Jay Farrar & Benjamin Gibbard

Add Date: November 3

Artist: Jay Farrar & Benjamin Gibbard

Album: One Fast Move or I'm Gone: Music from Kerouac's Big Sur

Label: F-Stop/Atlantic

Genre: Folk, alt-country

Comments: Jay Farrar (Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt) and Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie, The Postal Service) pull a Wilco/Billy Bragg-style move on One Fast Move or I'm Gone, the soundtrack to the new documentary film of the same name. Jay and Ben convert lyrics and poems written by Beat genuis Jack Kerouac, who died forty years ago this year, and to lovely little pop songs. The tunes are lush and gorgeous -- a fine cadre of Americana acoustic guitar-chugging, slide-playing, and piano key-striking -- and complement Kerouac's sprawling ruminations on the West quite nicely.

Like a Death Cab/Son Volt split, the songs fit better together than you might initially imagine and some of the best songs on here feature crack playing and sining by Jay and Ben ("All in One"). I betray my own folk-rock alliances by preferring the Gibbard-fronted tunes just a little bit, but with Farrar taking far more of the songwriting credits, his orchestrations can't be overlooked and suit Keroauc's words well. A wonderful collaboration from these three fine American wordsmiths.

Start with "California Zephyr" and "These Roads Don't Move."

Best New Music - Week of October 27

Best New Music This Week (October 27):

Kings 0f Convenience
Spiral Stairs
Alec Ounsworth
The Mary Onettes
Brazos

Also check out: New Moon soundtrack (Grizzly Bear, Bon Iver & St. Vincent, Sea Wolf), Leonard Cohen, Headlights, Nirvana (if you're into that sort of thing)

Israel Darling

Add Date: October 27

Artist: Israel Darling

Album: Dinosaur Bones and Mechanical Hands

Label: Engine Room

Genre: Pop rock

Comments: "Able to sound perilously close to Modest Mouse...while also using their Southern influences to craft something that has a wider sound than what Isaac Brock and company are known for" (Pop Tarts). A unique sound.

The Trews

Add Date: October 27

Artist: The Trews

Album: Friends & Total Strangers

Label: Universal (Canada)

Genre: Rock

Comments: Radio-friendly modern rock... #1 is good.

Headlights

Add Date: October 27

Artist: Headlights (Various)

Album: Remixes

Label: Polyvinyl

Genre: Electropop

Comments: If you are familiar with the Headlights' regular work, then these songs should sound very familiar; many of the remixes could pass as an alternate version created during production (more alike in sound than, say, Death Cab and the Postal Service). "Cherry Tulips," their hit from "Some Racing, Some Stopping" sounds even better remixed as the first track.

1997

Add Date: October 27

Artist: 1997

Album: Notes from Underground

Label: Victory

Genre: Pop punk

Comments: Melodic boy-girl pop punk much like The Hush Sound. Unlike The Hush Sound, sometimes the male lead's voice gets screamy. Start with 3 or 10.

The Laughing

Add Date: October 27

Artist: The Laughing

Album: Fever

Label: Self-released

Genre: Alt-Rock

Comments: The debut album by Austin natives The Laughing, Fever, is the type of album to attract the attention "of audiences looking for a little dance their rock as well as a little art in their pop". Described as a blend of Roxy Music, the 13th Floor Elevators, Os Mutantes and a bit of Animal Collective (just a bit), The Laughing have crafted a cohesive album that features an interesting blend of conventional rock music and a range of percussions, bells, and synths. The result is an interesting rock-"plus" album; start with tracks 1 and 4.

The Da Vincis

Add Date: October 27

Artist: The Da Vincis

Album: See You Tonight

Label: Olympic

Genre: Pop/Jazz

Comments: Usually when bands say that they have "retro" influences, they are talking about the 80's, 70's, 60's at the earliest. Well, the music that the Da Vincis play references all the way back to the 1920's, with heavy jazz and basso nova influences in their pop music. It's definately a change of pace from the usual "indie pop."

Fight Like Apes

Add Date: October 27

Artist: Fight Like Apes

Album: You Filled His Head With Fluffy Clouds and Jolly Ranchers, What did you Think was Going to Happen

Label: Model Citizen

Genre: Alternative Rock

Comments: Really, this is only a review for one song, as "Lend Me Your Face" is the only non-DNP and non-remix song. "Lend Me Your Face" is actually sort of a gem, though. It's bubbly and angry at the same time, not too bad for their first American release. My only complaint is that it is too short at 1:50, which is always a good complaint to have.

Bryan Scary & The Shredding Tears

Add Date: October 27

Artist: Bryan Scary & The Shredding Tears

Album: Mad Valentines

Label: Simian

Genre: Pop/Rock

Comments: It's almost impossible to keep track of every influence this Brooklyn-based band is throwing into their music. It moves from overly-energetic indie pop at the start, to a great Beatles-esque song on Track 3, then all of a sudden moves to Supertramp on track 5. I'm pretty sure I heard some ragtime piano in there too. With all of these styles thrown into one, there is a very good chance that the record doesn't come together, but Bryan Scary & The Shredding Tears magically avoid this, and, well, it works.

Devendra Banhart

Add Date: October 27


Artist: Devendra Banhart

Album: What Will We Be

Label: Warner Bros.

Genre: Folk

Comments: Ever since Rejoicing in the Hands came out in 2004, I have been ridiculously, somewhat embarrassingly obsessed with Devendra "Obi" Banhart, but I do believe it's justified. If you are unfamiliar with Devendra, shame on you (kidding, but you should be)--he's a Houston born, Venezuela-raised, Califronia-living "freak-folk", psych-folk, New Weird American (or whatever you want to call it) pioneer, with a lovely and distinct voice and music style, who's also a visual artist (check out the massive lyric booklet). And he has a sweet beard. Watch the promo video for "Seahorse" off of Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon (2007's release on XL, recorded in DB's home) here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFMIYz0TZ-U : and prepare for the coolest 8 minutes of your life, basically (it gets pretty epic around 5:20).




What Will We Be is somewhat a continuation of Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon, with a familiar casually upbeat style. These two albums are noticably more tangibly upbeat than his earlier work, but if we view Smokey as an organic move in a different direction, then Devendra's newest is a happy, comfortable release. It may not be as noticeably "weird" overall as Cripple Crow or Rejoicing in the Hands musically, or vocally--less warble for sure, where did it go?! I miss it---, but it's still Devendra (impressively, despite being on WB records).




Highlight tracks are a-plenty (and definitely not limited to those mentioned): "Angelika" trails off in the last minute and a half to a familiar rhythmic Spanish-crooning groove, "Maria Lionza" is a soft, sunny, gorgeously relaxed track, "16th & Valencia, Roxy Music" is probably the most "rock" Devendra has ever gotten-catchy, up-tempo, and a infectious chorus (that's rare), and "Rats" is a smooth, drawn-out guitar, old-school trip. All in all, the album is cohesive and pretty glorious--no, it's not "Cripple Crow" part two, but it's his 7th album, and it's impressively still connected to the older style. Definitely a highlight album of the year (Eskimo Snow, you might have to look out).

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour

Add Date: October 27

Artist: The Asteroids Galaxy Tour

Album: Fruit

Label: Small Giants

Genre: Pop

Comments: If you have a TV, then I'd wager that you have already heard some of The Asteroid Galaxy Tour's music, namely "Around the Bend," which has been in one of the ubiquitous iPod commercials. That song is the best off the album, but the rest are still decent pop tunes.

Alec Ounsworth

Add Date: October 27

Artist: Alec Ounsworth

Album: Mo Beauty

Label: Anti-

Genre: Rock/Alt-folky-country-plus the kitchen sink

Comments: Clap You Hands Say Yeah frontman Alec Ounsworth (a slightly polarizing figure due to what some considered CYHSY's lacklaster sophmore album) releases Mo Beauty this month, a record made in New Orleans with a slew of New Orleans sessions veterans, posited as a record in the "southern gothic" style, which is certainly something of a trend these days (not that I'm hating, in fact I quite like it). The album is incredibly instrumental, and Ounsworth's distinct voice highlights the dissonance, which for the most part, works. A charming blend of acoustic ("Holy, Holy, Holy, Moses (Song for New Orleans)") and loud, sporadic instrumental tracks ("Bones in the Grave"). Quirky.

Variety Lab

Add Date: October 27

Artist: Variety Lab

Album: Team Up!

Label: Peermusic

Genre: Pop/Electronica

Comments: Very reminiscent of the BPA's I Think We're Gonna Need a Bigger Boat. Variety Lab does a good job of sticking more in the background and allowing the guest vocalists take center stage, but hold enough control to keep all of the music poppy and danceable.

Hyperstory

Add Date: October 27

Artist: Hyperstory

Album: Hyperstory

Label: Pureland

Genre: Alt-Electronica

Comments: Hyperstory's self-release is an alt-electronica plus a bit of rock trip that's melodic and ambient. Because I'm not terribly discerning with electronica in general (let alone sub-genres), this slower, beat-driven music that's slightly trip-hop-esque sounds like a sister to Gorillaz. Low-key but not boring and surprisingly interesting; start with tracks 2, 3 and 6.

Ad Frank & The Fast Easy Women

Add Date: October 27

Artist: Ad Frank & The Fast Easy Women

Album: Your Secrets are Mine Now

Label: ArchEnemy

Genre: Rock

Comments: Solid alt-rock with old-school flair with some slight Bowie-esque tendencies: overall, a modern take on glam that's pretty successful. "The Vampire who Opted for Death" is a pretty sweet tune that manages to walk the fine line between creative and awesome and slightly hokey (dude, vampires). Start with tracks 2 and 4.

Animal Kingdom

Add Date: October 27

Artist: Animal Kingdom

Album: Signs and Wonders (short release)

Label: WB

Genre: Rock

Comments: This 4 song version of Animal Kingdom's full-length Signs and Wonders is full of poppy but slightly moody, atmospheric music. Slightly restrained but focused instrumentation and complimentary vocals-- 4 tracks aren't quite enough. Track 4 is DNP.

