Top of the pops:
Iron & Wine
Deerhoof
Lia Ices
Cold War Kids
Say Hi
Also check out: Delicate Steve, Tommy Guerrero, David Lowery, Graham Reynolds & The Golden Arm Trio
Friday, January 28, 2011
Say Hi
Add Date: January 25
Artist: Say Hi
Album: Um, Uh Oh
Label: Barsuk
Genre: Rock, indie pop
Comments: From the promoter: "If you've been a Say Hi fan in the past, you're going to feel that Um, Uh Oh is a large step in the evolution of the band. If you haven't, this is the record that's going to change your mind... [T]he resilient (if mopey) bedroom recordist Eric Elbogen... performs everything you hear on the Say Hi records and recruits musicians to perform the material live... Um, Uh Oh is the result of the last 10 years of Elbogen's experiences with failing relationships, both musical and otherwise. It is also his best record to date... RIYL: Bishop Allen; The Rosebuds; Loney, Dear; Fruit Bats."
There's definitely more going on here than with past Say Hi/Say Hi to Your Mom releases (many of which I've enjoyed), as elements of blues and folk seep into Elbogen's gloomy bedroom pop. Start with "Dots on Maps" and "All the Pretty Ones."
Artist: Say Hi
Album: Um, Uh Oh
Label: Barsuk
Genre: Rock, indie pop
Comments: From the promoter: "If you've been a Say Hi fan in the past, you're going to feel that Um, Uh Oh is a large step in the evolution of the band. If you haven't, this is the record that's going to change your mind... [T]he resilient (if mopey) bedroom recordist Eric Elbogen... performs everything you hear on the Say Hi records and recruits musicians to perform the material live... Um, Uh Oh is the result of the last 10 years of Elbogen's experiences with failing relationships, both musical and otherwise. It is also his best record to date... RIYL: Bishop Allen; The Rosebuds; Loney, Dear; Fruit Bats."
There's definitely more going on here than with past Say Hi/Say Hi to Your Mom releases (many of which I've enjoyed), as elements of blues and folk seep into Elbogen's gloomy bedroom pop. Start with "Dots on Maps" and "All the Pretty Ones."
Deerhoof
Add Date: January 25
Artist: Deerhoof
Album: Deerhoof vs. Evil
Label: Polyvinyl
Genre: Rock, experimental
Comments: Welcome back to one of the most original rock bands on this or any other planet. Deerhoof vs. Evil is the San Francisco quartet's 11th studio record--and their first for Polyvinyl (of Montreal, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin). A decade and a half into their tenure, Deerhoof's combination of artsy alternative, noise pop and hard rock is still as intriguing, engaging, and unclassifiable as ever. Reviewing the record on Pitchfork, Douglas Wolk refers to them as "a fast-and-bulbous hybrid of a super-heavy, experimentation-minded art-rock band and a sweet little pop group, equal parts chirp and pummel."
Often, those two styles clash within the same song, which is one of the reasons that any Deerhoof release commands your attention from start to finish. Each record brings something different and refreshing, but the music is still instantly recognizable from bassist Satomi Matsuzaki's charming vocals, Greg Saunier's percussion, and the guitar work of John Dieterich and recent addition Ed Rodriguez. On Deerhoof vs. Evil, start with the quirky pop song "Super Duper Rescue Heads!," but branch out to hear the math rock-leaning opener "Qui Dorm, Nomes Somia," the distorted indie pop number "Behold a Marvel in the Darkness" and the warped New Wave of "I Did Crimes for You."
Artist: Deerhoof
Album: Deerhoof vs. Evil
Label: Polyvinyl
Genre: Rock, experimental
Comments: Welcome back to one of the most original rock bands on this or any other planet. Deerhoof vs. Evil is the San Francisco quartet's 11th studio record--and their first for Polyvinyl (of Montreal, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin). A decade and a half into their tenure, Deerhoof's combination of artsy alternative, noise pop and hard rock is still as intriguing, engaging, and unclassifiable as ever. Reviewing the record on Pitchfork, Douglas Wolk refers to them as "a fast-and-bulbous hybrid of a super-heavy, experimentation-minded art-rock band and a sweet little pop group, equal parts chirp and pummel."
Often, those two styles clash within the same song, which is one of the reasons that any Deerhoof release commands your attention from start to finish. Each record brings something different and refreshing, but the music is still instantly recognizable from bassist Satomi Matsuzaki's charming vocals, Greg Saunier's percussion, and the guitar work of John Dieterich and recent addition Ed Rodriguez. On Deerhoof vs. Evil, start with the quirky pop song "Super Duper Rescue Heads!," but branch out to hear the math rock-leaning opener "Qui Dorm, Nomes Somia," the distorted indie pop number "Behold a Marvel in the Darkness" and the warped New Wave of "I Did Crimes for You."
Fervor
Add Date: January 25
Artist: Fervor
Album: Open Heart Surgery
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Typical heavy bass, guitar and drums with standard emotional, powerful vocals--slightly angry, but not so much that your local hard-rock radio station would pass 'em up. Again, not my style, but they're effective at what they do.
Artist: Fervor
Album: Open Heart Surgery
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Typical heavy bass, guitar and drums with standard emotional, powerful vocals--slightly angry, but not so much that your local hard-rock radio station would pass 'em up. Again, not my style, but they're effective at what they do.
Hafdis Huld
Add Date: January 25
Artist: Hafdis Huld
Album: Synchronised Swimmers
Label: OK Good
Genre: Pop
Comments: Hook-filled, pretty sweet and gentle pop from Icelandic singer Hafdis Huld on Synchronised Swimmers. The varied instrumentation--banjo, piano, accordion, ukelele, etc--always does a nice job of highlighting Huld's lilting voice. Try tracks 1 and 3.
Artist: Hafdis Huld
Album: Synchronised Swimmers
Label: OK Good
Genre: Pop
Comments: Hook-filled, pretty sweet and gentle pop from Icelandic singer Hafdis Huld on Synchronised Swimmers. The varied instrumentation--banjo, piano, accordion, ukelele, etc--always does a nice job of highlighting Huld's lilting voice. Try tracks 1 and 3.
Rollo Greb
Add Date: January 25
Artist: Rollo Greb
Album: Rollo Greb
Label: Jake Brake
Genre: Rock
Comments: Country-tinged rock on Rollo Greb's self-titled album. The pitch of the sometimes-scratchy vocals adds another dimension to the otherwise solid rock background. The record sounds like nice driving music for the summer season--try tracks 2 and 5.
Artist: Rollo Greb
Album: Rollo Greb
Label: Jake Brake
Genre: Rock
Comments: Country-tinged rock on Rollo Greb's self-titled album. The pitch of the sometimes-scratchy vocals adds another dimension to the otherwise solid rock background. The record sounds like nice driving music for the summer season--try tracks 2 and 5.
Rise Against
Add Date: January 25
Artist: Rise Against
Album: "Help Is On the Way" (single)
Label: DGC
Genre: Rock
Comments: Rise Against will always make me fondly nostalgic for middle school, so their latest single, "Help Is On the Way", was a nice surprise. The track is hard-rock/punk instrumentation laced with typically aggressive-but-sometimes-melodic vocals and pretty motivational lyrics--"Help is on the way!!!"--all in all, a good single track.
Artist: Rise Against
Album: "Help Is On the Way" (single)
Label: DGC
Genre: Rock
Comments: Rise Against will always make me fondly nostalgic for middle school, so their latest single, "Help Is On the Way", was a nice surprise. The track is hard-rock/punk instrumentation laced with typically aggressive-but-sometimes-melodic vocals and pretty motivational lyrics--"Help is on the way!!!"--all in all, a good single track.
Donots
Add Date: January 25
Artist: Donots
Album: The Long Way Home
Label: OK Good
Genre: Rock
Comments: Loud, semi-brash, semi-angsty pop-punk from the group Donots. The Long Way Home is an upfront record, focused on guitar and angry-yet-emotionally-charged vocals. My seventh-grade self would probably have been way into this sound--and while it's no longer my favorite genre, Donots approach it with gusto and execute the style to a T. Try tracks 1 and 2.
Artist: Donots
Album: The Long Way Home
Label: OK Good
Genre: Rock
Comments: Loud, semi-brash, semi-angsty pop-punk from the group Donots. The Long Way Home is an upfront record, focused on guitar and angry-yet-emotionally-charged vocals. My seventh-grade self would probably have been way into this sound--and while it's no longer my favorite genre, Donots approach it with gusto and execute the style to a T. Try tracks 1 and 2.
Cold War Kids
Add Date: January 25
Artist: Cold Ward Kids
Album: Mine Is Yours
Label: DGC
Genre: Rock, indie, pop
Comments: Cold War Kids is a well-respected indie-pop band from Long Beach, California, but Mine Is Yours has received mixed reviews from the indie music community. Personally, I find this album to resemble the sound of The New Radicals, with less melody, and more indie-guitar solos. If you want to hear an interesting enough indie-pop album, check this out. Start with 1 and 2.
Artist: Cold Ward Kids
Album: Mine Is Yours
Label: DGC
Genre: Rock, indie, pop
Comments: Cold War Kids is a well-respected indie-pop band from Long Beach, California, but Mine Is Yours has received mixed reviews from the indie music community. Personally, I find this album to resemble the sound of The New Radicals, with less melody, and more indie-guitar solos. If you want to hear an interesting enough indie-pop album, check this out. Start with 1 and 2.
Ingrid Gerdes
Add Date: January 25
Artist: Ingrid Gerdes
Album: Shed
Label: Self-released
Genre: Jazz, pop
Comments: Ingrid Gerdes has an amazing voice. This is a pop album with all sorts of influences: jazz, funk, Latin, show tunes--every song is clearly intended to have its own flavor--but the common factor is Gerdes' impeccable voice. From the promoter: "With a strong female delivery, Shed is a breakout favorite amongst her many fans." Start with 1, 4 and 3.
Artist: Ingrid Gerdes
Album: Shed
Label: Self-released
Genre: Jazz, pop
Comments: Ingrid Gerdes has an amazing voice. This is a pop album with all sorts of influences: jazz, funk, Latin, show tunes--every song is clearly intended to have its own flavor--but the common factor is Gerdes' impeccable voice. From the promoter: "With a strong female delivery, Shed is a breakout favorite amongst her many fans." Start with 1, 4 and 3.
Joey's Song compilation
Add Date: January 25
Artist: Various Artists
Album: Joey's Song
Label: Hi, How Are Ya
Genre: Compilations/soundtracks, rock
Comments: Great compilation, great artists, great cause. Here's how the promoter describes this album: "Turning a boy's tragedy into hope for millions--this is the spirit behind Joey's Song. When Joseph Gomoll, a 4-year-old music lover, passed away in 2010 after a lifelong struggle with the seizure disorder Dravet's Syndrome, his parents knew two things: that families just shouldn't lose their children this way and that Joey's legacy should be to see that they don't. And so Joey's Song was born..."
