Add Date: August 3
Artist: Bombay Bicycle Club
Album: I Had the Blues But I Shook Them Loose
Label: Arena Rock
Genre: Rock
Comments: Listening to I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose, the 2009 debut from the UK's Bombay Bicycle Club that's just now becoming available in the States, I can't help but recall another London band: The Capes. The two acts' musical styles don't sound exactly alike, but it's similar in the sense of being British pop rock that reaches well outside the typical confines of what's known as "Brit pop." For The Capes, it was an obsession with '60s pop, the Beach Boys in particular; for Bombay Bicycle Club, it's post-punk and a little math rock. (I only hope the two bands have disparate fates; The Capes disbanded soon after putting out their lone, excellent LP, Hello, in 2006.)
I Had the Blues But I Shook Them Loose is a terrific pop record that had NME bill Bombay Bicycle Club as the "Best Band of 2009." This should appeal to fans of Canadian indie rock--think The Lovely Feathers, Broken Social Scene, maybe even Arcade Fire--as well as outside-the-box British bands like Los Campesinos! and Arctic Monkeys. Check out "Lamplight," "Always Like This" and "Open House."
Friday, July 30, 2010
Seaport Music
Add Date: August 3
Artist: Various Artists
Album: Seaport Music Compilation
Label: Seaport
Genre: Compilations/soundtracks, rock
Comments: A compilation of artists performing in the summer concert series at Pier 17 in New York. Includes music from Avi Buffalo, Free Energy, Best Coast and Chad VanGaalen; also check out gems from lesser-known acts like Yellow Fever and Golden Triangle.
Artist: Various Artists
Album: Seaport Music Compilation
Label: Seaport
Genre: Compilations/soundtracks, rock
Comments: A compilation of artists performing in the summer concert series at Pier 17 in New York. Includes music from Avi Buffalo, Free Energy, Best Coast and Chad VanGaalen; also check out gems from lesser-known acts like Yellow Fever and Golden Triangle.
Best New Music - July 27
That's gold, Jerry! Gold!
Autolux
Colour Revolt
The Budos Band
Paul A. Rosales
Colleen and Paul
You must also hear: Tom Jones, Shapes and Sizes, Upstairs Downstairs
Autolux
Colour Revolt
The Budos Band
Paul A. Rosales
Colleen and Paul
You must also hear: Tom Jones, Shapes and Sizes, Upstairs Downstairs
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band
Add Date: July 27
Artist: Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band
Album: Where the Messengers Meet
Label: Dead Oceans
Genre: Rock
Comments: If the adjective used to describe the first Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band record was "unpredictable," their sophomore release Where the Messengers Meet sounds much more focused and, in fact, quite solid. Says the promoter: "They are imperceptibly inching away from an angular style influenced by Modest Mouse and Wolf Parade, instead incorporating an epic sound recalling both the modern masters such as Arcade Fire, and classic pioneers, like Pink Floyd. Lead track 'Leaving Trails' was rightly described in SPIN magazine as a cut that 'showcases Benjamin Verdoes' distorted yet atmospheric vocals and commanding yet subtle guitar work, which switches from ominous to uplifting... fleshed out by Jared Price (bass), the song's sound in simultaneously chaotic and soothing...'" The guitar is still present and in control, but details like a slight organ sound and strings give the album a depth that is surprisingly welcome. Try tracks 1 and 2.
Artist: Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band
Album: Where the Messengers Meet
Label: Dead Oceans
Genre: Rock
Comments: If the adjective used to describe the first Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band record was "unpredictable," their sophomore release Where the Messengers Meet sounds much more focused and, in fact, quite solid. Says the promoter: "They are imperceptibly inching away from an angular style influenced by Modest Mouse and Wolf Parade, instead incorporating an epic sound recalling both the modern masters such as Arcade Fire, and classic pioneers, like Pink Floyd. Lead track 'Leaving Trails' was rightly described in SPIN magazine as a cut that 'showcases Benjamin Verdoes' distorted yet atmospheric vocals and commanding yet subtle guitar work, which switches from ominous to uplifting... fleshed out by Jared Price (bass), the song's sound in simultaneously chaotic and soothing...'" The guitar is still present and in control, but details like a slight organ sound and strings give the album a depth that is surprisingly welcome. Try tracks 1 and 2.
Paul A. Rosales
Add Date: July 27
Artist: Paul A. Rosales
Album: Wonder Wheel I
Label: Care in the Community Recordings
Genre: Experimental rock, lo-fi
Comments: Paul A. Rosales' album Wonder Wheel I is a well-crafted record that makes other lo-fi recording sound anything but. Electronic-influenced pop goes through the complete lo-fi transformation, with a huge amount of echo and distortion completely overwhelming both the instrumentation and vocals. However, despite all the effects, the songs remain catchy and intriguing, with steady rhythms and progressions still audibly anchoring them to a pop sensibility. Try tracks 1 and 2.
Artist: Paul A. Rosales
Album: Wonder Wheel I
Label: Care in the Community Recordings
Genre: Experimental rock, lo-fi
Comments: Paul A. Rosales' album Wonder Wheel I is a well-crafted record that makes other lo-fi recording sound anything but. Electronic-influenced pop goes through the complete lo-fi transformation, with a huge amount of echo and distortion completely overwhelming both the instrumentation and vocals. However, despite all the effects, the songs remain catchy and intriguing, with steady rhythms and progressions still audibly anchoring them to a pop sensibility. Try tracks 1 and 2.
Rickolus
Add Date: July 27
Artist: Rickolus
Album: Youngster
Label: Circle Into Square/Fake Four
Genre: Rock, alt-pop
Comments: Multi-instrumentalist and soloist Rickolus' album Youngster is about precisely what the title would imply--the growing-up process. The slightly worn-sounding vocals, coupled with unique instruments like a Thai flute and toy piano, add to the melodic yet slightly nostalgic tone of the whole album. Occasional reverb also gives the record a creative edge that keeps it from feeling too simple or not serious enough. Try track 10.
Artist: Rickolus
Album: Youngster
Label: Circle Into Square/Fake Four
Genre: Rock, alt-pop
Comments: Multi-instrumentalist and soloist Rickolus' album Youngster is about precisely what the title would imply--the growing-up process. The slightly worn-sounding vocals, coupled with unique instruments like a Thai flute and toy piano, add to the melodic yet slightly nostalgic tone of the whole album. Occasional reverb also gives the record a creative edge that keeps it from feeling too simple or not serious enough. Try track 10.
Seneca Hawk
Add Date: July 27
Artist: Seneca Hawk
Album: Sun Year Long
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Forceful vocals compliment typical rock instrumentals on Seneca Hawk's Sun Year Long. The rough style is never out of hand, as it's kept in check by melodies and occasional backing vocal harmonies. The Los Angeles-based trio veers towards an alt-country sound in some respects, and generally the songs are precise and simple--try tracks 1 and 3.
Artist: Seneca Hawk
Album: Sun Year Long
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Forceful vocals compliment typical rock instrumentals on Seneca Hawk's Sun Year Long. The rough style is never out of hand, as it's kept in check by melodies and occasional backing vocal harmonies. The Los Angeles-based trio veers towards an alt-country sound in some respects, and generally the songs are precise and simple--try tracks 1 and 3.
Luisa Maita
Add Date: July 27
Artist: Luisa Maita
Album: Lero-Lero
Label: Cumbancha
Genre: International
Comments: Modern Brazilian songstress Luisa Maita's first solo album, Lero-Lero, is a rhythmic, sultry pop record, with influences ranging from downtempo electronic music, to acoustic sensibilities to traditional samba and bossa nova. It's superbly catchy, and Maita's voice, singing in her native Portuguese, blends impeccably with the relaxed yet catchy feel. Try the title track and the beat-driven "Fulaninha."
Artist: Luisa Maita
Album: Lero-Lero
Label: Cumbancha
Genre: International
Comments: Modern Brazilian songstress Luisa Maita's first solo album, Lero-Lero, is a rhythmic, sultry pop record, with influences ranging from downtempo electronic music, to acoustic sensibilities to traditional samba and bossa nova. It's superbly catchy, and Maita's voice, singing in her native Portuguese, blends impeccably with the relaxed yet catchy feel. Try the title track and the beat-driven "Fulaninha."
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Tom Jones
Add Date: July 27
Artist: Tom Jones
Album: Praise & Blame
Label: Lost Highway
Genre: Folk, gospel
Comments: Yes, that Tom Jones. Well, maybe not your mother's Tom Jones. The Welsh pop legend, now 70 years old, has signed with Lost Highway Records--home of the late Johnny Cash, the retired Ryan Adams, Lyle Lovett, Lucinda Williams, and many more country stars--and, despite what his label might have been expecting, he's delivered a Lost Highway record: a collection of classic and contemporary gospel and blues, much in the same style as some of Cash's final recordings. (The title traditional from the most recent posthumous release from Cash, Ain't No Grave, appears on Praise & Blame.)
There's a well publicized story about how one of the executives at Jones' UK label asked if this drastic change in style was "a sick joke." Who knows why a man who's made a living off of being a pop crooner would try to pull this switch off so late in his career; in his review of the record on NPR's "Fresh Air," Entertainment Weekly's Ken Tucker referred to Jones as "the Lady Gaga of Elvis impersonators."
But here's the thing: it works. No one can reasonably dispute that Jones can really, really sing. And the simple arrangements here, masterfully done by veteran producer Ethan Johns, bring Jones' vocals to the forefront as much as any of his other work, maybe even more so. Start with John Lee Hooker's "Burning Hell" and Susan Werner's "What Good Am I?"
Artist: Tom Jones
Album: Praise & Blame
Label: Lost Highway
Genre: Folk, gospel
Comments: Yes, that Tom Jones. Well, maybe not your mother's Tom Jones. The Welsh pop legend, now 70 years old, has signed with Lost Highway Records--home of the late Johnny Cash, the retired Ryan Adams, Lyle Lovett, Lucinda Williams, and many more country stars--and, despite what his label might have been expecting, he's delivered a Lost Highway record: a collection of classic and contemporary gospel and blues, much in the same style as some of Cash's final recordings. (The title traditional from the most recent posthumous release from Cash, Ain't No Grave, appears on Praise & Blame.)
There's a well publicized story about how one of the executives at Jones' UK label asked if this drastic change in style was "a sick joke." Who knows why a man who's made a living off of being a pop crooner would try to pull this switch off so late in his career; in his review of the record on NPR's "Fresh Air," Entertainment Weekly's Ken Tucker referred to Jones as "the Lady Gaga of Elvis impersonators."
But here's the thing: it works. No one can reasonably dispute that Jones can really, really sing. And the simple arrangements here, masterfully done by veteran producer Ethan Johns, bring Jones' vocals to the forefront as much as any of his other work, maybe even more so. Start with John Lee Hooker's "Burning Hell" and Susan Werner's "What Good Am I?"
Monday, July 26, 2010
Autolux
Add Date: July 27
Artist: Autolux
Album: Transit Transit
Label: TBD
Genre: Rock
Comments: Nearly six years after their impressive 2004 debut Future Perfect, the L.A. trio Autolux return with a solid followup, Transit Transit, on TBD Records (White Rabbits, Port O'Brien, Thom Yorke). Equally influenced, it would seem, by Sonic Youth and Radiohead, Autolux end up with a mix of shoegaze, post-punk and space pop that should appeal to fans of Blonde Redhead, Electrelane and older Asobi Seksu.
Autolux certainly have some big-time backers; as the promo sticker tells us, they appeared at the All Tomorrow's Parties event curated by The Flaming Lips, and recently opened for Yorke's Atoms for Peace. On Transit Transit, it's easy to see why no one's forgotten about the band, even with the long lapse between studio records. Try "Audience No. 2," "Supertoys" and the title track.
Artist: Autolux
Album: Transit Transit
Label: TBD
Genre: Rock
Comments: Nearly six years after their impressive 2004 debut Future Perfect, the L.A. trio Autolux return with a solid followup, Transit Transit, on TBD Records (White Rabbits, Port O'Brien, Thom Yorke). Equally influenced, it would seem, by Sonic Youth and Radiohead, Autolux end up with a mix of shoegaze, post-punk and space pop that should appeal to fans of Blonde Redhead, Electrelane and older Asobi Seksu.
Autolux certainly have some big-time backers; as the promo sticker tells us, they appeared at the All Tomorrow's Parties event curated by The Flaming Lips, and recently opened for Yorke's Atoms for Peace. On Transit Transit, it's easy to see why no one's forgotten about the band, even with the long lapse between studio records. Try "Audience No. 2," "Supertoys" and the title track.
Upstairs Downstairs
Add Date: July 27
Artist: Upstairs Downstairs
Album: Inland and Out
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: From the onesheet: "Upstairs Downstairs, born in San Francisco in the spring of 2008, combines thoughtful lyrics with folk-tinged melodies and a bit of feedback, falling somewhere on the spectrum between indie folk rock and shoegaze with a stop somewhere in the middle for pop... The band's sound and direction is influenced by a wide range of musicians: from Juno to the Carter Family, Jawbreaker to Woody Guthrie, Lync to Bright Eyes, The New Year to Hank Williams, Explosions in the Sky to Tiger Trap, Heavenly to Jeff Tweedy."
A very promising debut. Start with "January 12th," "Til Tuesday" and the title track.
Artist: Upstairs Downstairs
Album: Inland and Out
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: From the onesheet: "Upstairs Downstairs, born in San Francisco in the spring of 2008, combines thoughtful lyrics with folk-tinged melodies and a bit of feedback, falling somewhere on the spectrum between indie folk rock and shoegaze with a stop somewhere in the middle for pop... The band's sound and direction is influenced by a wide range of musicians: from Juno to the Carter Family, Jawbreaker to Woody Guthrie, Lync to Bright Eyes, The New Year to Hank Williams, Explosions in the Sky to Tiger Trap, Heavenly to Jeff Tweedy."
A very promising debut. Start with "January 12th," "Til Tuesday" and the title track.
Blackbells
Add Date: July 27
Artist: Blackbells
Album: Blackbells (EP)
Label: Newkirk
Genre: Rock
Comments: Brooklyn band Blackbells' eponymous 4-song EP brings to mind Black Rebel Motorcycle Club; they've also drawn comparisons to British rock stalwarts Oasis. Try "Young Again" or "High Healer."
Artist: Blackbells
Album: Blackbells (EP)
Label: Newkirk
Genre: Rock
Comments: Brooklyn band Blackbells' eponymous 4-song EP brings to mind Black Rebel Motorcycle Club; they've also drawn comparisons to British rock stalwarts Oasis. Try "Young Again" or "High Healer."
Shapes and Sizes
Add Date: July 27
Artist: Shapes and Sizes
Album: Candle to Your Eyes
Label: Asthmatic Kitty
Genre: Rock, experimental
Comments: Another fine collection of spacey rock tunes from the Montreal band Shapes and Sizes on Asthmatic Kitty (Fol Chen, My Brightest Diamond). For fans of Deerhoof and Canadian indie rock--think Wolf Parade and Frog Eyes in particular. Start with "Sing Them Songs" and "23 and Rizing."
