Widow is self-releasing its third album, Internal Logic. From the promoter: "Grass Widow--Hannah Lew (bass, vocals), Raven Mahon (guitar, vocals), and Lillian Maring (drums, vocals)--write their hypnotic layered melodies collaboratively. Their haunting songs, rich in metaphor and couched in reference and allusion, are mined from the personal narratives of each member. Vocal duties shared equally all around complete the overall sensibility. Grass Widow has no front person, and offers a musical experience not based on celebrity or spectacle..."
In short, Internal Logic is another collection of excellent DIY tunes that bridge the gap between post-punk and psych pop. Start with tracks 3, 5, 1, 9 and 2.
Oceanics
Add Date: May 22
Artist: Oceanics
Album: Bright People (EP)
Label: MGM
Genre: Indie rock
Comments: Let's go down the qualifications for Bright People being called "Britpop": Does it have big hollow guitars and clean, jangling tunes? Yes. Does it bear some semblance to a mellower Arctic Monkeys, Libertines or Fratellis? Yes. Does it blend a Beatles/Kinks '60s vibe with the Smiths/Morrissey '80s dancefloor feel? Yes. And does the band hail from the UK? Surprisingly, no!
This Australian 4-piece is actually invoking the tremendously delicious sound of Britpop without being from Britain, and they do a great job of it. With an exquisite sea of liquid electrics and curt, textured acoustics, Oceanics are displaying a new Union Jack flair from down under. The Kooks better watch out. The entire 5-song EP is stellar, but tracks 1, 3, 4 and 5 are friendly enough to play on the radio.
Artist: Oceanics
Album: Bright People (EP)
Label: MGM
Genre: Indie rock
Comments: Let's go down the qualifications for Bright People being called "Britpop": Does it have big hollow guitars and clean, jangling tunes? Yes. Does it bear some semblance to a mellower Arctic Monkeys, Libertines or Fratellis? Yes. Does it blend a Beatles/Kinks '60s vibe with the Smiths/Morrissey '80s dancefloor feel? Yes. And does the band hail from the UK? Surprisingly, no!
This Australian 4-piece is actually invoking the tremendously delicious sound of Britpop without being from Britain, and they do a great job of it. With an exquisite sea of liquid electrics and curt, textured acoustics, Oceanics are displaying a new Union Jack flair from down under. The Kooks better watch out. The entire 5-song EP is stellar, but tracks 1, 3, 4 and 5 are friendly enough to play on the radio.
Lemonade
Add Date: May 22
Artist: Lemonade
Album: Diver
Label: True Panther
Genre: Electronica, indie pop
Comments: San Francisco-based outfit Lemonade may sound like they serve up some sweet and tangy indie pop, but their music is anything but normal. The band's actually selling you some transcendental, visceral, psychedelic, and vaguely tropical rave music that is best consumed in a strobe-lit reverie. Throwbacks to '80s pop-rock nostalgia abound with bright cascades of keyboards on "Infinite Style", a funky electronic bassline on "Whitecaps", and some glowing synths and chimes on "Vivid".
Enjoyable, raveable, and electronicable music is here for your enjoyment. Try out tracks 5, 2 and 10.
Artist: Lemonade
Album: Diver
Label: True Panther
Genre: Electronica, indie pop
Comments: San Francisco-based outfit Lemonade may sound like they serve up some sweet and tangy indie pop, but their music is anything but normal. The band's actually selling you some transcendental, visceral, psychedelic, and vaguely tropical rave music that is best consumed in a strobe-lit reverie. Throwbacks to '80s pop-rock nostalgia abound with bright cascades of keyboards on "Infinite Style", a funky electronic bassline on "Whitecaps", and some glowing synths and chimes on "Vivid".
Enjoyable, raveable, and electronicable music is here for your enjoyment. Try out tracks 5, 2 and 10.
Exitmusic
Add Date: May 22
Artist: Exitmusic
Album: Passage
Label: Secretly Canadian
Genre: Rock, dream pop
Comments: Passage is the debut full-length from Brooklyn duo Exitmusic on Secretly Canadian (Here We Go Magic, The War on Drugs). From the record label: "Exitmusic combines chiming, blurry guitars with the soaring wails and the heavenly sighs of singer Aleksa Palladino. Passage is dream pop for film noir dreamers: lulling, apocalyptic, celestial, triumphant... RIYL: Beach House, Portishead, Florence & the Machine..."
While that Florence & the Machine comparison is puzzling, I wouldn't object to describing Exitmusic's sound as a cross between the ethereal pop of Beach House and the trippy alternative of Portishead. The songs on Passage waft along hazily, with cinematic soundscapes breaking out into glorious dream pop.
Start with tracks 2, 1, 8 and 4.
Artist: Exitmusic
Album: Passage
Label: Secretly Canadian
Genre: Rock, dream pop
Comments: Passage is the debut full-length from Brooklyn duo Exitmusic on Secretly Canadian (Here We Go Magic, The War on Drugs). From the record label: "Exitmusic combines chiming, blurry guitars with the soaring wails and the heavenly sighs of singer Aleksa Palladino. Passage is dream pop for film noir dreamers: lulling, apocalyptic, celestial, triumphant... RIYL: Beach House, Portishead, Florence & the Machine..."
While that Florence & the Machine comparison is puzzling, I wouldn't object to describing Exitmusic's sound as a cross between the ethereal pop of Beach House and the trippy alternative of Portishead. The songs on Passage waft along hazily, with cinematic soundscapes breaking out into glorious dream pop.
Start with tracks 2, 1, 8 and 4.
Man Without Country
Add Date: May 22
Artist: Man Without Country
Album: Foe
Label: Co-op
Genre: Electropop, rock
Comments: The Cardiff duo Man Without Country--yes, their name is a Kurt Vonnegut reference--craft intriguing electronic rock songs out of elements borrowed from New Wave, Brit pop and European electropop (everything from M83 to Balearic pop). The music finds a delicate balance between pop and more atmospheric sounds, with guitar and percussion breaking through the dreamy layers of synths.
The synth-rock song "Puppets" is the standout; also spin "Closet Addicts Anonymous", "Clipped Wings" and "Iceberg".
Artist: Man Without Country
Album: Foe
Label: Co-op
Genre: Electropop, rock
Comments: The Cardiff duo Man Without Country--yes, their name is a Kurt Vonnegut reference--craft intriguing electronic rock songs out of elements borrowed from New Wave, Brit pop and European electropop (everything from M83 to Balearic pop). The music finds a delicate balance between pop and more atmospheric sounds, with guitar and percussion breaking through the dreamy layers of synths.
The synth-rock song "Puppets" is the standout; also spin "Closet Addicts Anonymous", "Clipped Wings" and "Iceberg".
Cowgill
Add Date: May 22
Artist: Cowgill
Album: Side One of Planted (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, folk pop
Comments: From the promoter: "Cowgill--an eclectic indie folk-rock sextet from Boston--is set to release its Kickstarter-funded debut, Side One of Planted... Penned by frontman Paul Cowgill and arranged by the band, the music hovers between an upbeat pop sensibility and a darker folk-rock side... Their blend of indie rock and folk music nimbly hops between many forms--from '60s rock to newgrass--and none are spared on this release."
Try "Plans" or "Extra Gravity".
Artist: Cowgill
Album: Side One of Planted (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, folk pop
Comments: From the promoter: "Cowgill--an eclectic indie folk-rock sextet from Boston--is set to release its Kickstarter-funded debut, Side One of Planted... Penned by frontman Paul Cowgill and arranged by the band, the music hovers between an upbeat pop sensibility and a darker folk-rock side... Their blend of indie rock and folk music nimbly hops between many forms--from '60s rock to newgrass--and none are spared on this release."
Try "Plans" or "Extra Gravity".
Heidi Happy
Add Date: May 22
Artist: Heidi Happy
Album: Hiding With the Wolves
Label: Tonequake
Genre: Indie pop, folk
Comments: Prisca Zemp (or should I say Heidi Happy?) is a singer/songwriter from Luzern, Switzerland. Considering the size of her town and the quality of her previous records, it's no wonder she's being touted as "one of [her] country's greatest and most influential female voices". And with her third studio album, „Hiding With the Wolves“, Heidi Happy is bringing her folkie flowergirl appeal to a whole orchestra. Lush, emotional mini-symphonies now accompany and compliment the sensual innocence of her voice, "illuminating them with the modern gravitas of her evolving folk songwriting sensitivities".
If you're thinking of broadening your musical horizons to the Confoederatio Helvetica, make sure Heidi Happy's Hiding With the Wolves is on the top of your list, particularly tracks 4, 3, 9, 10 and 5.
Artist: Heidi Happy
Album: Hiding With the Wolves
Label: Tonequake
Genre: Indie pop, folk
Comments: Prisca Zemp (or should I say Heidi Happy?) is a singer/songwriter from Luzern, Switzerland. Considering the size of her town and the quality of her previous records, it's no wonder she's being touted as "one of [her] country's greatest and most influential female voices". And with her third studio album, „Hiding With the Wolves“, Heidi Happy is bringing her folkie flowergirl appeal to a whole orchestra. Lush, emotional mini-symphonies now accompany and compliment the sensual innocence of her voice, "illuminating them with the modern gravitas of her evolving folk songwriting sensitivities".
If you're thinking of broadening your musical horizons to the Confoederatio Helvetica, make sure Heidi Happy's Hiding With the Wolves is on the top of your list, particularly tracks 4, 3, 9, 10 and 5.
Cold Specks
Add Date: May 22
Artist: Cold Specks
Album: I Predict a Graceful Expulsion
Label: Mute
Genre: Folk, folk rock
Comments: Ontario native Al Spx, who originally wanted to be the guitarist for a rock band, wrote her first song at age 15. (That tune shows up in a revised version on I Predict a Graceful Expulsion as closing track "Lay Me Down".) Fast-forward to 2012, as Spx--which, as you might have guessed, isn't her given name--is releasing her debut LP as Cold Specks on Mute. Claiming influences that range from traditional American folk to Southern gospel to legendary artists like Tom Waits and Jeff Buckley, Spx has released a stunning collection of deeply personal, heartbreaking songs.
Though Spx is at the forefront, Cold Specks isn't a solo project; producer Jim Anderson and PJ Harvey collaborator Rob Ellis are part of the full-band set that helped Spx make the album. And while these tunes would be quite brilliant with just Spx's gripping vocals and guitar, the rich instrumentation here--everything from guitars and percussion to horns, piano and cello--turns them into triumphant folk rock of the highest order.
An absolute gem of a debut; start with tracks 2, 7, 3, 1 and 10.
Artist: Cold Specks
Album: I Predict a Graceful Expulsion
Label: Mute
Genre: Folk, folk rock
Comments: Ontario native Al Spx, who originally wanted to be the guitarist for a rock band, wrote her first song at age 15. (That tune shows up in a revised version on I Predict a Graceful Expulsion as closing track "Lay Me Down".) Fast-forward to 2012, as Spx--which, as you might have guessed, isn't her given name--is releasing her debut LP as Cold Specks on Mute. Claiming influences that range from traditional American folk to Southern gospel to legendary artists like Tom Waits and Jeff Buckley, Spx has released a stunning collection of deeply personal, heartbreaking songs.
Though Spx is at the forefront, Cold Specks isn't a solo project; producer Jim Anderson and PJ Harvey collaborator Rob Ellis are part of the full-band set that helped Spx make the album. And while these tunes would be quite brilliant with just Spx's gripping vocals and guitar, the rich instrumentation here--everything from guitars and percussion to horns, piano and cello--turns them into triumphant folk rock of the highest order.
An absolute gem of a debut; start with tracks 2, 7, 3, 1 and 10.
David Ramos
Add Date: May 22
Artist: David Ramos
Album: Sento La Tua Mancanza
Label: Fake Four
Genre: Hip hop
Comments: A skittering, propulsive beat lifts Connecticut-based artist David Ramos' storytelling to new heights as he dissects his own mourning through the frame of the digital age. For a portion of his third album, Sento La Tua Mancanza (or "I Miss You" in Italian) acts as a heartfelt tribute to his grandmother by showcasing the aches and pains of growing up; but for a good majority of the album, the tracks are disjointed and don't know which direction to take in expressing sorrow (hyper rap? experimental rock? acoustic laments?). Stick with tracks 3, 10, 11 and 2.
Artist: David Ramos
Album: Sento La Tua Mancanza
Label: Fake Four
Genre: Hip hop
Comments: A skittering, propulsive beat lifts Connecticut-based artist David Ramos' storytelling to new heights as he dissects his own mourning through the frame of the digital age. For a portion of his third album, Sento La Tua Mancanza (or "I Miss You" in Italian) acts as a heartfelt tribute to his grandmother by showcasing the aches and pains of growing up; but for a good majority of the album, the tracks are disjointed and don't know which direction to take in expressing sorrow (hyper rap? experimental rock? acoustic laments?). Stick with tracks 3, 10, 11 and 2.
