Top five adds:
Also check out: The Funk Ark and the Japan 3.11.11 benefit comp
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Portugal. The Man
Add Date: July 26
Artist: Portugal. The Man
Album: In the Mountain in the Cloud
Label: Atlantic
Genre: Rock
Comments: Portugal. The Man are nothing if not prolific; In the Mountain in the Cloud is their sixth studio record in under six years, starting with 2006 debut Waiter: "You Vultures!" (The band must have a thing for extraneous punctuation marks.) During this time, the (mostly) Alaska natives have bounced between two independent labels, Fearless and Equal Vision, and they've now landed on a major. There's also been a pretty significant progression of their sound, as band members have transitioned from their post-hardcore roots into proggy psychedelic pop-rock.
Starting around the time of 2009's The Satanic Satanist, too, there's been a very distinctive Motown slant to Portugal. The Man's music. In short, this is psych rock with soul. (Also, while we're at it, some funk and R&B, too.) And while the band has hinted at its potential in the past, In the Mountain in the Cloud is quite possibly their best album overall. The first four tracks are killers--"So American" and "Got It All (This Can't Be Living Now)" in particular--and they don't really let up steam at any point, whether it's from the funk-pop of "Everything You See (Kids Count Hallelujahs)" to the prog-rock blast of "All Your Light (Times Like These)". (Again with all the punctuation...)
An excellent effort; start with tracks 3, 1, 2, 7 and 4.
Artist: Portugal. The Man
Album: In the Mountain in the Cloud
Label: Atlantic
Genre: Rock
Comments: Portugal. The Man are nothing if not prolific; In the Mountain in the Cloud is their sixth studio record in under six years, starting with 2006 debut Waiter: "You Vultures!" (The band must have a thing for extraneous punctuation marks.) During this time, the (mostly) Alaska natives have bounced between two independent labels, Fearless and Equal Vision, and they've now landed on a major. There's also been a pretty significant progression of their sound, as band members have transitioned from their post-hardcore roots into proggy psychedelic pop-rock.
Starting around the time of 2009's The Satanic Satanist, too, there's been a very distinctive Motown slant to Portugal. The Man's music. In short, this is psych rock with soul. (Also, while we're at it, some funk and R&B, too.) And while the band has hinted at its potential in the past, In the Mountain in the Cloud is quite possibly their best album overall. The first four tracks are killers--"So American" and "Got It All (This Can't Be Living Now)" in particular--and they don't really let up steam at any point, whether it's from the funk-pop of "Everything You See (Kids Count Hallelujahs)" to the prog-rock blast of "All Your Light (Times Like These)". (Again with all the punctuation...)
An excellent effort; start with tracks 3, 1, 2, 7 and 4.
Fruit Bats
Add Date: July 26
Artist: Fruit Bats
Album: Tripper
Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Rock, folk rock
Comments: Eric Johnson's Fruit Bats project has been defined by its wonderful mix of '70s-vintage classic rock and jangly folk pop, most recently on 2009's The Ruminant Band. Indeed, it's been quite easy to envision Johnson as a past member of Califone--and as a current part of the indie powerhouse known as The Shins. On Tripper, the formula doesn't change, but it's been tweaked; some light electronics seep in, giving the music what Paste calls "a darker synth-infused sound".
But it's only slightly darker, and in no way is Tripper any less accessible--or, really, less folksier--than any of Johnson's previous work. Another solid LP; start with "Tony the Tripper", "Tangie and Ray", "So Long" and "You're Too Weird".
Artist: Fruit Bats
Album: Tripper
Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Rock, folk rock
Comments: Eric Johnson's Fruit Bats project has been defined by its wonderful mix of '70s-vintage classic rock and jangly folk pop, most recently on 2009's The Ruminant Band. Indeed, it's been quite easy to envision Johnson as a past member of Califone--and as a current part of the indie powerhouse known as The Shins. On Tripper, the formula doesn't change, but it's been tweaked; some light electronics seep in, giving the music what Paste calls "a darker synth-infused sound".
But it's only slightly darker, and in no way is Tripper any less accessible--or, really, less folksier--than any of Johnson's previous work. Another solid LP; start with "Tony the Tripper", "Tangie and Ray", "So Long" and "You're Too Weird".
Letting Up Despite Great Faults
Add Date: July 26
Artist: Letting Up Despite Great Faults
Album: Paper Crush (EP)
Label: Old Flame
Genre: Indie pop
Comments: A nice mix of shoegazey indie rock and some light synth-pop sounds on this 5-track EP from the L.A. band Letting Up Despite Great Faults. Paper Crush should appeal to fans of The Pains of Being Pure at Heart--or, truly, Slumberland indie pop in general--as well as Wild Nothing or Saint Etienne. Check out "Repeating Hearts" and "Sophia in Gold".
Artist: Letting Up Despite Great Faults
Album: Paper Crush (EP)
Label: Old Flame
Genre: Indie pop
Comments: A nice mix of shoegazey indie rock and some light synth-pop sounds on this 5-track EP from the L.A. band Letting Up Despite Great Faults. Paper Crush should appeal to fans of The Pains of Being Pure at Heart--or, truly, Slumberland indie pop in general--as well as Wild Nothing or Saint Etienne. Check out "Repeating Hearts" and "Sophia in Gold".
Release the Sunbird
Add Date: July 26
Artist: Release the Sunbird
Album: Come Back to Us
Label: Brushfire
Genre: Alternative, indie rock
Comments: If the sounds coming from the debut album of Release the Sunbird sound familiar, it's because Rogue Wave's Zach Rogue has decided to create a new side/solo project. Come Back to Us keeps to the same signature sound that has made Rogue so popular in the indie world, but that familiar intimacy is also tweaked a bit to allow for some sun-kissed, joyful and simple harmonies that showcase the singer's talent. The record has the production value to make it better than most run-of-the-mill indie rock bands, but it still doesn't fill the spot that "Lake Michigan" left.
The album does provide for a lilting listen, but I'd stick with tracks 2, 6, 8 and 9.
Artist: Release the Sunbird
Album: Come Back to Us
Label: Brushfire
Genre: Alternative, indie rock
Comments: If the sounds coming from the debut album of Release the Sunbird sound familiar, it's because Rogue Wave's Zach Rogue has decided to create a new side/solo project. Come Back to Us keeps to the same signature sound that has made Rogue so popular in the indie world, but that familiar intimacy is also tweaked a bit to allow for some sun-kissed, joyful and simple harmonies that showcase the singer's talent. The record has the production value to make it better than most run-of-the-mill indie rock bands, but it still doesn't fill the spot that "Lake Michigan" left.
The album does provide for a lilting listen, but I'd stick with tracks 2, 6, 8 and 9.
The Old Glorys
Add Date: July 26
Artist: The Old Glorys
Album: Brunswick Street Demos (EP)
Label: Mint 400
Genre: Folk
Comments: Kentucky-based band The Old Glorys live up to their name with their Americana feel, not to mention their songs of heartache, loss and redemption. Each member of the band brings their own backdrop of broken hearts and sights seen into this melting pot of sound that proves to be uniquely rambunctious in its soft, melodic way. Sometimes resembling She & Him (without Him), the members of The Old Glorys provide some luscious, alt-pop harmonies on their recent album.
Tracks 1, 3 and 6 make for some nice ditties.
Artist: The Old Glorys
Album: Brunswick Street Demos (EP)
Label: Mint 400
Genre: Folk
Comments: Kentucky-based band The Old Glorys live up to their name with their Americana feel, not to mention their songs of heartache, loss and redemption. Each member of the band brings their own backdrop of broken hearts and sights seen into this melting pot of sound that proves to be uniquely rambunctious in its soft, melodic way. Sometimes resembling She & Him (without Him), the members of The Old Glorys provide some luscious, alt-pop harmonies on their recent album.
Tracks 1, 3 and 6 make for some nice ditties.
Imaginary Johnny
Add Date: July 26
Artist: Imaginary Johnny
Album: Dig
Label: Unfinished Side
Genre: Rock
Comments: A very solid effort from the Brooklyn-based band Imaginary Johnny, Dig is a mix of '70s-style AM radio rock and modern indie. The Boston Globe has described Imaginary Johnny's music as "a blend of Tom Petty pop hooks and Wilco spirit", while the onesheet compares the band to John Vanderslice and Gram Parsons, among others. I'll see those comparisons and throw in The Love Language and Jason Collett. If any of these bands appeals to you, my guess is that you'll find something to enjoy on Dig.
Spin "To Be Excused", "If You Can Get Down to It", "Soak City" and "She Has the Sky".
Artist: Imaginary Johnny
Album: Dig
Label: Unfinished Side
Genre: Rock
Comments: A very solid effort from the Brooklyn-based band Imaginary Johnny, Dig is a mix of '70s-style AM radio rock and modern indie. The Boston Globe has described Imaginary Johnny's music as "a blend of Tom Petty pop hooks and Wilco spirit", while the onesheet compares the band to John Vanderslice and Gram Parsons, among others. I'll see those comparisons and throw in The Love Language and Jason Collett. If any of these bands appeals to you, my guess is that you'll find something to enjoy on Dig.
Spin "To Be Excused", "If You Can Get Down to It", "Soak City" and "She Has the Sky".
Japan 3.11.11
Add Date: July 26
Artist: Various Artists
Album: Japan 3.11.11: A Benefit Album
Label: Polyvinyl
Genre: Compilations/soundtracks, rock, pop
Comments: From the promoter: "In early March 2011, Japan suffered one of the largest earthquakes in recorded history, a tsunami which devastated its northern coast, and a nuclear disaster the scope of which is still not fully understood. Soon after the news broke, Polyvinyl reached out to its family of artists--and friends of that family--to put together a compilation to raise money to aid victims of this tragedy."
The result is Japan 3.11.11, a star-studded benefit record that goes on sale in September. All proceeds will go to the American Red Cross, which will in turn support the International Red Cross in its relief efforts. This 23-track collection features music from Deerhoof, Love Is All, Shugo Tokumaru, Asobi Seksu, Owen, Xiu Xiu, David Bazan, Starf***er, of Montreal, Casiokids, Joan of Arc, and much, much more.
Great music for a great cause; what more motivation do you need to spin Japan 3.11.11? You can't go wrong with any of these tunes--most of which were previously unreleased--but start with tracks 1, 2, 6, 7 and 10 on disc one and 2, 3 and 8 on disc two.
Artist: Various Artists
Album: Japan 3.11.11: A Benefit Album
Label: Polyvinyl
Genre: Compilations/soundtracks, rock, pop
Comments: From the promoter: "In early March 2011, Japan suffered one of the largest earthquakes in recorded history, a tsunami which devastated its northern coast, and a nuclear disaster the scope of which is still not fully understood. Soon after the news broke, Polyvinyl reached out to its family of artists--and friends of that family--to put together a compilation to raise money to aid victims of this tragedy."
The result is Japan 3.11.11, a star-studded benefit record that goes on sale in September. All proceeds will go to the American Red Cross, which will in turn support the International Red Cross in its relief efforts. This 23-track collection features music from Deerhoof, Love Is All, Shugo Tokumaru, Asobi Seksu, Owen, Xiu Xiu, David Bazan, Starf***er, of Montreal, Casiokids, Joan of Arc, and much, much more.
Great music for a great cause; what more motivation do you need to spin Japan 3.11.11? You can't go wrong with any of these tunes--most of which were previously unreleased--but start with tracks 1, 2, 6, 7 and 10 on disc one and 2, 3 and 8 on disc two.
The Go Round
Add Date: July 26
Artist: The Go Round
Album: Gone
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk, indie rock
Comments: Brooklyn songwriters Brandon Whightsel and Richard Duke created The Go Round after they spent time traveling down their respective folk roads. Their self-released Gone has that realistic quality that a majority of today's music has lost, and you can just tell that their voices transfer from the studio to the stage perfectly. Sometimes resembling a toned down or acoustic Drive-By Truckers, the duo has settled into the likable groove of folk-rock music that is accompanied by engaging lyrics that maintain a simple directness and a ring of ripped-from-the-headlines truth.
Tracks 9, 2, 6 and 8 are keepers.
Artist: The Go Round
Album: Gone
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk, indie rock
Comments: Brooklyn songwriters Brandon Whightsel and Richard Duke created The Go Round after they spent time traveling down their respective folk roads. Their self-released Gone has that realistic quality that a majority of today's music has lost, and you can just tell that their voices transfer from the studio to the stage perfectly. Sometimes resembling a toned down or acoustic Drive-By Truckers, the duo has settled into the likable groove of folk-rock music that is accompanied by engaging lyrics that maintain a simple directness and a ring of ripped-from-the-headlines truth.
Tracks 9, 2, 6 and 8 are keepers.
Cerebral Ballzy
Add Date: July 26
Artist: Cerebral Ballzy
Album: Cerebral Ballzy
Label: Williams Street
Genre: Rock, punk
Comments: Because the promoter knows best: "CEREBRAL BALLZY were born and raised in New York... and instead of crying about it, they scream their way through a sprawling mess of '80s hardcore and punk rock, sounding like the Beastie Boys doing drunk-covers of Bad Brains (which is pretty much exactly how the Beastie Boys started)... Led by frontman Honor Titus and bassist Melvin Honore, the band work to restore something golden to New York’s punk rock history... blasting through 12 tracks in under 20 minutes on their self-titled debut album."
Tracks 1 and 11 are clean and mindblowingly insane (in a good way).
Artist: Cerebral Ballzy
Album: Cerebral Ballzy
Label: Williams Street
Genre: Rock, punk
Comments: Because the promoter knows best: "CEREBRAL BALLZY were born and raised in New York... and instead of crying about it, they scream their way through a sprawling mess of '80s hardcore and punk rock, sounding like the Beastie Boys doing drunk-covers of Bad Brains (which is pretty much exactly how the Beastie Boys started)... Led by frontman Honor Titus and bassist Melvin Honore, the band work to restore something golden to New York’s punk rock history... blasting through 12 tracks in under 20 minutes on their self-titled debut album."
