Top 5 Adds - August 25
Dodos
The Very Best
Jay Reatard
Darlings
Os Mutantes
Also check out: fun., Jemina Pearl, Kanine Records sampler, Liam Finn & Eliza-Jane, Shayna and the Bulldog, Wild Beasts, Yim Yames
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Yim Yames
Add Date: August 25
Artist: Yim Yames
Album: Tribute To (EP)
Label: ATO
Genre: Folk, folk rock
Comments: Yim Yames is actually Jim James of My Morning Jacket (and the new Monsters of Folk behemoth); the tribute here is to George Harrison, as James recorded these songs upon Harrison's passing in 2001. This 6-song set, highlighted by "My Sweet Lord," has been released as a benefit for the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary. If you didn't know these songs were penned by Harrison, you probably wouldn't recognize them, as the music here sounds a good deal like what MMJ was doing at the time--even moving beyond James' unmistakable voice. Very good stuff.
Artist: Yim Yames
Album: Tribute To (EP)
Label: ATO
Genre: Folk, folk rock
Comments: Yim Yames is actually Jim James of My Morning Jacket (and the new Monsters of Folk behemoth); the tribute here is to George Harrison, as James recorded these songs upon Harrison's passing in 2001. This 6-song set, highlighted by "My Sweet Lord," has been released as a benefit for the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary. If you didn't know these songs were penned by Harrison, you probably wouldn't recognize them, as the music here sounds a good deal like what MMJ was doing at the time--even moving beyond James' unmistakable voice. Very good stuff.
Jamie T
Add Date: August 25
Artist: Jamie T
Album: Sticks 'n' Stones (EP)
Label: Virgin
Genre: Rock
Comments: Somewhere musically between The Streets and Arctic Monkeys, though not on the same level as those established acts, London's Jamie T will release his second full-length, Kings and Queens, in September. This 4-song EP is centered around the title track, which will be on the full-length; however, you can't play this version, since it's profane. Brilliant packaging for radio, eh? Content yourself with the three B-sides instead.
Artist: Jamie T
Album: Sticks 'n' Stones (EP)
Label: Virgin
Genre: Rock
Comments: Somewhere musically between The Streets and Arctic Monkeys, though not on the same level as those established acts, London's Jamie T will release his second full-length, Kings and Queens, in September. This 4-song EP is centered around the title track, which will be on the full-length; however, you can't play this version, since it's profane. Brilliant packaging for radio, eh? Content yourself with the three B-sides instead.
The States
Add Date: August 25
Artist: The States
Album: We Are the Erasers (EP)
Label: Genious Collective
Genre: Rock
Comments: Brooklyn-based trio The States describe their music as "both intimate and grandiose," and their attempt at that contrast of styles is apparent on this 5-song EP. Check out "Erasers."
Artist: The States
Album: We Are the Erasers (EP)
Label: Genious Collective
Genre: Rock
Comments: Brooklyn-based trio The States describe their music as "both intimate and grandiose," and their attempt at that contrast of styles is apparent on this 5-song EP. Check out "Erasers."
The Shagbots
Add Date: August 25
Artist: The Shagbots
Album: We Were Born Tigers
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: From the onesheet: "Inspired by the likes of Beija Flor, Joy Division, Death From Above 1979, The Clash, Arctic Monkeys, and the Strokes, the Shagbots have forged their own honestly unique sound in a scene catering to the norm." Recommendations on the promo sticker.
Artist: The Shagbots
Album: We Were Born Tigers
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: From the onesheet: "Inspired by the likes of Beija Flor, Joy Division, Death From Above 1979, The Clash, Arctic Monkeys, and the Strokes, the Shagbots have forged their own honestly unique sound in a scene catering to the norm." Recommendations on the promo sticker.
The Luxury
Add Date: August 25
Artist: The Luxury
Album: In the Wake of What Won't Change
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: The promoter says: "The Luxury are 'purveyors of anthemic rock with big stadium-sized hooks and an eye toward UK indie style.' In April '09 [they] were crowned winners of the 31st-annual Rock and Roll Rumble, a long and storied tradition in the Boston music scene, whose past winners include 'Til Tuesday, The Sheila Divine, The Dresden Dolls, Township, and Campaign for Real Time."
Artist: The Luxury
Album: In the Wake of What Won't Change
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: The promoter says: "The Luxury are 'purveyors of anthemic rock with big stadium-sized hooks and an eye toward UK indie style.' In April '09 [they] were crowned winners of the 31st-annual Rock and Roll Rumble, a long and storied tradition in the Boston music scene, whose past winners include 'Til Tuesday, The Sheila Divine, The Dresden Dolls, Township, and Campaign for Real Time."
Miniature
Add Date: August 25
Artist: Miniature
Album: Metaphor for Four (EP)
Label: Breaktime
Genre: Rock
Comments: Miniature is a 5-piece band whose location of Seattle seems to creep into their Brit pop-leaning rock songs. Check out "Perfect Pedigree."
Artist: Miniature
Album: Metaphor for Four (EP)
Label: Breaktime
Genre: Rock
Comments: Miniature is a 5-piece band whose location of Seattle seems to creep into their Brit pop-leaning rock songs. Check out "Perfect Pedigree."
Kelli Rae Powell
Add Date: August 25
Artist: Kelli Rae Powell
Album: New Words for Old Lullabies
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk
Comments: Quiet, beautiful tunes from Brooklyn's Kelli Rae Powell. For fans of Jolie Holland and Allison Krauss. Start with "Lullaby for Bad Girls" and "Some Bridges Are Good to Burn."
Artist: Kelli Rae Powell
Album: New Words for Old Lullabies
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk
Comments: Quiet, beautiful tunes from Brooklyn's Kelli Rae Powell. For fans of Jolie Holland and Allison Krauss. Start with "Lullaby for Bad Girls" and "Some Bridges Are Good to Burn."
Matisyahu
Add Date: August 25
Artist: Matisyahu
Album: Light
Label: Epic
Genre: Hip hop, reggae
Comments: From the onesheet: "The first album in three years from the Hasidic reggae New York City phenomenon shows a tremendous amount of growth from his earlier efforts. The familiar infectious dancehall and hip-hop beats are still present, but Matisyahu moves further, adding a melodic dimension in his voice on tracks such as 'Thunder' and 'Silence' ... For Light, the singer and beatboxer also teamed with some of the biggest names in reggae and electronic production... including Bill Laswell, Ooha of the Glitch Mob, Steven McGregor, Fishbone, and duo Sly & Robbie." Recommended tracks on the album sticker.
Artist: Matisyahu
Album: Light
Label: Epic
Genre: Hip hop, reggae
Comments: From the onesheet: "The first album in three years from the Hasidic reggae New York City phenomenon shows a tremendous amount of growth from his earlier efforts. The familiar infectious dancehall and hip-hop beats are still present, but Matisyahu moves further, adding a melodic dimension in his voice on tracks such as 'Thunder' and 'Silence' ... For Light, the singer and beatboxer also teamed with some of the biggest names in reggae and electronic production... including Bill Laswell, Ooha of the Glitch Mob, Steven McGregor, Fishbone, and duo Sly & Robbie." Recommended tracks on the album sticker.
Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank
Add Date: August 25
Artist: Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank
Album: Traveling Show
Label: Consider It Correspondence
Genre: Folk, blues, country
Comments: Minnesota's Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank play Americana that's at times raucous, and at others more focused on songwriting craft. Their cited influences include Woody Guthrie, Muddy Waters, Hank Williams and Sonny Boy Williamson, and the result is a set of tunes that draws liberally from folk and blues traditions--i.e. what good country music should be. Start with "Silver Spoons," "Memphis in Your Head" and "Daddy's Coming Home."
Artist: Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank
Album: Traveling Show
Label: Consider It Correspondence
Genre: Folk, blues, country
Comments: Minnesota's Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank play Americana that's at times raucous, and at others more focused on songwriting craft. Their cited influences include Woody Guthrie, Muddy Waters, Hank Williams and Sonny Boy Williamson, and the result is a set of tunes that draws liberally from folk and blues traditions--i.e. what good country music should be. Start with "Silver Spoons," "Memphis in Your Head" and "Daddy's Coming Home."
Danko Jones
Add Date: August 25
Artist: Danko Jones
Album: Never Too Loud
Label: Bad Taste
Genre: Rock, hard rock
Comments: Toronto trio Danko Jones play charged-up rock and roll in the spirit of AC/DC and Thin Lizzy. Not really my thing, but they've done what they do quite well for a decade now. On Never Too Loud, check out "Code of the Road" and "King of Magazines."
Artist: Danko Jones
Album: Never Too Loud
Label: Bad Taste
Genre: Rock, hard rock
Comments: Toronto trio Danko Jones play charged-up rock and roll in the spirit of AC/DC and Thin Lizzy. Not really my thing, but they've done what they do quite well for a decade now. On Never Too Loud, check out "Code of the Road" and "King of Magazines."
Shayna and the Bulldog
Add Date: August 25
Artist: Shayna and the Bulldog
Album: States
Label: Self-released
Genre: Alt-country, folk rock
Comments: Very pleasant alt-country on this debut full-length from the Davis, Calif. band Shayna and the Bulldog. (Just so you know, there's no Shayna in the band, as the vocals are handled by Joel Daniel and Charles Caskey.) Will appeal to fans of An Angle, whose Kris Anaya produced States, as well as Fourth of July and Limbeck. There's not a bad song on the record; in addition to the promoter's picks, I liked "Strawberry Highway" and "Smile."
Artist: Shayna and the Bulldog
Album: States
Label: Self-released
Genre: Alt-country, folk rock
Comments: Very pleasant alt-country on this debut full-length from the Davis, Calif. band Shayna and the Bulldog. (Just so you know, there's no Shayna in the band, as the vocals are handled by Joel Daniel and Charles Caskey.) Will appeal to fans of An Angle, whose Kris Anaya produced States, as well as Fourth of July and Limbeck. There's not a bad song on the record; in addition to the promoter's picks, I liked "Strawberry Highway" and "Smile."
Pile
Add Date: August 25
Artist: Pile
Album: Jerk Routine
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, blues rock
Comments: Bluesy rock from Boston's Pile, and Jerk Routine is as eclectic as you might expect from a band that claims The Beatles, Elliott Smith, Queens of the Stone Age and Bob Dylan as influences. Start with "White Knuckles."
Artist: Pile
Album: Jerk Routine
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, blues rock
Comments: Bluesy rock from Boston's Pile, and Jerk Routine is as eclectic as you might expect from a band that claims The Beatles, Elliott Smith, Queens of the Stone Age and Bob Dylan as influences. Start with "White Knuckles."
Chores
Add Date: August 25
Artist: Chores
Album: The Subtle Politics of the Public Hammock
Label: Field Hymns
Genre: Rock, post-punk
Comments: Let's get one thing straight: there's absolutely nothing subtle about the politics on Public Hammock, the debut LP from Portland band Chores. Song titles like "Noinsuranceland" and "New New Deal," with lyrics that match, pretty much preclude any sense of delicacy on such matters. But since when is tact a necessary, or even desirable, component of rock music? As for what the band sounds like, the onesheet says: "Chores has crafted an innovative pop sound infused with noisy guitars in a post-punk psychedelic sort of way." Clearly influenced by acts like Pavement and Yo La Tengo, Chores bring to mind the earlier work of another Portland-based band, Viva Voce. Check out "Familiar Order."
Artist: Chores
Album: The Subtle Politics of the Public Hammock
Label: Field Hymns
Genre: Rock, post-punk
Comments: Let's get one thing straight: there's absolutely nothing subtle about the politics on Public Hammock, the debut LP from Portland band Chores. Song titles like "Noinsuranceland" and "New New Deal," with lyrics that match, pretty much preclude any sense of delicacy on such matters. But since when is tact a necessary, or even desirable, component of rock music? As for what the band sounds like, the onesheet says: "Chores has crafted an innovative pop sound infused with noisy guitars in a post-punk psychedelic sort of way." Clearly influenced by acts like Pavement and Yo La Tengo, Chores bring to mind the earlier work of another Portland-based band, Viva Voce. Check out "Familiar Order."
fun.
Add Date: August 25
Artist: fun.