Rhett Miller
Add Date: May 22
Artist: Rhett Miller
Album: The Dreamer
Label: Maximum Sunshine
Genre: Folk rock, alt-country
Comments: The Dreamer is the latest effort from Rhett Miller, frontman of the long-running Dallas band Old 97's. As with his previous solo work, it's a collection of well-constructed tunes, veering a bit more toward the singer/songwriter end of the spectrum--just a bit, though, as Miller works with The Serial Lady Killers, who will also be his backing band on tour this summer--than the alt-country of the Old 97's.
If you're unfamiliar with Miller, think Ryan Adams or M. Ward, but with more noticeable nods toward country--the most consistent of these touches being Rich Hinman's pedal steel, which shows up on 11 of The Dreamer's 13 tracks. Opening cuts "Lost Without You" and "Long Long Long" are fine slices of roots rock, while "Out of Love" is a foreboding country-rock gem; also try the folk number "As Close As I Came to Being Right", a duet with Rosanne Cash.
Artist: Rhett Miller
Album: The Dreamer
Label: Maximum Sunshine
Genre: Folk rock, alt-country
Comments: The Dreamer is the latest effort from Rhett Miller, frontman of the long-running Dallas band Old 97's. As with his previous solo work, it's a collection of well-constructed tunes, veering a bit more toward the singer/songwriter end of the spectrum--just a bit, though, as Miller works with The Serial Lady Killers, who will also be his backing band on tour this summer--than the alt-country of the Old 97's.
If you're unfamiliar with Miller, think Ryan Adams or M. Ward, but with more noticeable nods toward country--the most consistent of these touches being Rich Hinman's pedal steel, which shows up on 11 of The Dreamer's 13 tracks. Opening cuts "Lost Without You" and "Long Long Long" are fine slices of roots rock, while "Out of Love" is a foreboding country-rock gem; also try the folk number "As Close As I Came to Being Right", a duet with Rosanne Cash.
Facts on File
Add Date: May 22
Artist: Facts on File
Album: Facts on File
Label: Independent
Genre: Rock
Comments: Get ready for a hyphen-loaded sentence: The LA-based 3-piece indie rock outfit known as Facts on File leans toward pop-oriented song structures that feature a healthy amount of post-punk angularity. And with their self-titled (I swear, it's the last one) debut album, it's easy to see how influenced the band is by Devo and The Cars in bringing some modernized '70s garage rock 'n roll to the masses. Miss David Byrne without missing David Byrne? Why not spin Facts on File, particularly tracks 4, 7 and 9.
Artist: Facts on File
Album: Facts on File
Label: Independent
Genre: Rock
Comments: Get ready for a hyphen-loaded sentence: The LA-based 3-piece indie rock outfit known as Facts on File leans toward pop-oriented song structures that feature a healthy amount of post-punk angularity. And with their self-titled (I swear, it's the last one) debut album, it's easy to see how influenced the band is by Devo and The Cars in bringing some modernized '70s garage rock 'n roll to the masses. Miss David Byrne without missing David Byrne? Why not spin Facts on File, particularly tracks 4, 7 and 9.
Junior High
Add Date: May 22
Artist: Junior High
Album: Junior High
Label: Tapete
Genre: Electropop, indie rock
Comments: Synthesizers, colored windbreakers, and all, the Cali duo known as Junior High is releasing their self-titled debut with an apologetically '80s flair, and it's definitely a breath of fresh summer air. With relentless techno-riffs and semi-human croons, Junior High's Junior High is a musical dream from yesteryear. Tracks 1, 3, 4 and 6 are recommended for those who like a twist of Space Invaders with your Chromeo.
Artist: Junior High
Album: Junior High
Label: Tapete
Genre: Electropop, indie rock
Comments: Synthesizers, colored windbreakers, and all, the Cali duo known as Junior High is releasing their self-titled debut with an apologetically '80s flair, and it's definitely a breath of fresh summer air. With relentless techno-riffs and semi-human croons, Junior High's Junior High is a musical dream from yesteryear. Tracks 1, 3, 4 and 6 are recommended for those who like a twist of Space Invaders with your Chromeo.
Sarazino
Add Date: May 22
Artist: Sarazino
Album: Everyday Salama
Label: Cumbancha
Genre: International, Latin, reggae, hip hop
Comments: From the onesheet: "What kind of music would come from a person who was born the son of a diplomat in Algeria, raised in various West African countries, educated in Montreal, and has called Quito, Ecuador home for the last 10 years? While the answer might surprise you, it certainly won't disappoint. Sarazino's music takes an exotic array of ingredients, throws them into a musical pot and the result is spicy, a feast for the senses and leaves you wanting more."
The album serves as a sort of love letter to the various genres (of music, people and style) that inhabit our little ol' world, and Sarazino has penned a relentlessly upbeat and cool letter for anyone to read, regardless of language. Tracks 1, 2, 4 and 8 are muy bien.
Artist: Sarazino
Album: Everyday Salama
Label: Cumbancha
Genre: International, Latin, reggae, hip hop
Comments: From the onesheet: "What kind of music would come from a person who was born the son of a diplomat in Algeria, raised in various West African countries, educated in Montreal, and has called Quito, Ecuador home for the last 10 years? While the answer might surprise you, it certainly won't disappoint. Sarazino's music takes an exotic array of ingredients, throws them into a musical pot and the result is spicy, a feast for the senses and leaves you wanting more."
The album serves as a sort of love letter to the various genres (of music, people and style) that inhabit our little ol' world, and Sarazino has penned a relentlessly upbeat and cool letter for anyone to read, regardless of language. Tracks 1, 2, 4 and 8 are muy bien.
Eric Prydz
Add Date: May 22
Artist: Eric Prydz
Album: Pryda
Label: Astralwerks
Genre: Electronica
Comments: Eric Prydz is a Swedish DJ and producer known for his cutting-edge production and forward-thinking sounds. You remember that music video back in 2004 of that aerobic class dancing and writhing in a not-at-all suggestive manner to a looping sample of Steve Winwood's "Valerie"? That was all Prydz's doing, or should I say DJ Pryda. Regardless, you can expect the same infallibly danceable electro-jams on his newest product. But with less '80s gym rats.
In the mood to rave? "Shadows", "Mighty Love", "Hardrock Lausanna", "SW4", and "Allein" sound just as crazy-fun as you'd expect them to be.
Artist: Eric Prydz
Album: Pryda
Label: Astralwerks
Genre: Electronica
Comments: Eric Prydz is a Swedish DJ and producer known for his cutting-edge production and forward-thinking sounds. You remember that music video back in 2004 of that aerobic class dancing and writhing in a not-at-all suggestive manner to a looping sample of Steve Winwood's "Valerie"? That was all Prydz's doing, or should I say DJ Pryda. Regardless, you can expect the same infallibly danceable electro-jams on his newest product. But with less '80s gym rats.
In the mood to rave? "Shadows", "Mighty Love", "Hardrock Lausanna", "SW4", and "Allein" sound just as crazy-fun as you'd expect them to be.
Kelly Hogan
Add Date: May 22
Artist: Kelly Hogan
Album: I Like to Keep Myself in Pain
Label: ANTI-
Genre: Folk, alt-country, pop
Comments: Kelly Hogan is one of the best musicians whom you probably wouldn't know by name. I Like to Keep Myself in Pain, her ANTI- debut, is her first solo record since 2001; in the meantime, Hogan has carved out a reputation as a "singer's singer" by collaborating with artists in the spheres of alt-country, indie rock and more. (Her longest-running gig has been as backing vocalist for Neko Case, with whom she'll be touring once again this summer.) As a result, she's made a lot of friends, and now they've returned the favor by contributing tunes for her new LP. Songwriting credits here include Robyn Hitchcock, Andrew Bird, M. Ward, The Magnetic Fields and the late Vic Chesnutt.
Most of the tunes on I Like to Keep Myself in Pain cruise along at a midtempo pace, and it's easy to see several tracks getting airplay on an adult alternative station. Yet the terrific songwriting and Hogan's soulful voice make this a great listen, and there are some true standouts: namely, the country-rock vibe of "Haunted"; the peaceful folk of "Daddy's Little Girl" (written by M. Ward), "The Green Willow Valley" (The Handsome Family) and "Plant White Roses" (The Magnetic Fields); and the country-soul of Hogan's own composition "Golden".
Artist: Kelly Hogan
Album: I Like to Keep Myself in Pain
Label: ANTI-
Genre: Folk, alt-country, pop
Comments: Kelly Hogan is one of the best musicians whom you probably wouldn't know by name. I Like to Keep Myself in Pain, her ANTI- debut, is her first solo record since 2001; in the meantime, Hogan has carved out a reputation as a "singer's singer" by collaborating with artists in the spheres of alt-country, indie rock and more. (Her longest-running gig has been as backing vocalist for Neko Case, with whom she'll be touring once again this summer.) As a result, she's made a lot of friends, and now they've returned the favor by contributing tunes for her new LP. Songwriting credits here include Robyn Hitchcock, Andrew Bird, M. Ward, The Magnetic Fields and the late Vic Chesnutt.
Most of the tunes on I Like to Keep Myself in Pain cruise along at a midtempo pace, and it's easy to see several tracks getting airplay on an adult alternative station. Yet the terrific songwriting and Hogan's soulful voice make this a great listen, and there are some true standouts: namely, the country-rock vibe of "Haunted"; the peaceful folk of "Daddy's Little Girl" (written by M. Ward), "The Green Willow Valley" (The Handsome Family) and "Plant White Roses" (The Magnetic Fields); and the country-soul of Hogan's own composition "Golden".
Fidlar
Add Date May 22
Artist: Fidlar
Album: Don't Try EP
Label: Mom + Pop
Genre: Rock, punk
Comments: From NME's "Radar Tip of the Day" back in the not-so-distant year of 2011: "Fidlar are from Los Angeles, and they spent the whole of CMJ rolling around stages while off their heads, and generally being more bratty than most other bands allow themselves to be these days. That means that while they weren't quite up to The Dead Boys' standards, they were definitely one of the most interesting acts I saw out there. One of their dads is apparently a famous surfer, or maker of surf-wax or something (hopefully Zog's Sex Wax, I love that shit), and they write songs called things like 'Wake Bake Skate', which should give you an idea of their aesthetic. They remind me of Pixies a lot (an obvious link, given the singer's Frank Black style screeeeeeam), but there's also some really, really nice'n'fuzzy guitars in there that sound like they've been nicked from the blueprint Death In Vegas followed on 'Aiesha'. No bad thing."
And based on what I've heard from the band, they're offering you some laid-back, no-frills punk with a side of shred. Tracks 1 through 4 are recommended.
Artist: Fidlar
Album: Don't Try EP
Label: Mom + Pop
Genre: Rock, punk
Comments: From NME's "Radar Tip of the Day" back in the not-so-distant year of 2011: "Fidlar are from Los Angeles, and they spent the whole of CMJ rolling around stages while off their heads, and generally being more bratty than most other bands allow themselves to be these days. That means that while they weren't quite up to The Dead Boys' standards, they were definitely one of the most interesting acts I saw out there. One of their dads is apparently a famous surfer, or maker of surf-wax or something (hopefully Zog's Sex Wax, I love that shit), and they write songs called things like 'Wake Bake Skate', which should give you an idea of their aesthetic. They remind me of Pixies a lot (an obvious link, given the singer's Frank Black style screeeeeeam), but there's also some really, really nice'n'fuzzy guitars in there that sound like they've been nicked from the blueprint Death In Vegas followed on 'Aiesha'. No bad thing."
And based on what I've heard from the band, they're offering you some laid-back, no-frills punk with a side of shred. Tracks 1 through 4 are recommended.
Flavor Crystals
Add Date May 22
Artist: Flavor Crystals
Album: Three
Label: mpls ltd
Genre: Indie rock
Comments: Let's imagine a series of hypotheticals: It's summer 2012, and you're wanting to reenact a modern-day Woodstock. You hit up Urban Outfitters for the clothing (hipster chic is the new hippie chic), the local Volkswagen dealership for the car (a denim blue Beetle 2.5L with Sunroof, Sound and Navigation, for instance), and Trader Joe's for the munchies.Man, I'm really pulling a Stephen Colbert with all this product placement, aren't I?
The only thing left to get for your 21st-century flower power fest is music, but with Flavor Crystals' Three, you won't have to look any longer. The 4-piece space rock group's second album has all the '60s psychedelia, '70s kraut/prog, '80s kiwi and current shoegaze/indie sounds for you to bridge the generational gaps between Woodstock and Coachella. The band brings some pretty spontaneous and sprawling and wobbly sounds to this album, but don't let that stop you from spacing out (in a good way) to tracks 1, 2, 7 and 13.
Artist: Flavor Crystals
Album: Three
Label: mpls ltd
Genre: Indie rock
Comments: Let's imagine a series of hypotheticals: It's summer 2012, and you're wanting to reenact a modern-day Woodstock. You hit up Urban Outfitters for the clothing (hipster chic is the new hippie chic), the local Volkswagen dealership for the car (a denim blue Beetle 2.5L with Sunroof, Sound and Navigation, for instance), and Trader Joe's for the munchies.