Artist: Shapes and Sizes
Album: Candle to Your Eyes
Label: Asthmatic Kitty
Genre: Rock, experimental
Comments: Another fine collection of spacey rock tunes from the Montreal band Shapes and Sizes on Asthmatic Kitty (Fol Chen, My Brightest Diamond). For fans of Deerhoof and Canadian indie rock--think Wolf Parade and Frog Eyes in particular. Start with "Sing Them Songs" and "23 and Rizing."
Colleen and Paul
Add Date: July 27
Artist: Colleen and Paul
Album: Colleen and Paul
Label: Boompa
Genre: Folk
Comments: A very nice folk pop record from the Toronto duo Colleen and Paul. Reminiscent of She & Him or Jenny Lewis' solo music, the great songwriting on this self-titled release is eclipsed only by Colleen Hixenbaugh's magnificent vocals. (The late Johnny Cash described her as "a star among us with the voice of an angel.") Try "Mermaids and Surfer Girls," "Crepe Suzette" and "A Home in the Top Boughs."
Bonus points: Colleen and Paul will be on tour this fall with the legendary Ron Sexsmith, who, as it happens, is married to Colleen.
Artist: Colleen and Paul
Album: Colleen and Paul
Label: Boompa
Genre: Folk
Comments: A very nice folk pop record from the Toronto duo Colleen and Paul. Reminiscent of She & Him or Jenny Lewis' solo music, the great songwriting on this self-titled release is eclipsed only by Colleen Hixenbaugh's magnificent vocals. (The late Johnny Cash described her as "a star among us with the voice of an angel.") Try "Mermaids and Surfer Girls," "Crepe Suzette" and "A Home in the Top Boughs."
Bonus points: Colleen and Paul will be on tour this fall with the legendary Ron Sexsmith, who, as it happens, is married to Colleen.
Hifi Superstar
Add Date: July 27
Artist: Hifi Superstar
Album: Hifi Superstar
Label: NTD
Genre: Rock
Comments: Chicago band Hifi Superstar make power pop in the same style as OK Go or Rooney. Check out "Superstar."
Artist: Hifi Superstar
Album: Hifi Superstar
Label: NTD
Genre: Rock
Comments: Chicago band Hifi Superstar make power pop in the same style as OK Go or Rooney. Check out "Superstar."
Half Acre Day
Add Date: July 27
Artist: Half Acre Day
Album: "Only Man on Earth" (single)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: The latest in the year-long singles series from Half Acre Day--this is No. 6 of 12 planned releases--has the Seattle band venturing into warmer, sunnier territory; "Only Man on Earth" sounds like a Southern California pop song that would make Earlimart proud.
Artist: Half Acre Day
Album: "Only Man on Earth" (single)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: The latest in the year-long singles series from Half Acre Day--this is No. 6 of 12 planned releases--has the Seattle band venturing into warmer, sunnier territory; "Only Man on Earth" sounds like a Southern California pop song that would make Earlimart proud.
John Eichleay
Add Date: July 27
Artist: John Eichleay
Album: Pigeon Vision
Label: Copper Beach
Genre: Rock
Comments: AllMusic.com describes John Eichleay's musical background, drawing from a "litany of influences ranging from old blues to flamenco, Gypsy jazz, reggae, and rock, all of which he incorporates into a smooth, almost Beatlesesque pop sound..." Pigeon Vision, his second full-length, is a diverse rock record, but more than anything, classic blues guitar seems to permeate this collection of pop-rock tunes. Try "Emily" and "Holiday."
Artist: John Eichleay
Album: Pigeon Vision
Label: Copper Beach
Genre: Rock
Comments: AllMusic.com describes John Eichleay's musical background, drawing from a "litany of influences ranging from old blues to flamenco, Gypsy jazz, reggae, and rock, all of which he incorporates into a smooth, almost Beatlesesque pop sound..." Pigeon Vision, his second full-length, is a diverse rock record, but more than anything, classic blues guitar seems to permeate this collection of pop-rock tunes. Try "Emily" and "Holiday."
Mike and Ruthy
Add Date: July 27
Artist: Mike and Ruthy
Album: Million to One
Label: Humble Abode Music
Genre: Folk, folk rock
Comments: Here's what the promoter has to say about the new record from Mike and Ruthy, formerly of The Mammals: "Million to One is easily the couple's best album to date and threatens to break all the rules of the rock-folk-Americana genre. The album's main attraction--whether weaving through the folky, banjo-flavored 'As My Eyes Run Wild,' the bar-room blues stomper 'Covered' or the pedal steel-laced 'End of Time'--is the gorgeous, white-knuckle-tight harmony singing of Mike and Ruthy, who have clearly been spending the last 10 years honing their vocal blend."
Artist: Mike and Ruthy
Album: Million to One
Label: Humble Abode Music
Genre: Folk, folk rock
Comments: Here's what the promoter has to say about the new record from Mike and Ruthy, formerly of The Mammals: "Million to One is easily the couple's best album to date and threatens to break all the rules of the rock-folk-Americana genre. The album's main attraction--whether weaving through the folky, banjo-flavored 'As My Eyes Run Wild,' the bar-room blues stomper 'Covered' or the pedal steel-laced 'End of Time'--is the gorgeous, white-knuckle-tight harmony singing of Mike and Ruthy, who have clearly been spending the last 10 years honing their vocal blend."
The Budos Band
Add Date: July 27
Artist: The Budos Band
Album: The Budos Band III
Label: Daptone
Genre: Funk, jazz, psych rock
Comments: Billed as "Staten Island's sole afro-funk collective," The Budos Band make freaky psychedelic funk rock with a big-band setup. They've become known for their explosive live sets, but the studio recordings will have you tapping along just as well. For fans of Antibalas (who were at least partially responsible for The Budos Bands' formation), King Khan & the Shrines, and their Daptone labelmates Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings.
The Budos Band III is worth your time from start to finish, but in particular check out "Rite of the Ancients," "Budos Dirge" and "River Serpentine."
Artist: The Budos Band
Album: The Budos Band III
Label: Daptone
Genre: Funk, jazz, psych rock
Comments: Billed as "Staten Island's sole afro-funk collective," The Budos Band make freaky psychedelic funk rock with a big-band setup. They've become known for their explosive live sets, but the studio recordings will have you tapping along just as well. For fans of Antibalas (who were at least partially responsible for The Budos Bands' formation), King Khan & the Shrines, and their Daptone labelmates Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings.
The Budos Band III is worth your time from start to finish, but in particular check out "Rite of the Ancients," "Budos Dirge" and "River Serpentine."
Colour Revolt
Add Date: July 27
Artist: Colour Revolt
Album: The Cradle
Label: Dualtone
Genre: Rock, folk rock
Comments: Originally a 5-piece, the Mississippi band Colour Revolt has been scaled down to the duo of Sean Kirkpatrick and Jesse Coppenbarger. Their older material had critics comparing them to the Arcade Fire and The Walkmen, among others; however, as you might expect, the smaller lineup begets a stripped-down sound, often informed more by folk and blues than by indie rock. Throughout The Cradle, I'm reminded of Will Johnson, with both of his main projects: the country-leaning Centro-Matic and the quieter, pensive folk of South San Gabriel. That's not a bad transition for Colour Revolt, and while the album is a grower, the new musical style should ultimately serve them well.
Start with "Our Names" and "She Don't Talk."
Artist: Colour Revolt
Album: The Cradle
Label: Dualtone
Genre: Rock, folk rock
Comments: Originally a 5-piece, the Mississippi band Colour Revolt has been scaled down to the duo of Sean Kirkpatrick and Jesse Coppenbarger. Their older material had critics comparing them to the Arcade Fire and The Walkmen, among others; however, as you might expect, the smaller lineup begets a stripped-down sound, often informed more by folk and blues than by indie rock. Throughout The Cradle, I'm reminded of Will Johnson, with both of his main projects: the country-leaning Centro-Matic and the quieter, pensive folk of South San Gabriel. That's not a bad transition for Colour Revolt, and while the album is a grower, the new musical style should ultimately serve them well.
Start with "Our Names" and "She Don't Talk."
Friday, July 23, 2010
Best New Music - July 20
Top of the Pops:
Miniature Tigers
Menomena
Lost in the Trees
Jaill
Social Studies
And don't miss: The Books, El Guincho, Mountain Man, Mystery Jets, Paper Tiger, Wavves
Miniature Tigers
Menomena
Lost in the Trees
Jaill
Social Studies
And don't miss: The Books, El Guincho, Mountain Man, Mystery Jets, Paper Tiger, Wavves
Paper Tiger
Add Date: July 20
Artist: Paper Tiger
Album: Made Like Us
Label: Doomtree
Genre: Electronica, hip hop
Comments: Part of the Minneapolis, Minnesota hip-hop collective Doomtree (which also includes P.O.S and Dessa), Paper Tiger clearly has experience with the alternative, underground hip-hop scene and style. Made Like Us, his debut album, is mostly vocal-free and sample-heavy, and the result is a lush album that flows from track to track, getting moodier in some places and catchier in others--"The Bully Plank" has a gorgeous soundscape, "MakeMake 2" has clear funk influences (although the sound is taken in a darker direction), and the vocal flair brought by Dessa on "Palace" adds a weight and depth. Creative, engaging, and well worth a listen.
Artist: Paper Tiger
Album: Made Like Us
Label: Doomtree
Genre: Electronica, hip hop
Comments: Part of the Minneapolis, Minnesota hip-hop collective Doomtree (which also includes P.O.S and Dessa), Paper Tiger clearly has experience with the alternative, underground hip-hop scene and style. Made Like Us, his debut album, is mostly vocal-free and sample-heavy, and the result is a lush album that flows from track to track, getting moodier in some places and catchier in others--"The Bully Plank" has a gorgeous soundscape, "MakeMake 2" has clear funk influences (although the sound is taken in a darker direction), and the vocal flair brought by Dessa on "Palace" adds a weight and depth. Creative, engaging, and well worth a listen.
Elsinore
Add Date: July 20
Artist: Elsinore
Album: Yes Yes Yes
Label: Parasol
Genre: Rock
Comments: Energetic, melodic rock on Elsinore's latest, Yes Yes Yes. Referenced as "space rock," the record is textured and bold, with tracks ranging from large-scale and dramatic to soft and restrained. The intro guitar on "In the Sea & Air" has a Modest Mouse vibe, as does much of the instrumentation in general, but the references are offset by the falsetto, dramatically sweeping vocals. Try tracks 1, 4, and 5.
Artist: Elsinore
Album: Yes Yes Yes
Label: Parasol
Genre: Rock
Comments: Energetic, melodic rock on Elsinore's latest, Yes Yes Yes. Referenced as "space rock," the record is textured and bold, with tracks ranging from large-scale and dramatic to soft and restrained. The intro guitar on "In the Sea & Air" has a Modest Mouse vibe, as does much of the instrumentation in general, but the references are offset by the falsetto, dramatically sweeping vocals. Try tracks 1, 4, and 5.
Menomena
Add Date: July 20
Artist: Menomena
Album: Mines
Label: Barsuk
Genre: Experimental rock
Comments: Menomena's fourth full-length release, Mines, is an experimental rock record that blends slower, dense tracks with more upbeat, rhythmically complex ones, all while using unconventional instruments like bells and the organ. The result is a layered, intricate, quite literally looping record that has clearly been carefully crafted and edited, with influences of psychedelic and vintage hard rock weaving in an out. Try tracks 3, 6, and 8.
Artist: Menomena
Album: Mines
Label: Barsuk
Genre: Experimental rock
Comments: Menomena's fourth full-length release, Mines, is an experimental rock record that blends slower, dense tracks with more upbeat, rhythmically complex ones, all while using unconventional instruments like bells and the organ. The result is a layered, intricate, quite literally looping record that has clearly been carefully crafted and edited, with influences of psychedelic and vintage hard rock weaving in an out. Try tracks 3, 6, and 8.
Mountain Man
Add Date: July 20
Artist: Mountain Man
Album: Made the Harbor
Label: Partisan
Genre: Folk
Comments: Folk to the folk-iest degree possible. Mountain Man's Made the Harbor is full of beautiful vocal harmonies and minimal, minimal instrumentation--usually just one acoustic guitar, giving the album a slightly a cappella feel (on some tracks more than others). The focus is clearly on the vocal blending of the three group members (all females, despite the band's name) and the mood achieved through their arrangements. If the recent First Aid Kit record was enjoyable, Made the Harbor is sure to equally please. Try tracks 2, 3, 10 and 12--tracks 3 and 12 ("White Heron" and "Babylon") in particular, where the harmonies are simply stunning.
Artist: Mountain Man
Album: Made the Harbor
Label: Partisan
Genre: Folk
Comments: Folk to the folk-iest degree possible. Mountain Man's Made the Harbor is full of beautiful vocal harmonies and minimal, minimal instrumentation--usually just one acoustic guitar, giving the album a slightly a cappella feel (on some tracks more than others). The focus is clearly on the vocal blending of the three group members (all females, despite the band's name) and the mood achieved through their arrangements. If the recent First Aid Kit record was enjoyable, Made the Harbor is sure to equally please. Try tracks 2, 3, 10 and 12--tracks 3 and 12 ("White Heron" and "Babylon") in particular, where the harmonies are simply stunning.
Jaill
Add Date: July 20
Artist: Jaill
Album: That's How We Burn
Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Rock, psych pop
Comments: One of Sub Pop's newer signings, Milwaukee foursome Jaill has produced an album that is sure to send off the summer in style. That's How We Burn is a solid, upbeat indie-pop album, full of catchy hooks and riffs, but it also has a loose and slightly fuzzy quality that gives the record a creative depth. Although the group dubs themselves as psych pop, there's enough garage influences to keep it interesting and rough around the edges. For individual tracks, try "Demon," which has an almost impeccably catchy guitar line, and "Thank Us Later" with its great reverb.
Artist: Jaill
Album: That's How We Burn
Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Rock, psych pop
Comments: One of Sub Pop's newer signings, Milwaukee foursome Jaill has produced an album that is sure to send off the summer in style. That's How We Burn is a solid, upbeat indie-pop album, full of catchy hooks and riffs, but it also has a loose and slightly fuzzy quality that gives the record a creative depth. Although the group dubs themselves as psych pop, there's enough garage influences to keep it interesting and rough around the edges. For individual tracks, try "Demon," which has an almost impeccably catchy guitar line, and "Thank Us Later" with its great reverb.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Eli "Paperboy" Reed
Add Date: July 20
Artist: Eli "Paperboy" Reed
Album: Come and Get It!
Label: Capitol
Genre: Soul, funk, R&B
Comments: This album is full of high-energy songs for the soul lover, with the occosional "let's slow it down" tune thrown in to keep you on your toes. I am not a self-professed fan of this genre, but it doesn't mean Eli "Paperboy" Reed doesn't make my toe tap and my lips (attempt to) sing along.
From the promoter: "... the incredible journey... took the soul belter from a Boston high school band room to a Mississippi Delta juke joint, from Sunday morning gigs behind an organ at a tiny South Side Chicago church to headlining clubs in Brooklyn with his red-hot band, and now, signed to Capitol Records, a historic label with a rich R&B legacy."