Album: Aim and Ignite
Label: Nettwerk
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: fun. is the new project of Nate Ruess (formerly the frontman for The Format), Andrew Dost (late of Anathallo) and Jack Antonoff (Steel Train). Their bouncy folk pop reminds me a great deal of Annuals, and Ruess's vocals seem a much better fit with this style of music than with the pop-punk of his previous band. Dost and Antonoff are terrific and versatile musicians, and Aim and Ignite is a solid debut. Start with "All the Pretty Girls" and "Benson Hedges."
Artist: fun.
Album: Aim and Ignite
Label: Nettwerk
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: fun. is the new project of Nate Ruess (formerly the frontman for The Format), Andrew Dost (late of Anathallo) and Jack Antonoff (Steel Train). Their bouncy folk pop reminds me a great deal of Annuals, and Ruess's vocals seem a much better fit with this style of music than with the pop-punk of his previous band. Dost and Antonoff are terrific and versatile musicians, and Aim and Ignite is a solid debut. Start with "All the Pretty Girls" and "Benson Hedges."
The Red Channels
Add Date: August 25
Artist: The Red Channels
Album: Ghetto Cooking
Label: Ten Dollar Recording Co.
Genre: Rock, psych rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Don't let the album name scare you away; The Red Channels have created an epic blend of psych-dub-folk, that is a must-hear for fans of Bat for Lashes, Portishead and Blonde Redhead."
Artist: The Red Channels
Album: Ghetto Cooking
Label: Ten Dollar Recording Co.
Genre: Rock, psych rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Don't let the album name scare you away; The Red Channels have created an epic blend of psych-dub-folk, that is a must-hear for fans of Bat for Lashes, Portishead and Blonde Redhead."
Liam Finn & Eliza-Jane
Add Date: August 25
Artist: Liam Finn & Eliza-Jane
Album: Champagne in Seashells (EP)
Label: Yep Roc
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Australia native Liam Finn, the son of Crowded House frontman Neil Finn, made a big splash with his 2007 debut I'll Be Lightning. This 5-song release picks up where he left off, with touring band member Eliza-Jane Barnes now in a starring role. Says Yep Roc: "The sonic stepsister to Lightning, Champagne in Seashells once again exhibits Finn's melody-rich DNA through hooks so meaty they reliably rise through Liam's signature production atmospherics." For fans of Elliott Smith, matt pond PA and Rogue Wave. The label recommends "Long Way to Go" and "Plane Crash," and I also enjoyed "Honest Face."
Artist: Liam Finn & Eliza-Jane
Album: Champagne in Seashells (EP)
Label: Yep Roc
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Australia native Liam Finn, the son of Crowded House frontman Neil Finn, made a big splash with his 2007 debut I'll Be Lightning. This 5-song release picks up where he left off, with touring band member Eliza-Jane Barnes now in a starring role. Says Yep Roc: "The sonic stepsister to Lightning, Champagne in Seashells once again exhibits Finn's melody-rich DNA through hooks so meaty they reliably rise through Liam's signature production atmospherics." For fans of Elliott Smith, matt pond PA and Rogue Wave. The label recommends "Long Way to Go" and "Plane Crash," and I also enjoyed "Honest Face."
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Wild Beasts
Add Date: August 25
Artist: Wild Beasts
Album: Two Dancers
Label: Domino
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Two Dancers, the second album from Wild Beasts, was released in the UK three weeks ago, and the British music press has been almost universally enthralled with the record. NME gave it a 9/10, saying: "This beautiful album is a treasure that deserves plundering," while the BBC added, "Good lord, Wild Beasts are amazing" in its "Very Favourable" review. The band is often compared to Antony & the Johnsons, most likely for lead singer Hayden Thorpe's voice, which label Domino calls "one of the most wildly emotive falsettos," but Wild Beasts are certainly a rock band, claiming Orange Juice and Queen among their influences. Start with "Hooting and Howling" and "All the King's Men."
Artist: Wild Beasts
Album: Two Dancers
Label: Domino
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Two Dancers, the second album from Wild Beasts, was released in the UK three weeks ago, and the British music press has been almost universally enthralled with the record. NME gave it a 9/10, saying: "This beautiful album is a treasure that deserves plundering," while the BBC added, "Good lord, Wild Beasts are amazing" in its "Very Favourable" review. The band is often compared to Antony & the Johnsons, most likely for lead singer Hayden Thorpe's voice, which label Domino calls "one of the most wildly emotive falsettos," but Wild Beasts are certainly a rock band, claiming Orange Juice and Queen among their influences. Start with "Hooting and Howling" and "All the King's Men."
Oh My God
Add Date: August 25
Artist: Oh My God
Album: The Night Undoes the Work of the Day
Label: Split Red
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Says Kerrang! of Chicago band Oh My God: "[Their] dynamic prog-pop crams ideas into each song like a deliciously eclectic pick 'n' mix... an irresistible cocktail of crunchy, swirling keyboards... a monumental feast of pile-driving hooks." The promoter compares them to Quasi, Bad Veins, Pere Ubu and Devo. Recommendations on the sticker.
Artist: Oh My God
Album: The Night Undoes the Work of the Day
Label: Split Red
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Says Kerrang! of Chicago band Oh My God: "[Their] dynamic prog-pop crams ideas into each song like a deliciously eclectic pick 'n' mix... an irresistible cocktail of crunchy, swirling keyboards... a monumental feast of pile-driving hooks." The promoter compares them to Quasi, Bad Veins, Pere Ubu and Devo. Recommendations on the sticker.
Os Mutantes
Add Date: August 25
Artist: Os Mutantes
Album: Haih... or Amortecedor
Label: Anti-
Genre: International, rock, experimental
Comments: From the onesheet for Haih... or Amortecedor, the first new music from Brazilian legends Os Mutantes in 30 years: "In the few short years they were [originally] active [1966-1978, according to Wikipedia], Os Mutantes crafted a distinctive, riotous and modern sound, looping through odd time signatures, veering from '50s doo-wop to devotional harmonies within a few bars, and perfectly capturing the dreams, fears, and infernal beauty of modern life. In the mid 1990s, 20 years after Mutantes' last recording, Kurt Cobain famously issued a plea begging for an Os Mutantes reunion to open for Nirvana. Since then, the band's importance has been cited by current alternative superstars ranging from The Flaming Lips and of Montreal to Devendra Banhart and Beck...
"Haih is not nostalgia, not a remake of a '60s recording, but a vision updated... From the '50s-inflected dreampop of 'Anagrama' to the sly sexual samba of 'O Careca," Haih is both a continuation and a radical update of the Os Mutantes legend." Also check out "Teclar" and "Querida Querida."
Artist: Os Mutantes
Album: Haih... or Amortecedor
Label: Anti-
Genre: International, rock, experimental
Comments: From the onesheet for Haih... or Amortecedor, the first new music from Brazilian legends Os Mutantes in 30 years: "In the few short years they were [originally] active [1966-1978, according to Wikipedia], Os Mutantes crafted a distinctive, riotous and modern sound, looping through odd time signatures, veering from '50s doo-wop to devotional harmonies within a few bars, and perfectly capturing the dreams, fears, and infernal beauty of modern life. In the mid 1990s, 20 years after Mutantes' last recording, Kurt Cobain famously issued a plea begging for an Os Mutantes reunion to open for Nirvana. Since then, the band's importance has been cited by current alternative superstars ranging from The Flaming Lips and of Montreal to Devendra Banhart and Beck...
"Haih is not nostalgia, not a remake of a '60s recording, but a vision updated... From the '50s-inflected dreampop of 'Anagrama' to the sly sexual samba of 'O Careca," Haih is both a continuation and a radical update of the Os Mutantes legend." Also check out "Teclar" and "Querida Querida."
Jemina Pearl
Add Date: August 25
Artist: Jemina Pearl
Album: Break It Up
Label: Ecstatic Peace!
Genre: Rock, pop, punk
Comments: This is the debut solo record from Jemina Pearl, the frontwoman for the now-defunct Nashville punk outfit Be Your Own Pet. Her "defiant snear," as described by Thurston Moore's Ecstatic Peace! label, was a perfect fit for BYOP's brashness and energy, and it's still around on Break It Up. However, there's also a lot of pop on this record, and that style sometimes seems to be at odds with Pearl's in-your-face vocals. The album's closing track, "So Sick," may also be its best song, as it really sounds like it could have been recorded by BYOP itself. When the pop works, though, it's very enjoyable, and it's a smash success on opening number "Heartbeats," "Ecstatic Appeal" and "I Hate People," featuring none other than Iggy Pop.
Artist: Jemina Pearl
Album: Break It Up
Label: Ecstatic Peace!
Genre: Rock, pop, punk
Comments: This is the debut solo record from Jemina Pearl, the frontwoman for the now-defunct Nashville punk outfit Be Your Own Pet. Her "defiant snear," as described by Thurston Moore's Ecstatic Peace! label, was a perfect fit for BYOP's brashness and energy, and it's still around on Break It Up. However, there's also a lot of pop on this record, and that style sometimes seems to be at odds with Pearl's in-your-face vocals. The album's closing track, "So Sick," may also be its best song, as it really sounds like it could have been recorded by BYOP itself. When the pop works, though, it's very enjoyable, and it's a smash success on opening number "Heartbeats," "Ecstatic Appeal" and "I Hate People," featuring none other than Iggy Pop.
Still Life Still
Add Date: August 25
Artist: Still Life Still
Album: Girls Come Too
Label: Arts & Crafts
Genre: Rock
Comments: Toronto band Still Life Still have landed on the inimitable Arts & Crafts label, and their debut LP Girls Come Too was co-produced by Kevin Drew. The music here will certainly appeal to fans of Broken Social Scene, and I agree with two of the promoter's other RIYL selections in Annuals and Plants and Animals. (Not sure where they're getting Yo La Tengo from, but maybe that's just me.) Check out "Danse Cave" and "Planets."
Artist: Still Life Still
Album: Girls Come Too
Label: Arts & Crafts
Genre: Rock
Comments: Toronto band Still Life Still have landed on the inimitable Arts & Crafts label, and their debut LP Girls Come Too was co-produced by Kevin Drew. The music here will certainly appeal to fans of Broken Social Scene, and I agree with two of the promoter's other RIYL selections in Annuals and Plants and Animals. (Not sure where they're getting Yo La Tengo from, but maybe that's just me.) Check out "Danse Cave" and "Planets."
Darlings
Add Date: August 25
Artist: Darlings
Album: Yeah I Know
Label: Famous Class
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: New York band Darlings sound at times like a power pop band in the vein of Sloan or The New Pornographers, and at others like an indie pop band that could be signed to Slumberland. But the key word here is 'pop': their lo-fi guitar-driven melodies are undeniably catchy and equally well-constructed. Start with "TV," the title track and "Eviction Party."
Artist: Darlings
Album: Yeah I Know
Label: Famous Class
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: New York band Darlings sound at times like a power pop band in the vein of Sloan or The New Pornographers, and at others like an indie pop band that could be signed to Slumberland. But the key word here is 'pop': their lo-fi guitar-driven melodies are undeniably catchy and equally well-constructed. Start with "TV," the title track and "Eviction Party."
Kanine Records sampler
Add Date: August 25
Artist: Various Artists
Album: Kanine Records 2009 Fall Sampler
Label: Kanine
Genre: Compilations, rock
Comments: New York indie label Kanine Records has helped launch the careers of Grizzly Bear, Oxford Collapse and Chairlift, among others, and their fall 2009 sampler features two songs apiece from five up-and-coming bands:
Artist: Various Artists
Album: Kanine Records 2009 Fall Sampler
Label: Kanine
Genre: Compilations, rock
Comments: New York indie label Kanine Records has helped launch the careers of Grizzly Bear, Oxford Collapse and Chairlift, among others, and their fall 2009 sampler features two songs apiece from five up-and-coming bands:
- The Depreciation Guild's shoegaze pop would make My Bloody Valentine proud. They'll be on tour this fall with The Pains of Being Pure at Heart and Cymbals Eat Guitars.
- Indie poppers Princeton sound Swedish--that's meant entirely as a compliment--though they actually hail from L.A. They're touring with Ra Ra Riot.
- Florida 19-year-olds Blind Man's Colour have clearly been engrossed by Animal Collective, as evidenced by their experimental psychedelic pop.
- More shoegaze from NYC duo ZAZA, perhaps best described as a quieter version of The Depreciation Guild, bearing more similarities to Cocteau Twins or Ride.