The only thing left to get for your 21st-century flower power fest is music, but with Flavor Crystals' Three, you won't have to look any longer. The 4-piece space rock group's second album has all the '60s psychedelia, '70s kraut/prog, '80s kiwi and current shoegaze/indie sounds for you to bridge the generational gaps between Woodstock and Coachella. The band brings some pretty spontaneous and sprawling and wobbly sounds to this album, but don't let that stop you from spacing out (in a good way) to tracks 1, 2, 7 and 13.
Canoe
Add Date: May 22
Artist: Canoe
Album: Things Like This
Label: Parallax
Genre: Folk pop
Comments: Canoe is the nom de tune of Boston singer/songwriter Robert Losier, who makes poppy folk melodies on Things Like This. Start with "Couple of Kids" or "Though It Don't Count".
Artist: Canoe
Album: Things Like This
Label: Parallax
Genre: Folk pop
Comments: Canoe is the nom de tune of Boston singer/songwriter Robert Losier, who makes poppy folk melodies on Things Like This. Start with "Couple of Kids" or "Though It Don't Count".
Pujol
Add Date: May 22
Artist: Pujol
Album: United States of Being
Label: Saddle Creek
Genre: Rock, alternative
Comments: When I first popped this CD into the computer, I heard my cell phone vibrating on the table next to me, which was a bit alarming since my cell phone was turned off and stored in my purse on the ground. Turns out it was coming from United States of Being's opening track of wake, shake, and roll sounds. The rest of Pujol's full-length debut follows in the same vein, with a mess of bells, rings, chimes and other percussion-ary sounds that aren't typically utilized for on a rock song.
But if there's anything traditional about this effort, it's namesake frontman Daniel Pujol and his scratched vocals when he howls and screams. If they've worked on Jack White's label, they have to be rock'n enough for the rest of us, right? If so, tracks 3, 4, 6 and 9 are ready to be slam-danced to.
Artist: Pujol
Album: United States of Being
Label: Saddle Creek
Genre: Rock, alternative
Comments: When I first popped this CD into the computer, I heard my cell phone vibrating on the table next to me, which was a bit alarming since my cell phone was turned off and stored in my purse on the ground. Turns out it was coming from United States of Being's opening track of wake, shake, and roll sounds. The rest of Pujol's full-length debut follows in the same vein, with a mess of bells, rings, chimes and other percussion-ary sounds that aren't typically utilized for on a rock song.
But if there's anything traditional about this effort, it's namesake frontman Daniel Pujol and his scratched vocals when he howls and screams. If they've worked on Jack White's label, they have to be rock'n enough for the rest of us, right? If so, tracks 3, 4, 6 and 9 are ready to be slam-danced to.
Sparky Quano
Add Date: May 22
Artist: Sparky Quano
Album: Jenga
Label: Aspect
Genre: Rock
Comments: Instrumental guitar-based compositions from the Japanese musician Sparky Quano on Jenga. Some tracks focus on the acoustic guitar, while others--like the mid-album cut "Where Are You Going?"--bring in more electric sounds.
Try tracks 1, 5 and 3.
Artist: Sparky Quano
Album: Jenga
Label: Aspect
Genre: Rock
Comments: Instrumental guitar-based compositions from the Japanese musician Sparky Quano on Jenga. Some tracks focus on the acoustic guitar, while others--like the mid-album cut "Where Are You Going?"--bring in more electric sounds.
Try tracks 1, 5 and 3.
Young Man
Add Date: May 22
Artist: Young Man
Album: Vol. 1
Label: Frenchkiss
Genre: Indie rock, pop
Comments: The cover art screams "enlightening angst," but don't make that stop you from picking up Young Man's third release, Vol. 1. Young Man, the ongoing project of Colin Caulfield, has actually been releasing music over the last year and a half, but this is the first studio album recorded with a full band (which explains why the title is Vol. 1 and not Vol. 3). With that said, the indie rock group starts the first of (I assume) many "volumes" with steady bass grooves, drifting synths, melodic falsettos, and sprawling melodies. While Vol. 1 isn't the most original or life-changing sound out there, it has enough variation in sound and emotion to comfort your inner teenager. Keep to tracks 4, 5, 7 and 1.
Artist: Young Man
Album: Vol. 1
Label: Frenchkiss
Genre: Indie rock, pop
Comments: The cover art screams "enlightening angst," but don't make that stop you from picking up Young Man's third release, Vol. 1. Young Man, the ongoing project of Colin Caulfield, has actually been releasing music over the last year and a half, but this is the first studio album recorded with a full band (which explains why the title is Vol. 1 and not Vol. 3). With that said, the indie rock group starts the first of (I assume) many "volumes" with steady bass grooves, drifting synths, melodic falsettos, and sprawling melodies. While Vol. 1 isn't the most original or life-changing sound out there, it has enough variation in sound and emotion to comfort your inner teenager. Keep to tracks 4, 5, 7 and 1.
Brick + Mortar
Add Date: May 22
Artist: Brick + Mortar
Album: Making Moves Vol. 2 (EP)
Label: MAD Dragon
Genre: Alternative
Comments: Here's some background information on "The Making Moves Project": Drexel University's MAD Dragon Records (MDR) is working in collaboration with Motion City Soundtrack to produce a curated series of 7-inch single releases by emerging artists. This project actually came about from last year's SXSW, where Jesse Johnson of MCS saw the showcase for a band he managed. The band was A Great Big Pile of Leaves (Brooklyn), and since the creation of "The Making Moves Project", they're now joined by The Company We Keep (Detroit), Goldrush (Richmond), The Skies Revolt (Grand Rapids, MI) and Brick + Mortar (Toms River, NJ).
The schedule of artist releases began in late April and will go to the end of the year. Of course, Motion City Soundtrack will contribute two new songs for the series. With that said, this EP highlights the band Brick + Mortar, who deliver driving percussion, grooving bass, eclectic samples, and anthemic vocals to their unconventional rock. With a little more sweat and elbow grease, they could definitely land in the emerging rock-alt-pop trend. Since there are only three tracks on the album, why not check the whole thing out?
Artist: Brick + Mortar
Album: Making Moves Vol. 2 (EP)
Label: MAD Dragon
Genre: Alternative
Comments: Here's some background information on "The Making Moves Project": Drexel University's MAD Dragon Records (MDR) is working in collaboration with Motion City Soundtrack to produce a curated series of 7-inch single releases by emerging artists. This project actually came about from last year's SXSW, where Jesse Johnson of MCS saw the showcase for a band he managed. The band was A Great Big Pile of Leaves (Brooklyn), and since the creation of "The Making Moves Project", they're now joined by The Company We Keep (Detroit), Goldrush (Richmond), The Skies Revolt (Grand Rapids, MI) and Brick + Mortar (Toms River, NJ).
The schedule of artist releases began in late April and will go to the end of the year. Of course, Motion City Soundtrack will contribute two new songs for the series. With that said, this EP highlights the band Brick + Mortar, who deliver driving percussion, grooving bass, eclectic samples, and anthemic vocals to their unconventional rock. With a little more sweat and elbow grease, they could definitely land in the emerging rock-alt-pop trend. Since there are only three tracks on the album, why not check the whole thing out?
Baby Monster
Add Date: May 22
Artist: Baby Monster
Album: City of Lovers (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie pop, electropop
Comments: I am willing to bet my house and farm back in good ol' West Virginia that M83's "Midnight City" had a one-night stand with Mark Foster, which resulted in the formation of Baby Monster. There's no other explanation for the band's sound, considering that the three share the same brand of blissed-out, twinkling electro indie-pop. Like I predicted last summer, Baby Monster is on the verge of "hippy-happy electronic popster" greatness, and this EP can get them there. If you're into that whole lo-fi, starry-eyed synth music lifestyle, check out "City of Lovers", "Hitchhiker", and "Scintigram".
Artist: Baby Monster
Album: City of Lovers (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie pop, electropop
Comments: I am willing to bet my house and farm back in good ol' West Virginia that M83's "Midnight City" had a one-night stand with Mark Foster, which resulted in the formation of Baby Monster. There's no other explanation for the band's sound, considering that the three share the same brand of blissed-out, twinkling electro indie-pop. Like I predicted last summer, Baby Monster is on the verge of "hippy-happy electronic popster" greatness, and this EP can get them there. If you're into that whole lo-fi, starry-eyed synth music lifestyle, check out "City of Lovers", "Hitchhiker", and "Scintigram".
River City Extension
Add Date: May 22
Artist: River City Extension
Album: Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Your Anger
Label: XOXO/Anchor and Hope
Genre: Folk, rock
Comments: It's jangling, it's drifting, it's strumming, it's foot-stomping: it's New Jersey-based River City Extension, and it's their sophomore album Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Your Anger. Produced by the man who's also helmed Iron & Wine, it's easy to pinpoint the elements that give RCE its stereotypically folksy sound. Nothing terribly revolutionary is going on with the album, but the 8-piece band does make some entertaining music. My favorite song came in the energetic "Down, Down, Down", but tracks 2, 4, 5 and 10 may also suit your fancy.
Artist: River City Extension
Album: Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Your Anger
Label: XOXO/Anchor and Hope
Genre: Folk, rock
Comments: It's jangling, it's drifting, it's strumming, it's foot-stomping: it's New Jersey-based River City Extension, and it's their sophomore album Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Your Anger. Produced by the man who's also helmed Iron & Wine, it's easy to pinpoint the elements that give RCE its stereotypically folksy sound. Nothing terribly revolutionary is going on with the album, but the 8-piece band does make some entertaining music. My favorite song came in the energetic "Down, Down, Down", but tracks 2, 4, 5 and 10 may also suit your fancy.
The Late Show
Add Date: May 22
Artist: The Late Show
Album: Portable Pop (reissue)
Label: Trashy Creatures
Genre: Rock
Comments: From the onesheet: "Lauded by critics as one of the most essential power pop records ever recorded, Portable Pop was originally released in 1980. After scrapping its original 'sterile sound', the album was recorded live on a loading dock and has been out of print since its original issue. While subsequent releases from the band failed to materialize, Portable Pop serves as a fitting legacy of the sheer brilliance of The Late Show."
If you have band shirts for The Kaiser Chiefs, The Kinks, and/or The Zombies, I'd suggest checking out tracks 2, 5, 11 and 4.
Artist: The Late Show
Album: Portable Pop (reissue)
Label: Trashy Creatures
Genre: Rock
Comments: From the onesheet: "Lauded by critics as one of the most essential power pop records ever recorded, Portable Pop was originally released in 1980. After scrapping its original 'sterile sound', the album was recorded live on a loading dock and has been out of print since its original issue. While subsequent releases from the band failed to materialize, Portable Pop serves as a fitting legacy of the sheer brilliance of The Late Show."
If you have band shirts for The Kaiser Chiefs, The Kinks, and/or The Zombies, I'd suggest checking out tracks 2, 5, 11 and 4.
Chet Faker
Add Date: May 22
Artist: Chet Faker
Album: Thinking in Textures (EP)
Label: Downtown
Genre: R&B, pop
Comments: After doing some research on this "Chet Faker" character, I was able to find some morsels of truth: Melbourne-bred artist and producer Nick Murphy has taken on the pseudonym of Chet Faker, a slightly modified take on '50s jazz legend Chet Baker's moniker. Chet Faker's own rise to stardom came from his interesting R&B-enthused cover of Blackstreet's "No Diggity" going viral and reaching No. 1 on the indie music aggregator Hype Machine.
With his new EP, Thinking in Textures, Faker is playing seven cool and contemplative songs that give you the experience of a lounge night without any of the secondhand smoke inhalation. Chet Faker doesn't miss a beat with his innovative take on R&B music, so don't you go missing out on tracks 1, 2, 3, 6 and 4.
Artist: Chet Faker
Album: Thinking in Textures (EP)
Label: Downtown
Genre: R&B, pop
Comments: After doing some research on this "Chet Faker" character, I was able to find some morsels of truth: Melbourne-bred artist and producer Nick Murphy has taken on the pseudonym of Chet Faker, a slightly modified take on '50s jazz legend Chet Baker's moniker. Chet Faker's own rise to stardom came from his interesting R&B-enthused cover of Blackstreet's "No Diggity" going viral and reaching No. 1 on the indie music aggregator Hype Machine.
With his new EP, Thinking in Textures, Faker is playing seven cool and contemplative songs that give you the experience of a lounge night without any of the secondhand smoke inhalation. Chet Faker doesn't miss a beat with his innovative take on R&B music, so don't you go missing out on tracks 1, 2, 3, 6 and 4.
King Tuff
Add Date: May 22
Artist: King Tuff
Album: King Tuff
Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Alternative, indie rock
Comments: Guess who's back and ready to give you a summer's worth of album reviews? It's me, and I'm starting "Summer Music 2012-alooza" with King Tuff's second, self-titled album. Since his debut back in 2008, King Tuff has "caught the attention of the rock underground" and is now broadening his horizons by switching over to a bigger label (hiya, Sub Pop!).
