Animal Collective

Add Date: December 1

Artist: Animal Collective

Album: Fall Be Kind

Label: Domino

Genre: Experimental, pop

Comments: And now over to Pitchfork's Mark Richardson for a much more articulate review of Animal Collective's latest five-song EP, Fall Be Kind:

"Like their last three EPs of new material, Fall Be Kind exists in the orbit of the full-length that preceded it but it isn't defined by it. It's got songs written before and during the creation of Merriweather Post Pavilion, but they're songs that didn't fit that record for one reason or another. Given its fragmented genesis, it's surprising how listenable and of-a-piece Fall Be Kind is. "Graze" flows directly into "What Would I Want? Sky", a song that samples Grateful Dead's "Unbroken Chain" and is easily among the most warm, likeable, and melodic tracks Animal Collective have recorded...The final three songs are more abstract and dreamy.

"At 27 minutes, Fall Be Kind is short enough to invite another play once "I Think I Can" fades out, which means a return to that striking second half of "Graze". When a band tries something that shouldn't work and brings it off, it's a sign of confidence. Animal Collective's focus and general disinterest in looking over their shoulders obviously makes what they're doing that much more appealing. But the most interesting thing about them at this point may be that, despite all the great music they've been making the past few years, it's not hard to imagine them failing. They've honed their craft and become very good at what they do, but there still seems to be a desire to go to unfamiliar realms, and it's possible that wherever they head next will turn out to be place they don't inhabit as easily. There's still a sense of gamble with Animal Collective, nothing is fixed-- and that's exactly what makes them an especially exciting band."

That, and the fact that they know how to make incredible, incredible songs. If the album is dying as a format, Animal Collective is battling against the tide to prevent that from happening. Fall Be Kind is a wonderful bookend to January's unbelievable Merriweather Post Pavilion (and don't forget July's Summertime Clothes EP; Animal Collective, chill out, we can only process so much).

All the songs on here are great, but "What Would I Want? Sky" might be the most greatest-ist. Read the entire Pitchfork review here.

John Garrison

Add Date: December 1

Artist: John Garrison

Album: Departures

Label: Self-released

Genre: Pop rock

Comments: Planetary writes: "Departures is as multi-dimensional as New York, a tapestry of song and emotion, its true artistry apparent when experienced as a whole. John Garrison's haunting voice and raw lyrics backed by the equally lingering instrumentals affects each and every listener in some way, everyone being able to relate to loving and losing."

A very pretentious statement for a record that isn't bad, but probably wouldn't be at the top of your average New Yorker's iPod playlist. Garrison writes nice pop songs, but when you write about NYC, you need something interesting to say. In lieu of that, stick to "Let's Run."

The J. Davis Trio

Add Date: December 1

Artist: The J. Davis Trio

Album: These Things Happen

Label: Yo-Yo Smuggler

Genre: Hip hop, jazz

Comments: From the group's MySpace: "[We] are an all live hip-hop/jazz band from Chicago. Drums, bass, trumpet, congas and vibraphone make up the intstrumentation...[We] released in 2007 [our] third CD These Things Happen. Since we started, I spend most of my time reading, traveling, writing, handling the business end of music, and playing shows. I've met and worked with so many great musicians and bands both local and national, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

Hip-hop rhymes over jazzy and soulful beats, I like track 3. And all songs are edited.

We Were Pirates

Add Date: December 1

Artist: We Were Pirates

Album: Cutting Ties

Label: Self-released

Genre: Indie pop

Comments: From the one-sheet: "Mike Boggs is We Were Pirates. Every instrument on Cutting Ties was performed and recorded entirely by Boggs in his home studio...[the album] is louder, poppier, and catchier than the catchiest dog cathcher." Catchy and poppy it is, and while Boggs is no Kevin Barnes, he does make good indie pop all by his lonesome, stuff that's akin to Islands. Check out what Bogg likes and listens to on his own blog. "Settle Down" and "The Three of Us" are swell.

The Rick Weeds Band

Add Date: December 1

Artist: The Rick Weeds Band

Album: It's True

Label: Second Floor

Genre: Folk-rock, alt-country

Comments: A fine mix of rock, folk, and blues (maybe a tinge of country sprinkled in there too) on this, Rick Weeds' group's debut record. Fans of Uncle Tupelo and classic folk-rockers will find something to enjoy on here.

McGowan

Add Date: December 1

Artist: McGowan

Album: American Regular

Label: Self-released

Genre: Rock

Comments: Says the one-sheet: "Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter and in-demand collaborator, McGowan's latest record American Regular is a mix of early rock'n'roll influences: The Clash, CCR, Bob Marley, and Neil Yong, combined with his current indie sensibilities and gift for pop hooks." Despite that dangling preposition, it's a pretty accurate statement. Good rocking stuff on here, I'd start with the title track.

Hannah Georgas

Add Date: December 1

Artist: Hannah Georgas

Album: Chit Chat EP

Label: Hidden Pony

Genre: Pop rock

Comments: With a voice like Thao (of Thao with the Get Down Stay Down), Vancouver's Hannah Georgas offers us a nice albeit brief EP of pop songs (featuring production from Howard Redekopp, whose done work for Tegan and Sara and A.C. Newman, among others). The first and third tracks are the strongest on here, but track two does have some banjo.

Ellyn Maybe

Add Date: Decmember 1

Artist: Ellyn Maybe

Album: Rodeo for the Sheepish

Label: Henhouse Studios

Genre: Spoken word

Comments: Late November/early December must be spoken-word time of the year for WLUR. Ellyn Maybe is another poet who speaks over airy and jazzy backing tracks, but when there is singing going on, it sounds integrated and rich, not simply the background noise to her spoken word. Henry Rollins approves, so shouldn't you? Track 3 is a good sampling.

Tyler Blanski

Add Date: Out from the Darkness

Artist: Tyler Blanski

Album: Out from the Darkness

Label: Ezekiel

Genre: Folk

Comments: Tyler Blanski is a huge dork. And I mean that in the most endearing way. A graduate of the Perpich Center for Arts Education, Tyler studied at the Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies in Oxford and is a co-founder of a writer's forum called Couch Society. Music to my ears (no pun intended). Above and beyond the fray of sensitive singer-songwriter types, Blanski effectively channels his brains into great folk songs with lyrics that are as strong as the interesting arrangements that float around them. Tracks 1 and 3 are a good place to start.

K-OS

Add Date: December 1

Artist: K-OS

Album: Yes!

Label: Last Gang

Genre: Hip hop

Comments: I'll admit it, my first exposure to Canada's K-OS (a.k.a. Kevin Brereton) came from his wonderful collaborations with his fellow Canadians Broken Social Scene on one of their records. I think that's only testament to the rapper's appeal: he has made an incredible hip-hop album in Yes! that should appeal to indie and electronica fans alike. Weaving in samples with his own production work (because, of course, Kevin "Renaissance Man" Brereton does his own producing), this is fantastic music. Start with "4 3 2 1" (perhaps the answer to Feist's "1 2 3 4"? No, not especially) and "I Wish I Knew Natalie Portman," which features Nelly Furtado and sample's Phantom Planet's infectious "California." Play this record!

Holopaw

Add Date: December 1

Artist: Holopaw

Album: Oh, Glory Oh, Wilderness

Label: Bakery Outlet

Genre: Rock

Comments: "After two acclaimed recoreds with Sub-Pop, Florida natives John Orth and Jeff Hays changed their strategy in favor of a more scaled down, home-grown approach to creating music" (AAM). A bold move, to ditch one my favorite record labels, but the music doesn't suffer on this, the group's third effort. Holopaw makes find indie rock, complete with strings, drums, and horns, the surefire equation for success. Honest and heartfelt, fans of Fruit Bats and Destroyer will find themselves bobbing along. Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse approves, if I haven't sold you already. Start with "The Art Teacher and the Little Stallion" and "P-a-l-o-m-i-n-e."

Family of the Year

Add Date: December 1

Artist: Family of the Year

Album: Songbook

Label: Washashore

Genre: Folk pop

Comments: A lovely little record from these Californians, Songbook is a debut from a band with high praises from Keith Lockhart, the composer of the Boston Pops, as well as a little-known artist named Ben Folds. I call them folk pop, but they wear their other music stylings well -- mixing in some rock and synthesizers -- and the interplay between singers Vanessa Jeanne Long and Joseph Keefe is lovely. Terrorbird draws comparisons between Family and Fleetwood Mac as well as late-era Beatles, but fans of more contemporary polite-folk-poppers (like, say, Guster) will enjoy Songbook. Start with "Feel Good Track of Rosemead" and "Stupidland."

Dialtone

Add Date: December 1

Artist: Dialtone

Album: No Hang-Ups

Label: Self-released

Genre: Rock

Comments: Not-bad punkish rock from these boys out of Los Angeles who've certainly listened to their fair share of Pixies albums. A short burst of an album from brothers Paul and Mike Orea (and a bassist too, who ain't half bad), the songs "Emo T-shirt" and "Shake That Ass" have been getting some airplay in California. I can see why. Punkish and snotty, smarmy and unafraid to inject a little melody into their brand of rock, I believe these guys. Start with "Do You Love Your Cellphone?"