- Dinowalrus, another local band for this Brooklyn label, make percussion-driven psychedelic noise rock.
The Sexy Accident
Add Date: August 25
Artist: The Sexy Accident
Album: Mantoloking
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Kansas City's The Sexy Accident make music that falls somewhere between the power pop of Teenage Fanclub and the upbeat indie rock of Nada Surf. Lead singer Jesse Kates' voice may bring to mind Magnolia Electric Co.'s Jason Molina. Check out "I Tried Again."
Artist: The Sexy Accident
Album: Mantoloking
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Kansas City's The Sexy Accident make music that falls somewhere between the power pop of Teenage Fanclub and the upbeat indie rock of Nada Surf. Lead singer Jesse Kates' voice may bring to mind Magnolia Electric Co.'s Jason Molina. Check out "I Tried Again."
Friday, August 21, 2009
The Melloncollies
Add Date: August 25
Artist: The Melloncollies
Album: Goodbye Cruel World
Label: Somme Music
Genre: Rock
Comments: After seeing this NYC band's name and album title, you might be quick to jump to the conclusion that this isn't happy music. That's both incorrect and an understatement. Goodbye Cruel World is full of upbeat, almost power-pop-like melodies, while Simon Erani writes and sings about failed relationships in the most depressing, fatalistic way possible. My immediate thought was that they're reminiscent of Soul Asylum, but I always had the impression there that Dave Pirner's lyrics were at least somewhat tongue-in-cheek. Not so here. Life is bad, and love is worse--that's The Melloncollies' story, and they're sticking to it. Goodbye Cruel World.
Artist: The Melloncollies
Album: Goodbye Cruel World
Label: Somme Music
Genre: Rock
Comments: After seeing this NYC band's name and album title, you might be quick to jump to the conclusion that this isn't happy music. That's both incorrect and an understatement. Goodbye Cruel World is full of upbeat, almost power-pop-like melodies, while Simon Erani writes and sings about failed relationships in the most depressing, fatalistic way possible. My immediate thought was that they're reminiscent of Soul Asylum, but I always had the impression there that Dave Pirner's lyrics were at least somewhat tongue-in-cheek. Not so here. Life is bad, and love is worse--that's The Melloncollies' story, and they're sticking to it. Goodbye Cruel World.
The Very Best
Add Date: August 25
Artist: The Very Best
Album: Warm Heart of Africa
Label: Green Owl
Genre: International, dance, pop
Comments: From the onesheet: "European production duo Radioclit and Malawian singer Esau Mwamwaya are The Very Best... Warm Heart of Africa follows the surprising global success of Esau Mwamwaya & Radioclit Are The Very Best, a free mixtape made available online late last year. Without promotional assistance or financial support, the collection of well-known pop, dance, afro and indie tracks charted more than 200,000 downloads and was hailed by tastemakers including Pitchfork, FADER, and Gorilla vs. Bear, among many others. Now, The Very Best is receiving critical acclaim for its high-energy live performances and forthcoming album in the wake of its first U.S. tour...
"While The Very Best mixtape caught fire with Mwamwaya singing over remixes of Michael Jackson, Vampire Weekend, Hans Zimmer, and M.I.A., debut LP Warm Heart of Africa features white-hot original songs, top to bottom... In a Best New Music track review [for the title selection, featuring VW's Ezra Koenig], Pitchfork describes Mwamwaya as 'one of the most effortlessly lovable voices around.' ... San Francisco Bay Guardian warns, 'Brace yourself for hazardous dance floor anthems well-fed on the homegrown African sounds of high-life and marabi, as well as bass-laden pop grooves from, well, all over the globe."
In addition to the title track, check out "Ntende Uli," "Rain Dance" (featuring M.I.A.) and "Nsokoto."
Artist: The Very Best
Album: Warm Heart of Africa
Label: Green Owl
Genre: International, dance, pop
Comments: From the onesheet: "European production duo Radioclit and Malawian singer Esau Mwamwaya are The Very Best... Warm Heart of Africa follows the surprising global success of Esau Mwamwaya & Radioclit Are The Very Best, a free mixtape made available online late last year. Without promotional assistance or financial support, the collection of well-known pop, dance, afro and indie tracks charted more than 200,000 downloads and was hailed by tastemakers including Pitchfork, FADER, and Gorilla vs. Bear, among many others. Now, The Very Best is receiving critical acclaim for its high-energy live performances and forthcoming album in the wake of its first U.S. tour...
"While The Very Best mixtape caught fire with Mwamwaya singing over remixes of Michael Jackson, Vampire Weekend, Hans Zimmer, and M.I.A., debut LP Warm Heart of Africa features white-hot original songs, top to bottom... In a Best New Music track review [for the title selection, featuring VW's Ezra Koenig], Pitchfork describes Mwamwaya as 'one of the most effortlessly lovable voices around.' ... San Francisco Bay Guardian warns, 'Brace yourself for hazardous dance floor anthems well-fed on the homegrown African sounds of high-life and marabi, as well as bass-laden pop grooves from, well, all over the globe."
In addition to the title track, check out "Ntende Uli," "Rain Dance" (featuring M.I.A.) and "Nsokoto."
Jay Reatard
Add Date: August 25
Artist: Jay Reatard
Album: Watch Me Fall
Label: Matador
Genre: Rock, garage rock, punk
Comments: After a long series of singles, EPs and compilations, Memphis-based Jay Reatard is releasing his second proper full-length, and his first since signing with Matador (The Cave Singers, Sonic Youth, Yo La Tengo). Reatard's garage punk doesn't stay strictly within the genre, and as such Watch Me Fall should have wide-ranging appeal, from fans of heavier acts like Obits and labelmates Times New Viking, to poppier bands such as Black Lips or Vivian Girls. Punk rock that is catchy usually isn't good, and vice versa, but Jay Reatard breaks that trend with ease. Start with "Before I Was Caught" and "I'm Watching You."
Artist: Jay Reatard
Album: Watch Me Fall
Label: Matador
Genre: Rock, garage rock, punk
Comments: After a long series of singles, EPs and compilations, Memphis-based Jay Reatard is releasing his second proper full-length, and his first since signing with Matador (The Cave Singers, Sonic Youth, Yo La Tengo). Reatard's garage punk doesn't stay strictly within the genre, and as such Watch Me Fall should have wide-ranging appeal, from fans of heavier acts like Obits and labelmates Times New Viking, to poppier bands such as Black Lips or Vivian Girls. Punk rock that is catchy usually isn't good, and vice versa, but Jay Reatard breaks that trend with ease. Start with "Before I Was Caught" and "I'm Watching You."
Dodos
Add Date: August 25
Artist: Dodos
Album: Time to Die
Label: Frenchkiss
Genre: Rock, folk, experimental
Comments: From the onesheet: "With a title like Time to Die, you might think the Dodos' third disc is their 'mature album,' a serious undertaking punctuated with string sections and synths. While indie rock's go-to guy, Phil Ek (Built to Spill, Fleet Foxes, The Shins), hopped behind the boards this time, the Dodos' style is still centered around two key elements: the punchy percussion of Logan Kroeber and the Fahey-infused finger-picking of front man Meric Long... Time to Die introduces one major addition to the Dodos' creative core: Keaton Snyder, a 21-year-old music school dropout who plays a mean vibraphone..."
The Dodos' unconventional spin on folksy pop-rock makes their sound difficult to compare; here's a sampling of the "Similar Artists" list on AllMusic.com: Animal Collective, Iron & Wine, Caribou, Vampire Weekend, The Mountain Goats, Islands, Yeasayer. (Out of those, I think Yeasayer and Animal Collective--especially more organic AC songs--make the most sense.) But regardless of whom exactly it sounds like, Time to Die is a terrific record. All tracks recommended, but start with "Fables" and "Small Deaths."
Artist: Dodos
Album: Time to Die
Label: Frenchkiss
Genre: Rock, folk, experimental
Comments: From the onesheet: "With a title like Time to Die, you might think the Dodos' third disc is their 'mature album,' a serious undertaking punctuated with string sections and synths. While indie rock's go-to guy, Phil Ek (Built to Spill, Fleet Foxes, The Shins), hopped behind the boards this time, the Dodos' style is still centered around two key elements: the punchy percussion of Logan Kroeber and the Fahey-infused finger-picking of front man Meric Long... Time to Die introduces one major addition to the Dodos' creative core: Keaton Snyder, a 21-year-old music school dropout who plays a mean vibraphone..."
The Dodos' unconventional spin on folksy pop-rock makes their sound difficult to compare; here's a sampling of the "Similar Artists" list on AllMusic.com: Animal Collective, Iron & Wine, Caribou, Vampire Weekend, The Mountain Goats, Islands, Yeasayer. (Out of those, I think Yeasayer and Animal Collective--especially more organic AC songs--make the most sense.) But regardless of whom exactly it sounds like, Time to Die is a terrific record. All tracks recommended, but start with "Fables" and "Small Deaths."
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Top 5 Adds - August 18
Top 5 Adds - August 18
Ramona Falls
Lightning Dust
Choir of Young Believers
Fanfarlo
HEALTH
Also check out: Blitzen Trapper EP, The Cave Singers, Florence & the Machine, Sally Shapiro, Sondre Lerche
Ramona Falls
Lightning Dust
Choir of Young Believers
Fanfarlo
HEALTH
Also check out: Blitzen Trapper EP, The Cave Singers, Florence & the Machine, Sally Shapiro, Sondre Lerche
Florence & the Machine
Add Date: August 18
Artist: Florence & the Machine
Album: Lungs
Label: Universal Republic
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: London's Florence & the Machine, fronted by the soulful voice and songwriting of Florence Welch, have drawn comparisons to superstars like Lily Allen and Kate Nash, as well as the more eclectic pop of Bat for Lashes and Regina Spektor. Critical praise for their debut record Lungs has poured in from all corners--a 7.2/10 from Pitchfork, 4/5 from The Guardian and The Times, 9/10 from PopMatters. (Oddly enough, NME gave it a lukewarm 6/10. And I thought that NME liked everyone. I guess the music doesn't sound enough like Arctic Monkeys...) The tunes here are always interesting, generally quite good and very easily accessible. Start with "Kiss With a Fist" and "Cosmic Love."
Artist: Florence & the Machine
Album: Lungs
Label: Universal Republic
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: London's Florence & the Machine, fronted by the soulful voice and songwriting of Florence Welch, have drawn comparisons to superstars like Lily Allen and Kate Nash, as well as the more eclectic pop of Bat for Lashes and Regina Spektor. Critical praise for their debut record Lungs has poured in from all corners--a 7.2/10 from Pitchfork, 4/5 from The Guardian and The Times, 9/10 from PopMatters. (Oddly enough, NME gave it a lukewarm 6/10. And I thought that NME liked everyone. I guess the music doesn't sound enough like Arctic Monkeys...) The tunes here are always interesting, generally quite good and very easily accessible. Start with "Kiss With a Fist" and "Cosmic Love."
Desolation Wilderness
Add Date: August 18
Artist: Desolation Wilderness
Album: New Universe
Label: K
Genre: Rock, dream pop
Comments: Olympia, Wash. band Desolation Wilderness make spacey indie pop, heavily influenced by bands like Galaxie 500, and sounding a good bit like Young Galaxy or Crystal Stilts. Start with "Boardwalk Theme" and "San Francisco 2AM."
Artist: Desolation Wilderness
Album: New Universe
Label: K
Genre: Rock, dream pop
Comments: Olympia, Wash. band Desolation Wilderness make spacey indie pop, heavily influenced by bands like Galaxie 500, and sounding a good bit like Young Galaxy or Crystal Stilts. Start with "Boardwalk Theme" and "San Francisco 2AM."
One eskimO
Add Date: August 18
Artist: One eskimO
Album: One eskimO
Label: Shangri-La
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: London's One eskimO's brand of Brit pop is so folksy and easy-going, they make Coldplay sound like Iron Maiden. I don't personally find this type of music very appealing, but there's no denying its pleasantness. Start with "Kandi" and "Hometime."
Artist: One eskimO
Album: One eskimO
Label: Shangri-La
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: London's One eskimO's brand of Brit pop is so folksy and easy-going, they make Coldplay sound like Iron Maiden. I don't personally find this type of music very appealing, but there's no denying its pleasantness. Start with "Kandi" and "Hometime."