Start with 5, 6 and 11.
Artist: Various Artists
Album: Joey's Song
Label: Hi, How Are Ya
Genre: Compilations/soundtracks, rock
Comments: Great compilation, great artists, great cause. Here's how the promoter describes this album: "Turning a boy's tragedy into hope for millions--this is the spirit behind Joey's Song. When Joseph Gomoll, a 4-year-old music lover, passed away in 2010 after a lifelong struggle with the seizure disorder Dravet's Syndrome, his parents knew two things: that families just shouldn't lose their children this way and that Joey's legacy should be to see that they don't. And so Joey's Song was born..."
Start with 5, 6 and 11.
David Lowery
Add Date: January 25
Artist: David Lowery
Album: The Palace Guards
Label: 429
Genre: Folk, rock, psychedelic
Comments: ChartAttack aptly calls David Lowery's new album "stylistically diverse... it wanders from folk to psychedelic rock and back" again. There are also clear influences from '70s and '80s pop groups tossed around the album, found in Lowery's heavy use of reverb, synths, and ginormous-sounding drums. Lowery's voice isn't the most polished out there, but he sings with a full and warm tone while carrying on decent melodies. If you're interested in hearing a fusion between folk and psychedelic tunes, check this album out. Start with 1, 2 and 5.
Artist: David Lowery
Album: The Palace Guards
Label: 429
Genre: Folk, rock, psychedelic
Comments: ChartAttack aptly calls David Lowery's new album "stylistically diverse... it wanders from folk to psychedelic rock and back" again. There are also clear influences from '70s and '80s pop groups tossed around the album, found in Lowery's heavy use of reverb, synths, and ginormous-sounding drums. Lowery's voice isn't the most polished out there, but he sings with a full and warm tone while carrying on decent melodies. If you're interested in hearing a fusion between folk and psychedelic tunes, check this album out. Start with 1, 2 and 5.
Tommy Guerrero
Add Date: January 25
Artist: Tommy Guerrero
Album: Lifeboats and Follies
Label: Galaxia
Genre: Eclectic
Comments: From the promoter: "Lifeboats and Follies is by far Guerrero's most fully realized sonic collage. The tide of groove remains, but is formed by the far denser and complex interplay of an expanded quiver of instruments and sounds. The simplicity of Tommy's early work was catchy, but the expansive compositional skill that has shown itself amongst tracks here is cinematic in scope, offering a richer, more muscular tone and greater depth of emotion".
I couldn't add anything to that without sounding silly. Magic happens when you listen to this album. Do yourself a favor and listen to the whole thing.
Artist: Tommy Guerrero
Album: Lifeboats and Follies
Label: Galaxia
Genre: Eclectic
Comments: From the promoter: "Lifeboats and Follies is by far Guerrero's most fully realized sonic collage. The tide of groove remains, but is formed by the far denser and complex interplay of an expanded quiver of instruments and sounds. The simplicity of Tommy's early work was catchy, but the expansive compositional skill that has shown itself amongst tracks here is cinematic in scope, offering a richer, more muscular tone and greater depth of emotion".
I couldn't add anything to that without sounding silly. Magic happens when you listen to this album. Do yourself a favor and listen to the whole thing.
Fenech Soler
Add Date: January 25
Artist: Fenech Soler
Album: Fenech Soler
Label: B-Unique
Genre: Electropop
Comments: The Guardian apparently said of this band's debut album: "Uncommonly adept at writing high-voltage floorfillers, this debut stakes a claim to being the best recent record of its genre. Huge fun". I just don't see it. I hear a guy pulling a Justin-meets-Enrique type of voice, and bad Romanian dance music is what comes out of it. I can see why they'd be popular on radio, though. They're catchy, in a way, if you can get over the vocalist's pathetic-sounding voice, but that doesn't make them good. Sorry. I kind of liked "Stop and Stare."
Artist: Fenech Soler
Album: Fenech Soler
Label: B-Unique
Genre: Electropop
Comments: The Guardian apparently said of this band's debut album: "Uncommonly adept at writing high-voltage floorfillers, this debut stakes a claim to being the best recent record of its genre. Huge fun". I just don't see it. I hear a guy pulling a Justin-meets-Enrique type of voice, and bad Romanian dance music is what comes out of it. I can see why they'd be popular on radio, though. They're catchy, in a way, if you can get over the vocalist's pathetic-sounding voice, but that doesn't make them good. Sorry. I kind of liked "Stop and Stare."
Junior Giant
Add Date: January 25
Artist: Junior Giant
Album: True North
Label: Bay 4
Genre: Alternative rock
Comments: From the band's Facebook page: "You can call it Indie pop. You can call Alternative Rock. It's like hearing Beck or Green Day for the first time. You can't quite put your finger on it, but you love the music. It is familiar yet new. Peace Up."
Maybe the first half of the album fits that description--though it's still too flattering--but the second half definitely has some moments of Green Day wanting to impersonate Vanilla Ice or something. Let's just say I'd stick with Vanilla Ice in that case. The guys tried; I'll give them that. "Euphoria" is decent.
Artist: Junior Giant
Album: True North
Label: Bay 4
Genre: Alternative rock
Comments: From the band's Facebook page: "You can call it Indie pop. You can call Alternative Rock. It's like hearing Beck or Green Day for the first time. You can't quite put your finger on it, but you love the music. It is familiar yet new. Peace Up."
Maybe the first half of the album fits that description--though it's still too flattering--but the second half definitely has some moments of Green Day wanting to impersonate Vanilla Ice or something. Let's just say I'd stick with Vanilla Ice in that case. The guys tried; I'll give them that. "Euphoria" is decent.
Vanity Theft
Add Date: January 25
Artist: Vanity Theft
Album: Get What You Came For
Label: Adament
Genre: Rock
Comments: Power-pop-rock on Vanity Theft's Get What You Came For, a hard-edged dance-friendly record. Described as an "all-female dance-rock quartet", Vanity Theft certainly doesn't shy away from the typical harder radio-rock sound (heavy bass, persistant percussion), and the vocals maintain the expectantly sassy-yet-powerful stylings you'd expect. Overall, en point stylistically and nicely energetic--if this type of music is your thing, Get What You Came For should be a nice surprise. Try tracks 1, 4.
Artist: Vanity Theft
Album: Get What You Came For
Label: Adament
Genre: Rock
Comments: Power-pop-rock on Vanity Theft's Get What You Came For, a hard-edged dance-friendly record. Described as an "all-female dance-rock quartet", Vanity Theft certainly doesn't shy away from the typical harder radio-rock sound (heavy bass, persistant percussion), and the vocals maintain the expectantly sassy-yet-powerful stylings you'd expect. Overall, en point stylistically and nicely energetic--if this type of music is your thing, Get What You Came For should be a nice surprise. Try tracks 1, 4.
The Sunny Era
Add Date: January 25
Artist: The Sunny Era
Album: Gone Missing
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie rock, world fusion
Comments: A delightful hybrid of indie rock and world music stylings (Eastern European folk, French street music, etc.), Gone Missing is the third album from Twin Cities trio The Sunny Era. It features the familiar blend of restrained, almost echoing vocals; rhythmic percussion; folk sensibilities; and the violin, clarinet, organ, guitar, piano, etc. that you'd expect. The melodies are constant, the instrumentation is creative, and the "themes" from all across the globe are never heavy-handed. Not DeVotchKa-light, but their own blend. Try tracks 5, 6 and 11.
Artist: The Sunny Era
Album: Gone Missing
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie rock, world fusion
Comments: A delightful hybrid of indie rock and world music stylings (Eastern European folk, French street music, etc.), Gone Missing is the third album from Twin Cities trio The Sunny Era. It features the familiar blend of restrained, almost echoing vocals; rhythmic percussion; folk sensibilities; and the violin, clarinet, organ, guitar, piano, etc. that you'd expect. The melodies are constant, the instrumentation is creative, and the "themes" from all across the globe are never heavy-handed. Not DeVotchKa-light, but their own blend. Try tracks 5, 6 and 11.
Delicate Steve
Add Date: January 25
Artist: Delicate Steve
Album: Wondervisions
Label: Luaka Bop
Genre: Experimental
Comments: Delicate Steve's Wondervisions is an upbeat, textural album that is melodic, lyrical, and sans vocals. The creative guitar work and production is impressive, to say the least--and to say it better, an excerpt from a "non-controversial fictitious bio" by Chuck Klosterman (the group has quite the fans)--"Like a hydo-electric Mothra rising from the ashes of an African village burned to the ground by post-rock minotaurs, the muisc of Delicate Steve will literally make you the happiest person who has never lived". It's experimental but delightfully unpretentious; try tracks 2, 4 and 7.
Artist: Delicate Steve
Album: Wondervisions
Label: Luaka Bop
Genre: Experimental
Comments: Delicate Steve's Wondervisions is an upbeat, textural album that is melodic, lyrical, and sans vocals. The creative guitar work and production is impressive, to say the least--and to say it better, an excerpt from a "non-controversial fictitious bio" by Chuck Klosterman (the group has quite the fans)--"Like a hydo-electric Mothra rising from the ashes of an African village burned to the ground by post-rock minotaurs, the muisc of Delicate Steve will literally make you the happiest person who has never lived". It's experimental but delightfully unpretentious; try tracks 2, 4 and 7.
When Saints Go Machine
Add Date: January 25
Artist: When Saints Go Machine
Album: Fail Forever EP
Label: !K7
Genre: Alt-pop, electropop
Comments: Danish 4-piece When Saints Go Machine's newest EP, Fail Forever, is a collection of five tracks, called an "avant-garde pop gem that sounds like Fever Ray meets 'Missing' by Everything But the Girl," and a "cooler Empire of the Sun". Rhythmic yet somehow restrained, with awesome vocals--sometimes repeated in rounds, like on track 2--and complex electronic soundscapes, the EP is an intriguing taste. Try tracks 1 (the strings are a lovely addition) and 3.
Artist: When Saints Go Machine
Album: Fail Forever EP
Label: !K7
Genre: Alt-pop, electropop
Comments: Danish 4-piece When Saints Go Machine's newest EP, Fail Forever, is a collection of five tracks, called an "avant-garde pop gem that sounds like Fever Ray meets 'Missing' by Everything But the Girl," and a "cooler Empire of the Sun". Rhythmic yet somehow restrained, with awesome vocals--sometimes repeated in rounds, like on track 2--and complex electronic soundscapes, the EP is an intriguing taste. Try tracks 1 (the strings are a lovely addition) and 3.
Lia Ices
Add Date: January 25
Artist: Lia Ices
Album: Grown Unknown
Label: Jagjaguwar
Genre: Pop, experimental
Comments: Lia Ices' Grown Unknown is a careful, precise experimental pop record. Much of the focus is on Ices' creative and controlled voice; although accompanying instruments range from piano to acoustic guitar and bass, the vocals are the seamless thread that keeps the tracks together. Stylistically, if you're a Bat for Lashes fan, Lia Ices' record should be a nice fit--there's an ambience to both of their sounds which is both avant-garde and accessible. Make sure to try out the phenomenal second track--the only duet on the record, with Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) as guest. Also check out tracks 1 and 5.
