Add Date: February 3
Artist: Bill Priddle
Album: The Priddle Concern
Label: Sparks Music
Genre: Vaguely Folksy Indie Rock
Comments: Track 6, "Back Around" showcases the folksy side of Bill Priddle's Concern, but other than this, most of the songs on this album aren't stunning. They are, however, listenable, especially if you are fan of the band Dada or other varieties of nineties alt.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Bang Camaro
Add Date: February 3
Artist: Bang Camaro
Album: Bang Camaro II
Label: Black Sword
Genre: Rock, Metal
Comments: A four piece band with up to 20 singers that "embraces the golden age of metal."
Artist: Bang Camaro
Album: Bang Camaro II
Label: Black Sword
Genre: Rock, Metal
Comments: A four piece band with up to 20 singers that "embraces the golden age of metal."
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Bruce Springsteen
Add Date: February 2
Artist: Bruce Springsteen
Album: Working on a Dream
Label: Columbia
Genre: Rock, folk-rock
Comments: Someone with some mild form of amnesia might listen to Working on a Dream and think, Wow! What a great record. Like many purists of the Springsteen canon, I know it's all been downhill since (or including?) Born in the USA in the mid-80s. Everyone has their own opinion about the Boss' later year stuff -- 2002's The Rising, 2005's stripped-down Devils & Dust, 2006's set of Pete Seeger covers on We Shall Overcome, and 2007's Magic -- but this one at least holds up as a solid album, still nothing compared to poetic innocence of "Incident on 57th Street" or "Jungleland" from his early work.
The Boss provides us with 13 quality tunes and one bonus track, his highly touted Oscar-worthy (hmm) ballad "The Wrestler" from the recent film starring Mickey Rourke. Tossed on as an afterthought, the song sounds a little contrived to me, but perhaps it belongs with the film. As for the actual album, the first track, "Outlaw Pete," is a dark 8-minute fairy tale that starts the record off on a nice foot, far from the traditional 3-minute radio-friendly efforts of Magic. The title track is a gloriously catchy pop song, but one that I love especially as the whistles kick in halfway through. Working on a Dream is a fine collection of songs and a solid effort from the E Street Band despite the absence of the late organist Danny Federici. But it's no return to form for the Boss. Plain and simple.
Artist: Bruce Springsteen
Album: Working on a Dream
Label: Columbia
Genre: Rock, folk-rock
Comments: Someone with some mild form of amnesia might listen to Working on a Dream and think, Wow! What a great record. Like many purists of the Springsteen canon, I know it's all been downhill since (or including?) Born in the USA in the mid-80s. Everyone has their own opinion about the Boss' later year stuff -- 2002's The Rising, 2005's stripped-down Devils & Dust, 2006's set of Pete Seeger covers on We Shall Overcome, and 2007's Magic -- but this one at least holds up as a solid album, still nothing compared to poetic innocence of "Incident on 57th Street" or "Jungleland" from his early work.
The Boss provides us with 13 quality tunes and one bonus track, his highly touted Oscar-worthy (hmm) ballad "The Wrestler" from the recent film starring Mickey Rourke. Tossed on as an afterthought, the song sounds a little contrived to me, but perhaps it belongs with the film. As for the actual album, the first track, "Outlaw Pete," is a dark 8-minute fairy tale that starts the record off on a nice foot, far from the traditional 3-minute radio-friendly efforts of Magic. The title track is a gloriously catchy pop song, but one that I love especially as the whistles kick in halfway through. Working on a Dream is a fine collection of songs and a solid effort from the E Street Band despite the absence of the late organist Danny Federici. But it's no return to form for the Boss. Plain and simple.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Anya Marina
Add Date: January 27
Artist: Anya Marina
Album: Slow & Steady Seduction: Phase II
Label: Chop Shop/Atlantic
Genre: Pop rock, singer/songwriter
Comments: A promising, if at times inconsistent, collection of folksy pop songs from San Diego's Anya Marina. The high points are very high, in particular "Drop Dead Blues"--co-written by Spoon frontman Britt Daniel, and one of two songs he produced on the record--and "Waters of March (Aguas de Marco)." I also liked "High on the Ceiling" (the other Daniel production) and "Vertigo." Though there were several other tracks I really wanted to skip through, there's enough here to make this record worth checking out.
Artist: Anya Marina
Album: Slow & Steady Seduction: Phase II
Label: Chop Shop/Atlantic
Genre: Pop rock, singer/songwriter
Comments: A promising, if at times inconsistent, collection of folksy pop songs from San Diego's Anya Marina. The high points are very high, in particular "Drop Dead Blues"--co-written by Spoon frontman Britt Daniel, and one of two songs he produced on the record--and "Waters of March (Aguas de Marco)." I also liked "High on the Ceiling" (the other Daniel production) and "Vertigo." Though there were several other tracks I really wanted to skip through, there's enough here to make this record worth checking out.
Best New Music: Week of January 27
Best New Music: Week of January 27
Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele
Cut Off Your Hands
Cotton Jones
Nous Non Plus
Late of the Pier
Also check out: Golden Boots, Pavement, Anya Marina
Putamayo Presents
Add Date: January 27
Artist: Putamayo Presents...
Album: African Reggae
Label: Putamayo
Genre: Reggae
Comments: Another fine collection of tunes from Putamayo, this time a collection of African Reggae tunes in homage to Bob Marley, whose 64th birthday is coming up next month. If you're a fan of Bob, you'll most certainly find something to enjoy on here. Most of this stuff is culled from the "golden age of reggae," the 1960s and 1970s. Give tracks 2 and 4 a spin.
Artist: Putamayo Presents...
Album: African Reggae
Label: Putamayo
Genre: Reggae
Comments: Another fine collection of tunes from Putamayo, this time a collection of African Reggae tunes in homage to Bob Marley, whose 64th birthday is coming up next month. If you're a fan of Bob, you'll most certainly find something to enjoy on here. Most of this stuff is culled from the "golden age of reggae," the 1960s and 1970s. Give tracks 2 and 4 a spin.
Have Gun, Will Travel
Add Date: January 27
Artist: Have gun, Will Travel
Album: Casting Shadows Tall As Giants
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk rock
Comments: Not half bad folk-rocky-punky stuff from these "Tampa Bay upstarts." They know how to carry a tune and spin a yarn. While "When We Were Kings" might sound like a pop-punk radio-friendly hit, it soars above the rest by taking unexpected turns with chords and melody, weaving in some excellent violin but not in a gimmicky sort of way. The group has evolved from the solo acoustic music of singer-songwriter Matt Burke and rather than being thrown together, they truly support Burke. Well done, boys.
Artist: Have gun, Will Travel
Album: Casting Shadows Tall As Giants
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk rock
Comments: Not half bad folk-rocky-punky stuff from these "Tampa Bay upstarts." They know how to carry a tune and spin a yarn. While "When We Were Kings" might sound like a pop-punk radio-friendly hit, it soars above the rest by taking unexpected turns with chords and melody, weaving in some excellent violin but not in a gimmicky sort of way. The group has evolved from the solo acoustic music of singer-songwriter Matt Burke and rather than being thrown together, they truly support Burke. Well done, boys.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Hemmit
Add Date: January 27
Artist: Hemmit
Album: RocketRide
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: I'm not quite sure whether or not I should take Hemmit seriously. They play 80's rock (without the screeching vocals, luckily), and they do it well. At the same time, it's 80's stadium rock, so they can't be serious, right? If you are feeling nostalgic, it doesn't matter what there intentions are, it does the job.
Artist: Hemmit
Album: RocketRide
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: I'm not quite sure whether or not I should take Hemmit seriously. They play 80's rock (without the screeching vocals, luckily), and they do it well. At the same time, it's 80's stadium rock, so they can't be serious, right? If you are feeling nostalgic, it doesn't matter what there intentions are, it does the job.
Cut Off Your Hands
Add Date: January 27
Artist: Cut Off Your Hands
Album: You and I
Label: Frenchkiss
Genre: Pop/Rock
Comments: I have to give this New Zealand band credit: they sure know how to make pop music. The guitar is quick and simple, the bass dances between the guitar and the drums, and the drums are simple, but not easy, to make the music a joy to follow along. Lead vocalist Nick Johnson sings just heartfelt enough to give the songs an 80's feel, and the rest of the band insert's their "wooooo's" and "ahhhh's" in the background to give it a 60's feel. Trust me, at least one of the songs on this album will have you drumming inanimate objects in the studio.
Artist: Cut Off Your Hands
Album: You and I
Label: Frenchkiss
Genre: Pop/Rock
Comments: I have to give this New Zealand band credit: they sure know how to make pop music. The guitar is quick and simple, the bass dances between the guitar and the drums, and the drums are simple, but not easy, to make the music a joy to follow along. Lead vocalist Nick Johnson sings just heartfelt enough to give the songs an 80's feel, and the rest of the band insert's their "wooooo's" and "ahhhh's" in the background to give it a 60's feel. Trust me, at least one of the songs on this album will have you drumming inanimate objects in the studio.
Sweet Water
Add Date: January 27
Artist: Sweet Water
Album: Clear the Tarmac
Label: Golden City Records
Genre: Rock
Comments: I was surprised to find out that Sweet Water actually released their first album in 1992, and that they are from Seattle. When I think early 90's and Seattle, I think grunge, but the album Clear the Tarmac is not grunge, it is much too happy sounding to be grunge. None of the songs stand out as amazing, but all of them are good enough (and clean enough) to put on the radio.
Artist: Sweet Water
Album: Clear the Tarmac
Label: Golden City Records
Genre: Rock
Comments: I was surprised to find out that Sweet Water actually released their first album in 1992, and that they are from Seattle. When I think early 90's and Seattle, I think grunge, but the album Clear the Tarmac is not grunge, it is much too happy sounding to be grunge. None of the songs stand out as amazing, but all of them are good enough (and clean enough) to put on the radio.