Paul McCartney

Add Date: December 1

Artist: Paul McCartney

Album: Good Evening New York City

Label: Hear Music

Genre: Rock, classic rock

Comments: Two full discs (and a DVD, don't be fooled by the third disc in the case) from Sir Paul's three-night stint at Citi Field this past July. I was in New York City at the time, but too foolish to not see the Beatle that isn't George Harrison, John Lennon, or Ringo Starr perform what I had only then heard was a fantastic show. Hearing the recorded document of that only makes it more bittersweet: McCartney digs deep into the Beatles catalogue, playing required songs like "Hey Jude" and "Yesterday" right alongside some slightly less predictable ones ("Helter Skelter" and the "Sgt. Pepper's/The End" medley near the close are pretty fantastic).

The man certainly knows how to charm a crowd and unlike the rest of his contempories, his voice hasn't aged much. He's still the master of the Beatles pop song and I do believe that tracks from the Fab Four outnumber those from McCartney's own solo career ("Live and Let Die" and "Band on the Run" are still there, don't worry). A massive collection of songs, dutifully performed by Sir Paul and his band (not to mention Billy Joel, who guests on "I Saw Her Standing There"), but one of my favorites is Paul's initially-acoustic take on the George Harrison-penned "Something" towards the beginning of disc two.

If you've been getting your Beatles Rockband on, you'll appreciate the wealth of great rockin' tracks on here. I wouldn't even know where to begin, but don't be afraid to dig into the non-"Hey Jude" songs on here.

Face Value

Add Date: November 24

Artist: Face Value

Album: Rode Hard, Put Away Wet: Clevo Hardcore '89-'93

Label: Smog Veil

Genre: Hardcore

Comments: Rode Hard, Put Away Wet: Clevo Hardcore '89-'93 is a collection of 31 classic hardcore tracks by Cleveland hardcore group Face Value. Although a huge number of tracks aren't FCC friendly, it's well worth it to listen--the cd is an exemplary example of old-school hardcore. Recommended tracks are 1, 3, and 6.

Easter Monkeys

Add Date: November 24

Artist: Easter Monkeys

Album: Splendor of Sorrows

Label: Smog Veil

Genre: Punk

Comments: Old-school 80s punk (or, "rock 'n' roll in the sense of the Ghoulardi-inspired hybrid that Cleveland is known for") is forefront on the retrospective Splendor of Sorrows by the Easter Monkeys, a group that only lasted three years but seems to have had a great run. It's straightforward noise, with lo-fi recordings and a few unexpected tracks (two-minute pop punk joker "Underpants", "Nailed to the Cross" contains an instrumental middle). Start with tracks 3 and 5.

Tin Huey

Add Date: November 24

Artist: Tin Huey

Album: Before Obscurity: The Bushflow Tapes

Label: Smog Veil

Genre: Prog-Rock

Comments: Before Obscurity: The Bushflow Tapes is a retrospective of Tin Huey, a mid/late 1970s-founded band from Akron, OH of the experiemental rock/new wave-esque genre (later developed by Devo and the Bizzaros). The album is full of undenaibly weird, quicky tracks that are part pop and mostly prog with your not-unexpected blues and jazz additions. Quirky music fans, take note of this older staple in the genre.

The Slew

Add Date: November 24

Artist: The Slew

Album: 100%

Label: Puget Sound

Genre: "Rock-Hop"

Comments: A "rock-hop" collaboration known as the Slew has released 100%, described as "psych rock-influenced score" and featuring 6 turntables, drum, bass, keyboards etc. Mixed by Mario C (Beastie Boys producer), the record has a laid-back turntable approach to rock and the result is a quirky, less hip-hop, more edited and adjusted modern version of our favorite boys from Brooklyn.

Robert Peters

Add Date: November 24

Artist: Robert Peters

Album: Going Down The River In A Hayloft Coffin: The Evocative Years of Robert Peters

Label: Hen House Studios

Genre: Spoken word

Comments: Now this one's different: a collection of 49 poems, set to various backing music, that features 84-year-old Wisconsin poet Robert Peters reading his own poems -- offering "re-VISIONS," as he describes in his prologue -- which are genuine and wonderful, about life in Wisconsin and simple things. The music occasionally enhances but generally provides the backdrop for Peters' goofy delivery, which is part Daniel Johnston and part Brad Neely. Read along as you play 4, 5, 10, or 21.

Flinders

Add Date: November 24

Artist: Flinders

Album: See Saw Still

Label: The C

Genre: Folk

Comments: I wrote this record off as a mere singer-songwriter, but in actually listening to the music (and not just looking at the art), it's certainly above par. Flinders does the poppier thing on "Mid Term Way," but gets bizarre on tracks like "The Light of the World" and "Closed, Closed and Dear," the latter of which showcases his nice falsetto. Flinders -- Ireland's Philip Flynn -- isn't afraid to run a simple bass-heavy progression to the ground as he solos overtop with his voice, making for some fine tunes and some not-so-fine ones. Start with 2 or 4.

Computer Perfection

Add Date: November 24

Artist: Computer Perfection

Album: Wish You Well On Your Way To Hell

Label: Le Grand Magistery

Genre: Indie pop

Comments: "Computer Perfection is a psychedelic pop five-piece hailing from Michigan which features ex-members of Pas/Cal. Influenced by everything from film to literature to food, Computer Perfection's organic and imperfect pop sound is punctuated with janging percussion, ethereal vocals, and electronic blips that create a lush and epic tour de force" (Terrorbird). I wouldn't quite call this collection of quaint pop tunes an "epic tour de force," but the rest is spot on: they are dorks with something to say and they sing it pretty articulately. Fans of Islands or Architecture in Helsinki might give this one a listen. Start with the first track.

Arctic Monkeys

Add Date: November 24

Artist: Arctic Monkeys

Album: Cornerstone [EP]

Label: Domino

Genre: Rock

Comments: Arctic Monkeys were just on our playlist. What are they trying to pull? This EP, the follower to their fantastic new record Humbug, which highlights the best song on that record ("Cornerstone") as well as three other unreleased tunes. The Monkeys have finally come into their own in their particular brand of sloppy-but-deft Brit rock, and in addition to giving the title track new life as part of this EP, let me recommend "Catapult."

Massive Attack

Add Date: November 24

Artist: Massive Attack

Album: Splitting the Atom EP

Label: Virgin

Genre: Trip hop

Comments: New EP from the British "trip hop" duo spotlights several tracks that may or may not appear on their forthcoming album (February 2010). They're been around since the year I was born (1988), releasing several classic albums in the genre and roping in loads of vocal collaborators to complement their layered production. Here, I gravitate toward "Pray for Rain," which features Tunde Adebimpe of TV on the Radio, but maybe that's just me.

Julie Slonecki

Add Date: November 24

Artist: Julie Slonecki

Album: Borders

Label: Self-released

Genre: Folk, folk-rock

Comments: [Disclaimer: There's a definite conflict of interest in me reviewing our very own Julie Slonecki's latest record Borders: we're good friends and she's in my band, which occasionally performs some of these songs. Still, I'll write this review, partly to advocate the work of Rockbridge-area musicians like Jules, and partly because I'm jealous of it.]

Borders is the latest release from Washington and Lee's (and WLUR's) very own Julie Slonecki, a junior from South Carolina double-majoring in music and psychology. She deftly showcases her knack for the former on this record, which she produced all by her lonesome this summer (with the help of an occasional few other musicians, of course). Julie has fully imbibed folk songstresses like Jenny Lewis and Neko Case and, while she wears these influences proudly on Borders, she has a style of her own. Delicate acoustic arrangements mix with fine keyboard work and Julie's fantastic voice to create a nice collection of tunes. My favorites are "Untitled," "Intermittent," and the title track.

And don't forget to listen to her show, "Magic Happy Mountain," on Friday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m. on everyone's favorite local radio station.

Little Girls

Add Date: November 24

Artist: Little Girls

Album: Concepts

Label: Paper Bag

Genre: Lo-fi, rock

Comments: Little Girls' debut, another Paper Bag Records semi-instrumental (there might be lyrics hiding beneath the murk) album to hit our playlist this week (see CFCF). This Toronto group -- it's really just Josh McIntyre and his rotating cast of cronies -- explain that Concepts was "recorded only at night in a home studio with most of the songs contributing to an ongoing theme of 'growing up.'" Hmm. Interesting lo-fi guitar-based jams that incorporate punk/post-punk acts like Joy Division and Wire. "Tambourine" and the title track seem best to me.

Mr. Gnome

Add Date: November 24

Artist: Mr. Gnome

Album: Heave Yer Skeleton

Label: El Marko

Genre: Rock, psychedelic rock

Comments: This Cleveland duo makes fine bizarre rock, with Nicole Barille's lovely Karen O-esque vocals shining through the layers of distortion and echo. Having worked at Josh Homme's studio in LA with engineer Justin Smith (QOTSA, Arctic Monkeys), these guys are no strangers to good new-fashioned rock and roll. They're part Yeah Yeah Yeahs and part Death from Above 1979, with a little bit of Sonic Youth. "Plastic Shadow" is a standout.