Artist: Eli "Paperboy" Reed
Album: Come and Get It!
Label: Capitol
Genre: Soul, funk, R&B
Comments: This album is full of high-energy songs for the soul lover, with the occosional "let's slow it down" tune thrown in to keep you on your toes. I am not a self-professed fan of this genre, but it doesn't mean Eli "Paperboy" Reed doesn't make my toe tap and my lips (attempt to) sing along.
From the promoter: "... the incredible journey... took the soul belter from a Boston high school band room to a Mississippi Delta juke joint, from Sunday morning gigs behind an organ at a tiny South Side Chicago church to headlining clubs in Brooklyn with his red-hot band, and now, signed to Capitol Records, a historic label with a rich R&B legacy."
This album is accessible as it gets, with hooks coming in from every direction. "Come and Get It" will make you want to get out of your chair, ask a pretty girl to dance, and hit the floor and not stop until the record is over. Start with 3, 1, 8 and 12.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Third Man Records Compilation
Add Date: July 20
Artist: Various Artists
Album: Third Man Records: Compilation Vol. 1
Label: Third Man
Genre: Compilations/soundtracks, rock
Comments: There are 21 songs on this compilation of singles from Third Man Records, so there is plenty of variety here for all sorts of musical fans. The songs range from hard and fast garage music (track 3, "I Like My Mice (dead)" by Mildred) to soft, melodic piano tunes (track 4, "My House of Peace" by Rachelle Garniez... although that song does turn into more than a piano singer track). The label seems to be most excited about The Dead Weather, allotting them six songs spread throughout the mix. The opening song of the compilation is by The Dead Weather, an intense synth pop track called "Hang You From the Heavens."
If there is a commonality that stretches across all of these songs, it is unpredictability within each track. One sound might have you hooked and then within the blink of an eye, another extraordinarily different hook sweeps you off well into a different experience than you had expected at the outset of the track. This is a compilation full of upbeat, unpredictable, and at times unbeatable pop songs. Start with 1, 4, 11 and 18.
Artist: Various Artists
Album: Third Man Records: Compilation Vol. 1
Label: Third Man
Genre: Compilations/soundtracks, rock
Comments: There are 21 songs on this compilation of singles from Third Man Records, so there is plenty of variety here for all sorts of musical fans. The songs range from hard and fast garage music (track 3, "I Like My Mice (dead)" by Mildred) to soft, melodic piano tunes (track 4, "My House of Peace" by Rachelle Garniez... although that song does turn into more than a piano singer track). The label seems to be most excited about The Dead Weather, allotting them six songs spread throughout the mix. The opening song of the compilation is by The Dead Weather, an intense synth pop track called "Hang You From the Heavens."
If there is a commonality that stretches across all of these songs, it is unpredictability within each track. One sound might have you hooked and then within the blink of an eye, another extraordinarily different hook sweeps you off well into a different experience than you had expected at the outset of the track. This is a compilation full of upbeat, unpredictable, and at times unbeatable pop songs. Start with 1, 4, 11 and 18.
Lost in the Trees
Add Date: July 20
Artist: Lost in the Trees
Album: All Alone in an Empty House
Label: Trekky/ANTI-
Genre: Folk, folk rock
Comments: This is a great record. Lost in the Trees (LITT) has released an album that grabs you by the collar and doesn't let go. All Alone in an Empty House is musically complex, but as accessible as it gets, progressive and powerful, yet melodic and touching all at the same time. LITT hails from Chapel Hill, N.C., and during the first listen I instantly drew connections to their fellow hometown musicians who form the band The Never. Heavy on vocal melody hooks, incorporating strings to play every role possible--from forming the foundation of a song to supporting heavy guitar sections--this album is dynamic at its core and a pleasure to listen to. Given the amount of complex string parts, a classical musician would be at home listening to this record (check out tracks 3 and 10). Ari Picker, lead singer and songwriter for the group, walks the line between the genres of indie pop, classical, and folk as well as anybody and the blending is what makes this album great.
This is my favorite album of the summer. Start with 4 ("Song for the Painter"), 1 (the title track), 5 ("Fireplace"), 9 ("We Burn the Leaves"), and 6 ("Love on My Side").
Artist: Lost in the Trees
Album: All Alone in an Empty House
Label: Trekky/ANTI-
Genre: Folk, folk rock
Comments: This is a great record. Lost in the Trees (LITT) has released an album that grabs you by the collar and doesn't let go. All Alone in an Empty House is musically complex, but as accessible as it gets, progressive and powerful, yet melodic and touching all at the same time. LITT hails from Chapel Hill, N.C., and during the first listen I instantly drew connections to their fellow hometown musicians who form the band The Never. Heavy on vocal melody hooks, incorporating strings to play every role possible--from forming the foundation of a song to supporting heavy guitar sections--this album is dynamic at its core and a pleasure to listen to. Given the amount of complex string parts, a classical musician would be at home listening to this record (check out tracks 3 and 10). Ari Picker, lead singer and songwriter for the group, walks the line between the genres of indie pop, classical, and folk as well as anybody and the blending is what makes this album great.
This is my favorite album of the summer. Start with 4 ("Song for the Painter"), 1 (the title track), 5 ("Fireplace"), 9 ("We Burn the Leaves"), and 6 ("Love on My Side").
Wavves
Add Date: July 20
Artist: Wavves
Album: King of the Beach
Label: Fat Possum
Genre: Rock, garage pop
Comments: Here's what Fat Possum Records (Andrew Bird, Dinosaur Jr., The Walkmen) has to say about the third LP from San Diego's Wavves: "King of the Beach, the new Wavves album, is an adventurous and ambitious record. It cuts deeper into the bleeding-throat catharsis and '60s sunshine soul that Wavves is known for. It also unexpectedly flips out with elements of primitive electronics and psychedelic studio experimentation. Unlike Wavves' previously released material, recorded in haphazard bursts on [frontman Nathan] Williams' laptop, King of the Beach was toiled over for three months at Sweet Tea Recording, a world-renowned studio in Oxford, Mississippi."
This is indeed a more diverse pop record than 2009's Wavvves, but it doesn't abandon the lo-fi/surf/garage sound that Williams and co. have thus far embraced during their short but eventful career. Check out the title selection, "Post Acid" and "Linus Spacehead."
Artist: Wavves
Album: King of the Beach
Label: Fat Possum
Genre: Rock, garage pop
Comments: Here's what Fat Possum Records (Andrew Bird, Dinosaur Jr., The Walkmen) has to say about the third LP from San Diego's Wavves: "King of the Beach, the new Wavves album, is an adventurous and ambitious record. It cuts deeper into the bleeding-throat catharsis and '60s sunshine soul that Wavves is known for. It also unexpectedly flips out with elements of primitive electronics and psychedelic studio experimentation. Unlike Wavves' previously released material, recorded in haphazard bursts on [frontman Nathan] Williams' laptop, King of the Beach was toiled over for three months at Sweet Tea Recording, a world-renowned studio in Oxford, Mississippi."
This is indeed a more diverse pop record than 2009's Wavvves, but it doesn't abandon the lo-fi/surf/garage sound that Williams and co. have thus far embraced during their short but eventful career. Check out the title selection, "Post Acid" and "Linus Spacehead."
Miniature Tigers
Add Date: July 20
Artist: Miniature Tigers
Album: Fortress
Label: Modern Art
Genre: Rock, indie pop
Comments: It's no coincidence that Morning Benders frontman Chris Chu produced Fortress, the new LP from the Phoenix band Miniature Tigers. The two acts appear to be on the same career track: both released thoroughly enjoyable indie pop debuts in 2008, and both have followed up with sophomore records that are much richer and more intricate, without sacrificing a shred of the band's accessibility.
Recorded at the Dreamland studio, a converted 19th-century church in upstate New York where Beach House laid down Teen Dream, Fortress is indeed a leap forward from the first Miniature Tigers LP, Tell It to the Volcano--which, again, was by no means a subpar effort to begin with. Songs like the synth-laced "Gold Skull," featuring work from Neon Indian, the swirling pop of "Bullfighter Jacket," the '60s jangle of "Mansion of Misery" or the bombastic psych pop of "Lolita" display the band's diversity and maturity.
On my first review of Miniature Tigers on this blog, writing about their April 2008 Black Magic EP, I said that they "aspire to reach the level of The Shins or Spoon. Miniature Tigers don't quite get there... but their effort still makes for an enjoyable listen." With Fortress, they've arrived.
Artist: Miniature Tigers
Album: Fortress
Label: Modern Art
Genre: Rock, indie pop
Comments: It's no coincidence that Morning Benders frontman Chris Chu produced Fortress, the new LP from the Phoenix band Miniature Tigers. The two acts appear to be on the same career track: both released thoroughly enjoyable indie pop debuts in 2008, and both have followed up with sophomore records that are much richer and more intricate, without sacrificing a shred of the band's accessibility.
Recorded at the Dreamland studio, a converted 19th-century church in upstate New York where Beach House laid down Teen Dream, Fortress is indeed a leap forward from the first Miniature Tigers LP, Tell It to the Volcano--which, again, was by no means a subpar effort to begin with. Songs like the synth-laced "Gold Skull," featuring work from Neon Indian, the swirling pop of "Bullfighter Jacket," the '60s jangle of "Mansion of Misery" or the bombastic psych pop of "Lolita" display the band's diversity and maturity.
On my first review of Miniature Tigers on this blog, writing about their April 2008 Black Magic EP, I said that they "aspire to reach the level of The Shins or Spoon. Miniature Tigers don't quite get there... but their effort still makes for an enjoyable listen." With Fortress, they've arrived.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Grasscut
Add Date: July 20
Artist: Grasscut
Album: 1 Inch: 1/2 Mile
Label: Ninja Tune
Genre: Electronica
Comments: From the promoter: "Brighton's Grasscut began as the project of award-winning film and television composer Andrew Phillips, who was later joined by classically trained double bassist Marcus O'Dair. Their new album, 1 Inch: 1/2 Mile, combines the sounds of sophisticated classical jams with modern experimental electronica to make strange complex jams... Each song experiments with sampling, guitars, piano, megaphones, toy pianos, and so much more, resulting in a wide array of sounds and musical styles."
Recommended tracks on the album promo sticker.
Artist: Grasscut
Album: 1 Inch: 1/2 Mile
Label: Ninja Tune
Genre: Electronica
Comments: From the promoter: "Brighton's Grasscut began as the project of award-winning film and television composer Andrew Phillips, who was later joined by classically trained double bassist Marcus O'Dair. Their new album, 1 Inch: 1/2 Mile, combines the sounds of sophisticated classical jams with modern experimental electronica to make strange complex jams... Each song experiments with sampling, guitars, piano, megaphones, toy pianos, and so much more, resulting in a wide array of sounds and musical styles."
Recommended tracks on the album promo sticker.
Ryan Traster
Add Date: July 20
Artist: Ryan Traster
Album: The Tourists EP
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, folk
Comments: Enjoyable folk rock from the Brooklyn-via-Minneapolis troubadour Ryan Traster. The tunes bring in banjo and pedal steel, giving them a healthy dose of Americana, but at heart these are '70s-inspired pop songs. Start with "Staring at the Lights" and the title track.
Artist: Ryan Traster
Album: The Tourists EP
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, folk
Comments: Enjoyable folk rock from the Brooklyn-via-Minneapolis troubadour Ryan Traster. The tunes bring in banjo and pedal steel, giving them a healthy dose of Americana, but at heart these are '70s-inspired pop songs. Start with "Staring at the Lights" and the title track.
Brian Lee
Add Date: July 20
Artist: Brian Lee
Album: Moth
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk, folk rock
Comments: Folk-leaning rock from the Seattle singer/songwriter Brian Lee on his debut LP Moth. Try "Devil Hunting" or the Belle & Sebastian cover "Wrapped Up in Books."
Artist: Brian Lee
Album: Moth
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk, folk rock
Comments: Folk-leaning rock from the Seattle singer/songwriter Brian Lee on his debut LP Moth. Try "Devil Hunting" or the Belle & Sebastian cover "Wrapped Up in Books."
Open Mike Eagle
Add Date: July 20
Artist: Open Mike Eagle
Album: Unapologetic Art Rap
Label: Mush
Genre: Hip hop
Comments: From the promoter: "The album's title, Unapologetic Art Rap, explains the aggressive vibe throughout Open Mike Eagle's debut. Focusing on establishing himself as a star from the Project Blown freestyle collective, OME spits out an encyclopedia's worth of teachings, but not as angry as you might think. His crooner-esque vocals and highly elevated lyrics layered on top of textured beats and other instrumentals only complements his delivery."
Recommendations on the promo sticker.
Artist: Open Mike Eagle
Album: Unapologetic Art Rap
Label: Mush
Genre: Hip hop
Comments: From the promoter: "The album's title, Unapologetic Art Rap, explains the aggressive vibe throughout Open Mike Eagle's debut. Focusing on establishing himself as a star from the Project Blown freestyle collective, OME spits out an encyclopedia's worth of teachings, but not as angry as you might think. His crooner-esque vocals and highly elevated lyrics layered on top of textured beats and other instrumentals only complements his delivery."
Recommendations on the promo sticker.
Morcheeba
Add Date: July 20
Artist: Morcheeba
Album: Blood Like Lemonade
Label: PIAS
Genre: Electronica, trip hop
Comments: The groove-laden trip-hop veterans in Morcheeba return with their latest LP, the first to feature vocalist Skye Edwards since 2002's Charango. So says the onesheet: "Blood Like Lemonade is the album they've been searching for all these years, one which takes the essence of earlier classics like Who Can You Trust? and Big Calm, and transports it to exotic new places. At its heart are the band's trademark oozing downtempo trip-hop grooves, embellished with intriguing, idiosyncratic flourishes..."
Start with "Even Though" and "Recipe for Disaster."
Artist: Morcheeba
Album: Blood Like Lemonade
Label: PIAS
Genre: Electronica, trip hop
Comments: The groove-laden trip-hop veterans in Morcheeba return with their latest LP, the first to feature vocalist Skye Edwards since 2002's Charango. So says the onesheet: "Blood Like Lemonade is the album they've been searching for all these years, one which takes the essence of earlier classics like Who Can You Trust? and Big Calm, and transports it to exotic new places. At its heart are the band's trademark oozing downtempo trip-hop grooves, embellished with intriguing, idiosyncratic flourishes..."
Start with "Even Though" and "Recipe for Disaster."
Endless Boogie
Add Date: July 20
Artist: Endless Boogie
Album: Full House Head
Label: No Quarter
Genre: Rock, psychedelic rock
Comments: The promoter says: "The members of Endless Boogie have been making a killing on the New York rock scene ever since their first show in January 2001, when they opened for Stephen Malkmus at the Bowery Ballroom. The boys from Brooklyn bring a mixture of blues and psychedelic rock to the table in their second full-length album, Full House Head. With songs like 'Tarmac City' and 'Slow Creep' that are highlighted by heavy guitar riffs and gritty vocals, Endless Boogie proves that true rock 'n roll is hardly a thing of the past."