Artist: Lia Ices
Album: Grown Unknown
Label: Jagjaguwar
Genre: Pop, experimental
Comments: Lia Ices' Grown Unknown is a careful, precise experimental pop record. Much of the focus is on Ices' creative and controlled voice; although accompanying instruments range from piano to acoustic guitar and bass, the vocals are the seamless thread that keeps the tracks together. Stylistically, if you're a Bat for Lashes fan, Lia Ices' record should be a nice fit--there's an ambience to both of their sounds which is both avant-garde and accessible. Make sure to try out the phenomenal second track--the only duet on the record, with Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) as guest. Also check out tracks 1 and 5.
The Thoughts
Add Date: January 25
Artist: The Thoughts
Album: I Won't Keep You Here
Label: Self-released
Genre: Alt-pop
Comments: The highlight of The Thoughts' I Won't Keep You Here is easily the nuanced blend between violin and voice, a trend that starts on the opener and remains constant throughout the rest of the record. Set off by creative percussion, the result is an equally intimate and forceful sound. Try tracks 1, 4 and 9.
Artist: The Thoughts
Album: I Won't Keep You Here
Label: Self-released
Genre: Alt-pop
Comments: The highlight of The Thoughts' I Won't Keep You Here is easily the nuanced blend between violin and voice, a trend that starts on the opener and remains constant throughout the rest of the record. Set off by creative percussion, the result is an equally intimate and forceful sound. Try tracks 1, 4 and 9.
Tristen
Add Date: January 25
Artist: Tristen
Album: Charlatans at the Garden Gate
Label: American Myth
Genre: Pop
Comments: Lyrical modern pop from singer-songwriter Tristen on her latest album, Charlatans at the Garden Gate. The album showcases what is described as "'70s singer/songwriter sound, a naturalistic approach abounding with vintage organs, sweeping string arrangements, and intricate harmonies". Altogether, the album is melodic and lighthearted, with tinges of traditional country and rock in equal measure and enough hooks to keep you interested. Try tracks 3, 7 and 9.
Artist: Tristen
Album: Charlatans at the Garden Gate
Label: American Myth
Genre: Pop
Comments: Lyrical modern pop from singer-songwriter Tristen on her latest album, Charlatans at the Garden Gate. The album showcases what is described as "'70s singer/songwriter sound, a naturalistic approach abounding with vintage organs, sweeping string arrangements, and intricate harmonies". Altogether, the album is melodic and lighthearted, with tinges of traditional country and rock in equal measure and enough hooks to keep you interested. Try tracks 3, 7 and 9.
The Builders and the Butchers
Add Date: January 25
Artist: The Builders and the Butchers
Album: Dead Reckoning
Label: Badman Recording Co.
Genre: Rock, folk
Comments: The Builders and the Butchers' Dead Reckoning is an effort by the band to recall the energy, impulsiveness, and audacity of their live shows. Recorded over an 8-day period, the album has little overdubs and a welcomed lack of over-processing. Mixing bluegrass, rock, and country, The Builders and the Butchers weave both the darker elements of these styles with the strong, raw vocals in order to explore their topic of the recent, ongoing downturn of the economy and perceived American reputation. The album is good, but not original enough to provide excitement, and not catchy enough to get stuck in your head.
Artist: The Builders and the Butchers
Album: Dead Reckoning
Label: Badman Recording Co.
Genre: Rock, folk
Comments: The Builders and the Butchers' Dead Reckoning is an effort by the band to recall the energy, impulsiveness, and audacity of their live shows. Recorded over an 8-day period, the album has little overdubs and a welcomed lack of over-processing. Mixing bluegrass, rock, and country, The Builders and the Butchers weave both the darker elements of these styles with the strong, raw vocals in order to explore their topic of the recent, ongoing downturn of the economy and perceived American reputation. The album is good, but not original enough to provide excitement, and not catchy enough to get stuck in your head.
Iron & Wine
Add Date: January 25
Artist: Iron & Wine
Album: Kiss Each Other Clean
Label: Warner Bros.
Genre: Alternative
Comments: Iron & Wine is one of the few bands widely known and praised, yet still able to retain indie cred. With the group's second release, the extremely original and critically acclaimed Our Endless Numbered Days, Sam Beam proved his capacity for subtle melodies and whispering vocals while singing of profound, universal topics such as death, yearning, hopelessness, love, etc. Beam is able to introduce and explore the darkness, but right when you reach for your tissues and copy of Nietzsche, he engenders hope with the comradeship he draws between his listeners and his own soul.
Kiss Each Other Clean does not deviate topically, but signifies a break with Iron & Wine's earlier work, especially The Shepherd's Dog (2007). Instead of the usual falsetto vocals, Beam channels his deeper voice in a refreshingly purer performance. The main difference, though, comes with the shift in the group's choice of instrumentation. The first track on the album, "Walking Far From Home," demonstrates this shift with the surprising amount of distortion and a progressive booming quality, making this track emotionally dark and raw. Beam's employment of horn sections in "Big Burned Hand" and "Your Fake Name is Good Enough For Me" works on the level of experimentation, but sometimes seems superfluous and could use refinement.
On a whole, this album is good. It's definitely not his best, though. The tracks don't catch on as quickly as the earlier albums' songs, but it's still an enjoyable listening experience. The real excitement comes from the expectation of the next album, which, if this pattern continues, will show the same willing originality but with more refinement.
Artist: Iron & Wine
Album: Kiss Each Other Clean
Label: Warner Bros.
Genre: Alternative
Comments: Iron & Wine is one of the few bands widely known and praised, yet still able to retain indie cred. With the group's second release, the extremely original and critically acclaimed Our Endless Numbered Days, Sam Beam proved his capacity for subtle melodies and whispering vocals while singing of profound, universal topics such as death, yearning, hopelessness, love, etc. Beam is able to introduce and explore the darkness, but right when you reach for your tissues and copy of Nietzsche, he engenders hope with the comradeship he draws between his listeners and his own soul.
Kiss Each Other Clean does not deviate topically, but signifies a break with Iron & Wine's earlier work, especially The Shepherd's Dog (2007). Instead of the usual falsetto vocals, Beam channels his deeper voice in a refreshingly purer performance. The main difference, though, comes with the shift in the group's choice of instrumentation. The first track on the album, "Walking Far From Home," demonstrates this shift with the surprising amount of distortion and a progressive booming quality, making this track emotionally dark and raw. Beam's employment of horn sections in "Big Burned Hand" and "Your Fake Name is Good Enough For Me" works on the level of experimentation, but sometimes seems superfluous and could use refinement.
On a whole, this album is good. It's definitely not his best, though. The tracks don't catch on as quickly as the earlier albums' songs, but it's still an enjoyable listening experience. The real excitement comes from the expectation of the next album, which, if this pattern continues, will show the same willing originality but with more refinement.
White Lies
Add Date: January 25
Artist: White Lies
Album: Ritual
Label: Geffen
Genre: Alternative/Pop
Comments: White Lies' second album, Ritual, perfectly imitates the darker, synthetic-pop that indie and college radio stations have become accustomed to. Though the London-based group pulls this style off without any noticeable flaws and produces an album with refinement, Ritual seems too put-together. On one hand, you want the group to realize the despair and tragedy they sing of so much that they lose control, with the music consequently becoming more lively and realistic. On the other hand, the band takes itself way too seriously, with tracks averaging five minutes. I'm not against long songs--seeing that I thoroughly love "Impossible Soul" by Sufjan Stevens, which lasts 25 minutes and 35 seconds--but if White Lies cut their tracks, the album would become more penetrable. Ritual is good music without enough life behind it to transform it into art.
Artist: White Lies
Album: Ritual
Label: Geffen
Genre: Alternative/Pop
Comments: White Lies' second album, Ritual, perfectly imitates the darker, synthetic-pop that indie and college radio stations have become accustomed to. Though the London-based group pulls this style off without any noticeable flaws and produces an album with refinement, Ritual seems too put-together. On one hand, you want the group to realize the despair and tragedy they sing of so much that they lose control, with the music consequently becoming more lively and realistic. On the other hand, the band takes itself way too seriously, with tracks averaging five minutes. I'm not against long songs--seeing that I thoroughly love "Impossible Soul" by Sufjan Stevens, which lasts 25 minutes and 35 seconds--but if White Lies cut their tracks, the album would become more penetrable. Ritual is good music without enough life behind it to transform it into art.
Little Comets
Add Date: January 25
Artist: Little Comets
Album: In Search of Elusive Little Comets
Label: Dirty Hit
Genre: Pop, alternative
Comments: Little Comet's In Search of Elusive Little Comets draws comparisons to The Futureheads and other Euro-pop/rock/punk groups of the like. With upbeat tempos and songs averaging around three minutes, the album captures on one level the vibrancy of youth and on a second, the urgency and restrained frustration of this age. The latter is mainly accomplished by the sharp, piercing, and jerky lyrics. This album doesn't have as much eccentricity as groups of the same style, but that is to their benefit. In Search of Elusive Little Comets proves more accessible and enjoyable, even the first time around. Start with "Isles" for a British subject matter to match this British group.
Artist: Little Comets
Album: In Search of Elusive Little Comets
Label: Dirty Hit
Genre: Pop, alternative
Comments: Little Comet's In Search of Elusive Little Comets draws comparisons to The Futureheads and other Euro-pop/rock/punk groups of the like. With upbeat tempos and songs averaging around three minutes, the album captures on one level the vibrancy of youth and on a second, the urgency and restrained frustration of this age. The latter is mainly accomplished by the sharp, piercing, and jerky lyrics. This album doesn't have as much eccentricity as groups of the same style, but that is to their benefit. In Search of Elusive Little Comets proves more accessible and enjoyable, even the first time around. Start with "Isles" for a British subject matter to match this British group.
Graham Reynolds & The Golden Arm Trio
Add Date: January 25
Artist: Graham Reynolds & The Golden Arm Trio
Album: Duke! Three Portraits of Ellington
Label: Innova
Genre: Jazz
Comments: All tracks on this heavily experimental album are jazz favorites composed by Duke Ellington. The album has three parts to it. The first is a series of songs in the vein of the traditional jazz combo, with excellent trio work by the guys from Golden Arm, interlaced with horn work and solos by guest musicians. The solos often have a more contemporary feel to them, but for classic jazz tone and composition, this part of the album is where to turn.
The second is a series of classical interpretations of Ellington tunes played by a disciplined, yet soulful string quartet. These tracks are both ambient and complex, and astound with their ability to translate Ellington's compositions into a completely different medium (check out track 15).
