Add Date: August 4
Artist: Make Me
Album: House of Brakes
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: A quartet whose members come from diverse rock music backgrounds--twee, math rock and noise rock, to name a few--Oakland's Make Me have made an enjoyable record that incorporates elements of post-punk, riot grrrl and pop. Check out "Precious" and "Black Ants."
Friday, July 31, 2009
Pissed Jeans
Add Date: August 4
Artist: Pissed Jeans
Album: King of Jeans
Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Rock, punk, grunge
Comments: King of Jeans is the third LP from Allentown, Pa. band Pissed Jeans, who often get compared to another band whose name you can't say on the radio, Fucked Up. (Let's go with "P Jeans" here.) That acclaimed Toronto group tackles punk from a post-hardcore perspective, and while there are certainly elements of hardcore in Pissed Jeans' music, there's also a lot of grunge. This music is too heavy for my taste, alas, but this is definitely very good stuff--which you should have gathered after seeing that they're on Sub Pop. The label recommends "False Jesii Part 2," "Request for Masseuse" and "Human Upskirt."
Artist: Pissed Jeans
Album: King of Jeans
Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Rock, punk, grunge
Comments: King of Jeans is the third LP from Allentown, Pa. band Pissed Jeans, who often get compared to another band whose name you can't say on the radio, Fucked Up. (Let's go with "P Jeans" here.) That acclaimed Toronto group tackles punk from a post-hardcore perspective, and while there are certainly elements of hardcore in Pissed Jeans' music, there's also a lot of grunge. This music is too heavy for my taste, alas, but this is definitely very good stuff--which you should have gathered after seeing that they're on Sub Pop. The label recommends "False Jesii Part 2," "Request for Masseuse" and "Human Upskirt."
ApSci
Add Date: August 4
Artist: ApSci
Album: Best Crisis Ever
Label: Quannum
Genre: Hip hop, electropop, dance
Comments: From the onesheet on the third LP from this husband-and-wife duo of Bronx native Raphael LaMotta and Filipino-Australian Dana Diaz-Tutaan: "Best Crisis Ever is a louder, catchier and more expansive take on ApSci's unique combination of electro, hip-hop and quirky pop, relying heavier on songwriting and a combination of vintage drum machine sounds, synths and guitars. It's equal parts New York bravado and Australian charm, reflecting the respective hometowns of each, and how the duo... have managed to comfortably straddle both for nearly a decade."
Listen to lead track "Crazy Crazy Insane," and it will never get out of your head; also check out "The Dark & Bittersweet End," "'Til the Windows Rattle Off" and "Under Control."
Artist: ApSci
Album: Best Crisis Ever
Label: Quannum
Genre: Hip hop, electropop, dance
Comments: From the onesheet on the third LP from this husband-and-wife duo of Bronx native Raphael LaMotta and Filipino-Australian Dana Diaz-Tutaan: "Best Crisis Ever is a louder, catchier and more expansive take on ApSci's unique combination of electro, hip-hop and quirky pop, relying heavier on songwriting and a combination of vintage drum machine sounds, synths and guitars. It's equal parts New York bravado and Australian charm, reflecting the respective hometowns of each, and how the duo... have managed to comfortably straddle both for nearly a decade."
Listen to lead track "Crazy Crazy Insane," and it will never get out of your head; also check out "The Dark & Bittersweet End," "'Til the Windows Rattle Off" and "Under Control."
The Do
Add Date: August 4
Artist: The Do
Album: A Mouthful
Label: Get Down!
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: A very eclectic pop record from Paris-based duo The Do (that's pronounced like "dough"), which is being likened to acts like Bjork and The Cardigans. I find another comparison, to the Australian troupe Architecture in Helsinki, particularly appropriate, especially when matched up against that band's last record. Places Like This contained way too many ideas to squeeze into one record--and, in many cases, one song--and the same can be said for A Mouthful. But like AIH, when The Do are on, they make very, very good pop music. For the best examples of this, check out "On My Shoulders," "Tammie" and "The Bridge Is Broken."
Artist: The Do
Album: A Mouthful
Label: Get Down!
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: A very eclectic pop record from Paris-based duo The Do (that's pronounced like "dough"), which is being likened to acts like Bjork and The Cardigans. I find another comparison, to the Australian troupe Architecture in Helsinki, particularly appropriate, especially when matched up against that band's last record. Places Like This contained way too many ideas to squeeze into one record--and, in many cases, one song--and the same can be said for A Mouthful. But like AIH, when The Do are on, they make very, very good pop music. For the best examples of this, check out "On My Shoulders," "Tammie" and "The Bridge Is Broken."
Cale Parks
Add Date: August 4
Artist: Cale Parks
Album: To Swift Mars (EP)
Label: Polyvinyl
Genre: Rock, experimental rock, synth pop
Comments: A very solid 6-song set from Aloha drummer Cale Parks, To Swift Mars is the followup to his 2008 full-length, Sparklace. The EP begins with a New Order-style synth pop number, "Eyes Won't Shut," and gets even stronger as Parks proceeds into electronica-tinged pop rock songs like "Running Family" and "Knight Conversation." For fans of Mum and Air.
Artist: Cale Parks
Album: To Swift Mars (EP)
Label: Polyvinyl
Genre: Rock, experimental rock, synth pop
Comments: A very solid 6-song set from Aloha drummer Cale Parks, To Swift Mars is the followup to his 2008 full-length, Sparklace. The EP begins with a New Order-style synth pop number, "Eyes Won't Shut," and gets even stronger as Parks proceeds into electronica-tinged pop rock songs like "Running Family" and "Knight Conversation." For fans of Mum and Air.
Future Sounds 33
Add Date: August 4
Artist: Various Artists
Album: Future Sounds 33
Label: Future Sounds
Genre: Compilations, rock
Comments: A collection of music from 15 different unsigned bands, with some very helpful liner notes that describe each act's sound. Though you may not recognize any of the names--with the possible exception of San Francisco's LoveLikeFire, whose self-released mini-album An Ocean in the Air hit No. 1 on our chart in September 2007--there's some very quality stuff here. Mostly rock music, but of all different styles.
Artist: Various Artists
Album: Future Sounds 33
Label: Future Sounds
Genre: Compilations, rock
Comments: A collection of music from 15 different unsigned bands, with some very helpful liner notes that describe each act's sound. Though you may not recognize any of the names--with the possible exception of San Francisco's LoveLikeFire, whose self-released mini-album An Ocean in the Air hit No. 1 on our chart in September 2007--there's some very quality stuff here. Mostly rock music, but of all different styles.
Royalchord
Add Date: August 4
Artist: Royalchord
Album: The Good Fight
Label: Supply & Demand
Genre: Rock, folk rock
Comments: The Good Fight is a wonderfully diverse pop album, recorded in Guatemala by the Melbourne duo Royalchord. At times bringing to mind Beach House, at others Slowdive/Mojave 3's Rachel Goswell, and still at others El Perro del Mar, Tammy Haider and Eliza Hiscox weave in and out of rock, folk and dream pop to create a record that stands out even in this jam-packed summer. Joined by a handful of other fine musicians, Royalchord's beautiful instrumentation provides the perfect backdrop for the duo's beautifully dreary vocals. Start with "Sleazy in the Corner," "All Your Caribbean" and "Turn My Life Around."
Artist: Royalchord
Album: The Good Fight
Label: Supply & Demand
Genre: Rock, folk rock
Comments: The Good Fight is a wonderfully diverse pop album, recorded in Guatemala by the Melbourne duo Royalchord. At times bringing to mind Beach House, at others Slowdive/Mojave 3's Rachel Goswell, and still at others El Perro del Mar, Tammy Haider and Eliza Hiscox weave in and out of rock, folk and dream pop to create a record that stands out even in this jam-packed summer. Joined by a handful of other fine musicians, Royalchord's beautiful instrumentation provides the perfect backdrop for the duo's beautifully dreary vocals. Start with "Sleazy in the Corner," "All Your Caribbean" and "Turn My Life Around."
Care Bears on Fire
Add Date: August 4
Artist: Care Bears on Fire
Album: Get Over It!
Label: S-Curve
Genre: Rock, pop-punk
Comments: The trio Care Bears on Fire make melodic pop-punk that brings to mind The Donnas or Sahara Hotnights, but with a twist: they're junior-high age. So they sing about the issues affecting today's youth, like eating disorders for dolls ("Barbie Eat a Sandwich") and finding out that one of your social networking friends is really a unicorn ("Met You on MySpace"). Wait, are these Syd Barrett's grandkids? But the songs, written by the girls themselves--with the guiding hand of folks like Fountains of Wayne/Tinted Windows/Ivy's Adam Schlesinger and Luscious Jackson's Jill Cunniff--are relatively clever and extremely catchy. Get Over It! is a very enjoyable debut, and it will be interesting to see where the band goes from here.
Artist: Care Bears on Fire
Album: Get Over It!
Label: S-Curve
Genre: Rock, pop-punk
Comments: The trio Care Bears on Fire make melodic pop-punk that brings to mind The Donnas or Sahara Hotnights, but with a twist: they're junior-high age. So they sing about the issues affecting today's youth, like eating disorders for dolls ("Barbie Eat a Sandwich") and finding out that one of your social networking friends is really a unicorn ("Met You on MySpace"). Wait, are these Syd Barrett's grandkids? But the songs, written by the girls themselves--with the guiding hand of folks like Fountains of Wayne/Tinted Windows/Ivy's Adam Schlesinger and Luscious Jackson's Jill Cunniff--are relatively clever and extremely catchy. Get Over It! is a very enjoyable debut, and it will be interesting to see where the band goes from here.
Patrick Wolf
Add Date: August 4
Artist: Patrick Wolf
Album: The Bachelor
Label: Nylon
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: From the promoter: "Patrick Wolf, the UK-based multi-instrumentalist known for his masterfully orchestrated and emotive songs, will release his fourth studio album, The Bachelor, this summer on Nylon Records... Originally intended as a double album, The Bachelor began its creation immediately following his tour for 2007's critically acclaimed The Magic Position... Exploring his own doubts on idea of love and marriage, Patrick found inspiration in experimentation, with bleak electronic and industrial sounds, as well as finding solace in some of the classics of his teenage years like Pixies and The Raincoats. Capturing Patrick's outlook in life at that time, The Bachelor narrates a story of pessimism regarding love to be concluded with a forthcoming sequel album (The Conqueror), slated for release in 2010. Always expanding on his repertoire of different musical genres, Patrick's command of baroque pop is taken to a new level with the addition of large choral and string sections, and collaborators such as Alec Empire, Eliza Carthy, Matthew Herbert and Oscar-winning actress Tilda Swinton, who narrates 'the voice of hope' throughout the album." Recommended tracks on the album sticker.
Artist: Patrick Wolf
Album: The Bachelor
Label: Nylon
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: From the promoter: "Patrick Wolf, the UK-based multi-instrumentalist known for his masterfully orchestrated and emotive songs, will release his fourth studio album, The Bachelor, this summer on Nylon Records... Originally intended as a double album, The Bachelor began its creation immediately following his tour for 2007's critically acclaimed The Magic Position... Exploring his own doubts on idea of love and marriage, Patrick found inspiration in experimentation, with bleak electronic and industrial sounds, as well as finding solace in some of the classics of his teenage years like Pixies and The Raincoats. Capturing Patrick's outlook in life at that time, The Bachelor narrates a story of pessimism regarding love to be concluded with a forthcoming sequel album (The Conqueror), slated for release in 2010. Always expanding on his repertoire of different musical genres, Patrick's command of baroque pop is taken to a new level with the addition of large choral and string sections, and collaborators such as Alec Empire, Eliza Carthy, Matthew Herbert and Oscar-winning actress Tilda Swinton, who narrates 'the voice of hope' throughout the album." Recommended tracks on the album sticker.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Top 5 Adds - July 28
Top 5 Adds - July 28
Fruit Bats
Throw Me the Statue
Plastiscines
Wye Oak
The Postmarks
Also check out: Drakkar Sauna, Eyedea & Abilities, Generationals, Joe Henry, The Nocturnes, Pictureplane, Yppah
Fruit Bats
Throw Me the Statue
Plastiscines
Wye Oak
The Postmarks
Also check out: Drakkar Sauna, Eyedea & Abilities, Generationals, Joe Henry, The Nocturnes, Pictureplane, Yppah
Drakkar Sauna
Add Date: July 28
Artist: Drakkar Sauna
Album: 20009
Label: Marriage
Genre: Folk, freak folk
Comments: Don't let the silly album artwork deceive you: the duo Drakkar Sauna take their folk music quite seriously. Evidence their 2008 release, Wars and Tornadoes, a very solid collection of Louvin Brothers covers, which followed a string of three well-received original LPs. Back to writing their own material, Wallace Cochran and Jeff Stolz explore the themes of Egyptian mythology; the release of 20009 (pronounced "two thousand-ousand nine") will coincide with the publication of Cochran's novel The Moon For Its Citizens. These foot-tapping tunes will appeal to fans of alternative folk like Langhorne Slim and Jim White, as well as the freak folk movement. Start with "Not Ideas About the King But the King Himself," "Narcissus 30 - Apollo 11" and "A Table of Food."
Artist: Drakkar Sauna
Album: 20009
Label: Marriage
Genre: Folk, freak folk
Comments: Don't let the silly album artwork deceive you: the duo Drakkar Sauna take their folk music quite seriously. Evidence their 2008 release, Wars and Tornadoes, a very solid collection of Louvin Brothers covers, which followed a string of three well-received original LPs. Back to writing their own material, Wallace Cochran and Jeff Stolz explore the themes of Egyptian mythology; the release of 20009 (pronounced "two thousand-ousand nine") will coincide with the publication of Cochran's novel The Moon For Its Citizens. These foot-tapping tunes will appeal to fans of alternative folk like Langhorne Slim and Jim White, as well as the freak folk movement. Start with "Not Ideas About the King But the King Himself," "Narcissus 30 - Apollo 11" and "A Table of Food."
Joe Pernice
Add Date: July 28
Artist: Joe Pernice
Album: It Feels So Good When I Stop
Label: Ashmont
Genre: Rock, folk rock
Comments: Pernice Brothers frontman Joe Pernice is also a writer, and for his upcoming novel It Feels So Good When I Stop, he went into the studio to cover songs that are alluded to in the book. The artists tackled by Pernice include Sebadoh, Del Shannon, Nick Drake, The Pogues and Peter Frampton. Check out "I'm Your Puppet" and "I Go to Pieces."
Artist: Joe Pernice
Album: It Feels So Good When I Stop
Label: Ashmont
Genre: Rock, folk rock
Comments: Pernice Brothers frontman Joe Pernice is also a writer, and for his upcoming novel It Feels So Good When I Stop, he went into the studio to cover songs that are alluded to in the book. The artists tackled by Pernice include Sebadoh, Del Shannon, Nick Drake, The Pogues and Peter Frampton. Check out "I'm Your Puppet" and "I Go to Pieces."