Bassnectar

Add Date: October 27

Artist: Bassnectar

Album: Cozza Frenzy

Label: Amorphous Music/Child's Play

Genre: Electronic

Comments: Heavy electronic music reigns on Bassnectar's most recent release Cozza Frenzy. Described as "an amalgamation of music that combines dub-step, electro, hip-hop and all styles of dirty, digital bass-heavy music", Bassnectar pulls out the stops--the tracks are solid, dense electronic meltdowns and buildups that sound like they would be insane live. Start with tracks 5 and 9.

Seth Glier

Add Date: October 27

Artist: Seth Glier

Album: Trouble with People

Label: MPress

Genre: AAA/Soft-Rock

Comments: Soft-rock in the vein of Gavin DeGraw or another piano-playing crooner. If it's your thing, you will certainly enjoy the easily-palatable music--Glier has a distinct and pretty good voice, nicely propped up by the subtle instrumentation and aforementioned piano. It's not going to convince anyone who doesn't like this type of music, but it's solid for the genre.

Flying Machines

Add Date: October 27

Artist: Flying Machines

Album: Flying Machines

Label: Meteor

Genre: Power-pop, rock

Comments: The music from this snappy, rambunctious New York quartet reminds me of some mix of Ben Folds, Queen, and Scissor Sisters with a dash of general classic rock. Energetic and enthusiastic power-pop. Listen to "On a Whim."

The Bloodsugars

Add Date: October 27

Artist: The Bloodsugars

Album: I Can't Go On, I'll Go On

Label: Engine Room

Genre: Pop, Rock

Comments: From the record label:

"The Bloodsugars' newest full-length, I Can't Go On, I'll Go On, produced by Bill Moriarty (Dr. Dog, Man Man), boldly exhibits the unique brand of exhilarating, polished synth-pop they've become known for. The album explores the transformative potential in hardship, taking frustration and sadness and turning it into something that is both beautiful and exciting. With their combination of thoughtful lyricism and kinetic beats, the album's ten new tracks reflect a refreshing optimism and sweetness. Imagine a house designed by Paul Simon, built by Prince, decorated by the Flaming Lips and you'll understand where The Bloodsugars live."

Upbeat pop-rock with a bit of synth/80's feel. Start with "Form/Function."

Amos The Transparent

Add Date: October 27

Artist: Amos The Transparent

Album: My, What Big Teeth You Have... [EP]

Label: Self-released

Genre: Pop rock

Comments: Not a bad record from this Ottawa group. Tame and mild-mannered pop rock (except for DNP track 2, that is) in the vein of Death Cab and Stars, that sort of thing. A popular outfit in Canada since the release of their last record, 2007's Everything I've Forgotten to Forget, this album has a certain sheen to it that I kind of like. Tracks 3 and 5 are highlights.

Kings of Convenience

Add Date: October 27

Artist: Kings of Convenience

Album: Declaration of Dependence

Label: Astralwerks

Genre: Folk, Pop, Indie

Comments: Kings of Convenience, the Norwegian indie-folk-pop duo, present their 3rd studio album, Declaration of Dependence. Their music is oh-so calm, so delicate, and smooth like Simon & Garfunkel hangout with Iron & Wine on the sparsest of house-boats on the quietest sea in the bluest morning light. Centered around their thoughtful, sensitive, nice-boy lyrics, the songs are decidedly pleasant, hushed, and polite. Charming, if you're into that sort of thing. Check them out if you like either of the aforementioned groups, Belle & Sebastian, or Herman Dune.

Listen to "Boat Behind" or "Mrs. Cold."

Mardelay

Add Date: October 27

Artist: Mardelay

Album: What We've Become

Label: Self-released

Genre: Rock, Pop

Comments: From Citybeat Cincinatti (as quoted by the promoter):

"Mardelay started life as a jam band but soon shifted gears completely to reflect influences like U2, The Foo Fighters and Built To Spill. The result is an emotive, majestic sound full of drama and passion. The band is currently supporting its debut full-length, What We've Become, which features sweeping cello, adding another interesting texture to the group's dynamic approach. Dig: Jimmy Eat World, Coldplay minus the piano/whininess, Rob Thomas minus the suckiness."

This is immediate, melodic, layered rock. Go to "Hi-Lo."

Tinderbox

Wolfmother

Add Date: October 27

Artist: Wolfmother

Album: Cosmic Egg

Label: Interscope/Modular

Genre: Rock

Comments: Wolfmother dishes up big, relentlessly in-your-face rock on their second album, Cosmic Egg. There's major classic-rock/vintage appeal (think Black Sabbath, AC/DC, Zeppelin) as the thick bass gets cut by piercing guitar solos on heavy songs on all your favorite themese (California girls, gypsies, castles, and the cosmos). I'm not ready to make any serious comparisons to their previous album--- but I'd doubt that any fans will be disappointed. Put on "Pilgrim" (you're going to love this one-- totally epic) or the title-track.

The Mary Onettes

Add Date: October 27

Artist: The Mary Onettes

Album: Islands

Label: Labrador

Genre: Pop

Comments: From the promoter:

"Swedish pop darlings, The Mary Onettes, make their triumphant stateside return, with their sophomore album Islands. The four-piece have taken great care in creating their last batch of charmingly blissful gems. From the New Order nodding "Symmetry," to the the children's choir adorned "The Disarming of My Youth," The Mary Onettes have creates a hit for fans of The Shoud Out Louds, The Clientelle or The Cure!"

Exciting, lush, enjoyable pop with a definitite Cure-vibe. In addition to the above artists, I'd recommend this album to fans of The Raveonettes. In addition to the above tracks, check out the opener "Puzzles."

AAM
Add?

Jason Yates

Add Date: October 27

Artist: Jason Yates

Album: Jason Yates

Label: Vapor

Genre: Rock, Blues, Soul

Comments: From the promoter:

"After playing and recording with Mazzy Star, Ben Harper, and Michael Franti, Jason Yates takes a turn out front with his sophomore album. Yates is no simple side man, as proven by his deft mixture of blues, soul and rock."

Well-polished music from someone who's without-doubt a Van Morrison fan. A fairly mellow blend of blues-rock, Yates would probably please fans of Ben Harper, recent Bob Dylan, or quieter Black Keys.

AAM

Levi Fuller

Add Date: October 27

Artist: Levi Fuller

Album: Colossal

Label: Denimclature

Genre: Pop, Singer-songwriter, Americana

Comments: From the promoter:

"Colossal is a collection of 9 songs by Seattle-based songwriter Levi Fuller that vacillate between intensely personal and heroically zoological themes, held together by a tangle of acoustic guitars, scratchy loops, and Americana ghost notes. Fuller's music achieves heights of moody and tense surrealism with commendable precision and subtlety. While intimate and literally homegrown, Colossal is anything but sloppy, random or ramshackle."

This distinct, very thoughtful DIY Americana creeps up on you with repeated listens, particularly as the lyrics emerge and give shape to the songs. Fuller actually has a rather unique style, but I'd recommend him to fans of Califone, Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Eddie Vedder or Iron & Wine. Listen to "The Mall of America," or "Mouse on Fire."

AAM

Neon Indian

Add Date: October 27

Artist: Neon Indian

Album: Psychic Indian

Label: Lefse

Genre: Rock, synth

Comments: From the promoter:

"An elusive new project from composer Alan Palomo, Neon Indian delivers equal parts synthetic nostalgia, summery, dream-wave lullabies, and grinding guitar noise to create something eerier than the sum of its parts. The initial batch of tracks were the result of field recordings, record samples, and a collection of bizarre synth sounds... Orbiting around the themes of drug induced heartbreak, weary afternoons, and lost-chances, this music provides a lush soundtrack to the deadbeat exploits of teenage ennui."

Part Daft Punk, part Flaming Lips, part teenager-summers, Neon Indian makes dreamy, but restless pop with tons of synths. The names of the tracks say a lot about the sort of music this is -- like "Should Have Done Acid with You" (track 7) or "Deadbeat Summer" (track 2). Check out track 4, "Terminally Chill," or track 9, "Psychic Chasms."

Terrorbird

Lissy Trullie

Add Date: October 27

Artist: Lissy Trullie

Album: Self-Taught Learner

Label: Downtown

Genre: Pop, Rock

Comments: From the promoter:

"Female-fronted Lissy-Trullie battles through a predominantly male music industry with style. Her hooks will have you humming throughout the day. The infectious and always poppy "Oh's" bounce along with the beat of practically every song on the record.Her vocals are certainly the originality factor- if Joan Jett and Vampire weekend had a collective baby-- Lissy Trullie would be the rock 'n roll lovechild."

Catchy, up-beat pop-rock that isn't too cutesy thanks to Trullie's low, almost Morrissey-esque vocals. Go to the very fun (there's kind of Mates of Statesy in the beat) "She Said" or "Self-Taught Learner."

Nirvana

Add Date: October 27

Artist: Nirvana

Album: Bleach Deluxe

Label: Sub Pop

Genre: Grunge, Alt-rock

Comments: Oh, Nirvana. It's been a rough few months for you, hasn't it? I can still remember my mouth agape when I saw what Guitar Hero did to you. But it's not all bad, I mean, you've got a reissue of your first album, right?

Let's be honest. You didn't listen to Bleach when it first came out, and neither did I. Even when everyone in your high school was listening to Nevermind for old-time cred, you weren't mature enough to be like "well I should totally check out that first album to get a head for Nirvana's influences and thus gain a deeper appreciation of their source material." If by some freak-chance you did listen, you probably thought that "About a Girl" was pretty okay and the rest was a little confusing. You couldn't even angry dance to it.