Late of the Pier
Add Date: January 27
Artist: Late of the Pier
Album: Fantasy Black Channel
Label: Parlophone
Genre: Alternative Rock, Rave Rock
Comments: The obvious point of reference for this album is Klaxons; a mix of rave music with post-punk all coming out to a slightly-insane sounding dance song. Just like Klaxons, the songs on English band's debut are a bit hit and miss. I guess I should mention that NME called this album "ludicrousness par excellence," which I guess is a good thing.
Artist: Late of the Pier
Album: Fantasy Black Channel
Label: Parlophone
Genre: Alternative Rock, Rave Rock
Comments: The obvious point of reference for this album is Klaxons; a mix of rave music with post-punk all coming out to a slightly-insane sounding dance song. Just like Klaxons, the songs on English band's debut are a bit hit and miss. I guess I should mention that NME called this album "ludicrousness par excellence," which I guess is a good thing.
Golden Boots
Add Date: January 27
Artist: Golden Boots
Album: Winter of Our Discotheque
Label: Park the Van
Genre: Alt-Country/Other
Comments: Part psychedelic, part alt-country, and featuring an awesome title, Golden Boots’ newest record Winter of Our Discotheque features enough distortion and an equal amount of catchy hooks to draw a new listener in almost immediately. Sometimes the twang is a bit much, but most of the songs are creative---piano mixing with guitar mixing with distortion—and the old-school tendencies stop the record from getting stuck in standard indie-fare territory. Start with tracks 2, 3, and 6.
Artist: Golden Boots
Album: Winter of Our Discotheque
Label: Park the Van
Genre: Alt-Country/Other
Comments: Part psychedelic, part alt-country, and featuring an awesome title, Golden Boots’ newest record Winter of Our Discotheque features enough distortion and an equal amount of catchy hooks to draw a new listener in almost immediately. Sometimes the twang is a bit much, but most of the songs are creative---piano mixing with guitar mixing with distortion—and the old-school tendencies stop the record from getting stuck in standard indie-fare territory. Start with tracks 2, 3, and 6.
P.O.S
Add Date: January 27
Artist: P.O.S
Album: Never Better
Label: Rhymesayers
Genre: Hip-Hop
Comments: P.O.S releases an intense, perpetually-moving record with Never Better, the follow-up to “Audition”, released in '06. Hip-hop in delivery yet featuring heavy drums and feedback, the album is an impressive genre-bending experience. As a teenager, P.O.S “fell hard for punk rock: Minor Threat, At the Drive-In, Refused”—and these musical influences are palpable. The most “traditionally” hip-hop track is the supposed first single “Goodbye”, which is excellent, but other gems lie in the songs that blend P.O.S’ musical influences and interests, like “Graves (We Wrote the Book)”, featuring angry vocals and heavy yet well-utilized drums. Impressive in delivery and musicianship, Never Better is an intriguing, interesting release.
Artist: P.O.S
Album: Never Better
Label: Rhymesayers
Genre: Hip-Hop
Comments: P.O.S releases an intense, perpetually-moving record with Never Better, the follow-up to “Audition”, released in '06. Hip-hop in delivery yet featuring heavy drums and feedback, the album is an impressive genre-bending experience. As a teenager, P.O.S “fell hard for punk rock: Minor Threat, At the Drive-In, Refused”—and these musical influences are palpable. The most “traditionally” hip-hop track is the supposed first single “Goodbye”, which is excellent, but other gems lie in the songs that blend P.O.S’ musical influences and interests, like “Graves (We Wrote the Book)”, featuring angry vocals and heavy yet well-utilized drums. Impressive in delivery and musicianship, Never Better is an intriguing, interesting release.
Cotton Jones
Add Date: January 27
Artist: Cotton Jones
Album: Paranoid Cocoon
Label: Suicide Squeeze
Genre: Folk/Alternative
Comments: Reverb and restrained psychedelic influences blend into a hazy, wandering experience on Cotton Jones’ newest album Paranoid Cocoon. For once, an album has a title that accurately expresses the content -- Paranoid Cocoon is a record that keeps you relaxed and wrapped up in swimming vocals and textured instrumentation, but it never bores you or lets you ignore it. Under the Radar describes the album as “a relaxed and confident debut packed with enough reverb, organs, and dreamy sensuality to keep you warm on any windy winter evening”. Start with tracks 1, 2, and 8
Artist: Cotton Jones
Album: Paranoid Cocoon
Label: Suicide Squeeze
Genre: Folk/Alternative
Comments: Reverb and restrained psychedelic influences blend into a hazy, wandering experience on Cotton Jones’ newest album Paranoid Cocoon. For once, an album has a title that accurately expresses the content -- Paranoid Cocoon is a record that keeps you relaxed and wrapped up in swimming vocals and textured instrumentation, but it never bores you or lets you ignore it. Under the Radar describes the album as “a relaxed and confident debut packed with enough reverb, organs, and dreamy sensuality to keep you warm on any windy winter evening”. Start with tracks 1, 2, and 8
Fake Problems
Add Date: January 27
Artist: Fake Problems
Album: It's Great to Be Alive
Label: SideOneDummy
Genre: Rock
Comments: Fake Problems is an ironically accurate name for a band that seems to be incredibly, aggressively angsty about just about anything. Their newest album It’s Great to Be Alive is perfect for somewhat angry 16 year olds, featuring standard half-yelling vocals that blind the actually decent, potentially interesting instrumentation. Fake Problems advertised having toured with Against Me!, and seem to emulate Against Me!’s style, forgetting that Against Me! did the half-yelling vocals way better, made it work out of sheer awesomeness, and started to go downhill after 2003’s As the Eternal Cowboy anyway. The song “Level with the Devil” has a line that goes, “I hate repeating myself, release after release”. Note to Fake Problems: follow your own advice, and on the next record, pretend faux-intense vocals were never cool.
Artist: Fake Problems
Album: It's Great to Be Alive
Label: SideOneDummy
Genre: Rock
Comments: Fake Problems is an ironically accurate name for a band that seems to be incredibly, aggressively angsty about just about anything. Their newest album It’s Great to Be Alive is perfect for somewhat angry 16 year olds, featuring standard half-yelling vocals that blind the actually decent, potentially interesting instrumentation. Fake Problems advertised having toured with Against Me!, and seem to emulate Against Me!’s style, forgetting that Against Me! did the half-yelling vocals way better, made it work out of sheer awesomeness, and started to go downhill after 2003’s As the Eternal Cowboy anyway. The song “Level with the Devil” has a line that goes, “I hate repeating myself, release after release”. Note to Fake Problems: follow your own advice, and on the next record, pretend faux-intense vocals were never cool.
Pavement
Add Date: January 27
Artist: Pavement
Album: Brighten the Corners: Nicene Creedence Edition
Label: Matador
Genre: Rock
Comments: It’s Pavement. Honestly, is a review even necessary?! BTC—substantial, seminal, sublime, a phenomenal and classic album—is reissued in a double-disc edition, featuring b-sides, bonus tracks, compilation tracks, etc. You can’t particularly go wrong with any of the BTC tracks (or the additional 8 tracks on the first disc), and out of all the extra goodies on the second disc, I’m partial to the sessions songs like “Harness your Hopes”, from a BBC Evening Session in ’97. Start with anything (seriously).
Artist: Pavement
Album: Brighten the Corners: Nicene Creedence Edition
Label: Matador
Genre: Rock
Comments: It’s Pavement. Honestly, is a review even necessary?! BTC—substantial, seminal, sublime, a phenomenal and classic album—is reissued in a double-disc edition, featuring b-sides, bonus tracks, compilation tracks, etc. You can’t particularly go wrong with any of the BTC tracks (or the additional 8 tracks on the first disc), and out of all the extra goodies on the second disc, I’m partial to the sessions songs like “Harness your Hopes”, from a BBC Evening Session in ’97. Start with anything (seriously).
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Lonely Boy
Add Date: January 27
Artist: Lonely Boy
Album: Lonely Boy and Other Tragedies
Label: Series II Records
Genre: Indie pop
Comments: Lonely boys Eivind Kirkeby and Antony Harding have created a lovely bunch of sweet and quiet songs about love, just as any self-respecting Scandinavian Indiepopper would do. Although their lyrics may declare “I’m so tired about songs about girls and love,” they do a phenomenal job singing about just that.
Artist: Lonely Boy
Album: Lonely Boy and Other Tragedies
Label: Series II Records
Genre: Indie pop
Comments: Lonely boys Eivind Kirkeby and Antony Harding have created a lovely bunch of sweet and quiet songs about love, just as any self-respecting Scandinavian Indiepopper would do. Although their lyrics may declare “I’m so tired about songs about girls and love,” they do a phenomenal job singing about just that.
Klas
Add Date: January 27
Artist: Klas
Album: To Sleep and Love
Label: Series II Records
Genre: Indiepop
Comments: The vocals on Klas’s release To Sleep and Love has that warped Swedish inflection that is probably only valued in the pop world. That said, songs like “Birds” would be welcomed by anyone who appreciates pure pop music or pretty folk. A tiny 2 minute package of winter weather and warm coats suggests that its simple “this winter sure has been tough” is quite an understatement. Such is the rest of the album: Klas is able to say only a little in their clean lyrics while pointing at love and loss. Nightswimmer is the outlier on the cd, featuring distorted vocals and replacing the acoustic guitar with jarring synths, but somehow this works for Klas too. Baby Blue is a lovely take on a ooh-la-la-la 60’s song. Each song is short and almost silly in their sincerity.
