Last add week of the year:
Wild Nothing
Daft Punk (TRON: Legacy OST)
Spirit Kid
Gospel Music
Eastern Conference Champions
And don't miss: Ryan Adams B-sides
Friday, December 10, 2010
Eastern Conference Champions
Add Date: December 7
Artist: Eastern Conference Champions
Album: Akustiks EP
Label: Self-released
Genre: Americana, alt-rock
Comments: Old-school Americana-tinged rock on the Akustiks EP from Eastern Conference Champions. Harmonica, steady drum beats (on the upbeat songs) and country-styled guitar combine with authentic vocals to create slightly world-weary tunes, all recorded in their acoustic sessions (hence the title). All six tracks are worth a listen, but start with the opener and track 2, where harmonies are put to good measure against the stripped-down guitar.
Artist: Eastern Conference Champions
Album: Akustiks EP
Label: Self-released
Genre: Americana, alt-rock
Comments: Old-school Americana-tinged rock on the Akustiks EP from Eastern Conference Champions. Harmonica, steady drum beats (on the upbeat songs) and country-styled guitar combine with authentic vocals to create slightly world-weary tunes, all recorded in their acoustic sessions (hence the title). All six tracks are worth a listen, but start with the opener and track 2, where harmonies are put to good measure against the stripped-down guitar.
Spirit Kid
Add Date: December 7
Artist: Spirit Kid
Album: Spirit Kid
Label: RPL Audio
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Jangly guitar and slightly fuzzed vocals combine to create upbeat, vintage-sounding pop-flavored rock on the self-titled debut from group Spirit Kid. Big choruses and harmonies add to the charm. Wildly enjoyable; try tracks 1 and 2.
Artist: Spirit Kid
Album: Spirit Kid
Label: RPL Audio
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Jangly guitar and slightly fuzzed vocals combine to create upbeat, vintage-sounding pop-flavored rock on the self-titled debut from group Spirit Kid. Big choruses and harmonies add to the charm. Wildly enjoyable; try tracks 1 and 2.
Eat the Weeds
Add Date: December 7
Artist: Eat the Weeds
Album: Open Loop Design
Label: Self-released
Genre: Pop
Comments: Alt-pop features on Eat the Weeds' Open Loop Design. Strong female vocals (think Sia), sometimes looping and layered, strong percussion beats, and guitar all combine to create full-sounding alternative pop tracks. Start with tracks 2 and 3.
Artist: Eat the Weeds
Album: Open Loop Design
Label: Self-released
Genre: Pop
Comments: Alt-pop features on Eat the Weeds' Open Loop Design. Strong female vocals (think Sia), sometimes looping and layered, strong percussion beats, and guitar all combine to create full-sounding alternative pop tracks. Start with tracks 2 and 3.
Daft Punk
Add Date: December 7
Artist: Daft Punk
Album: TRON: Legacy OST
Label: Walt Disney
Genre: Compilations/soundtracks, electronica
Comments: Daft Punk is playing at my house....and soon, at your local movie theater. The duo has scored Disney's upcoming TRON: Legacy, after apparently enjoying the original 1982 TRON film. A full symphony and Daft Punk's characteristic electronic style combine to create a score that stands alone. With that said, I'll certainly be seeing the movie after listening to the record, since I can only imagine how the music will set the tone of the film. At times heavy and menacing, with slow-build ups and increasing layers of sound, this is a phenomenal effort by the French group. Start with tracks 8, 12, 13 and 17.
Artist: Daft Punk
Album: TRON: Legacy OST
Label: Walt Disney
Genre: Compilations/soundtracks, electronica
Comments: Daft Punk is playing at my house....and soon, at your local movie theater. The duo has scored Disney's upcoming TRON: Legacy, after apparently enjoying the original 1982 TRON film. A full symphony and Daft Punk's characteristic electronic style combine to create a score that stands alone. With that said, I'll certainly be seeing the movie after listening to the record, since I can only imagine how the music will set the tone of the film. At times heavy and menacing, with slow-build ups and increasing layers of sound, this is a phenomenal effort by the French group. Start with tracks 8, 12, 13 and 17.