And now, with King Tuff's blend of catchy garage-beach-glam pop-rock, you're ready to catch the attention of passing cars when the jams are blaring out of your car's speakers on your next road trip along California's iconic coastal highway. This album is made for some sand and surf, so I expect you to at least check out tracks 2 (be warned: it's FCC-unfriendly), 3, 4, 5 and 11.
Artist: King Tuff
Album: King Tuff
Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Alternative, indie rock
Comments: Guess who's back and ready to give you a summer's worth of album reviews? It's me, and I'm starting "Summer Music 2012-alooza" with King Tuff's second, self-titled album. Since his debut back in 2008, King Tuff has "caught the attention of the rock underground" and is now broadening his horizons by switching over to a bigger label (hiya, Sub Pop!).
And now, with King Tuff's blend of catchy garage-beach-glam pop-rock, you're ready to catch the attention of passing cars when the jams are blaring out of your car's speakers on your next road trip along California's iconic coastal highway. This album is made for some sand and surf, so I expect you to at least check out tracks 2 (be warned: it's FCC-unfriendly), 3, 4, 5 and 11.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Best New Music - May 15
Amanda Mair
Add Date: May 15
Artist: Amanda Mair
Album: Amanda Mair
Label: Labrador
Genre: Electropop, pop
Comments: On the surface, Amanda Mair's self-titled debut record is unsurprisingly excellent: she's a Swedish pop artist (good start there), and the album been issued by Labrador Records, the terrific label run by Johan Angergård (Acid House Kings, Legends, Club 8, etc.) that's probably best known as the home of The Radio Dept.--and also of The Mary Onettes, whose frontman, Philip Ekström, produced this record. But here's the kicker with Mair: she doesn't turn 18 until June, and yet she's already released a splendid LP that will go down as one of the best pop albums of 2012.
Mair has already been mentioned in the same breath as artists like Kate Bush, Bat for Lashes and fellow Swede Lykke Li, and there's no reason to think that any of these comparisons are grandiose or overblown. From the powerful one-two opening punch of "Said and Done" and "Doubt", to the glorious new wave sounds of "Before", to quieter moments like the piano-driven ballad "Skinnarviksberget", Amanda Mair is a dazzling debut.
Excellent from start to finish; begin with tracks 1, 6, 2, 8 and 3.
Artist: Amanda Mair
Album: Amanda Mair
Label: Labrador
Genre: Electropop, pop
Comments: On the surface, Amanda Mair's self-titled debut record is unsurprisingly excellent: she's a Swedish pop artist (good start there), and the album been issued by Labrador Records, the terrific label run by Johan Angergård (Acid House Kings, Legends, Club 8, etc.) that's probably best known as the home of The Radio Dept.--and also of The Mary Onettes, whose frontman, Philip Ekström, produced this record. But here's the kicker with Mair: she doesn't turn 18 until June, and yet she's already released a splendid LP that will go down as one of the best pop albums of 2012.
Mair has already been mentioned in the same breath as artists like Kate Bush, Bat for Lashes and fellow Swede Lykke Li, and there's no reason to think that any of these comparisons are grandiose or overblown. From the powerful one-two opening punch of "Said and Done" and "Doubt", to the glorious new wave sounds of "Before", to quieter moments like the piano-driven ballad "Skinnarviksberget", Amanda Mair is a dazzling debut.
Excellent from start to finish; begin with tracks 1, 6, 2, 8 and 3.
Latvian Radio
Add Date: May 15
Artist: Latvian Radio
Album: Kill the Static
Label: Belpid
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: From Absolute Powerpop: "Kill the Static is a joyous power pop delight. The best way to describe [Latvian Radio's] sound is a mix of Shins-like indie pop, Brendan Benson and Elvis Costello. The title track is one of the standouts here--catchy, driving and pleasantly agreeable, while 'Cigarettes & Soda' combines a new wave beat and sunshine-y pop. Elsewhere, 'Dead Weight' could pass for a Replacements-styled rocker, and 'Out of Your Mind' is a tasty treat that makes use of horns. A highly enjoyable disc that's perfect for the summer to come."
I couldn't agree more. Throw in a few hints of Big Star (particularly the aforementioned "Cigarettes & Soda") and Merge Records indie pop (thinking The Essex Green and Imperial Teen, in particular), and you've got pretty much all the elements that you need for a great pop-rock LP.
Start with tracks 1, 2, 7 and 4.
Artist: Latvian Radio
Album: Kill the Static
Label: Belpid
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: From Absolute Powerpop: "Kill the Static is a joyous power pop delight. The best way to describe [Latvian Radio's] sound is a mix of Shins-like indie pop, Brendan Benson and Elvis Costello. The title track is one of the standouts here--catchy, driving and pleasantly agreeable, while 'Cigarettes & Soda' combines a new wave beat and sunshine-y pop. Elsewhere, 'Dead Weight' could pass for a Replacements-styled rocker, and 'Out of Your Mind' is a tasty treat that makes use of horns. A highly enjoyable disc that's perfect for the summer to come."
I couldn't agree more. Throw in a few hints of Big Star (particularly the aforementioned "Cigarettes & Soda") and Merge Records indie pop (thinking The Essex Green and Imperial Teen, in particular), and you've got pretty much all the elements that you need for a great pop-rock LP.
Start with tracks 1, 2, 7 and 4.
Crystal Fighters
Add Date: May 15
Artist: Crystal Fighters
Album: Star of Love
Label: Atlantic
Genre: Electropop
Comments: Innovative, interesting, captivating, invigorating--words that only begin to describe the creative brilliance of Crystal Fighters' Star of Love. From the first song, it became clear to me that this band is unafraid to take risks in style and rhythm. Though this produces an eclectic track list, it all works well together because of the pulsing energy that underlies every melody. Think fairyland beach music--light guitar plucks with rolling, charged rhythms, and blends of electronica, rock and pop, with the drop beat of dubstep.
I sincerely love this album. It is one of my new favorites! I would start with tracks 5 and 9, then work my way to 7, 2, 3, 4 and 6.
Artist: Crystal Fighters
Album: Star of Love
Label: Atlantic
Genre: Electropop
Comments: Innovative, interesting, captivating, invigorating--words that only begin to describe the creative brilliance of Crystal Fighters' Star of Love. From the first song, it became clear to me that this band is unafraid to take risks in style and rhythm. Though this produces an eclectic track list, it all works well together because of the pulsing energy that underlies every melody. Think fairyland beach music--light guitar plucks with rolling, charged rhythms, and blends of electronica, rock and pop, with the drop beat of dubstep.
I sincerely love this album. It is one of my new favorites! I would start with tracks 5 and 9, then work my way to 7, 2, 3, 4 and 6.
Barcelona
Add Date: May 15
Artist: Barcelona
Album: Not Quite Yours
Label: NBD Music
Genre: Indie rock
Comments: This indie rock band from Seattle delivers swift beats and smooth vocals that meld to create an intoxicating, intimate sound. On many of the tracks from their newest album, I felt that I was drinking the night--think sensual, rainy-day music. Though the record isn't as innovative or as risky as I would prefer, Barcelona hits the indie rock nail right on its head.
Recommended tracks: 1, 6, 3, 5 and 10.
Artist: Barcelona
Album: Not Quite Yours
Label: NBD Music
Genre: Indie rock
Comments: This indie rock band from Seattle delivers swift beats and smooth vocals that meld to create an intoxicating, intimate sound. On many of the tracks from their newest album, I felt that I was drinking the night--think sensual, rainy-day music. Though the record isn't as innovative or as risky as I would prefer, Barcelona hits the indie rock nail right on its head.
Recommended tracks: 1, 6, 3, 5 and 10.
Parlovr
Add Date: May 15
Artist: Parlovr
Album: Kook Soul
Label: Dine Alone
Genre: Indie rock
Comments: Though I'm able to appreciate the creativity that's evident in Parlovr's latest effort, I found it difficult for any of Kook Soul's tracks to grip me. According to the promoter, Alex Cooper (keys/vocals) says that a "'retro futuristic motif' ... fills and surrounds the record." A very ambitious statement, in my opinion. I guess they deliver, though, since two of the tracks sounded especially influenced by '50s rock 'n roll.
From the promoter: "Parlovr is a trio built on unrelenting creativity, ambitiously pushing towards a blend of retro surf and soul nestled within hyper modern pop songs quickly earning global attention."
Spin tracks 1, 3, 6, 11 and 12.
Artist: Parlovr
Album: Kook Soul
Label: Dine Alone
Genre: Indie rock
Comments: Though I'm able to appreciate the creativity that's evident in Parlovr's latest effort, I found it difficult for any of Kook Soul's tracks to grip me. According to the promoter, Alex Cooper (keys/vocals) says that a "'retro futuristic motif' ... fills and surrounds the record." A very ambitious statement, in my opinion. I guess they deliver, though, since two of the tracks sounded especially influenced by '50s rock 'n roll.
From the promoter: "Parlovr is a trio built on unrelenting creativity, ambitiously pushing towards a blend of retro surf and soul nestled within hyper modern pop songs quickly earning global attention."
Spin tracks 1, 3, 6, 11 and 12.
kNIFE and fORK
Add Date: May 15
Artist: kNIFE and fORK
Album: The Higher You Get the Rarer the Vegetation
Label: The Bureau
Genre: Rock, atmospheric rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Rolling Stone describes kNIFE and fORK as an 'atmospheric alchemy--classic blues filtered through avant garde composer Tony Conrad.' The duo also boast an impressive resume with work ranging from Captain Beefheart, Pixies, Black Francis, Ruby Howl and PJ Harvey, who called the band '... unpredictable, beautiful, powerful and moving, quite unlike anything else.'"
This is experimental rock music worth checking out. Start with tracks 1, 3 and 2.
Artist: kNIFE and fORK
Album: The Higher You Get the Rarer the Vegetation
Label: The Bureau
Genre: Rock, atmospheric rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Rolling Stone describes kNIFE and fORK as an 'atmospheric alchemy--classic blues filtered through avant garde composer Tony Conrad.' The duo also boast an impressive resume with work ranging from Captain Beefheart, Pixies, Black Francis, Ruby Howl and PJ Harvey, who called the band '... unpredictable, beautiful, powerful and moving, quite unlike anything else.'"
This is experimental rock music worth checking out. Start with tracks 1, 3 and 2.
The Steel Wheels
Add Date: May 15
Artist: The Steel Wheels
Album: Lay Down Lay Low
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk, bluegrass
Comments: The Steel Wheels are a top-shelf bluegrass 4-piece from our own backyard, Harrisonburg, Va. However, this isn't the traditional style of music you might think of when hear the term "bluegrass." The Steel Wheels find a way to make this old-style traditional sound come across as purely modern, fresh and new. An easy comparison would be Old Crow Medicine Show, yet the group also shows the musical talent of the Punch Brothers.
I love bluegrass because I think it is one of the few musical styles that emerges primarily from the land. For there to be such a fantastic bluegrass group that obviously appreciates the same Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachia region that you and I know so well... well, I just get all excited thinking about it. This band is great, and their songs have something to say about the mountains that surround us.
Check them out at Lime Kiln on Sunday, May 27. In fact, they're playing a bunch in Virginia in the next couple of weeks. Click here for their show list.
Start with tracks 2, 3, 6 and 9.
Artist: The Steel Wheels
Album: Lay Down Lay Low
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk, bluegrass
Comments: The Steel Wheels are a top-shelf bluegrass 4-piece from our own backyard, Harrisonburg, Va. However, this isn't the traditional style of music you might think of when hear the term "bluegrass." The Steel Wheels find a way to make this old-style traditional sound come across as purely modern, fresh and new. An easy comparison would be Old Crow Medicine Show, yet the group also shows the musical talent of the Punch Brothers.
I love bluegrass because I think it is one of the few musical styles that emerges primarily from the land. For there to be such a fantastic bluegrass group that obviously appreciates the same Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachia region that you and I know so well... well, I just get all excited thinking about it. This band is great, and their songs have something to say about the mountains that surround us.
Check them out at Lime Kiln on Sunday, May 27. In fact, they're playing a bunch in Virginia in the next couple of weeks. Click here for their show list.
Start with tracks 2, 3, 6 and 9.
Heavy Cream
Add Date: May 15
Artist: Heavy Cream
Album: Super Treatment
Label: Infinity Cat
Genre: Rock, garage rock
Comments: I have a soft spot in my heart (ear?) for good garage rock, and Heavy Cream have really done it up on this record. Their sound is more than "garage"--Heavy Cream mixes '70s guitar riffs with drumline-esque percussion, all with a semi-bluesy feel to it.
The group is made of up three gals and one fella. The lead female vocals are exactly what the dirty and almost dangerous-sounding backing music needs. The more I listen to this record, the more I know that I'll be listening to it for some time.
Check it out--start with 2, 3, 5 and 8.
Artist: Heavy Cream
Album: Super Treatment
Label: Infinity Cat
Genre: Rock, garage rock
Comments: I have a soft spot in my heart (ear?) for good garage rock, and Heavy Cream have really done it up on this record. Their sound is more than "garage"--Heavy Cream mixes '70s guitar riffs with drumline-esque percussion, all with a semi-bluesy feel to it.