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Divisible
Add Date: August 18
Artist: Divisible
Album: Less Than Lion
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Los Angeles-based band Divisible, consisting of singer Shola and drummer Albert Sadia, is pleased to present its debut album Less Than Lion, a collection of songs (including a reinterpretation of Radiohead's 'Exit Music [For a Film]'), that explores Shola's journey from the halls of Harvard to a West African reconciliation with her father, who lives in Ghana. Less Than Lion is an album that tells this story through a creative, intelligent and propulsive mixture of indie rock, electronica, and world music sounds."
Artist: Divisible
Album: Less Than Lion
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Los Angeles-based band Divisible, consisting of singer Shola and drummer Albert Sadia, is pleased to present its debut album Less Than Lion, a collection of songs (including a reinterpretation of Radiohead's 'Exit Music [For a Film]'), that explores Shola's journey from the halls of Harvard to a West African reconciliation with her father, who lives in Ghana. Less Than Lion is an album that tells this story through a creative, intelligent and propulsive mixture of indie rock, electronica, and world music sounds."
Hockey
Add Date: August 18
Artist: Hockey
Album: Mind Chaos sampler
Label: Capitol
Genre: Rock
Comments: A 3-song sampler from Portland's next big thing, the band Hockey, whose full-length will be released in October. Very catchy, new wave-inspired rock tunes.
Artist: Hockey
Album: Mind Chaos sampler
Label: Capitol
Genre: Rock
Comments: A 3-song sampler from Portland's next big thing, the band Hockey, whose full-length will be released in October. Very catchy, new wave-inspired rock tunes.
Van Ghost
Add Date: August 18
Artist: Van Ghost
Album: Melodies for Lovers
Label: Split Red
Genre: Folk, folk rock
Comments: The promoter says: "Longtime Chicago music scene vet [Michael Harrison Berg] steps out from behind the curtain and assembles a cracker-jack band in [Melodies for Lovers], this Americana band's debut album." Avant/Chicago adds: "The band moves ever so slightly around the folk-rock/alt-country spectrum, but drops in some indie leanings to keep the album interesting." Recommendations on the promotional sticker.
Artist: Van Ghost
Album: Melodies for Lovers
Label: Split Red
Genre: Folk, folk rock
Comments: The promoter says: "Longtime Chicago music scene vet [Michael Harrison Berg] steps out from behind the curtain and assembles a cracker-jack band in [Melodies for Lovers], this Americana band's debut album." Avant/Chicago adds: "The band moves ever so slightly around the folk-rock/alt-country spectrum, but drops in some indie leanings to keep the album interesting." Recommendations on the promotional sticker.
Modest Mouse
Add Date: August 18
Artist: Modest Mouse
Album: No One's First, and You're Next
Label: Epic
Genre: Rock
Comments: Half of the tracks from this collection have been on the playlist in single form, but now here's the whole 8-song set of No One's First, and You're Next--a collection of B-sides, if you will, from the sessions that produced Modest Mouse's last two studio records, the 2004 issue Good News for People Who Like Bad News and 2007's We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank.
Artist: Modest Mouse
Album: No One's First, and You're Next
Label: Epic
Genre: Rock
Comments: Half of the tracks from this collection have been on the playlist in single form, but now here's the whole 8-song set of No One's First, and You're Next--a collection of B-sides, if you will, from the sessions that produced Modest Mouse's last two studio records, the 2004 issue Good News for People Who Like Bad News and 2007's We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank.
Mark Mallman
Add Date: August 18
Artist: Mark Mallman
Album: Invincible Criminal
Label: Badman Recording Co.
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: From the promoter: "Mark Mallman breaks his own mold with a new sound and his most lyrical record to date. Invincible Criminal holds on to some glam rock elements, at times channeling old spirits of T. Rex, Gary Glitter and Meatloaf, but this time he directs his sound to a more pop-oriented vision. Some tracks evoke a haunting sense of anxiety through powerful piano and string juxtaposition, while others have a sense of a youthful hopelessness, [but] all tracks keep up the same powerful and moving sound. Guest vocalists include The Hold Steady's Craig Finn and Cloud Cult's Shannon Frid." Recommendations on the promo sticker.
Artist: Mark Mallman
Album: Invincible Criminal
Label: Badman Recording Co.
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: From the promoter: "Mark Mallman breaks his own mold with a new sound and his most lyrical record to date. Invincible Criminal holds on to some glam rock elements, at times channeling old spirits of T. Rex, Gary Glitter and Meatloaf, but this time he directs his sound to a more pop-oriented vision. Some tracks evoke a haunting sense of anxiety through powerful piano and string juxtaposition, while others have a sense of a youthful hopelessness, [but] all tracks keep up the same powerful and moving sound. Guest vocalists include The Hold Steady's Craig Finn and Cloud Cult's Shannon Frid." Recommendations on the promo sticker.
It's Elephant's
Add Date: August 18
Artist: It's Elephant's
Album: Gets Along
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Atlanta band It's Elephant's have a classic Southern rock sound that brings to mind The Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd or early Kings of Leon. Check out "Trees in the Road."
Artist: It's Elephant's
Album: Gets Along
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Atlanta band It's Elephant's have a classic Southern rock sound that brings to mind The Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd or early Kings of Leon. Check out "Trees in the Road."
Sondre Lerche
Add Date: August 18
Artist: Sondre Lerche
Album: Heartbeat Radio
Label: Rounder
Genre: Folk, rock, pop, jazz
Comments: From the onesheet: "Heartbeat Radio is certainly [Sondre] Lerche's boldest and most challenging record. While it maintains the studio polish of his groundbreaking debut, Faces Down, there's also a sense of musical adventure that stems from his later work. The songs mix acoustic guitars with grand gestures of orchestral pop, with elements of anything from '50s jazz, via '60s and '70s Brazilian psych-folk to state-of-the-art '80s pop masters such as Prefab Sprout, Scritti Politti and Fleetwood Mac."
The Norwegian native's sixth record (including the soundtrack to the 2007 film Dan in Real Life) will appeal to fans of Kings of Convenience, Badly Drawn Boy and Pelle Carlberg. Start with the title track and "Don't Look Now."
Artist: Sondre Lerche
Album: Heartbeat Radio
Label: Rounder
Genre: Folk, rock, pop, jazz
Comments: From the onesheet: "Heartbeat Radio is certainly [Sondre] Lerche's boldest and most challenging record. While it maintains the studio polish of his groundbreaking debut, Faces Down, there's also a sense of musical adventure that stems from his later work. The songs mix acoustic guitars with grand gestures of orchestral pop, with elements of anything from '50s jazz, via '60s and '70s Brazilian psych-folk to state-of-the-art '80s pop masters such as Prefab Sprout, Scritti Politti and Fleetwood Mac."
The Norwegian native's sixth record (including the soundtrack to the 2007 film Dan in Real Life) will appeal to fans of Kings of Convenience, Badly Drawn Boy and Pelle Carlberg. Start with the title track and "Don't Look Now."
My Favorite Girl
Add Date: August 18
Artist: My Favorite Girl
Album: Another Bite at the Apple
Label: Golden City
Genre: Alt-country, rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Another Bite at the Apple is the debut record from Seattle duo My Favorite Girl. Band members Trish Shallest and Jen Czeisler have crafted 10 indie-alt-country gems featuring charming two-part harmonies and sparkling piano melodies. From the soft alt-country strains of 'Simpler Time' to the dark and rhythmic 'Daughter,' Another Bite at the Apple is sure to be a big hit with fans of Indigo Girls and Fleetwood Mac."
Artist: My Favorite Girl
Album: Another Bite at the Apple
Label: Golden City
Genre: Alt-country, rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Another Bite at the Apple is the debut record from Seattle duo My Favorite Girl. Band members Trish Shallest and Jen Czeisler have crafted 10 indie-alt-country gems featuring charming two-part harmonies and sparkling piano melodies. From the soft alt-country strains of 'Simpler Time' to the dark and rhythmic 'Daughter,' Another Bite at the Apple is sure to be a big hit with fans of Indigo Girls and Fleetwood Mac."
HEALTH
Add Date: August 18
Artist: HEALTH
Album: Get Color
Label: Lovepump United
Genre: Rock, experimental, noise rock
Comments: "This record should be played at a minimum of 90DB," advise the liner notes of Get Color, the sophomore effort from L.A. experimental rockers HEALTH. I didn't attempt that volume while listening to it in the office, but maybe I'll try in the studio. The group has been building up quite a buzz (maybe not a 90-decibel buzz, but a buzz nonetheless) since their self-titled 2007 debut, their work with Crystal Castles, and two tours as the opening act for Nine Inch Nails. HEALTH certainly have that certain noisy, experimental twist that seems to signify the music scene at L.A. club The Smell, from whence No Age, Abe Vigoda and Mika Miko also sprang, but Get Color lies somewhere between the raw art-punk of those bands and the experimental electronica of Crystal Castles. One of 2009's most ambitious releases. Start with "We Are Water," "Die Slow" and "Severin."
Artist: HEALTH
Album: Get Color
Label: Lovepump United
Genre: Rock, experimental, noise rock
Comments: "This record should be played at a minimum of 90DB," advise the liner notes of Get Color, the sophomore effort from L.A. experimental rockers HEALTH. I didn't attempt that volume while listening to it in the office, but maybe I'll try in the studio. The group has been building up quite a buzz (maybe not a 90-decibel buzz, but a buzz nonetheless) since their self-titled 2007 debut, their work with Crystal Castles, and two tours as the opening act for Nine Inch Nails. HEALTH certainly have that certain noisy, experimental twist that seems to signify the music scene at L.A. club The Smell, from whence No Age, Abe Vigoda and Mika Miko also sprang, but Get Color lies somewhere between the raw art-punk of those bands and the experimental electronica of Crystal Castles. One of 2009's most ambitious releases. Start with "We Are Water," "Die Slow" and "Severin."
Colin Hay
Add Date: August 18
Artist: Colin Hay
Album: American Sunshine
Label: Lazy Eye/Compass
Genre: Folk, folk rock, singer/songwriter
Comments: Colin Hay was the frontman and chief songwriter for the Australian pop band Men at Work. Here are some things that you may or may not know about Mr. Hay, thanks to my extensive research (which consisted of reading the album onesheet and visiting AllMusic.com):
Artist: Colin Hay
Album: American Sunshine
Label: Lazy Eye/Compass
Genre: Folk, folk rock, singer/songwriter
Comments: Colin Hay was the frontman and chief songwriter for the Australian pop band Men at Work. Here are some things that you may or may not know about Mr. Hay, thanks to my extensive research (which consisted of reading the album onesheet and visiting AllMusic.com):
- He actually hails not from Australia, but from Kilwinning, Scotland. He moved to the land down under as a teenager.
- He was a member of Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band.
- He's been releasing solo records for over 20 years, most recently 2007's well-regarded Are You Lookin' at Me?
- In addition to having his music used on the NBC/ABC sitcom Scrubs, he's made several cameo appearances on the show.
Lightning Dust
Add Date: August 18
Artist: Lightning Dust
Album: Infinite Light
Label: Jagjaguwar
Genre: Rock, psych folk
Comments: I gotta say that I like these Black Mountain side projects. Stephen McBean gave us a very nice record back in the spring, his third under the Pink Mountaintops moniker, and here comes the second effort from Amber Webber and Joshua Wells as Lightning Dust. Infinite Light is 10 tracks of folksy psychedelic rock that has drawn them favorable comparisons to Handsome Furs, Arthur & Yu, and fall tourmates The Cave Singers. Webber's voice, lingering somewhere between the sturdiness of Cat Power's Chan Marshall and the haunting fragility of Marissa Nadler, is a perfect fit for the melancholy sweetness of the music. This is a solid record from start to finish, but in particular I enjoyed "Waiting on the Sun to Rise," "I Knew," "Never Seen" and their cover of "Wondering What Everyone Knows," originally done by the little-known Welsh hard rock band Budgie.