I like Bleach alot, but I like Bleach in the way I like other no-wave, post-punk, and sludge-metal acts. The genius of Nevermind was taking the sound of various dischordant genres, mixing them together, and somehow producing something that was utterly addictive to listen to. was darker, but there's still a mass-market appeal in there. Bleach, not so much. Even the most "single-ish" track in there, "About a Girl," sounds like a harsher take on a Husker Du song. Still, if you're itching for some 90's nostalgia, and willing to slip into the genres that basically influenced that 90's alt-rock one way or another, there's not a better album currently on the playlist.

Spiral Stairs

Add Date: October 27

Artist: Spiral Stairs

Album: The Real Feel

Label: Matador

Genre: Indie rock

Comments: Spiral Stairs is the ROCK NAME for Scott Kannberg, one of the founders of Pavement, though generally regarded by most rock critics as the second banana to Malkmus. This isn't his first non-Pavement project, fronting the really unfortunately named Preston School of Industry, but this is the closest to a solo album. And of course, the oncoming Pavement reunion (which I predict is going to be pretty awful or at least displeasing for entirely different reasons both to the TRU FANS and you kids who downloaded Slanted and Enchanted on a whim) means this is probably going to be totally ignored. Pitchfork basically excoriated the album (okay it was only a 5.5 but when you're compared to Flava Flav at the beginning there's not a whole lot of hope). But you know what? Screw Pitchfork. I'm not going to claim that The Real Feel is some genius revisioning of the rock genre, and people that liked Pavement because they were SO DEEP (hey Pitchfork) will also probably not really groove to it. One reviewer pretty well got the appropriate comparison: Kannberg is the Paul to Malkmus's John, which basically makes Spiral Stairs this generation's Wings. Take that for what you will, Kannberg, but it's meant as a complement.

What this all means is that you've got some easy listening indie rock/singer-songwriter funtime that is never unpleasant, is occasionally surprising in its technique, and instantly forgettable lyrics (Pitchfork was correct when it said that Kannberg's "my sol iz brusedd" moments are pretty eye-rolling). Give the recommended tracks a spin when you get tired of all that cerebral bullshit.

The Twilight Saga: New Moon (Soundtrack)

Add Date: October 27

Artist: Various Artists

Album: The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Label: Atlantic

Genre: Indie rock

Comments: Twilight pulled off an amazing cast of groups for this compilation soundtrack. There are some real gems here, with names such as Death Cab for Cutie, Thom Yorke (of Radiohead), Bon Iver, Sea Wolf, and Grizzly Bear. Some of the names just listed teamed up to provide the soundtrack with a couple of duets. In particular, Bon Ivor and St. Vincent provide a very airy yet still accessiblely melodic track called Roslyn. There is an obvious theme of minor sounds and darkness that provides a nice commonality that compilations often lack. But as a result, most of these songs aren't pick-me-up lollypop tunes. Sea Wolf comes closest to providing an exception to this with their song The Violet Hour. Overall, hats off to Twilight for putting together a great soundtrack. Start with 3, 6, 11 and 13.

HotChaCha

Add Date: October 27

Artist: HotChaCha

Album: The World's Hardest Working Telescope & The Violent Birth of Stars

Label: Exit Stencil

Genre: Girl Indie Rock

Comments: Apparently hatched from some art school girl cloning facility (seriously, look at the album and tell me that they aren't wearing the most stereotypically scene clothing ever cut), this album really confused me.

You see, everything on the cover and promotion materials says something fast and frantic. Promises of The Ettes and post-punk were had. But, this is sure as hell not the case. The past way I could describe the band's sound is "ghost post punk." The various indie girl rock sounds are there, but the production or something makes it sound like every instrument and amp was bathed in Vaseline. It's not really slow, it's not really lofi, it just seems somewhat off. Even when the band is rocking out, there's a sense that the energy is going somewhere else.

Dear god, is this post-rock punk? I'm not sure if I hate it or love it, but there's something compelling that, in a weird way, sorta separates it from the endless clones of angry girls talking about how boyfriends suck and having quirky lyric adventures.

Devil Eyes

Add Date: October 27

Artist: Devil Eyes

Album: Devil Eyes

Label: Signed By Force

Genre: Noise, Garage Punk

Comments: Is there a hidden clause in music world that requires that you have a Japanese person in your noise music band? Seriously, this sort of is ridiculous, though Devil Eyes at least managed to put in a Japanese dude on drums.

At any rate, there's not a whole lot to distinguish this band from most other noise rock outfits. If anything, there's a greater twinge of blues influence in their music, which is especially weird considering they're from Montreal. The basic problem reviewing modern noise music is that since it basically relies on people hitting stuff with their instruments in a low-fi setting, it's hard to really say where Devil Eyes really stands. They haven't developed a unique noise sound such as, say, Melt Banana, but I enjoyed a good number of songs, especially "Teeth," which reminded me of a noise cover of "Rock Lobster." Ultimately, it's a debut album from a band that wants you to think of Guitar Wolf mixed with Lightning Bolt, and considering that noise rock fans (of which I might be the only one at this station) don't exactly have a plethora of material from the playlist to start with, I'll give it a wildly gesticulating thumbs up.

Brazos

Add Date: October 27

Artist: Brazos

Album: Phosphorescent Blues

Label: Self-released

Genre: Rock, folkish

Comments: The promoter writes: "With Phospherescent Blues, a hypnotic tour-de-force that combines raw energy and dance rhythms with the subtle intricacies of jazz and folk, Brazos make good on their shown promise. Written in one blissful week in Crane's home in far South Austin in 2008, Phospherescent Blues is not just a collection of songs, but a cohesive document of a state of mind."

A fantastic record. Brazos get extra points for adopting an Adrienne Rich poem to music ("The Observer"). Fun and heartfelt, loose and folky, fans of Andrew Bird, Bowerbirds, and great indie folk-and-roll will find something on here for them. Joyous and quick like some of the best records always are, try "My Buddy," "Kid," or "Day Glo" and you won't be let down.

Leonard Cohen

Add Date: October 27

Artist: Leonard Cohen

Album: Live at the Isle of Wight 1970

Label: Columbia/Legacy

Genre: Folk, spoken word

Comments: I feel like I could wax philosophical about Leonard Cohen for quite some blog entry because I'm writing a term paper about him, but I'll spare you the bullshit: Cohen is fantastic, certainly a contender for center for the proverbial All-Star Folk-Songwriter Team (Bob Dylan at point guard, Johnny Cash small forward?). This Canadian songsmith, now 75 and famously reclusive, wrote the song "Hallelujah," which was so artfully rendered on Jeff Buckley's Grace and very well done by Rufus Wainwright on one of the Shrek soundtracks. Famous for his poetry and his grisly monotone voice, Cohen is the man.

This album, which isn't quite polished and bears the raw tenacity of Cohen's mystic presence, was recorded at the famous Ise of Wight Festival in 1970. Cohen took the stage at 2 a.m., after being woken up from a nap, and played before a crowd of 600,000 just after Jimi Hendrix fired them up (and probably a guitar, too). Cohen's trancelike and dark "lullabyes" are phenomenal and all of his greater "hits" resonate well here: "So, Long Marianne," "Suzanne," and "Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye" are my favorites.

A great companion to last year's Live in London, a 2008 recording that captured even the aged Cohen still singing with such passion and intensity.

Jogger

Add Date: October 20

Artist: Jogger

Album: This Great Pressure

Label: Magical Properties

Genre: Electronica, other

Comments: The promoter writes: "Their experimental indie-rocktronic sound is sometimes dangerous, sometimes poignant, and sometimes funny, but always captivating. This American duo consists of Amir Yaghmai on violin and guitar, and Jonathan Larroquette on laptop and controllers, with the vocal duties divided between them."

People describe them as "ADD music," a label that is as offensive as it is appropriate: This Great Pressure, their full-length debut, runs the gauntlet of styles and nonsense. The freak-folk-cascade-into-90s-video-game-rock of "In America" is pretty entrancing. Fans of Ratatat and some of the Unicorns' weirder moments will delight. Check out tracks 2, 4, and 5.

His & Her Vanities

Add Date: October 20

Artist: His & Her Vanities

Album: The Mighty Lunge

Label: Science of Sound

Genre: Rock

Comments: Almost jarring vocals coupled with tight guitar work features on the newest release from His & Her Vanities, The Mighty Lunge. Sometimes the music is almost poppy, but mostly its upbeat rock with some nice quirks: jittery drums, a slide guitar in reverse. Check out tracks 2 and 5.

ThreadSpinner

Add Date: October 20

Artist: ThreadSpinner

Album: Night Chorus [EP]

Label: Self-released

Genre: Pop-Rock

Comments: "Santa Barbara's ThreadSpinner are a complex band. Their Night Chorus EP melds early U2 guitar with piano, atmosphere, bass, organ, mandolin and nuanced drumming. Not to mention the vocals, which come from the band's songwriter Sarah Ziebarth. Her voice changes tone like a chameleon changes color. Whether used delicately or as a soaring instrument, Sarah's voice is always confident and note perfect."

Strong vocals with a solid band behind them--try the first track.

Silver Jackson

Add Date: 10/20/2009

Artist: Silver Jackson

Album: Thought I Found Gold

Label: Homeskillet Records

Genre: Folk

Comments: Distinct vocals, bells, soft melodies, acousitc sensibilities--but what else would you expect from Alaskan folk? "Thought I Found Gold" is the newest record from Silver Jackson, the musical side project from Alaskan visual artist Nicholas Galanin. It's a very gentle record, but far from boring, and perfect for colder temperatures. Start with tracks 1, 4 and 6.

Finn Riggins

Add Date: October 20

Artist: Finn Riggins

Album: Vs Wilderness

Label: Tender Loving Empire

Genre: Rock

Comments: Post-punk plus prog-rock plus some good old "indie rock" equals Finn Riggin's sound on their newest release Vs Wilderness. The vocal harmonies are on-point, and the steel drum adds an interesting touch. The styles vary depending on the tracks--a harder track here, a more melodic track there--but the harmonies, guitar and drums are consistently present. Start with tracks 1 and 5.