Wild Nothing
Add Date: December 7
Artist: Wild Nothing
Album: Golden Haze (EP)
Label: Captured Tracks
Genre: Rock, dream pop
Comments: WLUR unfortunately missed out on Gemini, the spectacular debut LP from Jack Tatum's Wild Nothing project that came out back in the spring--truly a shame, especially considering that Tatum is from just down the road in Blacksburg. Fortunately, though, we don't end 2010 Wild Nothing-free, as here's the very enjoyable 6-song followup EP, Golden Haze, which combines three tracks from a previous release, the B-side to Gemini standout "Summer Holiday" and two new songs.
Much like the LP, Golden Haze is a fine collection of pop songs, borrowing elements of shoegaze (think more toward the Ride end of that spectrum) and indie pop. For fans of The Pains of Being Pure at Heart and Wild Nothing's recent tourmates, Neon Indian. Check out the title track, "Vultures Like Lovers" and "Your Rabbit Feet."
Artist: Wild Nothing
Album: Golden Haze (EP)
Label: Captured Tracks
Genre: Rock, dream pop
Comments: WLUR unfortunately missed out on Gemini, the spectacular debut LP from Jack Tatum's Wild Nothing project that came out back in the spring--truly a shame, especially considering that Tatum is from just down the road in Blacksburg. Fortunately, though, we don't end 2010 Wild Nothing-free, as here's the very enjoyable 6-song followup EP, Golden Haze, which combines three tracks from a previous release, the B-side to Gemini standout "Summer Holiday" and two new songs.
Much like the LP, Golden Haze is a fine collection of pop songs, borrowing elements of shoegaze (think more toward the Ride end of that spectrum) and indie pop. For fans of The Pains of Being Pure at Heart and Wild Nothing's recent tourmates, Neon Indian. Check out the title track, "Vultures Like Lovers" and "Your Rabbit Feet."
Beta State
Add Date: December 7
Artist: Beta State
Album: Stars
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: The San Francisco band Beta State makes emo-ish pop-rock that should appeal to fans of 30 Seconds to Mars, Lifehouse or older Jimmy Eat World. Try "I'm Still Alive" or "If You Sleep Too Long."
Artist: Beta State
Album: Stars
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: The San Francisco band Beta State makes emo-ish pop-rock that should appeal to fans of 30 Seconds to Mars, Lifehouse or older Jimmy Eat World. Try "I'm Still Alive" or "If You Sleep Too Long."
Ryan Adams & the Cardinals
Add Date: December 7
Artist: Ryan Adams & the Cardinals
Album: Cardinals III/IV
Label: PAX AM
Genre: Alt-country
Comments: Ryan Adams knows how to hit home runs, and he knows how to strike out. He knows how to win a race, and he knows how to burn out an engine. He knows how... OK, enough of the analogies. Adams has, over the years, come to define the popular genre that is alt-country. Some of his attempts have been more successful than others, and here, with the release of Cardinals III/IV, we have a release that earns him a tally somewhere between the "win" and "lose" columns.
These albums come from the same recording sessions that generated Adams' last studio LP, Easy Tiger. Essentially, then, these two discs are the B-sides of that album. The fact that some of these songs were rejected from Easy Tiger is no surprise. In fact, this disc has enough good music, intertmingled with some "flops," that I can't seem to figure out why Cardinals III/IV isn't just Cardinals III.
Such is the story of Ryan Adams. He writes, records, and releases such a mass of music, that some of it necessarily won't be as good as others. Cardinals III/IV fits this story, and serves as a fine example of Adams' work since his heyday (I'm thinking Gold, Heartbreaker, and his Whiskeytown work). Start with tracks 1, 2 and 8 on III, and 1 3 and 6 on IV.
Artist: Ryan Adams & the Cardinals
Album: Cardinals III/IV
Label: PAX AM
Genre: Alt-country
Comments: Ryan Adams knows how to hit home runs, and he knows how to strike out. He knows how to win a race, and he knows how to burn out an engine. He knows how... OK, enough of the analogies. Adams has, over the years, come to define the popular genre that is alt-country. Some of his attempts have been more successful than others, and here, with the release of Cardinals III/IV, we have a release that earns him a tally somewhere between the "win" and "lose" columns.
These albums come from the same recording sessions that generated Adams' last studio LP, Easy Tiger. Essentially, then, these two discs are the B-sides of that album. The fact that some of these songs were rejected from Easy Tiger is no surprise. In fact, this disc has enough good music, intertmingled with some "flops," that I can't seem to figure out why Cardinals III/IV isn't just Cardinals III.