Artist: Klas
Album: To Sleep and Love
Label: Series II Records
Genre: Indiepop
Comments: The vocals on Klas’s release To Sleep and Love has that warped Swedish inflection that is probably only valued in the pop world. That said, songs like “Birds” would be welcomed by anyone who appreciates pure pop music or pretty folk. A tiny 2 minute package of winter weather and warm coats suggests that its simple “this winter sure has been tough” is quite an understatement. Such is the rest of the album: Klas is able to say only a little in their clean lyrics while pointing at love and loss. Nightswimmer is the outlier on the cd, featuring distorted vocals and replacing the acoustic guitar with jarring synths, but somehow this works for Klas too. Baby Blue is a lovely take on a ooh-la-la-la 60’s song. Each song is short and almost silly in their sincerity.
Anthony Rochester
Add Date: January 27
Artist: Anthony Rochester
Album: Music for in the Spaceship
Label: Series II Records
Genre: Indiepop
Comments: The music of Anthony Rochester is spacey pop ranging from soft almost-disco on “Zoologist’s Star” to Latinesque “Did You Lose Weight?” Music for in the Spaceship does in fact sound a little like outer space, but the earnest, real-world words ground the flightly melodies: “I put my trousers on / and then give you a call / I love you baby” (from I Love You Baby). Longwinded titles in the style of Panic! at the Disco (but not half as pretentious, of course) add a pop of humor to a seriously good album. Songs about Australian aliens (on "Interplanetary Relationships can be Problematic at the Best of Times") aren’t just funny, they’re also very good. The sound is groovy, but doesn’t seem dated, and sounds a little like Labrador Record’s Airliner. I would certainly enjoy listening to the album again, especially if I were on a spaceship.
Artist: Anthony Rochester
Album: Music for in the Spaceship
Label: Series II Records
Genre: Indiepop
Comments: The music of Anthony Rochester is spacey pop ranging from soft almost-disco on “Zoologist’s Star” to Latinesque “Did You Lose Weight?” Music for in the Spaceship does in fact sound a little like outer space, but the earnest, real-world words ground the flightly melodies: “I put my trousers on / and then give you a call / I love you baby” (from I Love You Baby). Longwinded titles in the style of Panic! at the Disco (but not half as pretentious, of course) add a pop of humor to a seriously good album. Songs about Australian aliens (on "Interplanetary Relationships can be Problematic at the Best of Times") aren’t just funny, they’re also very good. The sound is groovy, but doesn’t seem dated, and sounds a little like Labrador Record’s Airliner. I would certainly enjoy listening to the album again, especially if I were on a spaceship.
Peace In Our Time
Add Date: January 27
Artist: Peace In Our Time
Album: A Glimpse of Happiness
Label: Series II Records
Genre: Indie pop
Comments: Peace in Our Time is the one man band of Johan Regner of Sweden. The sweet acoustic pop on A Glimpse of Happiness is sparse and atmospheric, but perfectly accompanies Johan’s soft voice and quiet Swedish accent. The drum machine keeps perfect time and suggests a sort of lo-fi electro-pop sensibility hiding behind a delicate acoustic façade. The dreamy melody coupled with the sharp drum beats are reminiscent of the Radio Department, stripped down without the fuzz, or more vaguely like a prettier Postal Service. The lyrics are clever and fey, as we have come to expect from Swedish pop bands: “I don’t want your body / I just want to have the time of my life / with some nice and decent thoughts on my mind” in the upbeat and melancholic “Some Nice and Decent Thoughts,” a stand-out track. These 15 short tracks, all but one under 3 minutes, sound like cloudy days and long walks.
Artist: Peace In Our Time
Album: A Glimpse of Happiness
Label: Series II Records
Genre: Indie pop
Comments: Peace in Our Time is the one man band of Johan Regner of Sweden. The sweet acoustic pop on A Glimpse of Happiness is sparse and atmospheric, but perfectly accompanies Johan’s soft voice and quiet Swedish accent. The drum machine keeps perfect time and suggests a sort of lo-fi electro-pop sensibility hiding behind a delicate acoustic façade. The dreamy melody coupled with the sharp drum beats are reminiscent of the Radio Department, stripped down without the fuzz, or more vaguely like a prettier Postal Service. The lyrics are clever and fey, as we have come to expect from Swedish pop bands: “I don’t want your body / I just want to have the time of my life / with some nice and decent thoughts on my mind” in the upbeat and melancholic “Some Nice and Decent Thoughts,” a stand-out track. These 15 short tracks, all but one under 3 minutes, sound like cloudy days and long walks.
The Thoughts
Add Date: January 27
Artist: The Thoughts
Album: Consider the Bear
Label: Brass Tax Cooperative
Genre: Folk Pop
Comments: The Thoughts' unusual violin/guitar/drums lineup does them well on Consider the Bear and bears strong resemblance to Andrew Bird, especially with the tender lyrics and warbly vocals. The Thoughts could also be compared to a pared-down, less lush Iron & Wine, or Sea Wolf.
Artist: The Thoughts
Album: Consider the Bear
Label: Brass Tax Cooperative
Genre: Folk Pop
Comments: The Thoughts' unusual violin/guitar/drums lineup does them well on Consider the Bear and bears strong resemblance to Andrew Bird, especially with the tender lyrics and warbly vocals. The Thoughts could also be compared to a pared-down, less lush Iron & Wine, or Sea Wolf.
Nous Non Plus
Add Date: January 27
Artist: Nous Non Plus
Album: Menagerie
Label: Aeronaut Records
Genre: Pop Rock
Comments: Contrary to the name, these guys are not at all French, but American-- however, they do sing in French (alternatively in English with a French accent). The sound varies widely from song to song, from euro-disco to orchestral pop to a Unicorns cover. They wear all these musical hats well, but the sometimes ridiculous French affectation seems to be the only binding force of this album.
Artist: Nous Non Plus
Album: Menagerie
Label: Aeronaut Records
Genre: Pop Rock
Comments: Contrary to the name, these guys are not at all French, but American-- however, they do sing in French (alternatively in English with a French accent). The sound varies widely from song to song, from euro-disco to orchestral pop to a Unicorns cover. They wear all these musical hats well, but the sometimes ridiculous French affectation seems to be the only binding force of this album.
Vulture Whale
Add Date: January 27
Artist: Vulture Whale
Album: Vulture Whale
Label: Skybucket Records
Genre: Rock
Comments: At best, Vulture Whale sounds like a raw, edgier version of the Hold Steady--with lyrics namedropping Alabama landmarks in "Tote it to Cleveland, AL" or rambling about drunkenness and rock 'n' roll in "What Do." This four-piece makes straight-up rock, which in all of its out-of-tune, cymbal-crashing glory, would probably be better when listened to while intoxicated.
Artist: Vulture Whale
Album: Vulture Whale
Label: Skybucket Records
Genre: Rock
Comments: At best, Vulture Whale sounds like a raw, edgier version of the Hold Steady--with lyrics namedropping Alabama landmarks in "Tote it to Cleveland, AL" or rambling about drunkenness and rock 'n' roll in "What Do." This four-piece makes straight-up rock, which in all of its out-of-tune, cymbal-crashing glory, would probably be better when listened to while intoxicated.
Friday, January 23, 2009
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Add Date: January 20
Artist: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Album: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Label: Slumberland
Genre: Rock, shoegaze pop
Comments: Don't let the emo-sounding name fool you: the Pains of Being Pure at Heart make very enjoyable, nearly angst-free pop music. The shoegazey sound of this New York band's debut on Slumberland (Crystal Stilts, caUSE co-MOTION) will appeal to fans of early My Bloody Valentine, Painful-era Yo La Tengo and the more upbeat side of the Raveonettes. Check out "Come Saturday," "Contender" and "Everything With You."
Artist: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Album: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Label: Slumberland
Genre: Rock, shoegaze pop
Comments: Don't let the emo-sounding name fool you: the Pains of Being Pure at Heart make very enjoyable, nearly angst-free pop music. The shoegazey sound of this New York band's debut on Slumberland (Crystal Stilts, caUSE co-MOTION) will appeal to fans of early My Bloody Valentine, Painful-era Yo La Tengo and the more upbeat side of the Raveonettes. Check out "Come Saturday," "Contender" and "Everything With You."
Andrew Bird
Add Date: January 20
Artist: Andrew Bird
Album: Noble Beast
Label: Fat Possum
Genre: Rock, folk pop
Comments: Another excellent effort from songwriter/violinist/guitarist/whistler extraordinaire Andrew Bird. On this follow-up to 2007's deservedly-lauded Armchair Apocrypha, Bird continues to write excellent pop songs, strung together by introspective lyrics, violin, a host of other instruments, and his seemingly unparalleled ability to whistle a tune. Though Noble Beast didn't match up to Armchair Apocrypha on the first couple of spins, other reviewers who have spent more time with the record admit that it takes a few listens to grow on you. I'll take their word for it, as I did enjoy it more the second time through. In the meantime, we can all appreciate the excellent songs contained therein; my favorites were "Fitz and the Dizzyspells" and "Oh No."
Also, Andrew Bird and Loney Dear are playing at the National in Richmond on Monday, February 2. More information can be found at the venue's web site.
Artist: Andrew Bird
Album: Noble Beast
Label: Fat Possum
Genre: Rock, folk pop
Comments: Another excellent effort from songwriter/violinist/guitarist/whistler extraordinaire Andrew Bird. On this follow-up to 2007's deservedly-lauded Armchair Apocrypha, Bird continues to write excellent pop songs, strung together by introspective lyrics, violin, a host of other instruments, and his seemingly unparalleled ability to whistle a tune. Though Noble Beast didn't match up to Armchair Apocrypha on the first couple of spins, other reviewers who have spent more time with the record admit that it takes a few listens to grow on you. I'll take their word for it, as I did enjoy it more the second time through. In the meantime, we can all appreciate the excellent songs contained therein; my favorites were "Fitz and the Dizzyspells" and "Oh No."
Also, Andrew Bird and Loney Dear are playing at the National in Richmond on Monday, February 2. More information can be found at the venue's web site.