Tracks 1 and 11 are clean and mindblowingly insane (in a good way).
Marcus Pereira
Add Date: July 26
Artist: Marcus Pereira
Album: Terra Azul
Label: Self-released
Genre: Jazz, international, rock
Comments: Jazz fusion from Brazilian musician Marcus Pereira on his latest, Terra Azul. Elements of rock and even some '60s pop seep into the music, especially when Pereira's electric guitar shines through. It's a very mellow and soothing listen.
Artist: Marcus Pereira
Album: Terra Azul
Label: Self-released
Genre: Jazz, international, rock
Comments: Jazz fusion from Brazilian musician Marcus Pereira on his latest, Terra Azul. Elements of rock and even some '60s pop seep into the music, especially when Pereira's electric guitar shines through. It's a very mellow and soothing listen.
Emblems
Add Date: July 26
Artist: Emblems
Album: Our Bare Bones (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, folk pop
Comments: You'll definitely get a matt pond PA vibe from the Chicago-area band Emblems on Our Bare Bones, their debut EP, which is filled with richly orchestrated indie pop songs. However, that's not to say that Emblems are copycats; though Pond and his band are an obvious influence, you'll also hear some darker, almost Gothic sounds on the EP--especially on closing track "Coyotes", featuring Kristi Ditsch's haunting viola.
Start with "Goosebumps" and "Summer Air".
Artist: Emblems
Album: Our Bare Bones (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, folk pop
Comments: You'll definitely get a matt pond PA vibe from the Chicago-area band Emblems on Our Bare Bones, their debut EP, which is filled with richly orchestrated indie pop songs. However, that's not to say that Emblems are copycats; though Pond and his band are an obvious influence, you'll also hear some darker, almost Gothic sounds on the EP--especially on closing track "Coyotes", featuring Kristi Ditsch's haunting viola.
Start with "Goosebumps" and "Summer Air".
Smoove & Turrell
Add Date: July 26
Artist: Smoove & Turrell
Album: Eccentric Audio
Label: Jalapeno
Genre: Soul, R&B, blues
Comments: Smoove & Turrell's debut was a quiet event, with some predictable, retro-soul delight. Now, with Eccentric Audio, they are shedding those concerns of a "sophomore slump" with an excellent example of sophistifunk style music. With uber-clean production, beautiful rhythm & blues, and some sounds that resemble a more funkified Cee Lo Green, the album delivers some whirlwind sounds that deserve to be heard.
The entire album is worth a listen, but if you're looking for some exceptionally nice tracks, go with 1, 5, 7, 8 and 11.
Artist: Smoove & Turrell
Album: Eccentric Audio
Label: Jalapeno
Genre: Soul, R&B, blues
Comments: Smoove & Turrell's debut was a quiet event, with some predictable, retro-soul delight. Now, with Eccentric Audio, they are shedding those concerns of a "sophomore slump" with an excellent example of sophistifunk style music. With uber-clean production, beautiful rhythm & blues, and some sounds that resemble a more funkified Cee Lo Green, the album delivers some whirlwind sounds that deserve to be heard.
The entire album is worth a listen, but if you're looking for some exceptionally nice tracks, go with 1, 5, 7, 8 and 11.
Chiddy Bang
Add Date: July 26
Artist: Chiddy Bang
Album: "Mind Your Manners" (single)
Label: EMI
Genre: Hip hop
Comments: Chiddy Bang, the name for the Philly-based duo of Chiddy and Xaphoon Jones, is becoming a rising star in the hip-hop world. Having previously dropped a mixtape that included buzzworthy songs such as the MGMT-copping "Opposite of Adults", the "kings of the basement party jam" are now releasing their debut album stateside in August. Until then, we can listen to their EP, featuring three versions of the catchy song "Mind Your Manners" featuring Icona Pop. It's a good song, to be sure, but I can't wait to see what Chiddy Bang is going to come up with next.
Track 1 is the version to go with.
Artist: Chiddy Bang
Album: "Mind Your Manners" (single)
Label: EMI
Genre: Hip hop
Comments: Chiddy Bang, the name for the Philly-based duo of Chiddy and Xaphoon Jones, is becoming a rising star in the hip-hop world. Having previously dropped a mixtape that included buzzworthy songs such as the MGMT-copping "Opposite of Adults", the "kings of the basement party jam" are now releasing their debut album stateside in August. Until then, we can listen to their EP, featuring three versions of the catchy song "Mind Your Manners" featuring Icona Pop. It's a good song, to be sure, but I can't wait to see what Chiddy Bang is going to come up with next.
Track 1 is the version to go with.
The Funk Ark
Add Date: July 26
Artist: The Funk Ark
Album: From the Rooftops
Label: ESL Music
Genre: Funk, R&B
Comments: The Funk Ark is a world funk ensemble based in the heart of Washington, D.C. Their debut album delivers a healthy dose of vintage Afrobeat, Latin, and wordless funk stylings that were big in the '60s and '70s. Recalling the best of Afrika 70, the JB's and the Fania Allstars all at once, The Funk Ark is a good place to quell all those booty-shaking/vintage groove needs.
The entire album is great, but I'd stick with tracks 1, 4, 7 and 10.
Artist: The Funk Ark
Album: From the Rooftops
Label: ESL Music
Genre: Funk, R&B
Comments: The Funk Ark is a world funk ensemble based in the heart of Washington, D.C. Their debut album delivers a healthy dose of vintage Afrobeat, Latin, and wordless funk stylings that were big in the '60s and '70s. Recalling the best of Afrika 70, the JB's and the Fania Allstars all at once, The Funk Ark is a good place to quell all those booty-shaking/vintage groove needs.
The entire album is great, but I'd stick with tracks 1, 4, 7 and 10.
Bomb the Music Industry!
Add Date: July 26
Artist: Bomb the Music Industry!
Album: Vacation
Label: Ernest Jenning
Genre: Rock
Comments: Bomb the Music Industry!'s newest addition to their rock collection is just as loud and entertaining as their previous work. Under the leadership of songwriter/producer Jeff Rosenstock, the New York-based band has that '80s punk flair that just dares you to listen to their punk sound and lyrics about anything and everything. Vacation is definitely more optimistic than their last album, but it's still able to give you that loose, fun feel that, ethically, punk bands are meant to give to their adoring fans.
Tracks 2, 6 and 8 are radio-friendly and catchy.
Artist: Bomb the Music Industry!
Album: Vacation
Label: Ernest Jenning
Genre: Rock
Comments: Bomb the Music Industry!'s newest addition to their rock collection is just as loud and entertaining as their previous work. Under the leadership of songwriter/producer Jeff Rosenstock, the New York-based band has that '80s punk flair that just dares you to listen to their punk sound and lyrics about anything and everything. Vacation is definitely more optimistic than their last album, but it's still able to give you that loose, fun feel that, ethically, punk bands are meant to give to their adoring fans.
Tracks 2, 6 and 8 are radio-friendly and catchy.
Theophilus London
Add Date: July 26
Artist: Theophilus London
Album: Timez are Weird These Days
Label: Reprise
Genre: Hip hop, pop
Comments: The great Bard once asked, "What's in a name?" As it turns out, there's a lot in Theophilus London's case. He provides an intricate performance befitting his name, using his technical rhyming prowess, borrowing melody and affectation from countless genres and lumping his beats with the electro-rap craze of the past. Like Drake and others in the same league, London has been riding on the fame and recognition received from his mixtape catalog, not to mention the company he keeps with Mark Ronson and Damon Albarn. Regardless, this rapper is living up to his one-of-a-kind name with an album that is just as "simultaneously retro and forward-thinking."
If you're in the mood for some retro-beats that blend hip hop and New Wave, try tracks 4, 6 and 10.
Artist: Theophilus London
Album: Timez are Weird These Days
Label: Reprise
Genre: Hip hop, pop
Comments: The great Bard once asked, "What's in a name?" As it turns out, there's a lot in Theophilus London's case. He provides an intricate performance befitting his name, using his technical rhyming prowess, borrowing melody and affectation from countless genres and lumping his beats with the electro-rap craze of the past. Like Drake and others in the same league, London has been riding on the fame and recognition received from his mixtape catalog, not to mention the company he keeps with Mark Ronson and Damon Albarn. Regardless, this rapper is living up to his one-of-a-kind name with an album that is just as "simultaneously retro and forward-thinking."
If you're in the mood for some retro-beats that blend hip hop and New Wave, try tracks 4, 6 and 10.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Best New Music - July 19
Pining for the fjords:
Beautiful plumage: Fink, Pictureplane, Tomorrows Tulips and a single from Twin Sister
Ty Segall
Add Date: July 19
Artist: Ty Segall
Album: Goodbye Bread
Label: Drag City
Genre: Rock, garage rock, psych pop
Comments: Goodbye Bread, Ty Segall's fifth LP and first for Drag City (Joanna Newsom, Bonnie "Prince" Billy), has just about everything that you'd want from a rock record: great songwriting, fine guitar work, perfect production--here, that means the right degree of lo-fi, psychedelic sludge, but not a sloppy sound--and influences that are noticeable (Syd Barrett, The Stooges, Love) without becoming overwhelming.
Even at age 23, then, I think it's safe to put Segall in the company of King Khan and the late Jay Reatard as modern-day garage rock masters. Goodbye Bread is spectacular throughout, but highlights include guitar-rock stomps like "You Make the Sun Fry", "The Floor" and "Comfortable Home (A True Story)"; the folk-infused title track, which opens the LP; and the psych pop of album closer "Fine".
Artist: Ty Segall
Album: Goodbye Bread
Label: Drag City
Genre: Rock, garage rock, psych pop
Comments: Goodbye Bread, Ty Segall's fifth LP and first for Drag City (Joanna Newsom, Bonnie "Prince" Billy), has just about everything that you'd want from a rock record: great songwriting, fine guitar work, perfect production--here, that means the right degree of lo-fi, psychedelic sludge, but not a sloppy sound--and influences that are noticeable (Syd Barrett, The Stooges, Love) without becoming overwhelming.
Even at age 23, then, I think it's safe to put Segall in the company of King Khan and the late Jay Reatard as modern-day garage rock masters. Goodbye Bread is spectacular throughout, but highlights include guitar-rock stomps like "You Make the Sun Fry", "The Floor" and "Comfortable Home (A True Story)"; the folk-infused title track, which opens the LP; and the psych pop of album closer "Fine".
Brilliant Colors
Add Date: July 19
Artist: Brilliant Colors
Album: Again and Again
Label: Slumberland
Genre: Rock, indie pop
Comments: From the promoter: "Inspired by post-punk fervor and the spiky pop of C86 and early Flying Nun/Creation label output, San Francisco's Brilliant Colors stake out a unique spot in the indie music landscape... Again and Again... represents a great next step for the band. The songwriting is still as infectious as ever, but the tunes are now more carefully arranged, pushing the band far beyond their punk roots to something as elemental as pop gets."
It's easy to hear the influences of The Clean (New Zealand's finest, and hence the Flying Nun reference above) and '80s British indie pop on this sophomore LP from Brilliant Colors. After excellent opener "Hey Dan", Again and Again takes a while to get going, but the second half of the record is spectacular. Spin tracks 9, 1, 8 and 10.
Artist: Brilliant Colors
Album: Again and Again
Label: Slumberland
Genre: Rock, indie pop
Comments: From the promoter: "Inspired by post-punk fervor and the spiky pop of C86 and early Flying Nun/Creation label output, San Francisco's Brilliant Colors stake out a unique spot in the indie music landscape... Again and Again... represents a great next step for the band. The songwriting is still as infectious as ever, but the tunes are now more carefully arranged, pushing the band far beyond their punk roots to something as elemental as pop gets."
It's easy to hear the influences of The Clean (New Zealand's finest, and hence the Flying Nun reference above) and '80s British indie pop on this sophomore LP from Brilliant Colors. After excellent opener "Hey Dan", Again and Again takes a while to get going, but the second half of the record is spectacular. Spin tracks 9, 1, 8 and 10.
Charles Bradley
Add Date: July 19
Artist: Charles Bradley & The Menahan Street Band
Album: No Time for Dreaming: The Instrumentals
Label: Daptone
Genre: Soul
Comments: You may remember No Time for Dreaming, the full-length debut from the 62-year-old Charles Bradley, which landed on our playlist back in the winter. Beyond Bradley's rich voice were some wonderful neosoul melodies, laid down by The Menahan Street Band, and now Daptone (Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, The Budos Band) has released those songs as instrumentals.
Overall, a nice collection of wordless pop songs. Unsurprisingly, though, some tunes work better as instrumentals than others, so spin tracks 8, 2 and 9.
Artist: Charles Bradley & The Menahan Street Band
Album: No Time for Dreaming: The Instrumentals
Label: Daptone
Genre: Soul
Comments: You may remember No Time for Dreaming, the full-length debut from the 62-year-old Charles Bradley, which landed on our playlist back in the winter. Beyond Bradley's rich voice were some wonderful neosoul melodies, laid down by The Menahan Street Band, and now Daptone (Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, The Budos Band) has released those songs as instrumentals.
Overall, a nice collection of wordless pop songs. Unsurprisingly, though, some tunes work better as instrumentals than others, so spin tracks 8, 2 and 9.
Pictureplane
Add Date: July 19
Artist: Pictureplane
Album: Thee Physical
Label: Lovepump United
Genre: Electronica, electropop
Comments: Pictureplane is the brainchild of Denver-based producer Travis Egedy, and his third LP might be his best and most diverse effort yet. Thee Physical covers a lot of ground: dark electronica that brings to mind Crystal Castles (who have also released material on the Lovepump United imprint), shoegaze pop (especially on "Post Physical", which could have easily turned up on Hooray for Earth's True Loves) and, as Pictureplane has become known for, lots of danceable, well-constructed, synth-heavy pop.