Such is the story of Ryan Adams. He writes, records, and releases such a mass of music, that some of it necessarily won't be as good as others. Cardinals III/IV fits this story, and serves as a fine example of Adams' work since his heyday (I'm thinking Gold, Heartbreaker, and his Whiskeytown work). Start with tracks 1, 2 and 8 on III, and 1 3 and 6 on IV.
Gospel Music
Add Date: December 7
Artist: Gospel Music
Album: Duettes (EP)
Label: Kill Rock Stars
Genre: Indie pop
Comments: Gospel Music is the new side project of Black Kids bassist Owen Holmes, but don't expect Duettes to sound anything like the Jacksonville outfit's (overproduced/overhyped) 2008 debut Partie Traumatic or its (far superior/life-changing) predecessor EP Wizard of Ahhhs. This is twee pop all the way, and it's quite delightful. Holmes' duet partners include Tracyanne Campbell on standout track "Automobile," Essex troubadour Darren Hayman on "Reinheitsgebot"--that's a reference to Germany's beer purity law--Vivian Girls' Cassie Ramone on "Are Your Parents Still Together" and Shirley Simms on (the unfortunately DNP) "Gamophobia." It's quite fitting that Campbell, the Camera Obscura frontwoman and songwriter, and Simms, a frequent collaborator with The Magnetic Fields, appear on Duettes, which is right up their alley. Very enjoyable.
Artist: Gospel Music
Album: Duettes (EP)
Label: Kill Rock Stars
Genre: Indie pop
Comments: Gospel Music is the new side project of Black Kids bassist Owen Holmes, but don't expect Duettes to sound anything like the Jacksonville outfit's (overproduced/overhyped) 2008 debut Partie Traumatic or its (far superior/life-changing) predecessor EP Wizard of Ahhhs. This is twee pop all the way, and it's quite delightful. Holmes' duet partners include Tracyanne Campbell on standout track "Automobile," Essex troubadour Darren Hayman on "Reinheitsgebot"--that's a reference to Germany's beer purity law--Vivian Girls' Cassie Ramone on "Are Your Parents Still Together" and Shirley Simms on (the unfortunately DNP) "Gamophobia." It's quite fitting that Campbell, the Camera Obscura frontwoman and songwriter, and Simms, a frequent collaborator with The Magnetic Fields, appear on Duettes, which is right up their alley. Very enjoyable.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Best New Music - November 30
Short but sweet:
Jonathan Richman
Nihiti
Friends & Friends of Friends Vol. III
Air Traffic Controller
Mnemonic Sounds
Also check out: Such Gold
Such Gold
Add Date: November 30
Artist: Such Gold
Album: Pedestals (EP)
Label: 6131
Genre: Rock, hardcore, punk
Comments: From the onesheet: "Citing influences such as Saves the Day, Hot Water Music, The Progress, At the Drive-In and Propagandhi, Pedestals marries Such Gold's love for old school pop-punk, hardcore and indie rock without alienating the fans who latched onto the palatable sounds of their first EP. Despite their wide range of influences, there is no doubt that Such Gold remains a hardcore band at heart."
Check out "Sycamore" or "Gut Rot."
Artist: Such Gold
Album: Pedestals (EP)
Label: 6131
Genre: Rock, hardcore, punk
Comments: From the onesheet: "Citing influences such as Saves the Day, Hot Water Music, The Progress, At the Drive-In and Propagandhi, Pedestals marries Such Gold's love for old school pop-punk, hardcore and indie rock without alienating the fans who latched onto the palatable sounds of their first EP. Despite their wide range of influences, there is no doubt that Such Gold remains a hardcore band at heart."
Check out "Sycamore" or "Gut Rot."
Bess Rogers
Add Date: November 30
Artist: Bess Rogers
Album: "What We Want" (single)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, folk pop
Comments: "What We Want" is a nice, quiet folk song from Bess Rogers' summertime pop EP, Bess Rogers Presents Bess Rogers. Just in time for the holidays, the B-side is a cover of The Beach Boys' Christmas classic, "Little Saint Nick."