Animal Collective
Add Date: January 20
Artist: Animal Collective
Album: Merriweather Post Pavilion
Label: Domino
Genre: Experimental, noise, pop
Comments: I could write hundreds, if not thousands, of words about the brilliance of this album--about how it ensnares you from the opening melody of "In the Flowers" and doesn't let go until the powerful denouement of "Brother Sport;" how "My Girls" is the best pop song in a string of great ones from this band (see "Fireworks" and "Peacebone" from Strawberry Jam, as well as the title track from 2008's Water Curses EP); how "Guys Eyes," "Taste" and "Lion in a Coma" prevent this album from tailing off in the slightest; how, while time will tell if this is the best record of 2009, it's certainly set an almost impossibly high standard for the music year--but for the sake of format, I'll limit myself to this one paragraph of effusion. An absolutely stunning record from one of the few bands out there that is doing something truly unique.
Artist: Animal Collective
Album: Merriweather Post Pavilion
Label: Domino
Genre: Experimental, noise, pop
Comments: I could write hundreds, if not thousands, of words about the brilliance of this album--about how it ensnares you from the opening melody of "In the Flowers" and doesn't let go until the powerful denouement of "Brother Sport;" how "My Girls" is the best pop song in a string of great ones from this band (see "Fireworks" and "Peacebone" from Strawberry Jam, as well as the title track from 2008's Water Curses EP); how "Guys Eyes," "Taste" and "Lion in a Coma" prevent this album from tailing off in the slightest; how, while time will tell if this is the best record of 2009, it's certainly set an almost impossibly high standard for the music year--but for the sake of format, I'll limit myself to this one paragraph of effusion. An absolutely stunning record from one of the few bands out there that is doing something truly unique.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Dragon Fli Empire
Add Date: January 27
Artist: Dragon Fli Empire
Album: Redefine
Label: Makebelieve
Genre: Hip-hop
Comments: The first track on Redefine lays old-school rhymes over horns, record spins, and what sounds like morse code. I'm not complaining. Crisp and clever album from these two Canadian boys, DJ Cosm and Teekay. The Rhodes line on "Just That Nice" is absolutely heavenly and these two know a whole heck of a lot about arrangement. Enough masterful hip-hop to make Will Smith stop making films and start rapping once again. Parents just don't understand.
Artist: Dragon Fli Empire
Album: Redefine
Label: Makebelieve
Genre: Hip-hop
Comments: The first track on Redefine lays old-school rhymes over horns, record spins, and what sounds like morse code. I'm not complaining. Crisp and clever album from these two Canadian boys, DJ Cosm and Teekay. The Rhodes line on "Just That Nice" is absolutely heavenly and these two know a whole heck of a lot about arrangement. Enough masterful hip-hop to make Will Smith stop making films and start rapping once again. Parents just don't understand.
Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele
Add Date: January 27
Artist: Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele
Album: The Good Feeling Music of...
Label: Paw Tracks
Genre: Retro-pop, tropicalia, barbershop quartet, swing
Comments: I absolutely love Dent's "Welcome." Really makes you feel right at home with its barbershop-style harmonies. "Meet Me In The Garden" follows with a tropical groove complete with his incredible ukulele playin'. Discovered by playlist darling Animal Collective, this one is like a trip back in time to the "themes of simpler teenage troubles -- girls, college, general ooby dooby woes and good times," according to Terrorbird. May croons, pines, falsets (my invented verb for singing in falsetto), and charms the pants off of his listeners. Be careful when you're in the studio. Tracks 2, 4, and 5 are standouts.
RIYL: Jens Lekman, gumdrops
Artist: Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele
Album: The Good Feeling Music of...
Label: Paw Tracks
Genre: Retro-pop, tropicalia, barbershop quartet, swing
Comments: I absolutely love Dent's "Welcome." Really makes you feel right at home with its barbershop-style harmonies. "Meet Me In The Garden" follows with a tropical groove complete with his incredible ukulele playin'. Discovered by playlist darling Animal Collective, this one is like a trip back in time to the "themes of simpler teenage troubles -- girls, college, general ooby dooby woes and good times," according to Terrorbird. May croons, pines, falsets (my invented verb for singing in falsetto), and charms the pants off of his listeners. Be careful when you're in the studio. Tracks 2, 4, and 5 are standouts.
RIYL: Jens Lekman, gumdrops
William Elliott Whitmore
Add Date: January 27
Artist: William Elliott Whitmore
Album: Animals In The Dark
Label: Anti-
Genre: Folk
Comments: Likened all over the place to my boys Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes, I don't really see the connection beyond the penchant for the acoustic guitar. Don't write Whitmore off for his Darius Rucker-style voice: these songs are poignant and glossed up with enough folk-rock charm to charm even my cold heart. Whitmore's voice is bluesy as hell and while it's a little jarring at first, it'll really grow on you. Check out "Johnny law" and "Hell or high water."
Artist: William Elliott Whitmore
Album: Animals In The Dark
Label: Anti-
Genre: Folk
Comments: Likened all over the place to my boys Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes, I don't really see the connection beyond the penchant for the acoustic guitar. Don't write Whitmore off for his Darius Rucker-style voice: these songs are poignant and glossed up with enough folk-rock charm to charm even my cold heart. Whitmore's voice is bluesy as hell and while it's a little jarring at first, it'll really grow on you. Check out "Johnny law" and "Hell or high water."
Dave Eakin & Steve Hoke
Add Date: January 27
Artist: Dave Eakin & Steve Hoke
Album: Dave Eakin & Steve Hoke
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk, bluegrass
Comments: Rockbridge County's own Dave and Steve have grown up with music all their lives and this virtuousy shows full-force on their self-titled LP. This collection of ballads, tunes, and ditties would be right at home on Wednesday mornings at Lex Coffee. Wear "Back Up on the Mountain" and "My Blue Ridge Mountain Home" with pride.
Artist: Dave Eakin & Steve Hoke
Album: Dave Eakin & Steve Hoke
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk, bluegrass
Comments: Rockbridge County's own Dave and Steve have grown up with music all their lives and this virtuousy shows full-force on their self-titled LP. This collection of ballads, tunes, and ditties would be right at home on Wednesday mornings at Lex Coffee. Wear "Back Up on the Mountain" and "My Blue Ridge Mountain Home" with pride.
Mark Olson & Gary Louris
Add Date: January 27
Artist: Mark Olson & Gary Louris
Album: Ready For The Flood
Label: New West
Genre: Folk-rock
Comments: Produced by the Black Crowes' Chris Robinson, this reunion of the two leaders of the Jayhawks is positively drenched in folk-rock America. Olson and Louris have written their share of folk tunes, but haven't collaborated on album since 2003. Their voices are a little shaky and their playing is a little sloppy, but the grooves are tight and any fan of Ryan Adams or Wilco would find solace in any of these 15 songs. Check out "Bicycle," as the two trade harmonies like it's their job. Oh, yeah. It is.
Artist: Mark Olson & Gary Louris
Album: Ready For The Flood
Label: New West
Genre: Folk-rock
Comments: Produced by the Black Crowes' Chris Robinson, this reunion of the two leaders of the Jayhawks is positively drenched in folk-rock America. Olson and Louris have written their share of folk tunes, but haven't collaborated on album since 2003. Their voices are a little shaky and their playing is a little sloppy, but the grooves are tight and any fan of Ryan Adams or Wilco would find solace in any of these 15 songs. Check out "Bicycle," as the two trade harmonies like it's their job. Oh, yeah. It is.
Gemma Hayes
Add Date: January 20
Artist: Gemma Hayes
Album: The Hollow of Morning
Label: Second Motion
Genre: Indie-pop
Comments: The opening arpeggiation sets the stage for an M. Ward-style brooding folk-sterpiece, but Hayes likes to change it up on us. The first track is pure and lovely, whispered and wistful, as understated as it is unabashed. It segues into a spacy pop song with "Out of Our Hands" and flips back and forth between hushed fingerpicked ballads and peppier rockers. Highlight: "Don't Forget," which sounds like it could be a Broken Social Scene tune if it were muddied up in reverb, horn, and static. Hayes grows up on this album and we thank her for it.
Artist: Gemma Hayes
Album: The Hollow of Morning
Label: Second Motion
Genre: Indie-pop
Comments: The opening arpeggiation sets the stage for an M. Ward-style brooding folk-sterpiece, but Hayes likes to change it up on us. The first track is pure and lovely, whispered and wistful, as understated as it is unabashed. It segues into a spacy pop song with "Out of Our Hands" and flips back and forth between hushed fingerpicked ballads and peppier rockers. Highlight: "Don't Forget," which sounds like it could be a Broken Social Scene tune if it were muddied up in reverb, horn, and static. Hayes grows up on this album and we thank her for it.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Lucky Fonz III
Add Date: January 20
Artist: Lucky Fonz III
Album: Life is Short
Label: MyStreetIsMine
Genre: Folk, singer-songwriter
Comments: This Amersterdam-based Dutch singer-songwriter has certainly been listening to the right American music-- old Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan and these days I must image that he'd be into Bright Eyes, Kimya Dawson, Devendra Banhart. Little bits of piano keys twinkle out from the sparse acoustic instrumentation to make for lovely little songs with lyrics like, "your eyes are like Christmas lights in a cave/I don't know a thing, I fall in love everyday." Very nice.
Planetary
Artist: Lucky Fonz III
Album: Life is Short
Label: MyStreetIsMine
Genre: Folk, singer-songwriter
Comments: This Amersterdam-based Dutch singer-songwriter has certainly been listening to the right American music-- old Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan and these days I must image that he'd be into Bright Eyes, Kimya Dawson, Devendra Banhart. Little bits of piano keys twinkle out from the sparse acoustic instrumentation to make for lovely little songs with lyrics like, "your eyes are like Christmas lights in a cave/I don't know a thing, I fall in love everyday." Very nice.