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
The Strange Attractors
Add Date: July 28
Artist: The Strange Attractors
Album: Sleep and You Will See
Label: Past/Futures
Genre: Rock, psychedelic rock, shoegaze
Comments: From the promoter: "[T]he Austin-based band The Strange Attractors... is back with their sophomore release, Sleep and You Will See, a collection of hook-filled songs, containing a whirlwind of guitars and keyboards weaving around each other. Having more time to experiment, the band fleshed out songs with a spectrum of tones and layers, creating a set of exploratory, yet smartly crafted, modern psychedelic pop songs."
Start with "Skincrawl."
Artist: The Strange Attractors
Album: Sleep and You Will See
Label: Past/Futures
Genre: Rock, psychedelic rock, shoegaze
Comments: From the promoter: "[T]he Austin-based band The Strange Attractors... is back with their sophomore release, Sleep and You Will See, a collection of hook-filled songs, containing a whirlwind of guitars and keyboards weaving around each other. Having more time to experiment, the band fleshed out songs with a spectrum of tones and layers, creating a set of exploratory, yet smartly crafted, modern psychedelic pop songs."
Start with "Skincrawl."
Falcao and Monashee
Add Date: July 28
Artist: Falcao and Monashee
Album: Falcao and Monashee
Label: Borne Recordings
Genre: Folk
Comments: Sao Paulo's Rodrigo Falcao and Vancouver's Monashee Sun team up to make psychedelic folk that should appeal to fans of current playlist artists like Bowerbirds and Megafaun, or the freak folk of Wildbirds & Peacedrums and older Akron/Family. Check out "Plot," "Special Agent" and "Starlight."
Artist: Falcao and Monashee
Album: Falcao and Monashee
Label: Borne Recordings
Genre: Folk
Comments: Sao Paulo's Rodrigo Falcao and Vancouver's Monashee Sun team up to make psychedelic folk that should appeal to fans of current playlist artists like Bowerbirds and Megafaun, or the freak folk of Wildbirds & Peacedrums and older Akron/Family. Check out "Plot," "Special Agent" and "Starlight."
Generationals
Add Date: July 28
Artist: Generationals
Album: Con Law
Label: Park the Van
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Yet another joyous pop record from Park the Van (Dr. Dog, The High Strung, The Spinto Band), this time from a local product in New Orleans duo Generationals. Their upbeat sound will appeal to fans of modern bands like Spoon and The Shins, as well as vintage pop acts such as The Kinks and Squeeze. Start with "Faces in the Dark," "Angry Charlie" and "Wildlife Sculpture."
Artist: Generationals
Album: Con Law
Label: Park the Van
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Yet another joyous pop record from Park the Van (Dr. Dog, The High Strung, The Spinto Band), this time from a local product in New Orleans duo Generationals. Their upbeat sound will appeal to fans of modern bands like Spoon and The Shins, as well as vintage pop acts such as The Kinks and Squeeze. Start with "Faces in the Dark," "Angry Charlie" and "Wildlife Sculpture."
Joe Henry
Add Date: July 28
Artist: Joe Henry
Album: Blood From Stars
Label: Anti-
Genre: Folk, blues, blues rock, jazz
Comments: From the onesheet: "For more than two decades, Grammy-winning producer Joe Henry has worked with some of the most celebrated names in music, from Ornette Coleman and Elvis Costello to Ani DiFranco and Madonna. Most recently, Henry produced Allen Toussaint's The Bright Mississippi and Ramblin' Jack Elliott's A Stranger Here, both of which found veteran artists exploring classic blues songs. With his work as a producer and a songwriter overlapping and informing one another, it is only natural that the blues found their way onto Henry's Blood From Stars, and opened up a new part of Joe's own songwriting--Joe at his most visceral, passionate and raw. Filled with murmuring samples [that] lend the proceedings a dreamy, fragmented and cinematic feel, Blood From Stars is a collaboration, a dialogue between an artist and the sum of his musical influences... For fans of Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan and Randy Newman."
Check out "The Man I Keep Hid" and "Death to the Storm."
Artist: Joe Henry
Album: Blood From Stars
Label: Anti-
Genre: Folk, blues, blues rock, jazz
Comments: From the onesheet: "For more than two decades, Grammy-winning producer Joe Henry has worked with some of the most celebrated names in music, from Ornette Coleman and Elvis Costello to Ani DiFranco and Madonna. Most recently, Henry produced Allen Toussaint's The Bright Mississippi and Ramblin' Jack Elliott's A Stranger Here, both of which found veteran artists exploring classic blues songs. With his work as a producer and a songwriter overlapping and informing one another, it is only natural that the blues found their way onto Henry's Blood From Stars, and opened up a new part of Joe's own songwriting--Joe at his most visceral, passionate and raw. Filled with murmuring samples [that] lend the proceedings a dreamy, fragmented and cinematic feel, Blood From Stars is a collaboration, a dialogue between an artist and the sum of his musical influences... For fans of Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan and Randy Newman."
Check out "The Man I Keep Hid" and "Death to the Storm."
Monday, July 27, 2009
The Watermarks
Add Date: July 28
Artist: The Watermarks
Album: Thoughts Like Bombs (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Houston trio The Watermarks make non-depressing post-punk, no small feat for a generally downcast genre. Perhaps the slight electronic traces help lighten the mood on this 7-song mini-album; there are enough synths on Thoughts Like Bombs for the promoter to liken them to The Faint. They're also compared to The Stills, and this would fit in perfectly with that band's 2003 debut Logic Will Break Your Heart. Go with "Fast Song" and "Face the Wall."
Artist: The Watermarks
Album: Thoughts Like Bombs (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Houston trio The Watermarks make non-depressing post-punk, no small feat for a generally downcast genre. Perhaps the slight electronic traces help lighten the mood on this 7-song mini-album; there are enough synths on Thoughts Like Bombs for the promoter to liken them to The Faint. They're also compared to The Stills, and this would fit in perfectly with that band's 2003 debut Logic Will Break Your Heart. Go with "Fast Song" and "Face the Wall."
Dark Knights of Camelot
Add Date: July 28
Artist: Dark Knights of Camelot
Album: Hurrication EP
Label: Olympic
Genre: Rock, hard rock
Comments: Mississippi's Dark Knights of Camelot readily cite Josh Homme as a major influence, and it's easy to see the Queens of the Stone Age factor in play on this very promising 5-song set. Start with "Wannabe" and "Purple Undertones."
Artist: Dark Knights of Camelot
Album: Hurrication EP
Label: Olympic
Genre: Rock, hard rock
Comments: Mississippi's Dark Knights of Camelot readily cite Josh Homme as a major influence, and it's easy to see the Queens of the Stone Age factor in play on this very promising 5-song set. Start with "Wannabe" and "Purple Undertones."
Jeff Merchant
Add Date: July 28
Artist: Jeff Merchant
Album: City Makes No Sound
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk, folk rock
Comments: City Makes No Sound alternates between folk rock along the lines of Damien Jurado or Jeffrey Lewis and quieter folk that would appeal to fans of Denison Witmer. Start with "A Friend of Mine" and "Love Yourself Away."
Artist: Jeff Merchant
Album: City Makes No Sound
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk, folk rock
Comments: City Makes No Sound alternates between folk rock along the lines of Damien Jurado or Jeffrey Lewis and quieter folk that would appeal to fans of Denison Witmer. Start with "A Friend of Mine" and "Love Yourself Away."
Anna Laube
Add Date: July 28
Artist: Anna Laube
Album: Pool All the Love, Pool All the Knowledge
Label: Ginkgo
Genre: Folk
Comments: Very pleasant folk rock, tinged with alt-country, blues and a shade of jazz, from San Francisco artist Anna Laube. For fans of RobinElla and Kasey Chambers. Check out "This Moment With Me," "Om Namah Shivaya (Ulysses)" and "California King."
Artist: Anna Laube
Album: Pool All the Love, Pool All the Knowledge
Label: Ginkgo
Genre: Folk
Comments: Very pleasant folk rock, tinged with alt-country, blues and a shade of jazz, from San Francisco artist Anna Laube. For fans of RobinElla and Kasey Chambers. Check out "This Moment With Me," "Om Namah Shivaya (Ulysses)" and "California King."
The Lanny Morgan Sextet
Add Date: July 28
Artist: The Lanny Morgan Sextet
Album: 6
Label: ACM
Genre: Jazz
Comments: Veteran alto saxophonist Lanny Morgan has celebrated his 75th birthday with the production and release of this album. Morgan has played with the likes of Charlie Barnet, Bob Florence and Terry Gibbs, but 6 is just his fifth album as a band leader. The rest of the sextet includes Bob Summers on trumpet, Doug Webb on tenor sax, Tom Ranier on piano, Chuck Berghofer on bass and Steve Schaeffer on drums.
Artist: The Lanny Morgan Sextet
Album: 6
Label: ACM
Genre: Jazz
Comments: Veteran alto saxophonist Lanny Morgan has celebrated his 75th birthday with the production and release of this album. Morgan has played with the likes of Charlie Barnet, Bob Florence and Terry Gibbs, but 6 is just his fifth album as a band leader. The rest of the sextet includes Bob Summers on trumpet, Doug Webb on tenor sax, Tom Ranier on piano, Chuck Berghofer on bass and Steve Schaeffer on drums.
The Black Drumset
Add Date: July 28
Artist: The Black Drumset
Album: The Black Drumset
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, experimental, electronic rock
Comments: Austin band The Black Drumset make experimental, synth-infused rock that should appeal to fans of Black Moth Super Rainbow and the quieter moments of Four Tet or Caribou. Start with "3 and a 33rd."
Artist: The Black Drumset
Album: The Black Drumset
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, experimental, electronic rock
Comments: Austin band The Black Drumset make experimental, synth-infused rock that should appeal to fans of Black Moth Super Rainbow and the quieter moments of Four Tet or Caribou. Start with "3 and a 33rd."
Pictureplane
Add Date: July 28
Artist: Pictureplane
Album: Dark Rift
Label: Lovepump United
Genre: Electronica, electropop
Comments: From the promoter: "Dance music hasn't sounded so sweet and heavy since The Orb during the '90s house revolution, where Travis Egedy found his influences for Pictureplane's stellar debut record, Dark Rift. The Denver, CO brainchild behind Pictureplane has reinvigorated the genre by breaking beats into tracks that are entirely colossal and exciting, such as 'New Mind.' Egedy even makes grainy synths sound warm and welcoming on 'Transparent Now (Thin Veil),' while the fast-paced enigmatic track 'Cyclical Cyclical (Atlantic)' can ease the kids up before the dancefloor-destined 'Gang Signs.' Whether Dark Rift is headed to basement raves or random mega-clubs, you can be sure that Pictureplane has more up his sleeve... that fans of Black Dice, Air France and Dan Deacon won't waste a second getting down to!"
Artist: Pictureplane
Album: Dark Rift
Label: Lovepump United
Genre: Electronica, electropop
Comments: From the promoter: "Dance music hasn't sounded so sweet and heavy since The Orb during the '90s house revolution, where Travis Egedy found his influences for Pictureplane's stellar debut record, Dark Rift. The Denver, CO brainchild behind Pictureplane has reinvigorated the genre by breaking beats into tracks that are entirely colossal and exciting, such as 'New Mind.' Egedy even makes grainy synths sound warm and welcoming on 'Transparent Now (Thin Veil),' while the fast-paced enigmatic track 'Cyclical Cyclical (Atlantic)' can ease the kids up before the dancefloor-destined 'Gang Signs.' Whether Dark Rift is headed to basement raves or random mega-clubs, you can be sure that Pictureplane has more up his sleeve... that fans of Black Dice, Air France and Dan Deacon won't waste a second getting down to!"
Talk Normal
Add Date: July 28
Artist: Talk Normal
Album: Secret Cog (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, noise rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Hailing from the streets of Brooklyn, Talk Normal is bringing back that No Wave sound with their Secret Cog EP. Andrya Ambro and Sarah Register create a razor-sharp minimalist sound all their own with guitar tracks that sound more like abstract samples and palpitation-like drumming. 'Eureka' is a dark track that is true to Talk Normal's unique sound, while 'Lemonade' is a sarcastically lighter song complete with call-and-response vocals, bird chirps, and grungy guitar. Fans of Magik Markers, Telepathe and No Age are sure to add this to their noise rock collections."
Artist: Talk Normal
Album: Secret Cog (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, noise rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Hailing from the streets of Brooklyn, Talk Normal is bringing back that No Wave sound with their Secret Cog EP. Andrya Ambro and Sarah Register create a razor-sharp minimalist sound all their own with guitar tracks that sound more like abstract samples and palpitation-like drumming. 'Eureka' is a dark track that is true to Talk Normal's unique sound, while 'Lemonade' is a sarcastically lighter song complete with call-and-response vocals, bird chirps, and grungy guitar. Fans of Magik Markers, Telepathe and No Age are sure to add this to their noise rock collections."
The Love X Nowhere
Add Date: July 28
Artist: The Love X Nowhere
Album: The Love X Nowhere
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: The promoter says: "Riding a string of four incredible EPs, San Francisco's The Love X Nowhere will stun you with their debut album, High Score Blackout. A smooth combination of psych and indie, The Love X Nowhere take their charm and run with it on hook-heavy showstoppers 'Din' and 'Terra Fuego.' Yet, High Score Blackout's depth runs deep with rich shoegazer melodies on 'Northern Times' and 'Twilight Mourning.' Coming off years of honing their now-trademark sound, The Love X Nowhere have created a masterful album that fans of Blonde Redhead, Doves and Spiritualized are sure to notice and pick up."
Artist: The Love X Nowhere
Album: The Love X Nowhere
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: The promoter says: "Riding a string of four incredible EPs, San Francisco's The Love X Nowhere will stun you with their debut album, High Score Blackout. A smooth combination of psych and indie, The Love X Nowhere take their charm and run with it on hook-heavy showstoppers 'Din' and 'Terra Fuego.' Yet, High Score Blackout's depth runs deep with rich shoegazer melodies on 'Northern Times' and 'Twilight Mourning.' Coming off years of honing their now-trademark sound, The Love X Nowhere have created a masterful album that fans of Blonde Redhead, Doves and Spiritualized are sure to notice and pick up."
Eyedea & Abilities
Add Date: July 28
Artist: Eyedea & Abilities
Album: By the Throat
Label: Rhymesayers
Genre: Hip hop
Comments: From the promoter: "Throughout the '90s, the duo played an important role in the development of the emerging underground hip hop scene, alongside friends Atmosphere, Aesop Rock, El-P, the Living Legends, Sage Francis, Blueprint and more... After a 5-year break exploring new sounds and building their personal repertoires, the dynamic duo of Eyedea & Abilities return with the followup to their 2004 critically acclaimed sophomore album E&A. With biting guitars, fuzzy keyboards, melodic choruses, and some of their most intricate turntable work to date, By the Throat cuts right to the vein and advances far beyond Eyedea & Abilities' battle-tested history... Always pushing the boundaries, Eyedea & Abilities have not only grown, but have elevated their talents and once again successfully brought them together with By the Throat."