The third, labeled as remixes, explores an entirely new avenue for Ellington's music. The sounds become much more diverse in this final section of the album, incorporating simultaneously the skills of the horn players from the first section and string players from the second. Some tracks in this section even take on an electronic feel. It is here that the musicians featured come into their own outside the constrictions of genre, and create a unique contemporary angle on every chart.
To summarize, this album offers a stunning variety of interpretations of the Duke's most widely recognized tracks. It is guaranteed to send any jazz fan spiraling into an Ellington phase with a greater appreciation for the scope and influence of his music. For the musician from any genre, it is guaranteed to inspire new thoughts in old sound.
Artist: Graham Reynolds & The Golden Arm Trio
Album: Duke! Three Portraits of Ellington
Label: Innova
Genre: Jazz
Comments: All tracks on this heavily experimental album are jazz favorites composed by Duke Ellington. The album has three parts to it. The first is a series of songs in the vein of the traditional jazz combo, with excellent trio work by the guys from Golden Arm, interlaced with horn work and solos by guest musicians. The solos often have a more contemporary feel to them, but for classic jazz tone and composition, this part of the album is where to turn.
The second is a series of classical interpretations of Ellington tunes played by a disciplined, yet soulful string quartet. These tracks are both ambient and complex, and astound with their ability to translate Ellington's compositions into a completely different medium (check out track 15).
The third, labeled as remixes, explores an entirely new avenue for Ellington's music. The sounds become much more diverse in this final section of the album, incorporating simultaneously the skills of the horn players from the first section and string players from the second. Some tracks in this section even take on an electronic feel. It is here that the musicians featured come into their own outside the constrictions of genre, and create a unique contemporary angle on every chart.
To summarize, this album offers a stunning variety of interpretations of the Duke's most widely recognized tracks. It is guaranteed to send any jazz fan spiraling into an Ellington phase with a greater appreciation for the scope and influence of his music. For the musician from any genre, it is guaranteed to inspire new thoughts in old sound.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Best New Music - January 18
Best of the week:
Dolorean
Fujiya & Miyagi
Destroyer
Smith Westerns
Cage the Elephant
And don't miss: Daniel Martin Moore, Tennis
Destroyer
Add Date: January 18
Artist: Destroyer
Album: Kaputt
Label: Merge
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Has Destroyer made a dance record? Well, almost. As of late, Dan Bejar (whom you just might recognize from his work alongside Carl Newman and Neko Case in The New Pornographers) has been toying around with electronica--in particular on the 2009 Bay of Pigs EP, which label Merge described as "Destroyer's first foray into the ambient disco market"--and for his latest full-length, some of those sounds seep in to Bejar's '70s-inspired pop.
If Destroyer's music could warrant even further comparisons to David Bowie, they're going to pour in once people hear Kaputt. I certainly have no problem with that, and I doubt that Bejar would either. Start with "Savage Night at the Opera" and "Chinatown."
Artist: Destroyer
Album: Kaputt
Label: Merge
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Has Destroyer made a dance record? Well, almost. As of late, Dan Bejar (whom you just might recognize from his work alongside Carl Newman and Neko Case in The New Pornographers) has been toying around with electronica--in particular on the 2009 Bay of Pigs EP, which label Merge described as "Destroyer's first foray into the ambient disco market"--and for his latest full-length, some of those sounds seep in to Bejar's '70s-inspired pop.
If Destroyer's music could warrant even further comparisons to David Bowie, they're going to pour in once people hear Kaputt. I certainly have no problem with that, and I doubt that Bejar would either. Start with "Savage Night at the Opera" and "Chinatown."
Chromatic Black
Add Date: January 18
Artist: Chromatic Black
Album: Chromatic Black
Label: OK! Good
Genre: Rock
Comments: For the three tracks that aren't DNP on Chromatic Black's self-titled album, the sound is pretty standard pop-punk-rock. Sing-a-long choruses, a strong focus on guitar and drums, and half-shouted vocals with easy-enough to follow lyrics are par for the course; it's upbeat and nothing too heavy-handed. Tracks 7, 8, and 9 are all radio-friendly.
Artist: Chromatic Black
Album: Chromatic Black
Label: OK! Good
Genre: Rock
Comments: For the three tracks that aren't DNP on Chromatic Black's self-titled album, the sound is pretty standard pop-punk-rock. Sing-a-long choruses, a strong focus on guitar and drums, and half-shouted vocals with easy-enough to follow lyrics are par for the course; it's upbeat and nothing too heavy-handed. Tracks 7, 8, and 9 are all radio-friendly.
Chasing Fireflies
Add Date: January 18
Artist: Chasing Fireflies
Album: Fluorescent Dreams
Label: Self-released
Genre: Pop-Rock
Comments: Described as "combining the styles of punk, emo, and rock", Chasing Fireflies' Fluorescent Dreams is an inoffensive, if not wildly creative, pop-rock record. The blend of traditional catchy hooks and soaring, quasi-emotional vocals in the style of every pop-punk band in the past 10 years makes for easy listening, if this style's your thing. The promoters recommend tracks 1, 2, and 8.
Artist: Chasing Fireflies
Album: Fluorescent Dreams
Label: Self-released
Genre: Pop-Rock
Comments: Described as "combining the styles of punk, emo, and rock", Chasing Fireflies' Fluorescent Dreams is an inoffensive, if not wildly creative, pop-rock record. The blend of traditional catchy hooks and soaring, quasi-emotional vocals in the style of every pop-punk band in the past 10 years makes for easy listening, if this style's your thing. The promoters recommend tracks 1, 2, and 8.
The Silent Partner
Add Date: January 18
Artist: The Silent Partner
Album: Random
Label: Self-released
Genre: Acoustic, rock, singer-songwriter
Comments: This is a pretty good acoustic singer/songwriter album from Los Angeles' Brad Shaw, aka The Silent Partner. For fans of Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson, and Ben Folds. From one critic: "It's ear catching, melodic and altogether enthralling. Five minutes and I was singing along... in harmony!" Start with 1, 2, and 5.
Artist: The Silent Partner
Album: Random
Label: Self-released
Genre: Acoustic, rock, singer-songwriter
Comments: This is a pretty good acoustic singer/songwriter album from Los Angeles' Brad Shaw, aka The Silent Partner. For fans of Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson, and Ben Folds. From one critic: "It's ear catching, melodic and altogether enthralling. Five minutes and I was singing along... in harmony!" Start with 1, 2, and 5.
Santa Mamba
Add Date: January 18
Artist: Santa Mamba
Album: Senseo
Label: Holy Snake Music
Genre: International, Latin, rock, reggae
Comments: This is primarily a Latin rock album with strange segments of English spoken word-like moments in some of the songs. 95% (ish) of the lyrics are sung in Spanish, and the percussion, melodies, and guitars all reflect a heavy Latin influence. There are plenty of guitar solos interspersed throughout the record as well, while a reggae influence can be found on track 3. Start with 2, 3, and 10.
Artist: Santa Mamba
Album: Senseo
Label: Holy Snake Music
Genre: International, Latin, rock, reggae
Comments: This is primarily a Latin rock album with strange segments of English spoken word-like moments in some of the songs. 95% (ish) of the lyrics are sung in Spanish, and the percussion, melodies, and guitars all reflect a heavy Latin influence. There are plenty of guitar solos interspersed throughout the record as well, while a reggae influence can be found on track 3. Start with 2, 3, and 10.
40 Watt Hype
Add Date: January 18
Artist: 40 Watt Hype
Album: Push
Label: Royal Dutch Company Music
Genre: Hip hop, rap, R&B, international
Comments: A very interesting rap/R&B album with a Latin twist. From the promoter: "In the center of California, a culture that is the underbelly of LA and San Fransisco, from the bass bumping out of the '84 Cutless to the backyard fiestas, the music of 40 Watt Hype is created--live hip hop cultivated from the seeds of a favorite dusty soul record with a Latin B-side." Start with 2, 8, and 10.
Artist: 40 Watt Hype
Album: Push
Label: Royal Dutch Company Music
Genre: Hip hop, rap, R&B, international
Comments: A very interesting rap/R&B album with a Latin twist. From the promoter: "In the center of California, a culture that is the underbelly of LA and San Fransisco, from the bass bumping out of the '84 Cutless to the backyard fiestas, the music of 40 Watt Hype is created--live hip hop cultivated from the seeds of a favorite dusty soul record with a Latin B-side." Start with 2, 8, and 10.
Igor Boxx
Add Date: January 18
Artist: Igor Boxx
Album: Breslau
Label: Ninja Tune
Genre: Jazz, rock, instrumental
Comments: This is an instrumental album that takes you on a wild, historic, and exhilarating ride. From the promoter: "Breslau, Igor Boxx's first solo project, is a cinematic look at what it means to come from Wroclaw, Poland--a unique place with a complex and troubled history. Close your eyes, and you're there as Igor uses jazzy samples reflecting the music of that era--more specifically, the Communist occupation of Poland itself. One moment spies are on the prowl through the city, the next an underground celebration goes on through the wail of sirens in the distance. This journey from old to new reflects almost half a century and the entire 'lifetime of vinyl culture', a great insight to music from behind the Iron Curtain. The rest is... well, history. FCC Clean. We Like 2, 5, 9, 14."
Artist: Igor Boxx
Album: Breslau
Label: Ninja Tune
Genre: Jazz, rock, instrumental
Comments: This is an instrumental album that takes you on a wild, historic, and exhilarating ride. From the promoter: "Breslau, Igor Boxx's first solo project, is a cinematic look at what it means to come from Wroclaw, Poland--a unique place with a complex and troubled history. Close your eyes, and you're there as Igor uses jazzy samples reflecting the music of that era--more specifically, the Communist occupation of Poland itself. One moment spies are on the prowl through the city, the next an underground celebration goes on through the wail of sirens in the distance. This journey from old to new reflects almost half a century and the entire 'lifetime of vinyl culture', a great insight to music from behind the Iron Curtain. The rest is... well, history. FCC Clean. We Like 2, 5, 9, 14."
The Let Go
Add Date: January 18
Artist: The Let Go
Album: Morning Comes
Label: Undercaste
Genre: Hip hop, rap
Comments: From the promoter: "The Let Go is a Seattle-based alt-hip hop trio, comprised of one producer and two emcees. In the tradition of other local indie rap groups like the Saturday Knights, Grayskul and Champagne Champagne, The Let Go has honed in on its own type of sound, far from any one genre. If CD stores had a barbershop quartet power pop punk rap section, that's where you might find their brand of hip hop."
I am in no position to review hip-hop albums, but I definitely enjoyed listening to album. There is a ton of variety and energy. Start with 4, 8, and 7.
Artist: The Let Go
Album: Morning Comes
Label: Undercaste
Genre: Hip hop, rap
Comments: From the promoter: "The Let Go is a Seattle-based alt-hip hop trio, comprised of one producer and two emcees. In the tradition of other local indie rap groups like the Saturday Knights, Grayskul and Champagne Champagne, The Let Go has honed in on its own type of sound, far from any one genre. If CD stores had a barbershop quartet power pop punk rap section, that's where you might find their brand of hip hop."