Artist: Endless Boogie
Album: Full House Head
Label: No Quarter
Genre: Rock, psychedelic rock
Comments: The promoter says: "The members of Endless Boogie have been making a killing on the New York rock scene ever since their first show in January 2001, when they opened for Stephen Malkmus at the Bowery Ballroom. The boys from Brooklyn bring a mixture of blues and psychedelic rock to the table in their second full-length album, Full House Head. With songs like 'Tarmac City' and 'Slow Creep' that are highlighted by heavy guitar riffs and gritty vocals, Endless Boogie proves that true rock 'n roll is hardly a thing of the past."
The Books
Add Date: July 20
Artist: The Books
Album: The Way Out
Label: Temporary Residence Limited
Genre: Defies classification
Comments: I had the great fortune to see The Books perform live at the Big Ears festival back in the spring, and that afternoon in a Knoxville theater gave me a much, much greater appreciation of what this Northeastern duo does. The music you hear is just part of the experience--the videos ('80s public TV specials, archival footage, old home movies, and more) that Nick Zammuto and Paul de Jong collect and spin off into quirky pop gems really add another dimension.
That having been said, their hybrid of folk pop and electronica stands apart on its own, and the songs are interesting enough even if you don't have the context that the videos provide. Still, to get a full appreciation of The Books, go see them at the Jefferson Theater in Charlottesville this October. The Way Out is for fans of everyone from Sufjan Stevens to Talking Heads to Four Tet. Start with "The Story of Hip Hop," "Beautiful People" and "Free Translator."
Artist: The Books
Album: The Way Out
Label: Temporary Residence Limited
Genre: Defies classification
Comments: I had the great fortune to see The Books perform live at the Big Ears festival back in the spring, and that afternoon in a Knoxville theater gave me a much, much greater appreciation of what this Northeastern duo does. The music you hear is just part of the experience--the videos ('80s public TV specials, archival footage, old home movies, and more) that Nick Zammuto and Paul de Jong collect and spin off into quirky pop gems really add another dimension.
That having been said, their hybrid of folk pop and electronica stands apart on its own, and the songs are interesting enough even if you don't have the context that the videos provide. Still, to get a full appreciation of The Books, go see them at the Jefferson Theater in Charlottesville this October. The Way Out is for fans of everyone from Sufjan Stevens to Talking Heads to Four Tet. Start with "The Story of Hip Hop," "Beautiful People" and "Free Translator."
Honor By August
Add Date: July 20
Artist: Honor By August
Album: On Our Own (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Already a fixture in the D.C. music scene, Honor By August merge U2-style arena rock with '90s American alternative to create an anthemic sound that stays grounded with solid songwriting. Check out "I Stand" or "Don't Give Up on Us."
Artist: Honor By August
Album: On Our Own (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Already a fixture in the D.C. music scene, Honor By August merge U2-style arena rock with '90s American alternative to create an anthemic sound that stays grounded with solid songwriting. Check out "I Stand" or "Don't Give Up on Us."
Sleeperstar
Add Date: July 20
Artist: Sleeperstar
Album: Just Another Ghost
Label: Duckpin
Genre: Rock
Comments: The Dallas band Sleeperstar make big-sounding rock that's designed to appeal to fans of Coldplay, Keane and Snow Patrol. Recommendations on the promo sticker.
Artist: Sleeperstar
Album: Just Another Ghost
Label: Duckpin
Genre: Rock
Comments: The Dallas band Sleeperstar make big-sounding rock that's designed to appeal to fans of Coldplay, Keane and Snow Patrol. Recommendations on the promo sticker.
Mahjongg
Add Date: July 20
Artist: Mahjongg
Album: The Long Shadow of the Paper Tiger
Label: K
Genre: Electronica
Comments: Experimental synth pop from this Chicago band that sounds like a darker version of !!!, combining electronica, Afrobeat and funk into something that's admittedly weird, yet still very danceable. Check out "LA Beat" and "Grooverider Free."
Artist: Mahjongg
Album: The Long Shadow of the Paper Tiger
Label: K
Genre: Electronica
Comments: Experimental synth pop from this Chicago band that sounds like a darker version of !!!, combining electronica, Afrobeat and funk into something that's admittedly weird, yet still very danceable. Check out "LA Beat" and "Grooverider Free."
Social Studies
Add Date: July 20
Artist: Social Studies
Album: Wind Up Wooden Heart
Label: Antenna Farm
Genre: Rock, indie pop
Comments: From the promoter: "Social Studies crafts intricate songs that combine angular indie rock and classic twee-pop. What distinguishes the San Francisco-based group is their eclectic, complex songwriting: unusual structures and mathy beats are tempered by soft edges and danceable Casio hooks. Moody, defiant and hopeful, the lyrics celebrate duality through themes of discontent, violence, innocence, renewal, nostalgia, regret and joy."
Very enjoyable and thoughtful pop music. Start with "We Choose Our Own Adventures" and "Time Bandit."
Artist: Social Studies
Album: Wind Up Wooden Heart
Label: Antenna Farm
Genre: Rock, indie pop
Comments: From the promoter: "Social Studies crafts intricate songs that combine angular indie rock and classic twee-pop. What distinguishes the San Francisco-based group is their eclectic, complex songwriting: unusual structures and mathy beats are tempered by soft edges and danceable Casio hooks. Moody, defiant and hopeful, the lyrics celebrate duality through themes of discontent, violence, innocence, renewal, nostalgia, regret and joy."
Very enjoyable and thoughtful pop music. Start with "We Choose Our Own Adventures" and "Time Bandit."
Mates of State
Add Date: July 20
Artist: Mates of State
Album: Crushes: The Covers Mixtape
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, indie pop, covers
Comments: A friend recently remarked that it's simply impossible to feel bad while listening to Mates of State. That's certainly true; just try to hold on to any negative thoughts while their charming indie pop is on the stereo. Now, in addition to their wonderful originals, we have a 10-song collection of covers, ranging from the perfectly appropriate (Death Cab for Cutie, Belle & Sebastian) to the utterly bizarre (The Mars Volta) and featuring everything in between (Tom Waits, Girls, Vashti Bunyan). My favorites were the early Death Cab tune "Technicolor Girls," their tropical-sounding version of Fleetwood Mac's "Second Hand News," and Waits' "Long Way Home."
Artist: Mates of State
Album: Crushes: The Covers Mixtape
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, indie pop, covers
Comments: A friend recently remarked that it's simply impossible to feel bad while listening to Mates of State. That's certainly true; just try to hold on to any negative thoughts while their charming indie pop is on the stereo. Now, in addition to their wonderful originals, we have a 10-song collection of covers, ranging from the perfectly appropriate (Death Cab for Cutie, Belle & Sebastian) to the utterly bizarre (The Mars Volta) and featuring everything in between (Tom Waits, Girls, Vashti Bunyan). My favorites were the early Death Cab tune "Technicolor Girls," their tropical-sounding version of Fleetwood Mac's "Second Hand News," and Waits' "Long Way Home."
Friday, July 16, 2010
El Guincho
Add Date: July 20
Artist: El Guincho
Album: Piratas de Sudamerica (EP)
Label: Young Turks
Genre: International, electronica
Comments: From the promoter: "Barcelona's 'exultant one-man carnival of sound,' El Guincho, returns with the Piratas de Sudamerica EP, the first in a 5-volume series of EPs highlighting reinterpretations of South American standards. Featuring collaborations with Mexican pop star Julieta Venegas on 'Mientes' and Spanish rocker Adrian de Alfonso on 'Marimba,' the first volume in the Piratas de Sudamerica series is an intriguing glimpse at a different side of El Guincho than we saw on his 2008 breakthrough Alegranza, and a tantalizing teaser for his upcoming album Pop Negro, which arrives this fall."
In addition to the tunes mentioned above, "Hindou" is definitely worth a listen.
Artist: El Guincho
Album: Piratas de Sudamerica (EP)
Label: Young Turks
Genre: International, electronica
Comments: From the promoter: "Barcelona's 'exultant one-man carnival of sound,' El Guincho, returns with the Piratas de Sudamerica EP, the first in a 5-volume series of EPs highlighting reinterpretations of South American standards. Featuring collaborations with Mexican pop star Julieta Venegas on 'Mientes' and Spanish rocker Adrian de Alfonso on 'Marimba,' the first volume in the Piratas de Sudamerica series is an intriguing glimpse at a different side of El Guincho than we saw on his 2008 breakthrough Alegranza, and a tantalizing teaser for his upcoming album Pop Negro, which arrives this fall."
In addition to the tunes mentioned above, "Hindou" is definitely worth a listen.
Mystery Jets
Add Date: July 20
Artist: Mystery Jets
Album: Serotonin
Label: Rough Trade
Genre: Rock, psych pop
Comments: Mystery Jets aren't your typical Brit pop band. That will become quite obvious--in all the right ways--as you listen to Serotonin, but here's a bit of background: the band was originally formed by Henry Harrison with his son Blaine and William Rees when the kids were all of eight years old. Blaine is the frontman, and he and Rees have grown up with Mystery Jets; Henry still works with them in the studio, but doesn't tour with the youngsters. Their influences start with British rock touchstones like Syd Barrett and Genesis, but expand to include the likes of King Crimson and Yes.
The result is a wildly enjoyable psychedelia-laced rock record, though Mystery Jets are still fully capable of writing great pop songs: see lead single "Dreaming of Another World," "The Girl Is Gone" and "Lady Grey." Yet album closer "Lorna Doone" and "Too Late to Talk" show the band's depth and keep Serotonin interesting throughout. For fans of The Libertines and The Morning Benders.
Artist: Mystery Jets
Album: Serotonin
Label: Rough Trade
Genre: Rock, psych pop
Comments: Mystery Jets aren't your typical Brit pop band. That will become quite obvious--in all the right ways--as you listen to Serotonin, but here's a bit of background: the band was originally formed by Henry Harrison with his son Blaine and William Rees when the kids were all of eight years old. Blaine is the frontman, and he and Rees have grown up with Mystery Jets; Henry still works with them in the studio, but doesn't tour with the youngsters. Their influences start with British rock touchstones like Syd Barrett and Genesis, but expand to include the likes of King Crimson and Yes.
The result is a wildly enjoyable psychedelia-laced rock record, though Mystery Jets are still fully capable of writing great pop songs: see lead single "Dreaming of Another World," "The Girl Is Gone" and "Lady Grey." Yet album closer "Lorna Doone" and "Too Late to Talk" show the band's depth and keep Serotonin interesting throughout. For fans of The Libertines and The Morning Benders.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Best New Music - July 13
Best of the week:
School of Seven Bells
Young Galaxy
Snake! Snake! Snakes!
Carissa's Wierd
Kylie
And miss these only at your peril: M.I.A., The Orbans, an R.E.M. reissue, Rogue Valley, Steel Train, These United States, plus singles from Black Mountain and Jenny & Johnny
School of Seven Bells
Young Galaxy
Snake! Snake! Snakes!
Carissa's Wierd
Kylie
And miss these only at your peril: M.I.A., The Orbans, an R.E.M. reissue, Rogue Valley, Steel Train, These United States, plus singles from Black Mountain and Jenny & Johnny
Carissa's Wierd
Add Date: July 13
Artist: Carissa's Wierd
Album: They'll Only Miss You When You Leave: Songs 1996-2003
Label: Hardly Art
Genre: Indie rock, folk pop
Comments: I've heard many references to the now-defunct Seattle-via-Tucson indie rock band Carissa's Wierd, but until now I'd never had a chance to listen to their music. The title of this retrospective from Sub Pop sister label Hardly Art is spot on: though never breaking through during their time together, Mat Brooke, Jenn Ghetto and their bandmates made some of the best indie tunes of the late '90s and early '00s. Unfortunately, it's only in the light of their future successful projects--Brooke is the main force behind the Sub Pop folk-rock act Grand Archives; he also spent time in Band of Horses with another Carissa's Wierd mate, Ben Bridwell; and drummer Sera Cahoone has launched a successful solo career--that they get brought up.
AllMusic.com says that Carissa's Wierd "helped pave the way for a number of acoustic bands partially inspired by British and American folk-rock of the '60s and '70s, from Joanna Newsom to the Decemberists." I'll add that there are also plenty of similarities to Bright Eyes or early Death Cab for Cutie. We may all have missed out on Carissa's Wierd, but here's a second chance to discover one of the best-kept secrets in underground rock. Plenty of great stuff here, but my favorites were "Die," "All Apologies and Smiles, Yours Truely, Ugly Valentine" and "Low Budget Slow Motion Soundtrack Song for the Leaving Scene."
Artist: Carissa's Wierd
Album: They'll Only Miss You When You Leave: Songs 1996-2003
Label: Hardly Art
Genre: Indie rock, folk pop
Comments: I've heard many references to the now-defunct Seattle-via-Tucson indie rock band Carissa's Wierd, but until now I'd never had a chance to listen to their music. The title of this retrospective from Sub Pop sister label Hardly Art is spot on: though never breaking through during their time together, Mat Brooke, Jenn Ghetto and their bandmates made some of the best indie tunes of the late '90s and early '00s. Unfortunately, it's only in the light of their future successful projects--Brooke is the main force behind the Sub Pop folk-rock act Grand Archives; he also spent time in Band of Horses with another Carissa's Wierd mate, Ben Bridwell; and drummer Sera Cahoone has launched a successful solo career--that they get brought up.
AllMusic.com says that Carissa's Wierd "helped pave the way for a number of acoustic bands partially inspired by British and American folk-rock of the '60s and '70s, from Joanna Newsom to the Decemberists." I'll add that there are also plenty of similarities to Bright Eyes or early Death Cab for Cutie. We may all have missed out on Carissa's Wierd, but here's a second chance to discover one of the best-kept secrets in underground rock. Plenty of great stuff here, but my favorites were "Die," "All Apologies and Smiles, Yours Truely, Ugly Valentine" and "Low Budget Slow Motion Soundtrack Song for the Leaving Scene."
The Orbans
Add Date: July 13
Artist: The Orbans
Album: When We Were Wild
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, folk
Comments: The promoter recommends that you listen to this album if you like Wilco, Delta Spirit, or Ryan Adams. When We Were Wild has the energy and rock n' roll rhythms often sported by Wilco and the catchy melodies and interesting riffs that ring akin to Ryan Adams. (I don't know too much about Delta Spirit, so I won't draw comparisons there.) I like this album for a number of reasons. First, the musicianship, production, and all-around songwriting are all in sync and equally as tight and well-done. Second, The Orbans have a sound that, like many bands, walks the line between folk and rock--however, The Orbans walk this line well, unlike many groups, by not trying too hard in either direction and staying consistent and true to their sound throughout the album. Third, these songs are flat-out catchy. I, like many folks, am a sucker for a catchy song, and here we have 12 of them.
Start with 1, 4, 2, 10.