Fuck Buttons

Add Date: October 20

Artist: Fuck Buttons

Album: Tarot Sport

Label: ATP

Genre: Experimental/Electronic

Comments: Bristol, UK duo Fuck Buttons (Andrew Hung and Benjamin John Power) are back with their sophmore album Tarot Sport, which avoids the second-album-slump in a big way, sounding like "some almalgamation of Animal Collective, Crystal Castles and Tigerbeat6's Erased Tapes". The first track "Surf Solar" is a great album opener--at over 10 minutes long, it's pulsating, beat-driven, and impressively melodic. The entire album is like that--the right amount of noise combined with the right amount of melody, steady beats, samples, ambience, etc. Wonderful.

Careful not to say the band's name on the air.

Clare and the Reasons

Add Date: October 20

Artist: Clare and the Reasons

Album: Arrow

Label: Frog Stand

Genre: Indie pop

Comments: Built in a "recording tent" in Clare's Brooklyn studio, this record is full of a vast array of instruments -- standup bass, cellos, violas, things to hit, kazoos, baby kotos, saws, recorders. Quirky chamber pop that's well arranged and sounds like it belongs blaring out of artsy Brooklyn lofts. Van Dyke Parks (yes, THE Van Dyke Parks) tells us, "Get this Visa to real musical adventure." Will do, VDP. Tracks 1, 2, and 7 are great.

The Ghost is Dancing

Add Date: October 20

Artist: The Ghost is Dancing

Album: Battles On

Label: Sonic Unyon

Genre: Power pop

Comments: From the promoter: "Toronto-based The Ghost is Dancing have come a long way since their first self-titled EP, a charming DIY effort that expressed the sheer joy the band felt performing and writing songs. They drew comparisons to The Arcade Fire, Broken Social Scene and Modest Mouse. Their album The Darkest Spark received raving reviews from NOW, Chart and Spin Magazine and followed with performances on MTV and CBC alongside The Hidden Cameras, Rogue Wave, and Man Man. Battles On explores more of their orchestral-pop melodies sewn over unpolished rhythms and a remaining sense of novice fun."

Despite the MTV and sounding nothing like any of the bands they're compared to above, Battles On is a very enjoyable record. Compare them instead to a group like Band of Horses. Crisp and clear, loud but not overblown, they have a trombonist and a glockenspiel-er. Major props. The first two tracks give you a good sense.

Lisa Jaeggi

Add Date: October 20

Artist: Lisa Jaeggi

Album: Oh Lady You Shot Me

Label: Self-released

Genre: Folk pop

Comments: I'll give her points because she was born in Maryland and relocated to Brooklyn. Probably a good call. Lisa, as I've decided to call her, is typical singer-songwriter, throwing some upright bass and bongos into the mix for good measure. Perhaps the female Jason Mraz for her sass and style. Folky, groovy, hip-hoppy. Check out tracks 1 and 3.

Gospel Gossip

Add Date: October 20

Artist: Gospel Gossip

Album: Dreamland

Label: Guilt Ridden Pop

Genre: Indie rock

Comments: "Shy rockers Gospel Gossip from Northfield, Minnesota follow up their ambitious debut Sing Into My Mouth with Dreamland, that has 24 minutes of new material to offer in their realm of 90s inspired shoegazer tunes. This time they aim for a cleaner sound, though the band continues with their signature jangly, swaying guitars, minimal guitar feedback, and airy vocals of frontwoman Sarah Nienabar, to the effects of late greats Mazzy Star with a kick of Pavement." This is what Terrorbird says. Frankly, I don't see the Pavement comparison, but they do produce some decent shoegazer tunes, albeit with very clear vocals and shimmering guitars. Track 3 is a keeper.

Parlour Steps

Add Date: October 20

Artist: Parlour Steps

Album: The Hidden Names

Label: NMR

Genre: Indie rock

Comments: From the onesheet: "Vancouver whiz-kids Parlour Steps follow up 2008's critically acclaimed record Ambiguoso with the equally ambitious The Hidden Names. The band has added keyboard Alison Maira, aiming for slightly more complex soundscapes to mix with their infectious pop-rock and Caleb Stull's art-damaged lyrics." Fans of Headlights, Stars, and Nada Surf -- that class of indie rockers -- will enjoy this clean-channel pop rock. Start with "Little Pieces" and "Miraculous."

Rupa & the April Fishes

Add Date: October 20

Artist: Rupa & the April Fishes

Album: este mundo

Label: Cumbancha

Genre: International

Comments: From the onesheet: "With their second album, este mundo (this world), Rupa & the April fishes hold up a carnival mirror to life and present a warped, humorous and occasionally disquieting reflection...they effortlessly blur the boundaries of genre and geography to creat a sound Time Out has called global agit-pop." Gypsy swing, Colombian cumbria, French chanson, and Indian ragas permeate this record, but give it a fantastic depth of style. Rupa's a practicing doctor by day and a musician by night; if her medicine is as a good as her music, then sign me up. Talk about health care reform. Check out "C'est Moi." The lyric booklet has handy English translations too.

Zero 7

Add Date: October 20

Artist: Zero 7

Album: Yeah Ghost

Label: Atlantic

Genre: Chill, electronica

Comments: Zero 7's tunes have never seemed too much more than background music to me, but at least they pull it off. Yeah Ghost is the group's fourth proper album, after 2006's Grammy-nominated The Garden. Electronica and semi-ambient fans, take a listen. If you already like Zero 7, I think you'll dig this one; if you need something a bit less tentative, try "Medicine Man." It's fantastic.

Grooms

Add Date: October 20

Artist: Grooms

Album: Rejoicer

Label: Death by Audio

Genre: Noise rock

Comments: Not quite my cup of tea, but if you're a noise rocker, you might dig these boys out of Brooklyn. Death by Audio describes their sound as a "structurally mutilated brand of noise-pop." I wouldn't quite go far as to say it's "mutilated," but it does have its moments of cohesion and those of dissonance. Perhaps a better name would be Glooms, the first two tracks are quite nice. At times, frontman Travis Johnson has a bit of a Pavement thing going on.

Jim Camacho

Add Date: October 20

Artist: Jim Camacho

Album: Beachfront Defeat

Label: Broken

Genre: Rock

Comments: Straightforward rock and roll from this quartet, who list Miami as their "homebase." Bill Meredith very eloquently calls them "as influenced by the Who as by The Beatles." Like that tells us anything. I could see them providing the background to some MTV-style reality show. Very made-for-radio, but "Long Ago" is as catchy as all get out.

Hollands

Add Date: October 20

Artist: Hollands

Album: Mother [EP]

Label: Self-released

Genre: Rock

Comments: There's sometimes endearing in this day and age to see a band list their Gmail address on the back of a record. But more often than not, the "self-released" album is unremarkable, sloppy, and better left with just the "self." Not here. Hollands produce a lovely blend of indie rock splendor over these six songs, recorded all over New York City. At times, they get a little too heavy for my tastes (see the crunching guitar on "Lungs of Steel," but overall this is a nice collection of tunes. Bright and punchy, start with tracks 1 and 3.

Best New Music - Week of October 13

Top 5 adds for October 13

Thao with the Get Down Stay Down

James Husband

Mark Matos and Os Beaches

The Swell Season

The Heavy

Also check out: The Mountain Goats, Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson, Old Canes, Lake, Imaad Wasif, Air, The Flaming Lips (if you dare)

Lee and Willbee

Add Date: October 13

Artist: Lee and Willbee

Album: North Carolina

Label: Lost in the Woods

Genre: Rock

Comments: Cathy and melodic pop-rock songs are prominent on Lee and Willbee's "North Carolina", which is full of pleasingly layered but easily listenable tracks. Not quite a dreamy atmosphere, but pretty close (the sometimes-electronic additions add to it). Start with tracks 1, 3, and 5 (a slightly Postal Service-esque track on which they talk about albatrosses!).

Dawes

Add Date: October 13

Artist: Dawes

Album: North Hills

Label: ATO

Genre: Folk/Rock

Comments: Dawes brings us vibey, laid-back folk rock; the LA Weekly says "Band of Horses and Fleet Foxes generously borrow from the California sound, Dawes breathes it". Organic, purposeful songs that are settled and relaxing; start with tracks 1 and 5.

Twentyfour64

Add Date: October 13

Artist: Twentyfour64

Album: Know Me

Label: Self-released

Genre: Rock

Comments: Super energetic rock coupled with "R&B/Gospel" vocals; sounds like they would tour with The Cab or The Academy Is... ie, poppy-rock with soaring vocals. Decent for that genre (it just depends on whether or not that genre is your thing).

The Swell Season

Add Date: October 13

Artist: The Swell Season

Album: Strict Joy

Label: Anti-

Genre: Folk

Comments: Another swell release from everyone's favorite Irish-Czech duo. Here's the CliffsNotes version of the group: Glen Hansard, of the Frames, and Marketa Irglova, a classically-trained Czech pianist and vocalist, released their first record of tunes in 2006 and followed that up with starring roles in the 2007 film Once. They hit the big leagues after that film, earning an Oscar for one of the soundtrack's songs and currently in production of a Broadway musical based on the film. Is nothing sacred?

Still, the Swell Season make beautiful music together (wink) and Strict Joy is a prime example of that: Hansard's forceful voice is rough and versatile, while Irglova's proves his foil, honed from years of formal training. The two blend seamlessly together on these songs, which are their brand of nice-guy and shy-girl folk and folk-rock, occasionally taking some twists along the way. I'm more a fan of the Hansard-fronted tunes, but the two work well together.

"Low Rising" and "Feeling the Pull" are standouts, but "Two Tongues" is the quiet stunner, all the better for the drum machine percussion.