I am in no position to review hip-hop albums, but I definitely enjoyed listening to album. There is a ton of variety and energy. Start with 4, 8, and 7.
Dolorean
Add Date: January 18
Artist: Dolorean
Album: The Unfazed
Label: Partisan
Genre: Folk rock
Comments: One of the most severely underrated bands in modern music, Dolorean returns with its fourth LP, and the first for Partisan Records (Deer Tick, Mountain Man). Al James is truly a masterful songwriter--I still can't get over the brilliance of cuts like "Violence in the Snowy Fields" or "In Love with the Doubt" from previous Dolorean works--with a voice that fits perfectly amidst the beautifully melancholy, astoundingly literate folk rock tunes of the band. Jay Clarke's piano and organ propel the songs forward, accompanied by Jon Neufeld's appropriately understated guitar, James Adair's bass, Benny Nugent's percussion and the occasional violin from Kate O'Brien Clarke.
Dolorean records take some engagement--it's immediately enjoyable, but as with the band's previous issue, 2007's splendid You Can't Win, the new LP only gets better with each successive listen. Spend some time with The Unfazed, and you'll see. For fans of Crooked Fingers, Califone and Mark Kozelek. Start with the title track, "Thinskinned" and "If I Find Love."
Artist: Dolorean
Album: The Unfazed
Label: Partisan
Genre: Folk rock
Comments: One of the most severely underrated bands in modern music, Dolorean returns with its fourth LP, and the first for Partisan Records (Deer Tick, Mountain Man). Al James is truly a masterful songwriter--I still can't get over the brilliance of cuts like "Violence in the Snowy Fields" or "In Love with the Doubt" from previous Dolorean works--with a voice that fits perfectly amidst the beautifully melancholy, astoundingly literate folk rock tunes of the band. Jay Clarke's piano and organ propel the songs forward, accompanied by Jon Neufeld's appropriately understated guitar, James Adair's bass, Benny Nugent's percussion and the occasional violin from Kate O'Brien Clarke.
Dolorean records take some engagement--it's immediately enjoyable, but as with the band's previous issue, 2007's splendid You Can't Win, the new LP only gets better with each successive listen. Spend some time with The Unfazed, and you'll see. For fans of Crooked Fingers, Califone and Mark Kozelek. Start with the title track, "Thinskinned" and "If I Find Love."
Freak Owls
Add Date: January 18
Artist: Freak Owls
Album: Taxidermy
Label: Sing Engine
Genre: Alt-pop
Comments: Bright yet quiet, Freak Owl's Taxidermy is a gentle, textured record, with layers of vocals spilling over each other, and acoustic guitar grounding the sound. Listing influences as varied as the Beach Boys, Iron & Wine, Death Cab for Cutie and Bon Iver, Freak Owls still manage to create their own singer/songwriter acoustic sound with creative backbeats; try tracks 1 and 3.
Artist: Freak Owls
Album: Taxidermy
Label: Sing Engine
Genre: Alt-pop
Comments: Bright yet quiet, Freak Owl's Taxidermy is a gentle, textured record, with layers of vocals spilling over each other, and acoustic guitar grounding the sound. Listing influences as varied as the Beach Boys, Iron & Wine, Death Cab for Cutie and Bon Iver, Freak Owls still manage to create their own singer/songwriter acoustic sound with creative backbeats; try tracks 1 and 3.
Born Crain
Add Date: January 18
Artist: Born Crain
Album: Anatomy
Label: GP
Genre: Pop
Comments: Bright, piano-and-vocal driven pop from Belgian artist Born Crain (who generally releases in Belgium and Japan). Anatomy isn't necessarily wildly creative, but the "seventies-inspired" instrumentally-driven sound is a nice break from most radio pop these days. Try track 7.
Artist: Born Crain
Album: Anatomy
Label: GP
Genre: Pop
Comments: Bright, piano-and-vocal driven pop from Belgian artist Born Crain (who generally releases in Belgium and Japan). Anatomy isn't necessarily wildly creative, but the "seventies-inspired" instrumentally-driven sound is a nice break from most radio pop these days. Try track 7.
Black Pistol Fire
Add Date: January 18
Artist: Black Pistol Fire
Album: Black Pistol Fire
Label: Rifle Bird
Genre: Rock
Comments: Combining Southern rock, blues, garage sensibilities, and howling vocals, Black Pistol Fire's self-titled debut LP sits firmly in the rock-and-roll category. Fuzzy vocals, instrumentation without many bells or whistles, and reliable song structures combine to give the LP an honest, upfront sound. Try tracks 1 and 4.
Artist: Black Pistol Fire
Album: Black Pistol Fire
Label: Rifle Bird
Genre: Rock
Comments: Combining Southern rock, blues, garage sensibilities, and howling vocals, Black Pistol Fire's self-titled debut LP sits firmly in the rock-and-roll category. Fuzzy vocals, instrumentation without many bells or whistles, and reliable song structures combine to give the LP an honest, upfront sound. Try tracks 1 and 4.
Fujiya & Miyagi
Add Date: January 18
Artist: Fujiya & Miyagi
Album: Ventriloquizzing
Label: Yep Roc
Genre: Electronica, alternative
Comments: Hailing from an electro-funk background, Fujiya & Miyagi have taken a darker turn on Ventriloquizzing, an album which combines steady beats, clipped vocals and some glam influences to create an experimental, far-reaching record. Minimalistic funk at its finest, Ventriloquizzing both makes you want to dance and slightly disturbs you--the combination of restrained vocals and constant beats is both appealing and disarming. Start with tracks 2, 3, and 5.
Artist: Fujiya & Miyagi
Album: Ventriloquizzing
Label: Yep Roc
Genre: Electronica, alternative
Comments: Hailing from an electro-funk background, Fujiya & Miyagi have taken a darker turn on Ventriloquizzing, an album which combines steady beats, clipped vocals and some glam influences to create an experimental, far-reaching record. Minimalistic funk at its finest, Ventriloquizzing both makes you want to dance and slightly disturbs you--the combination of restrained vocals and constant beats is both appealing and disarming. Start with tracks 2, 3, and 5.
Dearling Physique
Add Date: January 18
Artist: Dearling Physique
Album: Deadeye Dealer
Label: Self-Released
Genre: Alt-pop, electronica
Comments: Combining ambient, electronica, and alt-pop, Dearling Physique's Deadeye Dealer is an experimental record that focuses on hard-hitting, steady rhythms, creepy-sounding synths and the vocal prowesses of frontman Domino Davis. A touch of NIN with soulful vocals--try tracks 3 and 6.
Artist: Dearling Physique
Album: Deadeye Dealer
Label: Self-Released
Genre: Alt-pop, electronica
Comments: Combining ambient, electronica, and alt-pop, Dearling Physique's Deadeye Dealer is an experimental record that focuses on hard-hitting, steady rhythms, creepy-sounding synths and the vocal prowesses of frontman Domino Davis. A touch of NIN with soulful vocals--try tracks 3 and 6.
Fergus & Geronimo
Add Date: January 18
Artist: Fergus & Geronimo
Album: Unlearn
Label: Hardly Art
Genre: Rock, alternative
Comments: From the promoter: "Unlearn is an 11-track history lesson on the world of popular music with lush R&B harmonies, authentic rock and roll energy, and a fair share of experimentation. Black and Chicano doo-wop, the energy and atmosphere of classic soul, the precise control of Frank Zappa, psychedelia, and a thought to nearly everything in between." Composed of Jason Kelly and Andrew Savage, the latter understands that this group "is two guys making weird music with no other agenda than being creative and surprising."
Artist: Fergus & Geronimo
Album: Unlearn
Label: Hardly Art
Genre: Rock, alternative
Comments: From the promoter: "Unlearn is an 11-track history lesson on the world of popular music with lush R&B harmonies, authentic rock and roll energy, and a fair share of experimentation. Black and Chicano doo-wop, the energy and atmosphere of classic soul, the precise control of Frank Zappa, psychedelia, and a thought to nearly everything in between." Composed of Jason Kelly and Andrew Savage, the latter understands that this group "is two guys making weird music with no other agenda than being creative and surprising."
Shilpa Ray & Her Happy Hookers
Add Date: January 18
Artist: Shilpa Ray & Her Happy Hookers
Album: Teenage and Torture
Label: Knitting Factory Records
Genre: Rock, blues, lo-fi
Comments: Unless I'm studying, I usually don't prefer instrumental albums. Shilpa Ray & Her Happy Hookers' Teenage And Torture, though, has me desperately wanting this album to get rid of the lyrics or just seriously adjust them. Not to say that Ray's voice isn't rough, edgy, and a good match for the dirty blues sound of the album. The group, however, uses crude and crass lyrics to demonstrate the frustration and futility of being a teenager, or even just a human. This nihilistic message, though, contains no sense of poignancy and therefore strips the tracks and album of any potential beauty and transcendence.
Artist: Shilpa Ray & Her Happy Hookers
Album: Teenage and Torture
Label: Knitting Factory Records
Genre: Rock, blues, lo-fi
Comments: Unless I'm studying, I usually don't prefer instrumental albums. Shilpa Ray & Her Happy Hookers' Teenage And Torture, though, has me desperately wanting this album to get rid of the lyrics or just seriously adjust them. Not to say that Ray's voice isn't rough, edgy, and a good match for the dirty blues sound of the album. The group, however, uses crude and crass lyrics to demonstrate the frustration and futility of being a teenager, or even just a human. This nihilistic message, though, contains no sense of poignancy and therefore strips the tracks and album of any potential beauty and transcendence.
Amos Lee
Add Date: January 18
Artist: Amos Lee
Album: Mission Bell
Label: Blue Note
Genre: Country, pop
Comments: Amos Lee's fourth album, Mission Bell, proves that an Amos Lee album will always be an Amos Lee album. Lee croons his way through tracks which blur the lines between pop, country, folk, and blues. He had a little help this time, though. With the aid of Joey Burns and John Convertino of Calexico, Lee adds atmosphere and texture to his songs, which otherwise could be passed off as generic. As a whole, the album can either be viewed as extremely cohesive or, in my opinion, irritatingly repetitive. Either way, Mission Bell proves an easy and enjoyable listen the first time through. After that, boredom sets in.
Artist: Amos Lee
Album: Mission Bell
Label: Blue Note
Genre: Country, pop
Comments: Amos Lee's fourth album, Mission Bell, proves that an Amos Lee album will always be an Amos Lee album. Lee croons his way through tracks which blur the lines between pop, country, folk, and blues. He had a little help this time, though. With the aid of Joey Burns and John Convertino of Calexico, Lee adds atmosphere and texture to his songs, which otherwise could be passed off as generic. As a whole, the album can either be viewed as extremely cohesive or, in my opinion, irritatingly repetitive. Either way, Mission Bell proves an easy and enjoyable listen the first time through. After that, boredom sets in.