Planetary
Tony Roberts
Add Date: January 20
Artist: Tony Roberts
Album: I Give You the Sky
Label: Self-released
Genre: Pop
Comments: Singer-songwriter pop infused with a little reggae a la Jack Johnson or Ben Harper. More successful at sounding sweet than bluesy-- so I'd go to the quieter "Up Up and Away" or "A Belated Valentine."
Planetary
Artist: Tony Roberts
Album: I Give You the Sky
Label: Self-released
Genre: Pop
Comments: Singer-songwriter pop infused with a little reggae a la Jack Johnson or Ben Harper. More successful at sounding sweet than bluesy-- so I'd go to the quieter "Up Up and Away" or "A Belated Valentine."
Planetary
Shirock
Add Date: January 20
Artist: Shirock
Album: Everything Burns
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments:Big, catchy, melodic rock. According to songwriter Chuck Shirock, "The songs on the album--they're our lives, our relationships, our friendships within the band. They're our pursuit of trying to figure out who we are, who God is, and how it all makes sense." Five of the songs from this album have been featured on MTV's The Hills.
Planetary
Artist: Shirock
Album: Everything Burns
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments:Big, catchy, melodic rock. According to songwriter Chuck Shirock, "The songs on the album--they're our lives, our relationships, our friendships within the band. They're our pursuit of trying to figure out who we are, who God is, and how it all makes sense." Five of the songs from this album have been featured on MTV's The Hills.
Planetary
Sarah Goff
Add Date: January 20
Artist: Sarah Goff
Album: Dirt
Label: Ritter
Genre: Alt-Rock
Comments: Alanis Morrissette influenced Adult/Alt/Rock/Pop from painer/dancer/choreographer/songwriter/actress Sarah Goff.
Artist: Sarah Goff
Album: Dirt
Label: Ritter
Genre: Alt-Rock
Comments: Alanis Morrissette influenced Adult/Alt/Rock/Pop from painer/dancer/choreographer/songwriter/actress Sarah Goff.
The Script
Add Date: January 20
Artist: The Script
Album: The Script [EP]
Label: Epic
Genre: Pop Rock
Comments: Maybe sounds like Dispatch?
AAM
Artist: The Script
Album: The Script [EP]
Label: Epic
Genre: Pop Rock
Comments: Maybe sounds like Dispatch?
AAM
Primal Static
Add Date: January 20
Artist: Primal Static
Album: Rising in the Bud
Label: Self-released
Genre: Blues-Rock
Comments: Despite the genre, don't be expecting this DC-area duo to sound like the Black Keys. Instead, Primal Static seems to bend and play with the genre, adding in some interesting guitar and drum effects. They even have two instrumental songs, the classic rock-y "Overtures," and the not-so-blues-y piano piece "Fraulein."
Artist: Primal Static
Album: Rising in the Bud
Label: Self-released
Genre: Blues-Rock
Comments: Despite the genre, don't be expecting this DC-area duo to sound like the Black Keys. Instead, Primal Static seems to bend and play with the genre, adding in some interesting guitar and drum effects. They even have two instrumental songs, the classic rock-y "Overtures," and the not-so-blues-y piano piece "Fraulein."
Escape Act
Add Date: January 20
Artist: Escape Act
Album: Loosely based on Fiction
Label: Self-released
Genre: British rock
Comments: Instrumentals sound like early British Angular rock, but the vocals are much more emotional than most, and the use of back-up vocals at times lend this Belfast-based band an earlier feel.
Artist: Escape Act
Album: Loosely based on Fiction
Label: Self-released
Genre: British rock
Comments: Instrumentals sound like early British Angular rock, but the vocals are much more emotional than most, and the use of back-up vocals at times lend this Belfast-based band an earlier feel.
Nickel Eye
Add Date: January 20
Artist: Nickel Eye
Album: The Time of the Assassins
Label: Riko
Genre: Indie Rock
Comments: Comprised of The Strokes' bassist Nikolai (get it? Nickel Eye) Fraiture and whoever else he feels like bringing in to guest star on a song, this solo effort was surprisingly good. Nikel Eye covers most of The Strokes' influences, but in a slightly more somber tone, and even branches off into slower British Invasion inspired songs.
Artist: Nickel Eye
Album: The Time of the Assassins
Label: Riko
Genre: Indie Rock
Comments: Comprised of The Strokes' bassist Nikolai (get it? Nickel Eye) Fraiture and whoever else he feels like bringing in to guest star on a song, this solo effort was surprisingly good. Nikel Eye covers most of The Strokes' influences, but in a slightly more somber tone, and even branches off into slower British Invasion inspired songs.
The Rushing
Add Date: January 20
Artist: The Rushing
Album: Summon the Heroes
Label: Fishface
Genre: Rock
Comments: Just your normal, everyday post-grunge. British band, but the lead singer sings with an American accent, which was dissapointing for me.
Artist: The Rushing
Album: Summon the Heroes
Label: Fishface
Genre: Rock
Comments: Just your normal, everyday post-grunge. British band, but the lead singer sings with an American accent, which was dissapointing for me.
Oren Lavie
Add Date: January 20
Artist: Oren Lavie
Album: The Opposite Side of the Sea
Label: Blue Smile Music
Genre: Acoustic
Comments: Tel-Aviv native Oren Lavie has, to put it simply, a beautiful voice that sounds neither modern nor dated; the production on his record The Opposite Side of the Sea does little to place him firmly in any specific genre or time-period. Melodic, featuring violins and piano (in the manner similar to The Divine Comedy), each song is distinct yet linked to the others by Lavie’s pleasant vocals. As UK magazine Uncut says, “The whole is cinematic and mellow, like Nike Drake in a cheerful summer bonnet”. Impressive and unexpected-- start with tracks 1, 2, and 7.
Artist: Oren Lavie
Album: The Opposite Side of the Sea
Label: Blue Smile Music
Genre: Acoustic
Comments: Tel-Aviv native Oren Lavie has, to put it simply, a beautiful voice that sounds neither modern nor dated; the production on his record The Opposite Side of the Sea does little to place him firmly in any specific genre or time-period. Melodic, featuring violins and piano (in the manner similar to The Divine Comedy), each song is distinct yet linked to the others by Lavie’s pleasant vocals. As UK magazine Uncut says, “The whole is cinematic and mellow, like Nike Drake in a cheerful summer bonnet”. Impressive and unexpected-- start with tracks 1, 2, and 7.
A.C. Newman
Add Date: January 20
Artist: A.C. Newman
Album: Get Guilty
Label: Matador Records
Genre: Alternative
Comments: The New Pornographers’ frontman A.C. Newman releases his second solo album Get Guilty this month, which is a large-scale, accessible pop record that still features enough obscure references to keep older fans happy. Well-planned instrumental layering and almost-perpetual catchiness makes the album consistently enjoyable and college-radio friendly. Some standout tracks include “Prophets” (which starts out with an upbeat beach vibe), “Submarines of Stockholm”, and the dedicated-to-the-wife love song “All of My Days and All of My Days Off”, which features a soaring background chorus to great effect.
Artist: A.C. Newman
Album: Get Guilty
Label: Matador Records
Genre: Alternative
Comments: The New Pornographers’ frontman A.C. Newman releases his second solo album Get Guilty this month, which is a large-scale, accessible pop record that still features enough obscure references to keep older fans happy. Well-planned instrumental layering and almost-perpetual catchiness makes the album consistently enjoyable and college-radio friendly. Some standout tracks include “Prophets” (which starts out with an upbeat beach vibe), “Submarines of Stockholm”, and the dedicated-to-the-wife love song “All of My Days and All of My Days Off”, which features a soaring background chorus to great effect.
DNP: 10 // Rec: 4, 5, 12
Now, Now Every Children
Add Date: January 20
Artist: Now, Now Every Children
Album: Cars
Label: Afternoon Records
Genre: Pop/Lo-fi
Comments: Now, Now Every Children is a band in the vein of many other female-fronted, lo-fi musical groups that have become quite prevalent in the “indie-music” scene of late. Sounding like a slightly more juvenile effort by Mates of States, Now, Now Every Children’s record “Cars” is dreamy and pleasant, managing to be enjoyable despite its predictability. The second half has a lot more force (“In My Chest” is guitar and drum-driven) and a nice break from the airy earlier tracks. Try tracks 6 and 7.
Artist: Now, Now Every Children
Album: Cars
Label: Afternoon Records
Genre: Pop/Lo-fi
Comments: Now, Now Every Children is a band in the vein of many other female-fronted, lo-fi musical groups that have become quite prevalent in the “indie-music” scene of late. Sounding like a slightly more juvenile effort by Mates of States, Now, Now Every Children’s record “Cars” is dreamy and pleasant, managing to be enjoyable despite its predictability. The second half has a lot more force (“In My Chest” is guitar and drum-driven) and a nice break from the airy earlier tracks. Try tracks 6 and 7.
Sparks
Add Date: January 20
Artist: Sparks
Album: Exotic Creatures of the Deep
Label: Lil' Beethoven Records
Genre: Other
Comments:Despite being the 21st studio album (21!!!!) from Sparks, “Exotic Creatures of the Deep”, is still as absurdly quirky and catchy as they come—best described by Terrorbird as “pop-opera, rock and high drama…all the aptly titled songs…make you feel like you’re in the midst of a weird collision between an old piano bar and a glass ball spinning disco club”. The first track, if this gives you any indication, is cheery piano plus falsetto vocals plus “good morning” repeated multiple times, sometimes in other languages. Clearly not everyone’s cup of tea, but undeniably interesting—start with 4, 5, and 12.