Old Canes

Add Date: October 13

Artist: Old Canes

Album: Feral Harmonic

Label: Saddle Creek

Genre: Folk/Rock

Comments: Rhythmic drums and percussion layered with acoustic guitars and banjos--although Old Canes is the side project from The Appleseed Cast's singer/guitarist Chris Crisci, the same tunes it is not. Folky but surprisingly full and occassionally loud, it's beautiful stuff. Try tracks 2, 3, 4 and 12.

The Fear and the Trembling

Add Date: October 13

Artist: The Fear and Trembling

Album: Octopus

Label: Self-released

Genre: Rock

Comments: Oh, Brooklyn--always bringing us something slightly out of left field. Says Time Out NY, "The Fear and Trembling is a Brooklyn post-rock combo whose name comes nowhere near to describing its warm, melodic sounds. Imagine a mellow funk band playing My Bloody Valentine songs and you're getting there". Mellow but not boring, start with tracks 4 and 5.

Imaad Wasif

Add Date: October 13

Artist: Imaad Wasif

Album: The Voidist

Label: Teepee

Genre: Rock

Comments: Touring guitarist for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, opener for the Raconteurs and Neko Case, and collaborator on the score for Where the Wild Things Are (also on our playlist), Imaad Wasif crafts "a blast of post-modern psychedelic rock that is at once potent and refined...its unique sonic tapestry is sprinkled with East Indian ragas, blues rock, and something totally new..". Slightly moody, well articulated rock--start with tracks 2 and 4.

Boys Noize

Add Date: October 13

Artist: Boys Noize

Album: Power

Label: Last Gang

Genre: Electronic

Comments: German-based electronic artist Boys Noize has a lengthy history: teen DJ next to names such as Felix da Houscat, remix master for Snoop Dogg and Depeche Mode, producer who has worked with Kelis and the Black Eyed Peas. Power, his second album, is preciesly orchestrated electronic music--tight, never sloppy, danceable on most tracks but more minimal on others. Electronic fans, rejoice. Start with track 1, 4, and 10.

Free Energy

Add Date: October 13

Artist: Free Energy

Album: Free Energy [EP]

Label: DFA

Genre: Rock

Comments: This 4-track EP from Free Energy is roughy 20 minutes of tight rock 'n roll: enjoyable, old-school guitar work, straightforward vocals. Says Pitchfork (so it must be correct...): "a good time 1970s rock rip of epic proprotions...unbridled and, in the spirt of things, totally rad (Best New Music)". Any track is worth a spin (track 4 is Live).

Lake

Add Date: October 13

Artist: Lake

Album: Let's Build a Roof

Label: K

Genre: Psychedelic Pop

Comments: Atmospheric pop featured heavily on Lake's newest release Let's Build a Roof, on which "their retro-jingly pop aesthetic is further fleshed out with thicker instrumentation (featuring a rotating case of synths, keys, guitars, flues and assorted percussions) and tempo shifts that fracture into a kaleidoscopic sounds and harmonies". Light but substantial, it's an interesting, sometimes experimental vision; start with tracks 1, 2, and 7.

Zoos of Berlin

Add Date: October 13

Artist: Zoos of Berlin

Album: Taxis

Label: Self-released

Genre: Indie Pop/Rock

Comments: Any band that uses a horn gets a +1 in my book, and Zoos of Berlin is no exception. Upbeat, melodic indie-pop songs are the main feature on "Taxis", as are danceable beats and tight guitar work. RIYL: Kings of Convenience, This is Ivy League.

Jamie T

Add Date: 10/13

Artist: Jamie T

Album: Kings & Queens

Label: Virgin

Genre: Hip-hop

Comments: Solid, Beastie Boys-esque hip-hop from England. There are enough changes in tempo and style to keep most people entertained, and then the acoustic signer/songwriter piece "Emily's Heart" is one of the most surprising, and rewarding, changes of pace I've heard on a hip-hop album.

Twin Atlantic

Add Date: 10/13

Artist: Twin Atlantic

Album: Vivarium

Label: Red Bull Records

Genre: Rock

Comments: Solid pop-rock from Glasgow. Not anything like other bands coming out of Glasgow, they stick with a more American style. My only complaint about the album is that it's too short, which I guess is a good sign.

The Temper Trap

Add Date: October 13

Artist: The Temper Trap

Album: Conditions

Label: Libertarian Music

Genre: Rock

Comments: I think the best way to think of this band would be an Australian Band of Horses. The songs need time to develop and build up, but the album is the opposite story: most of the good songs are in the first half.

Spring Tigers

Add Date: October 13

Artist: Spring Tigers

Album: Spring Tigers

Label: Bright Antenna

Genre: Rock

Comments: The label compares them to the Futureheads, Maximo Park, and Kaiser Chiefs. They certainly occupy the same vein of British rock, and the Kaiser Chiefs reference certainly makes sense, because this mini-LP sort of gives me a good feeling. They have all the parts in place, they have all of the potential, they just couldn't quite find a hit this time around. Maybe they will in the future. The closest they get is on "New Improved Formula."

Air

Add Date: October 13

Artist: Air

Album: Love 2

Label: Aircheology

Genre: Electronic pop

Comments: Not much need be said about "the internationally revered french electronic pop duo" that is Air. Thier fifth album, "Love 2" easily goes from slinky james bond music on "So Light is Her Footfall," to windows-down pop on Sing Sang Sung, to grungy electronic on Do The Joy, and they do all of them well. I recommend Sing Sang Sung and Eat my Beat, an instrumental piece.

The Starfolk/Typsy Panthre

Add Date: October 13

Artist: The Starfolk/Typsy Panthre

Album: The Starfolk/Typsy Panthre (split CD)

Label: MPLS Ltd.

Genre: Electro pop-rock

Comments: The Starfolk's two contributions to this split release are two songs "ranging from chamber pop to psych/folk/rock to atmospheric experimental," with "Wake Up Machine" as the standout of the album, channeling a dissonant other-world belle & sebastian. Typsy Panthre, on the other hand, are much more experimental and foggy-electronic "avant-pop." The two bands share Alison LaBonne (of the Owls), and a cast of other Minneapolis music scenesters fills them out, including members of the hang ups, the legendary jim ruiz group, and the shebrews.

They Might Be Giants

Add Date: October 13

Artist: They Might Be Giants

Album: Here Comes Science

Label: Idlewild

Genre: Children's pop/rock

Comments: This is the most fun CD I've listened to (and dvd i've watched) in a long time. while "here comes science" is nominally a children's album, the songs are fun upbeat pop rock music that anyone can and will enjoy--they simply happen to be about science. "Meet the Elements" introduces you to the most common elements, and is also a great song with a sing along chorus. "Electric Car" is the highlight of the album, with a big band shimmy chorus and sweet verses featuring a lovely glockenspiel arpeggio. "Roy G. Biv" may be about the rainbow man, but it is super danceable... Any of these songs would not be out of place on a college radio or in a hip preschool. And let's be honest, who doesn't need a refresher about speed and velocity, paleontology, photosynthesis, or computer assisted design?

Gildon Works

Add Date: October 13

Artist: Gildon Works

Album: Artful Rifle

Label: Self-released

Genre: Rock

Comments: "Etheral but physical, Gildon Works throws together a sound that lilts at times atmospheric, but is at its core intense, forceful, and demanding." Early tracks sound a bit like My Bloody Valentine's Loveless, but prettier, and the later half of the album adds some structure with snappy drumbeats. I recommend 6, 7, & 8.

The Slits

Add Date: October 13

Artist: The Slits

Album: Trapped Animal

Label: Narnack

Genre: Reggae Girl Punk

Comments: The Slits were a fairly influential punk/reggae fusion trio that provided a feminine counterpart to models of male machismo like Johnny Rotten oh man I can't say that with a straight face. They released a few albums, broke up in 1981, and reformed recently with 1/3rd of the band missing, but with 3 new upstarts.

Reviews of the records are divided pretty evenly between calling it a triumphant return of the band, and lumping it in with the recent spate of band reunions that release albums that are simultaneously insulting to the original lineup and awful based on its own merits. While I don't feel as harshly towards this album as the latter critics those that liked the Slits's original sleek reggae/punk hybrid might want to give the album a test run before putting it on. The biggest sin of the album is probably just insane amounts of overproduction. Normally this isn't horrible to me, but when you're combining reggae/dub with punk, one should probably allow a slight amount of organic feeling to flow through the songs, especially when your previous sound was in that rough and spartan method of early british punk. Also, the album is way too goddamned long, especially with the number of songs that are essentially them playing the same dub line over and over again

Still, aside from that, it's a pretty decent album on its own. The college freshman feminist screeds are pretty old, but the best songs are good fun. Go with 3, 8, and 9.

Paper Zoo

Add Date: October 13

Artist: Paper Zoo

Album: We Are Paper Zoo

Label: Custard

Genre: Psychedelic Rock

Comments: This is right on the edge of my wanting to throw this out, as pretty much the entire album is completely generic psychedelic rock, like the band was commissioned to do the background music for a b-rate cartoon about the 60's. Still, it's only 5 tracks, and the pictures of the band in the back is so absolutely ridiculous I can't push for this being removed.

Grace Basement

Add Date: October 13

Artist: Grace Basement

Album: Gunmetal Gray

Label: Undertow

Genre: Alternative Rock/Pop

Comments: Grace Basement is basically the brainchild of one Kevin Buckley, who's one of those multi-instrumentalist sorts. Surprisingly, unlike the vast majority of these kinds of bands, the music in Gunmetal Gray is pretty simply in arrangement. This isn't necessarily a problem, especially in the kind of power pop that the bnad is going for. Still, don't expect anything particularly exciting in this album aside from competent pop rocks. I can't hate this album, but by the end of the album music was just sort of bleeding from one track to another without any sort of real theme or reason.