Daniel Martin Moore
Add Date: January 18
Artist: Daniel Martin Moore
Album: In the Cool of the Day
Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Folk
Comments: In the Cool of the Day, Daniel Martin Moore's debut solo album, provides a great contrast to the popular folk being played now. Instead of using a banjo and acoustic guitar to categorize himself as part of the genre, Moore adds depth and originality with his use of the piano and organ. Moore's voice, reminiscent of Damien Rice, whispers through the album with just enough strength to complement the instrumentals. Add his hymn covers and this album can, at times, border on the edge of gospel. In the Cool of the Day, though, brings back the true definition of traditional folk music: music by and for the common people, the folk.
Artist: Daniel Martin Moore
Album: In the Cool of the Day
Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Folk
Comments: In the Cool of the Day, Daniel Martin Moore's debut solo album, provides a great contrast to the popular folk being played now. Instead of using a banjo and acoustic guitar to categorize himself as part of the genre, Moore adds depth and originality with his use of the piano and organ. Moore's voice, reminiscent of Damien Rice, whispers through the album with just enough strength to complement the instrumentals. Add his hymn covers and this album can, at times, border on the edge of gospel. In the Cool of the Day, though, brings back the true definition of traditional folk music: music by and for the common people, the folk.
Madison
Add Date: January 18
Artist: Madison
Album: The Noise Some People Make (EP)
Label: G-Records
Genre: Electropop
Comments: From the promoter: "There's nothing wrong with pop music. Listing to [this album], the forthcoming EP from downtown-NY-via-Miami noisemaker Madison, something is just right. The first taste of a multi-part pop and art project, this collection--released on her brand-new, very own G-Records--is a pop made with no boundaries, no labels, no super star producer--and entirely on Madison's own terms."
This is a great electropop EP. Madison shows off how catchy she can be, all the while putting to use an incredible and gifted voice. Start with 1 and 2.
Artist: Madison
Album: The Noise Some People Make (EP)
Label: G-Records
Genre: Electropop
Comments: From the promoter: "There's nothing wrong with pop music. Listing to [this album], the forthcoming EP from downtown-NY-via-Miami noisemaker Madison, something is just right. The first taste of a multi-part pop and art project, this collection--released on her brand-new, very own G-Records--is a pop made with no boundaries, no labels, no super star producer--and entirely on Madison's own terms."
This is a great electropop EP. Madison shows off how catchy she can be, all the while putting to use an incredible and gifted voice. Start with 1 and 2.
Smith Westerns
Add Date: January 18
Artist: Smith Westerns
Album: Dye It Blonde
Label: Fat Possum
Genre: Rock, psych pop
Comments: This is an excellent psychedelic record characterized by plenty of reverb, catchy and breezy melodies, and an amazing drum sound to go along with it all. This album is fantastically produced and performed.
From Pitchfork: "Chicago's glam-rock Smith Westerns are young, and they've been known to get in a little bit of trouble at times, but on 'Weekend,' the first taste of their second album, Dye It Blonde, they have more on their minds than just fun."
Start with tracks 1, 2, and 5.
Artist: Smith Westerns
Album: Dye It Blonde
Label: Fat Possum
Genre: Rock, psych pop
Comments: This is an excellent psychedelic record characterized by plenty of reverb, catchy and breezy melodies, and an amazing drum sound to go along with it all. This album is fantastically produced and performed.
From Pitchfork: "Chicago's glam-rock Smith Westerns are young, and they've been known to get in a little bit of trouble at times, but on 'Weekend,' the first taste of their second album, Dye It Blonde, they have more on their minds than just fun."
Start with tracks 1, 2, and 5.
Tennis
Add Date: January 18
Artist: Tennis
Album: Cape Dory
Label: Fat Possum
Genre: Pop, Rock
Comments: From Pitchfork: "It's not clear whether husband-and-wife duo Tennis had such effortlessly breezy songs in mind before they bought a sailboat and spent eight months on it off of the East Coast, but either way they've taken to heart the maxim to 'write what you know' on 'Marathon.'"
"Effortlessly breezy" is certainly an apt description of the songs that comprise this album. The sound is beachy (no surprise, given the duo's sailboat venture), atmospheric, melodic, and fun. This is a super-accessible and enjoyable pop album. Fans of Beach House, She & Him, and Fleet Foxes will assuredly enjoy this record. Start with 4, 2, 7.
Artist: Tennis
Album: Cape Dory
Label: Fat Possum
Genre: Pop, Rock
Comments: From Pitchfork: "It's not clear whether husband-and-wife duo Tennis had such effortlessly breezy songs in mind before they bought a sailboat and spent eight months on it off of the East Coast, but either way they've taken to heart the maxim to 'write what you know' on 'Marathon.'"
"Effortlessly breezy" is certainly an apt description of the songs that comprise this album. The sound is beachy (no surprise, given the duo's sailboat venture), atmospheric, melodic, and fun. This is a super-accessible and enjoyable pop album. Fans of Beach House, She & Him, and Fleet Foxes will assuredly enjoy this record. Start with 4, 2, 7.
Cage the Elephant
Add Date: January 18
Artist: Cage the Elephant
Album: Thank You Happy Birthday
Label: Jive
Genre: Rock indie pop, punk
Comments: This is an excellent and unique-sounding indie pop/punk record (NOT a pop-punk record, however). The songs are as catchy as they are powerful and energetic. The lead singer can carry a melody as well as yelp with passion, similar to MeWithoutYou or (pre-Only by Night) Kings of Leon, and the instrumentation follows right along.
This is the type of band you hear a studio recording of and think, "Man, I really wish I could be at their show right now." There is certainly a wide range of sounds here, all worth checking out. Start with 2, 4, and 6.
Artist: Cage the Elephant
Album: Thank You Happy Birthday
Label: Jive
Genre: Rock indie pop, punk
Comments: This is an excellent and unique-sounding indie pop/punk record (NOT a pop-punk record, however). The songs are as catchy as they are powerful and energetic. The lead singer can carry a melody as well as yelp with passion, similar to MeWithoutYou or (pre-Only by Night) Kings of Leon, and the instrumentation follows right along.
This is the type of band you hear a studio recording of and think, "Man, I really wish I could be at their show right now." There is certainly a wide range of sounds here, all worth checking out. Start with 2, 4, and 6.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Best New Music - January 11
Welcome back:
Tapes 'n Tapes
The Decemberists
The Monday Mornings
The Veils
British Sea Power
Also check out: the return of Gang of Four, an EP from Now, Now, and a single from The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Tapes 'n Tapes
Add Date: January 11
Artist: Tapes 'n Tapes
Album: Outside
Label: Ibid
Genre: Rock
Comments: Tapes 'n Tapes is, all things considered, back where it belongs. After 2005's breakthrough The Loon, originally released on the band's on Ibid Records and later reissued by XL, the Minneapolis foursome spent the next couple of years opening for the likes of Spoon, Franz Ferdinand and Echo & the Bunnymen. Then came 2008's Walk It Off, in which the band teamed with producer Dave Fridmann. Don't get me wrong--Fridman is absolutely brilliant; just see his work with The Flaming Lips, among many others--but it was simply a poor match. The record was by no means poor, but perhaps even worse, it was rather forgettable, failing to stand out in a crowded music field.
So the band has left XL--imagine how hard that decision must have been--and returned to its own imprint. And in doing so, they've managed to recapture the magic of some five years ago. Outside is a fine collection of indie rock tunes, drawing from the last three decades of alternative rock, with the Pixies, Pavement, The Shins and Modest Mouse as obvious touchstones. And what's more, it's a great album, easily listenable and engaging from start to finish. "Freak Out" is the first truly memorable single of the 2011 music year, but it's far from the only song worthy of airplay; I'd also recommend "Badaboom," "One in the World" and "Desert Plane."
Artist: Tapes 'n Tapes
Album: Outside
Label: Ibid
Genre: Rock
Comments: Tapes 'n Tapes is, all things considered, back where it belongs. After 2005's breakthrough The Loon, originally released on the band's on Ibid Records and later reissued by XL, the Minneapolis foursome spent the next couple of years opening for the likes of Spoon, Franz Ferdinand and Echo & the Bunnymen. Then came 2008's Walk It Off, in which the band teamed with producer Dave Fridmann. Don't get me wrong--Fridman is absolutely brilliant; just see his work with The Flaming Lips, among many others--but it was simply a poor match. The record was by no means poor, but perhaps even worse, it was rather forgettable, failing to stand out in a crowded music field.
So the band has left XL--imagine how hard that decision must have been--and returned to its own imprint. And in doing so, they've managed to recapture the magic of some five years ago. Outside is a fine collection of indie rock tunes, drawing from the last three decades of alternative rock, with the Pixies, Pavement, The Shins and Modest Mouse as obvious touchstones. And what's more, it's a great album, easily listenable and engaging from start to finish. "Freak Out" is the first truly memorable single of the 2011 music year, but it's far from the only song worthy of airplay; I'd also recommend "Badaboom," "One in the World" and "Desert Plane."
British Sea Power
Add Date: January 11
Artist: British Sea Power
Album: Valhalla Dancehall
Label: Rough Trade
Genre: Rock
Comments: The Brighton band British Sea Power cram Joy Division-style post-punk, shoegazey '80s alternative (think Echo & the Bunnymen), modern Brit pop and Super Furry Animals-style psych pop into what, four records into their career, is their own unmistakable sound. Following up on their 2008 LP Do You Like Rock Music? and some soundtrack work, Valhalla Dancehall is another impressive effort in the band's growing canon. Alas, a couple of the album's finest tunes ("Who's in Control" and the synth pop-leaning "Living Is So Easy") are DNP, but there's still plenty to spin: in particular, try the sweeping rock numbers "We Are Sound" and "Mongk II" or the quieter, folksier "Georgie Ray."
Artist: British Sea Power
Album: Valhalla Dancehall
Label: Rough Trade
Genre: Rock
Comments: The Brighton band British Sea Power cram Joy Division-style post-punk, shoegazey '80s alternative (think Echo & the Bunnymen), modern Brit pop and Super Furry Animals-style psych pop into what, four records into their career, is their own unmistakable sound. Following up on their 2008 LP Do You Like Rock Music? and some soundtrack work, Valhalla Dancehall is another impressive effort in the band's growing canon. Alas, a couple of the album's finest tunes ("Who's in Control" and the synth pop-leaning "Living Is So Easy") are DNP, but there's still plenty to spin: in particular, try the sweeping rock numbers "We Are Sound" and "Mongk II" or the quieter, folksier "Georgie Ray."
Gang of Four
Add Date: January 11
Artist: Gang of Four
Album: Content
Label: Yep Roc
Genre: Rock, post-punk
Comments: Content is the first completely new record from British legends Gang of Four in some 16 years--discounting 2005's Return the Gift, which was a collection of re-recorded earlier works--with original members Andy Gill and Jon King now joined by drummer Mark Heaney and bassist Thomas McNeice. It's hard to imagine anything stacking up to the band's explosive 1979 debut Entertainment! or its follow-up Solid Gold, but Content is a solid collection of politically-charged post-punk. For fans of The Fall (another British band that keeps charging along), Wire or Mission of Burma. Start with "Who Am I?" or "You'll Never Pay for the Farm."