CFCF

Add Date: November 24

Artist: CFCF

Album: Continent

Label: Paper Bag

Genre: Electronica

Comments: Montreal-based DJ and electronic artist CFCF (Michael Silver) gives us his full-length debut, Continent, which he spent nearly a year recording since he began last fall. A longtime DJ and remix artists -- he's done stuff for Sally Shapiro, HEALTH, and Hearts Revolution -- CFCF makes fine beats with densely layered atmospherics that recall 80s keys and synthesizers (here, a good thing; then, maybe not so much). At times a bit monotonous, but "You Hear Colours" has a nice beat to it.

Them Crooked Vultures

Add Date: November 17

Artist: Them Crooked Vultures

Album: Them Crooked Vultures

Label: DGC

Genre: Rock

Comments: I love you, Josh Homme. Everything you touch is golden. Queens of the Stone Age is an awesome band, but your side project, Eagles of Death Metal (co-founded with Jesse "The Devil" Hughes aka Boots Electric; you yourself are sometimes known as Baby Duck) is stuff dreams are made of (Homme described it as "bluegrass slide guitar mixed with stripper drum beats and Canned Heat vocals"). Thus, expectations were extraordinarily high when we found out about your newest endeavor.

Them Crooked Vultures is another glorious side project, this time seeing Homme strut his stuff with Dave Grohl and John Paul Jones (former Led Zeppelin bassist!!), making it the actual definition of a super-group. And remarkably, the self-titled album performs. Some tracks are bluesy, some are more electric, but all of them are accompanied by excellent instrumentation, pulsating and perpetual and sometimes furious rhythms, and Homme's standard croon. . The album is ridiculously fun--it's a loud, thunderous, sometimes eerie hard-rock boogie that's as catchy as you would expect; a raw, dense and heavy, slightly-dirty dive-bar spectacle (one can only imagine the live shows). Start with tracks 2, 3 (lead single "New Fang"), 6, 8, 10, etc. And good luck listening to any track, let alone the entire album, only once.

Best of the Week - November 17

The Willowz

Annie

Pants Yell!

Big Strides

The Sunny Era

Also give a listen to: Them Crooked Vultures (featuring Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age and Eagles of Death Metal fame), Kenny Young and the Eggplants, R.E.M. (live), Norah Jones, The William Blakes

Red Mass

Add Date: November 17

Artist: Red Mass

Album: Red Mass (EP)

Label: Semprini

Genre: Punk, Post-Punk

Comments: Enjoyable punk from the ashes of Montreal's CPC Gangbangs. The band references Black Flag and Dead Kennedys, but this would sound more at home with the more intellectual DC Dischord (Fugazi, Jawbox) or Swami (Hot Snakes, Rocket From the Crypt, and surprise CPC Gangbangs) labels. The closest song they have to hardcore punk is "Lord of the Rats," which tries so hard to replicate the spirit of Jello Biafra that it almost sounds like parody (though to be fair, alot of Biafra's current stuff is like that already), though it's still a pretty good straightforward punk song. Otherwise, it's great restrained punk rock, especially "Saturn" (which is way to addicting to play on repeat), and "Party 'Til I Die," which is probably what would happen if you forced talented indie kids to do a standard punk song, and the results are fun times to the maximum.

Dj Rupture & Martt Shadetek

Add Date: November 17

Artist: DJ Rupture & Matt Shadetek

Album: Solar Life Raft

Label: The Agriculture

Genre: Electronica

Comments: Solar Life Raft is a collaboration between DJ Rapture and Matt Shadetek, featuring 22 tracks blended on three turntables, with an overall mostly spacey, somewhat beachy, all beat-focused vibe with dub and bass floating in and out. Surprisingly cohesive and atmospheric; start with tracks 1, 3, and 22. Other collaborating artists include Telepathe and Gang Gang Dance.

Matias Aguayo

Add Date: November 17

Artist: Matias Aguayo

Album: Ay Ay Ay

Label: Kompakt

Genre: Alt-Electronica/Dance/Other

Comments: The Los Angeles Weekly says that "Matias Aguayo will change the way you think about dance music", and that is certainly true. His sophmore full-length, Ay Ay Ay, was recorded in Buenos Aires, Santiago de Chile and Paris (Matias himslef is Chilean born and German raised), and this plethora of influences--combined with Aguayo's unique sense of electronic music and his involvement with the Buenos Aires "bumbumbox" street party movement (youtube it)--has culminted in a quirky, catchy electronica album. Certainly not your traditional sense of dance music, but it's weirdly addictive and all the more interesting for the lack of a standard approach. Track 3 ("Rollerskates") is absurdly catchy, and "Me Vuelvo Lovo" and "Juanita" incorporate Latin harmonies with undeinable rhythms; other tracks to check out include the opener and track 6.

The Sunny Era

Add Date: November 17

Artist: The Sunny Era

Album: This Darkness of Love

Label: Self-released

Genre: Rock/Folk

Comments: The Sunny Era, a three-piece outfit from Minneapolis, have created a gorgeous album with This Darkness of Love. It sounds like DeVotchKa part two, but it's not a knock-off--their sound, while similar, is organically their own, and perhaps less easy to identify as related to a specific world-music influence (although you certainly get some Eastern European folk, French cafe music and Balkan gypsy jazz) This Darkness of Love is full of moody, lush world-rock-folk tracks, all which are melodic but wistful all the same, and accordians, airy yet powerful vocals, and well-placed percussion. A beautiful record; start with tracks 1, 3, and 5.

Aqua Teen Hunger Force

Add Date: November 17

Artist: Aqua Teen Hunger Force

Album: Have Yourself A Meaty Little Christmas

Label: Williams Street

Genre: Christmas Humor

Comments: So, this marks my second Cartoon Network/Adult Swim album review. While I mentioned that one could listen to the Dethklok album without previously watching the show, I cannot in good conscience recommend this album without having actually having seen Aqua Teen Hunger Force, since pretty much all of the humor in the album depends on understanding the characters. Approaching this from the perspective of someone who isn't aware that half of the talking characters in the album are anthropomorphic food, this is just going to sound like a bunch of obnoxious characters making fun of Christmas. I mean, the humor is that they're totally obnoxious, so now I'm just confused.

Anyway, for those that are familiar with the show, this is a pretty awesome Christmas album, though it has some pitfalls. The primary baddy is (surprisingly to everyone but me) the Neko Case collaboration, which is awkward banter between Meatwad and Neko, who either had to do the song in one take or has never seen the show before. Also, a fair amount of the songs lean so heavily on the show dynamics that they have little to actually do with Christmas, though it's still fairly amusing ("The Little Drum Machine Boy") is pretty boss. One generally gets the feeling that this album was done quickly in general, since it just features the central cast (that means no MC Chris or Mooninites).

Still, there are standouts. "Twas the Night Before Jesus" is Master Shake's version of Jesus' birth, which works awesomely on so many levels. "I Sure Hope I Don't Have to Beat Your Ass This Christmas," if your show is not afraid to play ASS, is probably the best, a heartfelt duet between Master Shake and Meatwad about the glories of giving and the risks of doing otherwise. Hell, you could probably play that one and people might actually enjoy it without knowing the show.

person L

Add Date: November 17

Artist: person L

Album: The Positives

Label: Academy Fight Song

Genre: Rock/post-punk/indie

Comments: Kenneth Vasoli, former member of the pop-punk band, The Starting Line, is at it again with his project person L. I can't help but be brought back to my indie rock/post-punk days of wearing girls pants and smoking cigarettes to look slick when I hear this album. It is no question a departure from Vasoli's pop-punk foundations. That doesn't mean the smooth voice is gone (just fewer sing-along chouruses--not sayin' it's a bad thing). The first thing I noticed was the great drumming involved on the album, maybe not the best produced sounds, but whoever is pounding on the drum set knows how to make interesting rhythms while toning it down when it's necessary. There is a certain presence of atmospheric sounds throughout the album, lending "The Positives" to the post-punk variety. If you like Minus the Bear or Saves the Day, you'll be into person L. Start with #2 (Good Days), #3 (The Positives), and #7 (Sit Tight).

Erin Muir

Add Date: November 17

Artist: Erin Muir

Album: Poet's Lovely Daughter

Label: Spinout

Genre: Rock/Soft Rock

Comments: From promoter: "[Poet's Lovely Daughter] is as passionate and tender as it is sexy and entrancing." Prior to this, the promoter calls the album "mystical." All these adjectives sound about right. Erin Muir is consistent in her soft sounds throughout the album, very few fast rhythmed tracks. Her voice is one of those female voices that is surprising in its depth. The production is characterized by ultra-polished, super-warm tracks that match Erin's deep and smooth voice well. The sounds aren't folksy, but they're not main stream rock. Maybe there is some latin influence? It's her debut album, and it shows potential. I'd check out tracks #8 (Black Butterfly), #3 (Heart Given), and #5 (Shadow and Silt).

R.E.M.

Add Date: November 17

Artist: R.E.M.

Album: Live at The Olympia

Label: Warner Bros.