The Heavy

Add Date: October 13

Artist: The Heavy

Album: The House That Dirt Built

Label: Counter

Genre: Indie Rock/Funk/Soul

Comments: I'm not gonna lie, when I first looked at the promotion sheet for this, I was all "man this is going to suck get ready for frowns Keith." But damn me, I sort of have the feeling that this album is going to become hell of popular in certain circles, and for good reason. The Heavy's best songs are a genuinely good fusion of indie rock aesthetics with funk and soul (which makes even less sense considering that the band is from England). Their best single, "How You Like Me Now?" is described as "pure voodoo funk," though I would describe it as "slightly better Gnarls Barkley funky sampling abilities with radder guitar."

While some of the more funky songs ring slightly hokey, I'm willing to forgive it for the sheer variety of sound exhibited, though all of it is grounded in a basic blues rock noise mixed in with the manic charm of Man Man. Of course, I might be giving them extra credit since they reference Jim Jarmusch films and "Don't Look Now," but I have faith in myself.

Dreaming in Stereo

Add Date: October 13

Artist: Dreaming in Stereo

Album: Dreaming in Stereo

Label: Dying Van Gogh

Genre: Rock

Comments: Brainchild of Miami, FL's Fernando Perdomo, Dreaming and Stereo's self-titled release features songs with sweet hooks and great textures. The records is "a happy marriage of Power Pop and 70's era Art-Rock...Progressive pop". Super upbeat. Tracks 2 and 10 are pretty stellar.

B.C.

Add Date: October 13

Artist: B.C.

Album: Time Capsule [EP]

Label: Peripheral

Genre: Hip-Hop

Comments: "Combining complex metaphor, time travel, scintillating lyrical gymnastics, anime, radical politics and an apocryphal-dystopian comic book aesthetic, Red Time member and Florida MC, BC, The Black Child, delivers his solo debut, the first of a three part conceptual album Time Pieces."

Clean version of the EP so have at it. Totally experimental hip-hop; delivery slightly reminiscent of MF DOOM + old Andre 3000 (actual hip-hop aficionados, please correct me). Coolest cut is track 7, on which Saul Williams features.

Abbie Barrett

Add Date: October 13

Artist: Abbie Barrett

Album: Dying Day

Label: Beige Bomber

Genre: Pop/Acoustic

Comments: I'm not the biggest fan of female-singer-songwriters in general, but even I can admit that Abbie Barrett's Dying Day is a pretty decent record. Sometimes jazzy, sometimes folky, Barrett has a lovely voice to begin with, and there's enough variation throughout the album to stop if from sounding like 10 of the same songs. Try tracks 1 and 2.

The Flaming Lips

Add Date: October 13

Artist: The Flaming Lips

Album: Embryonic

Label: Warner Bros.

Genre: Rock, Psychedelic

Comments: Be prepared-- this is not the pop-happy The Flaming Lips of cutesy "The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song" or "Do You Realize??" Embryonic is a dark, bizarre, often not entirely melodic album packed with weird squeals, rattles, echoes, creepy laughter, and animal sounds. However, it is also totally sick in the best sense of the word. A double-album clocking in at over an hour, the whole thing retains the trippy charm The Lips have become so well-known for as it travels and arcs through all sorts of strange stuff. A lot of the songs are impressive for the mood they create, but for the radio I'd recommend "Silver Tremblin Hands" or "Watching the Planets" which have more recognizable-psych rock appeal and majorly fat drums.

FYI: Karen O (of Yeah Yeah Yeah's and the recent Where The Wild Things Are soundtrack) joins in on the vocals on "Watching the Planets," "Gemini Syringes" and "I Can Be a Frog." MGMT collaborates on "Worm Mountain."

Thao with the Get Down Stay Down

Add Date: October 13

Artist: Thao with the Get Down Stay Down

Album: Know Better Learn Faster

Label: Kill Rock Stars

Genre: Rock, folk-rock

Comments: Thao says, "This album is named Know Better Learn Faster because you can't. By the time you realize you should, it's too late. And I enjoy the predicament and the totally devastating, unfunny humor of that."

She certainly does. Lest her futile tone fool you, this, her group's second full-length record following last year's phenomenal We Brave Be Stings And All. Thao's songs are a nice blend of the silly and serious on this record too, which is just as bouncy as its predeccesor. And even though Thao's name is at the front of the band and her biting little-girl vocals puncture these tunes, don't rule out the top-notch musicianship of the Get Down Stay Down. Andrew Bird, Laura Veirs, Jenny Conlee of the Decemberists, and Eric Barley of Blitzen Trapper all appear here too. I saw Thao live once and the woman isn't afraid to jump around, even with an acoustic guitar slung around her. A great record.

Start off with tracks 2, 4, and 11.

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson

Add Date: October 13

Artist: Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson

Album: Summer of Fear

Label: Saddle Creek

Genre: Rock

Comments: "Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson's story from a couple summers ago, its pages turned in no particular order: Bitterness. Regret. Betrayal. Bouts of self-loathing. Burning buildings and falling bodies. Breakups and new beginnings. Numerology. And endless nights at the same Brooklyn bar," according to Saddle Creek.

Don't be fooled by that overwhelming abundance of "b"-words, Summer of Fear is most certainly an "A." Miles has returned to the WLUR playlist after his stint last fall, this time with a brand new album of glorious pop songs courtesy of the gloriously ever-consistent folks over at Saddle Creek. This record is full of that same majesty -- lovely little pop hooks, chattering horns, and evidence of Robinson's serious schooling on Bob Dylan and early Bruce Springsteen. Robinson's voice is part Tom Petty and part Kyp Malone, a comparison that only seems more pronounced sinced the latter bandleader of TV on the Radio appears all over Summer of Fear. It wouldn't be a Saddle Creek release if it didn't pack an emotional punch, but Robinson's melancholy rises above that of his peers. My only lament is that you can't play more of these tracks on the air; check them out in your spare time.

"The Sound" may be one of my favorite songs of the year. "Trap Door" and "The 100th of March" are other beauties.

Birds of Tokyo

Add Date: October 13

Artist: Birds of Tokyo

Album: Universes

Label: Self-released

Genre: Pop, Rock, Alt

Comments: From the promoter:

"Aussie newcomers Birds of Tokyo have masted no time in making an unprecedented rise to popularity in their home country with three songs in the prestigious Triple J Hottest 100, two sold out national tours and a slot on the mains tage at Big Day Out."

Mainstream appeal.

Planetary

Hudson Mohawk

Add Date: October 13

Artist: Hudson Mohawke

Album: Butter

Label: WARP

Genre: Hip Hop, Electronic

Comments: From the promoter:
"Hudson Mohawke has delivered with his debut album Butter which, with its glossy, hyper-pop production, may sound as it was cooked up in palm-fringed LA and not homegrown Glasgow as it is as influenced by 90's UK dance music as it is by golden era hip-hop. HudMo flexes his twisted pop genius for beat beads, from drunken drum barrages to anthematic bombast to introspective breathers."

Go to "Velvet Peel."

Terrorbird

Soulico

Add Date: October 13

Artist: Soulico

Album: Exotic on the Speaker

Label: Joub

Genre: Hip Hop, Dancefloor

Comments: "Circa 2000, the four members of Soulico were just friends that loved records, like to party and had stockpiled massive collections of rare and unique Middle Eastern vinyl. DJs Sabbo, Rob, Shimmy Sonic and Wido would sometimes spin together, but mostly alone, rocking beats that masterfuly fused hip hop, reggae and dancehall to Isreali folk and disco from the 1970's. A handful of madcap mixtapes and countless parties later, Soulico was awarded Israel's top DJ prize. ... By 2004 Soulico was a household name, with the guys handling production for Isreal's biggest stars. The group was throwing the wildest partiest around."

Those Irsreali parties were undoubtably epic. Bring a little of the flavor to Lex and spin one of these dancefloor hip-hop tracks.

Spectre

The Authors

Add Date: October 13

Artist: The Authors

Album: Everything Around Me

Label: Do They Dance?

Genre: Rock, Alt Rock

Comments: With influences including Sunny Day Real Estate, Bloc Party, The Faint, Mutemath, and The Strokes, The Authors deliver direct, filled-out, crashing alt-rock. Go to "Picture."

Planetary

Meshell Ndegeocello

Add Date: October 13

Artist: Meschell Ndegeocello

Album: Devil's Halo

Label: Downtown

Genre: Rock, Alt, soul

Comments: From the promoter:

"Devil's Halo is the latest by Me'Shell Ndegeocello, an alternative soul and funk songstress who rose out of the DC club circuit in the mid 90's. She adoped the surname Ndegeocello, meaning 'free as a bird,' as a teen. Afterwards, she pushed herself to take on more challenging lyrical and musical material such as teh issues of race and sex, coming into her own as both a singer and bass plater releasing 9 solo albums. She appeared on records by such varied company as The Blind Boys of Alabama and Basement Jaxx, and her 10th album Devil's Halo remains soulful while encompassing alternative

Del the Funky Homosapien & Tame One

Add Date: October 13

Artist: Del the Funky Homosapien & Tame One

Album: Parallel Uni-Verses

Label: Gold Dust

Genre: Hip-Hop

Comments: "Remember the old-school Marvel Team-Up comic book that paired, say, Spider-Man with Thor, Wolverine with the Human Torch, or the Hulk and Daredevil? In the spirit of those classic collaborations, Gold Dust announces Parallel Uni-Verses, a joint effort between Hieroglyphics founder Del the Funky Homosapien and original Artifacts MC Tame One. ...[T]he album's ten tracks return to a time when inventiveness, creativity, funky beats--- and, above all lyricism--- ruled hip-hop."

Latching on to a definitely old school, funky beat, this album is a solid listen. I had it on while I was working on a Philosophy paper and it definitely carried me through. Go to "Flashback" or "Before This."