Thee Physical is very impressive throughout, but start with tracks 1, 6, 7, 5 and 8.
Artist: Pictureplane
Album: Thee Physical
Label: Lovepump United
Genre: Electronica, electropop
Comments: Pictureplane is the brainchild of Denver-based producer Travis Egedy, and his third LP might be his best and most diverse effort yet. Thee Physical covers a lot of ground: dark electronica that brings to mind Crystal Castles (who have also released material on the Lovepump United imprint), shoegaze pop (especially on "Post Physical", which could have easily turned up on Hooray for Earth's True Loves) and, as Pictureplane has become known for, lots of danceable, well-constructed, synth-heavy pop.
Thee Physical is very impressive throughout, but start with tracks 1, 6, 7, 5 and 8.
Figure 45
Add Date: July 19
Artist: Figure 45
Album: Summer Shift (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Pop, jazz
Comments: Figure 45's first EP is a collection of five unique songs that try to capture the essence of summer, and it's a fine goal. With their "jazzy, funky, pop-techno-world fusion sound", the band does its job admirably. Each song is more unique than the last, with "What's Gonna Move Us Forward?" soothing the listener with some easy vocal harmonies and "Hard to Keep Track" being driven by some quick ukulele fingers. All in all, it's a good little album, and no doubt a good entry point for the newcomers.
Try tracks 1, 2 and 3 during those summer days.
Artist: Figure 45
Album: Summer Shift (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Pop, jazz
Comments: Figure 45's first EP is a collection of five unique songs that try to capture the essence of summer, and it's a fine goal. With their "jazzy, funky, pop-techno-world fusion sound", the band does its job admirably. Each song is more unique than the last, with "What's Gonna Move Us Forward?" soothing the listener with some easy vocal harmonies and "Hard to Keep Track" being driven by some quick ukulele fingers. All in all, it's a good little album, and no doubt a good entry point for the newcomers.
Try tracks 1, 2 and 3 during those summer days.
Barry Manilow
Add Date: July 19
Artist: Barry Manilow
Album: 15 Minutes
Label: Stiletto
Genre: Pop, rock
Comments: Barry's back and poppier than ever. Manilow is releasing his first album in 10 years with 15 Minutes, a special project that details the sudden birth, rise and fall of the celebrity status in modern society. Inspired by the Andy Warhol quote that "in the future, everybody will be world famous for 15 minutes", this energetic and exciting guitar-driven pop album explores the perils and pinnacles of fame's double-edged sword. If you've been longing for another collection of catchy melodies and beautiful lyrics from Mr. Manilow, this will definitely have been worth the wait.
If you're looking for some fun upbeat pop/rock songs, check out tracks 1, 4, 6, 8 and 16.
Artist: Barry Manilow
Album: 15 Minutes
Label: Stiletto
Genre: Pop, rock
Comments: Barry's back and poppier than ever. Manilow is releasing his first album in 10 years with 15 Minutes, a special project that details the sudden birth, rise and fall of the celebrity status in modern society. Inspired by the Andy Warhol quote that "in the future, everybody will be world famous for 15 minutes", this energetic and exciting guitar-driven pop album explores the perils and pinnacles of fame's double-edged sword. If you've been longing for another collection of catchy melodies and beautiful lyrics from Mr. Manilow, this will definitely have been worth the wait.
If you're looking for some fun upbeat pop/rock songs, check out tracks 1, 4, 6, 8 and 16.
Get Set Go
Add Date: July 19
Artist: Get Set Go
Album: Loose Tongues...
Label: Square Tire
Genre: Indie rock, pop
Comments: From the promoter: "Get Set Go's latest EP is unique; while there are other indie-rock bands that utilize string players, it's unlikely that most bands have arrangements that reference Mahler, Bach, Shostakovich, and Mozart, often in the same song."
From the reviewer: Get Set Go is one of those 3-piece bands that can produce some catchy guitar-driven pop songs with a punk-rock back-beat and self-depreciating lyrics. It's nothing new, but that doesn't mean it's not good. Tracks 2, 1 and 4 are keepers.
Artist: Get Set Go
Album: Loose Tongues...
Label: Square Tire
Genre: Indie rock, pop
Comments: From the promoter: "Get Set Go's latest EP is unique; while there are other indie-rock bands that utilize string players, it's unlikely that most bands have arrangements that reference Mahler, Bach, Shostakovich, and Mozart, often in the same song."
From the reviewer: Get Set Go is one of those 3-piece bands that can produce some catchy guitar-driven pop songs with a punk-rock back-beat and self-depreciating lyrics. It's nothing new, but that doesn't mean it's not good. Tracks 2, 1 and 4 are keepers.
They Might Be Giants
Add Date: July 19
Artist: They Might Be Giants
Album: Join Us
Label: Idlewild/Rounder
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: By any measure, They Might Be Giants' music ought to have grown stale by now, right? After all, John Linnell and John Flansburgh have been churning out records full of their endearingly weird, or perhaps weirdly endearing, pop for almost three decades now. But what lies beneath the songs about underwater bovine civilizations, obscure American presidents and tabloid-esque scientific specimens is truly great songcraft, and this cycle is what makes TMBG work: the oddball lyrics stand up because they're grounded in good music, and the music remains interesting because it's so wonderfully strange.
Join Us, the band's 15th studio LP, is no exception. And the guys still have a few tricks up their sleeves, like isolating each of the two vocals in a separate (mono) channel on "Spoiler Alert" or stepping back into the '60s on a Byrds-influenced number ("Old Pine Box"). Check out tracks 7, 4, 3, 16 and 14.
Artist: They Might Be Giants
Album: Join Us
Label: Idlewild/Rounder
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: By any measure, They Might Be Giants' music ought to have grown stale by now, right? After all, John Linnell and John Flansburgh have been churning out records full of their endearingly weird, or perhaps weirdly endearing, pop for almost three decades now. But what lies beneath the songs about underwater bovine civilizations, obscure American presidents and tabloid-esque scientific specimens is truly great songcraft, and this cycle is what makes TMBG work: the oddball lyrics stand up because they're grounded in good music, and the music remains interesting because it's so wonderfully strange.
Join Us, the band's 15th studio LP, is no exception. And the guys still have a few tricks up their sleeves, like isolating each of the two vocals in a separate (mono) channel on "Spoiler Alert" or stepping back into the '60s on a Byrds-influenced number ("Old Pine Box"). Check out tracks 7, 4, 3, 16 and 14.
Twin Sister
Add Date: July 19
Artist: Twin Sister
Album: Bad Street (EP)
Label: Domino
Genre: Pop, experimental
Comments: "Bad Street" is a track from Twin Sister's debut LP, In Heaven, due out on Domino (Junior Boys, Arctic Monkeys) in September; it's accompanied on this 3-song set by a pair of B-sides. Here's what Pitchfork has to say about the band: "Twin Sister are a Brooklyn-by-way-of-Long Island quintet that do so much so well. Their songs have a remarkable sense of atmosphere and romanticism. They nod at their heroes--maybe Stereolab and Bjork, maybe Cocteau Twins or 1980s pop--without overtly stealing. They seem to know they are capable of great things..."
Artist: Twin Sister
Album: Bad Street (EP)
Label: Domino
Genre: Pop, experimental
Comments: "Bad Street" is a track from Twin Sister's debut LP, In Heaven, due out on Domino (Junior Boys, Arctic Monkeys) in September; it's accompanied on this 3-song set by a pair of B-sides. Here's what Pitchfork has to say about the band: "Twin Sister are a Brooklyn-by-way-of-Long Island quintet that do so much so well. Their songs have a remarkable sense of atmosphere and romanticism. They nod at their heroes--maybe Stereolab and Bjork, maybe Cocteau Twins or 1980s pop--without overtly stealing. They seem to know they are capable of great things..."
The Terrordactyls
Add Date: July 19
Artist: The Terrordactyls
Album: Rage Mountain
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie rock, indie folk
Comments: Based in Washington state, The Terrordactyls mix bedroom pop and indie folk in a way that will certainly endear them to fans of Nine Inch Nails. Wait, what? Turns out that Michael Cadiz and Tyrel Stendhal were huge Trent Reznor fans growing up, so Rage Mountain features a well-done cover of "Down in It" from NIN's 1989 debut Pretty Hate Machine.
Outside of that, there doesn't seem to be too much overlap with Nine Inch Nails in The Terrordactyls' oeuvre; more appropriate comparisons would be to Kimya Dawson/The Moldy Peaches, Jeffrey Lewis and Casiotone for the Painfully Alone. Try tracks 4, 12 and 15.
Artist: The Terrordactyls
Album: Rage Mountain
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie rock, indie folk
Comments: Based in Washington state, The Terrordactyls mix bedroom pop and indie folk in a way that will certainly endear them to fans of Nine Inch Nails. Wait, what? Turns out that Michael Cadiz and Tyrel Stendhal were huge Trent Reznor fans growing up, so Rage Mountain features a well-done cover of "Down in It" from NIN's 1989 debut Pretty Hate Machine.
Outside of that, there doesn't seem to be too much overlap with Nine Inch Nails in The Terrordactyls' oeuvre; more appropriate comparisons would be to Kimya Dawson/The Moldy Peaches, Jeffrey Lewis and Casiotone for the Painfully Alone. Try tracks 4, 12 and 15.
Mathieu Santos
Add Date: July 19
Artist: Mathieu Santos
Album: Massachusetts 2010
Label: Barsuk
Genre: Rock, chamber pop
Comments: Here's the solo debut from Mathieu Santos, best known for his excellent work as the bassist for Ra Ra Riot. (You've heard that stunning bass line in "Boy", right?) The songs on Massachusetts 2010 won't sound foreign to fans of Santos' band--especially the alternate version of "Massachusetts", a track that Santos co-wrote with Wes Miles for last year's The Orchard LP--but they also draw on some influences that aren't quite as prevalent in Ra Ra Riot's music. There's a lot of Pet Sounds here, particularly on the first half of the LP; plenty of The Police; and even some pseudo-tropical pop that brings to mind Panda Bear or Islands.
In other words, Massachusetts 2010 will simultaneously appeal to Ra Ra Riot fans while standing on its own as a fine solo effort. Check out "I Can Hear the Trains Coming", "Northern Mentality" and "I'd Go".
Artist: Mathieu Santos
Album: Massachusetts 2010
Label: Barsuk
Genre: Rock, chamber pop
Comments: Here's the solo debut from Mathieu Santos, best known for his excellent work as the bassist for Ra Ra Riot. (You've heard that stunning bass line in "Boy", right?) The songs on Massachusetts 2010 won't sound foreign to fans of Santos' band--especially the alternate version of "Massachusetts", a track that Santos co-wrote with Wes Miles for last year's The Orchard LP--but they also draw on some influences that aren't quite as prevalent in Ra Ra Riot's music. There's a lot of Pet Sounds here, particularly on the first half of the LP; plenty of The Police; and even some pseudo-tropical pop that brings to mind Panda Bear or Islands.
In other words, Massachusetts 2010 will simultaneously appeal to Ra Ra Riot fans while standing on its own as a fine solo effort. Check out "I Can Hear the Trains Coming", "Northern Mentality" and "I'd Go".
Brothers of Brazil
Add Date: July 19
Artist: Brothers of Brazil
Album: Brothers of Brazil
Label: SideOneDummy
Genre: International, funk, punk rock
Comments: Part traditional Brazilian music, part punk rock and funk, Brothers of Brazil's self-titled album is full of original music that you'd never thought was possible. Theirs is a unique sound, what with their bossa nova and samba being combined with semi-political commentary. With this new album, it's easy to see that the Brothers of Brazil do a nice job marketing themselves to an international audience.
Rock out to tracks 1, 2 and 12.
Artist: Brothers of Brazil
Album: Brothers of Brazil
Label: SideOneDummy
Genre: International, funk, punk rock
Comments: Part traditional Brazilian music, part punk rock and funk, Brothers of Brazil's self-titled album is full of original music that you'd never thought was possible. Theirs is a unique sound, what with their bossa nova and samba being combined with semi-political commentary. With this new album, it's easy to see that the Brothers of Brazil do a nice job marketing themselves to an international audience.
Rock out to tracks 1, 2 and 12.
Ethan Gold
Add Date: July 19
Artist: Ethan Gold
Album: Adventures of Power: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Label: Gold
Genre: Rock
Comments: Do you remember that movie back in 2008 called Adventures of Power, a film written and directed by Ari Gold, with Michael McKean, Jane Lynch and Adrian Grenier? Unless you were one of the lucky people to see its debut at the Sundance Film Festival, that would be a "no," until now. The movie is finally becoming available to own and enjoy on DVD, in addition to its soundtrack of original songs by Ethan Gold. Containing indie theme songs for the characters and action of the comedy, the soundtrack is easily enjoyable.
Try out tracks 2, 3, 18 or 26. And rent the movie, if you're so inclined.
Artist: Ethan Gold
Album: Adventures of Power: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Label: Gold
Genre: Rock
Comments: Do you remember that movie back in 2008 called Adventures of Power, a film written and directed by Ari Gold, with Michael McKean, Jane Lynch and Adrian Grenier? Unless you were one of the lucky people to see its debut at the Sundance Film Festival, that would be a "no," until now. The movie is finally becoming available to own and enjoy on DVD, in addition to its soundtrack of original songs by Ethan Gold. Containing indie theme songs for the characters and action of the comedy, the soundtrack is easily enjoyable.
Try out tracks 2, 3, 18 or 26. And rent the movie, if you're so inclined.