Genre: Rock

Comments: A band that needs little introduction. No matter your indie rock politics, R.E.M. played a crucial role in the history of our beleved genre and continue to churn out articulate rock songs even after 26 years. Live at The Olympia is a catalogue of five nights of "working rehersals" in Dublin from the summer of 2007 where the band debuted a lot of new material before a hefty crowd. R.E.M. sound more ferocious on these songs -- all 39 of them -- than they have on some of their recent studio recordings, so it's hard to pick a few favorites. To narrow it down, "Living Well is the Best Revenge" and "So. Central Rain" from the first disc, "Auctioneer" and "Carnival of Sorts" from the second. A great live companion to some of their more recent early studio reissues. And the liner notes aren't a bad little read for those looking for something to pore over in the studio.

Felt

Add Date: November 17

Artist: Felt

Album: Felt 3: A Tribute to Rosie Perez

Label: Rhymesayers

Genre: Hip hop

Comments: Even more fantastic hip hop, this time from a collaboration between Slug, Murs, and new addition to the crew, Aesop Rock. The trio, united as Felt, release their third in a series of "tribute" records to a random female celebrity (2005 saw A Tribute to Lisa Bonet and 2002 began with Christina Ricci). I'm loving the production on here -- and I'm not the biggest Aesop Rock fan -- for its uptempo rock style. Rosie Perez would be proud.

Themselves

Add Date: November 17

Artist: Themselves

Album: CrownsDown

Label: Anticon

Genre: Rap, hip hop

Comments: Murky-sounding hip hop from the duo of Doseone and Jel, hailing from Idaho and Chicago respectively, who not-so-delicately blend "mastered rap tactics and sampling ethics" on this, their third proper album. Born and raised on some of the best in the hip-hop pantheon -- Gang Starr, Public Enemy, Nas -- these guys do what they do well.

Pants Yell!

Add Date: November 17

Artist: Pants Yell!

Album: Received Pronunciation

Label: Slumberland

Genre: Indie pop

Comments: "In nine songs and 26 minutes, and without ever deploying a distortion pedal, they make a greater emotional impact than an album twice as long and at double the volume" (Terrorbird). Pants Yell! are a trio who met and formed at a Boston art school, where they started writing their "nugget-sized pop tunes." The songs on this, their third album, are short and unbearably sweet -- recalling acts like the Go-Betweens or Belle and Sebastian -- and find a welcome home on our playlist. A fantastic little set of jangly pop songs, start with tracks 1, 2, and 3.

Norah Jones

Add Date: November 17

Artist: Norah Jones

Album: The Fall

Label: Blue Note

Genre: Pop rock, jazz, blues

Comments: Billboard bombshell and Brooklyn beauty Norah Jones releases her fourth album on Blue Note records. Jones always surrounds herself with wonderful collaborators and musicians, but has the chops to write and arrange some pretty fantastic material -- perhaps its genetic; Jones is the daughter of renowned sitarist Ravi Shankar. Ryan Adams, Okkervil River's Will Sheff, and producer Jacquire King (Kings of Leon, Tom Waits, and Modest Mouse) help her out on here and Sheff's collaboration, "Stuck," is one of the best on the record.

The tracks on The Fall seem a bit more uptempo and drum-based than the songs that I'm familiar with from her catalog and it's a welcome new direction for this record. Norah certainly knows how to break the boundaries of genre and croon a song or two, never giving up her smoky countryish voice on tracks like "Light as a Feather" or "Chasing Pirates," the album's first single.

The Willowz

Add Date: November 17

Artist: The Willowz

Album: Everyone

Label: Dim Mak

Genre: Garage rock

Comments: These Anaheim, California garage rockers have been prolific in the seven or so years that they've been around: Everyone is their seventh proper record and is another fantastic mix of punk, soul, and blues that wouldn't sound out of place in the sixties or seventies. The Willowz are frequent collaborators with director Michel Gondry, having put out songs on the soundtracks of his films Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and The Science of Sleep (where I first heard them). Ten songs clocking in at a total of 26:35, they produce wonderfully quirky garage rock with plenty of spirit. Highlights include "Break Your Back" and "I Know."

Nneka

Add Date: November 17

Artist: Nneka

Album: The Uncomfortable Truth [EP]

Label: Yo Mama/Decon/Epic

Genre: Soul/Reggae/Hip Hop

Comments: This is the US debut EP for Nigerian singer Nneka, who's already enjoying a great deal of success both in Africa and in her adoptive continent, Europe. Her music "has a big splash of Bob Marley in the recipe, a measure of Nina Simone and a lick of Erykah Badu" (Spectre) and definitely not something you want to miss out on. A great sound with a strong political message ("Wake up Africa! Wake up and stop blaming!"). Start with "Africans." And be on the lookout for her debut album in February!

NeuHuman

Add Date: November 17

Artist: NeuHuman

Album: NeuHuman

Label: 800 Lb Gorilla

Genre: Electronic

Comments: From the promoter:

"The concept of NeuHuman is a simple one...Evolution and the Propagation of Human Potential. Conceived by Albert Azar in May of 2008 as a means of testing his musicianship and exploring the bounds of his own Imagination, NeuHuman was recorded in the spirit of taking single ideas and thoughts, and developing them into unique and stimulating pieces of music. The result is a conceptual album that delves deep into the heart of the current American situation. A genre melding deluge flowing with ambience, dirty break beats, jazz, deep groove, and sonic alchemy takes the listener through an electronic journey which is somehow mysteriously grounded in natural elements."

Start with "Scissorhands"-- if you feel it, go on to 8-minute soundscape, "Generational Curse."

Powderfinger

Golden Hour Box Set

Add Date: November 17

Artist: Various

Album: Golden Hour Box Set

Label: 1928

Genre: Rock, Pop, Indie

Comments: From the promoter:

"1928 Recordings can certainly be said to have a lot of heart. Why else would a label be kind enough to mail out CD versions of what is otherwise a vinyl exclusive? The first notes of this compilation confirm what the cover art implies: that this release is summery. Tijuana Panthers playfully surf through their songs before AAM favorites Air Waves remind us why we fell in love with them in the first place. 'Waters,' from Air Waves, continues the compilations oceanic theme, with lead singer Nicole Schneit mixing heartbreak with coastal imagery. Gray Goods round things out with three gently rolling songs. Regardless of why 1928 Recordings mailed out this collection, fans of Pixies, Jennifer O'Connor & Violent Femmes have much to be excited about!"

My favorites from this release were done by Air Waves (tracks 4-6), a Brooklyn group who report clouds, water, and Neil Young as influences on their MySpace. Their song "Knockout" caught my attention with its shimmery-summer feel, full-sound, and nice male/female vocals. Check out it or "Waters" if you like Kimya Dawson/Moldy Peaches stuff.

AAM

Fanfarlo

Add Date: November 17

Artist: Fanfarlo

Album: Live EP

Label: Atlantic

Genre: Rock, chamber pop

Comments: In August, when Fanfarlo's lovely debut album Reservoir was on our playlist, Jeremy Franklin wrote that these London guys/girls cited Belle & Sebastian, Neutral Milk Hotel, and Broken Social Scene as influences alongside one another. They're still sporting the cause of that Great Indie Triumverate, but sound comfortable in their own skin. A pleasant mix of rock and folk, not too far removed from the album versions. Try tracks 1, 4, and the Bonnie 'Prince' Billy cover, "A Minor Place."

Kenny Young and the Eggplants

Add Date: November 17

Artist: Kenny Young and the Eggplants

Album: The House at Creepy Lake

Label: Cheese Thing

Genre: Folk-rock, bizzaro

Comments: Planetary writes: "Claiming to be from Brooklyn (but possibly from some other galaxy altogether), Kenny Young and the Eggplants are a not-easily-described semi-acoustic trio who perfrom songs about giant squirrels, super-powered frogs, scary bits of cheese, inebriated birds, and broken washing machines, among other important rock and roll concerns."

The New York Times has says that they "give eloquent voice to the multifaceted neuroses of prolonged adolescence." I couldn't agree more. The House at Creepy Lake is their fifth record and it bears traces of a band who does what they do well. What they do, however, is pretty hard to grasp. I guess they sort of sing songs about strange things -- as evidenced by tracks like the title track and "Attack of the Maniac Librarian" -- but they do it with such wit and charm. These guys really take their silliness seriously, but sound just as at home taking ditching the creatures and eggplants, as on their take of the Velvet Underground's "Femme Fatale." Blitzen Trapper-by-way-of-"Monster Mash."

Try "Solitary Sentinel" or "Everything's Looking Up in Subterranea."

Best New Music - November 10

We say goodbye to a lot of great stuff from our playlist this week, but here are some fine replacements:

Real Estate

White Denim
Gemma Ray
Tom Waits

Robert Francis

Also check out: deVries, Cold Cave, We All Have Hooks for Hands, The Cribs, Daptone Gold

Drink Up Buttercup

Add Date: November 10

Artist: Drink Up Buttercup

Album: Even Think

Label: Yep Roc

Genre: Indie Rock

Comments: From the promoter sheet: "Known for their trashcan-pummeling live shows, the Philly quartet combines psyche pop prowess and classic 60s sensibilities with DIY punk grit, disarming audiences into irony free scream-a-longs and bouts of irresponsible drinking." Basically slightly more manic than usual indie rock. The single is good, and the other two tracks are straight up filler lunch.