The group is made of up three gals and one fella. The lead female vocals are exactly what the dirty and almost dangerous-sounding backing music needs. The more I listen to this record, the more I know that I'll be listening to it for some time.
Check it out--start with 2, 3, 5 and 8.
JBM
Add Date: May 15
Artist: JBM
Album: Stray Ashes
Label: Western Vinyl
Genre: Folk, rock
Comments: JBM, aka Jesse Marchant, has released his second full-length record, Stray Ashes. His first album wasn't much more than Marchant and his acoustic guitar, plucking his way through soft melodies and downtempo songwriting. The first thing I noticed about this new record is that it departs from the stripped-down tunes I'm used to from JBM. Instead, Stray Ashes is full of layers and layers: of driving drums, and of electric guitars that soar through the soundscape that Marchant creates.
Marchant is a classically trained guitarist, and this record isn't short of musical complexity. His songwriting is similarly complex, all the while interesting and accessible. JBM's last album verged on "boring"--I think this record beautifully avoids this pitfall while still maintaining a pleasant subtlety and downtempo melodic atmosphere.
Start with tracks 2, 5 and 8.
Artist: JBM
Album: Stray Ashes
Label: Western Vinyl
Genre: Folk, rock
Comments: JBM, aka Jesse Marchant, has released his second full-length record, Stray Ashes. His first album wasn't much more than Marchant and his acoustic guitar, plucking his way through soft melodies and downtempo songwriting. The first thing I noticed about this new record is that it departs from the stripped-down tunes I'm used to from JBM. Instead, Stray Ashes is full of layers and layers: of driving drums, and of electric guitars that soar through the soundscape that Marchant creates.
Marchant is a classically trained guitarist, and this record isn't short of musical complexity. His songwriting is similarly complex, all the while interesting and accessible. JBM's last album verged on "boring"--I think this record beautifully avoids this pitfall while still maintaining a pleasant subtlety and downtempo melodic atmosphere.
Start with tracks 2, 5 and 8.
Squarepusher
Add Date: May 15
Artist: Squarepusher
Album: Ufabulum
Label: Warp
Genre: Electronica
Comments: Electronic music innovator Squarepusher, the musical alias of Briton Tom Jenkinson, is known for two trends: pushing the boundaries of his genre, and making sure that his newest record sounds little like his last. There are some loose stylistic elements that tie most of his catalog together--namely, his virtuosity on the bass and his adaptation of free jazz--but neither of these is heavily present on Ufabulum.
Instead, this is a fully synth-driven record. "I've started thinking about pure electronic music again," Jenkinson said. "Something very melodic, very aggressive." The word that keeps popping up in critical reviews is "space" (as in outer space), and Ufabulum certainly could be the soundtrack from your next adventures cruising the Milky Way. Strap in and spin tracks 2, 1, 8 and 6.
Artist: Squarepusher
Album: Ufabulum
Label: Warp
Genre: Electronica
Comments: Electronic music innovator Squarepusher, the musical alias of Briton Tom Jenkinson, is known for two trends: pushing the boundaries of his genre, and making sure that his newest record sounds little like his last. There are some loose stylistic elements that tie most of his catalog together--namely, his virtuosity on the bass and his adaptation of free jazz--but neither of these is heavily present on Ufabulum.
Instead, this is a fully synth-driven record. "I've started thinking about pure electronic music again," Jenkinson said. "Something very melodic, very aggressive." The word that keeps popping up in critical reviews is "space" (as in outer space), and Ufabulum certainly could be the soundtrack from your next adventures cruising the Milky Way. Strap in and spin tracks 2, 1, 8 and 6.
K-Holes
Add Date: May 15
Artist: K-Holes
Album: Dismania
Label: Hardly Art
Genre: Rock, psychedelia
Comments: From AllMusic.com's band bio: "New York City's the K-Holes took their name from a hallucinatory trance state often compared to a schizophrenic episode that's brought on by abuse of the drug ketamine. That might seem like a strange name for a rock band, but given the K-Holes' dark, murky swamp of sound, it's also curiously appropriate."
Well said. Dismania, the band's second LP and first for Hardly Art (La Sera, Hunx), is a psychedelic stew, mixing upbeat, garage-pop numbers--guitarist and vocalist Jack Hines is a former member of Black Lips--with slower, dronier cuts; tempo aside, everything has an eerie, haunting quality. And the K-Holes have a not-so-secret weapon: Sara Villard's terrific work on the saxophone is the final piece to this sleazy, sludgy puzzle.
Really, really good stuff. Spin tracks 2, 3, 7, 1 and 4.
Artist: K-Holes
Album: Dismania
Label: Hardly Art
Genre: Rock, psychedelia
Comments: From AllMusic.com's band bio: "New York City's the K-Holes took their name from a hallucinatory trance state often compared to a schizophrenic episode that's brought on by abuse of the drug ketamine. That might seem like a strange name for a rock band, but given the K-Holes' dark, murky swamp of sound, it's also curiously appropriate."
Well said. Dismania, the band's second LP and first for Hardly Art (La Sera, Hunx), is a psychedelic stew, mixing upbeat, garage-pop numbers--guitarist and vocalist Jack Hines is a former member of Black Lips--with slower, dronier cuts; tempo aside, everything has an eerie, haunting quality. And the K-Holes have a not-so-secret weapon: Sara Villard's terrific work on the saxophone is the final piece to this sleazy, sludgy puzzle.
Really, really good stuff. Spin tracks 2, 3, 7, 1 and 4.
The Danks
Add Date: May 15
Artist: The Danks
Album: Are You Afraid of The Danks?
Label: Hidden Pony
Genre: Rock
Comments: Hailing from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, The Danks make punchy, upbeat power pop songs that waste no one's time. (Only one track on Are You Afraid of The Danks? breaks the 3-minute barrier.) They've been compared to The Strokes and Peter Bjorn and John; while those two bands obviously have had an influence on The Danks' sound, there's a bit more of a garage-rock vibe here--as if they've willingly sacrificed a smidgen of polish for an outsized extra helping of energy.
Are You Afraid of The Danks? is another gem from Hidden Pony Records (Rah Rah, Said the Whale), and it's fully approved for your summer listening pleasure. Spin tracks 1, 8, 2 and 6.
Artist: The Danks
Album: Are You Afraid of The Danks?
Label: Hidden Pony
Genre: Rock
Comments: Hailing from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, The Danks make punchy, upbeat power pop songs that waste no one's time. (Only one track on Are You Afraid of The Danks? breaks the 3-minute barrier.) They've been compared to The Strokes and Peter Bjorn and John; while those two bands obviously have had an influence on The Danks' sound, there's a bit more of a garage-rock vibe here--as if they've willingly sacrificed a smidgen of polish for an outsized extra helping of energy.
Are You Afraid of The Danks? is another gem from Hidden Pony Records (Rah Rah, Said the Whale), and it's fully approved for your summer listening pleasure. Spin tracks 1, 8, 2 and 6.
Chromatics
Add Date: May 15
Artist: Chromatics
Album: Kill for Love
Label: Italians Do It Better
Genre: Electropop, rock, electronica
Comments: Kill for Love, the new LP from the Pacific Northwest band Chromatics, is one of those rare records that has the potential to be a game-changer. (Pitchfork has already given the album an 8.7 rating and a Best New Music tag--for a much more engaging and thorough analysis of the record, read Marc Hogan's excellent review here.) It's also a daring feat; the 16-track CD version clocks in at 77:32--nearly maxing out the space on a compact disc, yet still missing the 14-minute closer "No Escape", which is part of the downloadable edition; all of this was culled down from an initial pool of 36 songs.
Chromatics' sound has been described as "disco-noir": essentially, these are cinematic soundscapes that mix electropop, alternative rock, ambient electronica and dance music into an engaging and captivating brew. Kill for Love opens with a spectacular cover of Neil Young's "Into the Black", and then spins into an excellent run of electronic pop songs--roughly half of the album could be described, at least loosely, as synthpop--including album highlights like the title track and "Lady". But there's plenty of space left for some longer electronic instrumentals and minimalist shoegaze cuts, songs that meander along yet never seem to lose focus.
Kill for Love works on many different levels--the album is both challenging and rewarding when listened to in its entirety, and yet the electropop cuts provide instant gratification (and easy radio airplay). Spin 2, 3, 5, 1, 14 and 8.
Artist: Chromatics
Album: Kill for Love
Label: Italians Do It Better
Genre: Electropop, rock, electronica
Comments: Kill for Love, the new LP from the Pacific Northwest band Chromatics, is one of those rare records that has the potential to be a game-changer. (Pitchfork has already given the album an 8.7 rating and a Best New Music tag--for a much more engaging and thorough analysis of the record, read Marc Hogan's excellent review here.) It's also a daring feat; the 16-track CD version clocks in at 77:32--nearly maxing out the space on a compact disc, yet still missing the 14-minute closer "No Escape", which is part of the downloadable edition; all of this was culled down from an initial pool of 36 songs.
Chromatics' sound has been described as "disco-noir": essentially, these are cinematic soundscapes that mix electropop, alternative rock, ambient electronica and dance music into an engaging and captivating brew. Kill for Love opens with a spectacular cover of Neil Young's "Into the Black", and then spins into an excellent run of electronic pop songs--roughly half of the album could be described, at least loosely, as synthpop--including album highlights like the title track and "Lady". But there's plenty of space left for some longer electronic instrumentals and minimalist shoegaze cuts, songs that meander along yet never seem to lose focus.
Kill for Love works on many different levels--the album is both challenging and rewarding when listened to in its entirety, and yet the electropop cuts provide instant gratification (and easy radio airplay). Spin 2, 3, 5, 1, 14 and 8.
Meiko
Add Date: May 15
Artist: Meiko
Album: The Bright Side
Label: Fantasy/Concord Music
Genre: Pop
Comments: Straightforward singer/songwriter pop songs from the Georgia native Meiko (pronounced "MEE-koh") on her album The Bright Side. Some of the tunes are quiet, folksier compositions, while others bring in more electronic sounds--she worked with the Belgian producer Styrofoam on a handful of these tunes.
Try tracks 6, 5 and 7.
Artist: Meiko
Album: The Bright Side
Label: Fantasy/Concord Music
Genre: Pop
Comments: Straightforward singer/songwriter pop songs from the Georgia native Meiko (pronounced "MEE-koh") on her album The Bright Side. Some of the tunes are quiet, folksier compositions, while others bring in more electronic sounds--she worked with the Belgian producer Styrofoam on a handful of these tunes.
Try tracks 6, 5 and 7.
Silversun Pickups
Add Date: May 15
Artist: Silversun Pickups
Album: Neck of the Woods
Label: Dangerbird
Genre: Rock
Comments: By now, you pretty much know what you're gonna get from Silversun Pickups: namely, spaced-out rock songs that borrow from '60s psychedelia, '80s shoegaze and '90s alternative. From breakout 2007 hit "Lazy Eye" up through the Los Angeles band's third LP, Neck of the Woods, the formula hasn't really changed.
Silversun Pickups' music isn't for the impatient; their records are slow-building--and, for that matter, so are many of their tunes, as the shortest cut on this LP clocks in at 4:41. And while some of the band's chief influences (thinking My Bloody Valentine and Sonic Youth, in particular) wrote some loooooooooong songs, you always knew there would be a reward for your attention. That isn't always the case on Neck of the Woods, which has several cuts that might work as 3-minute bursts, but which languish along as 6-minute sonic rambles.
Yet at their best, Silversun Pickups can certainly crank out a fine alternative number, and there are quite a few songs of this ilk. "Bloody Mary (Nerve Endings)" actually works quite well as a 5-minute odyssey; also spin "The Pit" and "Mean Spirits".
Artist: Silversun Pickups
Album: Neck of the Woods
Label: Dangerbird
Genre: Rock
Comments: By now, you pretty much know what you're gonna get from Silversun Pickups: namely, spaced-out rock songs that borrow from '60s psychedelia, '80s shoegaze and '90s alternative. From breakout 2007 hit "Lazy Eye" up through the Los Angeles band's third LP, Neck of the Woods, the formula hasn't really changed.
Silversun Pickups' music isn't for the impatient; their records are slow-building--and, for that matter, so are many of their tunes, as the shortest cut on this LP clocks in at 4:41. And while some of the band's chief influences (thinking My Bloody Valentine and Sonic Youth, in particular) wrote some loooooooooong songs, you always knew there would be a reward for your attention. That isn't always the case on Neck of the Woods, which has several cuts that might work as 3-minute bursts, but which languish along as 6-minute sonic rambles.
Yet at their best, Silversun Pickups can certainly crank out a fine alternative number, and there are quite a few songs of this ilk. "Bloody Mary (Nerve Endings)" actually works quite well as a 5-minute odyssey; also spin "The Pit" and "Mean Spirits".