Artist: Bess Rogers
Album: "What We Want" (single)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, folk pop
Comments: "What We Want" is a nice, quiet folk song from Bess Rogers' summertime pop EP, Bess Rogers Presents Bess Rogers. Just in time for the holidays, the B-side is a cover of The Beach Boys' Christmas classic, "Little Saint Nick."
Friends & Friends of Friends Vol. III
Add Date: November 30
Artist: Various Artists
Album: Friends and Friends of Friends Vol. III
Label: Tender Loving Empire
Genre: Compilations/soundtracks, indie, math rock
Comments: I haven't heard such a fantastic compilation of songs in a long time. Granted, there are certainly songs that are less wonderful than others on this 42-track collection from Tender Loving Empire (a record label out of Portland).
From the promoter: "Friends and Friends of Friends Vol. III is the latest in a series of musical compilations designed to promote the music of Portland, Oregon and beyond to local and national listeners alike as well as propagate relationships between independent bands and labels who wouldn't noramlly get a chance to collaborate." The "Neighbors" disc is comprised of bands from Portland; the other disc is called "Pen-Pals."
Many of these songs are fantastic math rock compositions. Start with: "Neighbors" tracks 3, 2, 4, 11 and "Pen-Pals" tracks 14, 1, 2, 5, 13.
Artist: Various Artists
Album: Friends and Friends of Friends Vol. III
Label: Tender Loving Empire
Genre: Compilations/soundtracks, indie, math rock
Comments: I haven't heard such a fantastic compilation of songs in a long time. Granted, there are certainly songs that are less wonderful than others on this 42-track collection from Tender Loving Empire (a record label out of Portland).
From the promoter: "Friends and Friends of Friends Vol. III is the latest in a series of musical compilations designed to promote the music of Portland, Oregon and beyond to local and national listeners alike as well as propagate relationships between independent bands and labels who wouldn't noramlly get a chance to collaborate." The "Neighbors" disc is comprised of bands from Portland; the other disc is called "Pen-Pals."
Many of these songs are fantastic math rock compositions. Start with: "Neighbors" tracks 3, 2, 4, 11 and "Pen-Pals" tracks 14, 1, 2, 5, 13.
Air Traffic Controller
Add Date: November 30
Artist: Air Traffic Controller
Album: The One
Label: SugarPop
Genre: Pop-rock
Comments: Charming pop-rock from this Boston group. Singer Dave Murano (previously a real-life air traffic controller with the Navy, who used to send songs home, recorded on his 4-track) leads the group with his vocals and songwriting; the result is power pop mixed with classic-sounding rock; start with track 2.
Artist: Air Traffic Controller
Album: The One
Label: SugarPop
Genre: Pop-rock
Comments: Charming pop-rock from this Boston group. Singer Dave Murano (previously a real-life air traffic controller with the Navy, who used to send songs home, recorded on his 4-track) leads the group with his vocals and songwriting; the result is power pop mixed with classic-sounding rock; start with track 2.
Mnemonic Sounds
Add Date: November 30
Artist: Mnemonic Sounds
Album: Muscle Memories
Label: Self-released
Genre: Pop (+ computer)
Comments: Poppy, electro-tinged and slightly-computerized vocals all combine on Portland locals Mnemonic Sounds' debut record, Muscle Memories, to create an upbeat yet emotional feel (a la the Postal Service and/or Imogen Heap). The vocals find an impressive balance between computer and the actual person (vocalist Megan Ouchida), and the backing sounds and instrumentation are precisely executed. Overall, there's a nice sheen to the album, but it still avoids sounding too robotic. Try tracks 2 and 4.
Artist: Mnemonic Sounds
Album: Muscle Memories
Label: Self-released
Genre: Pop (+ computer)
Comments: Poppy, electro-tinged and slightly-computerized vocals all combine on Portland locals Mnemonic Sounds' debut record, Muscle Memories, to create an upbeat yet emotional feel (a la the Postal Service and/or Imogen Heap). The vocals find an impressive balance between computer and the actual person (vocalist Megan Ouchida), and the backing sounds and instrumentation are precisely executed. Overall, there's a nice sheen to the album, but it still avoids sounding too robotic. Try tracks 2 and 4.