Artist: Lightning Dust
Album: Infinite Light
Label: Jagjaguwar
Genre: Rock, psych folk
Comments: I gotta say that I like these Black Mountain side projects. Stephen McBean gave us a very nice record back in the spring, his third under the Pink Mountaintops moniker, and here comes the second effort from Amber Webber and Joshua Wells as Lightning Dust. Infinite Light is 10 tracks of folksy psychedelic rock that has drawn them favorable comparisons to Handsome Furs, Arthur & Yu, and fall tourmates The Cave Singers. Webber's voice, lingering somewhere between the sturdiness of Cat Power's Chan Marshall and the haunting fragility of Marissa Nadler, is a perfect fit for the melancholy sweetness of the music. This is a solid record from start to finish, but in particular I enjoyed "Waiting on the Sun to Rise," "I Knew," "Never Seen" and their cover of "Wondering What Everyone Knows," originally done by the little-known Welsh hard rock band Budgie.
Brookville
Add Date: August 18
Artist: Brookville
Album: Broken Lights
Label: Unfiltered
Genre: Rock, dream pop
Comments: Andy Chase--also a member of Ivy, a producer, and co-owner of the Unfiltered label--has issued his third album of ambient pop rock as Brookville. Broken Lights will certainly appeal to fans of Ivy (in which Chase is joined by Adam Schlesinger and Dominique Durand), as well as Saint Etienne and Tahiti 80, whose Pedro Resende produced this record. Start with "Great Mistake" and "Tell Her You Love Her."
Artist: Brookville
Album: Broken Lights
Label: Unfiltered
Genre: Rock, dream pop
Comments: Andy Chase--also a member of Ivy, a producer, and co-owner of the Unfiltered label--has issued his third album of ambient pop rock as Brookville. Broken Lights will certainly appeal to fans of Ivy (in which Chase is joined by Adam Schlesinger and Dominique Durand), as well as Saint Etienne and Tahiti 80, whose Pedro Resende produced this record. Start with "Great Mistake" and "Tell Her You Love Her."
Blitzen Trapper
Add Date: August 18
Artist: Blitzen Trapper
Album: Black River Killer (EP)
Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Rock, folk rock
Comments: You've already heard "Black River Killer," one of many standout tracks from Blitzen Trapper's fine 2008 LP Furr. (And if you haven't, stop wasting time reading this nonsense and go listen to that record.) However, the other six songs on this EP have, until now, only been available as a CD-R that the band's been selling at its live shows. More Blitzen Trapper is always a good thing. Check out "Silver Moon" and "Shoulder Full of You."
Artist: Blitzen Trapper
Album: Black River Killer (EP)
Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Rock, folk rock
Comments: You've already heard "Black River Killer," one of many standout tracks from Blitzen Trapper's fine 2008 LP Furr. (And if you haven't, stop wasting time reading this nonsense and go listen to that record.) However, the other six songs on this EP have, until now, only been available as a CD-R that the band's been selling at its live shows. More Blitzen Trapper is always a good thing. Check out "Silver Moon" and "Shoulder Full of You."
Monday, August 17, 2009
Choir of Young Believers
Add Date: August 18
Artist: Choir of Young Believers
Album: This Is for the White in Your Eyes
Label: Ghostly International
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: From the onesheet: "Even though This Is for the White in Your Eyes, the full-length debut by Danish collective Choir of Young Believers, is teeming with instruments--voices, pianos, synthesizers, banjos, an orchestra's ransom in strings and French horns--it's not the arrangements that dominate so much as the images they conjure... [and] Jannis Joya Makrigiannis's reverb-slicked, bell-like tenor... This Is for the White in Your Eyes is an album of orchestral indie-pop, but its artistic scope extends beyond melody and harmony: Choir of Young Believers paint cinematic tableaux, with Jannis cast as the silvery-voiced narrator."
I really enjoyed this, and it's certainly a change of pace for Ghostly International, which has a well-earned reputation for releasing fine electronica of all shapes and sizes. Recommendations on the promo sticker.
Artist: Choir of Young Believers
Album: This Is for the White in Your Eyes
Label: Ghostly International
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: From the onesheet: "Even though This Is for the White in Your Eyes, the full-length debut by Danish collective Choir of Young Believers, is teeming with instruments--voices, pianos, synthesizers, banjos, an orchestra's ransom in strings and French horns--it's not the arrangements that dominate so much as the images they conjure... [and] Jannis Joya Makrigiannis's reverb-slicked, bell-like tenor... This Is for the White in Your Eyes is an album of orchestral indie-pop, but its artistic scope extends beyond melody and harmony: Choir of Young Believers paint cinematic tableaux, with Jannis cast as the silvery-voiced narrator."
I really enjoyed this, and it's certainly a change of pace for Ghostly International, which has a well-earned reputation for releasing fine electronica of all shapes and sizes. Recommendations on the promo sticker.
Ramona Falls
Add Date: August 18
Artist: Ramona Falls
Album: Intuit
Label: Barsuk
Genre: Rock
Comments: Ramona Falls is the new project of Portland's Brent Knopf, one-third of the brilliant art-rock trio Menomena. Intuit is a must-hear for fans of that band's excellent 2007 LP Friend and Foe--as expected, there are plenty of musical similarities between the two bands. Menomena are known for crafting music way too intricate for just three people; Knopf certainly comes up with a similarly complex and well-orchestrated sound here, but with the help of some 35 different musicians who perform on the record. Regardless of how close Ramona Falls might resemble Knopf's other band, though, Intuit is certainly worth a listen. Start with "I Say Fever" and "Always Right."
Artist: Ramona Falls
Album: Intuit
Label: Barsuk
Genre: Rock
Comments: Ramona Falls is the new project of Portland's Brent Knopf, one-third of the brilliant art-rock trio Menomena. Intuit is a must-hear for fans of that band's excellent 2007 LP Friend and Foe--as expected, there are plenty of musical similarities between the two bands. Menomena are known for crafting music way too intricate for just three people; Knopf certainly comes up with a similarly complex and well-orchestrated sound here, but with the help of some 35 different musicians who perform on the record. Regardless of how close Ramona Falls might resemble Knopf's other band, though, Intuit is certainly worth a listen. Start with "I Say Fever" and "Always Right."
Fanfarlo
Add Date: August 18
Artist: Fanfarlo
Album: Reservoir
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, chamber pop
Comments: A very nice debut from a London band whose cited influences range from Belle & Sebastian to Neutral Milk Hotel to Broken Social Scene. Reservoir proves that there isn't that much of a gap in the songs of Stuart Murdoch, Jeff Mangum or Kevin Drew--all pay close attention to detail, and readily incorporate orchestral elements into their rock and folk songs. Fanfarlo has already made a splash in the U.S. with performances at the last two SXSW festivals, and should do so again with their first LP. Recommendations on the promo sticker.
Artist: Fanfarlo
Album: Reservoir
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, chamber pop
Comments: A very nice debut from a London band whose cited influences range from Belle & Sebastian to Neutral Milk Hotel to Broken Social Scene. Reservoir proves that there isn't that much of a gap in the songs of Stuart Murdoch, Jeff Mangum or Kevin Drew--all pay close attention to detail, and readily incorporate orchestral elements into their rock and folk songs. Fanfarlo has already made a splash in the U.S. with performances at the last two SXSW festivals, and should do so again with their first LP. Recommendations on the promo sticker.
Sally Shapiro
Add Date: August 18
Artist: Sally Shapiro
Album: My Guilty Pleasure
Label: Paper Bag
Genre: Electronica, dance
Comments: From the label: "Swedish italo-disco artist Sally Shapiro and producer Johan Agebjorn are proud to bring forth the long-awaited follow-up to Sally's debut, Disco Romance, titled Guilty Pleasure... The album is described by Sally and Agebjorn as 'a bit more poppy and varied' than the debut, taking influences from genres like trance, cosmic disco, acid, ambient and jazz while still having '80s disco as its base, and definitely keeping the romantic feel of Disco Romance."
Disco Romance was a delightful dance-pop record, with an attention to songwriting detail that isn't necessarily a hallmark of the genre. As indicated, My Guilty Pleasure stays within the genre, but expands on the style established by that stunning debut. Check out "Looking at the Stars," "My Fantasy" and "Save Your Love."
Artist: Sally Shapiro
Album: My Guilty Pleasure
Label: Paper Bag
Genre: Electronica, dance
Comments: From the label: "Swedish italo-disco artist Sally Shapiro and producer Johan Agebjorn are proud to bring forth the long-awaited follow-up to Sally's debut, Disco Romance, titled Guilty Pleasure... The album is described by Sally and Agebjorn as 'a bit more poppy and varied' than the debut, taking influences from genres like trance, cosmic disco, acid, ambient and jazz while still having '80s disco as its base, and definitely keeping the romantic feel of Disco Romance."
Disco Romance was a delightful dance-pop record, with an attention to songwriting detail that isn't necessarily a hallmark of the genre. As indicated, My Guilty Pleasure stays within the genre, but expands on the style established by that stunning debut. Check out "Looking at the Stars," "My Fantasy" and "Save Your Love."
The Cave Singers
Add Date: August 18
Artist: The Cave Singers
Album: Welcome Joy
Label: Matador
Genre: Folk, folk rock
Comments: From the onesheet: "When I say that I'm pleased to be sending you the sophomore album by Seattle, WA's own Cave Singers, what I actually mean is 'The last Cave Singers album, Invitation Songs, was one of the most captivating and intense folk records I've ever heard, and the fact that I say I'm "pleased" to be sending you the follow-up means that they have surpassed my expectations.' Those of you who also adored Invitation Songs already know what I'm talking about, and when you listen to Welcome Joy I trust you'll hear what I hear: a band that's about to break out of being a 'Seattle band' ... and build a much wider national audience... For fans of: Vetiver, Tiny Vipers, Bowerbirds, Phosphorescent and Deer Tick. Recommended tracks: 'At the Cut' (#3), 'Beach House' (#6), VV (#7)."
Artist: The Cave Singers
Album: Welcome Joy
Label: Matador
Genre: Folk, folk rock
Comments: From the onesheet: "When I say that I'm pleased to be sending you the sophomore album by Seattle, WA's own Cave Singers, what I actually mean is 'The last Cave Singers album, Invitation Songs, was one of the most captivating and intense folk records I've ever heard, and the fact that I say I'm "pleased" to be sending you the follow-up means that they have surpassed my expectations.' Those of you who also adored Invitation Songs already know what I'm talking about, and when you listen to Welcome Joy I trust you'll hear what I hear: a band that's about to break out of being a 'Seattle band' ... and build a much wider national audience... For fans of: Vetiver, Tiny Vipers, Bowerbirds, Phosphorescent and Deer Tick. Recommended tracks: 'At the Cut' (#3), 'Beach House' (#6), VV (#7)."
Friday, August 7, 2009
Top 5 Adds - August 11
Top 5 Adds - August 11
The Antlers
Anna Ternheim
Timber Timbre
Holiday Shores
These United States
Also check out: Bill Frisell, The Jaguar Club, Julian Plenti, Mount Eerie
The Antlers
Anna Ternheim
Timber Timbre
Holiday Shores
These United States
Also check out: Bill Frisell, The Jaguar Club, Julian Plenti, Mount Eerie
Anna Ternheim
Add Date: August 11
Artist: Anna Ternheim
Album: Leaving on a Mayday
Label: Verve Forecast
Genre: Rock, pop, folk pop
Comments: Anna Ternheim's previous work has been quite good, but it's never really jumped out at me--especially with the tremendous amount of great music coming our way from her native Sweden. Well, add in the elements of Bjorn Yttling producing and great musicians like Matt Sweeney and Steve Shelley in the studio, and Ternheim blossoms into another fine Scandinavian pop artist with Leaving on a Mayday. Yttling, who catapulted Lykke Li to international stardom with his work on her 2008 debut Youth Novels, is a really fine producer--here, he keeps things relatively sparse, but fleshes out Ternheim's songwriting skills and her terrific voice. I thoroughly enjoyed this entire record, which finds a near-perfect balance between Swedish pop and quieter folk rock.
"Make It My Own" was my favorite song, but also try "My Heart Still Beats for You" and "What Have I Done."
Artist: Anna Ternheim
Album: Leaving on a Mayday
Label: Verve Forecast
Genre: Rock, pop, folk pop
Comments: Anna Ternheim's previous work has been quite good, but it's never really jumped out at me--especially with the tremendous amount of great music coming our way from her native Sweden. Well, add in the elements of Bjorn Yttling producing and great musicians like Matt Sweeney and Steve Shelley in the studio, and Ternheim blossoms into another fine Scandinavian pop artist with Leaving on a Mayday. Yttling, who catapulted Lykke Li to international stardom with his work on her 2008 debut Youth Novels, is a really fine producer--here, he keeps things relatively sparse, but fleshes out Ternheim's songwriting skills and her terrific voice. I thoroughly enjoyed this entire record, which finds a near-perfect balance between Swedish pop and quieter folk rock.