Artist: Eyedea & Abilities
Album: By the Throat
Label: Rhymesayers
Genre: Hip hop
Comments: From the promoter: "Throughout the '90s, the duo played an important role in the development of the emerging underground hip hop scene, alongside friends Atmosphere, Aesop Rock, El-P, the Living Legends, Sage Francis, Blueprint and more... After a 5-year break exploring new sounds and building their personal repertoires, the dynamic duo of Eyedea & Abilities return with the followup to their 2004 critically acclaimed sophomore album E&A. With biting guitars, fuzzy keyboards, melodic choruses, and some of their most intricate turntable work to date, By the Throat cuts right to the vein and advances far beyond Eyedea & Abilities' battle-tested history... Always pushing the boundaries, Eyedea & Abilities have not only grown, but have elevated their talents and once again successfully brought them together with By the Throat."
Yppah
Add Date: July 28
Artist: Yppah
Album: They Know What Ghost Know
Label: Ninja Tune
Genre: Rock, psych rock, electronic rock
Comments: Mexican-American Joe Corrales, Jr., known as Yppah (that's "Happy" spelled backwards, and it's pronounced "Yippah"), is categorized as an electronic artist; however, They Know What Ghost Know, his second release on Ninja Tune, is very much a rock record--influenced and informed by electronica, sure, but rock nonetheless. And it's a very good one, cramming in elements of shoegaze, psychedelia and hip hop. Instrumental rock must really stand out to get noticed, and Yppah has made just such a record worthy of your attention. Start with "Son Saves the Rest," "Gumball Machine Weekend" and "Shutter Speed."
Artist: Yppah
Album: They Know What Ghost Know
Label: Ninja Tune
Genre: Rock, psych rock, electronic rock
Comments: Mexican-American Joe Corrales, Jr., known as Yppah (that's "Happy" spelled backwards, and it's pronounced "Yippah"), is categorized as an electronic artist; however, They Know What Ghost Know, his second release on Ninja Tune, is very much a rock record--influenced and informed by electronica, sure, but rock nonetheless. And it's a very good one, cramming in elements of shoegaze, psychedelia and hip hop. Instrumental rock must really stand out to get noticed, and Yppah has made just such a record worthy of your attention. Start with "Son Saves the Rest," "Gumball Machine Weekend" and "Shutter Speed."
Plastiscines
Add Date: July 28
Artist: Plastiscines
Album: About Love
Label: Nylon
Genre: Rock, garage rock, pop
Comments: Two years ago, this foursome from the Parisian suburbs made a splash with their debut, LP1, which borrowed heavily from '60s garage rock and '80s post-punk and new wave. There's plenty of those styles on About Love, but what impressed me more was the diversity of the songs, and the fact that Plastiscines were clearly aiming for--and have succeeded in attaining--a really good pop sound. It may also help their cause for U.S. radio play that, unlike on LP1, most of the tracks on About Love are written and sung in English. (Guitarist Marine Neuilly says of the transition: "I have the impression English words sound more poetic," quite likely marking the first time a native speaker has ever suggested that English is a more romantic language than French.) I did like one of the French-language tracks, "Coney Island," quite a bit, but also head for the English-tongued rockers "Barcelona," "Another Kiss" and "Runnaway."
Artist: Plastiscines
Album: About Love
Label: Nylon
Genre: Rock, garage rock, pop
Comments: Two years ago, this foursome from the Parisian suburbs made a splash with their debut, LP1, which borrowed heavily from '60s garage rock and '80s post-punk and new wave. There's plenty of those styles on About Love, but what impressed me more was the diversity of the songs, and the fact that Plastiscines were clearly aiming for--and have succeeded in attaining--a really good pop sound. It may also help their cause for U.S. radio play that, unlike on LP1, most of the tracks on About Love are written and sung in English. (Guitarist Marine Neuilly says of the transition: "I have the impression English words sound more poetic," quite likely marking the first time a native speaker has ever suggested that English is a more romantic language than French.) I did like one of the French-language tracks, "Coney Island," quite a bit, but also head for the English-tongued rockers "Barcelona," "Another Kiss" and "Runnaway."
The Postmarks
Add Date: July 28
Artist: The Postmarks
Album: Memoirs at the End of the World
Label: Unfiltered
Genre: Rock, chamber pop
Comments: Miami trio The Postmarks follow up their well-received eponymous 2007 debut (and enjoyable 2008 covers record By-The-Numbers) with Memoirs at the End of the World, another solid collection of sweetly melancholy tunes that will appeal to fans of Belle & Sebastian/God Help the Girl, Camera Obscura and Swedish pop rock. Much like Tracyanne Campbell and Stuart Murdoch, lead singer and songwriter Tim Yehezkely borrows liberally from classic pop, but as always her beautiful voice steals the show. Start with "My Lucky Charm" and "Go Jetsetter."
Artist: The Postmarks
Album: Memoirs at the End of the World
Label: Unfiltered
Genre: Rock, chamber pop
Comments: Miami trio The Postmarks follow up their well-received eponymous 2007 debut (and enjoyable 2008 covers record By-The-Numbers) with Memoirs at the End of the World, another solid collection of sweetly melancholy tunes that will appeal to fans of Belle & Sebastian/God Help the Girl, Camera Obscura and Swedish pop rock. Much like Tracyanne Campbell and Stuart Murdoch, lead singer and songwriter Tim Yehezkely borrows liberally from classic pop, but as always her beautiful voice steals the show. Start with "My Lucky Charm" and "Go Jetsetter."
Friday, July 24, 2009
The Nocturnes
Add Date: July 28
Artist: The Nocturnes
Album: A Year of Spring
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: The Nocturnes are a duo that make difficult-to-classify rock. (Notice a theme here?) Their hometown L.A. Record comes up with this: "Think Sonic Youth, Zeppelin, and maybe even a dirtier, less classical-minded My Brightest Diamond, and you wouldn't be too far off the mark." LA2Day's Jemayel Khawaja goes with "the almost paradoxical posing, 'Joanna Newsom meets Tool.'" This is definitely progressive rock, in some form or another, and a very interesting listen. Start with "Nothing at All" and "Trojan."
Artist: The Nocturnes
Album: A Year of Spring
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: The Nocturnes are a duo that make difficult-to-classify rock. (Notice a theme here?) Their hometown L.A. Record comes up with this: "Think Sonic Youth, Zeppelin, and maybe even a dirtier, less classical-minded My Brightest Diamond, and you wouldn't be too far off the mark." LA2Day's Jemayel Khawaja goes with "the almost paradoxical posing, 'Joanna Newsom meets Tool.'" This is definitely progressive rock, in some form or another, and a very interesting listen. Start with "Nothing at All" and "Trojan."
Wye Oak
Add Date: July 28
Artist: Wye Oak
Album: The Knot
Label: Merge
Genre: Rock, folk rock
Comments: Maryland duo Wye Oak return with their sophomore release on Merge Records--which, as I write this, is in the midst of its 20th-anniversary festival down in N.C. The band's melancholy, folk-infused, slightly shoegazey take on rock makes them delightfully tough to categorize; in a futile attempt at comparison, the promoter that worked their 2007 debut (re-released in 2008 on Merge), If Children, came up with a strange-bedfellows list of Stars, The Breeders, Nina Nastasia and The Swell Season. Similarly, The Knot at times reminds me of Sun Kil Moon, and at others of Yo La Tengo, with Jenn Wasner's gloomy vocals coming from the same place as Nastasia or Hope Sandoval. "For Prayer" was easily my favorite song, and also check out "Tattoo" and "I Want for Nothing."
Artist: Wye Oak
Album: The Knot
Label: Merge
Genre: Rock, folk rock
Comments: Maryland duo Wye Oak return with their sophomore release on Merge Records--which, as I write this, is in the midst of its 20th-anniversary festival down in N.C. The band's melancholy, folk-infused, slightly shoegazey take on rock makes them delightfully tough to categorize; in a futile attempt at comparison, the promoter that worked their 2007 debut (re-released in 2008 on Merge), If Children, came up with a strange-bedfellows list of Stars, The Breeders, Nina Nastasia and The Swell Season. Similarly, The Knot at times reminds me of Sun Kil Moon, and at others of Yo La Tengo, with Jenn Wasner's gloomy vocals coming from the same place as Nastasia or Hope Sandoval. "For Prayer" was easily my favorite song, and also check out "Tattoo" and "I Want for Nothing."
Throw Me the Statue
Add Date: July 28
Artist: Throw Me the Statue
Album: Creaturesque
Label: Secretly Canadian
Genre: Rock, indie pop
Comments: There's been a lot of hype surrounding Throw Me the Statue since the original release of their debut record, Moonbeams, in 2007. At that point, the band consisted of, essentially, Scott Reitherman, but for the second proper full-length, he's spun things out into a quartet. Creaturesque is a very solid indie pop record; Reitherman's vocals bring to mind Andrew Bird, with the music sounding a bit like a faster-tempo version of Grandaddy or a stripped-down Super Furry Animals. On Secretly Canadian (Foreign Born, Jens Lekman, Antony & the Johnsons). Start with "Ancestors," "Dizzy From the Fall," "Pistols" and the quiet synth pop tune "Snowshoes."
Artist: Throw Me the Statue
Album: Creaturesque
Label: Secretly Canadian
Genre: Rock, indie pop
Comments: There's been a lot of hype surrounding Throw Me the Statue since the original release of their debut record, Moonbeams, in 2007. At that point, the band consisted of, essentially, Scott Reitherman, but for the second proper full-length, he's spun things out into a quartet. Creaturesque is a very solid indie pop record; Reitherman's vocals bring to mind Andrew Bird, with the music sounding a bit like a faster-tempo version of Grandaddy or a stripped-down Super Furry Animals. On Secretly Canadian (Foreign Born, Jens Lekman, Antony & the Johnsons). Start with "Ancestors," "Dizzy From the Fall," "Pistols" and the quiet synth pop tune "Snowshoes."
Hollands
Add Date: July 28
Artist: Hollands
Album: Faces (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Upbeat indie rock that will appeal to fans of Viva Voce and Doves. Start with "Over and Out" and "Coughing Boy."
Artist: Hollands
Album: Faces (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Upbeat indie rock that will appeal to fans of Viva Voce and Doves. Start with "Over and Out" and "Coughing Boy."
Fruit Bats
Add Date: July 28
Artist: Fruit Bats
Album: The Ruminant Band
Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Rock, indie pop, folk rock
Comments: To be perfectly honest, I didn't know that the Fruit Bats still existed. After all, it's been four years since they last put out a record (2005'S Spelled in Bones), and in the meantime frontman Eric Johnson had joined James Mercer and co. in The Shins. So, finding out a couple of months ago that the Fruit Bats were still around, and had scheduled the release of a The Ruminant Band for the summer, was quite a pleasant surprise.
On this new record, Johnson and his fellow Bats continue to explore the sounds of '60s and '70s pop rock, from Lennon, McCartney and Wilson to Fleetwood Mac. The end result of jangly folk pop, led by Johnson's terrific songwriting, lies somewhere between Johnson's latest venture, and current Sub Pop labelmates Blitzen Trapper. The Ruminant Band is a perfect record for the end of summer, and a great return for the Fruit Bats after a too-long hiatus. The album is good from start to finish, so it's hard to select standout songs, but I especially liked "Being On Our Own," "The Blessed Breeze," "The Hobo Girl" and the title track.
Artist: Fruit Bats
Album: The Ruminant Band
Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Rock, indie pop, folk rock
Comments: To be perfectly honest, I didn't know that the Fruit Bats still existed. After all, it's been four years since they last put out a record (2005'S Spelled in Bones), and in the meantime frontman Eric Johnson had joined James Mercer and co. in The Shins. So, finding out a couple of months ago that the Fruit Bats were still around, and had scheduled the release of a The Ruminant Band for the summer, was quite a pleasant surprise.
On this new record, Johnson and his fellow Bats continue to explore the sounds of '60s and '70s pop rock, from Lennon, McCartney and Wilson to Fleetwood Mac. The end result of jangly folk pop, led by Johnson's terrific songwriting, lies somewhere between Johnson's latest venture, and current Sub Pop labelmates Blitzen Trapper. The Ruminant Band is a perfect record for the end of summer, and a great return for the Fruit Bats after a too-long hiatus. The album is good from start to finish, so it's hard to select standout songs, but I especially liked "Being On Our Own," "The Blessed Breeze," "The Hobo Girl" and the title track.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Top 5 Adds - July 21
Top 5 Adds - July 21
YACHT
Cymbals Eat Guitars
Blue Roses
Japandroids
The Jezabels
Also check out: Bachelorette, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, No Go Know, Riceboy Sleeps, The Woodlands
YACHT
Cymbals Eat Guitars
Blue Roses
Japandroids
The Jezabels
Also check out: Bachelorette, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, No Go Know, Riceboy Sleeps, The Woodlands
Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
Add Date: July 21
Artist: Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
Album: Up From Below
Label: Vagrant
Genre: Rock, psych rock
Comments: Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros is the new project fronted by L.A. musician Alex Ebert, which sounds absolutely nothing like his other band, Ima Robot. Instead, this album could have been recorded four decades ago; it's descended from the sound of The Doors, The Mama & the Papas and Jefferson Airplane. And counting 12 musicians in the band, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros offer very rich instrumentation, adding horns, strings and accordion to the standard guitars, keyboards and percussion. Up From Below is a very interesting, compelling record that--in addition to proponents of late '60s and early '70s psych rock--will appeal to fans of modern acts like Yeasayer and Calexico.
Check out "40 Day Dream," "Home," "Carries On" and "Jade."
Artist: Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
Album: Up From Below
Label: Vagrant
Genre: Rock, psych rock
Comments: Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros is the new project fronted by L.A. musician Alex Ebert, which sounds absolutely nothing like his other band, Ima Robot. Instead, this album could have been recorded four decades ago; it's descended from the sound of The Doors, The Mama & the Papas and Jefferson Airplane. And counting 12 musicians in the band, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros offer very rich instrumentation, adding horns, strings and accordion to the standard guitars, keyboards and percussion. Up From Below is a very interesting, compelling record that--in addition to proponents of late '60s and early '70s psych rock--will appeal to fans of modern acts like Yeasayer and Calexico.
Check out "40 Day Dream," "Home," "Carries On" and "Jade."
Olivia Broadfield
Add Date: July 21
Artist: Olivia Broadfield
Album: Eyes Wide Open
Label: Cherry Bang!/Vagrant
Genre: Rock, synth pop
Comments: Olivia Broadfield's debut, originally released in her native UK in 2007, is now being issued here in the U.S. on Vagrant (EELS, Placebo, The Hold Steady). The synthesizer-laced pop on Eyes Wide Open is very reminiscent of another British artist, Imogen Heap. Start with "Hang On" and "Don't Cry."
Artist: Olivia Broadfield
Album: Eyes Wide Open
Label: Cherry Bang!/Vagrant
Genre: Rock, synth pop
Comments: Olivia Broadfield's debut, originally released in her native UK in 2007, is now being issued here in the U.S. on Vagrant (EELS, Placebo, The Hold Steady). The synthesizer-laced pop on Eyes Wide Open is very reminiscent of another British artist, Imogen Heap. Start with "Hang On" and "Don't Cry."