Little, Big
Add Date: May 15
Artist: Little, Big
Album: Pins and Narwhals
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, alternative
Comments: From the promoter: "Pins and Narwhals is the culmination of five years of musical and artistic collaboration between singer/artist Dana Young and musician/composer Chuck Meyer... Dana's wide range and pop sensibility [mesh] perfectly with Chuck's hook-driven lead bass... The sound mixes sequenced drums and sparse keyboards with dirty bass and intuitive pop melodies... RIYL: Siouxsie and the Banshees, X-Ray Spex, Screaming Females, Hidden People..."
Tracks 5, 3, 8 and 9 are recommended.
Artist: Little, Big
Album: Pins and Narwhals
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, alternative
Comments: From the promoter: "Pins and Narwhals is the culmination of five years of musical and artistic collaboration between singer/artist Dana Young and musician/composer Chuck Meyer... Dana's wide range and pop sensibility [mesh] perfectly with Chuck's hook-driven lead bass... The sound mixes sequenced drums and sparse keyboards with dirty bass and intuitive pop melodies... RIYL: Siouxsie and the Banshees, X-Ray Spex, Screaming Females, Hidden People..."
Tracks 5, 3, 8 and 9 are recommended.
Roam
Add Date: May 15
Artist: Roam
Album: Roam (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, alternative
Comments: The New York quartet Roam makes atmospheric alt-rock tunes that take inspiration from British acts like Snow Patrol and Doves. Check out "The Idiot" and "We're Not Lost".
Artist: Roam
Album: Roam (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, alternative
Comments: The New York quartet Roam makes atmospheric alt-rock tunes that take inspiration from British acts like Snow Patrol and Doves. Check out "The Idiot" and "We're Not Lost".
Joey Ramone
Add Date: May 15
Artist: Joey Ramone
Album: "...Ya Know?"
Label: BMG
Genre: Rock
Comments: From the onesheet: "'...Ya Know?' is the new 15-song album comprised primarily of never-before-heard songs written and sung by legendary artist Joey Ramone. As frontman, songwriter, and [the] most prominent visual presence of punk pioneers The Ramones, Joey played a largely influential role in a musical and cultural revolution that's still relevant today...
"This collection of songs [was] drawn from a cache of demos and unreleased recordings that Ramone cut over the course of the last 15 years of his life before he unfortunately passed away due to lymphoma in 2001. Most tracks carry the same raw, intense, vibrant sound and anthemic hooks The Ramones became known for. Others give insight to a more introspective Ramone that showcase[s] a maturing songwriter."
Check out tracks 6, 1 and 5.
Artist: Joey Ramone
Album: "...Ya Know?"
Label: BMG
Genre: Rock
Comments: From the onesheet: "'...Ya Know?' is the new 15-song album comprised primarily of never-before-heard songs written and sung by legendary artist Joey Ramone. As frontman, songwriter, and [the] most prominent visual presence of punk pioneers The Ramones, Joey played a largely influential role in a musical and cultural revolution that's still relevant today...
"This collection of songs [was] drawn from a cache of demos and unreleased recordings that Ramone cut over the course of the last 15 years of his life before he unfortunately passed away due to lymphoma in 2001. Most tracks carry the same raw, intense, vibrant sound and anthemic hooks The Ramones became known for. Others give insight to a more introspective Ramone that showcase[s] a maturing songwriter."
Check out tracks 6, 1 and 5.
Mykul Lee
Add Date: May 15
Artist: Mykul Lee
Album: Fortress
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: The Oklahoma native Mykul Lee is best known for his role as the drummer in the pop-rock band Oh No Not Stereo, but that piece of information may prove a poor lead-in to his solo album Fortress. This is a collection of acoustic-based, half-whispered-vocal singer/songwriter compositions, which occasionally veer toward atmospheric folk pop.
Try tracks 1, 8 and 2.
Artist: Mykul Lee
Album: Fortress
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: The Oklahoma native Mykul Lee is best known for his role as the drummer in the pop-rock band Oh No Not Stereo, but that piece of information may prove a poor lead-in to his solo album Fortress. This is a collection of acoustic-based, half-whispered-vocal singer/songwriter compositions, which occasionally veer toward atmospheric folk pop.
Try tracks 1, 8 and 2.
Tenacious D
Add Date: May 15
Artist: Tenacious D
Album: Rize of the Fenix
Label: Columbia
Genre: Rock, comedy
Comments: I was told that I didn't have to do this review. But I wanted to. Not just because of the hilarious prospect of trying to review Jack Black's special brand of rock, but because he actually makes music. As he demonstrated in School of Rock, Black actually has some talent. That doesn't mean that Rize of the Fenix is a particularly good album, mostly because of the pure comedy behind it, but it's not an assault on your ears. Also, it should be noted that Dave Grohl plays drums on almost all the tracks. So, between Black's talent and the help of friends in high places, Tenacious D accomplishes just what it wants with no regard to genre or precedent.
Artist: Tenacious D
Album: Rize of the Fenix
Label: Columbia
Genre: Rock, comedy
Comments: I was told that I didn't have to do this review. But I wanted to. Not just because of the hilarious prospect of trying to review Jack Black's special brand of rock, but because he actually makes music. As he demonstrated in School of Rock, Black actually has some talent. That doesn't mean that Rize of the Fenix is a particularly good album, mostly because of the pure comedy behind it, but it's not an assault on your ears. Also, it should be noted that Dave Grohl plays drums on almost all the tracks. So, between Black's talent and the help of friends in high places, Tenacious D accomplishes just what it wants with no regard to genre or precedent.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Best New Music - May 8
In Bloom:
And don't miss: Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles, PS I Love You, Andre Williams & The Sadies and Damon Albarn's rock opera
Santigold
Add Date: May 8
Artist: Santigold
Album: Master of My Make-Believe
Label: Atlantic
Genre: Electronica, hip hop, reggae, pop
Comments: A few years ago, Santigold came on tour to my city. She was singing at the House of Blues. I hadn't heard of her, it was a school night, blah blah blah--these are the excuses I gave myself to keep me from going. Now, years later, when I finally have been properly introduced to Santi White, and have been given the chance to get to know her quite well, I realize (and regret) all that I missed by not going to that concert.
On Master of My Make-Believe, just her sophomore album, Santigold demonstrates a musical maturity and knowledge through her ability to manipulate and blend international rhythms with hip hop and reggae. Plus, she gives the listener quality lyrics that create powerful images when punched through by her commanding vocals. All in all, this is a memorable record, which I'm sure will bring Santigold the success and recognition that she deserves.
Artist: Santigold
Album: Master of My Make-Believe
Label: Atlantic
Genre: Electronica, hip hop, reggae, pop
Comments: A few years ago, Santigold came on tour to my city. She was singing at the House of Blues. I hadn't heard of her, it was a school night, blah blah blah--these are the excuses I gave myself to keep me from going. Now, years later, when I finally have been properly introduced to Santi White, and have been given the chance to get to know her quite well, I realize (and regret) all that I missed by not going to that concert.
On Master of My Make-Believe, just her sophomore album, Santigold demonstrates a musical maturity and knowledge through her ability to manipulate and blend international rhythms with hip hop and reggae. Plus, she gives the listener quality lyrics that create powerful images when punched through by her commanding vocals. All in all, this is a memorable record, which I'm sure will bring Santigold the success and recognition that she deserves.
Spin tracks 1, 2, 4, 7, 9 and 11.
Antennas Up
Add Date: May 8
Artist: Antennas Up
Album: The Awkward Phase
Label: Plastic Artifice
Genre: Rock, power pop
Comments: On The Awkward Phase, Antennas Up delivers fun and energetic beats fronted by lively vocals and interesting lyrics. This album is amazing--you can't help but smile when you hear the songs. I recommend checking it out, even if you're not one to traditionally like the power pop music genre.
From Present Magazine: "Antennas Up introduces a thrilling sound that combines power pop, hook-filled synth, and skitter guitar with urgent vocals… [it] sounds like the result of cross-pollinating the lyrical prowess and hottt moves of Flight of the Conchords with the pop-electronica of CSS. It's fun, unselfconscious, and hedonistic."
Artist: Antennas Up
Album: The Awkward Phase
Label: Plastic Artifice
Genre: Rock, power pop
Comments: On The Awkward Phase, Antennas Up delivers fun and energetic beats fronted by lively vocals and interesting lyrics. This album is amazing--you can't help but smile when you hear the songs. I recommend checking it out, even if you're not one to traditionally like the power pop music genre.
From Present Magazine: "Antennas Up introduces a thrilling sound that combines power pop, hook-filled synth, and skitter guitar with urgent vocals… [it] sounds like the result of cross-pollinating the lyrical prowess and hottt moves of Flight of the Conchords with the pop-electronica of CSS. It's fun, unselfconscious, and hedonistic."
Check out tracks 3, 8, 2, 5 and 1.
Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles
Add Date: May 8
Artist: Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles
Album: Heat
Label: Periscope
Genre: Folk rock, psych folk
Comments: Heat, Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles' fourth full-length album, showcases an intricate background of instrumentals woven through with Michelle's richly resonant voice singing meaningful, interesting lyrics. Most of all, Heat packs tremendous versatility; this seems to be a Greatest Hits album spanning decades of a band's musical experimentation as it matures.
The band's web site explains that many of the songs were written by Michelle during the harsh Minnesota winter of 2010. She must have used her creativity as an outlet to transport herself from the temporal isolation experienced in such extreme weather seasons. This transporting quality pervades the tracks of the album. From the promoter: "The band turned to MGMT and Beirut producer/engineer Matt Boynton… to create this latest psych-folk record that is sometimes evocative, often personal, and always beautiful."
Spin tracks 9, 11, 4, 7 and 8.
Artist: Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles
Album: Heat
Label: Periscope
Genre: Folk rock, psych folk
Comments: Heat, Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles' fourth full-length album, showcases an intricate background of instrumentals woven through with Michelle's richly resonant voice singing meaningful, interesting lyrics. Most of all, Heat packs tremendous versatility; this seems to be a Greatest Hits album spanning decades of a band's musical experimentation as it matures.
The band's web site explains that many of the songs were written by Michelle during the harsh Minnesota winter of 2010. She must have used her creativity as an outlet to transport herself from the temporal isolation experienced in such extreme weather seasons. This transporting quality pervades the tracks of the album. From the promoter: "The band turned to MGMT and Beirut producer/engineer Matt Boynton… to create this latest psych-folk record that is sometimes evocative, often personal, and always beautiful."
Spin tracks 9, 11, 4, 7 and 8.
Plushgun
Add Date: May 8
Artist: Plushgun
Album: Me. Me.
Label: Tommy Boy
Genre: Electropop, rock
Comments: On Me. Me., Plushgun presents fun and sunny energetic rhythms laced with frontman Dan Ingala's soulful vocals. I found many of the tracks reminiscent of what's best about quality '80s pop music (think "Take On Me" by a-ha, mixed with any track from Stars' Set Yourself on Fire), which definitely got me hooked. From the promoter: "Plushgun is a perfect mix of indie rock and high-voltage electronica. Ingala's croon gracefully flows over these beautifully orchestrated tunes… Plushgun's songs are nostalgic, poppy, danceable, and most of all irresistible."
Couldn't have said it better myself. I know that we'll hear great tracks from the band in the future! It’s always exciting when a budding band like this has so much maturity and potential from the get-go.
Artist: Plushgun
Album: Me. Me.
Label: Tommy Boy
Genre: Electropop, rock
Comments: On Me. Me., Plushgun presents fun and sunny energetic rhythms laced with frontman Dan Ingala's soulful vocals. I found many of the tracks reminiscent of what's best about quality '80s pop music (think "Take On Me" by a-ha, mixed with any track from Stars' Set Yourself on Fire), which definitely got me hooked. From the promoter: "Plushgun is a perfect mix of indie rock and high-voltage electronica. Ingala's croon gracefully flows over these beautifully orchestrated tunes… Plushgun's songs are nostalgic, poppy, danceable, and most of all irresistible."
Couldn't have said it better myself. I know that we'll hear great tracks from the band in the future! It’s always exciting when a budding band like this has so much maturity and potential from the get-go.
Electric Guest
Add Date: May 8
Artist: Electric Guest
Album: Mondo
Label: Downtown
Genre: Rock, indie pop
Comments: Electric Guest's debut album comes on the heels of seemingly endless praise. The famous KCRW has named them No. 13 on their Top 50, and the band obviously shows enough promise to merit Danger Mouse producing their whole debut LP. Sing-songy melodies fold out across synths punching out poppy rhythms. Mondo's sound reaches across various aisles of various genres. Fuzzed-out guitars underlie Spanish-inspired acoustic noodling in "American Daydream", while "This Head I Hold" strikes out dance-like beats and vocals. Everyone will find something to enjoy on this record.
Tracks 2, 6, 9 and 4 are very solid.
Artist: Electric Guest
Album: Mondo
Label: Downtown
Genre: Rock, indie pop
Comments: Electric Guest's debut album comes on the heels of seemingly endless praise. The famous KCRW has named them No. 13 on their Top 50, and the band obviously shows enough promise to merit Danger Mouse producing their whole debut LP. Sing-songy melodies fold out across synths punching out poppy rhythms. Mondo's sound reaches across various aisles of various genres. Fuzzed-out guitars underlie Spanish-inspired acoustic noodling in "American Daydream", while "This Head I Hold" strikes out dance-like beats and vocals. Everyone will find something to enjoy on this record.