Spectre

Anders Parker

Add Date: October 13

Artist: Anders Parker

Album: Skyscraper Crow

Label: Bladen County

Genre: Electronic, laptop pop (Skyscraper) & Folk, acoustic (Crow)

Comments: From the promoter:

"Anders Parker's newest album, Skyscraper Crow, is a unique release-- taking on the challenge of pairing two very different albums, acoustic and electronic-- together in a double-album release of Bladen County Records. ... Parker's diverse influences, from Bob Dylan and The Beatles to Husker Du and The Smiths, come into play with these two albums, one taking on the suble sounds of introspective and quiet folk, the other smooth electronic music. Inspired from the New York skyscrapers and subways to the folk music of his inspirations, Skyscraper Crow are two orignial musical companions that reflect what Parker's music does best, make you feel at home."

An ambitious undertaking of two concept albums-- Skyscraper Crow is a huge personal statement. Though I can't say much for the overall success of the work, a few songs did stand out. Overall I found the Crow disk to be more satisfying than Skyscraper. From the former I'd recommend the very stripped down "Second Skin" which reminded me of Eliot Smith. From the latter electronic one, go to "Infinite(Us)."

Spectre

Mark Matos and Os Beaches

Add Date: October 13

Artist: Mark Matos and Os Beaches

Album: Words of the Knife

Label: Porto Franco

Genre: Pop, psych-pop

Comments: From the promoter:

"A brilliant flash of Southwestern pop-psych shines off the Bay Area with the release of Words of the Knife, the first slice from Mark Matos and Os Beaches... Like the San Frasncisco neighborhood the band calls home, Words of the Knife is a record of hybrid bloodlines. Tuscon/Southwest-flavored pop songs meld with the sun-baked chords and beats of 70's Tropicalia and sleepwalk through smoky 1970's rock venues --- every genre that emerges here emerges shredded and recombined."

This warm, mature, subtle pop music with an easy Southwestern tinge is really very nice. For fans of Stephen Malkmus, Silver Jews, Wilco-- go to "Hired Hand" or "High Priest of the Mission." I'm also a sucker for countryish songs with male/female vocals like on "The Moving."

Team Clermont
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Voice of Addiction

Add Date: October 13

Artist: Voice of Addiction

Album: Re-Evolution

Label: Self-released

Genre: Rock

Comments: "Chicago band Voice of Addiction doesn't compromise for anything or anybody. The DIY trio blends rock, ska, and metal into an explosion of sound, touching on modern subjects with a view that is simultaneously radical and relatable."
-Lumino Magazine

Big ska/metal sound. Go to "Broken Bones and Broken Homes."

Tinderbox

Social Hero

Add Date: October 13

Artist: Social Hero

Album: The Famous

Label: Machine Dream

Genre: Rock

Comments: From the lead singer/guitarist David Lloyd:

"'We look at the last ten years of rock and roll similarly to the hair-metal era, when rock went weird in the '80's. That was cool, but we're trying to bring back the emotion from even ten years before that, when dudes didn't have perms and just rocked.'

Brash, energetic rock with influences from metal, as well as classic, alt and prog rock. Strong vocals and quality power-pop hooks make this a good choice for any rock fans. Check out the '90's alt influenced opener, "Evening Gown" or the more prog "Gone."

Powderfinger

James Husband

Add Date: October 13

Artist: James Husband

Album: A Parallax I

Label: Polyvinyl

Genre: Pop

Comments: From the promoter:

"Better known as part of Of Montreal, James Husband strikes it solo with his fantastic debut album! A Parallax I finds Husband conjuring a perfect storm of whimsical harmonies, warm acoustics and a fog of reverb that will fit nicely next to Fall staples like Loose Fur, Blitzen Trapper and Apples in Stereo."

Considering how insane Of Montreal has been lately, it's hard to believe that someone from the group could make this lo-fi, often acoustic, 70's inspired pop. Honestly this whole album sounds like it could show up on a Wes Anderson soundtrack. I can definitely see "While the Boys Went Down Under" slipping into Rushmore album with all the old Kinks stuff. Check out that track or the unfolding of "The Darkestness."

AAM

Best New Music - Week of October 6

The moment you've all been waiting for...

Top 5 Adds for October 6:

Califone

The Clientele

Headlights

Dead Man's Bones

A Place to Bury Strangers

Also check out: Built to Spill, Gogol Bordello, Black Heart Procession, Rain Machine, Mission of Burma, Gossip, The Shaky Hands, CF Donohoe, Where the Wild Things Are (soundtrack)

Stars of Track and Field

Add Date: October 6

Artist: Stars of Track and Field

Album: A Time for Lions

Label: Wind-Up

Genre: Rock

Comments: Portland's Stars of Track and Field are named after a Belle & Sebastian song, but A Time for Lions isn't likely to be mistaken for If You're Feeling Sinister. Though the Stars started out as an indie-pop outfit, they've turned to more electronics and more grandiose sonic backdrops, and will now appeal to fans of anthemic British bands like Doves and Snow Patrol. Check out "The Breaking of Waves" and "In Bright Fire."

Rain Machine

Add Date: October 6

Artist: Rain Machine

Album: Rain Machine

Label: Anti-/Epitaph

Genre: Rock

Comments: "Rain Machine is a startling new musical venture from Kyp Malone, known to many as guitarist-singer for soulful art rockers TV on the Radio. For Rain Machine, Malone takes the influences that have always bubbled beneath the surface in TVOR -- blues, gospel, 60s jazz, even African music -- and brings them to the fore. Performing all parts himself, Malone has fashioned a deeply personal journey through modern life, looking back, as TVOR so often does, on the weight of the history behind us." -- Anti-

"Give Blood" is fantastic. And I'm a big fan of "Driftwood Heart" and "Hold You Holy." Given all the TVOR references above and Malone's particular brand of frontmanning, it's hard to separate this from the stuff with his other band. But if you're like me and you love them, then this won't disappoint. Bummer about all the DNP tracks, but if you ask nicely, perhaps we'll find you some clean ones. Malone truly makes some of the most soulful music around (broad generalization, but I'll stand by it when I reread this tomorrow), so don't you dare miss this.

Sherwood

Add Date: October 6

Artist: Sherwood

Album: QU

Label: MySpace

Genre: Pop

Comments: I'm sorry, MySpace is a record label now? What is this world coming to? No wonder these guys wave the MySpace flag high -- radio-friendly (though not necessarily WLUR-friendly...) and pop galore, Sherwood sounds made for fans of Weezer or Phantom Planet (that is post-Pinkerton Weezer and "California"-style PP) or other infectious pop star dudes. Give it a chance, but don't give it album of the year. Start with "Hit the Bottom"

Michael Yonkers & The Blink Shake

Add Date: October 6

Artist: Michael Yonkers & The Blind Shake

Album: Cold Town-Soft Zodiac

Label: Learning Curve

Genre: Garage rock

Comments: From the one-sheet: "The Blind Shake's garage leanings perfectly complement Michael Yonker's classic rock vocal style on the release's first eight songs...Scattered throughout both the collaborative half of the split and The Blind Shake's closing five songs are instrumentals...all of which have a loud and gritty strut that sound similar to Link Wray's best work."

A sort of two-albums-in-one deal. Black Lips fans take a listen. Yonkers' vocals are a bit Interpol, but they serve the record well -- at least until they're "cut off" with the instrumental set during the record's second half. A strong record. Take a listen to "What Can I Do" and "Cold Town" to begin.

The Shaky Hands

Add Date: October 6

Artist: The Shaky Hands

Album: Let it Die

Label: Kill Rock Stars

Genre: Rock

Comments: Is this really the The Shaky Hands? Certainly not the same Shaky Hands of "Sunburns"? It is, it is! Much more a straightahead retro rock record that I would say of their previous work, but the album doesn't suffer for it. These Portland boys know how to write an infectious pop song. The first half's a bit more rockin' (not rocking), the second a bit more hushed, but start with tracks 1 or 4. Raw and lovely, yet another stellar Kill Rock Stars release.

Echo & the Bunnymen

Add Date: October 6

Artist: Echo & the Bunnymen

Album: The Fountain

Label: Ocean Rain

Genre: Rock, post-punk

Comments: This won't go down as a great release in the career of this seminal '80s alternative band, whose career now spans three full decades, but there's some nicely done pop on here. From the promoter: "Long-running UK vets Echo and the Bunnymen bring us The Fountain... a massive return to form. It's a superbly feisty album of pulsating, uplifting rock anthems such as the joyous 'Think I Need It Too,' 'Do You Know Who I Am,' 'Forgotten Fields,' 'Everlasting,' and the Bowie-esque pop of 'Proxy' and 'Shroud of Turin,' all centered around a grand, reflective, soul-stirring ballad 'The Idolness of Gods.' It's a powerful album that sees the Bunnymen back to their very best and with a truly modern [sound]."

Built to Spill

Add Date: October 6

Artist: Built to Spill

Album: There Is No Enemy

Label: Warner Bros.

Genre: Rock

Comments: All I can say is, Built to Spill has still got it. From Doug Martsch's scarcely-surpassed ability to wail on the guitar to the band's penchant for writing excellent alt-rock songs, the L.A.-via-Boise group's seventh studio record shows no loss of touch. We're a decade removed from Built to Spill's two signature LPs--1997's Perfect From Now On and the 1999 followup Keep It Like a Secret, indeed two of the best rock records of that decade--but There Is No Enemy proves that the band is still very relevant in 2009. If you're new to Built to Spill, which, while unfortunate, is quite possible, as this is just their second release since 2001, they fall somewhere on the spectrum between Dinosaur Jr.'s grungy alternative and Modest Mouse's terrifically weird indie rock. Start with "Life's a Dream," "Hindsight" and "Tomorrow."