Gov't Mule

Add Date: November 10

Artist: Gov't Mule

Album: By A Thread

Label: Evil Teen

Genre: Jam Band

Comments: I get the feeling I was chosen to review this album because the promotional materials mentioned that this band had a "punk sound." Let me be very clear here. There's a lot of possible genres that you could lump Gov't Mule into, but punk is not one of them. Southern and blues rock, sure. Even a little bit of classic rock rivalism, definitely. But hell, even the Allman Brothers, which this band came out of in ways that I'm too lazy to explain, were more punk than Gov't Mule.

Gov't Mule does the general protocol of bands like this: Pretty good hooks that are stretched out and repeated so many times that you kind of forget what's going on after the seventh minute of the song (in a live setting, this would be supplemented by certain essential aspects of the live jam band atmosphere woh ho ho). Gov't Mule does this well, and I imagine they are pretty fun live, but jam band albums are like nicotine patches: they only slightly soothe the craving of the already addicted, and they're not going to hook people that aren't travelling 3000 miles to see the Disco Biscuits or whatever.

Lightning Bolt

Add Date: November 10

Artist: Lightning Bolt

Album: Earthly Delights

Label: Load

Genre: Noise Music

Comments: Well, it took roughly four years, but it's the new Lightning Bolt album, with another inexplicable cover drawn by their drummer.

I'm not gonna lie. While I think Lightning Bolt kicks ass, it's an inexplicable love. Their sound is basically an endless sonic attack of syncopated rhythms, unpleasant melodies, and general musical insanity in the trend of noise music (note, there is a difference between noise music and noise rock, in that the latter is generally rock with a far greater amount of dissonance). If you haven't listened to much noise music before, this honestly is probably a fairly decent place to start, especially if you can tolerate metal. There isn't any obvious differences between this album and previous Lightning Bolt material, or at least none that can be explained except to people that don't have their Ph.Ds in guys hitting guitars in ways that would make senior citizens cranky at the future.

Cold Cave

Add Date: November 10

Artist: Cold Cave

Album: Love Comes Close

Label: Matador

Genre: Pop/Experimental

Comments: Noisy pop with a touch of new-wave synth sensibilities and experimental all the way, Cold Cave--Wesley Eisold's (Some Girls, American Nightmare) once-solo project, now with Xiu Xiu's Caralee McElroy providing much of the vocals and others--has created a beautifuly distorted yet melodic record with Love Comes Close. The title track is a throwback to 80's experimentation, and the cd as a whole is a nice blend of dark, almost industrial music and danceable pop. Start with tracks 2 and 4.

Wyclef Jean

Add Date: November 10

Artist: Wyclef Jean

Album: From the Hut to the Projects, to the Mansion

Label: Columbia

Genre: Hip-Hop

Comments: A concept mixtape with hip-hop as its base but certainly not its outer limits, From the Hut to the Projects, to the Mansion is a forceful but melodic 6 track sampler EP from Wyclef Jean (aka Toussaint St. Jean--Wyclef's title character/persona for the EP and an individual loosely based on Haitian revolutionary Toussaint L'Ouverture). Repetitive rhythms and direct rhymes give the record a slightly "militant style", in a successful way--the tracks are catchy without being sugary. Track 2 is a highlight.

Vic Chesnutt

Add Date: November 10

Artist: Vic Chesnutt

Album: Skitter On Take-Off

Label: Vapor

Genre: Folk, singer-songwriter

Comments: From the promoter:

"Yes, Vic Chesnutt did just release a new album a few weeks ago [At the Cut], but one full-length is simply not enough for Chesnutt. Skitter On Take-Off finds Chesnutt teaming up with Jonathan Richman [Modern Lovers] and Tommy Larkin [drummer for Jonathan Richman]. Skitter On Take-Off finds Vic Chesnutt creating his most dramatic music of his career. Devastating songs like 'Rips in the Fabric' and 'Dic Cheney' were recoreded live with no overdubs creating an incredible sense of overwhelming emotion poured through strings and vocal chords. Skitter On Take-Off is destined to become a unique addition to Chesnutt's history and allows the singer-songwriter the chance to collaborate with a living-legend."

Chesnutt sounds like he is sitting right in front of you on on this record. Simply instumented, attention commanding, highly specific, and very present, this music will please fans of Bonnie 'Prince' Billie. Go to "Dimples" or "Dick Cheney."

AAM

Systems Officer

Add Date: November 10

Artist: Systems Officer

Album: Underslept

Label: Temporary Residence Limited

Genre: Pop

Comments: From the promoter:

"Systems Officer is the solo project from mastermind Armistead Burwll Smith IV, the multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and founding member of Pinback & Three Mile Pilot. Underslept is a five year project written and recorded between breaks in Pinback's recording and touring schedule. Systems Officer features the same kind of intricate arrangements and layered vocal harmonies that have become a trademark of Pinback, with nods to the dramatic tone that marks the bet Three Mile Pilor songs. Underslept gives Smith the opportunity to show off his talents as a signer and songwriter, drawing influences from Peter Gabriel-era Genesis and The Beach Boys to create progressive pop gems with unforgettable hooks."

Catchy and distinct. Go to "Shape Shifter."

AAM

For Against

Add Date: November 10

Artist: For Against

Album: Never Been

Label: Words on Music

Genre: Pop, Dream-Pop

Comments: From the promoter:

"After 22-years as a band, it should come as no surprise that on their ninth album Never Been, Nebraska's For Against, have created another atmospheric dream-pop masterpiece. Ethereal vocal melodies float atop lush guitar harmonies on opening track 'Sameness' until the album takes a melancholic twist on 'Black Widows,' a song that revels in its sparse instrumentation. Never Been transitions effortlessly between wistful pop hooks and gloom-filled post-punk instrumentation, ending with perhaps its most powerful track 'You Fade,' a showcase for the perfected sound of dark ambiance. Fans of Joy Division, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, and Slowdive, will appreciate For Against's flawless blend of post-punk and shoegaze vibes, finding this release the ideal way to dive right into the band's extensive diskography."

I found "Antidote" to be the best blend of upbeat pop with a slightly darker tinge.

AAM

Real Estate

Add Date: November 10

Artist: Real Estate

Album: Real Estate

Label: Woodsist

Genre: Indie-Pop, Folk

Comments: From the promoter:

"New Jersey's Real Estate are set to release their self-titled debut record after a string of breakthrough EP's. With charming tunes echoing a washout of laid back indie sounds,s the ten tracks that comprise this ode to the Garden Ste live and breathe the summertime and no-frills lifestyle. 'Beach Comber' and 'Fake Blues' each ring sweet with swaying vocals and melodies that gently unwind. By the time 'Green River' hits its stride you'll be longing for those summer months full of casual nights and lazy mornings. ... As it shimmers with their washed-out melodies and gently swaying vocals, there is no doubt about it, Real Estate have delivered one of 2009's best debuts!"

This sunny, gentle music is better turned way way up where it can wash all over you. Somehow managing to be hazy and lo-fi without being cutesy or retro-- Real Estate's a winner in my book. Give it a try if you like the A-Sides, Neutral Milk Hotel, Beulah, or The Shins.

AAM

Matt Jackson

Add Date: November 10

Artist: Matt Jackson

Album: In Good Company

Label: Self-released

Genre: Alt-Pop

Comments: From ReverbNation:

"21 year old Matt Jackson has been singing since he was small and playing guitar since 7th grade. Matt wrote his first song, 'Freeze the Rain' during his freshman year of high school and hasn’t stopped writing since. The songs he writes are inspired by his real life experiences and therefore his music is his own. Jackson is different and real, his style is unique, easy to listen to but never predictable. He is admired for drawing from many seemingly different styles of music, from hip-hop, r&b, country and even the classical music he studied in school. This mix of eclectic styles and real life inspiration results in lyrics from his heart and music from his soul. Have a listen and enjoy!"

In that Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Dave Mathews sort-of vein. Plenty of "La da da's." (Shows you how dated my knowledge of Top 40 radio is.)

Planetary

Gemma Ray

Add Date: November 10

Artist: Gemma Ray

Album: Lights Out Zoltar!

Label: Bronzerat

Genre: Pop/Rock

Comments: Second album from this Essex-born singer. The promoter describes it as having an "epic multi-layered sound" and I couldn't agree more. Definitely not your garden-variety singer-songwriter. Apart from the lovely vocals, I hear a mix between a playfulness a la Au Revoir Simone, the mournfulness of Antony and the Johnsons and the haunting sound of the Kronos Quartet. To name just a few, that is. The end result, however, is definitely unique and something that David Lynch would probably approve of for one of his films: disturbing at times, yet too good to set aside. Go with "Tough Love" for something more accessible; "(You Got Me In A) Death Roll" for a duet reminiscent of "Where the Wild Roses Grow;" "100 mph (in 2nd Gear)" and "If You Want to Rock and Roll" if you're up for a darker sound.

The William Blakes

Add Date: November 10

Artist: The William Blakes

Album: Wayne Coyne

Label: Last Gang

Genre: Pop rock

Comments: A great pop album with catchy and "anthemic" songs that are subtly anti-church and/or state (less so than, say, The Thermals) and an awesome low-voice/falsetto vocals.