"Make It My Own" was my favorite song, but also try "My Heart Still Beats for You" and "What Have I Done."
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Bill Frisell
Add Date: August 11
Artist: Bill Frisell
Album: Disfarmer
Label: Nonesuch
Genre: Folk, experimental
Comments: From the onesheet: "Nonesuch Records releases Grammy Award-winning guitarist, composer, and bandleader Bill Frisell's new album, Disfarmer, on July 21, 2009... The original compositions on the album were inspired by the life and works of an unusual Arkansas photographer named Michael Disfarmer. Accompanying Frisell on the album are longtime collaborators Jenny Scheinman (violin), Greg Leisz (steel guitar, mandolin), and Viktor Krauss (bass)."
Artist: Bill Frisell
Album: Disfarmer
Label: Nonesuch
Genre: Folk, experimental
Comments: From the onesheet: "Nonesuch Records releases Grammy Award-winning guitarist, composer, and bandleader Bill Frisell's new album, Disfarmer, on July 21, 2009... The original compositions on the album were inspired by the life and works of an unusual Arkansas photographer named Michael Disfarmer. Accompanying Frisell on the album are longtime collaborators Jenny Scheinman (violin), Greg Leisz (steel guitar, mandolin), and Viktor Krauss (bass)."
Amanda Blank
Add Date: August 11
Artist: Amanda Blank
Album: I Love You
Label: Downtown
Genre: Hip hop, dance
Comments: From the promoter: "Philadelphia MC Amanda Blank is most known for her collaborations with rap and hip hop artists such as Little Plastic, Ghostface Killah, Santigold, M.I.A. and Spank Rock... After all of her high-profile guest appearances, it is now time for Blank to drop a record of her own. I Love You was produced by XXXChange of Spank Rock, Diplo, and Switch, while boasting guest performances by Lykke Li, Spank Rock, The Cool Kids and Santigold."
Check out "A Love Song" and "Make It Take It."
Artist: Amanda Blank
Album: I Love You
Label: Downtown
Genre: Hip hop, dance
Comments: From the promoter: "Philadelphia MC Amanda Blank is most known for her collaborations with rap and hip hop artists such as Little Plastic, Ghostface Killah, Santigold, M.I.A. and Spank Rock... After all of her high-profile guest appearances, it is now time for Blank to drop a record of her own. I Love You was produced by XXXChange of Spank Rock, Diplo, and Switch, while boasting guest performances by Lykke Li, Spank Rock, The Cool Kids and Santigold."
Check out "A Love Song" and "Make It Take It."
Nathen Maxwell
Add Date: August 11
Artist: Nathen Maxwell
Album: White Rabbit
Label: SideOneDummy
Genre: Rock, reggae, roots rock
Comments: Add Nathen Maxwell to the list of punk rock musicians who secretly want to be reggae artists. Hey, if Joe Strummer could do it, and Rancid's Tim Armstrong could do it, why not Maxwell, the bassist for the venerable L.A. Irish-punk-rockers Flogging Molly? To be fair, White Rabbit isn't a straight-up reggae record; it's rock first and reggae second, with some folk and Jack Johnson-style surf rock thrown in for good measure. The featured tracks are "Working for the Man" and "Salt and Sand."
Artist: Nathen Maxwell
Album: White Rabbit
Label: SideOneDummy
Genre: Rock, reggae, roots rock
Comments: Add Nathen Maxwell to the list of punk rock musicians who secretly want to be reggae artists. Hey, if Joe Strummer could do it, and Rancid's Tim Armstrong could do it, why not Maxwell, the bassist for the venerable L.A. Irish-punk-rockers Flogging Molly? To be fair, White Rabbit isn't a straight-up reggae record; it's rock first and reggae second, with some folk and Jack Johnson-style surf rock thrown in for good measure. The featured tracks are "Working for the Man" and "Salt and Sand."
The Jaguar Club
Add Date: August 11
Artist: The Jaguar Club
Album: And We Wake Up Slowly
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, new wave
Comments: From the promoter: "And We Wake Up Slowly is the sublime debut full-length from Brooklyn's The Jaguar Club. The trio has a firm grip on danceable '80s new wave, with a raw intensity that drives their sound through riff-heavy tracks like 'Where No Wild Things Are.' Throughout And We Wake Up Slowly, William Popadic's haunting vocals echo along to Yoichiro Fugita's deep bass lines, as featured on 'Sleepwalking' and 'Out of the City.'" They accurately compare the band to Echo & the Bunnymen, Interpol, The Smiths and Joy Division. "Sleepwalking" is indeed a terrific tune; I also liked "This Summer."
Artist: The Jaguar Club
Album: And We Wake Up Slowly
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, new wave
Comments: From the promoter: "And We Wake Up Slowly is the sublime debut full-length from Brooklyn's The Jaguar Club. The trio has a firm grip on danceable '80s new wave, with a raw intensity that drives their sound through riff-heavy tracks like 'Where No Wild Things Are.' Throughout And We Wake Up Slowly, William Popadic's haunting vocals echo along to Yoichiro Fugita's deep bass lines, as featured on 'Sleepwalking' and 'Out of the City.'" They accurately compare the band to Echo & the Bunnymen, Interpol, The Smiths and Joy Division. "Sleepwalking" is indeed a terrific tune; I also liked "This Summer."
The Mumlers
Add Date: August 11
Artist: The Mumlers
Album: Don't Throw Me Away
Label: Galaxia
Genre: Rock, throwback pop
Comments: The promoter says: "Add one part throwback '60s soul, one part indie rock, and one part psychedelic pop, and you have the tasty jam that is Don't Throw Me Away. '99 Years Ago' is a great track that features horns that creep into the [song] so well they could be shadows on the wall." Also check out "St. James St."
Artist: The Mumlers
Album: Don't Throw Me Away
Label: Galaxia
Genre: Rock, throwback pop
Comments: The promoter says: "Add one part throwback '60s soul, one part indie rock, and one part psychedelic pop, and you have the tasty jam that is Don't Throw Me Away. '99 Years Ago' is a great track that features horns that creep into the [song] so well they could be shadows on the wall." Also check out "St. James St."
Holiday Shores
Add Date: August 11
Artist: Holiday Shores
Album: Columbus'd the Whim
Label: Twosyllable
Genre: Rock, psych pop
Comments: From the promoter: "Columbus'd the Whim is the killer debut album from Florida natives Holiday Shores. With ultra-reverb-heavy guitars and organs, as well as Beach Boys-esque vocals, Holiday Shores has a hazy pop-psychedelic sound that is sure to please. The track 'Edge of Our Lives' has a funky disco bass with island guitars, which would go well with a cold drink at a BBQ. Another great song off of the album is 'Experiencer,' which has a solid beach sound anchored by sharp lyrics."
I really like Columbus'd the Whim, but I've been trying unsuccessfully to pin down Holiday Shores' sound. Maybe if Fleet Foxes made a rock record while on holiday in the Caribbean? The promoter also compares them to Real Estate and Panda Bear. In addition to the tracks listed above, check out "Reruns," "Phones Don't Feud" and "Errand of Tongue."
Artist: Holiday Shores
Album: Columbus'd the Whim
Label: Twosyllable
Genre: Rock, psych pop
Comments: From the promoter: "Columbus'd the Whim is the killer debut album from Florida natives Holiday Shores. With ultra-reverb-heavy guitars and organs, as well as Beach Boys-esque vocals, Holiday Shores has a hazy pop-psychedelic sound that is sure to please. The track 'Edge of Our Lives' has a funky disco bass with island guitars, which would go well with a cold drink at a BBQ. Another great song off of the album is 'Experiencer,' which has a solid beach sound anchored by sharp lyrics."
I really like Columbus'd the Whim, but I've been trying unsuccessfully to pin down Holiday Shores' sound. Maybe if Fleet Foxes made a rock record while on holiday in the Caribbean? The promoter also compares them to Real Estate and Panda Bear. In addition to the tracks listed above, check out "Reruns," "Phones Don't Feud" and "Errand of Tongue."
Julian Plenti
Add Date: August 11
Artist: Julian Plenti
Album: Julian Plenti Is... Skyscraper
Label: Matador
Genre: Rock
Comments: Julian Plenti is actually the side project of Interpol frontman Paul Banks, who has performed under that moniker off and on since 1998. The music on Julian Plenti Is... Skyscraper doesn't sound exactly like Interpol--though with Banks' distinctive vocals, it's hard to avoid such comparisons--as it's a little lighter than recent works like Our Love to Admire or Antics. I enjoyed "Only If You Run" and "Games for Days."
Artist: Julian Plenti
Album: Julian Plenti Is... Skyscraper
Label: Matador
Genre: Rock
Comments: Julian Plenti is actually the side project of Interpol frontman Paul Banks, who has performed under that moniker off and on since 1998. The music on Julian Plenti Is... Skyscraper doesn't sound exactly like Interpol--though with Banks' distinctive vocals, it's hard to avoid such comparisons--as it's a little lighter than recent works like Our Love to Admire or Antics. I enjoyed "Only If You Run" and "Games for Days."
Model Bazaar
Add Date: August 11
Artist: Model Bazaar
Album: A Bit
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk
Comments: Model Bazaar is a Czech trio fronted by singer/songwriter Radek Maly, who claims to be influenced by the likes of Simon & Garfunkel, Neil Young and Tracy Chapman. On A Bit, two acoustic guitars and cello are occasionally complemented by percussion, harmonica and piano, with Maly's voice--somewhere between Jay Farrar and Eddie Vedder--leading the way. I liked "Dear My" and "Feckless Noughts."
Artist: Model Bazaar
Album: A Bit
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk
Comments: Model Bazaar is a Czech trio fronted by singer/songwriter Radek Maly, who claims to be influenced by the likes of Simon & Garfunkel, Neil Young and Tracy Chapman. On A Bit, two acoustic guitars and cello are occasionally complemented by percussion, harmonica and piano, with Maly's voice--somewhere between Jay Farrar and Eddie Vedder--leading the way. I liked "Dear My" and "Feckless Noughts."
Leo Blais
Add Date: August 11
Artist: Leo Blais
Album: Sincerity
Label: Carbon Neutral
Genre: Rock, folk rock, pop
Comments: Massachusetts musician Leo Blais is in the midst of releasing a 40-song opus called Everyone's Feelin' Alone. Part '60s rock, part singer/songwriter, Blais' music is very poppy and accessible. The title track on the 8-song Sincerity is a gem of a song.
Artist: Leo Blais
Album: Sincerity
Label: Carbon Neutral
Genre: Rock, folk rock, pop
Comments: Massachusetts musician Leo Blais is in the midst of releasing a 40-song opus called Everyone's Feelin' Alone. Part '60s rock, part singer/songwriter, Blais' music is very poppy and accessible. The title track on the 8-song Sincerity is a gem of a song.
Mount Eerie
Add Date: August 11
Artist: Mount Eerie
Album: Wind's Poem
Label: P.W. Elverum & Sun
Genre: Rock, experimental, ambient metal
Comments: The promoter says: "A hundred kinds of distortion, oceans of synth, and clouds of bass are the elements of the twelve songs on Mount Eerie (Phil Elverum)'s newest album Wind's Poem, with moments of clarity occasionally revealing soft harmonies (featuring Nick Krgovich of Vancouver's No Kids) through a large wall of warm noise. The album holds a large debt to the music and world of David Lynch's Twin Peaks, as well as to some of the more innovative artists on the edges of ambient Black Metal."
This album is beautifully constructed but, unfortunately, not all that radio-friendly. A couple of noteworthy exceptions: "Between Two Mysteries" and "The Hidden Stone."
Artist: Mount Eerie
Album: Wind's Poem
Label: P.W. Elverum & Sun
Genre: Rock, experimental, ambient metal
Comments: The promoter says: "A hundred kinds of distortion, oceans of synth, and clouds of bass are the elements of the twelve songs on Mount Eerie (Phil Elverum)'s newest album Wind's Poem, with moments of clarity occasionally revealing soft harmonies (featuring Nick Krgovich of Vancouver's No Kids) through a large wall of warm noise. The album holds a large debt to the music and world of David Lynch's Twin Peaks, as well as to some of the more innovative artists on the edges of ambient Black Metal."