Artist: Sparks
Album: Exotic Creatures of the Deep
Label: Lil' Beethoven Records
Genre: Other
Comments:Despite being the 21st studio album (21!!!!) from Sparks, “Exotic Creatures of the Deep”, is still as absurdly quirky and catchy as they come—best described by Terrorbird as “pop-opera, rock and high drama…all the aptly titled songs…make you feel like you’re in the midst of a weird collision between an old piano bar and a glass ball spinning disco club”. The first track, if this gives you any indication, is cheery piano plus falsetto vocals plus “good morning” repeated multiple times, sometimes in other languages. Clearly not everyone’s cup of tea, but undeniably interesting—start with 4, 5, and 12.
Lord T & Eloise
Add Date: January 20
Artist: Lord T & Eloise
Album: Chairmen of the Bored
Label: Aristocrunk
Genre: Hip Hop
Comments: Aristocrunk? Is this a joke? I guess so because it was Spin called it "immensely clever...."
Anyway, they successfully combine "the traditional crunk Memphis sound with elements of baroque to create new and unique sound embellished with clever, tongue-in-cheek lyrics." Pretty catchy.
Planetary
Artist: Lord T & Eloise
Album: Chairmen of the Bored
Label: Aristocrunk
Genre: Hip Hop
Comments: Aristocrunk? Is this a joke? I guess so because it was Spin called it "immensely clever...."
Anyway, they successfully combine "the traditional crunk Memphis sound with elements of baroque to create new and unique sound embellished with clever, tongue-in-cheek lyrics." Pretty catchy.
Planetary
Miranda Lee Richards
Add Date: January 20
Artist: Miranda Lee Richards
Album: Light of X
Label: Nettwerk
Genre: Folk
Comments: "Courtney Taylor from the Dandy Warhols calls my genre 'Pixie Fairy Dust Chick Music,'" Miranda Lee Richards laughs, from her home in Los Angeles. "But I think another fitting description for Light of X might be 'Psychedelic Chamber Folk Rock.'...
Light of X is moody and introspective, the kind of music to play while you're getting dressed up at night, sitting by the phone, and waiting for it to ring. The album fairly shimmers with folk, country, psychedelic, and even classical influences. Richards and Parker assembled a top-notch group of players including Eva Gardner (Mars Volta, Tim Burgess) on bass; main drummer Keith Mitchell (Mazzy Star); Ben Peeler (Wallflowers, Shelby Lynne) on pedal steel, and Josh Schwartz (Beachwood Sparks) on guitar. Rick Parker produced, engineered, mixed the record, and played guitar; Richards composed the material including string arrangements, and played acoustic guitar, piano, and organ. "
-MirandaLeeRichards.com
A pretty girl with a pretty voice making pretty music.
AAM
Artist: Miranda Lee Richards
Album: Light of X
Label: Nettwerk
Genre: Folk
Comments: "Courtney Taylor from the Dandy Warhols calls my genre 'Pixie Fairy Dust Chick Music,'" Miranda Lee Richards laughs, from her home in Los Angeles. "But I think another fitting description for Light of X might be 'Psychedelic Chamber Folk Rock.'...
Light of X is moody and introspective, the kind of music to play while you're getting dressed up at night, sitting by the phone, and waiting for it to ring. The album fairly shimmers with folk, country, psychedelic, and even classical influences. Richards and Parker assembled a top-notch group of players including Eva Gardner (Mars Volta, Tim Burgess) on bass; main drummer Keith Mitchell (Mazzy Star); Ben Peeler (Wallflowers, Shelby Lynne) on pedal steel, and Josh Schwartz (Beachwood Sparks) on guitar. Rick Parker produced, engineered, mixed the record, and played guitar; Richards composed the material including string arrangements, and played acoustic guitar, piano, and organ. "
-MirandaLeeRichards.com
A pretty girl with a pretty voice making pretty music.
AAM
Benyaro
Add Date: January 20
Artist: Benyaro
Album: Benyaro
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk-Pop
Comments: "From a truly underground (NYC subway) background, ... folk-pop trio Ben Musser, sister, Meg Chamberlain, and Tucker Yaro, [create] songs with themes of idealism, mountains and stars, and a latent spirituality while keeping to a simple folk-pop format."
Apparently, when the group first started out and couldn't get gigs, their manager told them to play on the subway platform to see what folks liked. Turns out folks liked them-- and it makes sense that crowds would be drawn to the feel-good tunes. Go to "Humble Child" or "Confessions." RIYL: El Capitan
Artist: Benyaro
Album: Benyaro
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk-Pop
Comments: "From a truly underground (NYC subway) background, ... folk-pop trio Ben Musser, sister, Meg Chamberlain, and Tucker Yaro, [create] songs with themes of idealism, mountains and stars, and a latent spirituality while keeping to a simple folk-pop format."
Apparently, when the group first started out and couldn't get gigs, their manager told them to play on the subway platform to see what folks liked. Turns out folks liked them-- and it makes sense that crowds would be drawn to the feel-good tunes. Go to "Humble Child" or "Confessions." RIYL: El Capitan
Antony and the Johnsons
Add Date: January 20
Artist: Antony and the Johnsons
Album: The Crying Light
Label: Secretly Canadian
Genre: Folk, Avant-Classical
Comments: "The Crying Light is the highly anticipated full-length follow-up to I Am a Bird Now. Here, Antony...explores his relationship with the natural world. The intimacy of Johnsons' sound is enveloped by the symphonic arrangements of Antony, Nico, Muhly, Doug Wiselman, and Maxim Moston. The first moments of "Her Eyes Are Underneath the Ground" unveil an animist world in which the leaves are winking and the sun "...dances crystals in my eyes." The joyful ricochets of "Kiss My Name" and the spiraling waltz of "Epilepsy Is Dancing" are to follow. The record's centerpiece, "Another World" traces the singer's despair in the face of a vanishing landscape. ...
Antony and the Johnsons' music bridges the gap between avant-classical music and the blues, ...[and] is a soul-stirring new work with its daring compositions and captivating vocal performances. [They] have created a subtle and timely work that brings a magical and yet changing world to the forefront of our consciousness."
-Team Clermont
This guy's voice is absolutely unique and absolutely captivating. I typed all of the above out because I kept wanting to listen to more. Haunting, artful, close. RIYL: Joanna Newsom (and that's not something to throw around).
Artist: Antony and the Johnsons
Album: The Crying Light
Label: Secretly Canadian
Genre: Folk, Avant-Classical
Comments: "The Crying Light is the highly anticipated full-length follow-up to I Am a Bird Now. Here, Antony...explores his relationship with the natural world. The intimacy of Johnsons' sound is enveloped by the symphonic arrangements of Antony, Nico, Muhly, Doug Wiselman, and Maxim Moston. The first moments of "Her Eyes Are Underneath the Ground" unveil an animist world in which the leaves are winking and the sun "...dances crystals in my eyes." The joyful ricochets of "Kiss My Name" and the spiraling waltz of "Epilepsy Is Dancing" are to follow. The record's centerpiece, "Another World" traces the singer's despair in the face of a vanishing landscape. ...
Antony and the Johnsons' music bridges the gap between avant-classical music and the blues, ...[and] is a soul-stirring new work with its daring compositions and captivating vocal performances. [They] have created a subtle and timely work that brings a magical and yet changing world to the forefront of our consciousness."
-Team Clermont
This guy's voice is absolutely unique and absolutely captivating. I typed all of the above out because I kept wanting to listen to more. Haunting, artful, close. RIYL: Joanna Newsom (and that's not something to throw around).
Michael Barry-Rice
Add Date: January 20
Artist: Michael Barry-Rice
Album: Streams in the Desert
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk
Comments: Instrumental work from local artist has a twangy groove to it. It was recorded right here in Lexington at Sauceland Studios.
Artist: Michael Barry-Rice
Album: Streams in the Desert
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk
Comments: Instrumental work from local artist has a twangy groove to it. It was recorded right here in Lexington at Sauceland Studios.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Loney Dear
Add Date: January 20
Artist: Loney Dear
Album: Dear, John
Label: Polyvinyl
Genre: Pop, Folk-Pop
Comments: "Loney Dear is the disguise of multi-instumentalist and ex-pro cyclist Emil Svangen... Aged eight, he took up the clarinet and quickly developed an interest in combining synthesizer style music with ornate pop. In his early teens, he focused on troubador-style singing and guitar playing, and fronted a jazz piano trio in his late teans. With the birth of Loney Dear in 2003, Emil's songwriting took an almost manic turn, with an emphasis on experimentation and obsessive perfectionism.
Recorded alone in Emil's tiny Stockholm studio apartment and in the comfort of hin parent's house in Jonkoping, Dear John is an album of contrasts. It will cozy up next to you through the bleakest of winters and be your shade in the blistering summer sun. It's an album that has been on Emil's mind since the inception of Loney Dear, and was crafted lovingly and sometimes frustratingly over the past three years. Emil has always aspired to perfection; he has always promised a masterpiece. He sincerely hopes Dear John is that record"
-Team Clermont
Finely-crafted and masterfully instrumented. Andrew Bird throws in a violin passage on the introspective "I Got Lost." "Under a Silent Sea" has a cool techno influence. RIYL: Caribou, Jens Lekman
Artist: Loney Dear
Album: Dear, John
Label: Polyvinyl
Genre: Pop, Folk-Pop
Comments: "Loney Dear is the disguise of multi-instumentalist and ex-pro cyclist Emil Svangen... Aged eight, he took up the clarinet and quickly developed an interest in combining synthesizer style music with ornate pop. In his early teens, he focused on troubador-style singing and guitar playing, and fronted a jazz piano trio in his late teans. With the birth of Loney Dear in 2003, Emil's songwriting took an almost manic turn, with an emphasis on experimentation and obsessive perfectionism.