Tomorrows Tulips
Add Date: July 19
Artist: Tomorrows Tulips
Album: Eternally Teenage
Label: Galaxia
Genre: Rock
Comments: Lo-fi pop/rock at its pop/rockiest, Tomorrows Tulips' debut full-length Eternally Teenage makes for a hazy summer album of scrappy guitars, backing female vocals and stomping drums. With their ethereal dream-pop music at the ready, the band will surely appeal to the young and cheerfully reckless, perfect for those summer days when you just really want to "take it easy."
Tracks 2, 3, 8 and 14 are perfect for garage band enthusiasts.
Artist: Tomorrows Tulips
Album: Eternally Teenage
Label: Galaxia
Genre: Rock
Comments: Lo-fi pop/rock at its pop/rockiest, Tomorrows Tulips' debut full-length Eternally Teenage makes for a hazy summer album of scrappy guitars, backing female vocals and stomping drums. With their ethereal dream-pop music at the ready, the band will surely appeal to the young and cheerfully reckless, perfect for those summer days when you just really want to "take it easy."
Tracks 2, 3, 8 and 14 are perfect for garage band enthusiasts.
She Keeps Bees
Add Date: July 19
Artist: She Keeps Bees
Album: Dig On
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, blues
Comments: From the promoter: "She Keeps Bees is a Brooklyn, NY based blues rock duo. Lead singer Jessica Larrabee's voice is naturally rich, a weapon she can use to be, at turns, seductive, aggressive or melancholy. Following a busy tour with The Joy Formidable, as well as strong shows during SXSW, She Keeps Bees is finally releasing Dig On, their third full-length. Dig On is a summary of their work to date, blending their earlier, heavier material with more beautiful moments."
From the spare, clattering percussion of "Sister Beware" to the eerie intonations in "Calm Walk In The Dark", Dig On makes for a sparse, as well as soulful, album. Tracks 2, 4, 5 and 8 are good.
Artist: She Keeps Bees
Album: Dig On
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, blues
Comments: From the promoter: "She Keeps Bees is a Brooklyn, NY based blues rock duo. Lead singer Jessica Larrabee's voice is naturally rich, a weapon she can use to be, at turns, seductive, aggressive or melancholy. Following a busy tour with The Joy Formidable, as well as strong shows during SXSW, She Keeps Bees is finally releasing Dig On, their third full-length. Dig On is a summary of their work to date, blending their earlier, heavier material with more beautiful moments."
From the spare, clattering percussion of "Sister Beware" to the eerie intonations in "Calm Walk In The Dark", Dig On makes for a sparse, as well as soulful, album. Tracks 2, 4, 5 and 8 are good.
Idaho
Add Date: July 19
Artist: Idaho
Album: You Were a Dick
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie rock
Comments: The eighth album for Cali band Idaho is just another step in their 18-year career of beautiful, hushed albums. Chief member and songwriter Jeff Martin is the voice behind these angry, angsty, pulsing songs, and he's great at what he does. Between the luminous vocals and the beautiful strings, the songs on the album make for some nice calm music.
Tracks 2, 7, 10 and 14 are recommended.
Artist: Idaho
Album: You Were a Dick
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie rock
Comments: The eighth album for Cali band Idaho is just another step in their 18-year career of beautiful, hushed albums. Chief member and songwriter Jeff Martin is the voice behind these angry, angsty, pulsing songs, and he's great at what he does. Between the luminous vocals and the beautiful strings, the songs on the album make for some nice calm music.
Tracks 2, 7, 10 and 14 are recommended.
Nightmare and the Cat
Add Date: July 19
Artist: Nightmare and the Cat
Album: Nightmare and the Cat
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Nightmare and the Cat is composed of English brothers Samuel and Django Stewart, trying to go for a mix of Pixies and Jeff Buckley when they make their music. Although that seems like an odd and unlikely combination, the duo is able to create some music on their self-titled EP that is part rousing sing-a-long and part rushing rock energy. It's nothing spectacular, but the album is catchy.
Tracks 1, 2 and 3 are good.
Artist: Nightmare and the Cat
Album: Nightmare and the Cat
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Nightmare and the Cat is composed of English brothers Samuel and Django Stewart, trying to go for a mix of Pixies and Jeff Buckley when they make their music. Although that seems like an odd and unlikely combination, the duo is able to create some music on their self-titled EP that is part rousing sing-a-long and part rushing rock energy. It's nothing spectacular, but the album is catchy.
Tracks 1, 2 and 3 are good.
Wiley
Add Date: July 19
Artist: Wiley
Album: 100% Publishing
Label: Big Dada
Genre: Hip hop
Comments: Written, produced and mastered in its entirety by Wiley while working independently of a label, 100% Publishing is an exceptionally unique rap record. While he doesn't live up to the title of "the Lord Byron of rap", as his promoter makes him out to be (see lyrics: "I’m eating so much food right now I need a double freezer"), he does prove to be a humorously surreal lyricist when he spits his rhymes. His newest record is an "all-or-nothing" attempt to embody his huge persona; in doing so, the sounds are focused, lyrically strong, insightful and funny, and consistently surprising musically.
Energetically appealing; tracks 2, 4 and 6 stand out.
Artist: Wiley
Album: 100% Publishing
Label: Big Dada
Genre: Hip hop
Comments: Written, produced and mastered in its entirety by Wiley while working independently of a label, 100% Publishing is an exceptionally unique rap record. While he doesn't live up to the title of "the Lord Byron of rap", as his promoter makes him out to be (see lyrics: "I’m eating so much food right now I need a double freezer"), he does prove to be a humorously surreal lyricist when he spits his rhymes. His newest record is an "all-or-nothing" attempt to embody his huge persona; in doing so, the sounds are focused, lyrically strong, insightful and funny, and consistently surprising musically.
Energetically appealing; tracks 2, 4 and 6 stand out.
Fink
Add Date: July 19
Artist: Fink
Album: Perfect Darkness
Label: Ninja Tune
Genre: Folk rock
Comments: Ever since Fink released his first album in 2000, he's been producing some of the most richly laid-back music in the world with that lulling voice of his. His fifth album doesn't prove to be any different, exhibiting a warmth and loveliness that are easy on the earbuds. Fink sings about the relationships and love and emotions that go along with the day-to-day grind, but also about embracing fear, Berlin dawns, and looking forward to greener pastures. The newest album emphasizes that personal fulfillment can be found, even in perfect darkness, in an amazingly soothing way.
A great album; make sure to check out tracks 2, 3, 8 and 10.
Artist: Fink
Album: Perfect Darkness
Label: Ninja Tune
Genre: Folk rock
Comments: Ever since Fink released his first album in 2000, he's been producing some of the most richly laid-back music in the world with that lulling voice of his. His fifth album doesn't prove to be any different, exhibiting a warmth and loveliness that are easy on the earbuds. Fink sings about the relationships and love and emotions that go along with the day-to-day grind, but also about embracing fear, Berlin dawns, and looking forward to greener pastures. The newest album emphasizes that personal fulfillment can be found, even in perfect darkness, in an amazingly soothing way.
A great album; make sure to check out tracks 2, 3, 8 and 10.
The Middle East
Add Date: July 19
Artist: The Middle East
Album: I Want That You Are Always Happy
Label: Missing Pieces
Genre: Folk, indie rock
Comments: I Want That You Are Always Happy is the debut album from the Aussie band known as The Middle East, and it proves to be a decent listen. The long-anticipated follow-up to their debut EP is a definite turn into the emotional wasteland, ranging from joyful tunes to some more elegiac rhythms. While it's far from being the "feel-good hit of the summer", it stands to be a like-ably introspective album.
Tracks 4, 11, 5 and 3 are worth your time.
Artist: The Middle East
Album: I Want That You Are Always Happy
Label: Missing Pieces
Genre: Folk, indie rock
Comments: I Want That You Are Always Happy is the debut album from the Aussie band known as The Middle East, and it proves to be a decent listen. The long-anticipated follow-up to their debut EP is a definite turn into the emotional wasteland, ranging from joyful tunes to some more elegiac rhythms. While it's far from being the "feel-good hit of the summer", it stands to be a like-ably introspective album.
Tracks 4, 11, 5 and 3 are worth your time.
Kids At Risk
Add Date: July 19
Artist: Kids At Risk
Album: Music Inspired By The Film Griff The Invisible
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie rock
Comments: Considering that Rolling Stone has named this Sydney-based band one of the 11 artists to watch in '11, it's easy to see what drove director Leon Ford in choosing Kids At Risk to create the soundtrack for his indie-romcom-superhero movie. The band has everything that the film requires in order to be a great watch: emotive lyrics, catchy ballads, a romantic indie style, and even throwbacks to crime dramas and classic comic book adaptations. It's one of those soundtracks that will have you falling in love with the movie because of its amazing music selection.
Definitely would recommend checking out Griff the Invisible, its soundtrack, and tracks 2, 3, 6 and 17.
Artist: Kids At Risk
Album: Music Inspired By The Film Griff The Invisible
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie rock
Comments: Considering that Rolling Stone has named this Sydney-based band one of the 11 artists to watch in '11, it's easy to see what drove director Leon Ford in choosing Kids At Risk to create the soundtrack for his indie-romcom-superhero movie. The band has everything that the film requires in order to be a great watch: emotive lyrics, catchy ballads, a romantic indie style, and even throwbacks to crime dramas and classic comic book adaptations. It's one of those soundtracks that will have you falling in love with the movie because of its amazing music selection.
Definitely would recommend checking out Griff the Invisible, its soundtrack, and tracks 2, 3, 6 and 17.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Best New Music - July 12
Cures for the midsummer blues:
Also try: Sole & the Skyrider Band, Sons & Daughters, two songs from Hess Is More and an R.E.M. reissue
Eleanor Friedberger
Add Date: July 12
Artist: Eleanor Friedberger
Album: Last Summer
Label: Merge
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Score one for truth in advertising: Last Summer, the debut solo record from Eleanor Friedberger, was indeed recorded last summer. (Unless you're reading this later than the summer of 2011, and then it wasn't. But that's hardly our fault.) One-half of the sibling duo The Fiery Furnaces, a band that AllMusic.com has described as "[r]estless sonic chameleons", Friedberger's first foray out on her own has produced a terrific LP, as splendidly quirky as anything that she and her brother have done, yet still easily distinguishable from the band's work.
How exactly, then, to describe Last Summer? At times it sounds like a perfect update on '70s pop, at others it's a true indie rock opus (unless there is no such thing), and at times it just goes off the map. Take "Roosevelt Island", when a funky bass line veers into a layered, synth-heavy wall of sound--not exactly your conventional pop song. You weren't expecting that saxophone riff at the end of "My Mistakes", either. (Sorry to play spoiler.) And if you're a Fiery Furnaces fan, you're already appreciative of Friedberger's soulful vocals; no one sings exactly like she, and that's meant to be wholly complimentary.
One of 2011's best. Spin tracks 1, 5, 8, 9 and 3.
Artist: Eleanor Friedberger
Album: Last Summer
Label: Merge
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Score one for truth in advertising: Last Summer, the debut solo record from Eleanor Friedberger, was indeed recorded last summer. (Unless you're reading this later than the summer of 2011, and then it wasn't. But that's hardly our fault.) One-half of the sibling duo The Fiery Furnaces, a band that AllMusic.com has described as "[r]estless sonic chameleons", Friedberger's first foray out on her own has produced a terrific LP, as splendidly quirky as anything that she and her brother have done, yet still easily distinguishable from the band's work.
How exactly, then, to describe Last Summer? At times it sounds like a perfect update on '70s pop, at others it's a true indie rock opus (unless there is no such thing), and at times it just goes off the map. Take "Roosevelt Island", when a funky bass line veers into a layered, synth-heavy wall of sound--not exactly your conventional pop song. You weren't expecting that saxophone riff at the end of "My Mistakes", either. (Sorry to play spoiler.) And if you're a Fiery Furnaces fan, you're already appreciative of Friedberger's soulful vocals; no one sings exactly like she, and that's meant to be wholly complimentary.
One of 2011's best. Spin tracks 1, 5, 8, 9 and 3.
Washed Out
Add Date: July 12
Artist: Washed Out
Album: Within and Without
Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Electronica, pop
Comments: Trying to describe Washed Out's music can easily lead you into contradictory terms--this is electropop, though it glides along at a steady but not really danceworthy pace; it's wistful and melancholy, yet entirely hopeful and bright; it's lo-fi, but it sounds extremely rich. As The FADER put it: "It's dance but it's not, it's bedroom pop but it's not, it's lo-fi but it's not." Whatever it is or isn't, though, Within and Without is an excellent debut LP.
Building on his 2009 Life of Leisure EP, Ernest Greene has enriched the textures of his electronic slow jams, pulling in elements of R&B, indie pop, hip hop and even disco--midtempo disco, if you will--to create a record that is suitable for all of your musical needs: this is easygoing background music, especially for a lazy summer afternoon, but it's also quite rewarding upon a careful headphone listen. And there are some fine singles, too. Start with "Amor Fati", "Eyes Be Closed" and "You and I", featuring Chairlift's Caroline Polachek.
Artist: Washed Out
Album: Within and Without
Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Electronica, pop
Comments: Trying to describe Washed Out's music can easily lead you into contradictory terms--this is electropop, though it glides along at a steady but not really danceworthy pace; it's wistful and melancholy, yet entirely hopeful and bright; it's lo-fi, but it sounds extremely rich. As The FADER put it: "It's dance but it's not, it's bedroom pop but it's not, it's lo-fi but it's not." Whatever it is or isn't, though, Within and Without is an excellent debut LP.
Building on his 2009 Life of Leisure EP, Ernest Greene has enriched the textures of his electronic slow jams, pulling in elements of R&B, indie pop, hip hop and even disco--midtempo disco, if you will--to create a record that is suitable for all of your musical needs: this is easygoing background music, especially for a lazy summer afternoon, but it's also quite rewarding upon a careful headphone listen. And there are some fine singles, too. Start with "Amor Fati", "Eyes Be Closed" and "You and I", featuring Chairlift's Caroline Polachek.