Artist: The Orbans
Album: When We Were Wild
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, folk
Comments: The promoter recommends that you listen to this album if you like Wilco, Delta Spirit, or Ryan Adams. When We Were Wild has the energy and rock n' roll rhythms often sported by Wilco and the catchy melodies and interesting riffs that ring akin to Ryan Adams. (I don't know too much about Delta Spirit, so I won't draw comparisons there.) I like this album for a number of reasons. First, the musicianship, production, and all-around songwriting are all in sync and equally as tight and well-done. Second, The Orbans have a sound that, like many bands, walks the line between folk and rock--however, The Orbans walk this line well, unlike many groups, by not trying too hard in either direction and staying consistent and true to their sound throughout the album. Third, these songs are flat-out catchy. I, like many folks, am a sucker for a catchy song, and here we have 12 of them.
Start with 1, 4, 2, 10.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Steel Train
Add Date: July 13
Artist: Steel Train
Album: Steel Train
Label: Terrible Thrills
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: This is a great pop album that anyone could be caught tapping their foot to. From the promoter: "Known for their unhinged live shows and on the heels of a spring tour with Tegan & Sara and an appearance at Coachella, New Jersey indie rockers Steel Train present their new self-titled album." This is some of the most accessible, catchy, and upbeat music I've heard all summer. These New Jersey kids will occasionally sound of a rift or melody that rings similar to those of the Garden State's best, The Boss.
If you enjoy catchy and accessible music, play this album on your show! Start with 1, 3, 5.
Artist: Steel Train
Album: Steel Train
Label: Terrible Thrills
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: This is a great pop album that anyone could be caught tapping their foot to. From the promoter: "Known for their unhinged live shows and on the heels of a spring tour with Tegan & Sara and an appearance at Coachella, New Jersey indie rockers Steel Train present their new self-titled album." This is some of the most accessible, catchy, and upbeat music I've heard all summer. These New Jersey kids will occasionally sound of a rift or melody that rings similar to those of the Garden State's best, The Boss.
If you enjoy catchy and accessible music, play this album on your show! Start with 1, 3, 5.
Tucker Jameson & the Hot Mugs
Add Date: July 13
Artist: Tucker Jameson & the Hot Mugs
Album: Does It Make You Feel Good?
Label: 3PMusic Productions
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Tucker Jameson & the Hot Mugs is a pop rock band with catchy melodies and powerful rhythms and synths. From the promoter: "Catchy and upbeat, Tucker Jameson & the Hot Mugs channel late '70s power-pop with blue-eyed soul."
SNL's drummer, Shawn Pelton, played percussion on the album, which gives the lineup a nice flare. As for the other guys in the band, most either went or go to Berklee College of Music in Boston. The songs show off these musicians' talents and songwriting abilities. Start with 2, 4, 7.
Artist: Tucker Jameson & the Hot Mugs
Album: Does It Make You Feel Good?
Label: 3PMusic Productions
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Tucker Jameson & the Hot Mugs is a pop rock band with catchy melodies and powerful rhythms and synths. From the promoter: "Catchy and upbeat, Tucker Jameson & the Hot Mugs channel late '70s power-pop with blue-eyed soul."
SNL's drummer, Shawn Pelton, played percussion on the album, which gives the lineup a nice flare. As for the other guys in the band, most either went or go to Berklee College of Music in Boston. The songs show off these musicians' talents and songwriting abilities. Start with 2, 4, 7.
M.I.A.
Add Date: July 13
Artist: M.I.A.
Album: /\/\ /\ Y /\ (Maya)
Label: N.E.E.T./XL/Interscope
Genre: Hip hop, electropop
Comments: Since her rise to fame with the 2005 issue Arular, Maya Arulpragasam has established herself as a pop artist, but many of her songs approach controversial topics in a manner with which most of her fans probably don't sympathize. The obvious example is her biggest hit, "Paper Planes," from the 2007 smash Kala, which was essentially a defense of the terrorist tactics of the now-defeated Tamil Tigers rebel group in Sri Lanka. (Maya is of Tamil descent.) To me, this inherent contradiction in her music--pop versus politics--was what has made her rise to fame so intriguing.
But after Arular and Kala, there's very little political slant to /\/\ /\ Y /\. That may be a good thing for her long-term popularity, but it seems to drain the lyrical content of the record of any value. There's certainly plenty of interesting stuff here; the presence of producers like Diplo, Switch and Rusko, as well as guests such as Sleigh Bells' Derek Miller (whose band is currently signed to M.I.A.'s N.E.E.T. label), who rams his guitar through "Meds and Feds," keeps things moving right along. But in the end, there are too many mindless pop songs like "XXXO" and "It Takes a Muscle" for /\/\ /\ Y /\ to live up to M.I.A.'s reputation.
Artist: M.I.A.
Album: /\/\ /\ Y /\ (Maya)
Label: N.E.E.T./XL/Interscope
Genre: Hip hop, electropop
Comments: Since her rise to fame with the 2005 issue Arular, Maya Arulpragasam has established herself as a pop artist, but many of her songs approach controversial topics in a manner with which most of her fans probably don't sympathize. The obvious example is her biggest hit, "Paper Planes," from the 2007 smash Kala, which was essentially a defense of the terrorist tactics of the now-defeated Tamil Tigers rebel group in Sri Lanka. (Maya is of Tamil descent.) To me, this inherent contradiction in her music--pop versus politics--was what has made her rise to fame so intriguing.
But after Arular and Kala, there's very little political slant to /\/\ /\ Y /\. That may be a good thing for her long-term popularity, but it seems to drain the lyrical content of the record of any value. There's certainly plenty of interesting stuff here; the presence of producers like Diplo, Switch and Rusko, as well as guests such as Sleigh Bells' Derek Miller (whose band is currently signed to M.I.A.'s N.E.E.T. label), who rams his guitar through "Meds and Feds," keeps things moving right along. But in the end, there are too many mindless pop songs like "XXXO" and "It Takes a Muscle" for /\/\ /\ Y /\ to live up to M.I.A.'s reputation.
Jimmy Gnecco
Add Date: July 13
Artist: Jimmy Gnecco
Album: The Heart
Label: Bright Antenna/ILG
Genre: Folk, rock
Comments: Here's what the promoter has to say on the solo debut from Ours frontman Jimmy Gnecco: "The Heart is graceful, personal, and at times hymnal. Songs such as 'Mystery' and 'Take a Chance' channel Gnecco's undeniable talent as a singer, songwriter, and musician. Gnecco performs every instrument heard on the album--guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums among others--but it's his exceptional and soulful voice that takes center stage. His perfectly controlled falsetto on 'Rest Your Soul' establishes a potent sense of intimacy that he sustains for the record's duration."
Artist: Jimmy Gnecco
Album: The Heart
Label: Bright Antenna/ILG
Genre: Folk, rock
Comments: Here's what the promoter has to say on the solo debut from Ours frontman Jimmy Gnecco: "The Heart is graceful, personal, and at times hymnal. Songs such as 'Mystery' and 'Take a Chance' channel Gnecco's undeniable talent as a singer, songwriter, and musician. Gnecco performs every instrument heard on the album--guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums among others--but it's his exceptional and soulful voice that takes center stage. His perfectly controlled falsetto on 'Rest Your Soul' establishes a potent sense of intimacy that he sustains for the record's duration."
Chris Shiflett
Add Date: July 13
Artist: Chris Shiflett & the Dead Peasants
Album: Chris Shiflett & the Dead Peasants
Label: RCA
Genre: Folk, folk rock
Comments: The promoter says: "The Foo Fighters' Chris Shiflett is a busy man; not only is he a frequent stage staple alongside fellow Foo-mate Dave Grohl, he also performs regularly with Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, and holds the role of lead man of Jackson United. And as of recently, he can add yet another great band to his already impressive resume. Chris Shiflett & the Dead Peasants channel the best aspects of indie folk-rock acts like the Old 97's and Paul Westerberg."
Check out "Burning Lights" and "Get Along."
Artist: Chris Shiflett & the Dead Peasants
Album: Chris Shiflett & the Dead Peasants
Label: RCA
Genre: Folk, folk rock
Comments: The promoter says: "The Foo Fighters' Chris Shiflett is a busy man; not only is he a frequent stage staple alongside fellow Foo-mate Dave Grohl, he also performs regularly with Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, and holds the role of lead man of Jackson United. And as of recently, he can add yet another great band to his already impressive resume. Chris Shiflett & the Dead Peasants channel the best aspects of indie folk-rock acts like the Old 97's and Paul Westerberg."
Check out "Burning Lights" and "Get Along."
Shinobi Ninja
Add Date: July 13
Artist: Shinobi Ninja
Album: The Video Game EP
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, hip hop, reggae
Comments: From the promoter: "Mashing hip hop, punk, reggae, rock and metal into an original urban sound, Shinobi Ninja forms a 'Voltron-esque' rock group... Shinobi Ninja are experts at crafting party anthems for the touchscreen generation, old school hip-hoppers, discerning hipsters and anyone with a pulse. RIYL: N.E.R.D., Bad Brains, MC Chris."
Artist: Shinobi Ninja
Album: The Video Game EP
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, hip hop, reggae
Comments: From the promoter: "Mashing hip hop, punk, reggae, rock and metal into an original urban sound, Shinobi Ninja forms a 'Voltron-esque' rock group... Shinobi Ninja are experts at crafting party anthems for the touchscreen generation, old school hip-hoppers, discerning hipsters and anyone with a pulse. RIYL: N.E.R.D., Bad Brains, MC Chris."
School of Seven Bells
Add Date: July 13
Artist: School of Seven Bells
Album: Disconnect From Desire
Label: Ghostly International/Vagrant
Genre: Rock, dream pop, shoegaze, electronica
Comments: School of Seven Bells, the trio of twin sisters Alejandra and Claudia Deheza and former Secret Machines guitarist Benjamin Curtis, take several leaps forward on their second LP, Disconnect From Desire. The band's 2008 debut Alpinisms definitely had its moments of electronic-leaning dream pop, but here they add in elements of shoegaze (think Cocteau Twins or Ride), fleshing out a sound that brings to mind Asobi Seksu, Broadcast and M83 while sounding distinctively their own.
Start with "Windstorm," "Babelonia" and "Bye Bye Bye."
Artist: School of Seven Bells
Album: Disconnect From Desire
Label: Ghostly International/Vagrant
Genre: Rock, dream pop, shoegaze, electronica
Comments: School of Seven Bells, the trio of twin sisters Alejandra and Claudia Deheza and former Secret Machines guitarist Benjamin Curtis, take several leaps forward on their second LP, Disconnect From Desire. The band's 2008 debut Alpinisms definitely had its moments of electronic-leaning dream pop, but here they add in elements of shoegaze (think Cocteau Twins or Ride), fleshing out a sound that brings to mind Asobi Seksu, Broadcast and M83 while sounding distinctively their own.
Start with "Windstorm," "Babelonia" and "Bye Bye Bye."
These United States
Add Date: July 13
Artist: These United States
Album: What Lasts
Label: United Interests
Genre: Alt-country, folk pop
Comments: These United States, from D.C. via Lexington, Ky., are many, many things, perhaps none more so than prolific--What Lasts is their fourth LP in a 28-month span, going back to their March 2008 debut A Picture of the Three of Us at the Gate to the Garden of Eden. For a folk rock band, their music is nonetheless diverse, having been described as "bluesy folk rock," "rock... [with] light electronic fare and folksy melodies," "folk poppers" and "psych folk." And those are just snippets from this blog...
After the rock-leaning Everything Touches Everything from last fall, What Lasts finds the band veering back into Americana mode, splitting time between upbeat alt-country and slower, slightly psychedelic folk. (The promoter assesses the two contrasting styles by likening the LP to M. Ward and Devendra Banhart.) Check out "Nobody Can Tell," "Water & Wheat" and "Life&Death She&I," which features vocals from Dawn Landes.
Artist: These United States
Album: What Lasts
Label: United Interests
Genre: Alt-country, folk pop
Comments: These United States, from D.C. via Lexington, Ky., are many, many things, perhaps none more so than prolific--What Lasts is their fourth LP in a 28-month span, going back to their March 2008 debut A Picture of the Three of Us at the Gate to the Garden of Eden. For a folk rock band, their music is nonetheless diverse, having been described as "bluesy folk rock," "rock... [with] light electronic fare and folksy melodies," "folk poppers" and "psych folk." And those are just snippets from this blog...
After the rock-leaning Everything Touches Everything from last fall, What Lasts finds the band veering back into Americana mode, splitting time between upbeat alt-country and slower, slightly psychedelic folk. (The promoter assesses the two contrasting styles by likening the LP to M. Ward and Devendra Banhart.) Check out "Nobody Can Tell," "Water & Wheat" and "Life&Death She&I," which features vocals from Dawn Landes.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Andrew Bean & the Lady Apollo
Add Date: July 13
Artist: Andrew Bean & the Lady Apollo
Album: The Wreckage of My Youth
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: From the onesheet: "Hailing from Indianapolis, Andrew Bean & the Lady Apollo create rock 'n roll music that stands at the crossroads... [between] the muscular swing of blues and R&B and the stark honesty of mid-20th century country while still maintaining the efficiency of hook-driven songs."
Artist: Andrew Bean & the Lady Apollo
Album: The Wreckage of My Youth
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: From the onesheet: "Hailing from Indianapolis, Andrew Bean & the Lady Apollo create rock 'n roll music that stands at the crossroads... [between] the muscular swing of blues and R&B and the stark honesty of mid-20th century country while still maintaining the efficiency of hook-driven songs."
Rogue Valley
Add Date: July 13
Artist: Rogue Valley
Album: Crater Lake
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk, folk rock
Comments: After putting out a string of solid folk records under his own name, Chris Koza has formed a proper band, dubbed Rogue Valley. (Both the band and the album Crater Lake are named after geographical formations in Koza's native Oregon.) Inspired by everyone from Crosby, Stills & Nash to Grizzly Bear to classic British folk, Koza and company deliver a very impressive album. Start with the Veckatimest-influenced psychedelia of "Red River of the North," the folk pop of "I-5 Love Affair" and the alt-country-leaning "Ursa Minor."
Artist: Rogue Valley
Album: Crater Lake
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk, folk rock
Comments: After putting out a string of solid folk records under his own name, Chris Koza has formed a proper band, dubbed Rogue Valley. (Both the band and the album Crater Lake are named after geographical formations in Koza's native Oregon.) Inspired by everyone from Crosby, Stills & Nash to Grizzly Bear to classic British folk, Koza and company deliver a very impressive album. Start with the Veckatimest-influenced psychedelia of "Red River of the North," the folk pop of "I-5 Love Affair" and the alt-country-leaning "Ursa Minor."
R.E.M.
Add Date: July 13
Artist: R.E.M.
Album: Fables of the Reconstruction (reissue)
Label: I.R.S./Capitol
Genre: Rock
Comments: From the onesheet for the 25th-anniversary reissue of R.E.M.'s third LP: "After the release of two landmark albums, R.E.M. decided to switch things up for the recording of their third album... Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Bill Berry left their home and comfort zone in the South to record with renowned folk rock producer Joe Boyd (Fairport Convention, Nick Drake) in London, England.