Recorded alone in Emil's tiny Stockholm studio apartment and in the comfort of hin parent's house in Jonkoping, Dear John is an album of contrasts. It will cozy up next to you through the bleakest of winters and be your shade in the blistering summer sun. It's an album that has been on Emil's mind since the inception of Loney Dear, and was crafted lovingly and sometimes frustratingly over the past three years. Emil has always aspired to perfection; he has always promised a masterpiece. He sincerely hopes Dear John is that record"
-Team Clermont
Finely-crafted and masterfully instrumented. Andrew Bird throws in a violin passage on the introspective "I Got Lost." "Under a Silent Sea" has a cool techno influence. RIYL: Caribou, Jens Lekman
Mod Amish
Add Date: January 20
Artist: Mod Amish
Album: No Use for Sunshine
Label: Self-released
Genre: Pop-Rock
Comments: Formulaic hard-pop with a notable dash of Blink-182 influence. Try the more melodic "September" which recently won Converse's "Get Out of the Garage Contest."
Tinderbox
Artist: Mod Amish
Album: No Use for Sunshine
Label: Self-released
Genre: Pop-Rock
Comments: Formulaic hard-pop with a notable dash of Blink-182 influence. Try the more melodic "September" which recently won Converse's "Get Out of the Garage Contest."
Tinderbox
Matt & Kim
Add Date: January 20
Artist: Matt & Kim
Album: Grand
Label: Fader
Genre: Pop-Rock
Comments: Pratt Classmates Matt & Kim make a "distinctive brand of synth-and-drums dance punk" with a bouncing bass beat and a poppy energy. They'll be touring with Cut Copy starting in March. Go to "Daylight."
Pirate
Artist: Matt & Kim
Album: Grand
Label: Fader
Genre: Pop-Rock
Comments: Pratt Classmates Matt & Kim make a "distinctive brand of synth-and-drums dance punk" with a bouncing bass beat and a poppy energy. They'll be touring with Cut Copy starting in March. Go to "Daylight."
Pirate
The Bad Plus
Add Date: January 20
Artist: The Bad Plus joined by Wendy Lewis
Album: For All I Care
Label: Do the Math
Genre: Alternative Jazz
Comments: Full Disclosure: I don't know anything about jazz. If I did know anything about jazz, I would probably be better at reviewing this record from the American Jazz trio (with a vocalist for this time). What I can say is that their actual jazz pieces (as opposed to their covers of rock songs) sounded better to me, more like songs and less like curiosities. Still, listening to a jazz version of "Barracuda" may never get old.
Artist: The Bad Plus joined by Wendy Lewis
Album: For All I Care
Label: Do the Math
Genre: Alternative Jazz
Comments: Full Disclosure: I don't know anything about jazz. If I did know anything about jazz, I would probably be better at reviewing this record from the American Jazz trio (with a vocalist for this time). What I can say is that their actual jazz pieces (as opposed to their covers of rock songs) sounded better to me, more like songs and less like curiosities. Still, listening to a jazz version of "Barracuda" may never get old.
Kyle Andrews
Add Date: January 20
Artist: Kyle Andrews
Album: Real Blasty
Label: Elephant Lady
Genre: Alternative/Electronic
Comments: When I read the "Recommended if you like" section on the promotional sticker and saw "Beck," I literally scoffed. After the first two songs ("Sushi" and "Naked in New York") I was basking in my predictive glory. They were good songs, just nothing like Beck, much closer to Postal Service or LCD Soundsystem. After listening to the whole album, though, maybe I was wrong, as the last half of the album really jumps between styles and influences, much closer to the Beck-like album I was promised.
Artist: Kyle Andrews
Album: Real Blasty
Label: Elephant Lady
Genre: Alternative/Electronic
Comments: When I read the "Recommended if you like" section on the promotional sticker and saw "Beck," I literally scoffed. After the first two songs ("Sushi" and "Naked in New York") I was basking in my predictive glory. They were good songs, just nothing like Beck, much closer to Postal Service or LCD Soundsystem. After listening to the whole album, though, maybe I was wrong, as the last half of the album really jumps between styles and influences, much closer to the Beck-like album I was promised.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Glasvegas
Add Date: January 13
Artist: Glasvegas
Album: Glasvegas
Label: Columbia
Genre: Brit rock
Comments: There's been a lot of hype surrounding this band from the Scottish capital--much, but not all, of it generated by NME--so it's perhaps unfair to listen to Glasvegas in that context. Because, quite frankly, this isn't the Next Big Thing. But scrape away all the buzz about Glasvegas, and they've made a very promising, and at times very good, debut LP. The band combines elements of Brit pop (good) and Jesus & Mary Chain shoegaze (very good) with the big guitars of arena rock (not so good), for a sound that isn't truly unique, but also doesn't exactly duplicate anybody else. Try "Geraldine" and "Flowers & Football Tops."
Artist: Glasvegas
Album: Glasvegas
Label: Columbia
Genre: Brit rock
Comments: There's been a lot of hype surrounding this band from the Scottish capital--much, but not all, of it generated by NME--so it's perhaps unfair to listen to Glasvegas in that context. Because, quite frankly, this isn't the Next Big Thing. But scrape away all the buzz about Glasvegas, and they've made a very promising, and at times very good, debut LP. The band combines elements of Brit pop (good) and Jesus & Mary Chain shoegaze (very good) with the big guitars of arena rock (not so good), for a sound that isn't truly unique, but also doesn't exactly duplicate anybody else. Try "Geraldine" and "Flowers & Football Tops."
Modern Skirts
Add Date: January 13
Artist: Modern Skirts
Album: All of Us in Our Night
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie pop rock
Comments: Modern Skirts make literate indie rock in the vein of the Shins or Clem Snide. The self-released All of Us in Our Night from this Athens, Ga., band definitely has its high points--the first four tracks are terrific, though track 2 ("Soft Pedals") is unplayable on the air--and also finishes strong. Check out "Motorcade," produced by Mike Mills of another Athens band called R.E.M., as well as "Radio Breaks" and "Chokehold."
Artist: Modern Skirts
Album: All of Us in Our Night
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie pop rock
Comments: Modern Skirts make literate indie rock in the vein of the Shins or Clem Snide. The self-released All of Us in Our Night from this Athens, Ga., band definitely has its high points--the first four tracks are terrific, though track 2 ("Soft Pedals") is unplayable on the air--and also finishes strong. Check out "Motorcade," produced by Mike Mills of another Athens band called R.E.M., as well as "Radio Breaks" and "Chokehold."
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Novalima
Add Date: January 13
Artist: Novalima
Album: Coba Coba
Label: Cumbancha
Genre: International
Comments: "Novalima's pioneering blend of soulful Afro-Peruvian rhythms and melodies with the cutting-edge gooves of dub reggae, chilled-out electronica and funky Latin beats creates an irresitable mash-up of old-school traditions and modern trends. Fans of the Gotan Projects, Ojos de Brujo and Thievery Corporation will love Novalima's stunning new album."
-Cumbancha
Artist: Novalima
Album: Coba Coba
Label: Cumbancha
Genre: International
Comments: "Novalima's pioneering blend of soulful Afro-Peruvian rhythms and melodies with the cutting-edge gooves of dub reggae, chilled-out electronica and funky Latin beats creates an irresitable mash-up of old-school traditions and modern trends. Fans of the Gotan Projects, Ojos de Brujo and Thievery Corporation will love Novalima's stunning new album."
-Cumbancha
Douglas
Add Date: January 13
Artist: Douglas
Album: Yankee Bluegras
Label: Fifth of November
Genre: Rock, Folk
Comments: Jangly music with cute vocals.
Planetary
Artist: Douglas
Album: Yankee Bluegras
Label: Fifth of November
Genre: Rock, Folk
Comments: Jangly music with cute vocals.
Planetary
Roger O'Donnell
Add Date: January 13
Artist: Roger O'Donnell
Album: Songs From the Silver Box
Label: Great Society
Genre: Electronic (but quiet)
Comments: "Having spent the majority of his career as keyboard player for The Cure... Roger O'Donnell creates a very different kind of electronic music, a kind that is emotional and organic, not clinical and aloof." -SPECTRE
Decidedly intimate. Go to the title track.
Artist: Roger O'Donnell
Album: Songs From the Silver Box
Label: Great Society
Genre: Electronic (but quiet)
Comments: "Having spent the majority of his career as keyboard player for The Cure... Roger O'Donnell creates a very different kind of electronic music, a kind that is emotional and organic, not clinical and aloof." -SPECTRE
Decidedly intimate. Go to the title track.
Justice
Add Date: January 13
Artist: Justice
Album: Across the Universe
Label: Atlantic
Genre: Dance
Comments: French duo release a DVD of their American tour documentary. Personally I am always happen to the jump-up-and-down beat of "We Are Your Friends." "D.A.N.C.E. Pt 2" is sweet too.
The Syndicate
Artist: Justice
Album: Across the Universe
Label: Atlantic
Genre: Dance
Comments: French duo release a DVD of their American tour documentary. Personally I am always happen to the jump-up-and-down beat of "We Are Your Friends." "D.A.N.C.E. Pt 2" is sweet too.
The Syndicate
The BPA
Add Date: January 13
Artist: The BPA
Album: We're Gonna Need a Bigger Boat
Label: Southern Fried Records
Genre: Pop
Comments: According to Wikipedia:
The BPA or "The Brighton Port Authority" is an alias for musician Norman Cook who is better known as Fatboy Slim.[1] The act debuted in 2008 with a collaboration with David Byrne and Dizzee Rascal titled "Toe Jam", along with a video featuring nude dancers with censor bars on them, making pictures and words with them. Original Soundtrack of Heroes also includes BPA's track "He's Frank", with Iggy Pop as vocalist." The album comes with a crazy backstory though (which is work reading in the liner notes) and every track I listened to was solid and ultra fun.
Spectre
Artist: The BPA
Album: We're Gonna Need a Bigger Boat
Label: Southern Fried Records
Genre: Pop
Comments: According to Wikipedia:
The BPA or "The Brighton Port Authority" is an alias for musician Norman Cook who is better known as Fatboy Slim.[1] The act debuted in 2008 with a collaboration with David Byrne and Dizzee Rascal titled "Toe Jam", along with a video featuring nude dancers with censor bars on them, making pictures and words with them. Original Soundtrack of Heroes also includes BPA's track "He's Frank", with Iggy Pop as vocalist." The album comes with a crazy backstory though (which is work reading in the liner notes) and every track I listened to was solid and ultra fun.