Big Talk
Add Date: July 12
Artist: Big Talk
Album: Big Talk
Label: Epitaph
Genre: Indie rock, alternative
Comments: The Killers' Ronnie Vannucci is breaking free from the hold of frontman Brandon Flowers and releasing his debut, self-titled solo album, Big Talk. With all its upbeat '80s electro-rock jams and glittering synths, the album may actually be a better solo effort than Flowers' Flamingo.
For fans of The Killers' musical styling, make sure to check out tracks 2, 4, 6 and 1.
Artist: Big Talk
Album: Big Talk
Label: Epitaph
Genre: Indie rock, alternative
Comments: The Killers' Ronnie Vannucci is breaking free from the hold of frontman Brandon Flowers and releasing his debut, self-titled solo album, Big Talk. With all its upbeat '80s electro-rock jams and glittering synths, the album may actually be a better solo effort than Flowers' Flamingo.
For fans of The Killers' musical styling, make sure to check out tracks 2, 4, 6 and 1.
The Aggrolites
Add Date: July 12
Artist: The Aggrolites
Album: Rugged Road
Label: Young Club
Genre: Reggae
Comments: Los Angeles-based band The Aggrolites have that "feel good music, 'mon" sound, what with their reggae drums and ripping bass. The jams are incredibly enjoyable, incredibly light, and incredibly laid back, making Rugged Road a breath of fresh Caribbean air during this summer of indie pop/rock.
With sounds and styles from the past, tracks 9, 1 and 5 make for a nice reggae throwback.
Artist: The Aggrolites
Album: Rugged Road
Label: Young Club
Genre: Reggae
Comments: Los Angeles-based band The Aggrolites have that "feel good music, 'mon" sound, what with their reggae drums and ripping bass. The jams are incredibly enjoyable, incredibly light, and incredibly laid back, making Rugged Road a breath of fresh Caribbean air during this summer of indie pop/rock.
With sounds and styles from the past, tracks 9, 1 and 5 make for a nice reggae throwback.
The Ones & Nines
Add Date: July 12
Artist: The Ones & Nines
Album: The Ones & Nines (EP)
Label: Mint 400
Genre: Rock, soul
Comments: As the promoter says, "The Ones & Nines... have impressed recent metropolitan area crowds with their authentic throw-back Motown style. Featuring as many as 10 members on stage to back vocalist Vera Sousa's stylish and vibrant vocal lead at any given show, the group presents a dynamic soulful sound reminiscent of great rock & roll and soul music of the '50s and '60s."
Easily comparable to Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, The Ones & Nines have a nice sound, as heard in tracks 4, 6, 1 and 3.
Artist: The Ones & Nines
Album: The Ones & Nines (EP)
Label: Mint 400
Genre: Rock, soul
Comments: As the promoter says, "The Ones & Nines... have impressed recent metropolitan area crowds with their authentic throw-back Motown style. Featuring as many as 10 members on stage to back vocalist Vera Sousa's stylish and vibrant vocal lead at any given show, the group presents a dynamic soulful sound reminiscent of great rock & roll and soul music of the '50s and '60s."
Easily comparable to Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, The Ones & Nines have a nice sound, as heard in tracks 4, 6, 1 and 3.
Buzzcocks
Add Date: July 12
Artist: Buzzcocks
Album: A Different Compilation
Label: Cooking Vinyl
Genre: Rock, punk
Comments: A Different Compilation is different indeed--the pioneering punk band the Buzzcocks has re-recorded 24 of the best songs from its extensive catalog, a concept that the promoter describes as "bringing a 21st-century slant to these already timeless anthems." Even if you're unfamiliar with much of the band's work--though undoubtedly, you've heard songs like "Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've)?" and "What Do I Get?"--you'll quickly see why these contemporaries of The Sex Pistols and the Ramones have had such a huge influence on modern punk and rock.
Check out tracks 18, 21, 4, 11 and 16.
Artist: Buzzcocks
Album: A Different Compilation
Label: Cooking Vinyl
Genre: Rock, punk
Comments: A Different Compilation is different indeed--the pioneering punk band the Buzzcocks has re-recorded 24 of the best songs from its extensive catalog, a concept that the promoter describes as "bringing a 21st-century slant to these already timeless anthems." Even if you're unfamiliar with much of the band's work--though undoubtedly, you've heard songs like "Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've)?" and "What Do I Get?"--you'll quickly see why these contemporaries of The Sex Pistols and the Ramones have had such a huge influence on modern punk and rock.
Check out tracks 18, 21, 4, 11 and 16.
Sole & the Skyrider Band
Add Date: July 12
Artist: Sole & the Skyrider Band
Album: Hello Cruel World
Label: Fake Four Inc.
Genre: Hip hop
Comments: Hello Cruel World is the latest LP from Sole & the Skyrider Band, and it's the MC Sole's first release since he left Anticon, the California indie label that he cofounded over a decade ago. Sole's stream-of-consciousness rap has drawn him comparisons to Atmosphere, Jedi Mind Tricks and even Eminem, and he's also enlisted a star-studded list of guests from across the musical spectrum (including Sage Francis, Pictureplane and Xiu Xiu) to lend their support to the LP.
This is excellent stuff from start to finish. Sole's rapping and the band's production stand out on their own--spin the title track or "DIY" if you don't believe me--but the tunes with Sage Francis ("Progress Trap") and Xiu Xiu ("Napoleon") are incredible.
Artist: Sole & the Skyrider Band
Album: Hello Cruel World
Label: Fake Four Inc.
Genre: Hip hop
Comments: Hello Cruel World is the latest LP from Sole & the Skyrider Band, and it's the MC Sole's first release since he left Anticon, the California indie label that he cofounded over a decade ago. Sole's stream-of-consciousness rap has drawn him comparisons to Atmosphere, Jedi Mind Tricks and even Eminem, and he's also enlisted a star-studded list of guests from across the musical spectrum (including Sage Francis, Pictureplane and Xiu Xiu) to lend their support to the LP.
This is excellent stuff from start to finish. Sole's rapping and the band's production stand out on their own--spin the title track or "DIY" if you don't believe me--but the tunes with Sage Francis ("Progress Trap") and Xiu Xiu ("Napoleon") are incredible.
Brian Eno with Rick Holland
Add Date: July 12
Artist: Brian Eno and the words of Rick Holland
Album: Drums Between the Bells
Label: Warp
Genre: Defies classification
Comments: To say that a Brian Eno album "defies classification" seems especially redundant, or perhaps just misguided--as if one were expecting his next work to be full of guitar-centric indie rock or bouncy synth pop. That would imply that there weren't any new avenues for this mastermind to explore, and it's simply impossible to imagine Eno running out of ideas. His latest work is a collaboration with the English poet Rick Holland, in which various voices--including Eno on several tracks and, on "Fierce Aisles of Light", the poet himself--read or sing Holland's work over Eno's signature electronic soundscapes, which range from ambient to crunching electronica.
"We are all singing," Eno recently told The Los Angeles Times. "We call it speech, but we're singing to each other... I thought, as soon as you put spoken word onto music, you start to hear it like singing anyway. You start to develop musical value and musical weight, and you start to notice how this words falls on that beat, and so on." It's a fascinating concept, and as usual with Eno's music, the results are equally captivating. Start with tracks 2, 14, 5 and 8.
Artist: Brian Eno and the words of Rick Holland
Album: Drums Between the Bells
Label: Warp
Genre: Defies classification
Comments: To say that a Brian Eno album "defies classification" seems especially redundant, or perhaps just misguided--as if one were expecting his next work to be full of guitar-centric indie rock or bouncy synth pop. That would imply that there weren't any new avenues for this mastermind to explore, and it's simply impossible to imagine Eno running out of ideas. His latest work is a collaboration with the English poet Rick Holland, in which various voices--including Eno on several tracks and, on "Fierce Aisles of Light", the poet himself--read or sing Holland's work over Eno's signature electronic soundscapes, which range from ambient to crunching electronica.
"We are all singing," Eno recently told The Los Angeles Times. "We call it speech, but we're singing to each other... I thought, as soon as you put spoken word onto music, you start to hear it like singing anyway. You start to develop musical value and musical weight, and you start to notice how this words falls on that beat, and so on." It's a fascinating concept, and as usual with Eno's music, the results are equally captivating. Start with tracks 2, 14, 5 and 8.
Karmacoda
Add Date: July 12
Artist: Karmacoda
Album: Eternal
Label: Sola Musa
Genre: Electronica
Comments: From the promoter: "Karmacoda are a San Francisco, CA based trio who take their name from a Massive Attack song. Appropriately, the music they craft is trip-hop at its best, with massive downtempo electronic beats, echoing effects and Heather Pierce's crystal clear vocals."
Thought-provoking lyrics over hooky melodies, Eternal has some good tunes for the electronic beat generation, particularly on tracks 1, 3, 5 and 8.
Artist: Karmacoda
Album: Eternal
Label: Sola Musa
Genre: Electronica
Comments: From the promoter: "Karmacoda are a San Francisco, CA based trio who take their name from a Massive Attack song. Appropriately, the music they craft is trip-hop at its best, with massive downtempo electronic beats, echoing effects and Heather Pierce's crystal clear vocals."
Thought-provoking lyrics over hooky melodies, Eternal has some good tunes for the electronic beat generation, particularly on tracks 1, 3, 5 and 8.
Schuyler Fisk
Add Date: July 12
Artist: Schuyler Fisk
Album: Blue Ribbon Winner
Label: Self-released
Genre: Pop, folk pop
Comments: Schuyler Fisk's debut album has that mix of Virginian grassroots, vibrant folk-pop singing, and soulful lyrics that would make any person have an enjoyable listening experience. Perfect for campfires with close ones or car drives through the country, Fisk's talk-singing style is a good thing to have nearby.
For fans of singer/songwriter types, make sure to check out tracks 1, 2, 8 and 5.
Artist: Schuyler Fisk
Album: Blue Ribbon Winner
Label: Self-released
Genre: Pop, folk pop
Comments: Schuyler Fisk's debut album has that mix of Virginian grassroots, vibrant folk-pop singing, and soulful lyrics that would make any person have an enjoyable listening experience. Perfect for campfires with close ones or car drives through the country, Fisk's talk-singing style is a good thing to have nearby.
For fans of singer/songwriter types, make sure to check out tracks 1, 2, 8 and 5.
Dirty Mittens
Add Date: July 12
Artist: Dirty Mittens
Album: Heart of Town
Label: Magic Marker
Genre: Indie pop
Comments: Whistles, guitars, and horns! Oh my! With a mix of Portland's finest indie musicians, Dirty Mittens has created a charismatically sweet album that proves to be poppy and soulful. It has that sun-kissed, buoyant feeling, even if the songs seem to spill into one another. Try tracks 2, 5, 8 and 11.
Artist: Dirty Mittens
Album: Heart of Town
Label: Magic Marker
Genre: Indie pop
Comments: Whistles, guitars, and horns! Oh my! With a mix of Portland's finest indie musicians, Dirty Mittens has created a charismatically sweet album that proves to be poppy and soulful. It has that sun-kissed, buoyant feeling, even if the songs seem to spill into one another. Try tracks 2, 5, 8 and 11.
Sons & Daughters
Add Date: July 12
Artist: Sons & Daughters
Album: Mirror Mirror
Label: Domino
Genre: Rock
Comments: Glasgow band Sons & Daughters have followed up their dense, busy guitar rock of 2008's This Gift with an album that's sure to please their indie rock fanbase while also expanding their appeal. By stripping back their sound, abandoning some of their signature "full on punk-rock guitar", and introducing some electronica to their feel, the band is able to delve into some dark material ("Ink Free" sings about a model's suicide) while keeping their dream-rock tone. It's an odd combination, but it's a good one.
Tracks 1, 3, 4 and 7 are keepers.
Artist: Sons & Daughters
Album: Mirror Mirror
Label: Domino
Genre: Rock
Comments: Glasgow band Sons & Daughters have followed up their dense, busy guitar rock of 2008's This Gift with an album that's sure to please their indie rock fanbase while also expanding their appeal. By stripping back their sound, abandoning some of their signature "full on punk-rock guitar", and introducing some electronica to their feel, the band is able to delve into some dark material ("Ink Free" sings about a model's suicide) while keeping their dream-rock tone. It's an odd combination, but it's a good one.
Tracks 1, 3, 4 and 7 are keepers.
Hess Is More
Add Date: July 12
Artist: Hess Is More
Album: Creation Keeps the Devil Away/Burn (EP)
Label: Nublu
Genre: Electropop, pop
Comments: Creation Keeps the Devil Away, the debut LP from Hess Is More--the nom de tune of Danish musician Mikkel Hess--is due out this October; this 4-track EP packages the title track with another song from the album, "Burn", along with piano versions of the two tunes. "Creation Keeps the Devil Away" is a well-constructed dance pop tune with a funky bass line that brings to mind Fujiya & Miyagi, while the promoter describes "Burn" as "a twisted homage to Talking Heads' 'Burning Down the House.'" It also sounds very Scandinavian, in all the right ways. Play tracks 1 and 2.
Artist: Hess Is More
Album: Creation Keeps the Devil Away/Burn (EP)
Label: Nublu
Genre: Electropop, pop
Comments: Creation Keeps the Devil Away, the debut LP from Hess Is More--the nom de tune of Danish musician Mikkel Hess--is due out this October; this 4-track EP packages the title track with another song from the album, "Burn", along with piano versions of the two tunes. "Creation Keeps the Devil Away" is a well-constructed dance pop tune with a funky bass line that brings to mind Fujiya & Miyagi, while the promoter describes "Burn" as "a twisted homage to Talking Heads' 'Burning Down the House.'" It also sounds very Scandinavian, in all the right ways. Play tracks 1 and 2.