"This trip marked the first steps in what would become a sea change for the band, and, of course, produced yet another groundbreaking album in R.E.M.'s now-inimitable 30-year career. The jangly guitar sound and unintelligible lyrics for which the band had become known start to be replaced and modified here. Acoustic instruments and string arrangements complement lyrics touching on their extensive travels and rural Southern lore. Indeed, R.E.M.'s first major trip away from the South may well have sparked their most direct sonic exploration of it to date, as the darker tone on this album is now understood to have come from homesickness and unrest amongst the members of the band, [which] was exacerbated by a terrible London winter."
Highlights of this newly-remastered LP include "Driver 8," "Green Grow the Rushes" and "Feeling Gravity's Pull." This reissue also features a bonus disc with 14 demo tracks: all 11 album cuts, as well as "Hyena" and "Throw Those Trolls Away," which would end up on their next LP, Lifes Rich Pageant (the latter as "I Believe"), and the B-side "Bandwagon."
Artist: R.E.M.
Album: Fables of the Reconstruction (reissue)
Label: I.R.S./Capitol
Genre: Rock
Comments: From the onesheet for the 25th-anniversary reissue of R.E.M.'s third LP: "After the release of two landmark albums, R.E.M. decided to switch things up for the recording of their third album... Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Bill Berry left their home and comfort zone in the South to record with renowned folk rock producer Joe Boyd (Fairport Convention, Nick Drake) in London, England.
"This trip marked the first steps in what would become a sea change for the band, and, of course, produced yet another groundbreaking album in R.E.M.'s now-inimitable 30-year career. The jangly guitar sound and unintelligible lyrics for which the band had become known start to be replaced and modified here. Acoustic instruments and string arrangements complement lyrics touching on their extensive travels and rural Southern lore. Indeed, R.E.M.'s first major trip away from the South may well have sparked their most direct sonic exploration of it to date, as the darker tone on this album is now understood to have come from homesickness and unrest amongst the members of the band, [which] was exacerbated by a terrible London winter."
Highlights of this newly-remastered LP include "Driver 8," "Green Grow the Rushes" and "Feeling Gravity's Pull." This reissue also features a bonus disc with 14 demo tracks: all 11 album cuts, as well as "Hyena" and "Throw Those Trolls Away," which would end up on their next LP, Lifes Rich Pageant (the latter as "I Believe"), and the B-side "Bandwagon."
Ali Baba's Tahini
Add Date: July 13
Artist: Ali Baba's Tahini
Album: Living Room
Label: Sci Fidelity
Genre: Jam bands, rock
Comments: Since the driving forces behind this band, Jake Cinninger and Karl Engelmann, began pursuing other projects around the turn of the century, Ali Baba's Tahini has more or less been on hiatus, with just one LP, 2005's Rockstars and Lawnmowers, released in the last decade. But Living Room is anything but an afterthought, as the band has made a record of eclectic rock, incorporating elements of folk, jazz and jam bands. This will easily appeal to fans of Cinninger's other band, Umphrey's McGee. Start with "Bikes" and the radio edit of "Unity."
Artist: Ali Baba's Tahini
Album: Living Room
Label: Sci Fidelity
Genre: Jam bands, rock
Comments: Since the driving forces behind this band, Jake Cinninger and Karl Engelmann, began pursuing other projects around the turn of the century, Ali Baba's Tahini has more or less been on hiatus, with just one LP, 2005's Rockstars and Lawnmowers, released in the last decade. But Living Room is anything but an afterthought, as the band has made a record of eclectic rock, incorporating elements of folk, jazz and jam bands. This will easily appeal to fans of Cinninger's other band, Umphrey's McGee. Start with "Bikes" and the radio edit of "Unity."
Vanish Valley
Add Date: July 13
Artist: Vanish Valley
Album: Vanish Valley
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk, alt-country
Comments: This self-titled, self-released effort from Vanish Valley, a.k.a. the L.A.-based singer/songwriter Andrew McAllister, is a fine collection of folk-rock numbers that will appeal to fans of Deer Tick, Damien Jurado and M. Ward. Check out "Home Fires" and "Become the Night."
Artist: Vanish Valley
Album: Vanish Valley
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk, alt-country
Comments: This self-titled, self-released effort from Vanish Valley, a.k.a. the L.A.-based singer/songwriter Andrew McAllister, is a fine collection of folk-rock numbers that will appeal to fans of Deer Tick, Damien Jurado and M. Ward. Check out "Home Fires" and "Become the Night."
Fading Collection
Add Date: July 13
Artist: Fading Collection
Album: Attakk (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Electronica, rock, trip hop
Comments: The promoter says: "After a 5-year silence, Seattle trip-hop band Fading Collection returns with an energetic and sparkling EP entitled Attakk... The songs are infectious and accessible while maintaining a certain level of chaotic energy and melodic weight... Attakk is a must-have for fans of Goldfrapp, DJ Shadow and Air."
Start with "Broken Teeth" or "Five Forests."
Artist: Fading Collection
Album: Attakk (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Electronica, rock, trip hop
Comments: The promoter says: "After a 5-year silence, Seattle trip-hop band Fading Collection returns with an energetic and sparkling EP entitled Attakk... The songs are infectious and accessible while maintaining a certain level of chaotic energy and melodic weight... Attakk is a must-have for fans of Goldfrapp, DJ Shadow and Air."
Start with "Broken Teeth" or "Five Forests."
Bare Wires
Add Date: July 13
Artist: Bare Wires
Album: Seeking Love
Label: Castle Face
Genre: Rock, garage pop
Comments: From the promoter: "Oakland, CA-based Bare Wires is a group of straight-up glam rockers who aren't afraid to experiment with the classic sounds of '70s rock bands as well as the lo-fi buzz of today. Their sophomore album, Seeking Love, doesn't stray far from their retro facade, with songs like 'If Its Over' showing off the band's allegiance to a well-placed guitar riff, and 'Young Love,' which gives off an upbeat garage vibe. A mix of lo-fi fuzz and feel-good power pop, Seeking Love throws Bare Wires into the mix with the likes of Harlem, Happy Birthday and Male Bonding."
Artist: Bare Wires
Album: Seeking Love
Label: Castle Face
Genre: Rock, garage pop
Comments: From the promoter: "Oakland, CA-based Bare Wires is a group of straight-up glam rockers who aren't afraid to experiment with the classic sounds of '70s rock bands as well as the lo-fi buzz of today. Their sophomore album, Seeking Love, doesn't stray far from their retro facade, with songs like 'If Its Over' showing off the band's allegiance to a well-placed guitar riff, and 'Young Love,' which gives off an upbeat garage vibe. A mix of lo-fi fuzz and feel-good power pop, Seeking Love throws Bare Wires into the mix with the likes of Harlem, Happy Birthday and Male Bonding."
Kylie
Add Date: July 13
Artist: Kylie
Album: Aphrodite
Label: Astralwerks
Genre: Pop, dance
Comments: NPR has this timely parallel to lead off its review of Aphrodite: "The World Cup matches... have given us a useful analogy to explain Kylie Minogue around the office. The Australian pop superstar is like soccer: worshiped everywhere in the world except the U.S." It's true: despite a monster career all over the globe, featuring chart-topping success in the UK, Germany, her native land and elsewhere, Kylie has rarely made a big splash in the States. (The exception was her 2001 LP Fever, which featured the worldwide smash "Can't Get You Out of My Head" and hit No. 3 on the Billboard 200.)
As with my recent review of Robyn's excellent Body Talk Pt. 1, I'm left scratching my head as to why Kylie doesn't get more spins in this country. Aphrodite is her latest collection of glorious dance pop. It's readily accessible and (one would think) easily marketable, but her music isn't foreign to the indie rock scene; Calvin Harris is a guest on this LP, while Jose Gonzalez and The Flaming Lips have covered a couple of her past hits.
If you're seeking pure pop music, this is one of best albums 2010 will offer. Start with "All the Lovers," "Get Outta My Way" and "Too Much."
Artist: Kylie
Album: Aphrodite
Label: Astralwerks
Genre: Pop, dance
Comments: NPR has this timely parallel to lead off its review of Aphrodite: "The World Cup matches... have given us a useful analogy to explain Kylie Minogue around the office. The Australian pop superstar is like soccer: worshiped everywhere in the world except the U.S." It's true: despite a monster career all over the globe, featuring chart-topping success in the UK, Germany, her native land and elsewhere, Kylie has rarely made a big splash in the States. (The exception was her 2001 LP Fever, which featured the worldwide smash "Can't Get You Out of My Head" and hit No. 3 on the Billboard 200.)
As with my recent review of Robyn's excellent Body Talk Pt. 1, I'm left scratching my head as to why Kylie doesn't get more spins in this country. Aphrodite is her latest collection of glorious dance pop. It's readily accessible and (one would think) easily marketable, but her music isn't foreign to the indie rock scene; Calvin Harris is a guest on this LP, while Jose Gonzalez and The Flaming Lips have covered a couple of her past hits.
If you're seeking pure pop music, this is one of best albums 2010 will offer. Start with "All the Lovers," "Get Outta My Way" and "Too Much."
Psychosomatic
Add Date: July 13
Artist: Psychosomatic
Album: Another Disease
Label: Thrashcore
Genre: Rock, thrash metal
Comments: Thrash rock from this northern California band, which claims Tankard, Exodus, D.R.I. and The Accused among its influences. Says the metal magazine Raginpit: "... classic thrash: loud, fast and tight... Psychosomatic comes at you with alternating lead vocals, distinctive bass lines in conjunction with aggressive guitar riffs and pulsating drums."
Recommendations on the WLUR sticker.
Artist: Psychosomatic
Album: Another Disease
Label: Thrashcore
Genre: Rock, thrash metal
Comments: Thrash rock from this northern California band, which claims Tankard, Exodus, D.R.I. and The Accused among its influences. Says the metal magazine Raginpit: "... classic thrash: loud, fast and tight... Psychosomatic comes at you with alternating lead vocals, distinctive bass lines in conjunction with aggressive guitar riffs and pulsating drums."
Recommendations on the WLUR sticker.
N.E.R.D.
Add Date: July 13
Artist: N.E.R.D.
Album: Hot-N-Fun: The Remixes (EP)
Label: Star Trak/Interscope
Genre: Hip hop, pop, electronica
Comments: Seven remixes of N.E.R.D.'s Nelly Furtado-featuring "Hot-N-Fun" single, including work by Yeasayer, Hot Chip and Boys Noize.
Artist: N.E.R.D.
Album: Hot-N-Fun: The Remixes (EP)
Label: Star Trak/Interscope
Genre: Hip hop, pop, electronica
Comments: Seven remixes of N.E.R.D.'s Nelly Furtado-featuring "Hot-N-Fun" single, including work by Yeasayer, Hot Chip and Boys Noize.
Frank Viele & the Manhattan Project
Add Date: July 13
Artist: Frank Viele & the Manhattan Project
Album: Neon Lights
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Jammy pop-rock highlighted by saxophone and trumpet from this New York band. Recommended tracks on the promo sticker.
Artist: Frank Viele & the Manhattan Project
Album: Neon Lights
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Jammy pop-rock highlighted by saxophone and trumpet from this New York band. Recommended tracks on the promo sticker.
The Streets on Fire
Add Date: July 13
Artist: The Streets on Fire
Album: This Is Fancy
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Chicago's The Streets on Fire mash up post-punk, psychedelia, blues rock, garage and dance rock into their own sound on this full-length debut. Recommendations on the album promo sticker.
Artist: The Streets on Fire
Album: This Is Fancy
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Chicago's The Streets on Fire mash up post-punk, psychedelia, blues rock, garage and dance rock into their own sound on this full-length debut. Recommendations on the album promo sticker.
Eastern Conference Champions
Add Date: July 13
Artist: Eastern Conference Champions
Album: Santa Fe (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: The Pennsylvania band Eastern Conference Champions has already been through the wringer, dropping their debut Ameritown on a major label (Suretone, part of Universal) back in 2007. The band is coming back with a self-released sophomore full-length, SPEAK-AHH, that's due out in the fall, but in advance of that here's the Santa Fe EP. Originally known as an alt-rock band, this 5-song set finds the band incorporating some classic rock and even a bit of country-rock into their sound, which could be a very promising turn. Check out "Bloody Bells" and "Sideways Walking."
Artist: Eastern Conference Champions
Album: Santa Fe (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: The Pennsylvania band Eastern Conference Champions has already been through the wringer, dropping their debut Ameritown on a major label (Suretone, part of Universal) back in 2007. The band is coming back with a self-released sophomore full-length, SPEAK-AHH, that's due out in the fall, but in advance of that here's the Santa Fe EP. Originally known as an alt-rock band, this 5-song set finds the band incorporating some classic rock and even a bit of country-rock into their sound, which could be a very promising turn. Check out "Bloody Bells" and "Sideways Walking."
Snake! Snake! Snakes!
Add Date: July 13
Artist: Snake! Snake! Snakes!
Album: Snake! Snake! Snakes! (EP)
Label: Common Wall/Modern Art
Genre: Rock
Comments: A Phoenix quartet with a name that will undoubtedly be butchered many times over, Snake! Snake! Snakes! are the latest band to pop up owing a debt of gratitude to the Arcade Fire. But while their rich, full-sounding, emotional indie rock has been done before, it isn't often played this well. Once you hear tracks like "City Fire," "Porcelain" and "We Come Out at Night," they aren't going to leave your rotation anytime soon. Very impressive.
Artist: Snake! Snake! Snakes!
Album: Snake! Snake! Snakes! (EP)
Label: Common Wall/Modern Art
Genre: Rock
Comments: A Phoenix quartet with a name that will undoubtedly be butchered many times over, Snake! Snake! Snakes! are the latest band to pop up owing a debt of gratitude to the Arcade Fire. But while their rich, full-sounding, emotional indie rock has been done before, it isn't often played this well. Once you hear tracks like "City Fire," "Porcelain" and "We Come Out at Night," they aren't going to leave your rotation anytime soon. Very impressive.
Young Galaxy
Add Date: July 13
Artist: Young Galaxy
Album: Invisible Republic
Label: Paper Bag
Genre: Rock
Comments: Young Galaxy, the Montreal band spearheaded by Catherine McCandless and former Stars guitarist Stephen Ramsey, make dreamy, moody pop that draws from shoegaze, atmospheric rock, indie pop, and occasionally even classic R&B. I enjoyed several tracks from their eponymous 2007 debut, but this seems like an all-around stronger effort, with the band's musical direction and focus coming together. Their native land agrees; Invisible Republic was recently nominated for Canada's prestigious Polaris Prize.
Check out "Oh Sister," "Light Years" and "Dreams."
Artist: Young Galaxy
Album: Invisible Republic
Label: Paper Bag
Genre: Rock
Comments: Young Galaxy, the Montreal band spearheaded by Catherine McCandless and former Stars guitarist Stephen Ramsey, make dreamy, moody pop that draws from shoegaze, atmospheric rock, indie pop, and occasionally even classic R&B. I enjoyed several tracks from their eponymous 2007 debut, but this seems like an all-around stronger effort, with the band's musical direction and focus coming together. Their native land agrees; Invisible Republic was recently nominated for Canada's prestigious Polaris Prize.
Check out "Oh Sister," "Light Years" and "Dreams."