Artist: Gang of Four
Album: Content
Label: Yep Roc
Genre: Rock, post-punk
Comments: Content is the first completely new record from British legends Gang of Four in some 16 years--discounting 2005's Return the Gift, which was a collection of re-recorded earlier works--with original members Andy Gill and Jon King now joined by drummer Mark Heaney and bassist Thomas McNeice. It's hard to imagine anything stacking up to the band's explosive 1979 debut Entertainment! or its follow-up Solid Gold, but Content is a solid collection of politically-charged post-punk. For fans of The Fall (another British band that keeps charging along), Wire or Mission of Burma. Start with "Who Am I?" or "You'll Never Pay for the Farm."
Frank Turner
Add Date: January 11
Artist: Frank Turner
Album: Rock & Roll (EP)
Label: Epitaph
Genre: Rock, folk
Comments: From the promoter: "Frank Turner is an English singer-songwriter, a former vocalist for legendary UK punk band Million Dead, now turned to silencing rowdy crowds with his passion and an acoustic guitar as he opens for the likes of Gaslight Anthem, The Offspring and Bad Religion. Like an earlier singer with roots in the punk movement, Billy Bragg, Turner spits out songs that are at once effortless and heartfelt, filled with venom, self-doubt, and love for the everyday people he meets in the street."
Rock & Roll is a standalone EP, containing five new songs from Turner, including the UK hit "I Still Believe." Also try "To Absent Friends."
Artist: Frank Turner
Album: Rock & Roll (EP)
Label: Epitaph
Genre: Rock, folk
Comments: From the promoter: "Frank Turner is an English singer-songwriter, a former vocalist for legendary UK punk band Million Dead, now turned to silencing rowdy crowds with his passion and an acoustic guitar as he opens for the likes of Gaslight Anthem, The Offspring and Bad Religion. Like an earlier singer with roots in the punk movement, Billy Bragg, Turner spits out songs that are at once effortless and heartfelt, filled with venom, self-doubt, and love for the everyday people he meets in the street."
Rock & Roll is a standalone EP, containing five new songs from Turner, including the UK hit "I Still Believe." Also try "To Absent Friends."
Darwin Deez
Add Date: January 11
Artist: Darwin Deez
Album: Darwin Deez
Label: Lucky Number
Genre: Rock, synth pop
Comments: Catchy, synth-driven indie pop from New York's Darwin Deez, which the UK's Guardian calls "wonderful, strangely yearning pop, matching Strokesian ennui to a melody that reaches for twinkling stars" and Nylon describes as the "[b]est mustachioed pop since Hall & Oates." The promoter compares Deez and his band to The Dismemberment Plan, Ben Kweller (mostly for the vocals, I'm sure) and MGMT. Start with "Constellations" and "Radar Detector."
Artist: Darwin Deez
Album: Darwin Deez
Label: Lucky Number
Genre: Rock, synth pop
Comments: Catchy, synth-driven indie pop from New York's Darwin Deez, which the UK's Guardian calls "wonderful, strangely yearning pop, matching Strokesian ennui to a melody that reaches for twinkling stars" and Nylon describes as the "[b]est mustachioed pop since Hall & Oates." The promoter compares Deez and his band to The Dismemberment Plan, Ben Kweller (mostly for the vocals, I'm sure) and MGMT. Start with "Constellations" and "Radar Detector."
Quiet Life
Add Date: January 11
Artist: Quiet Life
Album: Big Green
Label: Safety Meeting
Genre: Alt-country, rock
Comments: From the promoter: "The harmonica and easy shuffle starting Big Green make it clear that this is an alt-country album. Portland, OR trio Quiet Life are so good at crafting alt-country, as a matter of fact, that they'll tour with Moondoggies soon! 'Cave Country' is an uptempo barn burner, all good vibes and toe-tapping. 'Nighttime' features crashing drums and soulful vocals. Are you a fan of acts like Moondoggies, The Avett Brothers and The Decemberists? Answer yes? Then Quiet Life is for you!"
Artist: Quiet Life
Album: Big Green
Label: Safety Meeting
Genre: Alt-country, rock
Comments: From the promoter: "The harmonica and easy shuffle starting Big Green make it clear that this is an alt-country album. Portland, OR trio Quiet Life are so good at crafting alt-country, as a matter of fact, that they'll tour with Moondoggies soon! 'Cave Country' is an uptempo barn burner, all good vibes and toe-tapping. 'Nighttime' features crashing drums and soulful vocals. Are you a fan of acts like Moondoggies, The Avett Brothers and The Decemberists? Answer yes? Then Quiet Life is for you!"
The Decemberists
Add Date: January 11
Artist: The Decemberists
Album: The King Is Dead
Label: Capitol
Genre: Alt-country, folk rock
Comments: For their sixth studio LP, The Decemberists set out to create a stripped-down country-rock record, citing The Byrds, Harvest-era Neil Young, English folk and R.E.M. as influences. While this style of music was certainly present, if not prevalent, on records like Picaresque and The Crane Wife, the country sound takes over on The King Is Dead. As frontman Colin Meloy admits, pulling off straightforward folk presents a different kind of challenge from, say, the elaborate chamber pop of The Hazards of Love. "It's a real challenge to make simple music, and a lot of times we had to deliberately hold off and keep more space," Meloy said. "This record is an exercise in restraint."
It's also a testament to the musicianship in the band, from Meloy to Chris Funk (who plays everything from pedal steel to banjo to bouzouki, a Greek relative of the mandolin), to Jenny Conlee (accordion, piano and organ), to bassist Nate Query and percussionist John Moen. And the guest list is perfectly fitting for a folk record, with alt-country stalwarts Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings singing harmony vocals on many tracks, while Annalisa Tornfelt, who plays alongside several Decemberists in Black Prairie, plays fiddle; for what it's worth, the homage to R.E.M. isn't lip service, as Peter Buck contributes his mandolin to opener "Don't Carry It All" and plays guitar on two other songs.
Overall, The King Is Dead is a fine album. Start with "Down By the Water," the aforementioned "Don't Carry It All," the accordion-driven "Rox in the Box" and "Calamity Song."
Artist: The Decemberists
Album: The King Is Dead
Label: Capitol
Genre: Alt-country, folk rock
Comments: For their sixth studio LP, The Decemberists set out to create a stripped-down country-rock record, citing The Byrds, Harvest-era Neil Young, English folk and R.E.M. as influences. While this style of music was certainly present, if not prevalent, on records like Picaresque and The Crane Wife, the country sound takes over on The King Is Dead. As frontman Colin Meloy admits, pulling off straightforward folk presents a different kind of challenge from, say, the elaborate chamber pop of The Hazards of Love. "It's a real challenge to make simple music, and a lot of times we had to deliberately hold off and keep more space," Meloy said. "This record is an exercise in restraint."
It's also a testament to the musicianship in the band, from Meloy to Chris Funk (who plays everything from pedal steel to banjo to bouzouki, a Greek relative of the mandolin), to Jenny Conlee (accordion, piano and organ), to bassist Nate Query and percussionist John Moen. And the guest list is perfectly fitting for a folk record, with alt-country stalwarts Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings singing harmony vocals on many tracks, while Annalisa Tornfelt, who plays alongside several Decemberists in Black Prairie, plays fiddle; for what it's worth, the homage to R.E.M. isn't lip service, as Peter Buck contributes his mandolin to opener "Don't Carry It All" and plays guitar on two other songs.
Overall, The King Is Dead is a fine album. Start with "Down By the Water," the aforementioned "Don't Carry It All," the accordion-driven "Rox in the Box" and "Calamity Song."
Phantods
Add Date: January 11
Artist: Phantods
Album: Creature
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Dark yet upbeat post-punk from the Columbus band Phantods, which brings to mind Love Like Fire or Girl in a Coma. Start with "One Hundred Years" or the title track.
Artist: Phantods
Album: Creature
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Dark yet upbeat post-punk from the Columbus band Phantods, which brings to mind Love Like Fire or Girl in a Coma. Start with "One Hundred Years" or the title track.
Tara Priya
Add Date: January 11
Artist: Tara Priya
Album: Tara Priya (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Soul, pop
Comments: According to the onesheet, Tara Priya's self-titled debut was "inspired by The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, and Sam Cooke," and while there's a certain vintage feel to this 6-song set, it still sounds like it belongs in the 21st century. Priya's commanding voice, certainly boosted by opera and jazz vocal lessons as a youngster, steals the show on tracks like "Wounded" and "Rollin'."
Artist: Tara Priya
Album: Tara Priya (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Soul, pop
Comments: According to the onesheet, Tara Priya's self-titled debut was "inspired by The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, and Sam Cooke," and while there's a certain vintage feel to this 6-song set, it still sounds like it belongs in the 21st century. Priya's commanding voice, certainly boosted by opera and jazz vocal lessons as a youngster, steals the show on tracks like "Wounded" and "Rollin'."
The Tins
Add Date: January 11
Artist: The Tins
Album: The Tins (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: A very promising 5-song debut EP from Buffalo band The Tins, who mold post-punk, modern-day indie and some experimental rock into a sound somewhere along the lines of Wolf Parade or Maps & Atlases. Start with "The Green Room," which NME describes as "kick[ing] off with a modern-day Twilight Zone vibe that morphs into an extraordinarily moving seven-minute-long serenade." Also try "Backbone."
Artist: The Tins
Album: The Tins (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: A very promising 5-song debut EP from Buffalo band The Tins, who mold post-punk, modern-day indie and some experimental rock into a sound somewhere along the lines of Wolf Parade or Maps & Atlases. Start with "The Green Room," which NME describes as "kick[ing] off with a modern-day Twilight Zone vibe that morphs into an extraordinarily moving seven-minute-long serenade." Also try "Backbone."
Modern Skirts
Add Date: January 11
Artist: Modern Skirts
Album: Gramahawk
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, alt-pop
Comments: Gramahawk, the third LP from Modern Skirts, finds the Athens, Ga., quartet continuing to break out of the mold of an indie/power pop band. Drawing comparisons to Sloan and The Shins, among others, for their first two LPs--and landing a spot opening for R.E.M. in Europe--Modern Skirts didn't like the direction that they were heading in (or at least the ease with which critics pigeonholed their music). So in a change of direction, Gramahawk veers toward the skewed-pop direction of Menomena or Aqueduct. There are some misses along the way, but a fair number of hits as well. Unfortunately, two of the best songs on the LP ("Bumper Car" and "Happy 81") are radio-unfriendly, but check out "Tape Deck" or "To Be a Branch Davidian."