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Riceboy Sleeps
Add Date: July 21
Artist: Riceboy Sleeps
Album: Riceboy Sleeps
Label: XL
Genre: Defies classification
Comments: From the label: "Known primarily for his haunting falsetto and otherworldly presence as the singer in Sigur Ros, Jon Thor Birgisson has--together with his partner Alex Somers--been exhibiting artwork under the name Riceboy Sleeps for two or three years now... A couple of months back the early fruits of the musical side of this collaboration surfaced in physical form for the first time, with the track 'Happiness', on the exemplary Dark Was the Night Red Hot compilation.
"[T]he full-length Riceboy Sleeps album is... set to subtly redefine expectations of slow and elegiac instrumental music in 2009... The record... is more active than its apparent antecedents in the ambient output of Brian Eno, and other deliberately low-impact works. Riceboy Sleeps is awash with both tension and stimuli, as well as being frequently, and stunningly, beautiful... Played solely on acoustic instruments in Iceland (and featuring long-time string collaborators Amiina, as well as the Kopavosdaetur choir) and then endlessly toyed with on solar-powered laptops in some far corner of Hawaii..."
Artist: Riceboy Sleeps
Album: Riceboy Sleeps
Label: XL
Genre: Defies classification
Comments: From the label: "Known primarily for his haunting falsetto and otherworldly presence as the singer in Sigur Ros, Jon Thor Birgisson has--together with his partner Alex Somers--been exhibiting artwork under the name Riceboy Sleeps for two or three years now... A couple of months back the early fruits of the musical side of this collaboration surfaced in physical form for the first time, with the track 'Happiness', on the exemplary Dark Was the Night Red Hot compilation.
"[T]he full-length Riceboy Sleeps album is... set to subtly redefine expectations of slow and elegiac instrumental music in 2009... The record... is more active than its apparent antecedents in the ambient output of Brian Eno, and other deliberately low-impact works. Riceboy Sleeps is awash with both tension and stimuli, as well as being frequently, and stunningly, beautiful... Played solely on acoustic instruments in Iceland (and featuring long-time string collaborators Amiina, as well as the Kopavosdaetur choir) and then endlessly toyed with on solar-powered laptops in some far corner of Hawaii..."
No Go Know
Add Date: July 21
Artist: No Go Know
Album: Time Has Nothing to Do With It
Label: The Union
Genre: Rock
Comments: Portland trio No Go Know are new to me, but this two-disc, 18-track release was quite a pleasant surprise. Indie label The Union Records, admitting that the length of Time Has Nothing to Do With It is "ambitious," adds that the band "has been compared to My Morning Jacket and Built to Spill." I can see the resemblance to early MMJ, or to Doug Martsch's poppiest record, Keep It Like a Secret. No Go Know probably could have scaled this down into a more manageable 12-song, single-disc set, but that doesn't affect the quality of the standout numbers, particularly "Love Is War," "End of a Stay" and "Christmas Prayer."
Artist: No Go Know
Album: Time Has Nothing to Do With It
Label: The Union
Genre: Rock
Comments: Portland trio No Go Know are new to me, but this two-disc, 18-track release was quite a pleasant surprise. Indie label The Union Records, admitting that the length of Time Has Nothing to Do With It is "ambitious," adds that the band "has been compared to My Morning Jacket and Built to Spill." I can see the resemblance to early MMJ, or to Doug Martsch's poppiest record, Keep It Like a Secret. No Go Know probably could have scaled this down into a more manageable 12-song, single-disc set, but that doesn't affect the quality of the standout numbers, particularly "Love Is War," "End of a Stay" and "Christmas Prayer."
The Great Nostalgic
Add Date: July 21
Artist: The Great Nostalgic
Album: The Great Nostalgic
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: The Austin Chronicle says: "Abram Shook manages to sound alternatively like all three members of Swan Lake (Spencer Krug, Dan Bejar, and Carey Mercer) of the Great Nostalgic's eponymous debut." Start with "County Line."
Artist: The Great Nostalgic
Album: The Great Nostalgic
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: The Austin Chronicle says: "Abram Shook manages to sound alternatively like all three members of Swan Lake (Spencer Krug, Dan Bejar, and Carey Mercer) of the Great Nostalgic's eponymous debut." Start with "County Line."
Sean Renner
Add Date: July 21
Artist: Sean Renner
Album: The Blossoms of Armageddon
Label: The Urban Sound
Genre: Folk, ambient electronica
Comments: From the onesheet: "Sean Renner is a solo singer/songwriter who incorporates acoustic guitar, percussion, live sampling, and looping to create an eclectic and entrancing acoustic-electronic style of music... His influences range from Radiohead to Beethoven, Bjork to Sufjan Stevens..." Start with "The Plain of Two Mists."
Artist: Sean Renner
Album: The Blossoms of Armageddon
Label: The Urban Sound
Genre: Folk, ambient electronica
Comments: From the onesheet: "Sean Renner is a solo singer/songwriter who incorporates acoustic guitar, percussion, live sampling, and looping to create an eclectic and entrancing acoustic-electronic style of music... His influences range from Radiohead to Beethoven, Bjork to Sufjan Stevens..." Start with "The Plain of Two Mists."
The Woodlands
Add Date: July 21
Artist: The Woodlands
Album: The Woodlands
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk, folk pop
Comments: Portland husband-and-wife duo The Woodlands make quiet folk pop tunes that bring to mind Gregory and the Hawk and Denison Witmer. The onesheet says: "The Woodlands... craft songs of lyrical poetry, lush melody and intelligent simplicity... Hannah's hushed voice conveys both mirth and melancholy, tempered and surrounded by Samuel's melodic instrumentation." Very pleasant stuff. Start with "Anymore," "Until the Day Dims" and "Can We Stay."
Artist: The Woodlands
Album: The Woodlands
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk, folk pop
Comments: Portland husband-and-wife duo The Woodlands make quiet folk pop tunes that bring to mind Gregory and the Hawk and Denison Witmer. The onesheet says: "The Woodlands... craft songs of lyrical poetry, lush melody and intelligent simplicity... Hannah's hushed voice conveys both mirth and melancholy, tempered and surrounded by Samuel's melodic instrumentation." Very pleasant stuff. Start with "Anymore," "Until the Day Dims" and "Can We Stay."
Motel Motel
Add Date: July 21
Artist: Motel Motel
Album: New Denver
Label: The Rebel Group
Genre: Folk, alt-country, folk rock
Comments: The promoter says: "Brooklyn's best-kept alt-country secret, Motel Motel, are finally here with their debut album New Denver on The Rebel Group (Lucero, Land of Talk). Motel Motel took notes from greats like Whiskeytown, Gram Parsons and Wilco to create this collection of fantastically heartfelt and affecting songs."
Start with "Harlem," "Virginia" and "Mexico."
Artist: Motel Motel
Album: New Denver
Label: The Rebel Group
Genre: Folk, alt-country, folk rock
Comments: The promoter says: "Brooklyn's best-kept alt-country secret, Motel Motel, are finally here with their debut album New Denver on The Rebel Group (Lucero, Land of Talk). Motel Motel took notes from greats like Whiskeytown, Gram Parsons and Wilco to create this collection of fantastically heartfelt and affecting songs."
Start with "Harlem," "Virginia" and "Mexico."
Gobble Gobble
Add Date: July 21
Artist: Gobble Gobble
Album: Neon Graveyard
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, lo-fi, experimental pop
Comments: From the promoter: "Edmonton's Cecil Frena is the wily mastermind behind this skewed science project of sound... Across 11 songs, this alchemist of awesome has unleashed an eerily emotive amalgamation of video game bleeps, guitars that undulate and crackle, field-recorded noise that announces itself in pulsating squalls, lush arrangements that crumble into tape hiss like dried flowers, and... otherworldly vocals." Recommendations on album sticker.
Artist: Gobble Gobble
Album: Neon Graveyard
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, lo-fi, experimental pop
Comments: From the promoter: "Edmonton's Cecil Frena is the wily mastermind behind this skewed science project of sound... Across 11 songs, this alchemist of awesome has unleashed an eerily emotive amalgamation of video game bleeps, guitars that undulate and crackle, field-recorded noise that announces itself in pulsating squalls, lush arrangements that crumble into tape hiss like dried flowers, and... otherworldly vocals." Recommendations on album sticker.
The Jezabels
Add Date: July 21
Artist: The Jezabels
Album: The Man Is Dead (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: This 5-song EP from Sydney's The Jezabels shows a great deal of promise, particularly on piano-driven rock songs like "Odd Little Girls" and "Electric Lover," as well as on the far-reaching closing track "Unmarked Helicopters." The Man Is Dead should appeal to fans of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' It's Blitz, as well as Brit pop bands like Doves and Starsailor.
Artist: The Jezabels
Album: The Man Is Dead (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: This 5-song EP from Sydney's The Jezabels shows a great deal of promise, particularly on piano-driven rock songs like "Odd Little Girls" and "Electric Lover," as well as on the far-reaching closing track "Unmarked Helicopters." The Man Is Dead should appeal to fans of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' It's Blitz, as well as Brit pop bands like Doves and Starsailor.
Blue Roses
Add Date: July 21
Artist: Blue Roses
Album: Blue Roses
Label: XL
Genre: Folk
Comments: Blue Roses is Yorkshire musician Laura Groves, who makes her debut with this eponymous release on XL (Sigur Ros, Vampire Weekend). She's already drawing comparisons to Kate Bush, Joanna Newsom and Feist, and after listening to the album, it's easy to see why. Blue Roses a beautifully constructed folk record; Groves alternates between piano and guitar, sometimes with accompaniment, but always with her beautiful voice leading the way. Start with "I Am Leaving," "Greatest Thoughts" and "Doubtful Comforts."
Artist: Blue Roses
Album: Blue Roses
Label: XL
Genre: Folk
Comments: Blue Roses is Yorkshire musician Laura Groves, who makes her debut with this eponymous release on XL (Sigur Ros, Vampire Weekend). She's already drawing comparisons to Kate Bush, Joanna Newsom and Feist, and after listening to the album, it's easy to see why. Blue Roses a beautifully constructed folk record; Groves alternates between piano and guitar, sometimes with accompaniment, but always with her beautiful voice leading the way. Start with "I Am Leaving," "Greatest Thoughts" and "Doubtful Comforts."
Monday, July 20, 2009
Sean Bones
Add Date: July 21
Artist: Sean Bones
Album: Rings
Label: Frenchkiss
Genre: Rock, reggae
Comments: From the promoter: "Rings comes from Brooklyn's Sean Sullivan (formerly of Sam Champion), under the moniker Sean Bones. Never one to shy away from obscure and diverse influences, Sullivan borrows from reggae and dancehall to give Rings its island party theme. 'Easy Street' starts the record off smoothly with a Wailers-esque vibe as Sullivan's smooth vocals put you at ease before he kicks into a groove during 'Cry Cry Cry.' Norah Jones, Sullivan's co-star in the upcoming film Wah Do Dem, lends her vocal talents on the snappy duet 'Turn Them' that nicely closes out Rings. Fans of Islands, Toots & the Maytals and Vampire Weekend are sure to enjoy this summer's definitive warm weather album in Rings."
Artist: Sean Bones
Album: Rings
Label: Frenchkiss
Genre: Rock, reggae
Comments: From the promoter: "Rings comes from Brooklyn's Sean Sullivan (formerly of Sam Champion), under the moniker Sean Bones. Never one to shy away from obscure and diverse influences, Sullivan borrows from reggae and dancehall to give Rings its island party theme. 'Easy Street' starts the record off smoothly with a Wailers-esque vibe as Sullivan's smooth vocals put you at ease before he kicks into a groove during 'Cry Cry Cry.' Norah Jones, Sullivan's co-star in the upcoming film Wah Do Dem, lends her vocal talents on the snappy duet 'Turn Them' that nicely closes out Rings. Fans of Islands, Toots & the Maytals and Vampire Weekend are sure to enjoy this summer's definitive warm weather album in Rings."
YACHT
Add Date: July 21
Artist: YACHT
Album: See Mystery Lights
Label: DFA
Genre: Electronica, electropop
Comments: See Mystery Lights is a glorious electronic pop record from Jona Bechtolt and new bandmate Claire Evans. The previous YACHT release, 2007's I Believe in You. Your Magic Is Real., certainly had many fine moments, but this album, their debut on the DFA imprint of Tim Goldsworthy and James Murphy, is a more complete effort. There are standout tracks, in particular "Psychic City (Voodoo City)" and "The Afterlife," but at no point are you really tempted to skip ahead. See Mystery Lights is also very much a DFA release, as I can see fans of Murphy's LCD Soundsystem, The Juan Maclean, or even Hercules and Love Affair digging this record.
Artist: YACHT
Album: See Mystery Lights
Label: DFA
Genre: Electronica, electropop
Comments: See Mystery Lights is a glorious electronic pop record from Jona Bechtolt and new bandmate Claire Evans. The previous YACHT release, 2007's I Believe in You. Your Magic Is Real., certainly had many fine moments, but this album, their debut on the DFA imprint of Tim Goldsworthy and James Murphy, is a more complete effort. There are standout tracks, in particular "Psychic City (Voodoo City)" and "The Afterlife," but at no point are you really tempted to skip ahead. See Mystery Lights is also very much a DFA release, as I can see fans of Murphy's LCD Soundsystem, The Juan Maclean, or even Hercules and Love Affair digging this record.
Birds of Avalon
Add Date: July 21
Artist: Birds of Avalon
Album: Uncanny Valley
Label: Volcom Entertainment
Genre: Rock, psychedelic rock
Comments: Raleigh's Birds of Avalon make throwback psychedelic rock that will catch the ear of fans of The Black Angels and former tourmates Black Mountain. The band has honed its skill opening for many other great bands, including The Flaming Lips and Ted Leo & the Pharmacists. Check out "All Your Downtime Is Up."
Artist: Birds of Avalon
Album: Uncanny Valley
Label: Volcom Entertainment
Genre: Rock, psychedelic rock
Comments: Raleigh's Birds of Avalon make throwback psychedelic rock that will catch the ear of fans of The Black Angels and former tourmates Black Mountain. The band has honed its skill opening for many other great bands, including The Flaming Lips and Ted Leo & the Pharmacists. Check out "All Your Downtime Is Up."
Solillaquists of Sound
Add Date: July 21
Artist: Solillaquists of Sound
Album: No More Heroes
Label: Anti-
Genre: Hip hop
Comments: From label Anti- (Busdriver, Neko Case, Jason Lytle): "With the release of their sophomore album No More Heroes, Orlando-based hip hop quartet Solillaquists of Sound have accomplished the rare feat of creating a body of work that's as hip-shakingly gratifying to the casual listener as it is groundbreaking... With a musical canvas fusing elements of hip hop, dubstep, prog-rock, afrobeat, folk music, and epic movie scores, the sound of No More Heroes is a blistering collage that never loses its identity, maintaining an underlying unified sound. For fans of Sage Francis, The Roots and Digable Planets."