Spectre
Her Next Friend
Add Date: January 13
Artist: Her Next Friend
Album: Disaster Casual
Label: Antipoison
Genre: Rock
Comments: Arlington, VA group does college group that sounds like it is influenced by ACDC and the 90's. Fratty background music.
Artist: Her Next Friend
Album: Disaster Casual
Label: Antipoison
Genre: Rock
Comments: Arlington, VA group does college group that sounds like it is influenced by ACDC and the 90's. Fratty background music.
The Strange
Add Date: January 13
Artist: The Strange
Album: Dirty Girl
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Immediately cool, suggestive and polished art-rock/classic-rock with a fluidity recalling the '70's. Also reminded me a little of Franz Ferdinand or The Killers. Check out "Tongue."
Tinderbox
Artist: The Strange
Album: Dirty Girl
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Immediately cool, suggestive and polished art-rock/classic-rock with a fluidity recalling the '70's. Also reminded me a little of Franz Ferdinand or The Killers. Check out "Tongue."
Tinderbox
Monday, January 12, 2009
Fugitive Kind
Add Date: January 13
Artist: Fugitive Kind
Album: You're Being Watched
Label: Castor.Pollux
Genre: Rock
Comments: Boston group Fugitive Kind presents their first LP following three EPs from the past three years. They are distinguished by their booming, bluesy female vocalist Lydia Marsala and have been compared to the Pretenders and Gossip. Check out "Over-Thinking It."
Planetary
Artist: Fugitive Kind
Album: You're Being Watched
Label: Castor.Pollux
Genre: Rock
Comments: Boston group Fugitive Kind presents their first LP following three EPs from the past three years. They are distinguished by their booming, bluesy female vocalist Lydia Marsala and have been compared to the Pretenders and Gossip. Check out "Over-Thinking It."
Planetary
Broadcast Live
Add Date: January 13
Artist: Broadcast Live
Album: Boomerang Metropolis
Label: Rebel Army Media
Genre: Hip Hop, Indie-Rock
Comments: Broadcast Live is a four-piece group straight from the "anarchist activist community" in Albany that does sort of catchy hip-hoppy stuff packed full of political messages about social justice (which I guess is what makes it "indie-rock" too) a la someone like Rage Against the Machine. They get a little quirky and slow things down too though (like on track 4 which has a flamenco guitar opener. Opened for both Immortal Technique and Talib Kweli.
Planetary
Artist: Broadcast Live
Album: Boomerang Metropolis
Label: Rebel Army Media
Genre: Hip Hop, Indie-Rock
Comments: Broadcast Live is a four-piece group straight from the "anarchist activist community" in Albany that does sort of catchy hip-hoppy stuff packed full of political messages about social justice (which I guess is what makes it "indie-rock" too) a la someone like Rage Against the Machine. They get a little quirky and slow things down too though (like on track 4 which has a flamenco guitar opener. Opened for both Immortal Technique and Talib Kweli.
Planetary
Oh No Not Stereo
Add Date: January 13
Artist: Oh No Not Stereo
Album: Oh No Not Stereo
Label: Self-released
Genre: Pop- Rock
Comments: Currently on tour with All American Rejects and pals of Sugarcult, Oh No Not Stereo does catchy pop-rock (or whatever that All American Rejects sort of music is called).
Artist: Oh No Not Stereo
Album: Oh No Not Stereo
Label: Self-released
Genre: Pop- Rock
Comments: Currently on tour with All American Rejects and pals of Sugarcult, Oh No Not Stereo does catchy pop-rock (or whatever that All American Rejects sort of music is called).
Just Like Heaven
Add Date: January 13
Artist: Various Artists
Album: Just Like Heaven: A Tribute to The Cure
Label: American Laundromat
Genre: Indie-Rock
Comments: Indie-Rock cover bands (including The Rosebuds and The Brunettes) present 16 versions of Cure songs. Some are more closely recognizable than others. I liked Dean & Britta doing "Friday I'm In Love."
Planetary
Artist: Various Artists
Album: Just Like Heaven: A Tribute to The Cure
Label: American Laundromat
Genre: Indie-Rock
Comments: Indie-Rock cover bands (including The Rosebuds and The Brunettes) present 16 versions of Cure songs. Some are more closely recognizable than others. I liked Dean & Britta doing "Friday I'm In Love."
Planetary
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Sick of Sarah
Add Date: January 13
Artist: Sick of Sarah
Album: Sick of Sarah
Label: Adamant
Genre: Grrl Rock, Indie Pop-Rock
Comments: After learning that approximately a million bands called themselves "Sparkle Motion," the group changed over to "Sick of Sarah," referring to a conversation about being tired of generic names. The group describes their sound as "crazy, fun, and obnoxious." I wasn't struck by anything particularly out-there, and most songs seemed too emotional to really be fun-- but I guess bitching is a legitimate hobby these days and something like "Not Listening" would probably provide an appropriately enjoyable soundtrack. RIYL: Sleater-Kinney, Tegan and Sara, Breeders.
Artist: Sick of Sarah
Album: Sick of Sarah
Label: Adamant
Genre: Grrl Rock, Indie Pop-Rock
Comments: After learning that approximately a million bands called themselves "Sparkle Motion," the group changed over to "Sick of Sarah," referring to a conversation about being tired of generic names. The group describes their sound as "crazy, fun, and obnoxious." I wasn't struck by anything particularly out-there, and most songs seemed too emotional to really be fun-- but I guess bitching is a legitimate hobby these days and something like "Not Listening" would probably provide an appropriately enjoyable soundtrack. RIYL: Sleater-Kinney, Tegan and Sara, Breeders.
Anne Heaton
Add Date: 1/12/09
Artist: Anne Heaton
Album: Blazing Red
Label: s/r
Genre: singer-songwriter
Comments: "I wanted each song to be like a snowflake, elaborate if you look closely, but overall simple and beautiful" says artist Anne Heaton. Fortunately tenderly simple songs sound nice when sung by a voice like hers. Listen to the slightly Feist-y "My Only Way Out Is In," or, if you want something very sweet, go to "Where Your Scar Is."
Powderfinger
Artist: Anne Heaton
Album: Blazing Red
Label: s/r
Genre: singer-songwriter
Comments: "I wanted each song to be like a snowflake, elaborate if you look closely, but overall simple and beautiful" says artist Anne Heaton. Fortunately tenderly simple songs sound nice when sung by a voice like hers. Listen to the slightly Feist-y "My Only Way Out Is In," or, if you want something very sweet, go to "Where Your Scar Is."
Powderfinger
Fires of Rome
Add Date: January 13
Artist: Fires of Rome
Album: You Kingdom You
Label: The:Hours
Genre: Rock
Comments: Big classic-rock influenced sounds on falsetto-sung songs about going places (like down), hitting on younger girls, and other modern issues. "I'll Take You Down" has a clear classic-rock sound and "Love is a Burning Thing" comes off as a pretty solid anthem with plenty of guitar riffs. There are certainly some weak tracks which are overwhelmed by clashing instrumentation, but I'd happily recommend the opener "Dawn Lament" which succeeds in sounding modern and rather symphonic.
Planetary
Artist: Fires of Rome
Album: You Kingdom You
Label: The:Hours
Genre: Rock
Comments: Big classic-rock influenced sounds on falsetto-sung songs about going places (like down), hitting on younger girls, and other modern issues. "I'll Take You Down" has a clear classic-rock sound and "Love is a Burning Thing" comes off as a pretty solid anthem with plenty of guitar riffs. There are certainly some weak tracks which are overwhelmed by clashing instrumentation, but I'd happily recommend the opener "Dawn Lament" which succeeds in sounding modern and rather symphonic.
Planetary
Jessie Kilguss
Add Date: January 13
Artist: Jessie Kilguss
Album: Nocturnal Drifter
Label: Self-Released
Genre: Pop
Comments: Actress turned singer (or was she really a singer all along?) Jessie Kilguss tries to join the ranks of Scarlett Johansson and Zoey Deschanel but falls a little short. Heavily mixed, though seemingly sincere songs of heartbreak and self-reflection packed with rhetorical questions. Influences seem to include Nellie McCay? Try out "A Little Place Behind My Eyes."
Fanatic
Artist: Jessie Kilguss
Album: Nocturnal Drifter
Label: Self-Released
Genre: Pop
Comments: Actress turned singer (or was she really a singer all along?) Jessie Kilguss tries to join the ranks of Scarlett Johansson and Zoey Deschanel but falls a little short. Heavily mixed, though seemingly sincere songs of heartbreak and self-reflection packed with rhetorical questions. Influences seem to include Nellie McCay? Try out "A Little Place Behind My Eyes."
Fanatic
The Magnificents
Add Date: January 13
Artist: The Magnificents
Album: Year of Explorers
Label: Mush Records
Genre: Post Punk
Comments: Scottish group The Magnificents make energetic punky music out "of two-synths, left-handed guitars, trans-European expressways, and raucous drums, with helf from producers Damian Taylor (Bjork) and John Cummings (Mogwai)." Check out "Get it Boy." RIYL: Correcto, that general Block Party Brit sound.
Terrorbird
Artist: The Magnificents
Album: Year of Explorers
Label: Mush Records
Genre: Post Punk
Comments: Scottish group The Magnificents make energetic punky music out "of two-synths, left-handed guitars, trans-European expressways, and raucous drums, with helf from producers Damian Taylor (Bjork) and John Cummings (Mogwai)." Check out "Get it Boy." RIYL: Correcto, that general Block Party Brit sound.
Terrorbird
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