Harpeth Rising
Add Date: July 12
Artist: Harpeth Rising
Album: Dead Man's Hand
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk
Comments: Harpeth Rising's web site describes the band in this way: "With a banjo and fiddle, you might think they're traditional bluegrass, but think again: cello and hand drums round out the group, creating a truly new sound. A little bit bluegrass, a little bit folk, a little bit classical and a whole lot of original, Harpeth Rising is a band to watch."
Regardless of how you classify them, know this: this trio of classically trained musicians is brimming with talent and creativity. Dead Man's Hand, Harpeth Rising's second LP, includes nine originals along with a cover of Stan Rogers' "Guysborough Train". Spin tracks 4, 1 and 9.
Artist: Harpeth Rising
Album: Dead Man's Hand
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk
Comments: Harpeth Rising's web site describes the band in this way: "With a banjo and fiddle, you might think they're traditional bluegrass, but think again: cello and hand drums round out the group, creating a truly new sound. A little bit bluegrass, a little bit folk, a little bit classical and a whole lot of original, Harpeth Rising is a band to watch."
Regardless of how you classify them, know this: this trio of classically trained musicians is brimming with talent and creativity. Dead Man's Hand, Harpeth Rising's second LP, includes nine originals along with a cover of Stan Rogers' "Guysborough Train". Spin tracks 4, 1 and 9.
Luke Wade
Add Date: July 12
Artist: Luke Wade & No Civilians
Album: Tomorrow's Ghosts
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk rock
Comments: Poppy folk rock from the Fort Worth act Luke Wade & No Civilians. Wade's acoustic guitar and slightly raspy vocals are fleshed out by electric guitar, keyboards and drums, along with the occasional trumpet or mandolin. Try "Strangest Angels" or "Normal Love".
Artist: Luke Wade & No Civilians
Album: Tomorrow's Ghosts
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk rock
Comments: Poppy folk rock from the Fort Worth act Luke Wade & No Civilians. Wade's acoustic guitar and slightly raspy vocals are fleshed out by electric guitar, keyboards and drums, along with the occasional trumpet or mandolin. Try "Strangest Angels" or "Normal Love".
Little Dragon
Add Date: July 12
Artist: Little Dragon
Album: Ritual Union
Label: Peacefrog
Genre: Electropop
Comments: From the promoter: "Since 2009's critically acclaimed Machine Dreams, Little Dragon have not sat still. They've toured the globe, collaborated on Gorillaz' Plastic Beach, guested on David Sitek's Maximum Balloon, appeared on Rafael Saadiq's 'Just Don't', and caught the attention of [OutKast's] Big Boi and Andre 3000. Now they return with the new album Ritual Union, an album that finds the jazzy, whimsical vibes of their debut LP colliding with the more upfront and danceable sounds of Machine Dreams."
Obviously, this Swedish band--fronted by the twee vocals of Yukimi Nagano and anchored by the excellent beats of Erik Bodin--keeps some pretty impressive company, and one listen to Ritual Union will tell you why. This is quality electropop, infused with indie pop, R&B and jazz. Start with the title track and "Nightlight".
Artist: Little Dragon
Album: Ritual Union
Label: Peacefrog
Genre: Electropop
Comments: From the promoter: "Since 2009's critically acclaimed Machine Dreams, Little Dragon have not sat still. They've toured the globe, collaborated on Gorillaz' Plastic Beach, guested on David Sitek's Maximum Balloon, appeared on Rafael Saadiq's 'Just Don't', and caught the attention of [OutKast's] Big Boi and Andre 3000. Now they return with the new album Ritual Union, an album that finds the jazzy, whimsical vibes of their debut LP colliding with the more upfront and danceable sounds of Machine Dreams."
Obviously, this Swedish band--fronted by the twee vocals of Yukimi Nagano and anchored by the excellent beats of Erik Bodin--keeps some pretty impressive company, and one listen to Ritual Union will tell you why. This is quality electropop, infused with indie pop, R&B and jazz. Start with the title track and "Nightlight".
Mansions
Add Date: July 12
Artist: Mansions
Album: Dig Up the Dead
Label: Burning House
Genre: Rock
Comments: Mansions is the musical vehicle of Louisville native Christopher Browder, and Dig Up the Dead is primarily a solo record--while the occasional guest musician pops up to play drums or sing backing vocals, Browder did almost everything by himself. This is emotive indie rock along the lines of Kevin Devine, Manchester Orchestra or Owen--if you're a fan of that project, you'll likely notice some vocal similarities between Browder and Mike Kinsella--and it's very well done. Sincere, heartfelt lyrics and great guitar work add up to a solid album.
Start with any of the first four tracks: the title track is a stripped-down, folk-leaning number, while "Blackest Sky", "Not My Blood" and "City Don't Care" are guitar-driven rock songs.
Artist: Mansions
Album: Dig Up the Dead
Label: Burning House
Genre: Rock
Comments: Mansions is the musical vehicle of Louisville native Christopher Browder, and Dig Up the Dead is primarily a solo record--while the occasional guest musician pops up to play drums or sing backing vocals, Browder did almost everything by himself. This is emotive indie rock along the lines of Kevin Devine, Manchester Orchestra or Owen--if you're a fan of that project, you'll likely notice some vocal similarities between Browder and Mike Kinsella--and it's very well done. Sincere, heartfelt lyrics and great guitar work add up to a solid album.
Start with any of the first four tracks: the title track is a stripped-down, folk-leaning number, while "Blackest Sky", "Not My Blood" and "City Don't Care" are guitar-driven rock songs.
Team Me
Add Date: July 12
Artist: Team Me
Album: Team Me EP
Label: Propeller
Genre: Indie rock, indie pop
Comments: Team Me may be the next in the ever-growing queue of indie pop-rock bands, but it also may be one of those bands that uses those Arcade Fire-like qualities to create a surprisingly different sound. With their new EP out, the Oslo band is is trying to prove the latter statement by blending together some catchy instrumentals and enthusiastic harmonies. It's definitely "feel good" music, and it definitely won't be out of place on the radio.
Tracks 2, 4, 3 and 1 stand out.
Artist: Team Me
Album: Team Me EP
Label: Propeller
Genre: Indie rock, indie pop
Comments: Team Me may be the next in the ever-growing queue of indie pop-rock bands, but it also may be one of those bands that uses those Arcade Fire-like qualities to create a surprisingly different sound. With their new EP out, the Oslo band is is trying to prove the latter statement by blending together some catchy instrumentals and enthusiastic harmonies. It's definitely "feel good" music, and it definitely won't be out of place on the radio.
Tracks 2, 4, 3 and 1 stand out.
R.E.M.
Add Date: July 12
Artist: R.E.M.
Album: Lifes Rich Pageant (reissue)
Label: Capitol
Genre: Rock
Comments: Lifes Rich Pageant marked the beginning of R.E.M.'s mainstream success back in 1986, with the album achieving gold status and reaching No. 21 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. Twenty-five years later, the alternative rock band is celebrating their most outward-looking record with an expanded anniversary 2-CD and digital edition of the album. The new edition features the digitally remastered original LP, 19 previously unreleased demo recordings cut prior to the album's studio sessions, liner notes by musical journalist and author Parke Puterbaugh, and some nifty postcards.
For those diehard R.E.M. fans that are in need of a "fix," this is a must-have. For everyone else, the anniversary edition of the album has some interesting hits with the demos but remains short of amazing. Tracks 1, 8, 3 and 2 from disc one and 1, 9, 7 and 4 from disc two make for a good listen.
Artist: R.E.M.
Album: Lifes Rich Pageant (reissue)
Label: Capitol
Genre: Rock
Comments: Lifes Rich Pageant marked the beginning of R.E.M.'s mainstream success back in 1986, with the album achieving gold status and reaching No. 21 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. Twenty-five years later, the alternative rock band is celebrating their most outward-looking record with an expanded anniversary 2-CD and digital edition of the album. The new edition features the digitally remastered original LP, 19 previously unreleased demo recordings cut prior to the album's studio sessions, liner notes by musical journalist and author Parke Puterbaugh, and some nifty postcards.
For those diehard R.E.M. fans that are in need of a "fix," this is a must-have. For everyone else, the anniversary edition of the album has some interesting hits with the demos but remains short of amazing. Tracks 1, 8, 3 and 2 from disc one and 1, 9, 7 and 4 from disc two make for a good listen.
The Real Tuesday Weld
Add Date: July 12
Artist: The Real Tuesday Weld
Album: The Last Werewolf
Label: Six Degrees
Genre: Indie rock, jazz
Comments: The new Real Tuesday Weld album, The Last Werewolf, provides a backdrop for Glen Duncan's novel of the same name (coming soon to a bookstore near you). Seeing as how the book incited a bidding war in the publishing world and has already been optioned for film rights by action/adventure director Ridley Scott, making a soundtrack for the book's themes of supernatural violence, friendship, transformation, love and betrayal seems like the next step in the process.
As with any album by The Real Tuesday Weld, the tracks on The Last Werewolf vary between '30s-style ballads, torch songs, gypsy jazz, and electro-swing, with some of the tunes bound by voices and readings from the text. If the soundtrack is any indication as to how the book will be received by the public, you should expect some kitschy and addicting times from The Last Werewolf.
Tracks 2, 3, 6, 7 and 10 are novel (excuse the pun).
Artist: The Real Tuesday Weld
Album: The Last Werewolf
Label: Six Degrees
Genre: Indie rock, jazz
Comments: The new Real Tuesday Weld album, The Last Werewolf, provides a backdrop for Glen Duncan's novel of the same name (coming soon to a bookstore near you). Seeing as how the book incited a bidding war in the publishing world and has already been optioned for film rights by action/adventure director Ridley Scott, making a soundtrack for the book's themes of supernatural violence, friendship, transformation, love and betrayal seems like the next step in the process.
As with any album by The Real Tuesday Weld, the tracks on The Last Werewolf vary between '30s-style ballads, torch songs, gypsy jazz, and electro-swing, with some of the tunes bound by voices and readings from the text. If the soundtrack is any indication as to how the book will be received by the public, you should expect some kitschy and addicting times from The Last Werewolf.
Tracks 2, 3, 6, 7 and 10 are novel (excuse the pun).
Friday, July 8, 2011
Pure X
Add Date: July 5
Artist: Pure X
Album: Pleasure
Label: Acéphale
Genre: Rock
Comments: From the onesheet: "Patient, sparse and never any less than heartbreaking, the clutch of songs making up Pleasure has a sonic originality that many artists spend entire careers trying to cultivate. That's not to be mistaken--Pure X are a rock 'n' roll band in the tradition's truest sense. There are clear influences here: the snarl and nonchalant bombast of The Jesus and Mary Chain; the wistful, lonesome croon of Hank Williams [Sr.] and the pure, lovesick melodies of 1960s soul music can all be easily perceived within the group's work to date. Crucially, however, Pure X do not let their reverence for such precedents overwhelm them. So where other lo-fi fetishists currently garnering attention tend to produce a facsimile of their inspirations, [Nate] Grace, [Jesse] Jenkins and [Austin] Youngblood dissect, invert and damage them."
A wonderful, hazy, woozy and ultimately addictive record from this Austin trio, Pleasure is recommended if you like reverb-drenched vocals, guitar effects and noisy yet melodic pop. Start with "Easy", "Dream Over", "Stuck Livin" and "Voices".
Artist: Pure X
Album: Pleasure
Label: Acéphale
Genre: Rock
Comments: From the onesheet: "Patient, sparse and never any less than heartbreaking, the clutch of songs making up Pleasure has a sonic originality that many artists spend entire careers trying to cultivate. That's not to be mistaken--Pure X are a rock 'n' roll band in the tradition's truest sense. There are clear influences here: the snarl and nonchalant bombast of The Jesus and Mary Chain; the wistful, lonesome croon of Hank Williams [Sr.] and the pure, lovesick melodies of 1960s soul music can all be easily perceived within the group's work to date. Crucially, however, Pure X do not let their reverence for such precedents overwhelm them. So where other lo-fi fetishists currently garnering attention tend to produce a facsimile of their inspirations, [Nate] Grace, [Jesse] Jenkins and [Austin] Youngblood dissect, invert and damage them."
A wonderful, hazy, woozy and ultimately addictive record from this Austin trio, Pleasure is recommended if you like reverb-drenched vocals, guitar effects and noisy yet melodic pop. Start with "Easy", "Dream Over", "Stuck Livin" and "Voices".
Thee Oh Sees
Add Date: July 5
Artist: Thee Oh Sees
Album: Castlemania
Label: In the Red
Genre: Rock, garage, psych pop
Comments: John Dwyer, the driving force behind San Francisco's Thee Oh Sees, seems to have way too many ideas floating in his head, and he's determined to cram them all into a 16-song, 42-minute LP. And yet, somehow, it works. Castlemania starts off with a few murky garage rock songs and ends up with some glorious psych pop--including a delightful cover of "I Won't Hurt You" from the forgotten '60s act The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band--and the album includes everything in between, all of it loosely connected by the band's lo-fi psychedelic haze.
If you like classic psych pop (think The 13th Floor Elevators) or modern peddlers like Ty Segall--who lends his vocals to a couple of tracks on the record--or Black Lips, then check out Castlemania. Start with tracks 9, 15, 6, 14 and 4.
Artist: Thee Oh Sees
Album: Castlemania
Label: In the Red
Genre: Rock, garage, psych pop
Comments: John Dwyer, the driving force behind San Francisco's Thee Oh Sees, seems to have way too many ideas floating in his head, and he's determined to cram them all into a 16-song, 42-minute LP. And yet, somehow, it works. Castlemania starts off with a few murky garage rock songs and ends up with some glorious psych pop--including a delightful cover of "I Won't Hurt You" from the forgotten '60s act The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band--and the album includes everything in between, all of it loosely connected by the band's lo-fi psychedelic haze.