Tracks 2, 6, 9 and 4 are very solid.
Alejandro Escovedo
Add Date: May 8
Artist: Alejandro Escovedo
Album: Big Station
Label: Fantasy/Concord Music
Genre: Rock
Comments: Alejandro Escovedo has been around for a long time. Big Station marks his 11th solo studio album and with it, Escovedo continues his strand of rock that has reached the receptive ears and strung up a smirk on countless thousands. Up to those smirking thousands, he holds the world of today and that of yesterday, singing and verging on lamenting the divide. The album fortunately does not fling itself into the realm of the older musician, calling out the people of today and comparing them to the "better" ones of yesteryear.
Big Station is completely approachable, and although it does not strive for something else or different, it nails down a perfectly proportioned slice of Americana, rock, and jazzy horns. With this new LP, Escovedo is continuing his stride and showing no signs of slowing down.
Try out 1, 2, 8 and 3.
Artist: Alejandro Escovedo
Album: Big Station
Label: Fantasy/Concord Music
Genre: Rock
Comments: Alejandro Escovedo has been around for a long time. Big Station marks his 11th solo studio album and with it, Escovedo continues his strand of rock that has reached the receptive ears and strung up a smirk on countless thousands. Up to those smirking thousands, he holds the world of today and that of yesterday, singing and verging on lamenting the divide. The album fortunately does not fling itself into the realm of the older musician, calling out the people of today and comparing them to the "better" ones of yesteryear.
Big Station is completely approachable, and although it does not strive for something else or different, it nails down a perfectly proportioned slice of Americana, rock, and jazzy horns. With this new LP, Escovedo is continuing his stride and showing no signs of slowing down.
Try out 1, 2, 8 and 3.
Little Hurricane
Add Date: May 8
Artist: Little Hurricane
Album: Homewrecker
Label: Unknown Breakthrough
Genre: Blues, blues rock
Comments: I think The White Stripes were painted on The Civil Wars, and they called it Little Hurricane. The band is awash in Southern blues that seem to emanate from somewhere below. From the get-go, Homewrecker builds an ethereal atmosphere with reverb-drenched riffs that take a fast tumble into the swamp. The opener, "Crocodile Tears", establishes this theme throughout the album, best demonstrated in the interplay between the male's Jack White-esque vocals and the female's airy voice. The call-and-response of vocals echoes the call of the blues and the response of whining reverb.
"Polished" feels like the antithesis of a dirty blues band like Little Hurricane, yet already with this, their debut album, the band has smeared grime across the polished speakers from which these tunes pounce forth. Expect to hear more about this San Diego band as they push forward to a genre obviously becoming increasingly popular (see The Civil Wars).
The first track acts as a microcosm for the record. Follow it up with 4, 2, 9 and 13.
Artist: Little Hurricane
Album: Homewrecker
Label: Unknown Breakthrough
Genre: Blues, blues rock
Comments: I think The White Stripes were painted on The Civil Wars, and they called it Little Hurricane. The band is awash in Southern blues that seem to emanate from somewhere below. From the get-go, Homewrecker builds an ethereal atmosphere with reverb-drenched riffs that take a fast tumble into the swamp. The opener, "Crocodile Tears", establishes this theme throughout the album, best demonstrated in the interplay between the male's Jack White-esque vocals and the female's airy voice. The call-and-response of vocals echoes the call of the blues and the response of whining reverb.
"Polished" feels like the antithesis of a dirty blues band like Little Hurricane, yet already with this, their debut album, the band has smeared grime across the polished speakers from which these tunes pounce forth. Expect to hear more about this San Diego band as they push forward to a genre obviously becoming increasingly popular (see The Civil Wars).
The first track acts as a microcosm for the record. Follow it up with 4, 2, 9 and 13.
Cheap Time
Add Date: May 8
Artist: Cheap Time
Album: Wallpaper Music
Label: In the Red
Genre: Rock, glam punk
Comments: I recall many years ago perusing a used bookstore's collection of CDs and eventually stumbling across a name I had actually heard before. Without letting the CD spin, I slid the cashier four dollars and cranked it up in the car as I drove home. My first thoughts were, wow, this guy really has a terrible voice; then, damn the Violent Femmes are genius. Perhaps Cheap Time is not quite yet on the level of the Femmes; however, Jeffrey Novak's grating vocals draw instant similarities to those of Gordon Gano, whom I so quickly wrote off as his voice issued out of my car's speakers.
Of the three most prolific band-spawning cities--Brooklyn, Austin and Nashville--Cheap Time hails from the latter. The band's glam-punk, fuzzed-out riffs tear through Nashville's country smog. Wallpaper Music races on, ignoring calls to slow down by substituting song after song of head-rocking, punk-rooted tracks. The album shuffles the current popular deck of Fleet Foxes, Mumford & Sons and other folk-inspired alternative albums, recalling the days of David Bowie and Lou Reed.
The LP begs to be listened through and through, but the highlights are tracks 1, 9 and 4.
Artist: Cheap Time
Album: Wallpaper Music
Label: In the Red
Genre: Rock, glam punk
Comments: I recall many years ago perusing a used bookstore's collection of CDs and eventually stumbling across a name I had actually heard before. Without letting the CD spin, I slid the cashier four dollars and cranked it up in the car as I drove home. My first thoughts were, wow, this guy really has a terrible voice; then, damn the Violent Femmes are genius. Perhaps Cheap Time is not quite yet on the level of the Femmes; however, Jeffrey Novak's grating vocals draw instant similarities to those of Gordon Gano, whom I so quickly wrote off as his voice issued out of my car's speakers.
Of the three most prolific band-spawning cities--Brooklyn, Austin and Nashville--Cheap Time hails from the latter. The band's glam-punk, fuzzed-out riffs tear through Nashville's country smog. Wallpaper Music races on, ignoring calls to slow down by substituting song after song of head-rocking, punk-rooted tracks. The album shuffles the current popular deck of Fleet Foxes, Mumford & Sons and other folk-inspired alternative albums, recalling the days of David Bowie and Lou Reed.
The LP begs to be listened through and through, but the highlights are tracks 1, 9 and 4.
Beach House
Add Date: May 8
Artist: Beach House
Album: Bloom
Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Rock, dream pop
Comments: Once bubbling just below the surface as one of Baltimore's best-kept secrets in the mid-'00s, Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally have built up their dream pop project into a veritable indie rock behemoth, becoming one of the most beloved, universally praised and critically acclaimed bands in the alternative music scene. There's been a natural progression through the band's short but already prolific career--certainly from a musical view, but arguably from the standpoint of quality as well. Beach House (2006) was a respectable debut; Devotion (2008) found the band on the verge of something really special; Teen Dream (2010) was the complete realization of this potential.
In that respect, Bloom may have been more fitting a title for Legrand and Scally's Sub Pop debut two years ago. Instead, it's further proof that Beach House are a band at the height of its powers, with no plans to come back down to Earth anytime soon. The gorgeous hazy pop--those layers of guitars, synths, organs and Legrand's one-of-a-kind voice--that you've come to know and love is here in full-force on album highlights like "Lazuli", "Myth", "Wishes", "The Hours" and "Other People". (That's a lot of recommendations, I know, but it's hard to pick standout tracks when their albums are so good from start to finish.)
And yet Beach House aren't lacking for fresh ideas. The band's musical progression is being further helped along by percussionist Daniel Franz; though he's not officially in the band--yet--he's credited in the liner notes for "invaluable assistance" and "[a]ll live drums and percussion", and "New Year" features the most prominent drumming of any Beach House song I can ever remember hearing. Meanwhile, "Wild" is a post-New Wave gem that provides even more proof of Scally and Legrand's wizardry in crafting original music out of their myriad influences.
Bloom is, without question, one of the best records that will be released in 2012. Listen to the entire LP, and then spin tracks 3, 2, 1, 8, 5 and 4.
Artist: Beach House
Album: Bloom
Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Rock, dream pop
Comments: Once bubbling just below the surface as one of Baltimore's best-kept secrets in the mid-'00s, Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally have built up their dream pop project into a veritable indie rock behemoth, becoming one of the most beloved, universally praised and critically acclaimed bands in the alternative music scene. There's been a natural progression through the band's short but already prolific career--certainly from a musical view, but arguably from the standpoint of quality as well. Beach House (2006) was a respectable debut; Devotion (2008) found the band on the verge of something really special; Teen Dream (2010) was the complete realization of this potential.
In that respect, Bloom may have been more fitting a title for Legrand and Scally's Sub Pop debut two years ago. Instead, it's further proof that Beach House are a band at the height of its powers, with no plans to come back down to Earth anytime soon. The gorgeous hazy pop--those layers of guitars, synths, organs and Legrand's one-of-a-kind voice--that you've come to know and love is here in full-force on album highlights like "Lazuli", "Myth", "Wishes", "The Hours" and "Other People". (That's a lot of recommendations, I know, but it's hard to pick standout tracks when their albums are so good from start to finish.)
And yet Beach House aren't lacking for fresh ideas. The band's musical progression is being further helped along by percussionist Daniel Franz; though he's not officially in the band--yet--he's credited in the liner notes for "invaluable assistance" and "[a]ll live drums and percussion", and "New Year" features the most prominent drumming of any Beach House song I can ever remember hearing. Meanwhile, "Wild" is a post-New Wave gem that provides even more proof of Scally and Legrand's wizardry in crafting original music out of their myriad influences.
Bloom is, without question, one of the best records that will be released in 2012. Listen to the entire LP, and then spin tracks 3, 2, 1, 8, 5 and 4.
Reptar
Add Date: May 8
Artist: Reptar
Album: Body Faucet
Label: Vagrant
Genre: Rock, synthpop
Comments: The Athens, Ga. quartet Reptar straddles the line between Vampire Weekend-style indie pop, with lots of African and traditional influences, and the unabashedly buoyant synthpop of bands like Passion Pit and The Naked & Famous. Body Faucet, Reptar's debut LP, doesn't break any new ground, but it's an extremely fun and enjoyable pop record with songs and melodies that will get pleasantly stuck in your head.
Check out tracks 5, 1, 4 and 2.
Artist: Reptar
Album: Body Faucet
Label: Vagrant
Genre: Rock, synthpop
Comments: The Athens, Ga. quartet Reptar straddles the line between Vampire Weekend-style indie pop, with lots of African and traditional influences, and the unabashedly buoyant synthpop of bands like Passion Pit and The Naked & Famous. Body Faucet, Reptar's debut LP, doesn't break any new ground, but it's an extremely fun and enjoyable pop record with songs and melodies that will get pleasantly stuck in your head.
Check out tracks 5, 1, 4 and 2.
Gravenhurst
Add Date: May 8
Artist: Gravenhurst
Album: The Ghost in Daylight
Label: Warp
Genre: Rock, alternative, folk
Comments: On his fifth album, Gravenhurst, aka Mark Talbot, plucks his way through his soothing, sometimes lulling, message about "compulsion, degradation, and the possibility of of transcendence." Consisting of 10 songs, The Ghost In Daylight consistently showcases Talbot's propensity for darker atmospherics, soft acoustic guitars, and introspective lyrics. Though the album can be soporific at times, it's a great listen for those times when you need a voice for your pain and a comrade in commiseration.
Artist: Gravenhurst
Album: The Ghost in Daylight
Label: Warp
Genre: Rock, alternative, folk
Comments: On his fifth album, Gravenhurst, aka Mark Talbot, plucks his way through his soothing, sometimes lulling, message about "compulsion, degradation, and the possibility of of transcendence." Consisting of 10 songs, The Ghost In Daylight consistently showcases Talbot's propensity for darker atmospherics, soft acoustic guitars, and introspective lyrics. Though the album can be soporific at times, it's a great listen for those times when you need a voice for your pain and a comrade in commiseration.
Damon Albarn
Add Date: May 8
Artist: Damon Albarn
Album: Dr Dee
Label: Virgin
Genre: Rock
Comments: Don't expect the sounds of Blur to be a major part of Damon Albarn's newest album, Dr Dee, a rock opera soundtrack from Rufus Norris's opera of the same name. This 18-track album was inspired by the life of John Dee, a mathematician, alchemist, philosopher, and adviser to Elizabeth I. Oh, and he also coined the term "Britannia." For a musician who loves and encapsulates England in his works, Albarn definitely chose this album's subject well. While this record isn't something I would usually listen to, the tracks, which include English chorals and modern, West African and Renaissance sounds, are beautiful.
Artist: Damon Albarn
Album: Dr Dee
Label: Virgin
Genre: Rock
Comments: Don't expect the sounds of Blur to be a major part of Damon Albarn's newest album, Dr Dee, a rock opera soundtrack from Rufus Norris's opera of the same name. This 18-track album was inspired by the life of John Dee, a mathematician, alchemist, philosopher, and adviser to Elizabeth I. Oh, and he also coined the term "Britannia." For a musician who loves and encapsulates England in his works, Albarn definitely chose this album's subject well. While this record isn't something I would usually listen to, the tracks, which include English chorals and modern, West African and Renaissance sounds, are beautiful.