Learning Music Monthly

Add Date: November 10

Artist: Learning Music Monthly

Album: This May Also Be It

Label: Vosotros

Genre: Synth-pop

Comments: Like an Of Montreal cover of the entirety of Bitte Orca, perhaps: weird, catchy, filled with synth-y hooks.

Audra Mae

Add Date: November 10

Artist: Audra Mae

Album: Haunt [EP]

Label: Side One Dummy

Genre: Folk

Comments: Resist the urge to play the cover of the Decemberists' "Eli, the Barrow Boy," by far the most lack-luster song on the EP (and dare i say it, a boring cover in general). The rest of the songs represent a solid country-folk base with ethereal vocals.

The Cribs

Add Date: November 10

Artist: The Cribs

Album: Ignore the Ignorant

Label: Warner Bros.

Genre: Rock

Comments: Highly-praised in the British press -- The Times, NME, Daily Mail, and The Guardian all give high marks -- Ignore the Ignorant has been out over there for about two months. Q describes them as "the biggest cult band in the UK." I'm not as generous. The Cribs do what they do well, but the songs on this record aren't as compelling to me as those of fellow Brit-rockers The Arctic Monkeys or The Cribs' oft-compared fellow The Libertines. Still, for heavier Brit rock which thundering bass and fine guitarwork, give this record a spin. "Cheat on Me" and "Emasculate Me" are better than the rest.

Daptone Gold

Add Date: November 10

Artist: Various Artists

Album: Daptone Gold

Label: Daptone

Genre: Funk, soul, gospel

Comments: Binky Griptone welcomes us to Daptone Gold, a wonderful compilation of tracks from Daptone Records artists who specialize in funk, soul, and Afrobeat tunes. Twenty-three tracks, many of them previously unreleased or rarities, span this record, but there isn't a dull moment in the bunch. Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings start things off with screeching horns and a groove that I can't get out of my head and one of my favorite semi-recent playlist acts, The Menahan Street Band, offers a fine instrumental track, "Make the Road by Walking." Fans of soul should rejoice. Start with 2 or 15.

Bad Lieutenant

Add Date: November 10

Artist: Bad Lieutenant

Album: Never Cry Another Tear

Label: Original Signal

Genre: Pop rock

Comments: Upon first listen, I tossed this off as an all-too-straightforward pop record, but when I read more about Bad Lieutenant, I came to appreciate its hooks just a little bit more. New Order frontman Bernard Sumner and Blur bassist Alex James form the core of this group, as does Jake Evans, the sometimes-vocalist with a nice set of pipes. Stephen Morris, Sumner's buddy from a little-known band called Joy Division, mans the drum kit on this record. The promoter's description of Never Cry Another Tear as "crisp, streamlined, 21st century guitar music" is a fine one, not essential but probably a treat for fans of these Brit-rockers. "Twist of Fate" is a standout.

deVries

Add Date: November 10

Artist: deVries

Album: Death to God

Label: Noise on Noise

Genre: Indie rock

Comments: Travis DeVries (which, like the band name, is pronounced deh-VREESE) of the "legendary" Seattle band The Turn-ons releases this collection, which he began recording in 2007 and is now finally seeing the light of day. DeVries has toured with the likes of Interpol, The Strokes, and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, but the sound on Death to God is more akin to Yo La Tengo or The Raveonettes. If you've been playing those records from our playlist lately, you'll love this one too, for its enchanting pop hooks, haunting layers of sound, and raw-but-tightknight garage-style production. Start with "Boys are Bores" and "Slowing Down." Definitely a winner.

The Small Sounds

Add Date: November 10

Artist: The Small Sounds

Album: The Small Sounds

Label: Self-released

Genre: Alt-country, Rock

Comments: From the promoter:

"The Small Sounds began in Houston, Texas as a collective of friends playing music reflecting folk, rock, alt-country, indie, and retro-pop styles. Their backgrounds vary-- Houston, Los Angeles, Denver, Austin, New Orleans, Memphis. Their influences are diverse-- Cash, Cariobu, Calexico, Leon Russell, Leadbelly, Pinback, Great Lake Swimmers, and anything and everything in between. Meld it all together and out comes, strangely, a fair amount of Rhodes, pedal steel, and harmonies. The Small Sounds first full length album feautrues the bands core members along with several special guests including Katie Stuckey, Mead Turner, Jeff Lerner, and Jason Healy."

After all that mishing-and-mashing described above, The Small Sounds end up with a mature, adult sound. Songs like "Leave Virginia Girl," are melodic, thoughtful, and just plain nice in an alt way. While I must admit that I find The Small Sounds ultimately less interesting than The Hold Steady or The National, fans of those groups could still find something worthwhile on The Small Sounds. Go to closer "Don't Walk Away" which reminds me of something off R.E.M.'s Automatic for the People.

Planetary

We All Have Hooks for Hands

Add Date: November 10

Artist: We All Have Hooks for Hands

Album: The Shape of Energy

Label: Afternoon

Genre: Pop, Indie

Comments: From the promoter:

"On Hook's sophomore album, distinctive vocals and layered sing-along choruses are accompanied by a loose yet enveloping quilt of bright guitar riffs, floating horns, keyboards, violin, and dueling drummers."

Energetic, upbeat, fun-loving, vaguely folksy, indie-pop-rock with a good heap of weirdness thrown in. We All Have Hooks for Hands first remind me of Born Ruffians, but will also likely please fans of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah or Of Montreal. Go to "Lessons Burned" or "Be Love, Be Wild."

Vitriol

White Denim

Add Date: November 10

Artist: White Denim

Album: Fits

Label: Downtown/Full Time Hobby

Genre: Rock, Indie

Comments: From the promoter:

"White Denim may suffer from musical schizophrenia; the Austin based indie band is, in a word, explosive. The mercurial trio burn through songs borrowing heavily from both the punk and psychedelic movements, bound through an infectious intensity and a willingness to make dramatic and sudden shifts in tempo and style, even within the confines of a song. The band records in drummer Josh Block's homemade studio trailer 100 miles outside of Austin where they have fine-tuned its sonic juggernaut while gaining esteem for their incendiary live show."

I'm from Austin, and White Denim's been on my radar for a while-- always popping up on gig lists and whatnot-- but somehow I'd yet to listen to them before now. After running through Fits a couple times, I totally regret never going to see them play. For one thing, they sound totally Austin, and while certainly an Indie Rock group, they've got an authenticity that can be lost when you get too deep into MGMT/Unicorn-style stuff, or even into groups overly indulgent in a retro/psychedelic vibe. White Denim actually sounds different, and fresh, while retaining major punk/garage/psych influences.

If you like Black Keys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, or The Black Angels you definitely listen to these Texans tear shit up. Put on the explosive "I Start to Run" or "Everybody Somebody" and you will not be disappointed. If that's too much, slow it down a little with "Paint Yourself."

Syndicate
Add? (and not just because they're from Austin)

Robert Francis

Add Date: November 10

Artist: Robert Francis

Album: Before Nightfall

Label: Atlantic

Genre: Rock/Folk/Pop

Comments: Before Nightfall is Robert Francis's second full-length release, and first on Atlantic Records. It is definitely a poppy alt-country collection of songs. However, a little melodramatic for my tastes. Francis pulls off this sound well though with dynamic songs and catchy melodies. Lap steal guitar adds an alt-country feel in most songs. Some songs take on a classic rock feel as well, in particular track 5, "I Like the Air." The promoter calls the CD full of "somber tones and brokenhearted crooning." Even though the lyrics follow these themes, the rhythms and occasional dirty guitar riffs keep things relatively upbeat on the album. Start with #1 "Darkness," #4 "Climb a Mountain," and #8 "Where You Came From."

Tom Waits

Add Date: November 10

Artist: Tom Waits

Album: Glitter and Doom Live

Label: Anti-

Genre: Tom Waits

Comments: If you've never heard Tom Waits before, "Singapore" and "Fannin Street" will give you a fine taste of both ends of the Waits spectrum -- the terrifying carnivalesque and croaking ballad, respectively. These songs are two of my favorites on here, the live account of Waits' sold-out 2008 national tour. The recordings come from all over the world, from shows and performances hand-picked by Sir Waits himself, and have even more ferocity than Waits' studio recordings, if such a thing is even possible. He snarls on "Goin' Out West" and howls on "Trampled Rose," each song equally captivating and adept at instilling that I-wish-I-had-been-there feeling. I've never heard Waits' live stuff, but its brilliant, so make sure you give this one a listen.

P.S. Track 16 ("Story") on Disc 1 and all of Disc 2 (dubbed Tom Tales) cull together in-between-song banter from Waits' performances and are fascinating accounts from this mythic figure of rock and roll. BOTH ARE DNP, but worth checking out if you're a devotee.