Artist: Solillaquists of Sound
Album: No More Heroes
Label: Anti-
Genre: Hip hop
Comments: From label Anti- (Busdriver, Neko Case, Jason Lytle): "With the release of their sophomore album No More Heroes, Orlando-based hip hop quartet Solillaquists of Sound have accomplished the rare feat of creating a body of work that's as hip-shakingly gratifying to the casual listener as it is groundbreaking... With a musical canvas fusing elements of hip hop, dubstep, prog-rock, afrobeat, folk music, and epic movie scores, the sound of No More Heroes is a blistering collage that never loses its identity, maintaining an underlying unified sound. For fans of Sage Francis, The Roots and Digable Planets."
Goldenrod
Add Date: July 21
Artist: Goldenrod
Album: Paintings for Prophets
Label: Beasts Content
Genre: Defies classification
Comments: From the onesheet: "Goldenrod is a burgoo of musicians scattered across America. Paintings for Prophets is a concept record that hybridizes electro, psychedelia, pre-'74 funk, and neo-soul with dark tinges of Appalachia. Analog synths, African gourd banjo, upright bass, and Native American percussion coalesce with freakazoid 808s and dirty fatback drums. One reviewer describes Goldenrod as 'New Age Motown," and another as 'Palamino Valium funk.'" Recommendations on the album promo sticker.
Artist: Goldenrod
Album: Paintings for Prophets
Label: Beasts Content
Genre: Defies classification
Comments: From the onesheet: "Goldenrod is a burgoo of musicians scattered across America. Paintings for Prophets is a concept record that hybridizes electro, psychedelia, pre-'74 funk, and neo-soul with dark tinges of Appalachia. Analog synths, African gourd banjo, upright bass, and Native American percussion coalesce with freakazoid 808s and dirty fatback drums. One reviewer describes Goldenrod as 'New Age Motown," and another as 'Palamino Valium funk.'" Recommendations on the album promo sticker.
CIAM
Add Date: July 21
Artist: CIAM
Album: Anonymous
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, experimental, electronica
Comments: The art/music collective CIAM, based in London but with members in Tel Aviv and Scandinavia, draw inspiration from Brian Eno, Radiohead and The Velvet Underground, covering the latter band's "Venus in Furs" on this record. While something--I'm not sure what--really seems to be missing, I did like "Misunderstood."
Artist: CIAM
Album: Anonymous
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, experimental, electronica
Comments: The art/music collective CIAM, based in London but with members in Tel Aviv and Scandinavia, draw inspiration from Brian Eno, Radiohead and The Velvet Underground, covering the latter band's "Venus in Furs" on this record. While something--I'm not sure what--really seems to be missing, I did like "Misunderstood."
The Color Turning
Add Date: July 21
Artist: The Color Turning
Album: Good Hands Bad Blood
Label: New West
Genre: Rock
Comments: L.A. band The Color Turning make ambitious, British-inspired rock songs that emulate Coldplay, Elbow and Doves, with a mixed degree of success. The overall results are listenable, though not on the same level as their British forebears. Check out the recommendations on the promoter's sticker.
Artist: The Color Turning
Album: Good Hands Bad Blood
Label: New West
Genre: Rock
Comments: L.A. band The Color Turning make ambitious, British-inspired rock songs that emulate Coldplay, Elbow and Doves, with a mixed degree of success. The overall results are listenable, though not on the same level as their British forebears. Check out the recommendations on the promoter's sticker.
Awol One & Factor
Add Date: July 21
Artist: Awol One & Factor
Album: Owl Hours
Label: Fake Four, Inc.
Genre: Hip hop
Comments: From the promoter: "Owl Hours is quite a departure from the duo's last album, Only Death Can Kill You, forgoing more mellow, head-bobbing hip hop in favor of a more party-oriented sound with instrumentals that move from electronic pop to folk-hop. Topics range from curious celebrations to nostalgic odes to former loves to drunken anthems, all told through the eccentric eyes of Awol One, with Factor setting the musical landscape. Guest vocalists include Aesop Rock, Myka 9, The Alkaholiks and executive producer Xzibit, who all come off strong as ever over Factor's catchy, hard-hitting beats."
Check out "Glamorous Drunk" and "Back Then," featuring current playlist artist Gregory Pepper.
Artist: Awol One & Factor
Album: Owl Hours
Label: Fake Four, Inc.
Genre: Hip hop
Comments: From the promoter: "Owl Hours is quite a departure from the duo's last album, Only Death Can Kill You, forgoing more mellow, head-bobbing hip hop in favor of a more party-oriented sound with instrumentals that move from electronic pop to folk-hop. Topics range from curious celebrations to nostalgic odes to former loves to drunken anthems, all told through the eccentric eyes of Awol One, with Factor setting the musical landscape. Guest vocalists include Aesop Rock, Myka 9, The Alkaholiks and executive producer Xzibit, who all come off strong as ever over Factor's catchy, hard-hitting beats."
Check out "Glamorous Drunk" and "Back Then," featuring current playlist artist Gregory Pepper.
Set Your Goals
Add Date: July 21
Artist: Set Your Goals
Album: This Will Be the Death of Us
Label: Epitaph
Genre: Rock, emo, pop punk
Comments: San Francisco band Set Your Goals make uppity pop punk that should appeal to fans of New Found Glory, The Movielife and Saves the Day. The title selection from this sophomore record is also the single.
Artist: Set Your Goals
Album: This Will Be the Death of Us
Label: Epitaph
Genre: Rock, emo, pop punk
Comments: San Francisco band Set Your Goals make uppity pop punk that should appeal to fans of New Found Glory, The Movielife and Saves the Day. The title selection from this sophomore record is also the single.
Bachelorette
Add Date: July 21
Artist: Bachelorette
Album: My Electric Family
Label: Drag City
Genre: Rock, electronic rock, psych pop
Comments: From label Drag City (Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Bill Callahan, Joanna Newsom): "Bachelorette's Annabel Alpers has a family of synthesizers, keyboards and computers that beam to us all the way from Christchurch, New Zealand. Since 2005, she's released an EP and a full-length record, both of them amazing distillations of her psychedelic pop. The all-new My Electric Family brings other humans into the relationship, working alongside her machines. Relationships with machines are among the themes of the album, as is the idea of technology as an escape and expression. My Electric Family is a hand-woven sci-folk lullaby that delves into your subconscious and hits you right at your electric core."
For fans of Broadcast, Black Moth Super Rainbow and fellow Kiwi Ladyhawke. Check out "Instructions for Insomniacs," "Her Rotating Head" and "Mindwarp."
Artist: Bachelorette
Album: My Electric Family
Label: Drag City
Genre: Rock, electronic rock, psych pop
Comments: From label Drag City (Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Bill Callahan, Joanna Newsom): "Bachelorette's Annabel Alpers has a family of synthesizers, keyboards and computers that beam to us all the way from Christchurch, New Zealand. Since 2005, she's released an EP and a full-length record, both of them amazing distillations of her psychedelic pop. The all-new My Electric Family brings other humans into the relationship, working alongside her machines. Relationships with machines are among the themes of the album, as is the idea of technology as an escape and expression. My Electric Family is a hand-woven sci-folk lullaby that delves into your subconscious and hits you right at your electric core."
For fans of Broadcast, Black Moth Super Rainbow and fellow Kiwi Ladyhawke. Check out "Instructions for Insomniacs," "Her Rotating Head" and "Mindwarp."
Friday, July 17, 2009
Cymbals Eat Guitars
Add Date: July 21
Artist: Cymbals Eat Guitars
Album: Why There Are Mountains
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, experimental rock, pop
Comments: Drawing comparisons to indie rock behemoths like Built to Spill and Modest Mouse, Staten Island's Cymbals Eat Guitars have made a massive pop record that is sure to go down as one of the best debuts of 2009. (They'll be touring with one of their competitors for that designation, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, this fall.) Infusing those rock structures with elements of shoegaze and classic pop, Why There Are Mountains is simultaneously far-reaching and extremely accessible, much in the way that Doug Martsch can turn a 7-minute guitar jam into a (college) radio-friendly pop song. New bands often get tagged with labels like "promising" or "up-and-coming," but Cymbals Eat Guitars have already arrived. Start with "Wind Phoenix (Proper Name)" or any of the first three tracks.
Artist: Cymbals Eat Guitars
Album: Why There Are Mountains
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, experimental rock, pop
Comments: Drawing comparisons to indie rock behemoths like Built to Spill and Modest Mouse, Staten Island's Cymbals Eat Guitars have made a massive pop record that is sure to go down as one of the best debuts of 2009. (They'll be touring with one of their competitors for that designation, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, this fall.) Infusing those rock structures with elements of shoegaze and classic pop, Why There Are Mountains is simultaneously far-reaching and extremely accessible, much in the way that Doug Martsch can turn a 7-minute guitar jam into a (college) radio-friendly pop song. New bands often get tagged with labels like "promising" or "up-and-coming," but Cymbals Eat Guitars have already arrived. Start with "Wind Phoenix (Proper Name)" or any of the first three tracks.
Japandroids
Add Date: July 21
Artist: Japandroids
Album: Post-Nothing
Label: Polyvinyl
Genre: Rock, noise rock
Comments: From the promoter: "We've been excited about Vancouver's Japandroids' new album ever since hearing their incredible 2008 [EP] Lullaby Death Jams. Post-Nothing doesn't hold back, as the noise-pop duo of Brian King and David Browse storm through each track. 'The Boys Are Leaving Town' sticks to its title, as the band puts some distance between them and home with fuzzed-out drum work and distorted guitars. A band with a master plan and the ability to control their creative chaos, such as picking up girls during 'Wet Hair,' and temporarily giving up on 'I Quit Girls,' makes Post-Nothing the new anthem for teenage angst, with a purpose that fans of Crocodiles, Cap'n Jazz and No Age are sure to get down with."
This record has been generating a lot of buzz since its Canadian release in April, so much so that it prompted Polyvinyl (of Montreal, Joan of Arc, Architecture in Helsinki) to sign them in the U.S. As it turns out, the praise has been well-deserved. The above review provides a good summary, though I'm wary about using words like "teenage angst" in a positive manner; after all, Post-Nothing is as enjoyable as it is good. In addition to the promoter's recommendations, I liked "Young Hearts Spark Fire" and "Rockers East Vancouver."
Artist: Japandroids
Album: Post-Nothing
Label: Polyvinyl
Genre: Rock, noise rock
Comments: From the promoter: "We've been excited about Vancouver's Japandroids' new album ever since hearing their incredible 2008 [EP] Lullaby Death Jams. Post-Nothing doesn't hold back, as the noise-pop duo of Brian King and David Browse storm through each track. 'The Boys Are Leaving Town' sticks to its title, as the band puts some distance between them and home with fuzzed-out drum work and distorted guitars. A band with a master plan and the ability to control their creative chaos, such as picking up girls during 'Wet Hair,' and temporarily giving up on 'I Quit Girls,' makes Post-Nothing the new anthem for teenage angst, with a purpose that fans of Crocodiles, Cap'n Jazz and No Age are sure to get down with."
This record has been generating a lot of buzz since its Canadian release in April, so much so that it prompted Polyvinyl (of Montreal, Joan of Arc, Architecture in Helsinki) to sign them in the U.S. As it turns out, the praise has been well-deserved. The above review provides a good summary, though I'm wary about using words like "teenage angst" in a positive manner; after all, Post-Nothing is as enjoyable as it is good. In addition to the promoter's recommendations, I liked "Young Hearts Spark Fire" and "Rockers East Vancouver."
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Top 5 Adds - July 14
Top 5 Adds - July 14
Portugal. The Man
Megafaun
The Dead Weather
We Became Actors
Bad Veins
Also check out: Broken Records, Kleerup, Soft Black
Portugal. The Man
Megafaun
The Dead Weather
We Became Actors
Bad Veins
Also check out: Broken Records, Kleerup, Soft Black
Broken Records
Add Date: July 14
Artist: Broken Records
Album: Until the Earth Begins to Part
Label: 4AD
Genre: Rock
Comments: A beautifully orchestrated rock record on this debut from Edinburgh's Broken Records. The rich instrumentation will appeal to fans of Arcade Fire, The Frames and Okkervil River, while the song structures are very much in the vein of fellow Scottish bands like Frightened Rabbit, The Twilight Sad and recent playlist addition We Were Promised Jetpacks. On 4AD (Camera Obscura, St. Vincent, The Mountain Goats). Check out "If the News Makes You Sad, Don't Watch It," "A Promise," the slow-building "Wolves" and the DeVotchKa-leaning romp "A Good Reason."
Artist: Broken Records
Album: Until the Earth Begins to Part
Label: 4AD
Genre: Rock
Comments: A beautifully orchestrated rock record on this debut from Edinburgh's Broken Records. The rich instrumentation will appeal to fans of Arcade Fire, The Frames and Okkervil River, while the song structures are very much in the vein of fellow Scottish bands like Frightened Rabbit, The Twilight Sad and recent playlist addition We Were Promised Jetpacks. On 4AD (Camera Obscura, St. Vincent, The Mountain Goats). Check out "If the News Makes You Sad, Don't Watch It," "A Promise," the slow-building "Wolves" and the DeVotchKa-leaning romp "A Good Reason."
The Wiyos
Add Date: July 14
Artist: The Wiyos
Album: Broken Land Bell
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk, blues
Comments: From the promoter: "Broken Land Bell... successfully blends The Wiyos' affinity for 1920s/30s country blues and western swing with their pop songwriting sensibilities and post-modern, experimental song structures... The opening track, 'Roll On Down the Road,' blends funky beat boxing and a bouncy country blues guitar riff with country-style three-part harmonies. The song 'Stomp' is an eclectic mix of dirty delta blues with some psychedelic influences and Mills Brothers-esque mouth trumpet lines. Displaying their love of concise, well-crafted pop songs, 'Green Bottle #6' continues in that tradition by fusing a super-catchy hook with a small swing band sound."
Artist: The Wiyos
Album: Broken Land Bell
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk, blues
Comments: From the promoter: "Broken Land Bell... successfully blends The Wiyos' affinity for 1920s/30s country blues and western swing with their pop songwriting sensibilities and post-modern, experimental song structures... The opening track, 'Roll On Down the Road,' blends funky beat boxing and a bouncy country blues guitar riff with country-style three-part harmonies. The song 'Stomp' is an eclectic mix of dirty delta blues with some psychedelic influences and Mills Brothers-esque mouth trumpet lines. Displaying their love of concise, well-crafted pop songs, 'Green Bottle #6' continues in that tradition by fusing a super-catchy hook with a small swing band sound."
Monday, July 13, 2009
Flea Market Poets
Add Date: July 14
Artist: Flea Market Poets
Album: Dirty Days
Label: Lemontree
Genre: Rock
Comments: Flea Market Poets' diverse style of rock spans several subgenres, from '80s indie rock to early Wilco-style folk rock to '90s alternative. Check out the title track and "Revolution."