And the Wiremen
Add Date: November 30
Artist: And the Wiremen
Album: And the Wiremen
Label: Self-released
Genre: Avant-rock
Comments: Described as "gothic deep South combined with the rhythms of South America and the grainier elements of barroom jazz and avant-pop", And the Wiremen's self-titled release is a heavy-feeling record. Slightly echoing vocals, jazz brass wailing on occasion in the background, and almost spare guitar work highlighting Latin percussion elements all blend together to create an intriguing, almost smoky sound that sticks with you. Honestly, the brass elements create the most impact, highlighting the slightly gloomy, lounge-y ambience and elevating it to the next level. Try tracks 1, 2, and 11.
Artist: And the Wiremen
Album: And the Wiremen
Label: Self-released
Genre: Avant-rock
Comments: Described as "gothic deep South combined with the rhythms of South America and the grainier elements of barroom jazz and avant-pop", And the Wiremen's self-titled release is a heavy-feeling record. Slightly echoing vocals, jazz brass wailing on occasion in the background, and almost spare guitar work highlighting Latin percussion elements all blend together to create an intriguing, almost smoky sound that sticks with you. Honestly, the brass elements create the most impact, highlighting the slightly gloomy, lounge-y ambience and elevating it to the next level. Try tracks 1, 2, and 11.
Nihiti
Add Date: November 30
Artist: Nihiti
Album: Other People's Memories
Label: Lo Bit Landscapes
Genre: Experimental
Comments: Other People's Memories, the debut album from group Nihiti, described as "a whirl-wind tour through places you've almost touched but never been, from pop hooks and stomping drums to crashing waves of destruction, from gentle cello/piano duets to screaming synthesizers and epic auditory assaults", is impressively genre-bending. Firmly rooted in the darker side of sound, the group ("not a side project of SALEM or Prince Rama, athough one could draw some fine comparisons") experiments with heavy instrumentation, "downward-spiraling" psychedelia, and sometimes present, sometimes not vocals--all of which make up a "post-industrial revolution soundscape". Whew. Nihiti, based in NYC, has apparently been scoring film and theater productions in the local performance scene, and their music certainly has a soundtrack-esque quality. It's quirky, and slightly creepy at points, but worth some exploration.
Artist: Nihiti
Album: Other People's Memories
Label: Lo Bit Landscapes
Genre: Experimental
Comments: Other People's Memories, the debut album from group Nihiti, described as "a whirl-wind tour through places you've almost touched but never been, from pop hooks and stomping drums to crashing waves of destruction, from gentle cello/piano duets to screaming synthesizers and epic auditory assaults", is impressively genre-bending. Firmly rooted in the darker side of sound, the group ("not a side project of SALEM or Prince Rama, athough one could draw some fine comparisons") experiments with heavy instrumentation, "downward-spiraling" psychedelia, and sometimes present, sometimes not vocals--all of which make up a "post-industrial revolution soundscape". Whew. Nihiti, based in NYC, has apparently been scoring film and theater productions in the local performance scene, and their music certainly has a soundtrack-esque quality. It's quirky, and slightly creepy at points, but worth some exploration.
Jonathan Richman
Add Date: November 30
Artist: Jonathan Richman
Album: O Moon, Queen of Night on Earth
Label: Vapor
Genre: Folk, acoustic
Comments: Acoustic, folk-tinged tracks from Jonathan Richman, founder of The Modern Lovers. Deeply simple, his songwriting is incredibly honest and reflective, matching with the delicate guitar and his expansive voice. Featured artists include Olof Arnalds, Ted Saverese, Kelly Houston, and Nicole and Roger Montalbano, who add "warm glow to the album's very personal feel". Largely slow-paced, but definitely well-executed and true to its sound. Try tracks 3, 5 (an energetic track with some drums and vocals in French), and 11.
Artist: Jonathan Richman
Album: O Moon, Queen of Night on Earth
Label: Vapor
Genre: Folk, acoustic
Comments: Acoustic, folk-tinged tracks from Jonathan Richman, founder of The Modern Lovers. Deeply simple, his songwriting is incredibly honest and reflective, matching with the delicate guitar and his expansive voice. Featured artists include Olof Arnalds, Ted Saverese, Kelly Houston, and Nicole and Roger Montalbano, who add "warm glow to the album's very personal feel". Largely slow-paced, but definitely well-executed and true to its sound. Try tracks 3, 5 (an energetic track with some drums and vocals in French), and 11.
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