Friday, July 9, 2010
Best New Music - July 6
Die Oranje or La Furia Roja?
The Love Language
The Drums
Baths
Lille
Over the Hill
Also check out: Calibro 35, Dan Sartain
The Love Language
The Drums
Baths
Lille
Over the Hill
Also check out: Calibro 35, Dan Sartain
Thursday, July 8, 2010
The Love Language
Add Date: July 6
Artist: The Love Language
Album: Libraries
Label: Merge
Genre: Rock, indie pop
Comments: The Love Language is the project of North Carolina musician Stuart McLamb, whose chamber pop-meets-lo-fi-meets Phil Spector wall of noise amalgamation makes for one of 2010's most compelling pop releases. Libraries is a collection of what Merge Records calls "emotional fight songs"--evidently, people write music about love and relationships these days--so McLamb has a lot invested in these tunes.
It's invitingly difficult to pigeonhole The Love Language, as McLamb seems influenced by Guided By Voices, The Rosebuds and orchestral pop all at once. When it's hard to pin down a sound, that's usually a good thing, and Libraries doesn't buck that trend. Check out "Heart to Tell," "Brittany's Back" and "Wilmont."
Artist: The Love Language
Album: Libraries
Label: Merge
Genre: Rock, indie pop
Comments: The Love Language is the project of North Carolina musician Stuart McLamb, whose chamber pop-meets-lo-fi-meets Phil Spector wall of noise amalgamation makes for one of 2010's most compelling pop releases. Libraries is a collection of what Merge Records calls "emotional fight songs"--evidently, people write music about love and relationships these days--so McLamb has a lot invested in these tunes.
It's invitingly difficult to pigeonhole The Love Language, as McLamb seems influenced by Guided By Voices, The Rosebuds and orchestral pop all at once. When it's hard to pin down a sound, that's usually a good thing, and Libraries doesn't buck that trend. Check out "Heart to Tell," "Brittany's Back" and "Wilmont."
This Is Flying Blanket
Add Date: July 6
Artist: Various Artists
Album: This Is Flying Blanket, Volume II
Label: Common Wall
Genre: Compilations/soundtracks, rock, folk
Comments: This collection of 20 Arizona artists who have worked at Bob Hoag's Flying Blanket Recording studio in Mesa features rock and folk songs from What Laura Says, Gospel Claws, Dear & the Headlights and many, many more. My favorites included singer/songwriter Austin Gibbs, the indie rock of Sister Cities, the bluesy rock of The Smith Family Band and the quiet folk of Courtney Marie Andrews.
Artist: Various Artists
Album: This Is Flying Blanket, Volume II
Label: Common Wall
Genre: Compilations/soundtracks, rock, folk
Comments: This collection of 20 Arizona artists who have worked at Bob Hoag's Flying Blanket Recording studio in Mesa features rock and folk songs from What Laura Says, Gospel Claws, Dear & the Headlights and many, many more. My favorites included singer/songwriter Austin Gibbs, the indie rock of Sister Cities, the bluesy rock of The Smith Family Band and the quiet folk of Courtney Marie Andrews.
Dante LaSalle
Add Date: July 6
Artist: Dante LaSalle
Album: Back in Blue
Label: Havoc Productions
Genre: Hip hop
Comments: From the promoter: "With his newest release, Back in Blue, Dante LaSalle is effectively blurring the lines between album and mixtape formats. Back in Blue is a loose narrative about the current state of Detroit and Michigan in the midst of the country's worst unemployment situation in years... Dante has shared the stage with everyone from Method Man to Aphex Twin, KRS 1 to Fishbone, Ghostface to Atmosphere, D12 to Sage Francis and everyone in between."
Recommendations on the album promo sticker.
Artist: Dante LaSalle
Album: Back in Blue
Label: Havoc Productions
Genre: Hip hop
Comments: From the promoter: "With his newest release, Back in Blue, Dante LaSalle is effectively blurring the lines between album and mixtape formats. Back in Blue is a loose narrative about the current state of Detroit and Michigan in the midst of the country's worst unemployment situation in years... Dante has shared the stage with everyone from Method Man to Aphex Twin, KRS 1 to Fishbone, Ghostface to Atmosphere, D12 to Sage Francis and everyone in between."
Recommendations on the album promo sticker.
Over the Hill
Add Date: July 6
Artist: Over the Hill
Album: The Album Is Dead
Label: Monofonus Press
Genre: Rock, psychedelic rock
Comments: This is a very, very impressive psych rock record from the Austin band Over the Hill. The band clearly owes a debt to Sonic Youth--then again, what current psych band doesn't?--but there's a wide enough range of influences here to keep The Album Is Dead interesting throughout. At times they jam like Kim and Thurston, and at others they're veering into psych pop that isn't too far away from The Flaming Lips or Super Furry Animals. Also for fans of Past Lives, The Black Angels and Viva Voce.
Evidently, there's a video accompaniment for all 11 tracks, which you can find more about on the web site of their label, Monofonus Press. While I'm sure that's an interesting addition, the songs really stand apart on their own. I really enjoyed this LP from start to finish, but the highlights include "Evil Twin," "March" and "A Million Times."
Artist: Over the Hill
Album: The Album Is Dead
Label: Monofonus Press
Genre: Rock, psychedelic rock
Comments: This is a very, very impressive psych rock record from the Austin band Over the Hill. The band clearly owes a debt to Sonic Youth--then again, what current psych band doesn't?--but there's a wide enough range of influences here to keep The Album Is Dead interesting throughout. At times they jam like Kim and Thurston, and at others they're veering into psych pop that isn't too far away from The Flaming Lips or Super Furry Animals. Also for fans of Past Lives, The Black Angels and Viva Voce.
Evidently, there's a video accompaniment for all 11 tracks, which you can find more about on the web site of their label, Monofonus Press. While I'm sure that's an interesting addition, the songs really stand apart on their own. I really enjoyed this LP from start to finish, but the highlights include "Evil Twin," "March" and "A Million Times."
The Drums
Add Date: July 6
Artist: The Drums
Album: The Drums
Label: Downtown
Genre: Rock, indie pop
Comments: New York's The Drums mold jangly indie pop, new wave and surf rock into a very promising sound on their eponymous debut LP. There's a great deal of classic pop influence, and The Drums could also easily be mistaken for a release from, say, Sweden's Labrador Records. Though steeped in sounds from the '50s and '60s, there's still a noticeable '80s/early '90s indie influence; perhaps they're the latest in a long string of bands to follow in the footsteps of The Clean without simply mimicking that seminal New Zealand band's sound.
Overall, this is a very upbeat, catchy record--perfect for the summer. Try "Best Friend," "Forever & Ever Amen" and "It Will All End in Tears."
Artist: The Drums
Album: The Drums
Label: Downtown
Genre: Rock, indie pop
Comments: New York's The Drums mold jangly indie pop, new wave and surf rock into a very promising sound on their eponymous debut LP. There's a great deal of classic pop influence, and The Drums could also easily be mistaken for a release from, say, Sweden's Labrador Records. Though steeped in sounds from the '50s and '60s, there's still a noticeable '80s/early '90s indie influence; perhaps they're the latest in a long string of bands to follow in the footsteps of The Clean without simply mimicking that seminal New Zealand band's sound.
Overall, this is a very upbeat, catchy record--perfect for the summer. Try "Best Friend," "Forever & Ever Amen" and "It Will All End in Tears."
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Francis and the Lights
Add Date: July 6
Artist: Francis and the Lights
Album: It'll Be Better
Label: Cantora
Genre: Rock
Comments: Self-described as "a rock and roll band, whose leader, Francis Farewell Starlite, writes pop songs that make him want to dance", and praised by the Village Voice as writing tracks that are "shimmering, complex nuggets of '80s-excess pop", NY-based group Francis and the Lights have created a produced, detailed, vintage-inspired but hardly dated record. Start with 2 and 5.
Artist: Francis and the Lights
Album: It'll Be Better
Label: Cantora
Genre: Rock
Comments: Self-described as "a rock and roll band, whose leader, Francis Farewell Starlite, writes pop songs that make him want to dance", and praised by the Village Voice as writing tracks that are "shimmering, complex nuggets of '80s-excess pop", NY-based group Francis and the Lights have created a produced, detailed, vintage-inspired but hardly dated record. Start with 2 and 5.
Dan Sartain
Add Date: July 6
Artist: Dan Sartain
Album: Dan Sartain Lives!
Label: One Little Indian
Genre: Rock
Comments: Old-school-inspired and full of swagger, Dan Sartain Lives! is a great rock and roll album. A bit rockabilly, a pinch of blues, with steady and heavy drums and twangy guitar, the tracks are garage-ready, slightly muddy, and an intriguing blend of self-described "paranoid" while still remaining catchy. Start with "Atheist Funeral."
Artist: Dan Sartain
Album: Dan Sartain Lives!
Label: One Little Indian
Genre: Rock
Comments: Old-school-inspired and full of swagger, Dan Sartain Lives! is a great rock and roll album. A bit rockabilly, a pinch of blues, with steady and heavy drums and twangy guitar, the tracks are garage-ready, slightly muddy, and an intriguing blend of self-described "paranoid" while still remaining catchy. Start with "Atheist Funeral."
Admiral Byrd
Add Date: July 6
Artist: Admiral Byrd
Album: Goodbye Cruel Worldview
Label: Princess
Genre: Alt-rock
Comments: From PopMatters: "Melding sweeping chamber pop, dirge-like shoegaze and hookable rock makes this a curious trip, but not one without rewards". I experienced a similar phenomenon when listening--curious and not entirely convinced on my first attempt, but each re-listen pushes me towards thinking this moody, thoughtfully arranged album is pretty wonderful. Try tracks 1, 7 and 10.
Artist: Admiral Byrd
Album: Goodbye Cruel Worldview
Label: Princess
Genre: Alt-rock
Comments: From PopMatters: "Melding sweeping chamber pop, dirge-like shoegaze and hookable rock makes this a curious trip, but not one without rewards". I experienced a similar phenomenon when listening--curious and not entirely convinced on my first attempt, but each re-listen pushes me towards thinking this moody, thoughtfully arranged album is pretty wonderful. Try tracks 1, 7 and 10.
Names of Stars
Add Date: July 6
Artist: Names of Stars
Album: Names of Stars
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Solid, emotional, and balanced indie rock from L.A.-based group Names of Stars. Their debut self-titled release is full of easy-to-listen-to tracks that blend keyboard into the mix to create a full, yet casual sound. Likened to Phoenix and "early Coldplay." Try tracks 2 and 4.
Artist: Names of Stars
Album: Names of Stars
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Solid, emotional, and balanced indie rock from L.A.-based group Names of Stars. Their debut self-titled release is full of easy-to-listen-to tracks that blend keyboard into the mix to create a full, yet casual sound. Likened to Phoenix and "early Coldplay." Try tracks 2 and 4.
Brent DeBoer
Add Date: July 6
Artist: Brent DeBoer
Album: The Farmer
Label: Headness
Genre: Folk, rock
Comments: The onesheet says: "Known as a member of the internationally acclaimed Dandy Warhols, [Brent] DeBoer now makes a remarkable and unexpected turn as a solo artist. The Farmer is a collection of songs first written and recorded on his four-track almost a decade ago... The Farmer is a delicate collection, far folksier and more delicate than you'd expect. Here, DeBoer sings intricate songs about love and loss, while [producer Brian] Coates adds his own style of subtly psychedelic production."
A portion of the proceeds from The Farmer will go to the MS Society; DeBoer's father was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1990. Check out "You Win" and "You'll Never Go Away."
Artist: Brent DeBoer
Album: The Farmer
Label: Headness
Genre: Folk, rock
Comments: The onesheet says: "Known as a member of the internationally acclaimed Dandy Warhols, [Brent] DeBoer now makes a remarkable and unexpected turn as a solo artist. The Farmer is a collection of songs first written and recorded on his four-track almost a decade ago... The Farmer is a delicate collection, far folksier and more delicate than you'd expect. Here, DeBoer sings intricate songs about love and loss, while [producer Brian] Coates adds his own style of subtly psychedelic production."
A portion of the proceeds from The Farmer will go to the MS Society; DeBoer's father was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1990. Check out "You Win" and "You'll Never Go Away."
Calibro 35
Add Date: July 6
Artist: Calibro 35
Album: Ritornano Quelli Di...
Label: Nublu
Genre: Jazz, funk, international
Comments: From the onesheet: "Research began years ago, digging dusty vinyl crates for obscure samples. The discovery of Italian '60s and '70s soundtracks was a crucial point; from that moment on, nothing sounded as good and interesting as electrifying tracks from exploitation movies... By the summer of 2007, Tommaso Colliva invited an incredible band formed by Massimo Martellotta on guitars and lapsteels, Enrico Gabrielli on keyboards and brass, Fabio Rondanini on drums and Luca Nano Cavina on bass to record at omniaB studios in Milan.
"Calibro 35 became a killer combo performing classic and obscure themes, aiming to bring something contemporary to the compositions but still remaining very respectful to the originals. Original tunes appeared soon with the same aim, recreating the attitude, the sound and that strange mixture between jazz, funk, rock, classical and improvisation that made Italian soundtracks known worldwide."
Artist: Calibro 35
Album: Ritornano Quelli Di...
Label: Nublu
Genre: Jazz, funk, international
Comments: From the onesheet: "Research began years ago, digging dusty vinyl crates for obscure samples. The discovery of Italian '60s and '70s soundtracks was a crucial point; from that moment on, nothing sounded as good and interesting as electrifying tracks from exploitation movies... By the summer of 2007, Tommaso Colliva invited an incredible band formed by Massimo Martellotta on guitars and lapsteels, Enrico Gabrielli on keyboards and brass, Fabio Rondanini on drums and Luca Nano Cavina on bass to record at omniaB studios in Milan.
"Calibro 35 became a killer combo performing classic and obscure themes, aiming to bring something contemporary to the compositions but still remaining very respectful to the originals. Original tunes appeared soon with the same aim, recreating the attitude, the sound and that strange mixture between jazz, funk, rock, classical and improvisation that made Italian soundtracks known worldwide."
Baths
Add Date: July 6
Artist: Baths
Album: Cerulean
Label: Anticon
Genre: Electronica
Comments: Baths is the latest nom de tune for L.A.-based Will Wiesenfeld, who has previously recorded under the monikers [Post-Foetus] and Geotic. This debut on Anticon (Why?, Tobacco, Odd Nosdam) brings to mind Wiesenfeld's collaborator Daedelus, as well as acts like Koushik and even Prefuse 73. Cerulean is both adventurous and immediately accessible. Check out "Heart," "Indoorsy" and "Aminals."
Artist: Baths
Album: Cerulean
Label: Anticon
Genre: Electronica
Comments: Baths is the latest nom de tune for L.A.-based Will Wiesenfeld, who has previously recorded under the monikers [Post-Foetus] and Geotic. This debut on Anticon (Why?, Tobacco, Odd Nosdam) brings to mind Wiesenfeld's collaborator Daedelus, as well as acts like Koushik and even Prefuse 73. Cerulean is both adventurous and immediately accessible. Check out "Heart," "Indoorsy" and "Aminals."