If you like classic psych pop (think The 13th Floor Elevators) or modern peddlers like Ty Segall--who lends his vocals to a couple of tracks on the record--or Black Lips, then check out Castlemania. Start with tracks 9, 15, 6, 14 and 4.
My My My
Add Date: July 5
Artist: My My My
Album: Wishing You Whatever's Best (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Chicago's My My My make bouncy indie rock songs, with piano and synthesizers driving things along behind alternating male/female vocals. Check out "Hard Kisses" or "Middle Age Hardware and Youthful Indiscretions".
Artist: My My My
Album: Wishing You Whatever's Best (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Chicago's My My My make bouncy indie rock songs, with piano and synthesizers driving things along behind alternating male/female vocals. Check out "Hard Kisses" or "Middle Age Hardware and Youthful Indiscretions".
Southerly
Add Date: July 5
Artist: Southerly
Album: Champion of the Noisy Negativists (EP)
Label: Greyday
Genre: Post-rock, experimental
Comments: After a couple of LPs filled with downcast folk pop that drew him comparisons to Elliott Smith and Colin Meloy, among others, Southerly's Krist Krueger goes in an entirely different direction on his new EP. This is post-rock, clearly inspired by the likes of Tortoise and Mogwai, with slow-building songs full of guitar crescendos, melancholy piano and synthesizer-produced effects.
I'm not sure what brought about such a stark change in style, and instrumental rock is extremely difficult to pull off, but overall Champion of the Noisy Negativists is a solid effort. Try "Repercussions" or the title track.
Artist: Southerly
Album: Champion of the Noisy Negativists (EP)
Label: Greyday
Genre: Post-rock, experimental
Comments: After a couple of LPs filled with downcast folk pop that drew him comparisons to Elliott Smith and Colin Meloy, among others, Southerly's Krist Krueger goes in an entirely different direction on his new EP. This is post-rock, clearly inspired by the likes of Tortoise and Mogwai, with slow-building songs full of guitar crescendos, melancholy piano and synthesizer-produced effects.
I'm not sure what brought about such a stark change in style, and instrumental rock is extremely difficult to pull off, but overall Champion of the Noisy Negativists is a solid effort. Try "Repercussions" or the title track.
San Cisco
Add Date: July 5
Artist: San Cisco
Album: Golden Revolver
Label: Jarrah
Genre: Indie pop
Comments: The Austalian band known as San Cisco are the latest in a line of entertaining indie acts to hit us this summer, although they may be the youngest. Even though the band members just graduated from high school, San Cisco's music is a confident, albeit somewhat eclectic, mix of killer indie pop, subdued folk sounds, slashes of synth and influences ranging from Bright Eyes to Vampire Weekend. Featuring a cover of fellow Aussie band Tame Impala's "Solitude is Bliss", Golden Revolver is an overall pleasing EP.
Try tracks 1, 2, 4 and 5.
Artist: San Cisco
Album: Golden Revolver
Label: Jarrah
Genre: Indie pop
Comments: The Austalian band known as San Cisco are the latest in a line of entertaining indie acts to hit us this summer, although they may be the youngest. Even though the band members just graduated from high school, San Cisco's music is a confident, albeit somewhat eclectic, mix of killer indie pop, subdued folk sounds, slashes of synth and influences ranging from Bright Eyes to Vampire Weekend. Featuring a cover of fellow Aussie band Tame Impala's "Solitude is Bliss", Golden Revolver is an overall pleasing EP.
Try tracks 1, 2, 4 and 5.
The Red Button
Add Date: July 5
Artist: The Red Button
Album: As Far as Yesterday Goes
Label: Grimble
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: The Red Button first gained critical acclaim with their 2007 debut album, with band members Swirsky and Ruekberg being touted by Shindig! magazine as "the new princes of power pop". There's definitely more of that romantic pop-timism on the band's eagerly anticipated sophomore release, As Far As Yesterday Goes. The new 12-track album is an aural bouquet that's flourished with bursts of '60s and '70s sunshine. With songs inspired by The Beatles, Elvis Costello and The Zombies, The Red Button gives us some insanely catchy melodies and warm production textures with their follow-up album.
Tracks 1, 2, 3, 5 and 12 are nice ditties.
Artist: The Red Button
Album: As Far as Yesterday Goes
Label: Grimble
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: The Red Button first gained critical acclaim with their 2007 debut album, with band members Swirsky and Ruekberg being touted by Shindig! magazine as "the new princes of power pop". There's definitely more of that romantic pop-timism on the band's eagerly anticipated sophomore release, As Far As Yesterday Goes. The new 12-track album is an aural bouquet that's flourished with bursts of '60s and '70s sunshine. With songs inspired by The Beatles, Elvis Costello and The Zombies, The Red Button gives us some insanely catchy melodies and warm production textures with their follow-up album.
Tracks 1, 2, 3, 5 and 12 are nice ditties.
Tennis Pro
Add Date: July 5
Artist: Tennis Pro
Album: Shimokita is Dead?
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: The blog Three Imaginary Girls has an amazing take on the new Tennis Pro album: "Usually when a band gets down to business time it isn't always fun: it can be a release of pent-up disappointments and missed chances. But Tennis Pro do a complete 180 degree breakdance spin and, instead, throw a party of a record. And their world domination just means fun for everyone at that party... Honestly, where previous [third] album Are You There, God? It's Me Tennis Pro perfectly sort-of evoked the dark, down edges of the '00s (indie feeling creepy about the good times being almost gone), the band has brought a whole new barefoot, mock the cops before you get the pepper spray, antagonistic playfulness..."
The album is a treat, but I'd definitely recommend checking out tracks 1, 2, 3 and 6.
Artist: Tennis Pro
Album: Shimokita is Dead?
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: The blog Three Imaginary Girls has an amazing take on the new Tennis Pro album: "Usually when a band gets down to business time it isn't always fun: it can be a release of pent-up disappointments and missed chances. But Tennis Pro do a complete 180 degree breakdance spin and, instead, throw a party of a record. And their world domination just means fun for everyone at that party... Honestly, where previous [third] album Are You There, God? It's Me Tennis Pro perfectly sort-of evoked the dark, down edges of the '00s (indie feeling creepy about the good times being almost gone), the band has brought a whole new barefoot, mock the cops before you get the pepper spray, antagonistic playfulness..."
The album is a treat, but I'd definitely recommend checking out tracks 1, 2, 3 and 6.
Big D and the Kids Table
Add Date: July 5
Artist: Big D and the Kids Table
Album: For the Damned, the Dumb & the Delirious
Label: SideOneDummy
Genre: Rock, ska, punk
Comments: The Boston skacore band Big D and the Kids Table brings back that feeling of the mid-'90s, but without the shiny pop (here's looking at you, No Doubt). This 17-track collection is the most diverse exhibited by the band, with elements of ska, hardcore, dub and even folk. By incorporating an appreciation for gritty punk and witty obscenities, the CD makes for a bratty good time.
Tracks 3, 5 and 7 are keepers.
Artist: Big D and the Kids Table
Album: For the Damned, the Dumb & the Delirious
Label: SideOneDummy
Genre: Rock, ska, punk
Comments: The Boston skacore band Big D and the Kids Table brings back that feeling of the mid-'90s, but without the shiny pop (here's looking at you, No Doubt). This 17-track collection is the most diverse exhibited by the band, with elements of ska, hardcore, dub and even folk. By incorporating an appreciation for gritty punk and witty obscenities, the CD makes for a bratty good time.
Tracks 3, 5 and 7 are keepers.
Sci-Fi Lovestory
Add Date: July 5
Artist: Sci-Fi Lovestory
Album: Electrocutie (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie pop, electronica
Comments: From the promoter: "Electrocutie is the 5-song EP from Sci-Fi Lovestory, containing album versions of the record’s single tracks, 'Electrocutie' and 'Get Away', along with an electronic dance remix of 'Electrocutie'. The EP is a satisfying retro-futuristic blend of analog, acoustic, and digital elements lovingly performed and kneaded together into a cheerful, unforgettable cornucopia of hooks."
Artist: Sci-Fi Lovestory
Album: Electrocutie (EP)
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie pop, electronica
Comments: From the promoter: "Electrocutie is the 5-song EP from Sci-Fi Lovestory, containing album versions of the record’s single tracks, 'Electrocutie' and 'Get Away', along with an electronic dance remix of 'Electrocutie'. The EP is a satisfying retro-futuristic blend of analog, acoustic, and digital elements lovingly performed and kneaded together into a cheerful, unforgettable cornucopia of hooks."
Com Truise
Add Date: July 5
Artist: Com Truise
Album: Galactic Melt
Label: Ghostly
Genre: Electronica
Comments: It's easy to see why New Jersey designer/musician Seth Haley chose the warped name "Com Truise" for his musical endeavor: his reliance on synthy tunes brings to mind the young actor who turned heads during the height of the 1980s. A mix of '80s electronica, dance-cave-type music, and cyclical synths, Galactic Melt proves to be a consistently solid debut LP from the band, although not as earcatching as the previously-released Cyanide Sisters EP.
Spin tracks 2, 3, 4 and 9 for some entrancing tunes.
Artist: Com Truise
Album: Galactic Melt
Label: Ghostly
Genre: Electronica
Comments: It's easy to see why New Jersey designer/musician Seth Haley chose the warped name "Com Truise" for his musical endeavor: his reliance on synthy tunes brings to mind the young actor who turned heads during the height of the 1980s. A mix of '80s electronica, dance-cave-type music, and cyclical synths, Galactic Melt proves to be a consistently solid debut LP from the band, although not as earcatching as the previously-released Cyanide Sisters EP.
Spin tracks 2, 3, 4 and 9 for some entrancing tunes.
Hemmingbirds
Add Date: July 5
Artist: Hemmingbirds
Album: Death Wave
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: A promising debut album from the Chicago band Hemmingbirds, Death Wave veers between folk-tinged pop-rock--in the vein of Delta Spirit, Dr. Dog or Elf Power--and big-sounding indie rock that seems to draw its inspiration from Arcade Fire and Death Cab for Cutie. That's not to say that Hemmingbirds are quite on the level of these acts yet, but there's still a lot of interesting stuff going on here.
Definitely worth a listen; in particular, try out tracks 4, 9, 6 and 8.
Artist: Hemmingbirds
Album: Death Wave
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: A promising debut album from the Chicago band Hemmingbirds, Death Wave veers between folk-tinged pop-rock--in the vein of Delta Spirit, Dr. Dog or Elf Power--and big-sounding indie rock that seems to draw its inspiration from Arcade Fire and Death Cab for Cutie. That's not to say that Hemmingbirds are quite on the level of these acts yet, but there's still a lot of interesting stuff going on here.
Definitely worth a listen; in particular, try out tracks 4, 9, 6 and 8.
LehtMoJoe
Add Date: July 5
Artist: LehtMoJoe
Album: Aisle7
Label: HealthRyder
Genre: Electropop, dance
Comments: Dallas native LehtMoJoe seems to be going for a Chromeo dance-funk vibe on his new LP, Aisle7. Check out the hip-hop number "Touch the Sky", featuring Sedrick Styles and Xavier Marquis, and "Look Around".
Artist: LehtMoJoe
Album: Aisle7
Label: HealthRyder
Genre: Electropop, dance
Comments: Dallas native LehtMoJoe seems to be going for a Chromeo dance-funk vibe on his new LP, Aisle7. Check out the hip-hop number "Touch the Sky", featuring Sedrick Styles and Xavier Marquis, and "Look Around".
PDX Pop Now! 2011
Add Date: July 5
Artist: Various Artists
Album: PDX Pop Now! 2011
Label: Self-released
Genre: Compilations/soundtracks, Portland
Comments: The annual PDX Pop Now! compilation is here, serving both as a promotional tool for the festival of the same name--if you happen to be passing through the Pacific Northwest later this month, it runs from July 22-24--and to spread the great music of Portland to the rest of the world. This 41-song, two-disc set has something for just about every modern musical palate: rock, pop, folk, hip hop, soul, jazz and more.
There's lots and lots of good stuff here, but some of my favorites included the indie pop of Forbidden Friends (the new side project of The Thermals' Hutch Harris); shoegaze rock from Viva Voce; a live tune from folk rock expert Langhorne Slim; the psychedelic funk-pop party that is Unknown Mortal Orchestra (check out their debut LP, which is on our playlist now); country-tinged power pop from Jared Mees & the Grown Children; New Wave synth rock from Lovers; '60s-inspired lounge pop from Alan Singley; Heavy Hands' remix of The Woodlands' whispery folk; and bouncy folk pop from The BellBoys.
Artist: Various Artists
Album: PDX Pop Now! 2011
Label: Self-released
Genre: Compilations/soundtracks, Portland
Comments: The annual PDX Pop Now! compilation is here, serving both as a promotional tool for the festival of the same name--if you happen to be passing through the Pacific Northwest later this month, it runs from July 22-24--and to spread the great music of Portland to the rest of the world. This 41-song, two-disc set has something for just about every modern musical palate: rock, pop, folk, hip hop, soul, jazz and more.
There's lots and lots of good stuff here, but some of my favorites included the indie pop of Forbidden Friends (the new side project of The Thermals' Hutch Harris); shoegaze rock from Viva Voce; a live tune from folk rock expert Langhorne Slim; the psychedelic funk-pop party that is Unknown Mortal Orchestra (check out their debut LP, which is on our playlist now); country-tinged power pop from Jared Mees & the Grown Children; New Wave synth rock from Lovers; '60s-inspired lounge pop from Alan Singley; Heavy Hands' remix of The Woodlands' whispery folk; and bouncy folk pop from The BellBoys.