Artist: Flea Market Poets
Album: Dirty Days
Label: Lemontree
Genre: Rock
Comments: Flea Market Poets' diverse style of rock spans several subgenres, from '80s indie rock to early Wilco-style folk rock to '90s alternative. Check out the title track and "Revolution."
Kleerup
Add Date: July 14
Artist: Kleerup
Album: Kleerup
Label: Astralwerks
Genre: Electronica, electropop
Comments: Swedish songwriter and producer Andreas Kleerup's 2008 debut finally gets a proper North American release. Kleerup lies somewhere between Royksopp's guest-friendly ambient electronica and the pop of fellow Swedes Robyn and Lykke Li--who, not coincidentally, provide vocals on the album. The song with Robyn, "With Every Heartbeat," was a No. 1 hit in the UK, while Lykke Li turns in a fine performance on "Until We Bleed." Also check out "Longing for Lullabies," featuring Neneh Cherry's younger sister Titiyo, as well as "On My Own Again."
Artist: Kleerup
Album: Kleerup
Label: Astralwerks
Genre: Electronica, electropop
Comments: Swedish songwriter and producer Andreas Kleerup's 2008 debut finally gets a proper North American release. Kleerup lies somewhere between Royksopp's guest-friendly ambient electronica and the pop of fellow Swedes Robyn and Lykke Li--who, not coincidentally, provide vocals on the album. The song with Robyn, "With Every Heartbeat," was a No. 1 hit in the UK, while Lykke Li turns in a fine performance on "Until We Bleed." Also check out "Longing for Lullabies," featuring Neneh Cherry's younger sister Titiyo, as well as "On My Own Again."
The Dead Weather
Add Date: July 14
Artist: The Dead Weather
Album: Horehound
Label: Third Man/Warner Bros.
Genre: Rock, blues rock, garage rock
Comments: Supergroup, anyone? Born out of a tour pairing The Raconteurs and The Kills, The Dead Weather features Jack White, The Kills' Alison Mosshart, Queens of the Stone Age guitarist Dean Fertita and Raconteurs/Greenhornes bassist Jack Lawrence. The Dead Weather's musical style draws on much of its components' previous work, mixing the garage sounds of The Kills and The White Stripes, the rock of QOTSA, and the blues influences of anything White is involved with. I wasn't blown away by Horehound, but it's a very, very well-done record. The highlight tracks are "Hang You From the Heavens" and "Treat Me Like Your Mother," and I also enjoyed their take on Dylan's "New Pony."
Artist: The Dead Weather
Album: Horehound
Label: Third Man/Warner Bros.
Genre: Rock, blues rock, garage rock
Comments: Supergroup, anyone? Born out of a tour pairing The Raconteurs and The Kills, The Dead Weather features Jack White, The Kills' Alison Mosshart, Queens of the Stone Age guitarist Dean Fertita and Raconteurs/Greenhornes bassist Jack Lawrence. The Dead Weather's musical style draws on much of its components' previous work, mixing the garage sounds of The Kills and The White Stripes, the rock of QOTSA, and the blues influences of anything White is involved with. I wasn't blown away by Horehound, but it's a very, very well-done record. The highlight tracks are "Hang You From the Heavens" and "Treat Me Like Your Mother," and I also enjoyed their take on Dylan's "New Pony."
Patrick Wolf
Add Date: July 14
Artist: Patrick Wolf
Album: The Bachelor (sampler)
Label: Nylon
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Same deal as Plastiscines: Here are three songs from a forthcoming LP from Patrick Wolf. Includes the new single "Hard Times," as well as the track "Oblivion," which features a guest appearance by actress Tilda Swinton. The Bachelor will be here in three weeks.
Artist: Patrick Wolf
Album: The Bachelor (sampler)
Label: Nylon
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Same deal as Plastiscines: Here are three songs from a forthcoming LP from Patrick Wolf. Includes the new single "Hard Times," as well as the track "Oblivion," which features a guest appearance by actress Tilda Swinton. The Bachelor will be here in three weeks.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Plastiscines
Add Date: July 14
Artist: Plastiscines
Album: Barcelona EP
Label: Nylon
Genre: Rock, post-punk, garage rock
Comments: Three songs from this French quartet's forthcoming album About Love, centered around the single "Barcelona." Also features their rendition of the oft-covered "You're No Good." (The most famous version of that tune was done by Linda Ronstadt in 1975.) Full review--of the Plastiscines, not Linda Ronstadt--coming when the LP lands in two weeks.
Artist: Plastiscines
Album: Barcelona EP
Label: Nylon
Genre: Rock, post-punk, garage rock
Comments: Three songs from this French quartet's forthcoming album About Love, centered around the single "Barcelona." Also features their rendition of the oft-covered "You're No Good." (The most famous version of that tune was done by Linda Ronstadt in 1975.) Full review--of the Plastiscines, not Linda Ronstadt--coming when the LP lands in two weeks.
Gin Betty!
Add Date: July 14
Artist: Gin Betty!
Album: Love Me Not
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk, alt-country
Comments: I don't know much about Seattle-area alt-country troupe Gin Betty!, except that they're apparently MySpace friends with Ryan Adams. That's not a random observation; if you liked the music that Adams put out before his recent, alleged retirement, you'll probably enjoy the country numbers on Love Me Not. Start with "Barglow."
Artist: Gin Betty!
Album: Love Me Not
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk, alt-country
Comments: I don't know much about Seattle-area alt-country troupe Gin Betty!, except that they're apparently MySpace friends with Ryan Adams. That's not a random observation; if you liked the music that Adams put out before his recent, alleged retirement, you'll probably enjoy the country numbers on Love Me Not. Start with "Barglow."
Fred Taylor Trio
Add Date: July 14
Artist: Fred Taylor Trio
Album: Live at Cecil's: Volume 1
Label: Self-released
Genre: Jazz
Comments: You may remember the Fred Taylor Trio from their fall studio album Circling. This live set was recorded in January at Cecil's Jazz Club and Restaurant in West Orange, N.J. The trio features Taylor (drums), Bob Ackermann (woodwinds) and Rick Crane (double bass). Very nice stuff.
Artist: Fred Taylor Trio
Album: Live at Cecil's: Volume 1
Label: Self-released
Genre: Jazz
Comments: You may remember the Fred Taylor Trio from their fall studio album Circling. This live set was recorded in January at Cecil's Jazz Club and Restaurant in West Orange, N.J. The trio features Taylor (drums), Bob Ackermann (woodwinds) and Rick Crane (double bass). Very nice stuff.
The Mayocks
Add Date: July 14
Artist: The Mayocks
Album: It Might Be True
Label: Regular Joe
Genre: Folk, alt-country, folk rock
Comments: Centered around brothers Tim and John Mayock, this band churns out alt-country and folk rock that will appeal to fans of The Jayhawks and Son Volt. Check out "Round and Round."
Artist: The Mayocks
Album: It Might Be True
Label: Regular Joe
Genre: Folk, alt-country, folk rock
Comments: Centered around brothers Tim and John Mayock, this band churns out alt-country and folk rock that will appeal to fans of The Jayhawks and Son Volt. Check out "Round and Round."
Datarock
Add Date: July 14
Artist: Datarock
Album: Red
Label: Nettwerk
Genre: Electronica, dance rock
Comments: Fredrik Saroea, one-half of this Norwegian duo, says of the band's second LP: "We've dug ourselves into the data about the rock of the late '70s and early '80s: the art, the music, the films, the subversive and popular culture." The promoter adds that Red "was recorded solely on equipment made before 1983. Featuring performances from Fela Kuti, Afrika Bambaataa and Kraftwerk, Red is a bit of West End, a hint of the Caribbean, a dash of West Africa--and a whole lot of pulsating modernity. Start with lead single 'The Pretender,' as well as Datarock's homage to Talking Heads ['True Stories'] and love letter to Molly Ringwald ['Molly']."
Artist: Datarock
Album: Red
Label: Nettwerk
Genre: Electronica, dance rock
Comments: Fredrik Saroea, one-half of this Norwegian duo, says of the band's second LP: "We've dug ourselves into the data about the rock of the late '70s and early '80s: the art, the music, the films, the subversive and popular culture." The promoter adds that Red "was recorded solely on equipment made before 1983. Featuring performances from Fela Kuti, Afrika Bambaataa and Kraftwerk, Red is a bit of West End, a hint of the Caribbean, a dash of West Africa--and a whole lot of pulsating modernity. Start with lead single 'The Pretender,' as well as Datarock's homage to Talking Heads ['True Stories'] and love letter to Molly Ringwald ['Molly']."
Stereo Alligator
Add Date: July 14
Artist: Stereo Alligator
Album: Stereo Alligator (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Electronica, synth pop
Comments: The promoter says: "Stereo Alligator's new EP is a 5-track spectacle from Portuguese duo Miguel Gomes and Jorge Nuno. These synth-pop darlings fill their EP with vintage synth that buzzes through new wave influences while keeping their eyes on the future. The standout track, 'Wake Me Up... And Tell Me,' starts off with rhythmic raindrop sounds before charging head first into syncopated drumming and larger-than-life synth lines. This short and sweet EP is a must-listen for fans of Depeche Mode, We Are Scientists and The Killers."
Artist: Stereo Alligator
Album: Stereo Alligator (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Electronica, synth pop
Comments: The promoter says: "Stereo Alligator's new EP is a 5-track spectacle from Portuguese duo Miguel Gomes and Jorge Nuno. These synth-pop darlings fill their EP with vintage synth that buzzes through new wave influences while keeping their eyes on the future. The standout track, 'Wake Me Up... And Tell Me,' starts off with rhythmic raindrop sounds before charging head first into syncopated drumming and larger-than-life synth lines. This short and sweet EP is a must-listen for fans of Depeche Mode, We Are Scientists and The Killers."
Vagina Panther
Add Date: July 14
Artist: Vagina Panther
Album: Vagina Panther
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, garage rock, hard rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Brooklyn's latest upstart Vagina Panther rattles through their startling debut record with unrelenting fervor. Vagina Panther's sound is rollicking garage rock with a delicate feminine touch. Singer Dead June's vocals pave way through the ripping guitar jam 'Dave, You Are Killing Me,' while other standout tracks, such as 'So How We Gonna Do This' and 'Pressure Check,' beg to be listened to at full volume. Fans of Queens of the Stone Age, Wolfmother and Black Lips will be moving in no time to the riff rock anthems of Vagina Panther's debut album!"
Artist: Vagina Panther
Album: Vagina Panther
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, garage rock, hard rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Brooklyn's latest upstart Vagina Panther rattles through their startling debut record with unrelenting fervor. Vagina Panther's sound is rollicking garage rock with a delicate feminine touch. Singer Dead June's vocals pave way through the ripping guitar jam 'Dave, You Are Killing Me,' while other standout tracks, such as 'So How We Gonna Do This' and 'Pressure Check,' beg to be listened to at full volume. Fans of Queens of the Stone Age, Wolfmother and Black Lips will be moving in no time to the riff rock anthems of Vagina Panther's debut album!"
Soft Black
Add Date: July 14
Artist: Soft Black
Album: The Earth Is Black... and other apocalyptic lullabies for children
Label: Plays With Dolls
Genre: Rock, indie rock
Comments: Soft Black frontman Vincent Cacchione turns melancholy lyrics into jangly, slightly folksy indie rock songs. The Earth Is Black..., the band's second LP, is being released by the same label (Plays With Dolls) that has issued tunes by Vivian Girls and The Royal Chains; it was engineered by Charles Burst, whose recent work includes Crystal Stilts and Neko Case. Soft Black's music exists somewhere between the lo-fi rock of Guided By Voices and the gloomy pop of East River Pipe. Start with the title track, "Ashtray Christ" and "Did You Put a Spell on Me?"
Artist: Soft Black
Album: The Earth Is Black... and other apocalyptic lullabies for children
Label: Plays With Dolls
Genre: Rock, indie rock
Comments: Soft Black frontman Vincent Cacchione turns melancholy lyrics into jangly, slightly folksy indie rock songs. The Earth Is Black..., the band's second LP, is being released by the same label (Plays With Dolls) that has issued tunes by Vivian Girls and The Royal Chains; it was engineered by Charles Burst, whose recent work includes Crystal Stilts and Neko Case. Soft Black's music exists somewhere between the lo-fi rock of Guided By Voices and the gloomy pop of East River Pipe. Start with the title track, "Ashtray Christ" and "Did You Put a Spell on Me?"
Portugal. The Man
Add Date: July 14
Artist: Portugal. The Man
Album: The Satanic Satanist
Label: Equal Vision
Genre: Rock, psychedelic rock
Comments: Who'd have thought anything good could come out of Wasilla, AK? Portugal. The Man have dutifully served the great state of Alaska for four years, or at least four LPs, with the release of their finest work to date, The Satanic Satanist. That's a very Of Montreal-sounding album title, and indeed the two bands share an affinity for psychedelic tunes. But whereas Kevin Barnes veers toward the pop end of that spectrum, John Baldwin Gourley and co. are most certainly a rock band--Portugal. The Man formed from the remnants of the post-hardcore outfit Anatomy of a Ghost. That doesn't mean there's no room for influences from outside the genre; indeed, Gourley readily acknowledges the very noticeable soul and R&B sounds on the record. "I was really trying to go for the more Motown structure than anything, the really short, tight songs with three parts and that soul vibe that we've been trying to go for this whole time," Gourley says of The Satanic Satanist.
The results really, truly work well, especially with the excellent "Lovers in Love" and "The Sun." Also spin "Guns & Dogs," "The Woods" and "Everyone Is Golden."
Artist: Portugal. The Man
Album: The Satanic Satanist
Label: Equal Vision
Genre: Rock, psychedelic rock
Comments: Who'd have thought anything good could come out of Wasilla, AK? Portugal. The Man have dutifully served the great state of Alaska for four years, or at least four LPs, with the release of their finest work to date, The Satanic Satanist. That's a very Of Montreal-sounding album title, and indeed the two bands share an affinity for psychedelic tunes. But whereas Kevin Barnes veers toward the pop end of that spectrum, John Baldwin Gourley and co. are most certainly a rock band--Portugal. The Man formed from the remnants of the post-hardcore outfit Anatomy of a Ghost. That doesn't mean there's no room for influences from outside the genre; indeed, Gourley readily acknowledges the very noticeable soul and R&B sounds on the record. "I was really trying to go for the more Motown structure than anything, the really short, tight songs with three parts and that soul vibe that we've been trying to go for this whole time," Gourley says of The Satanic Satanist.
The results really, truly work well, especially with the excellent "Lovers in Love" and "The Sun." Also spin "Guns & Dogs," "The Woods" and "Everyone Is Golden."