Violens
Add Date: May 8
Artist: Violens
Album: True
Label: Slumberland
Genre: Rock, alt-pop
Comments: On this sophomore album, Violens moves away from the darker synthpop of their debut, Amoral, and instead tackles the haze-filled, '90s sonic-pop sound of bands like Pale Saints and McCarthy. The first track, "Totally True", gives a softer and ethereally layered introduction to True. With the album's progression, though, the band slowly builds momentum and brings in louder percussives and distorted guitars. A great album to listen all the way through, but if you're looking for a standout song, pick "Sariza Spring".
Artist: Violens
Album: True
Label: Slumberland
Genre: Rock, alt-pop
Comments: On this sophomore album, Violens moves away from the darker synthpop of their debut, Amoral, and instead tackles the haze-filled, '90s sonic-pop sound of bands like Pale Saints and McCarthy. The first track, "Totally True", gives a softer and ethereally layered introduction to True. With the album's progression, though, the band slowly builds momentum and brings in louder percussives and distorted guitars. A great album to listen all the way through, but if you're looking for a standout song, pick "Sariza Spring".
OFF!
Add Date: May 8
Artist: OFF!
Album: OFF!
Label: Vice
Genre: Rock, punk
Comments: From the promoter: "You know the names and pedigrees. Keith Morris (Black Fag/Circle Jerks), Dimitri Coats (Burning Brides), Steven McDonald (Redd Kross) and Mario Rubalcaba (Hot Snakes/Earthless/Rocket From the Crypt) are OFF! They are the force and spirit of L.A. punk circa '78, resuscitated, reconstituted and re-imagined for a similarly uncertain age... [T]hey've written their first 'proper' full-length... OFF! clocks in at a grand total of just under 16 minutes, each [track] more pissed-off than the last."
This is authentic punk music: quick bursts of energy and anger, as the songs range from 41 seconds to a whopping 1:36. Try tracks 1, 4 and 16.
Artist: OFF!
Album: OFF!
Label: Vice
Genre: Rock, punk
Comments: From the promoter: "You know the names and pedigrees. Keith Morris (Black Fag/Circle Jerks), Dimitri Coats (Burning Brides), Steven McDonald (Redd Kross) and Mario Rubalcaba (Hot Snakes/Earthless/Rocket From the Crypt) are OFF! They are the force and spirit of L.A. punk circa '78, resuscitated, reconstituted and re-imagined for a similarly uncertain age... [T]hey've written their first 'proper' full-length... OFF! clocks in at a grand total of just under 16 minutes, each [track] more pissed-off than the last."
This is authentic punk music: quick bursts of energy and anger, as the songs range from 41 seconds to a whopping 1:36. Try tracks 1, 4 and 16.
The Damn Choir
Add Date: May 8
Artist: The Damn Choir
Album: You're My Secret Called Fire (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk rock
Comments: Full-band folk pop from the Chicago 6-piece The Damn Choir on this 7-track mini-album. Says the Chicago Tribune: "The music is lush and beautiful, laced with cello that alternately holds [frontman Gordon] Robertson aloft and urges him forward."
Check out tracks 4, 5 and 3.
Artist: The Damn Choir
Album: You're My Secret Called Fire (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk rock
Comments: Full-band folk pop from the Chicago 6-piece The Damn Choir on this 7-track mini-album. Says the Chicago Tribune: "The music is lush and beautiful, laced with cello that alternately holds [frontman Gordon] Robertson aloft and urges him forward."
Check out tracks 4, 5 and 3.
Slugabed
Add Date: May 8
Artist: Slugabed
Album: Time Team
Label: Ninja Tune
Genre: Electronica
Comments: From the promoter: "The 23-year-old musician, Slugabed (Greg Feldwick) from Bath, UK, has signed to the mothership, Ninja Tune, to release his latest album. Time Team is suffused with a unique mix of humor, dancefloor smarts, melancholic emotion, and next level production. With tracks like 'Sex' that [are] full of wildly suggestive synth sounds and 'Mountains Come of the Sky' with rolling rhythms and uplifting vocal melodies, Slugabed experiments with sounds and emotions throughout the album. Full of warmth, humor and melancholy, it's remarkable that Time Team is mainly composed of synths and drum machines."
Check out tracks 2, 8, 11 and 6.
Artist: Slugabed
Album: Time Team
Label: Ninja Tune
Genre: Electronica
Comments: From the promoter: "The 23-year-old musician, Slugabed (Greg Feldwick) from Bath, UK, has signed to the mothership, Ninja Tune, to release his latest album. Time Team is suffused with a unique mix of humor, dancefloor smarts, melancholic emotion, and next level production. With tracks like 'Sex' that [are] full of wildly suggestive synth sounds and 'Mountains Come of the Sky' with rolling rhythms and uplifting vocal melodies, Slugabed experiments with sounds and emotions throughout the album. Full of warmth, humor and melancholy, it's remarkable that Time Team is mainly composed of synths and drum machines."
Check out tracks 2, 8, 11 and 6.
PS I Love You
Add Date: May 8
Artist: PS I Love You
Album: Death Dreams
Label: Paper Bag
Genre: Rock
Comments: As a 2-man band making noisy rock 'n roll, it's improbable that PS I Love You could avoid comparisons to the likes of Japandroids and No Age. And while there's certainly nothing wrong with being in that kind of company, PS I Love You's second LP, Death Dreams, should help set the Ontario duo of Paul Saulnier and Benjamin Nelson apart from other bands with a similar aesthetic.
The biggest difference is that PS I Love You draws more from post-punk than from the original punk wave that seems to fuel other noise-rock bands. Saulnier and Nelson drag these song structures through layers of guitar effects--you'll continually ask yourself how they're doing this with just two people--with the end result being an enjoyably noisy brand of alternative.
Check out tracks 2, 8, 5 and 10.
Artist: PS I Love You
Album: Death Dreams
Label: Paper Bag
Genre: Rock
Comments: As a 2-man band making noisy rock 'n roll, it's improbable that PS I Love You could avoid comparisons to the likes of Japandroids and No Age. And while there's certainly nothing wrong with being in that kind of company, PS I Love You's second LP, Death Dreams, should help set the Ontario duo of Paul Saulnier and Benjamin Nelson apart from other bands with a similar aesthetic.
The biggest difference is that PS I Love You draws more from post-punk than from the original punk wave that seems to fuel other noise-rock bands. Saulnier and Nelson drag these song structures through layers of guitar effects--you'll continually ask yourself how they're doing this with just two people--with the end result being an enjoyably noisy brand of alternative.
Check out tracks 2, 8, 5 and 10.
Andre Williams & The Sadies
Add Date: May 8
Artist: Andre Williams & The Sadies
Album: Night & Day
Label: Yep Roc
Genre: Blues, blues rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Canada's finest live band, The Sadies, have reunited with explicit soul singer/cult legend Andre Williams for Night & Day... the result of sessions that began in 2008 at Key Club Studio in Detroit and captures Andre, then 70 years old and still using at the time, at his most raw, honest, and immediate. No filter. Andre is aided by a stellar cast of musical friends, dirty bluesers who have earned the trust of the ancient hustler, including Jon Spencer (who directed these sessions) and Matt Verta-Ray of Heavy Trash... and of course, behind it all, The Sadies... The result is a raw, gritty slice of raunch-rock that has attitude in spades and the hooks and playing to back it up."
This is excellent blues rock; even if you're unfamiliar with Williams, you'll appreciate the work of The Sadies and the contributions of musical vets like Spencer. Keep in mind the "explicit" tag, though, and stick to radio-friendly tracks like 4, 11, 9 and 12.
Artist: Andre Williams & The Sadies
Album: Night & Day
Label: Yep Roc
Genre: Blues, blues rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Canada's finest live band, The Sadies, have reunited with explicit soul singer/cult legend Andre Williams for Night & Day... the result of sessions that began in 2008 at Key Club Studio in Detroit and captures Andre, then 70 years old and still using at the time, at his most raw, honest, and immediate. No filter. Andre is aided by a stellar cast of musical friends, dirty bluesers who have earned the trust of the ancient hustler, including Jon Spencer (who directed these sessions) and Matt Verta-Ray of Heavy Trash... and of course, behind it all, The Sadies... The result is a raw, gritty slice of raunch-rock that has attitude in spades and the hooks and playing to back it up."
This is excellent blues rock; even if you're unfamiliar with Williams, you'll appreciate the work of The Sadies and the contributions of musical vets like Spencer. Keep in mind the "explicit" tag, though, and stick to radio-friendly tracks like 4, 11, 9 and 12.
Warm in the Wake
Add Date: May 8
Artist: Warm in the Wake
Album: Night Wounds
Label: Beta Cloud
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Let's start with a list of artists that Warm in the Wake has been compared to: Teenage Fanclub, The Beatles, Eels, Wilco, Neil Young, The Smiths, Midlake, The National, XTC, Bob Dylan and Brian Eno. And that's just a start. That's lots and lots of high praise, to be sure; now that I've set impossibly high expectations for Night Wounds, the Alabama band's fourth LP, I'll say this: there's an awful lot going on with this impressive pop record.
Elements of '60s pop, '80s alternative, '60 and '70s folk, '90s power pop and more all flow through the album, which mixes acoustic and electric guitars with synths and percussion to create a very smooth sound. Out of all the fine bands listed above, I'd single out three that come to mind when listening to Night Wounds: the melodic pop of latter-day Teenage Fanclub, the folk-tinged rock of Wilco and the off-kilter pop of Mark Everett's band Eels.
Start with tracks 9, 1, 5, 4 and 2.
Artist: Warm in the Wake
Album: Night Wounds
Label: Beta Cloud
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Let's start with a list of artists that Warm in the Wake has been compared to: Teenage Fanclub, The Beatles, Eels, Wilco, Neil Young, The Smiths, Midlake, The National, XTC, Bob Dylan and Brian Eno. And that's just a start. That's lots and lots of high praise, to be sure; now that I've set impossibly high expectations for Night Wounds, the Alabama band's fourth LP, I'll say this: there's an awful lot going on with this impressive pop record.
Elements of '60s pop, '80s alternative, '60 and '70s folk, '90s power pop and more all flow through the album, which mixes acoustic and electric guitars with synths and percussion to create a very smooth sound. Out of all the fine bands listed above, I'd single out three that come to mind when listening to Night Wounds: the melodic pop of latter-day Teenage Fanclub, the folk-tinged rock of Wilco and the off-kilter pop of Mark Everett's band Eels.
Start with tracks 9, 1, 5, 4 and 2.
ZZ Ward
Add Date: May 8
Artist: ZZ Ward
Album: Criminal (EP)
Label: Boardwalk/Hollywood
Genre: R&B, soul
Comments: It's only been a couple of months since ZZ Ward's Eleven Roses landed here, but here's a followup 4-song EP that further highlights the Pacific Northwest artist's amazingly soulful voice. Stellar tracks like "Til the Casket Drops" and "Put the Gun Down" feature Ward's modern take on bluesy R&B, while rising star Freddie Gibbs guests on the (radio-unfriendly) title selection.
Spin tracks 1 and 2.
Artist: ZZ Ward
Album: Criminal (EP)
Label: Boardwalk/Hollywood
Genre: R&B, soul
Comments: It's only been a couple of months since ZZ Ward's Eleven Roses landed here, but here's a followup 4-song EP that further highlights the Pacific Northwest artist's amazingly soulful voice. Stellar tracks like "Til the Casket Drops" and "Put the Gun Down" feature Ward's modern take on bluesy R&B, while rising star Freddie Gibbs guests on the (radio-unfriendly) title selection.
Spin tracks 1 and 2.
Birthmark
Add Date: May 8
Artist: Birthmark
Album: Antibodies
Label: Polyvinyl
Genre: Rock, pop, experimental
Comments: Birthmark is the experimental pop project from Nate Kinsella, whose cousins Tim and Mike are well-known to the WLUR playlist for releases as Joan of Arc and Owen, among many other musical ventures. (Nate has also worked with Joan of Arc.) Antibodies, the third Birthmark full-length, is a neat mix of rock and orchestral sounds that, well, sounds like it comes from a Kinsella. I wholeheartedly concur with the promoter's comparisons to Menomena and Canon Blue.
Very nice stuff--start with tracks 2, 7, 4 and 1.
Artist: Birthmark
Album: Antibodies
Label: Polyvinyl
Genre: Rock, pop, experimental
Comments: Birthmark is the experimental pop project from Nate Kinsella, whose cousins Tim and Mike are well-known to the WLUR playlist for releases as Joan of Arc and Owen, among many other musical ventures. (Nate has also worked with Joan of Arc.) Antibodies, the third Birthmark full-length, is a neat mix of rock and orchestral sounds that, well, sounds like it comes from a Kinsella. I wholeheartedly concur with the promoter's comparisons to Menomena and Canon Blue.
Very nice stuff--start with tracks 2, 7, 4 and 1.
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