Best New Music

Best New Music for November 3:

Devendra Banhart
Tegan and Sara
Jay Farrar & Ben Gibbard (do Jack Keroauc)
Brilliant Colors
Girls in Trouble

Also give a listen to: The Middle East, Julian Casablancas, Argyle Johansen, Middle Distance Runner, the Solid Gold single

Musician's Atlas Artist Spotlight Vol. 4 and 5

Add Date: November 3

Artist: Various Artists

Album: Musician's Atlas Artist Spotlight Vol. 4 and 5

Label: Music Resource Group

Genre: Various

Comments: They tell us: "The Music Resource Group believes the future of music depends on fresh voices and vision. In addition to the nationally recognized Independent Music Awards program, this year the MRG turns the spotlight on other dedicated artists who are pointed toward success in the Atlas Artist Spotlight. The artists featured on Volumes 4 and 5 range from rappers to electro-pop to international rock bands, who collectively have toured with multi-platinum artists, won numerous awards and have been featured on television."

Could they be any more generic? Still, a very cool idea, if not a daunting pair of albums. I'll admit I've only scratched the surface, but Teletextile, The Parlotones, Kelleigh McKenzie, and Stiff Trixy come highly recommended. Take note of these acts, for you may seem them on our playlist in the time to come.

Weezer

Add Date: November 3

Artist: Weezer

Album: Raditude

Label: DGC/Interscope

Genre: Rock

Comments: Spare me the story: I distinctly remember the day that Weezer's last decent album, Maladroit, came out. It was back in my middle school days and I had just started consuming the Weezer catalogue after naively rocking along with the "Hash Pipe" and "Island in the Sun" videos on The Channel Formerly Known as Music Television. "The Green Album" was pretty solid, in my mind, and I absolutely adored their first two records (Pinkerton is probably still a desert island disc for me). But I convinced my friend to bike to Best Buy with me and there we both purchased copies of Rivers Cuomo and Co.'s latest effort, which featured the sign-of-things-to-come-style single "Dope Nose." The record certainly had its moments and I loved it all the same, but little did I know how far these boys would fall with their next couple efforts.

Does Raditude follow the downward spiral? Most certainly. It's unbearably catchy -- lead single "(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To" has a title that rivals the best of Fallout Boy's backsleeves and will be stuck in my head for days -- but even more unbearably "new Weezer": bland as hell, emotionless, and empty. I know they've grown up and torn the Kitty Pryde posters from off their walls, but they haven't aged gracefully.

On tracks like "The Girl Got Hot" and "Can't Stop Partying," Rivers rocks out about grown-up issues -- parties and girls, that is -- in a desperate plea to become the backing track to some bullshit VH1 reality show or the next American Pie movie. "Put Me Back Together" is a ray of hope at the album's center, but Ozma did it better years ago. The sitar that starts off "Love Is The Answer" turns the record from ridiculous into self-parody. If you're a Weezer fan looking for something to sink your teeth into, try Rivers' recent solo releases. Play the single.

P.S. I can't decide if Lil Wayne's guest spot on "Can't Stop Partying" is brilliant or further testament to The Fall of Weezer. Weezy's rhymes are the one genuine thing on here, I guess.

Tegan and Sara

Add Date: November 3

Artist: Tegan and Sara

Album: Sainthood

Label: Sire

Genre: (Girl) rock

Comments: PIRATE says: "Tegan and Sara's sixth studio album -- Sainthood -- addresses secular themes of devotion, delusion, and exemplary behavior in the pursuit of love and relationships. Inspired by emotional longing and the quiet actions we hope may be noticed by the objects of our affection, Sainthood is about obsession with Romantic Ideals."

That doesn't tell us much, but the record's title, despite being generic as hell, was allegedly inspired by a Leonard Cohen lyric. Points for that. Chris Walla (Death Cab) produces this effort, which is actually the first T&S record I've ever listened to. I approve. At their best, these two produce straightahead indie rock'n'roll that occasionally occasionally occasionally recalls Karen O. They aren't as good, but they aren't bad. "Arrow" and "Sentimental Tune" are the best ones on here.

Julian Casablancas

Add Date: November 3

Artist: Julian Casablancas

Album: Phrazes for the Young

Label: RCA

Genre: Rock

Comments: The Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas has finally released a debut solo album -- Phrazes for the Young. It's chock full of catchy rhythms, tight and focused guitar, and Casablancas' recognizably distinct vocals (leading way to wonderfully memorable choruses, especially on the single "11th Dimension"), elevated to the level of somewhat synth-pop. It's wonderful, and a great solo effort in the sense that it doesn't sound just like The Strokes but with different band members. Start with tracks 1, 3, and 6.

Capgun Coup

Add Date: November 3

Artist: Capgun Coup

Album: Maudlin

Label: Team Love

Genre: Rock

Comments: Recorded live all together in one room, Capgun Coup's Maudlin is a catchy, jangly, old-school-vibey (think a little bit of surf rock) rock/pop--not exactly melodic, but very catchy. Start with tracks 3, 4 (DNP), and 6.

Etienne Jaumet

Add Date: November 3

Artist: Etienne Jaumet

Album: Night Music

Label: Versatile/Domino

Genre: Ambient/Electronica

Comments: Etienne Jaumet, one half of French group "Zombie Zombie," has created a psychadelic, ambient, analog/electronic trip of a record. Each song (there are only 5) was recorded in only one take, and the lengths range from the opening track "For Falling Asleep" at 20:26 minutes to the third track "Entropy" at 4:46. It's atmospheric, lush, and well worth a listen for experimental music fans.

Note: Produced by techno maestro Carl Craig!

Relient K

Add Date: November 3

Artist: Relient K

Album: Forget and not slow down

Label: RCA/Jive

Genre: Rock

Comments: Relient K is probably one of the most well known Christian-rock groups, and their latest release Forget and not slow down is a spiritual if not overtly religious pop-rock/pop-punk record, fitting pretty seamlessly into the genre. Catchy, melodic hooks and chorus plus your standard slightly-dramatic vocals makes for a consistent, upbeat record.

13 Hands

Add Date: November 3

Artist: 13 Hands

Album: You Are What You Leave Behind

Label: Self-released

Genre: Alternative/Ambient

Comments: The first three tracks on You are What You Leave Behind are acoustic adult-contemporary type songs, pretty standard for that genre, and the last two tracks (which the cd specifies not to drive to) are ambient/relaxation/meditation tools--which actually makes some sense, given that 13 Hands is a Grammy-nominated Yoga instructor/alternative health movement leader. The last two tracks are therefore not totally radio-appropriate, but the first three tracks are solid go-tos for adult contemporary fans.

Jookabox

Add Date: November 3

Artist: Jookabox

Album: Dead Zone Boys

Label: Asthmatic Kitty

Genre: Pop/Electronic

Comments: Much like Animal Collective, heavily sample-based pop with heavy influences of house music and Afropop. Sometimes suffers from doing too much in each song (especially with voices), but overall pretty strong effort.

Middle Distance Runner

Add Date: November 3

Artist: Middle Distance Runner

Album: The Sun & Earth

Label: Engine Room

Genre: Rock

Comments: Really catchy hooks from this Washington, D.C. based five-piece band. Straightforward pop-rock.

Joe Gideon & The Shark

Add Date: November 3

Artist: Joe Gideon & The Shark

Album: Harum Scarum

Label: Bronzerat

Genre: Rock

Comments: A London-based brother and sister duo, Joe Gideon & The Shark play a grungy, yet sometimes British-invasion sounding back-up to (mostly) spoken lyrics and storytelling.

Imagine Dragons

Add Date: November 3

Artist: Imagine Dragons

Album: Imagine Dragons [EP]

Label: Self-releeased

Genre: Rock/Pop

Comments: Energetic and upbeat pop/rock out of BYU's Vegas-based band. Some comparisons to the Killers, but that might just be the fact that they are based in Vegas playing tricks in my head.

Sunset

Add Date: November 3

Artist: Sunset

Album: Gold Dissolves to Gray

Label: Autobus

Genre: Psychedelic, Singer-Songwriter

Comments: I was introduced to Sunset by another WLUR dj, who was all "hey New Heaven Salesman (name withheld to protect the rocking) you will probably like this for some reason." And while he's been consistently wrong in what I've liked thereafter, last year's "The Glowing City" was probably my "didn't see that coming" pick for the best of 2008. There was nothing especially groundbreaking, but it somehow managed to remain engaging without dissolving into faux-intellectual antics.

Sunset (originally {{{SUNSET}}} until it somehow broke the retarded group name barrier and fell back to Earth) is probably most easily classified as psychedelic singer-songwriter stuff, like a more laid back Beck with indie-oriented lyrics. Gold Dissolves to Gray is also far more laid back than The Glowing City, though this opinion might just be a side effect of my listening to the previous albums I reviewed before this. However, it's a really good kind of laid back, alternating between alt-folk ("Civil War"), a Television-esque post-punk ("Bones"), and a sort of psychadelic Christian journey ("Rivers of Babylon"). Ultimately, it's not as awesome as The Glowing City, but I was pretty impressed with it, and definitely am going to put it in my shortlist for "thoughtful music."

Cloak/Dagger

Add Date: November 3

Artist: Cloak/Dagger

Album: Lost Art

Label: Jade Tree

Genre: Hardcore Punk

Comments: This marks the first album I've reviewed where I not only know of all the "Sounds Like" bands, but I'm also incredibly well-versed in what they're all about. So, let me get this out of the way: Cloak/Dagger does not sound like the Ramones, the Circle Jerks, and it sure as hell does not sound like Mission of Burma. However, if you'd told me that this was some hidden last album by Hot Snakes, I'd totally believe you. Both Hot Snakes and Cloak/Dagger went for the most promising evolution of punk in the modern world: still being loud and angry, but co-opting aspects of indie rock into the sonic attack. Hell, even their lead singers sound the same.