Modest Mouse
Add Date: July 14
Artist: Modest Mouse
Album: Autumn Beds/The Whale Song
Label: Epic
Genre: Rock
Comments: Modest Mouse will release No One's First and You're Next, a collection of eight B-sides from the recording of their last two studio records (Good News for People Who Love Bad News and We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank), in August. With the addition of this 2-song disc, half of the tracks from the EP are now out for play--the "Satellite Skin" single added back in June. If you liked either or both of those Modest Mouse LPs, you'll enjoy these tunes.
Artist: Modest Mouse
Album: Autumn Beds/The Whale Song
Label: Epic
Genre: Rock
Comments: Modest Mouse will release No One's First and You're Next, a collection of eight B-sides from the recording of their last two studio records (Good News for People Who Love Bad News and We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank), in August. With the addition of this 2-song disc, half of the tracks from the EP are now out for play--the "Satellite Skin" single added back in June. If you liked either or both of those Modest Mouse LPs, you'll enjoy these tunes.
Bad Veins
Add Date: July 14
Artist: Bad Veins
Album: Bad Veins
Label: Dangerbird
Genre: Rock
Comments: Formed in Cincinnati in 2006, Bad Veins make music much bigger than you would expect from a duo. In their live shows, Benjamin Davis and Sebastien Schultz are joined by a third member, an antique reel-to-reel player (apparently named "Irene"), which helps them reproduce the rich sounds of the studio. Compared to Franz Ferdinand and Jarvis Cocker, I also hear some of the anthemic rock of Coldplay in their full-length debut. Check out "Gold and Warm," the synth-laced "Dry Out" and the ballad "The Lie."
Artist: Bad Veins
Album: Bad Veins
Label: Dangerbird
Genre: Rock
Comments: Formed in Cincinnati in 2006, Bad Veins make music much bigger than you would expect from a duo. In their live shows, Benjamin Davis and Sebastien Schultz are joined by a third member, an antique reel-to-reel player (apparently named "Irene"), which helps them reproduce the rich sounds of the studio. Compared to Franz Ferdinand and Jarvis Cocker, I also hear some of the anthemic rock of Coldplay in their full-length debut. Check out "Gold and Warm," the synth-laced "Dry Out" and the ballad "The Lie."
Ed Hale
Add Date: July 14
Artist: Ed Hale
Album: Ballad on Third Avenue
Label: Dying Van Gogh
Genre: Folk, singer/songwriter, folk rock
Comments: Ed Hale, the leader of Miami alternative rock band Transcendence, has issued a folksy solo album. Says the promoter: "The record's eleven tracks are a sparse and luxuriant tangle of acoustic guitars, piano, organ, xylophone, lush cello lines, and mellotron flourishes..." For fans of Pete Yorn or David Gray. Try "I Walk Alone" and the title track.
Artist: Ed Hale
Album: Ballad on Third Avenue
Label: Dying Van Gogh
Genre: Folk, singer/songwriter, folk rock
Comments: Ed Hale, the leader of Miami alternative rock band Transcendence, has issued a folksy solo album. Says the promoter: "The record's eleven tracks are a sparse and luxuriant tangle of acoustic guitars, piano, organ, xylophone, lush cello lines, and mellotron flourishes..." For fans of Pete Yorn or David Gray. Try "I Walk Alone" and the title track.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
We Became Actors
Add Date: July 14
Artist: We Became Actors
Album: This Is Where We Stand (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: We Became Actors is the latest band to emerge from the severely underrated Minneapolis music scene. You don't have to go all the way back to Husker Du or The Replacements for good Twin Cities rock--several great bands from the area have popped up in recent years, though many of them have somehow escaped appropriate national attention. Let's hope We Became Actors can break that trend. (Perhaps as a good omen, This Is Where We Stand was recorded at a studio that a Minneapolis hit, Tapes 'N Tapes, once used.) We Became Actors' music is upbeat guitar pop, influenced by The Cure but sounding more like Tokyo Police Club, Harlem Shakes or early Bloc Party. "George & Martha" is the place to start.
Artist: We Became Actors
Album: This Is Where We Stand (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: We Became Actors is the latest band to emerge from the severely underrated Minneapolis music scene. You don't have to go all the way back to Husker Du or The Replacements for good Twin Cities rock--several great bands from the area have popped up in recent years, though many of them have somehow escaped appropriate national attention. Let's hope We Became Actors can break that trend. (Perhaps as a good omen, This Is Where We Stand was recorded at a studio that a Minneapolis hit, Tapes 'N Tapes, once used.) We Became Actors' music is upbeat guitar pop, influenced by The Cure but sounding more like Tokyo Police Club, Harlem Shakes or early Bloc Party. "George & Martha" is the place to start.
Talbot Tagora
Add Date: July 14
Artist: Talbot Tagora
Album: Lessons in the Woods or a City
Label: Hardly Art
Genre: Rock, noise rock, art-punk
Comments: Seattle 3-piece Talbot Tagora make noisy, chaotic rock in the same spirit as No Age, Mika Miko or current tourmates Abe Vigoda. Their debut record, Lessons in the Woods or a City, is on Hardly Art--the offshoot of No Age's current home, indie behemoth Sub Pop. There's definite quality here, but unfortunately I don't find this as accessible as, say, Nouns or Skeleton. The more approachable tracks for me were "Solar Puppets" and "Perception Stick."
Artist: Talbot Tagora
Album: Lessons in the Woods or a City
Label: Hardly Art
Genre: Rock, noise rock, art-punk
Comments: Seattle 3-piece Talbot Tagora make noisy, chaotic rock in the same spirit as No Age, Mika Miko or current tourmates Abe Vigoda. Their debut record, Lessons in the Woods or a City, is on Hardly Art--the offshoot of No Age's current home, indie behemoth Sub Pop. There's definite quality here, but unfortunately I don't find this as accessible as, say, Nouns or Skeleton. The more approachable tracks for me were "Solar Puppets" and "Perception Stick."
Trevor Giuliani
Add Date: July 14
Artist: Trevor Giuliani
Album: Subcontrario (In Stereo)
Label: Dovecote
Genre: Folk, singer/songwriter, folk rock
Comments: New York area native and current Portland resident Trevor Giuliani's debut is richly adorned folk rock that will appeal to fans of Cass McCombs and Jose Gonzalez. The first few songs on Subcontrario (In Stereo) are very singer/songwriter-like, highlighted by "Wasting Your Town." I was a bigger fan of the second half of the album, though, when things pick up on tunes like "Today" and "Nubian Forest."
Artist: Trevor Giuliani
Album: Subcontrario (In Stereo)
Label: Dovecote
Genre: Folk, singer/songwriter, folk rock
Comments: New York area native and current Portland resident Trevor Giuliani's debut is richly adorned folk rock that will appeal to fans of Cass McCombs and Jose Gonzalez. The first few songs on Subcontrario (In Stereo) are very singer/songwriter-like, highlighted by "Wasting Your Town." I was a bigger fan of the second half of the album, though, when things pick up on tunes like "Today" and "Nubian Forest."
Brian Glaze
Add Date: July 14
Artist: Brian Glaze
Album: Green Living
Label: World Famous in SF
Genre: Rock, psychedelic rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Brian Glaze is known best for being the original drummer for Brian Jonestown Massacre, but his talents as a writer and multi-instrumentalist exceed that on his newest LP, a collection of 'Best Of' home recordings. Glaze's Green Living is a lo-fi masterpiece that has an air of '60s psychedelic pop/folk with hints of surf rock and new wave bleeding through. While Glaze draws from multiple sources for inspiration, the record as a whole is cohesive and strong with a moody, atmospheric sound."
Check out "Leader of the Band" and "Bad News."
Artist: Brian Glaze
Album: Green Living
Label: World Famous in SF
Genre: Rock, psychedelic rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Brian Glaze is known best for being the original drummer for Brian Jonestown Massacre, but his talents as a writer and multi-instrumentalist exceed that on his newest LP, a collection of 'Best Of' home recordings. Glaze's Green Living is a lo-fi masterpiece that has an air of '60s psychedelic pop/folk with hints of surf rock and new wave bleeding through. While Glaze draws from multiple sources for inspiration, the record as a whole is cohesive and strong with a moody, atmospheric sound."
Check out "Leader of the Band" and "Bad News."
Megafaun
Add Date: July 14
Artist: Megafaun
Album: Gather, Form & Fly
Label: Hometapes
Genre: Folk
Comments: Megafaun consists of three of the four members of the now-defunct band DeYarmond Edison, which relocated from Wisconsin to North Carolina in 2006. (The fourth member of that band was Justin Vernon, better known now as Bon Iver.) Gather, Form & Fly, Megafaun's sophomore effort, is a beautifully crafted record, bursting with excellent acoustic folk and cosmic country but making room for atmospheric sounds. In reviewing the album's standout track "Kaufman's Ballad," Pitchfork said: "Megafaun don't just catalog American musical languages, they breed them. Who else could pull off a song that sounds like the buxom man-folk of Crosby, Stills and Nash, but moves with the finesse of Reichian process music..." That's a ringing, but fair, endorsement. Also try "The Longest Day," the country-rock tune "The Fade" and the epic "Guns."
Artist: Megafaun
Album: Gather, Form & Fly
Label: Hometapes
Genre: Folk
Comments: Megafaun consists of three of the four members of the now-defunct band DeYarmond Edison, which relocated from Wisconsin to North Carolina in 2006. (The fourth member of that band was Justin Vernon, better known now as Bon Iver.) Gather, Form & Fly, Megafaun's sophomore effort, is a beautifully crafted record, bursting with excellent acoustic folk and cosmic country but making room for atmospheric sounds. In reviewing the album's standout track "Kaufman's Ballad," Pitchfork said: "Megafaun don't just catalog American musical languages, they breed them. Who else could pull off a song that sounds like the buxom man-folk of Crosby, Stills and Nash, but moves with the finesse of Reichian process music..." That's a ringing, but fair, endorsement. Also try "The Longest Day," the country-rock tune "The Fade" and the epic "Guns."
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Top 5 Adds - July 7
Top 5 Adds - July 7
Band of Skulls
Discovery
Summer Cats
We Were Promised Jetpacks
Gregory Pepper & His Problems
Also check out: Bombadil, The Present (soundtrack), singles from Animal Collective and Spoon
Band of Skulls
Discovery
Summer Cats
We Were Promised Jetpacks
Gregory Pepper & His Problems
Also check out: Bombadil, The Present (soundtrack), singles from Animal Collective and Spoon
Monday, July 6, 2009
Roy Jay
Add Date: July 7
Artist: Roy Jay
Album: Lucky Guy
Label: Terrapin
Genre: Folk, folk rock
Comments: Roy Jay makes easy-going folk rock that will appeal to fans of Jimmy Buffett and The Eagles. (Wait, do we have any of those at a college radio station?) At times, there's also a Mavericks/Dwight Yoakam country vibe going, and the music is very nicely constructed. Try "California Grey" and "Subway Ride."
Artist: Roy Jay
Album: Lucky Guy
Label: Terrapin
Genre: Folk, folk rock
Comments: Roy Jay makes easy-going folk rock that will appeal to fans of Jimmy Buffett and The Eagles. (Wait, do we have any of those at a college radio station?) At times, there's also a Mavericks/Dwight Yoakam country vibe going, and the music is very nicely constructed. Try "California Grey" and "Subway Ride."
Band of Skulls
Add Date: July 7
Artist: Band of Skulls
Album: Baby Darling Doll Face Honey
Label: Shangri-La
Genre: Rock
Comments: A very impressive and diverse debut from this Southampton 3-piece. Band of Skulls' sound is tricky, if not impossible, to pin down--the promoter tries a list of The Kills, The White Stripes, Those Darlins and Black Keys, which only reaffirms this point--but as usual, difficulty in making comparisons is a good thing here. All three members write songs, and Russell Marsden and Emma Richardson trade off on lead vocals. Baby Darling Doll Face Honey will certainly never be mistaken for a run-of-the-mill Brit pop record; instead, Band of Skulls' brand of blues- and folk-infused rock makes this a worthwhile listen. Check out "Hollywood Bowl," "I Know What I Am" and the soulful album closer "Cold Fame."
Artist: Band of Skulls
Album: Baby Darling Doll Face Honey
Label: Shangri-La
Genre: Rock
Comments: A very impressive and diverse debut from this Southampton 3-piece. Band of Skulls' sound is tricky, if not impossible, to pin down--the promoter tries a list of The Kills, The White Stripes, Those Darlins and Black Keys, which only reaffirms this point--but as usual, difficulty in making comparisons is a good thing here. All three members write songs, and Russell Marsden and Emma Richardson trade off on lead vocals. Baby Darling Doll Face Honey will certainly never be mistaken for a run-of-the-mill Brit pop record; instead, Band of Skulls' brand of blues- and folk-infused rock makes this a worthwhile listen. Check out "Hollywood Bowl," "I Know What I Am" and the soulful album closer "Cold Fame."
These Little Nothings
Add Date: July 7
Artist: These Little Nothings
Album: Bingo
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, garage rock
Comments: These Little Nothings play garage rock, infused with a touch of Southern rock, very much in the vein of Black Lips. See the promoter's recommendations on the album sticker.
Artist: These Little Nothings
Album: Bingo
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, garage rock
Comments: These Little Nothings play garage rock, infused with a touch of Southern rock, very much in the vein of Black Lips. See the promoter's recommendations on the album sticker.
Discovery
Add Date: July 7
Artist: Discovery
Album: LP
Label: XL
Genre: Electronica, pop, R&B
Comments: Discovery is the new project of Ra Ra Riot frontman Wes Miles and Vampire Weekend's Rostam Batmanglij, whose musical relationship predates both of their other bands. Here's the promoter's description of Discovery: "The project is many things: it's partly an attempt to realize Wes's concept of a band where everyone plays synthesizers, and of Rostam's concept for an album where handclaps keep the backbeat instead of snare drums. It's an embrace and also a commentary on the pop music of the past decade, of booming 808 bass and jittery sixteenth note high-hats. Elements of European electronic dance music skittering in double-time over steady R&B. If soul music is secularized, sexualized gospel, Discovery is an attempt to see if soul music can survive being plasticized, roboticized, quantized, chopped, and finally, screwed."
Wes and Rostam split the vocals on LP, which includes a cover of The Jackson 5's "I Want You Back" and a reworked version of Ra Ra Riot's "Can You Tell" (appearing here as "Can You Discover?"), but start with "Orange Shirt," "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend" (featuring Dirty Projector Angel Deradoorian singing a duet with Rostam) and "So Insane."
Artist: Discovery
Album: LP
Label: XL
Genre: Electronica, pop, R&B
Comments: Discovery is the new project of Ra Ra Riot frontman Wes Miles and Vampire Weekend's Rostam Batmanglij, whose musical relationship predates both of their other bands. Here's the promoter's description of Discovery: "The project is many things: it's partly an attempt to realize Wes's concept of a band where everyone plays synthesizers, and of Rostam's concept for an album where handclaps keep the backbeat instead of snare drums. It's an embrace and also a commentary on the pop music of the past decade, of booming 808 bass and jittery sixteenth note high-hats. Elements of European electronic dance music skittering in double-time over steady R&B. If soul music is secularized, sexualized gospel, Discovery is an attempt to see if soul music can survive being plasticized, roboticized, quantized, chopped, and finally, screwed."