This album is beautifully constructed but, unfortunately, not all that radio-friendly. A couple of noteworthy exceptions: "Between Two Mysteries" and "The Hidden Stone."
Guy Fantastico
Add Date: August 11
Artist: Guy Fantastico
Album: Nesting
Label: La Comania Fantastica
Genre: Rock, lo-fi, pop
Comments: From the promoter: "Guy Fantastico releases his debut album, Nesting. The album was produced by Bobby Birdman over the course of two weeks while on holiday in Jaco, Costa Rica... Though each song was composed on organic instruments, Bobby Birdman's laptop-based recording and producing techniques allowed them [to] record anywhere... RIYL: Magnetic Fields, Casiotone for the Painfully Alone." Recommendations on the promo sticker.
Artist: Guy Fantastico
Album: Nesting
Label: La Comania Fantastica
Genre: Rock, lo-fi, pop
Comments: From the promoter: "Guy Fantastico releases his debut album, Nesting. The album was produced by Bobby Birdman over the course of two weeks while on holiday in Jaco, Costa Rica... Though each song was composed on organic instruments, Bobby Birdman's laptop-based recording and producing techniques allowed them [to] record anywhere... RIYL: Magnetic Fields, Casiotone for the Painfully Alone." Recommendations on the promo sticker.
Division Day
Add Date: August 11
Artist: Division Day
Album: Visitation
Label: Dangerbird
Genre: Rock, indie rock, shoegaze pop
Comments: After the dream pop of 2007's Beartrap Island, Santa Cruz band Division Day have veered off in a new musical direction. New label Dangerbird (Bad Veins, Silversun Pickups) describes Visitation as "an album which finds the band steering confidently into darker territory, marrying synthetic and organic textures in songs about death, transformation, and the devil... Grandiose in scope, yet cohesive and definitely boldly their own, the album has the eerie allure found in the music of Gary Numan, early Peter Gabriel, Magnet, and the darker side of Radiohead and the Pixies."
Check out "Malachite" and "Chalk Lines."
Artist: Division Day
Album: Visitation
Label: Dangerbird
Genre: Rock, indie rock, shoegaze pop
Comments: After the dream pop of 2007's Beartrap Island, Santa Cruz band Division Day have veered off in a new musical direction. New label Dangerbird (Bad Veins, Silversun Pickups) describes Visitation as "an album which finds the band steering confidently into darker territory, marrying synthetic and organic textures in songs about death, transformation, and the devil... Grandiose in scope, yet cohesive and definitely boldly their own, the album has the eerie allure found in the music of Gary Numan, early Peter Gabriel, Magnet, and the darker side of Radiohead and the Pixies."
Check out "Malachite" and "Chalk Lines."
Timber Timbre
Add Date: August 11
Artist: Timber Timbre
Album: Timber Timbre
Label: Arts & Crafts
Genre: Folk, blues rock
Comments: Toronto songwriter Taylor Kirk, a.k.a. Timber Timbre (that's pronounced "timber tamber") is gradually building up a devoted fan base, and his self-described "gothic rockabilly blues" has landed him on Arts & Crafts for his third LP. The label says: "Timber Timbre documents a rapid progression from dusty, lo-fi bedroom blues to the more sophisticated, cinematic studio work that still possesses the grainy, rustic feel epitomized as a sound all his own... The elements are deceptively simple: a confident, but hushed voice, understated guitar, strings and keyboard flourishes, and a subtle percussive beat."
Check out "Until the Night Is Over" and "I Get Low."
Artist: Timber Timbre
Album: Timber Timbre
Label: Arts & Crafts
Genre: Folk, blues rock
Comments: Toronto songwriter Taylor Kirk, a.k.a. Timber Timbre (that's pronounced "timber tamber") is gradually building up a devoted fan base, and his self-described "gothic rockabilly blues" has landed him on Arts & Crafts for his third LP. The label says: "Timber Timbre documents a rapid progression from dusty, lo-fi bedroom blues to the more sophisticated, cinematic studio work that still possesses the grainy, rustic feel epitomized as a sound all his own... The elements are deceptively simple: a confident, but hushed voice, understated guitar, strings and keyboard flourishes, and a subtle percussive beat."
Check out "Until the Night Is Over" and "I Get Low."
Zeus
Add Date: August 11
Artist: Zeus
Album: Sounds Like Zeus (EP)
Label: Arts & Crafts
Genre: Rock
Comments: From the label: "Zeus was born from the musical friendship of Mike O'Brien and Carlin Nicholson. The two Toronto-based musicians have been living on the road for the past few years as the backing band for singer/songwriter and Broken Social Scene member Jason Collett. With a lineup rounded out by longtime friends and musical compatriots Rob Drake and Neil Quin, Zeus draws upon classic influences to craft timeless songs, complete with fuzzed-out guitars and shimmering harmonies. The band's debut EP demonstrates an innate sense of melody and includes a raucous cover of Genesis' 'That's All,' which, as the title of the EP would aptly suggest, sounds like Zeus."
Artist: Zeus
Album: Sounds Like Zeus (EP)
Label: Arts & Crafts
Genre: Rock
Comments: From the label: "Zeus was born from the musical friendship of Mike O'Brien and Carlin Nicholson. The two Toronto-based musicians have been living on the road for the past few years as the backing band for singer/songwriter and Broken Social Scene member Jason Collett. With a lineup rounded out by longtime friends and musical compatriots Rob Drake and Neil Quin, Zeus draws upon classic influences to craft timeless songs, complete with fuzzed-out guitars and shimmering harmonies. The band's debut EP demonstrates an innate sense of melody and includes a raucous cover of Genesis' 'That's All,' which, as the title of the EP would aptly suggest, sounds like Zeus."
These United States
Add Date: August 11
Artist: These United States
Album: Everything Touches Everything
Label: United Interests
Genre: Rock, folk rock, alt-country
Comments: D.C. folk poppers These United States kick things up a notch on Everything Touches Everything, their third LP in the last year and a half. This is definitely a rock record, but still informed by the band's folksy side; they've been likened to everyone from Andrew Bird to Delta Spirit to Devendra Banhart, but Louisville station WFPK's recent comparison to local heroes My Morning Jacket might be most appropriate here. Check out "The Secret Door," "I Want You to Keep Everything" and "Good Bones."
Artist: These United States
Album: Everything Touches Everything
Label: United Interests
Genre: Rock, folk rock, alt-country
Comments: D.C. folk poppers These United States kick things up a notch on Everything Touches Everything, their third LP in the last year and a half. This is definitely a rock record, but still informed by the band's folksy side; they've been likened to everyone from Andrew Bird to Delta Spirit to Devendra Banhart, but Louisville station WFPK's recent comparison to local heroes My Morning Jacket might be most appropriate here. Check out "The Secret Door," "I Want You to Keep Everything" and "Good Bones."
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
The Receiver
Add Date: August 11
Artist: The Receiver
Album: Length of Arms
Label: Vital Music
Genre: Rock, experimental, electropop
Comments: From the promoter: "The vibrant Length of Arms comes from Columbus, Ohio's The Receiver. The brother duo of Casey and Jesse Cooper expertly create layers of deep instrumentation, creating a synth-pop sound that's featured best on the record's first single 'Visitor' and the fantastic title track... [w]hile 'Castles in the Air' weaves together dreamy soundscapes backed by smooth vocals. Fans of Radiohead, Blonde Redhead and Sigur Ros will find much to love in [the] experimental triumph of Length of Arms."
Artist: The Receiver
Album: Length of Arms
Label: Vital Music
Genre: Rock, experimental, electropop
Comments: From the promoter: "The vibrant Length of Arms comes from Columbus, Ohio's The Receiver. The brother duo of Casey and Jesse Cooper expertly create layers of deep instrumentation, creating a synth-pop sound that's featured best on the record's first single 'Visitor' and the fantastic title track... [w]hile 'Castles in the Air' weaves together dreamy soundscapes backed by smooth vocals. Fans of Radiohead, Blonde Redhead and Sigur Ros will find much to love in [the] experimental triumph of Length of Arms."
The Antlers
Add Date: August 11
Artist: The Antlers
Album: Hospice
Label: Frenchkiss
Genre: Rock, folk rock
Comments: Listening to Hospice, the critically acclaimed new record from Brooklyn band The Antlers (see Brian Howe's glowing review on Pitchfork), I can't help but think of Okkervil River's excellent 2005 opus Black Sheep Boy. Both are concept albums centered around a despairing protagonist, both are well-orchestrated, both are driven by the songwriting craft and heartrending vocals of terrific frontmen. That's not to say that The Antlers sound all that similar to Will Sheff and co.; rather than Okkervil's Texas country-rock, the former band plays something along the lines of, though not exactly mirroring, Grizzly Bear's swirling folk rock. Hospice was very compelling during its first spin, and I have the feeling that this album grows on you even more upon repeated listens. Check out "Sylvia," "Shiva" and the epic "Wake."
Artist: The Antlers
Album: Hospice
Label: Frenchkiss
Genre: Rock, folk rock
Comments: Listening to Hospice, the critically acclaimed new record from Brooklyn band The Antlers (see Brian Howe's glowing review on Pitchfork), I can't help but think of Okkervil River's excellent 2005 opus Black Sheep Boy. Both are concept albums centered around a despairing protagonist, both are well-orchestrated, both are driven by the songwriting craft and heartrending vocals of terrific frontmen. That's not to say that The Antlers sound all that similar to Will Sheff and co.; rather than Okkervil's Texas country-rock, the former band plays something along the lines of, though not exactly mirroring, Grizzly Bear's swirling folk rock. Hospice was very compelling during its first spin, and I have the feeling that this album grows on you even more upon repeated listens. Check out "Sylvia," "Shiva" and the epic "Wake."
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Top 5 Adds - August 4
Top 5 Adds - August 4
Royalchord
Patrick Wolf
The Do
The Entrance Band
ApSci
Also check out: Cale Parks, Magnolia Electric Co., Nurses, Pissed Jeans
Royalchord
Patrick Wolf
The Do
The Entrance Band
ApSci
Also check out: Cale Parks, Magnolia Electric Co., Nurses, Pissed Jeans
Magnolia Electric Co.
Add Date: August 4
Artist: Magnolia Electric Co.
Album: Josephine
Label: Secretly Canadian
Genre: Folk, folk rock
Comments: Listening to the new LP from Jason Molina and his band, it's hard to think of anything but Neil Young, especially the albums Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere and Harvest. I don't know Molina's music--before adopting the Magnolia Electric Co. moniker, he recorded as Songs: Ohia-- as well as I should, but unlike the earlier, folksier stuff he released, this is very much classic rock. For better or for worse (generally, for better), Josephine will take you back to the early '70s and strand you there. Start with "O! Grace," "Whip-poor-will" and the title track.
Artist: Magnolia Electric Co.
Album: Josephine
Label: Secretly Canadian
Genre: Folk, folk rock
Comments: Listening to the new LP from Jason Molina and his band, it's hard to think of anything but Neil Young, especially the albums Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere and Harvest. I don't know Molina's music--before adopting the Magnolia Electric Co. moniker, he recorded as Songs: Ohia-- as well as I should, but unlike the earlier, folksier stuff he released, this is very much classic rock. For better or for worse (generally, for better), Josephine will take you back to the early '70s and strand you there. Start with "O! Grace," "Whip-poor-will" and the title track.
Church
Add Date: August 4
Artist: Church
Album: Song Force Crystal
Label: Tender Loving Empire
Genre: Rock, experimental
Comments: From the onesheet on Portland band Church (not to be confused with Australia's The Church): "Brothers Brandon and Richard Laws grew up listening to Kraftwerk and The Beach Boys. These disparate influences are at the core of the duo's haunting vocal harmonies, rich verbal imagery and unpredictable guitar. Add to this combination Christof Hendrickson's Rhodes, Moog and Omnikorg and Lane Barrington's tasteful, dynamic percussion, and the result is simply Church... Church utilizes this unique analog instrumentation to unite factions of noise rock with psychedelic folk and experimental pop."
Start with "Opposite People" and "Aquamarine."