Artist: Modern Skirts
Album: Gramahawk
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, alt-pop
Comments: Gramahawk, the third LP from Modern Skirts, finds the Athens, Ga., quartet continuing to break out of the mold of an indie/power pop band. Drawing comparisons to Sloan and The Shins, among others, for their first two LPs--and landing a spot opening for R.E.M. in Europe--Modern Skirts didn't like the direction that they were heading in (or at least the ease with which critics pigeonholed their music). So in a change of direction, Gramahawk veers toward the skewed-pop direction of Menomena or Aqueduct. There are some misses along the way, but a fair number of hits as well. Unfortunately, two of the best songs on the LP ("Bumper Car" and "Happy 81") are radio-unfriendly, but check out "Tape Deck" or "To Be a Branch Davidian."
The Last Royals
Add Date: January 11
Artist: The Last Royals
Album: The Last Royals EP
Label: Ooh La La
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Bouncy, upbeat, synth-laced indie pop from the NYC duo The Last Royals, whose music lies somewhere between Tokyo Police Club and Phoenix. (If I'm not mistaken, they've recently toured with The Russian Futurists, which would be a good fit.) Try "Crystal Vases" or "Backseat Lovers."
Artist: The Last Royals
Album: The Last Royals EP
Label: Ooh La La
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Bouncy, upbeat, synth-laced indie pop from the NYC duo The Last Royals, whose music lies somewhere between Tokyo Police Club and Phoenix. (If I'm not mistaken, they've recently toured with The Russian Futurists, which would be a good fit.) Try "Crystal Vases" or "Backseat Lovers."
Madcap Radio
Add Date: January 11
Artist: Madcap Radio
Album: Madcap Radio's Illicit Prescription for Your Existential Crisis
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: A diverse debut record from the duo Madcap Radio, Illicit Prescription for Your Existential Crisis flirts with alternative, lo-fi indie rock, British rock and folk. Try "Apologies & Eulogies."
Artist: Madcap Radio
Album: Madcap Radio's Illicit Prescription for Your Existential Crisis
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: A diverse debut record from the duo Madcap Radio, Illicit Prescription for Your Existential Crisis flirts with alternative, lo-fi indie rock, British rock and folk. Try "Apologies & Eulogies."
Seth Glier
Add Date: January 11
Artist: Seth Glier
Album: The Next Right Thing
Label: MPress
Genre: Folk, pop
Comments: From the promoter: "Raised on the music of Jeff Buckley, Randy Newman and Joni Mitchell... [Seth] Glier, a 22-year-old singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist from Boston, has quickly established himself on the national scene, performing over 200 shows a year. Reminiscent of the piano style of classic Billy Joel and Elton John, he brings a contemporary edge to this self-produced, sophisticated collection, which will appeal to fans of Gavin DeGraw, Mumford & Sons and Ben Folds."
Check out "Lauralee," the bluesy title track and "I Don't Need You."
Artist: Seth Glier
Album: The Next Right Thing
Label: MPress
Genre: Folk, pop
Comments: From the promoter: "Raised on the music of Jeff Buckley, Randy Newman and Joni Mitchell... [Seth] Glier, a 22-year-old singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist from Boston, has quickly established himself on the national scene, performing over 200 shows a year. Reminiscent of the piano style of classic Billy Joel and Elton John, he brings a contemporary edge to this self-produced, sophisticated collection, which will appeal to fans of Gavin DeGraw, Mumford & Sons and Ben Folds."
Check out "Lauralee," the bluesy title track and "I Don't Need You."
The Monday Mornings
Add Date: January 11
Artist: The Monday Mornings
Album: Fireweed Parade
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, folk
Comments: Throughout Fireweed Parade, the new LP from The Monday Mornings, I can't help but think about Carissa's Wierd, the Pacific Northwest band from the late '90s that, while often forgotten itself, spawned the careers of Band of Horses, The Grand Archives and Sera Cahoone. (If you were around last summer, you were probably introduced to CW's folk-infused, melancholy indie rock through a retrospective released by Sub Pop's sister label Hardly Art.)
Monday Mornings frontman Michael Mearns turns out to be a terrific songwriter, and he's built a terrific band around what used to be his solo project. Katie Mosehauer's violin, string arrangements and backing vocals--not to mention her artwork for the record--complement everything that Mearns does quite well, and the same can be said for the other members of what is now a 5-piece. Sadly, bassist Evan Robertson passed away during the making of the album last spring, which understandably delayed its release until now.
Check out "Shift the Sea," "All Rise" and "Claim Gold God."
Artist: The Monday Mornings
Album: Fireweed Parade
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, folk
Comments: Throughout Fireweed Parade, the new LP from The Monday Mornings, I can't help but think about Carissa's Wierd, the Pacific Northwest band from the late '90s that, while often forgotten itself, spawned the careers of Band of Horses, The Grand Archives and Sera Cahoone. (If you were around last summer, you were probably introduced to CW's folk-infused, melancholy indie rock through a retrospective released by Sub Pop's sister label Hardly Art.)
Monday Mornings frontman Michael Mearns turns out to be a terrific songwriter, and he's built a terrific band around what used to be his solo project. Katie Mosehauer's violin, string arrangements and backing vocals--not to mention her artwork for the record--complement everything that Mearns does quite well, and the same can be said for the other members of what is now a 5-piece. Sadly, bassist Evan Robertson passed away during the making of the album last spring, which understandably delayed its release until now.
Check out "Shift the Sea," "All Rise" and "Claim Gold God."
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Add Date: January 11
Artist: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Album: "Heart in Your Heartbreak" (single)
Label: Slumberland
Genre: Rock, indie pop
Comments: "Heart in Your Heartbreak" is the latest single from The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, and it's another near-perfect slice of indie pop bliss. The song gradually builds from a spacey, shoegazey pop tune into a synth-driven New Wave jam, all tied together by Kip Berman's chorus: "She was the heart in your heartbreak, she was the miss in your mistake." A very enjoyable B-side, "The One," complements the single nicely. The band is finishing up its new LP, which will be released later in 2011.
Artist: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Album: "Heart in Your Heartbreak" (single)
Label: Slumberland
Genre: Rock, indie pop
Comments: "Heart in Your Heartbreak" is the latest single from The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, and it's another near-perfect slice of indie pop bliss. The song gradually builds from a spacey, shoegazey pop tune into a synth-driven New Wave jam, all tied together by Kip Berman's chorus: "She was the heart in your heartbreak, she was the miss in your mistake." A very enjoyable B-side, "The One," complements the single nicely. The band is finishing up its new LP, which will be released later in 2011.
Ninth Moon Black
Add Date: January 11
Artist: Ninth Moon Black
Album: Kalyug (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, post-rock
Comments: Slow-building, guitar-driven post-rock jams on Kalyug, a 4-song EP from the Oregon quintet Ninth Moon Black. The promoter compares them to Mogwai, Godspeed You Black Emperor! and Jesu, which sounds about right. Check out the title track.
Artist: Ninth Moon Black
Album: Kalyug (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, post-rock
Comments: Slow-building, guitar-driven post-rock jams on Kalyug, a 4-song EP from the Oregon quintet Ninth Moon Black. The promoter compares them to Mogwai, Godspeed You Black Emperor! and Jesu, which sounds about right. Check out the title track.
Now, Now
Add Date: January 11
Artist: Now, Now
Album: Neighbors (EP)
Label: No Sleep
Genre: Rock
Comments: Listening to Neighbors, the new EP from the Minnesota trio Now, Now, I'm reminded of Land of Talk. That's mostly due to Cacie Dalager's vocals, which bring to mind Elizabeth Powell, but also because there are some elements of post-punk that can be found in that Montreal band's work as well. Now, Now also incorporates electronic textures and elements of shoegaze and indie pop into Neighbors, and in one sentence, SPIN compared them to Metric, Be Your Own Pet and The Knife. This is a really well-constructed 5-song EP, with a couple of acoustic versions thrown in almost like bonus tracks, but in particular check out "Giants" and the title selection.
Artist: Now, Now
Album: Neighbors (EP)
Label: No Sleep
Genre: Rock
Comments: Listening to Neighbors, the new EP from the Minnesota trio Now, Now, I'm reminded of Land of Talk. That's mostly due to Cacie Dalager's vocals, which bring to mind Elizabeth Powell, but also because there are some elements of post-punk that can be found in that Montreal band's work as well. Now, Now also incorporates electronic textures and elements of shoegaze and indie pop into Neighbors, and in one sentence, SPIN compared them to Metric, Be Your Own Pet and The Knife. This is a really well-constructed 5-song EP, with a couple of acoustic versions thrown in almost like bonus tracks, but in particular check out "Giants" and the title selection.
My Politic
Add Date: January 11
Artist: My Politic
Album: Younger Still
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk
Comments: Comprised of Kaston Guffey and Nick Pankey, the Missouri duo My Politic churn out 13 tracks of pensive, stripped-down folk on Younger Still, their third LP. Their music brings to mind acts like Bonnie "Prince" Billy and Daniel Martin Moore, and while it's been done before, this is very pleasant. Try "Could You Come Home" or "Lonely When I Die."
Artist: My Politic
Album: Younger Still
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk
Comments: Comprised of Kaston Guffey and Nick Pankey, the Missouri duo My Politic churn out 13 tracks of pensive, stripped-down folk on Younger Still, their third LP. Their music brings to mind acts like Bonnie "Prince" Billy and Daniel Martin Moore, and while it's been done before, this is very pleasant. Try "Could You Come Home" or "Lonely When I Die."
The Veils
Add Date: January 11
Artist: The Veils
Album: Troubles of the Brain EP
Label: Pitch Beast
Genre: Rock, folk pop
Comments: Following up on 2009's Sun Gangs LP, Finn Andrews returns with a 7-song set on The Veils' Troubles of the Brain EP. This isn't a complementary release--it's a stand-alone mini-record, laid down at the New Zealand native's home studio in London. Andrews' rock is infiltrated by Brit-pop and folk, making for an enjoyable listen all the way from the album's standout opening track, the pop number "Bloom," through the quieter, folksier tunes that appear at the end of the record.
For fans of Nick Cave, Travis and Jeff Buckley. In addition to "Bloom," try "The Stars Came Out Once the Lights Went Out" or "Grey Lynn Park."
Artist: The Veils
Album: Troubles of the Brain EP
Label: Pitch Beast
Genre: Rock, folk pop
Comments: Following up on 2009's Sun Gangs LP, Finn Andrews returns with a 7-song set on The Veils' Troubles of the Brain EP. This isn't a complementary release--it's a stand-alone mini-record, laid down at the New Zealand native's home studio in London. Andrews' rock is infiltrated by Brit-pop and folk, making for an enjoyable listen all the way from the album's standout opening track, the pop number "Bloom," through the quieter, folksier tunes that appear at the end of the record.
For fans of Nick Cave, Travis and Jeff Buckley. In addition to "Bloom," try "The Stars Came Out Once the Lights Went Out" or "Grey Lynn Park."
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