Wes and Rostam split the vocals on LP, which includes a cover of The Jackson 5's "I Want You Back" and a reworked version of Ra Ra Riot's "Can You Tell" (appearing here as "Can You Discover?"), but start with "Orange Shirt," "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend" (featuring Dirty Projector Angel Deradoorian singing a duet with Rostam) and "So Insane."
We Were Promised Jetpacks
Add Date: July 7
Artist: We Were Promised Jetpacks
Album: These Four Walls
Label: FatCat
Genre: Rock
Comments: Glasgow's We Were Promised Jetpacks are another in the line of fine Scottish bands like The Twilight Sad and Frightened Rabbit, which all share a knack for creating guitar-driven rock anthems, as well as a label, FatCat Records. NPR has already called this debut LP "a catchy, gritty chunk of guitar-denched rock bluster." The promoter adds: "These Four Walls mixes together strong heartfelt vocals, cannon-blast drums and radiant guitar work into one outstanding indie-rock package."
Start with "This Is My House, This Is My Home" and "Quiet Little Voices."
Artist: We Were Promised Jetpacks
Album: These Four Walls
Label: FatCat
Genre: Rock
Comments: Glasgow's We Were Promised Jetpacks are another in the line of fine Scottish bands like The Twilight Sad and Frightened Rabbit, which all share a knack for creating guitar-driven rock anthems, as well as a label, FatCat Records. NPR has already called this debut LP "a catchy, gritty chunk of guitar-denched rock bluster." The promoter adds: "These Four Walls mixes together strong heartfelt vocals, cannon-blast drums and radiant guitar work into one outstanding indie-rock package."
Start with "This Is My House, This Is My Home" and "Quiet Little Voices."
Endless Bummer (soundtrack)
Add Date: July 7
Artist: Various Artists
Album: National Lampoon Presents Endless Bummer (soundtrack)
Label: Blackheart
Genre: Compilations/soundtracks, rock, punk
Comments: The soundtrack to the latest National Lampoon film, Endless Bummer, features current artists--mostly from the punk realm--covering '80s pop classics. Joan Jett is heavily involved here: allegedly a star of the film, Jett is releasing this record on her Blackheart imprint; she and the Blackhearts redo the Missing Persons' "Destination Unknown," and are covered themselves by The Dollyrots on "Bad Reputation." Also features Pennywise, blink-182's Mark Hoppus & Travis Barker, The Aggrolites, and more.
Artist: Various Artists
Album: National Lampoon Presents Endless Bummer (soundtrack)
Label: Blackheart
Genre: Compilations/soundtracks, rock, punk
Comments: The soundtrack to the latest National Lampoon film, Endless Bummer, features current artists--mostly from the punk realm--covering '80s pop classics. Joan Jett is heavily involved here: allegedly a star of the film, Jett is releasing this record on her Blackheart imprint; she and the Blackhearts redo the Missing Persons' "Destination Unknown," and are covered themselves by The Dollyrots on "Bad Reputation." Also features Pennywise, blink-182's Mark Hoppus & Travis Barker, The Aggrolites, and more.
The Present (soundtrack)
Add Date: July 7
Artist: Various Artists
Album: Soundtrack from the Surf Movie: The Present
Label: Brushfire
Genre: Compilations/soundtracks, rock, folk
Comments: The soundtrack to visual artist Thomas Campbell's surf movie The Present features an original tune from Bonnie "Prince" Billy, as well as music from Vetiver, Cass McCombs, Mice Parade, Plants and Animals, et al. On Jack Johnson's Brushfire label. Needless to say, what with the list of artists, but this is very good stuff.
Artist: Various Artists
Album: Soundtrack from the Surf Movie: The Present
Label: Brushfire
Genre: Compilations/soundtracks, rock, folk
Comments: The soundtrack to visual artist Thomas Campbell's surf movie The Present features an original tune from Bonnie "Prince" Billy, as well as music from Vetiver, Cass McCombs, Mice Parade, Plants and Animals, et al. On Jack Johnson's Brushfire label. Needless to say, what with the list of artists, but this is very good stuff.
The Press Fire!
Add Date: July 7
Artist: The Press Fire!
Album: Es Slash Tee (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, dance punk
Comments: The Press Fire! hail from the same part of L.A. that has recently produced bands like No Age, HEALTH and Mika Miko. The promoter says: "The sound of TPF! doesn't exactly fit this mold. Instead, they invite the listener to trade their hipster boots for dance shoes, flail their limbs akimbo, and forget any and all sensibilities from the first dirty note... The Press Fire!'s sound is frequently compared to the likes of a dancier Yeah Yeah Yeahs, a sassier Bikini Kill, and a meaner Moving Units."
Artist: The Press Fire!
Album: Es Slash Tee (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, dance punk
Comments: The Press Fire! hail from the same part of L.A. that has recently produced bands like No Age, HEALTH and Mika Miko. The promoter says: "The sound of TPF! doesn't exactly fit this mold. Instead, they invite the listener to trade their hipster boots for dance shoes, flail their limbs akimbo, and forget any and all sensibilities from the first dirty note... The Press Fire!'s sound is frequently compared to the likes of a dancier Yeah Yeah Yeahs, a sassier Bikini Kill, and a meaner Moving Units."
Battlehooch
Add Date: July 7
Artist: Battlehooch
Album: Piecechow
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, experimental
Comments: From the onesheet on this band from UC Santa Cruz: "[T]he band's early shows saw them playing... a raw blend of future prog, electronic compositions and raw '60s maximum R&B... Their debut LP, which was self-recorded and produced in their collective home, reflects their seemingly unending musical palette, equally drawing on Roxy Music glam, big band jazz harmony and noisy spazz freakouts of today's DIY scene. Piecechow careens through nine tracks that heap melody on melody, programmed beats on lo-fi drum loops, huge guitars on top of echoed flutes. The mix clatters with layers and ideas, then gelling into muscular climaxes that show the band's live prowess and cohesive vision."
Artist: Battlehooch
Album: Piecechow
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, experimental
Comments: From the onesheet on this band from UC Santa Cruz: "[T]he band's early shows saw them playing... a raw blend of future prog, electronic compositions and raw '60s maximum R&B... Their debut LP, which was self-recorded and produced in their collective home, reflects their seemingly unending musical palette, equally drawing on Roxy Music glam, big band jazz harmony and noisy spazz freakouts of today's DIY scene. Piecechow careens through nine tracks that heap melody on melody, programmed beats on lo-fi drum loops, huge guitars on top of echoed flutes. The mix clatters with layers and ideas, then gelling into muscular climaxes that show the band's live prowess and cohesive vision."
Fritz Helder & the Phantoms
Add Date: July 7
Artist: Fritz Helder & the Phantoms
Album: Greatest Hits
Label: Last Gang/Nelstar
Genre: Electronica, dance
Comments: From the promoter: "Pairing up with Last Gang Records, Nelly Furtado formed her brand new label, Nelstar, specifically to support and release the music of Fritz Helder & the Phantoms, rapidly emerging Canadian electro-pop sensations. Merging funky dance-floor fodder with their signature fashion sense, the group is releasing their debut record in July... R.I.Y.L.: MSTRKRFT, Prince, Daft Punk, Scissor Sisters."
Artist: Fritz Helder & the Phantoms
Album: Greatest Hits
Label: Last Gang/Nelstar
Genre: Electronica, dance
Comments: From the promoter: "Pairing up with Last Gang Records, Nelly Furtado formed her brand new label, Nelstar, specifically to support and release the music of Fritz Helder & the Phantoms, rapidly emerging Canadian electro-pop sensations. Merging funky dance-floor fodder with their signature fashion sense, the group is releasing their debut record in July... R.I.Y.L.: MSTRKRFT, Prince, Daft Punk, Scissor Sisters."
Gregory Pepper & His Problems
Add Date: July 7
Artist: Gregory Pepper & His Problems
Album: With Trumpets Flaring
Label: Fake Four Inc.
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: From the promoter: "Gregory Pepper is a 26-year-old musician and visual artist, whose music is filled with movement and texture, wrapped up in a focus on melody and harmony. Pepper has amassed a repertoire of anthems of confusion and ambivalence, ranging from punkish-indie-rock to polished-baroque pop. Pepper has toured alongside Islands and Born Ruffians, and fans of Of Montreal will dig his layered sound."
Check out "Drop the Plot" and "Tea Biscuits."
Artist: Gregory Pepper & His Problems
Album: With Trumpets Flaring
Label: Fake Four Inc.
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: From the promoter: "Gregory Pepper is a 26-year-old musician and visual artist, whose music is filled with movement and texture, wrapped up in a focus on melody and harmony. Pepper has amassed a repertoire of anthems of confusion and ambivalence, ranging from punkish-indie-rock to polished-baroque pop. Pepper has toured alongside Islands and Born Ruffians, and fans of Of Montreal will dig his layered sound."
Check out "Drop the Plot" and "Tea Biscuits."
Holy Ghost!
Add Date: July 7
Artist: Holy Ghost!
Album: I Will Come Back (EP)
Label: DFA/Green Label Sound
Genre: Electronica
Comments: This single from James Murphy/Tim Goldsworthy proteges and DFA signees Holy Ghost!, the duo of Nick Millhiser and Alex Frankel, features two remixes and an instrumental version of "I Will Come Back."
Artist: Holy Ghost!
Album: I Will Come Back (EP)
Label: DFA/Green Label Sound
Genre: Electronica
Comments: This single from James Murphy/Tim Goldsworthy proteges and DFA signees Holy Ghost!, the duo of Nick Millhiser and Alex Frankel, features two remixes and an instrumental version of "I Will Come Back."
Spoon
Add Date: July 7
Artist: Spoon
Album: Got Nuffin (EP)
Label: Merge
Genre: Rock
Comments: A 3-track EP from Spoon, centered around a very enjoyable new single, "Got Nuffin." The B-sides are a very strange lo-fi instrumental, "Tweakers," and a typical percussion-driven Spoon song, "Stroke Their Brains."
Artist: Spoon
Album: Got Nuffin (EP)
Label: Merge
Genre: Rock
Comments: A 3-track EP from Spoon, centered around a very enjoyable new single, "Got Nuffin." The B-sides are a very strange lo-fi instrumental, "Tweakers," and a typical percussion-driven Spoon song, "Stroke Their Brains."
Summer Cats
Add Date: July 7
Artist: Summer Cats
Album: Songs for Tuesdays
Label: Slumberland
Genre: Rock, indie pop
Comments: Blissful, C86-style pop from this Australian indie band, which makes its North American debut on the record company they were made for, Slumberland. In addition to labelmates like The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Liechtenstein and Crystal Stilts, Summer Cats are also drawing comparisons to Brisbane legends The Go-Betweens and Canadian pop masters The New Pornographers. The record is solid throughout, but Songs for Tuesday really hits its stride in the middle with the boy-girl duo on "In June," spinning through album highlights "Wild Rice" and "Waking Up." Much like The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, the Summer Cats' LP is both undeniably catchy and extremely well-done.
Artist: Summer Cats
Album: Songs for Tuesdays
Label: Slumberland
Genre: Rock, indie pop
Comments: Blissful, C86-style pop from this Australian indie band, which makes its North American debut on the record company they were made for, Slumberland. In addition to labelmates like The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Liechtenstein and Crystal Stilts, Summer Cats are also drawing comparisons to Brisbane legends The Go-Betweens and Canadian pop masters The New Pornographers. The record is solid throughout, but Songs for Tuesday really hits its stride in the middle with the boy-girl duo on "In June," spinning through album highlights "Wild Rice" and "Waking Up." Much like The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, the Summer Cats' LP is both undeniably catchy and extremely well-done.
Bombadil
Add Date: July 7
Artist: Bombadil
Album: Tarpits and Canyonlands
Label: Ramseur
Genre: Rock, folk pop
Comments: Durham, N.C. band Bombadil make a jangly mix of indie rock and folk pop that will catch the ear of fans of The Decemberists, Neutral Milk Hotel and Beirut. Tarpits and Canyonlands is their second LP, both of which have been issued by Ramseur Records (The Avett Brothers, Samantha Crain, The Everybodyfields). Start with "Honeymoon."
Artist: Bombadil
Album: Tarpits and Canyonlands
Label: Ramseur
Genre: Rock, folk pop
Comments: Durham, N.C. band Bombadil make a jangly mix of indie rock and folk pop that will catch the ear of fans of The Decemberists, Neutral Milk Hotel and Beirut. Tarpits and Canyonlands is their second LP, both of which have been issued by Ramseur Records (The Avett Brothers, Samantha Crain, The Everybodyfields). Start with "Honeymoon."
Kasabian
Add Date: July 7
Artist: Kasabian
Album: West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
Label: RCA
Genre: Rock
Comments: The third album from Leicester's Kasabian finds the band in familiar territory--so much so, that the EP preceding its release, in addition to new single "Fire," featured the band's biggest hit, "Club Foot," taken from their eponymous 2004 debut. West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum, which takes its rather unwieldy title from the name of a 19th-century West Yorkshire mental institution, was co-produced by Dan the Automator, and for some reason Rosario Dawson sings on "West Ryder/Silver Bullet." According to AllMusic.com, Kasabian mixes "traces of the Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, and Primal Scream with Oasis-sized confidence and DJ Shadow-influenced electronics." Sure.
Artist: Kasabian
Album: West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
Label: RCA
Genre: Rock
Comments: The third album from Leicester's Kasabian finds the band in familiar territory--so much so, that the EP preceding its release, in addition to new single "Fire," featured the band's biggest hit, "Club Foot," taken from their eponymous 2004 debut. West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum, which takes its rather unwieldy title from the name of a 19th-century West Yorkshire mental institution, was co-produced by Dan the Automator, and for some reason Rosario Dawson sings on "West Ryder/Silver Bullet." According to AllMusic.com, Kasabian mixes "traces of the Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, and Primal Scream with Oasis-sized confidence and DJ Shadow-influenced electronics." Sure.
Animal Collective
Add Date: July 7
Artist: Animal Collective
Album: Summertime Clothes (EP)
Label: Domino
Genre: Defies classification
Comments: Centered around a seasonally-appropriate single from Animal Collective's tremendous LP Merriweather Post Pavilion, this 4-track disc has the album version of "Summertime Clothes," along with remixes from Dam-Funk, Leon Day and Zomby. It's also a fitting reminder that, even with the wealth of great spring and summer releases, we shouldn't forget about AC's January issue when discussing the best records of 2009.
Artist: Animal Collective
Album: Summertime Clothes (EP)
Label: Domino
Genre: Defies classification
Comments: Centered around a seasonally-appropriate single from Animal Collective's tremendous LP Merriweather Post Pavilion, this 4-track disc has the album version of "Summertime Clothes," along with remixes from Dam-Funk, Leon Day and Zomby. It's also a fitting reminder that, even with the wealth of great spring and summer releases, we shouldn't forget about AC's January issue when discussing the best records of 2009.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