Artist: Church
Album: Song Force Crystal
Label: Tender Loving Empire
Genre: Rock, experimental
Comments: From the onesheet on Portland band Church (not to be confused with Australia's The Church): "Brothers Brandon and Richard Laws grew up listening to Kraftwerk and The Beach Boys. These disparate influences are at the core of the duo's haunting vocal harmonies, rich verbal imagery and unpredictable guitar. Add to this combination Christof Hendrickson's Rhodes, Moog and Omnikorg and Lane Barrington's tasteful, dynamic percussion, and the result is simply Church... Church utilizes this unique analog instrumentation to unite factions of noise rock with psychedelic folk and experimental pop."
Start with "Opposite People" and "Aquamarine."
Historics
Add Date: August 4
Artist: Historics
Album: Strategies for Apprehension
Label: Metropolitan Indian
Genre: Rock
Comments: The trio Historics is, strangely, being billed as the side project of Maroon 5 bassist Mickey Madden. That's bizarre for two reasons: one, Madden is the bassist, but not the frontman here; and two, with that in mind, why would you even mention Maroon 5, an absolutely miserable band, in trying to promote this music? Rest assured, though, that Historics isn't absolutely miserable; in fact, they're pretty good. The group is helmed by Amazing Baby's Don Devore, and rounded out by Vietnam's Josh Grubb. Their sound is dark and brooding indie rock, informed by The Cure and Joy Division, but not ripping off either of those esteemed bands. For fans of Interpol and Film School. Recommendations on the album sticker; I also enjoyed the closing track, "Things Are All Right."
Artist: Historics
Album: Strategies for Apprehension
Label: Metropolitan Indian
Genre: Rock
Comments: The trio Historics is, strangely, being billed as the side project of Maroon 5 bassist Mickey Madden. That's bizarre for two reasons: one, Madden is the bassist, but not the frontman here; and two, with that in mind, why would you even mention Maroon 5, an absolutely miserable band, in trying to promote this music? Rest assured, though, that Historics isn't absolutely miserable; in fact, they're pretty good. The group is helmed by Amazing Baby's Don Devore, and rounded out by Vietnam's Josh Grubb. Their sound is dark and brooding indie rock, informed by The Cure and Joy Division, but not ripping off either of those esteemed bands. For fans of Interpol and Film School. Recommendations on the album sticker; I also enjoyed the closing track, "Things Are All Right."
Golden Bloom
Add Date: August 4
Artist: Golden Bloom
Album: Fan the Flames
Label: The Sleepy West
Genre: Rock, power pop
Comments: Very serviceable pop rock with slight traces of alt-country from Shawn Fogel's band Golden Bloom. For fans of Golden Smog, Sloan and The Broken West. Check out "Doomsday Devices," "E.H.M." and "Theme for an Adventure at Sea."
Artist: Golden Bloom
Album: Fan the Flames
Label: The Sleepy West
Genre: Rock, power pop
Comments: Very serviceable pop rock with slight traces of alt-country from Shawn Fogel's band Golden Bloom. For fans of Golden Smog, Sloan and The Broken West. Check out "Doomsday Devices," "E.H.M." and "Theme for an Adventure at Sea."
Monday, August 3, 2009
One eskimO
Add Date: August 4
Artist: One eskimO
Album: Tour 2009 (EP)
Label: Shangri-La
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: This short set from London up-and-comers One eskimO features three tracks from their debut All Balloons--released in the UK in June--as well as a remix of the single "Kandi." Very mellow pop music.
Artist: One eskimO
Album: Tour 2009 (EP)
Label: Shangri-La
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: This short set from London up-and-comers One eskimO features three tracks from their debut All Balloons--released in the UK in June--as well as a remix of the single "Kandi." Very mellow pop music.
The Pretty Faces
Add Date: August 4
Artist: The Pretty Faces
Album: Another Sound
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: From the onesheet: "Boca Raton by way of Waterloo, Canada trio The Pretty Faces share more than just the same last name. Each possesses a deep respect for both the passion and purity of late '70s punk, and the raw sweetness found in '60s garage rock and pop. Another Sound, the latest album by The Pretty Faces, draws water from those wells..."
Check out "Elephant" and "Sinking Ship."
Artist: The Pretty Faces
Album: Another Sound
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: From the onesheet: "Boca Raton by way of Waterloo, Canada trio The Pretty Faces share more than just the same last name. Each possesses a deep respect for both the passion and purity of late '70s punk, and the raw sweetness found in '60s garage rock and pop. Another Sound, the latest album by The Pretty Faces, draws water from those wells..."
Check out "Elephant" and "Sinking Ship."
Fictionist
Add Date: August 4
Artist: Fictionist
Album: Invisible Hand
Label: Red Owl
Genre: Rock
Comments: Fictionist play orchestral rock the veers slightly into psychedelia. Start with "Uptight."
Artist: Fictionist
Album: Invisible Hand
Label: Red Owl
Genre: Rock
Comments: Fictionist play orchestral rock the veers slightly into psychedelia. Start with "Uptight."
Broadway Calls
Add Date: August 4
Artist: Broadway Calls
Album: Good Views, Bad News
Label: SideOneDummy
Genre: Rock, pop-punk
Comments: Rainier, Oregon's Broadway Calls cite The Buzzcocks, The Ramones and Green Day among their influences, and that sound is quite prevalent on Good Views, Bad News, their second LP of upbeat, very poppy punk rock. On SideOneDummy (The Gaslight Anthem, Flogging Molly, Anti-Flag). The highlighted tracks are "Be All You Can't Be" and "Tonight Is Alive."
Artist: Broadway Calls
Album: Good Views, Bad News
Label: SideOneDummy
Genre: Rock, pop-punk
Comments: Rainier, Oregon's Broadway Calls cite The Buzzcocks, The Ramones and Green Day among their influences, and that sound is quite prevalent on Good Views, Bad News, their second LP of upbeat, very poppy punk rock. On SideOneDummy (The Gaslight Anthem, Flogging Molly, Anti-Flag). The highlighted tracks are "Be All You Can't Be" and "Tonight Is Alive."
The Entrance Band
Add Date: August 4
Artist: The Entrance Band
Album: The Entrance Band
Label: Ecstatic Peace!
Genre: Rock, psych rock
Comments: A whole lot of bands have made Velvet Underground-inspired psychedelic rock throughout the years; some of them, like Yo La Tengo and Sonic Youth, have spun that into a style all their own. Others simply imitate. Right now, The Entrance Band fall somewhere in between. This self-titled debut from this trio is interesting enough to catch your attention, and shows promise that the band can become something more than, say, The Dandy Warhols. They've been touring with Sonic Youth, and this album is set for release on Thurston Moore's Ecstatic Peace! imprint of Universal Motown. Check out "M.L.K.," "Lives" and "Lookout!"
Artist: The Entrance Band
Album: The Entrance Band
Label: Ecstatic Peace!
Genre: Rock, psych rock
Comments: A whole lot of bands have made Velvet Underground-inspired psychedelic rock throughout the years; some of them, like Yo La Tengo and Sonic Youth, have spun that into a style all their own. Others simply imitate. Right now, The Entrance Band fall somewhere in between. This self-titled debut from this trio is interesting enough to catch your attention, and shows promise that the band can become something more than, say, The Dandy Warhols. They've been touring with Sonic Youth, and this album is set for release on Thurston Moore's Ecstatic Peace! imprint of Universal Motown. Check out "M.L.K.," "Lives" and "Lookout!"
Nurses
Add Date: August 4
Artist: Nurses
Album: Apple's Acre
Label: Dead Oceans
Genre: Rock, art rock
Comments: Portland band Nurses make arty rock that should appeal to fans of Modest Mouse, Born Ruffians and current playlist stars Portugal. The Man. Their debut on Dead Oceans (Bowerbirds, John Vanderslice, Bishop Allen) is their second LP overall. Check out "Caterpillar Playground" and "Technicolor."
Artist: Nurses
Album: Apple's Acre
Label: Dead Oceans
Genre: Rock, art rock
Comments: Portland band Nurses make arty rock that should appeal to fans of Modest Mouse, Born Ruffians and current playlist stars Portugal. The Man. Their debut on Dead Oceans (Bowerbirds, John Vanderslice, Bishop Allen) is their second LP overall. Check out "Caterpillar Playground" and "Technicolor."
Anjulie
Add Date: August 4
Artist: Anjulie
Album: Anjulie
Label: Hear Music
Genre: R&B, dance, pop
Comments: From the onesheet: "The youngest of four children, Anjulie grew up in Toronto, raised by immigrant parents from Guyana. As a result, her household was filled with everything from Afro-Caribbean calypso, reggae, and South American Latin music, to the pop and rock emanating from her older siblings' radios. The melange has definitely influenced Anjulie's debut--a sophisticated blend of indelible pop smarts, hip-hop edginess, and world-music spice, topped by Anjulie's sultry vocal stylings...
"The confident and eclectic mix of songs on Anjulie's debut explore an array of moods, a sign that she is an artist with a lot of range and versatility. The slinky opening track 'Boom,' works a dark, Nancy Sinatra-esque '60s vibe, while 'The Rain' is a sleek, flamenco-flavored urban gem. Anjulie gets steamy on the feverish 'The Heat,' the obsessive 'Addicted2Me,' and the provocative 'Some Dumb Whore,' before entirely switching gears on the uplifting acoustic-driven 'Same Damn Thing' and the lovelorn piano ballad 'Crazy That Way.'"
Artist: Anjulie
Album: Anjulie
Label: Hear Music
Genre: R&B, dance, pop
Comments: From the onesheet: "The youngest of four children, Anjulie grew up in Toronto, raised by immigrant parents from Guyana. As a result, her household was filled with everything from Afro-Caribbean calypso, reggae, and South American Latin music, to the pop and rock emanating from her older siblings' radios. The melange has definitely influenced Anjulie's debut--a sophisticated blend of indelible pop smarts, hip-hop edginess, and world-music spice, topped by Anjulie's sultry vocal stylings...
"The confident and eclectic mix of songs on Anjulie's debut explore an array of moods, a sign that she is an artist with a lot of range and versatility. The slinky opening track 'Boom,' works a dark, Nancy Sinatra-esque '60s vibe, while 'The Rain' is a sleek, flamenco-flavored urban gem. Anjulie gets steamy on the feverish 'The Heat,' the obsessive 'Addicted2Me,' and the provocative 'Some Dumb Whore,' before entirely switching gears on the uplifting acoustic-driven 'Same Damn Thing' and the lovelorn piano ballad 'Crazy That Way.'"
Helado Negro
Add Date: August 4
Artist: Helado Negro
Album: Awe Owe
Label: Asthmatic Kitty
Genre: Electronica, ambient electronica, pop, international
Comments: Helado Negro's Roberto Carlos Lange, from Brooklyn by way of Guayas, Ecuador, makes ambient electropop that will appeal to fans of Bibio, Caribou and Prefuse 73, whose Guillermo Scott Herren is a guest on Awe Owe. Check out "Espuma Negra," "Deja" and "Venceremos."
Artist: Helado Negro
Album: Awe Owe
Label: Asthmatic Kitty
Genre: Electronica, ambient electronica, pop, international
Comments: Helado Negro's Roberto Carlos Lange, from Brooklyn by way of Guayas, Ecuador, makes ambient electropop that will appeal to fans of Bibio, Caribou and Prefuse 73, whose Guillermo Scott Herren is a guest on Awe Owe. Check out "Espuma Negra," "Deja" and "Venceremos."
The Envy Corps
Add Date: August 4
Artist: The Envy Corps
Album: Kid Gloves (EP)
Label: Tempo Club
Genre: Rock, Brit pop
Comments: This foursome is from Iowa, not Ipswich, but they make far-reaching anthemic rock that could easily fit right in on a playlist containing Coldplay, Snow Patrol and Elbow. This 5-song EP is eminently listenable from start to finish, but the best track is "Screen Test."
Artist: The Envy Corps
Album: Kid Gloves (EP)
Label: Tempo Club
Genre: Rock, Brit pop
Comments: This foursome is from Iowa, not Ipswich, but they make far-reaching anthemic rock that could easily fit right in on a playlist containing Coldplay, Snow Patrol and Elbow. This 5-song EP is eminently listenable from start to finish, but the best track is "Screen Test."
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