Memory Tapes
Add Date: July 5
Artist: Memory Tapes
Album: Player Piano
Label: Carpark
Genre: Indie pop
Comments: From the promoter: "Player Piano is the second full-length from Davye Hawk's Memory Tapes... Simply put, there are lots of catchy tunes here: sing-along choruses throughout the album and songs that feel very immediate and accessible, despite consistently dark lyrics that describe a disconnected mindset and a profound sense of isolation... Largely eschewing modern beats this time in favor of 'drums that sound like The Kinks' '60s record', there are still the spaces of modern R'n'B, along with '50s doo wop, krautrock and a couple of nods to Aphex Twin."
This is very chill (chillwave?) indie pop that will appeal to fans of Small Black, Wild Nothing and Hawk's labelmate Toro y Moi. Spin "Wait in the Dark", "Today Is Our Life" and "Offers".
Artist: Memory Tapes
Album: Player Piano
Label: Carpark
Genre: Indie pop
Comments: From the promoter: "Player Piano is the second full-length from Davye Hawk's Memory Tapes... Simply put, there are lots of catchy tunes here: sing-along choruses throughout the album and songs that feel very immediate and accessible, despite consistently dark lyrics that describe a disconnected mindset and a profound sense of isolation... Largely eschewing modern beats this time in favor of 'drums that sound like The Kinks' '60s record', there are still the spaces of modern R'n'B, along with '50s doo wop, krautrock and a couple of nods to Aphex Twin."
This is very chill (chillwave?) indie pop that will appeal to fans of Small Black, Wild Nothing and Hawk's labelmate Toro y Moi. Spin "Wait in the Dark", "Today Is Our Life" and "Offers".
Teddybears
Add Date: July 5
Artist: Teddybears
Album: Devil's Music
Label: Atlantic
Genre: Rock, electronica
Comments: By the looks of it, and with the way SPIN magazine is making it to be, Swedish band Teddybears' newest addition to their brand of dance pop is a genre-hopping mixed bag of sorts. On the one end, you have CeeLo Green and the B-52's on an uber-catchy track called "Cho Cha" that must have been taken from the '70s; on the other, you have The Flaming Lips' help on the drugtastically rocky "Crystal Meth Christian"; and in-between lies "Get Fresh With You", a track that seems like a throwback to "Cobrastyle", the song that brought Teddybears into the mainstream.
Not their best foot forward, but definitely not their worst, Devil's Music is a hodgepodge of great funkiness and mildly entertaining synth pop. Try out tracks 8, 9 (featuring Robyn), 6, 7 and 4.
Artist: Teddybears
Album: Devil's Music
Label: Atlantic
Genre: Rock, electronica
Comments: By the looks of it, and with the way SPIN magazine is making it to be, Swedish band Teddybears' newest addition to their brand of dance pop is a genre-hopping mixed bag of sorts. On the one end, you have CeeLo Green and the B-52's on an uber-catchy track called "Cho Cha" that must have been taken from the '70s; on the other, you have The Flaming Lips' help on the drugtastically rocky "Crystal Meth Christian"; and in-between lies "Get Fresh With You", a track that seems like a throwback to "Cobrastyle", the song that brought Teddybears into the mainstream.
Not their best foot forward, but definitely not their worst, Devil's Music is a hodgepodge of great funkiness and mildly entertaining synth pop. Try out tracks 8, 9 (featuring Robyn), 6, 7 and 4.
Found Audio
Add Date: July 5
Artist: Found Audio
Album: Chalk
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk, rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Allston, MA folk rock act Found Audio has been boiling beneath the surface for the past few years, steadily writing and recording debut album Chalk. Right from the opening track, Found Audio prove their worth. 'Walker, Riddley' has pedal steel, delicate backing vocals and smooth, wandering melodies. 'Queen Of The Road', on the other hand, is a barnburning rocker, as is 'All My Things', a track that brings to mind The Replacements. 'Tennessee' is a dark and spare exploration of space."
With background organs and soft-spoken alt-country voices, Chalk measures up to be an enjoyably subdued treat. Try out tracks 1, 2, 6, 9 or 10 for a taste.
Artist: Found Audio
Album: Chalk
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk, rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Allston, MA folk rock act Found Audio has been boiling beneath the surface for the past few years, steadily writing and recording debut album Chalk. Right from the opening track, Found Audio prove their worth. 'Walker, Riddley' has pedal steel, delicate backing vocals and smooth, wandering melodies. 'Queen Of The Road', on the other hand, is a barnburning rocker, as is 'All My Things', a track that brings to mind The Replacements. 'Tennessee' is a dark and spare exploration of space."
With background organs and soft-spoken alt-country voices, Chalk measures up to be an enjoyably subdued treat. Try out tracks 1, 2, 6, 9 or 10 for a taste.
Umpire
Add Date: July 5
Artist: Umpire
Album: Now We're Active
Label: Hidden Shoal
Genre: Indie rock
Comments: Now We're Active is the debut by the longstanding Australian indie supergroup Umpire. It's taken a while for them to reach the States, but their album has been worth the wait. The high vocals, nimble guitar playing, and subdued drum sets are pleasant, and the massive guitar riffs on "The Canyon" make the album perk up when you're in need of a perk-up. While the band's sound may bring to mind other soft rock ensembles, Now We're Active still is a nice listen.
Tracks 1, 4, 5, 7 and 10 are keepers.
Artist: Umpire
Album: Now We're Active
Label: Hidden Shoal
Genre: Indie rock
Comments: Now We're Active is the debut by the longstanding Australian indie supergroup Umpire. It's taken a while for them to reach the States, but their album has been worth the wait. The high vocals, nimble guitar playing, and subdued drum sets are pleasant, and the massive guitar riffs on "The Canyon" make the album perk up when you're in need of a perk-up. While the band's sound may bring to mind other soft rock ensembles, Now We're Active still is a nice listen.
Tracks 1, 4, 5, 7 and 10 are keepers.
Baby Monster
Add Date: July 5
Artist: Baby Monster
Album: Baby Monster
Label: Self-released
Genre: Electronica, indie pop
Comments: Hailing from the streets of Portland, Baby Monster are electronica stars in the making. Having spent time touring with UK band Klaxons, Baby Monster has finally debuted its self-titled album of ethereal lo-fi and starry synths. Their sound has been compared to MGMT and Passion Pit, and rightfully so. With its "hippy-happy electronic popster" flair, Baby Monster can bring the teens to the dance floor and keep them there.
For some pure audio gold, check out tracks 1, 3, 5 and 7.
Artist: Baby Monster
Album: Baby Monster
Label: Self-released
Genre: Electronica, indie pop
Comments: Hailing from the streets of Portland, Baby Monster are electronica stars in the making. Having spent time touring with UK band Klaxons, Baby Monster has finally debuted its self-titled album of ethereal lo-fi and starry synths. Their sound has been compared to MGMT and Passion Pit, and rightfully so. With its "hippy-happy electronic popster" flair, Baby Monster can bring the teens to the dance floor and keep them there.
For some pure audio gold, check out tracks 1, 3, 5 and 7.
LadybiRdS
Add Date: July 5
Artist: LadybiRdS
Album: Regional Community Theater
Label: Mint 400
Genre: Alternative, pop
Comments: LadybiRdS is the whacked-out creation of Teeter Sperber and Tyler Pursel of Gym Class Heroes, with their debut of Regional Community Theater featuring guest vocalists Max Bemis from Say Anything, Matt Pryor from The Get Up Kids, and even a chorus of pre-teens. LadybiRdS describe their overall sound as "Cyndi Lauper superfan meets (a cupcake pop version of) The Postal Service on diet pills (before Ephedra was banned by the FDA.)".
That description actually under-emphasizes the band's roller coaster of an alternative-pop album; one of the many examples of the band's dizzying theatrics is their using the ol' 2002 trick of having long, nonsensical song titles (see: "Oh No! The Unicorns Are Knife Fighting Again"). With that said, the album does have an '80s electronica vibe, with synthesizers and drum sets flying off the tracks. A decent effort, although this would have been more suited during the Fall Out Boy/Panic! era of music.
Tracks 3, 4, 6 and 10 prove to be head-noddable.
Artist: LadybiRdS
Album: Regional Community Theater
Label: Mint 400
Genre: Alternative, pop
Comments: LadybiRdS is the whacked-out creation of Teeter Sperber and Tyler Pursel of Gym Class Heroes, with their debut of Regional Community Theater featuring guest vocalists Max Bemis from Say Anything, Matt Pryor from The Get Up Kids, and even a chorus of pre-teens. LadybiRdS describe their overall sound as "Cyndi Lauper superfan meets (a cupcake pop version of) The Postal Service on diet pills (before Ephedra was banned by the FDA.)".
That description actually under-emphasizes the band's roller coaster of an alternative-pop album; one of the many examples of the band's dizzying theatrics is their using the ol' 2002 trick of having long, nonsensical song titles (see: "Oh No! The Unicorns Are Knife Fighting Again"). With that said, the album does have an '80s electronica vibe, with synthesizers and drum sets flying off the tracks. A decent effort, although this would have been more suited during the Fall Out Boy/Panic! era of music.
Tracks 3, 4, 6 and 10 prove to be head-noddable.
Bear Lake
Add Date: July 5
Artist: Bear Lake
Album: If You Were Me
Label: Self-released
Genre: Alternative
Comments: Taking its moniker from a body of water in Michigan, Bear Lake is releasing its third LP, If You Were Me. A "good, not great, but still good" album, If You Were Me displays the band's mellow rock vibe in all its Death Cab-like glory. Straddling the rock/pop fence, Bear Lake delivers a likeable album that could be worth listening to. Try tracks 2, 1 and 10 if you're in the mood for some decent jams.
Artist: Bear Lake
Album: If You Were Me
Label: Self-released
Genre: Alternative
Comments: Taking its moniker from a body of water in Michigan, Bear Lake is releasing its third LP, If You Were Me. A "good, not great, but still good" album, If You Were Me displays the band's mellow rock vibe in all its Death Cab-like glory. Straddling the rock/pop fence, Bear Lake delivers a likeable album that could be worth listening to. Try tracks 2, 1 and 10 if you're in the mood for some decent jams.
Graffiti6
Add Date: July 5
Artist: Graffiti6
Album: Annie You Save Me EP
Label: Capitol
Genre: Indie pop
Comments: Made "MTVs Push Artists" and "Ones to Watch in 2011" by MTV and The New York Post, Graffiti6 is comprised of UK producer TommyD and singer/songwriter Jamie Scott. Both had previously worked with some of the A-list musicians in the industry (ranging from Kanye to Alicia Keys) before they found themselves collaborating on a music sampler titled Stare Into the Sun, drawing so much exposure that the duo began working on more songs. With Annie You Save Me, a 4-track EP containing remixes of the title track and acoustic versions of other songs, Graffiti6 again displays their "genre-defying blend of pop, psychedelia, R&B, and British Northern Soul". Even if this is just a small taste of their upcoming album Colours, the EP still makes for a nice treat to tide us over.
Any of the four tracks are good for spinning, but I'd recommend "Annie You Save Me (Timmy The Terror Wrabble Remix)" and "No Diggity" (yes, it's an acoustic cover of BlackStreet).
Artist: Graffiti6
Album: Annie You Save Me EP
Label: Capitol
Genre: Indie pop
Comments: Made "MTVs Push Artists" and "Ones to Watch in 2011" by MTV and The New York Post, Graffiti6 is comprised of UK producer TommyD and singer/songwriter Jamie Scott. Both had previously worked with some of the A-list musicians in the industry (ranging from Kanye to Alicia Keys) before they found themselves collaborating on a music sampler titled Stare Into the Sun, drawing so much exposure that the duo began working on more songs. With Annie You Save Me, a 4-track EP containing remixes of the title track and acoustic versions of other songs, Graffiti6 again displays their "genre-defying blend of pop, psychedelia, R&B, and British Northern Soul". Even if this is just a small taste of their upcoming album Colours, the EP still makes for a nice treat to tide us over.
Any of the four tracks are good for spinning, but I'd recommend "Annie You Save Me (Timmy The Terror Wrabble Remix)" and "No Diggity" (yes, it's an acoustic cover of BlackStreet).
Metronomy
Add Date: July 5
Artist: Metronomy
Album: The English Riviera
Label: Big Beat/Because Music
Genre: Indie pop, electropop
Comments: They wear pre-synced, Iron Man-like chest lights during live shows. They've toured with British luminaries such as Kate Nash, Klaxons, and Bloc Party. And they happen to have had the illustrious honor of having the music video for "A Thing for Me" selected as the free iTunes download of the week. It's easy to see, then, why the Brighton band Metronomy is such a hit with audiences. Delivering their most gratifying album to date, The English Riviera is one of those British eclectic electronic albums that is addictive, what with its "late-'90s indie-pop aesthetics" and "deliberately danceable yet contemplative arrangements". An album meant for the "repeat" button during those glossy summer beach outings, Metronomy delivers with their third studio dalliance into falsetto-laden, brilliant pop.
If you're a fan of Friendly Fires and/or Cut Copy, try out tracks 4, 5, 7 and 9.
Artist: Metronomy
Album: The English Riviera
Label: Big Beat/Because Music
Genre: Indie pop, electropop
Comments: They wear pre-synced, Iron Man-like chest lights during live shows. They've toured with British luminaries such as Kate Nash, Klaxons, and Bloc Party. And they happen to have had the illustrious honor of having the music video for "A Thing for Me" selected as the free iTunes download of the week. It's easy to see, then, why the Brighton band Metronomy is such a hit with audiences. Delivering their most gratifying album to date, The English Riviera is one of those British eclectic electronic albums that is addictive, what with its "late-'90s indie-pop aesthetics" and "deliberately danceable yet contemplative arrangements". An album meant for the "repeat" button during those glossy summer beach outings, Metronomy delivers with their third studio dalliance into falsetto-laden, brilliant pop.
If you're a fan of Friendly Fires and/or Cut Copy, try out tracks 4, 5, 7 and 9.
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