The Clientele

Add Date: October 6

Artist: The Clientele

Album: Bonfires on the Heath

Label: Merge

Genre: Rock, indie pop

Comments: Another fine collection of throwback pop tunes from Hampshire band The Clientele, their fourth LP for Merge Records. The band seamlessly blends '60s psych pop (think Love) and '80s dream pop (Galaxie 500), adding in some English folk for good measure. Bands as diverse as Fleet Foxes and labelmates Spoon have claimed them as an influence, and it's easy to see why on Bonfires on the Heath. Check out upbeat tracks "I Wonder Who We Are" and "Share the Night," the folksier "Jennifer & Julia" and title selection, and the horn-laden "I Know I'll See Your Face."

Mostly Bears

Add Date: October 6

Artist: Mostly Bears

Album: Team of Spirits

Label: Funzao

Genre: Rock

Comments: Energetic Alternative Rock. Surprisingly upbeat given the album art that comes with it.

The Black Hollies

Add Date: October 6

Artist: The Black Hollies

Album: Softly Towards the Light

Label: Ernest Jenning Record Co.

Genre: Rock

Comments: 1960's British Invasion revival rock, albeit from Statesiders from New Jersey. If you didn't know this CD was released in 2009, this would fit perfectly with really any of the British Invasion bands, especially early Who.

Lucky Pineapple

Add Date: October 6

Artist: Lucky Pineapple

Album: The Bubble has Burst in Sky City

Label: Noise Pollution

Genre: Experimental/Rock

Comments: I always shy away from using the "experimental" tag unless a band does something crazy like plays all of their instruments with only their tongues, but it's tough to describe Lucky Pineapple, with heavy Spanish influences, unusual song structures, and gratuitous use of French lyrics as anything but experimental. The title track is probably the most accessible, if only instrumental.

Amazing Baby

Add Date: October 6

Artist: Amazing Baby

Album: Supreme Being (single)

Label: Green Label Sound

Genre: Electronic/psychedelic rock

Comments: Very spacey psychedelic rock which would belong right in the 1970's if it weren't for the heavy electronic influences.

The Melismatics

Add Date: October 6

Artist: The Melismatics

Album: Acid Test

Label: Copycat

Genre: Rock/Pop

Comments: Eager pop-rock with slight 80's glam-rock influences. Track 3, "Soul Sucker" would be the best starting point.

Gogol Bordello

Add Date: October 6

Artist: Gogol Bordello

Album: Live from Axis Mundi

Label: Side One Dummy

Genre: GYPSY PUNK, SESSION STYLE

Comments: Gogol Bordello have been one of my most cherished bands since 2002's Multi Kontra Culti vs. Irony, and having me review anything Eugene Hutz has any part in is pretty much asking for the most biased review possible (Note: I still have a photo with Mr. Hutz, my best friend, and myself framed in my room, because it was one of the most seminal moments in my teenage life--he is that inspiring and awesome; it pretty much made my month.)

With that said, if you like Gogol Bordello's self-created genre of Gypsy Punk, this cd--full of demos and live tracks from their various cd recording and BBC sessions---will be full of familiar tunes--not-concert live, but still full of ridiculous energy, which is impressive from session recordings, because the music is at it's best when it's at their concerts. If you're new to the band, this cd might actually be a great place to start--you get a great sense of the band in a slightly (only slightly) stripped down musical sense--it's energetic, full-band instrumentation, catchy rhythms, and driven by the ever-tangible presence of Eugene Hutz, the Ukraine born, Chernobly-fled, now-NYC-native mastermind behind the whole production who fronts the group with sass and a sweet Eastern European accent that makes the vocals that much more awesome. Another goody for fans is the additional DVD. Glorious. (The documentary parts should be required watching for anyone interested in GB at all--amazing insight into the genius/insanity at hand.)

ALSO: They're playing in Richmond @ the National on October 28th (that's a Wednesday). Who wants to go?!

The Black Heart Procession

Add Date: October 6

Artist: The Black Heart Procession

Album: Six

Label: Temporary Resistance

Genre: AltRock

Comments: Apparently, but unsurprisingly, October is the month for new spooky-rock releases. Long-running band The Black Heart Procession brings us Six, which is the sixth album, and chock-full of heavy, dark imagery and instrumentation to match. Vocal manipulations that sound like zombie-moans come in as early as track 2, and the gothic heaviness doesn't let up for the rest of the record. Somehow it doesn't sound cheap, and to that you can credit the fact that the instrumentation is mostly standard instruments--droning drums, guitar, the occasional piano etc. Even the more rhythmically upbeat songs are pretty gloomy and depressing, which is impressive, if not slightly heavy-handed by the end of the record. Start with tracks 3 and 7.

Dead Man's Bones

Add Date: October 6

Artist: Dead Man's Bones

Album: Dead Man's Bones

Label: Anti-

Genre: Alternative/ "Gothic/Gospel/Showtunes" (according to their MySpace)

Comments: Ryan Gosling has a band? A band started (with other-half Zach Shields) over a shared obsession with the Haunted Mansion ride at Disneyland? And it's good? Apparently so. Dead Man's Bones' self-titled is a weird, spooky record, totally appropriate for October and featuring a children's choir, just to up the creepy factor. Thematically the album works best all the way through, but a surprising number of tracks are awesome on their own. "In the Room Where You Sleep" is a totally creepy and atmospheric 1950's surf-rock-goth-doo-wop extravaganza that is absurdly catchy. Then we have "My Body's a Zombie for You", which is a finger-snapping track that features old-timey piano plus the title phrase hollered by the children's choir. Gosling's voice is deep and actually quite good, and the album likewise is actually quite awesome. The only question is whether I will be as equally infatuated with it come Spring weather.

Round Mountain

Add Date: October 6

Artist: Round Mountain

Album: Windward

Label: Red Shield Music

Genre: Folk

Comments: Called "original roots music for a 21st century audience", Round Mountain makes just that--music that is ridiculously authentic and pure. Round Mountain, which is composed of siblings Char and Robby Rothschild, thanks and directly credits in their insert specific Malian rhythms, a Scottish reel, Turkish maqams, the Bulgarian Horo, as well as Son Cubano, Appalachian music, Delta blues, and Native American music. This mix of world traditions, toned down in energy and force but not in authenticity and presence, combines to make gentle, creative songs. Start with tracks 1, 4, and 10.

AFI

Add Date: October 6

Artist: AFI

Album: Crash Love

Label: Universal

Genre: Rock

Comments: So after reviewing the single "Medicate" a few weeks back, I of course had to snag the new AFI CD Crash Love just to see if I would be heartbroken by the full release (and blasting Black Sails In the Sunset) or happily surprised (and blasting it instead). I'm not really doing either, as "Crash Love" is a good if not remarkable rock album, even if it doesn't satisfy my Pavlovian expectations for the band.

AFI's sound in 2009 is a pretty respectable, mainstream-friendly middle ground, and to be fair, these guys have been around since 1991--of course their sound will have evolved. (Thankfully) the electronic aspect that was so predominant on Decemeberunderground has mostly been relegated sidestage, and what's left is a solid, pretty straight-forward rock record. It's definitely less moody than older releases (but it's thankfully still a liiiiitttle bit gloomy), the guitar work is spot-on (as to be expected: stylistic changes aside, they are talented guys), and the sound overall is very full. Certain songs ("Sacrilege" in particular) sound almost like they could have been on an older album if Davey was yelling more instead of melodically singing, and that's a pleasant surprise. Additionally, these more-faithful tracks don't sound out of place on the current album either. So while AFI may not be reverting back to their old style, they seem to have found a happy middle-ground on this release: mainstream, radio-friendly rock that still has just a touch of edge to it reminiscent of the good old days. Ceding defeat to musical development, I humbly congratulate AFI for jumping to the mainstream ship successfully and pretty gracefully.

Bonerama

Add Date: October 6

Artist: Bonerama

Album: Hard Times [EP]

Label: Self-released

Genre: Jazz

Comments: Straight out of "Nawwwwwlins" (New Orleans for us northern folk), Bonerama is a full-fledged brass band, plus smooth sometimes-vocals. Hard Times is an EP of 5 upbeat and instrumental tracks-overall, like a more polished version of the Hungry March Band or Slavic Soul Party!. Jazzy and catchy, but would probably be exponentially more awesome live.

Via Tania

Add Date: October 6

Artist: Via Tania

Album: Moon Sweet Moon

Label: The Hours

Genre: Moon pop (according to Via Tania)

Comments: Spacey pop music to fall asleep to (give the Garden State soundtrack a break already). The genre "moon pop" seems silly but it fits just right. Track 2, "Wonder Stranger," is a sort of Bjork-like whimsical dream of a song.

Music Go Music

Add Date: October 6

Artist: Music Go Music

Album: Expressions

Label: Secretly Canadian

Genre: Disco pop

Comments: Disco pop--think ABBA. "Thousand Crazy Nights" (track 2) is fun and dramatic.

Tim Williams

Add Date: October 6

Artist: Tim Williams

Album: Careful Love

Label: Dovecote

Genre: Pop rock

Comments: Many of the songs off Careful Love would be right at home on The OC music samplers of several years back, in a good way. Pretty pop keeps a smile on while tinged with melancholy.

Headlights

Add Date: October 6

Artist: Headlights

Album: Wildlife

Label: Polyvinyl

Genre: Rock, pop

Comments: Dreamy and beautiful, Headlights spin sad stories about love and loss. They still keep you tapping your feet through the fuzz and fog! Every song is great, 2 & 4 are more upbeat.

The Queen Killing Kings

Add Date: October 6

Artist: The Queen Killing Kings

Album: Tidal Eyes

Label: Wind-Up

Genre: Rock

Comments: Take a rock band, subtract the guitars, add two pianos, throw in some Halloween-friendly occult themes (witches!) and you have Tidal Eyes from the Queen Killing Kings. The album is far from goth or depressing--overall, it's pretty melodic and catchy--sometimes the pop factor is a bit heavy (it might be the bordering on operatic/vibrato vocals), but for the most part, it works in it's own weird way. Start with tracks 2, 8 and 11.