Still, there are differences. While Hot Snakes occasionally eased off their rockhorse, there is not a single mellow song with Lost Art, which does make me sort of agree with their comparison to Black Flag (though not noting whether they're comparing themselves to pre or post-Rollins Black Flag makes them get negative punk points), though I'd argue that they're probably closer to Minor Threat and the whole DC scene. Cloak/Dagger really does try to give a little more homage for their punk progentitors than most other good punk acts today, having only two songs greater than three minutes, and each one being a powerhouse destroy machine. It also rocks in a way more accessible than your average noise rock or screaming fat mosh guy (though you should probably listen to the Obits to see if you can handle that before jumping to this).

Look, do you like punk? Then listen to this and burn that horrible Saosin or Against Me! shit.

Arms and Sleepers

Add Date: November 3

Artist: Arms and Sleepers

Album: Matador

Label: Fake Chapter

Genre: Ambient?

Comments: From the band's myspace: "Matador is an album studded with varying themes and textures. The synergy between a haunting sonic mix and delicate, ethereal lyrics yield an ambitious, precise whole. Maintaining consistent intensity and energy, the music and artwork both reflect the moodiness behind the concept of the album, which can be summarized as a reaction to the surroundings and circumstances Max and Mirza found themselves in throughout the past two years. Matador also finds the duo expanding on their sound, reaching for a new and fresh direction. Vocals are more prominent throughout the album than with previous releases, and the band ventures into new soundscapes, incorporating an expansive array of instruments. The result is a cinematic and hypnagogic mix of rusts, antique grays and olive greens which evoke an eerie nostalgia - memories of places you’ve never been and things you’ve never seen."

The Middle East

Add Date: November 3

Artist: The Middle East

Album: The Recordings of The Middle East

Label: Self-released

Genre: Folk

Comments: A short 5-song EP recommended for fans of Fleet Foxes-style reverb-y atmospheric indie-folk.

Girls in Trouble

Add Date: November 3

Artist: Girls in Trouble

Album: Girls in Trouble

Label: JDub

Genre: Folk pop

Comments: Autumnal yet upbeat indie-folk that tells the stories of women from the bible. exhalted strings and earthy guitar parts are performed by Alicia Jo Rabinsa, who also provides vocals (an Andrew Bird-style one-man band).

Brilliant Colors

Add Date: November 3

Artist: Brilliant Colors

Album: Introducing

Label: Slumberland

Genre: Indiepop, girl punk

Comments: Talulah Gosh- (or more recently, Vivian Girls-) like sound that would have been at home on K or Sarah. I love 1 & 2 for their twee-punk roots. "A scrappy gem of a record," -promo material.

The King Khan & BBQ Show

Add Date: November 3

Artist: The King Khan & BBQ Show

Album: Invisisble Girl

Label: In The Red

Genre: Garage Rock

Comments: I'll be honest. While I do totally love garage rock, I cannot usually tell the difference between bands of this genre. Listening to some garage rock megamix generally creates the same effect of listening to a single album by a single band, and while there are certain advantages to this, it makes reviewing garage rock a pretty big hassle. I mean, how do you compare this sort of thing? By whether the songs feature just 2 or 3 chords? Is the keyboard noise softer than the never-ending rhythm guitar?

Thankfully, Invisible Girl manages to separate itself from the pack, for better or worse. Listening to the album, you get the impression that this band is about five million times better live than in recorded form. The promotion sheet basically admits as much, talking about showmanship and in that breathless stream-of-consciousness style that is starting to turn into a warning signal while reviewing albums. There's a sense that the album versions are just sort of baseline models, patterns that can be improvised in a myriad of ways while the band is simulating sex acts with his guitar. In other words, they're sort of holding back.

Still, just because they're not showing their TRU POWER doesn't mean this is simple garage rock. There's a surprisingly amount of experimentation in the album, and the band has some serious technical talent. However, not all of the experimentation works, and the sound is certainly at its best when it's snarling at the microphone. This ironically means that the latter half of the album, which is much more generic garage rock oriented, is also a little more fun to listen to. My favorite of the weirder tracks, "Do The Chop," is also in the latter half, so hooray for Canadians that don't follow the rules of making trash latter halves.

DNP: 7, Rec: 1, 2, 4, 9, 12

The Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra

Add Date: November 3

Artist: The Russ Speigel Jazz Orchestra

Album: Transplants

Label: Ruzztone

Genre: Jazz

Comments: From the promoter:

"The Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra is proud to announce the release of their new CD, Transplants. It comprises nine energetic and magnificently performed Big Band Jazz pieces, all arranged and produced by jazz guitarist virtuoso Russ Spiegel. In addition to six original compositions written by Russ, Transplants includes songs written by legendary composers Duke Elington, Ray Noble and Paul Weston. The Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra consists of some of New York's most talented musicians, and between the scintillating arrangements, stellar compostitions and amazing musicianship there is something for everyone."

Say Anything

Add Date: November 3

Artist: Say Anything

Album: Say Anything

Label: RCA

Genre: Pop, Punk-pop, Emo-pop

Comments: Influenced by bands like Jimmy Eat World, Sunny Day Real Estate, and Saves the Day, Say Anything makes confrontational, sarcastic, energetic punk-pop. Fiery with angst, Say Anything do have some clever lyrics-- like on "Do Better" where they compare life to an episode of Will & Grace. Check them out if you like The Get Up Kids.

Argyle Johansen

Add Date: November 3

Artist: Argyle Johansen

Album: Argyle Johansen

Label: Self-released

Genre: Rock, Folk, Pop

Comments: Promoter says it best: [Argyle Johansen's self-released album is a] seemingly effortless mixture of organic pop and folk music - with a few other delightful ingredients." This album is a great addition to the folk pop world. The songs reflect soft melodic sounds of Belle and Sebastian. The promoter suggests Johansen's sound is comparable to Paul Simon (with or without Garfunkel). It is definitely a folk sound, but soft, poppy and accessible enough to pry a smile out of anyone who listens. Layered, full and warm production with instruments that take one or two listens to notice they add a different dynamic. Soft voice from Mr. Johansen, but he hits the notes that make his melodies warm and progressive. Check out "The Smile on my Face" (1), "Spanish Girls in Amsterdam" (5), "Sunny Day in Hell" (8).

Cassavettes

Add Date: November 3

Artist: Cassavettes

Album: Shake Down the Sun

Label: Self-released

Genre: Rock (alt rock)

Comments: The fourth LP by the Cassavettes, Shake Down the Sun, certainly holds an upbeat and polished sound. The promoter likens the group to Neil Young and Ryan Adams, personally I don't see this. Instead I'd compare Shake Down the Sun to a 90's alt-rock group (Foo Fighters?), or at parts I hear other sorts, like The Walkmen, ringing through. I see the strong holds of the album being the high-energy yet melody-based songs like "Seek Cover" or "Golden Fleece". The promoter also says this is a rock/folk/blues album. I would scrap the last two labels. I don't hear much twang or any blues coming out. Overall, if you're looking for a song to pick up the rhythm of your set I'd start with tracks "Someday Darling"(6), "Seek Cover"(5), and/or "Golden Fleece" (3).

The Almost

Add Date: November 3

Artist: The Almost

Album: Monster Monster

Label: Virgin

Genre: Rock, Pop-punk, Emo/ Worship

Comments: Side project of Underoath drummer Aaron Gillespie, The Almost does pop-punk fused rock with mainstream appeal. It contains upbeat, catchy, energetic, sing-along choruses, and that certain emo quality that makes it immediately unappealing to me. Nonetheless, I'd say "Hands" may be the catchiest of the bunch, though there are others fans of Emo music may prefer.

Letting Up Despite Great Faults

Add Date: November 3

Artist: Letting Up Despite Great Faults

Album: Letting Up Despite Great Faults

Label: New Words

Genre: Pop, Indie

Comments: From the promoter:

"It's been three years since the release of Letting Up Despite Our Great Faults' first EP, "Movement," revealed an intimate collection of intricate and melancholic songs. Now they return with their debut self-titled LP, displaying how their sounds has matured with more of the familiar bittersweet melodies and intelligent electronics, but is not brilliantly layered with catchy guitars and dancier beats."

Remarkably similar to the Postal Service at times, Letting Up Despite Our Great Faults layer breathy, bittersweet vocals over steady tech-beats, creating something quite catchy in the process. The tone also made me think of Yo La Tengo circa And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out. Listen to the quieter "Our Younger Noise" or the punchier opener "In Step."

Planetary

Solid Gold

Add Date: Novmber 3

Artist: Solid Gold

Album: "Matter of Time" (Single)

Label: Green Label

Genre: Indie Pop, Rock

Comments: Billed as "the downtempo disco indie rockers life-off," this single is a winner. Ambient, spacey, and still decidedly poppy. Check it out if you like MGMT, Phoenix, or Fever Ray.

Pirate