Bronze Radio Return
Add Date: July 6
Artist: Bronze Radio Return
Album: Old Time Speaker
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, folk
Comments: The promoter says: "Bronze Radio Return, Hartford, Connecticut's dynamic 6-piece, are sonically similar to... the John Butler Trio, Ben Harper and Citizen Cope, as well as the vocal stylings of David Gray. The band's collaborative approach to songwriting shows through on their debut album, Old Time Speaker. From keyboards to clapping, each song on the album is filled with different contributions from all of the band members."
Try "Play It on Me," "Strawberry Hill" and "Lo-Fi."
Artist: Bronze Radio Return
Album: Old Time Speaker
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, folk
Comments: The promoter says: "Bronze Radio Return, Hartford, Connecticut's dynamic 6-piece, are sonically similar to... the John Butler Trio, Ben Harper and Citizen Cope, as well as the vocal stylings of David Gray. The band's collaborative approach to songwriting shows through on their debut album, Old Time Speaker. From keyboards to clapping, each song on the album is filled with different contributions from all of the band members."
Try "Play It on Me," "Strawberry Hill" and "Lo-Fi."
You Me at Six
Add Date: July 6
Artist: You Me at Six
Album: Hold Me Down
Label: Virgin
Genre: Rock, pop punk
Comments: From the promoter: "It takes a special kind of band to be able to write instantaneously catchy, hook-driven pop-rock songs whose appeal cuts across generations, continents and gender. In the recent past, U.S.-based bands like Fall Out Boy and Panic! at the Disco made it look easy, and now, a new generation of young bands has emerged to take up the cause. Leading the way is the undeniably impressive You Me at Six, whose bittersweet, sugar-coated hooks and hard-rocking riffs have fans jumping, sweating and singing to every word from shore to shore... RIYL: Sing It Loud, Forever the Sickest Kids, Motion City Soundtrack."
Recommendations on the album sticker.
Artist: You Me at Six
Album: Hold Me Down
Label: Virgin
Genre: Rock, pop punk
Comments: From the promoter: "It takes a special kind of band to be able to write instantaneously catchy, hook-driven pop-rock songs whose appeal cuts across generations, continents and gender. In the recent past, U.S.-based bands like Fall Out Boy and Panic! at the Disco made it look easy, and now, a new generation of young bands has emerged to take up the cause. Leading the way is the undeniably impressive You Me at Six, whose bittersweet, sugar-coated hooks and hard-rocking riffs have fans jumping, sweating and singing to every word from shore to shore... RIYL: Sing It Loud, Forever the Sickest Kids, Motion City Soundtrack."
Recommendations on the album sticker.
Around the World and Back
Add Date: July 6
Artist: Around the World and Back
Album: Songs To Sleep To (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, folk
Comments: Around the World and Back's folksy, midtempo rock drenched with reverb brings to mind Band of Horses or early My Morning Jacket; the band has recently toured with the likes of Manchester Orchestra and Sam Roberts. This 6-song EP is just a taste of what's to come, as the band will soon head into the studio to work on their debut full-length.
Check out "Long Way Back" and "Why Won't You Stay?"
Artist: Around the World and Back
Album: Songs To Sleep To (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, folk
Comments: Around the World and Back's folksy, midtempo rock drenched with reverb brings to mind Band of Horses or early My Morning Jacket; the band has recently toured with the likes of Manchester Orchestra and Sam Roberts. This 6-song EP is just a taste of what's to come, as the band will soon head into the studio to work on their debut full-length.
Check out "Long Way Back" and "Why Won't You Stay?"
Lille
Add Date: July 6
Artist: Lille
Album: Tall Shoulders (EP)
Label: Whale Heart
Genre: Rock, folk
Comments: Lille is the project of Atlanta musician Grace Bellury, who at the age of 18 has put together a quite remarkable 5-song EP. Highlighted by Bellury's ukulele and a voice that will immediately bring to mind Mirah, Tall Shoulders will appeal to fans of Peggy Sue, CocoRosie and Beirut. And Lille's music is much more intricate than you might expect, as it's fleshed out by a full band. All tracks are recommended, but in particular try the dream pop-leaning "Melancholera," the haunting folk of the title track and the folk pop of "Straw."
Artist: Lille
Album: Tall Shoulders (EP)
Label: Whale Heart
Genre: Rock, folk
Comments: Lille is the project of Atlanta musician Grace Bellury, who at the age of 18 has put together a quite remarkable 5-song EP. Highlighted by Bellury's ukulele and a voice that will immediately bring to mind Mirah, Tall Shoulders will appeal to fans of Peggy Sue, CocoRosie and Beirut. And Lille's music is much more intricate than you might expect, as it's fleshed out by a full band. All tracks are recommended, but in particular try the dream pop-leaning "Melancholera," the haunting folk of the title track and the folk pop of "Straw."
The Still City
Add Date: July 6
Artist: The Still City
Album: We Will Explain Everything
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: An impressive effort from this Colorado band, which Denver's Westword describes as "... a Weakerthans-meets-the North Atlantic art-rock retrogression that is both daringly immature and fully admirable..." Add in some West Coast influences as well--in particular, I'm thinking Built to Spill--and you have We Will Explain Everything. Start with the title track and "When You Get Home."
Artist: The Still City
Album: We Will Explain Everything
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: An impressive effort from this Colorado band, which Denver's Westword describes as "... a Weakerthans-meets-the North Atlantic art-rock retrogression that is both daringly immature and fully admirable..." Add in some West Coast influences as well--in particular, I'm thinking Built to Spill--and you have We Will Explain Everything. Start with the title track and "When You Get Home."
happygolovely
Add Date: July 6
Artist: happygolovely
Album: Tidal Waves & Hollow Graves
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Upbeat, emotive pop from this Cedar Rapids, Iowa quartet. Recommendations on the album promo sticker.
Artist: happygolovely
Album: Tidal Waves & Hollow Graves
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Upbeat, emotive pop from this Cedar Rapids, Iowa quartet. Recommendations on the album promo sticker.
180° South (Soundtrack)
Add Date: July 6
Artist: Various Artists
Album: 180 Degrees South: Conquerors of the Useless
Label: Brushfire
Genre: Compilations/soundtracks, folk rock
Comments: Modest Mouse frontman Isaac Brock, appearing here as Ugly Casanova, has created the soundtrack to the documentary film 180 Degrees South: Conquerors of the Useless, in which filmmaker Jeff Johnson retraces the 1968 expedition of Yvan Chouinard to Patagonia, Chile. (Side note: Chouinard founded the Patagonia outdoor gear company.) Brock is assisted by Mason Jennings, James Mercer, Jack Johnson and Love As Laughter in crafting 14 tracks of folksy rock.
Try Ugly Casanova's "Here's to Now" and "Maybe We're Lost," as well as Mercer's "Journey Through the Past" and Jennings' "Machines."
Artist: Various Artists
Album: 180 Degrees South: Conquerors of the Useless
Label: Brushfire
Genre: Compilations/soundtracks, folk rock
Comments: Modest Mouse frontman Isaac Brock, appearing here as Ugly Casanova, has created the soundtrack to the documentary film 180 Degrees South: Conquerors of the Useless, in which filmmaker Jeff Johnson retraces the 1968 expedition of Yvan Chouinard to Patagonia, Chile. (Side note: Chouinard founded the Patagonia outdoor gear company.) Brock is assisted by Mason Jennings, James Mercer, Jack Johnson and Love As Laughter in crafting 14 tracks of folksy rock.
Try Ugly Casanova's "Here's to Now" and "Maybe We're Lost," as well as Mercer's "Journey Through the Past" and Jennings' "Machines."
Best New Music - June 22 & 29
Playing catchup; here are the best selections from the last two weeks:
June 29
Fol Chen
Maps & Atlases
Melaena Cadiz
Laurie Anderson
The Lincoln Bedroom
June 22
Stars
Wolf Parade
Punch Brothers
The Like
The Chemical Brothers
And don't miss: Alejandro Escovedo, Hey Rosetta!, PDX Pop Now! 2010, Perfume Genius, Richard Walters
June 29
Fol Chen
Maps & Atlases
Melaena Cadiz
Laurie Anderson
The Lincoln Bedroom
June 22
Stars
Wolf Parade
Punch Brothers
The Like
The Chemical Brothers
And don't miss: Alejandro Escovedo, Hey Rosetta!, PDX Pop Now! 2010, Perfume Genius, Richard Walters
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Uffie
Add Date: June 29
Artist: Uffie
Album: Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans
Label: Elektra
Genre: Electronica, hip hop, pop
Comments: Uffie first released "Pop the Glock" in '06, showed up on Ed Banger labelmate Justice's "The Party" in '07, and it's taken her since then to finally release her debut album. The time taken seems to have done the album, and Uffie's appeal, a disservice (and let's be honest, in the meanwhile, Ke$ha has straight-up jacked her style). Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans is the blend of electro, pop and hip hop that you'd expect, and the backing beats are solid, but Uffie's raps themselves are lacking (to say the least) and simply put, it sounds a bit dated and rushed at the same time. It's not terrible, but you just get the feeling that you would have thought it was amazing three or four years ago, instead of thinking it's only passably entertaining party music now. "Pop the Glock" is still awesome, Pharrell can do wonders for a halfway decent track ("ADD SUV"), and the beat of "MCs Can Kiss" is creative and slightly addictive, but overall, the whole record is a tad disappointing.
Artist: Uffie
Album: Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans
Label: Elektra
Genre: Electronica, hip hop, pop
Comments: Uffie first released "Pop the Glock" in '06, showed up on Ed Banger labelmate Justice's "The Party" in '07, and it's taken her since then to finally release her debut album. The time taken seems to have done the album, and Uffie's appeal, a disservice (and let's be honest, in the meanwhile, Ke$ha has straight-up jacked her style). Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans is the blend of electro, pop and hip hop that you'd expect, and the backing beats are solid, but Uffie's raps themselves are lacking (to say the least) and simply put, it sounds a bit dated and rushed at the same time. It's not terrible, but you just get the feeling that you would have thought it was amazing three or four years ago, instead of thinking it's only passably entertaining party music now. "Pop the Glock" is still awesome, Pharrell can do wonders for a halfway decent track ("ADD SUV"), and the beat of "MCs Can Kiss" is creative and slightly addictive, but overall, the whole record is a tad disappointing.
Geronimo!
Add Date: June 29
Artist: Geronimo!
Album: Fuzzy Dreams
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: A melodic, somewhat experimental, somewhat lo-fi, overall quite cohesive and quite intense record from Geronimo, aptly named Fuzzy Dreams. There's a decent amount of feedback and distortion, some ventures into shoegaze, and a solid guitar foundation that makes the album a nicely layered, energetic and powerful experience that you'll want to hear live. Three tracks pass the 7-minute mark, and these noisy, experimental, direction-shifting ones are the best off the album. Especially try "Battery Acid Moustache", which apart from having a ridiculously sweet name, also manages to stay on the interesting, steady side of frantic.
Artist: Geronimo!
Album: Fuzzy Dreams
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: A melodic, somewhat experimental, somewhat lo-fi, overall quite cohesive and quite intense record from Geronimo, aptly named Fuzzy Dreams. There's a decent amount of feedback and distortion, some ventures into shoegaze, and a solid guitar foundation that makes the album a nicely layered, energetic and powerful experience that you'll want to hear live. Three tracks pass the 7-minute mark, and these noisy, experimental, direction-shifting ones are the best off the album. Especially try "Battery Acid Moustache", which apart from having a ridiculously sweet name, also manages to stay on the interesting, steady side of frantic.
Philippe Petit & Friends
Add Date: June 29
Artist: Philippe Petit & Friends
Album: A Scent of Garmambrosia
Label: Aagoo
Genre: Compilations/soundtracks, electronica
Comments: A Scent of Garmambrosia is a conceptual record that blends classical strings with electronic, processed manipulations and field recordings to form a constantly shifting music landscape. Apparently the word "garmambrosia" is a mix of "ambrosia" (the food of the Greek gods) and the term "Garmonbozia" from David Lynch's Twin Peaks (meaning "pain that is consumed"). The David Lynch reference makes the whole record sound a bit like a modern, dense, experimental soundtrack and experience. Perhaps hard to play on-air, but certainly a fascinating, creative release.
Artist: Philippe Petit & Friends
Album: A Scent of Garmambrosia
Label: Aagoo
Genre: Compilations/soundtracks, electronica
Comments: A Scent of Garmambrosia is a conceptual record that blends classical strings with electronic, processed manipulations and field recordings to form a constantly shifting music landscape. Apparently the word "garmambrosia" is a mix of "ambrosia" (the food of the Greek gods) and the term "Garmonbozia" from David Lynch's Twin Peaks (meaning "pain that is consumed"). The David Lynch reference makes the whole record sound a bit like a modern, dense, experimental soundtrack and experience. Perhaps hard to play on-air, but certainly a fascinating, creative release.
Hey Rosetta!
Add Date: June 29
Artist: Hey Rosetta!
Album: Into Your Lungs
Label: Woodtone
Genre: Rock
Comments: The second album from Hey Rosetta!, entitled Into Your Lungs, is full of longer (mostly 4-6 minutes) tracks that generally go one of two routes: the catchy verse and chorus combo, or songs that blend slower, acoustic elements with intercepting energetic instrumentations that end the track strongly. The music, despite a wide range of instruments that includes the mandolin and piano, has a balanced feel, and rarely feels overwrought by the combining musical elements. Start with the tracks "I've Been Asleep for a Long, Long Time" and "There's an Arc".
Artist: Hey Rosetta!
Album: Into Your Lungs
Label: Woodtone
Genre: Rock
Comments: The second album from Hey Rosetta!, entitled Into Your Lungs, is full of longer (mostly 4-6 minutes) tracks that generally go one of two routes: the catchy verse and chorus combo, or songs that blend slower, acoustic elements with intercepting energetic instrumentations that end the track strongly. The music, despite a wide range of instruments that includes the mandolin and piano, has a balanced feel, and rarely feels overwrought by the combining musical elements. Start with the tracks "I've Been Asleep for a Long, Long Time" and "There's an Arc".
Maps & Atlases
Add Date: June 29
Artist: Maps & Atlases
Album: Perch Patchwork
Label: Barsuk Records
Genre: Rock, alt-pop
Comments: Perch Patchwork is the full-length debut from alt-rock rock band Maps & Atlases, a group previously known for their so-called "math rock" style. This record is full of well-produced rock-pop tracks, featuring distinctive vocals and complex rhythms from both the drums and guitar. Overall, the effect is a textured, layered record; try "Israeli Caves" and "Solid Ground".
Artist: Maps & Atlases
Album: Perch Patchwork
Label: Barsuk Records
Genre: Rock, alt-pop
Comments: Perch Patchwork is the full-length debut from alt-rock rock band Maps & Atlases, a group previously known for their so-called "math rock" style. This record is full of well-produced rock-pop tracks, featuring distinctive vocals and complex rhythms from both the drums and guitar. Overall, the effect is a textured, layered record; try "Israeli Caves" and "Solid Ground".
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
