Happy Homecoming:
Also spin: Dawes, Exitmusic, Memoryhouse, Ohbijou, Pallers
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Youth Lagoon
Add Date: September 27
Artist: Youth Lagoon
Album: The Year of Hibernation
Label: Fat Possum
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: At least in theory, Youth Lagoon's debut LP is a bedroom pop record; after all, Trevor Powers put most of the album together at home in Boise. But tagging The Year of Hibernation with that narrow-sounding label would be terrifically inaccurate. There's an awful lot going on here, from gorgeous, hazy psychedelic pop to slow-building, folk-infused songs (check out "Montana" or "Posters") that have drawn Powers comparisons to Perfume Genius, the nom de tune of Mike Hadreas, who made a splash with his Matador debut Learning back in 2010.
At its heart, though, this is pop music, and it's crafted so well that you can easily forget that this is a essentially a one-man show--as the promoter claims, the music sounds "as if [Powers] were joined by a 9-piece band..." But as accessible and catchy as the tunes may be, The Year of Hibernation is simultaneously a very personal, intimate effort. Back to the onesheet: "Hidden beneath the melodies is a voice that is eerie yet nostalgic. Powers claims his music is like letting people read his journal."
Read away--this is one of the best debuts of 2011, and Youth Lagoon might be the best act to come out of Boise since Built to Spill. Start with tracks 2, 8, 7, 1 and 3.
Artist: Youth Lagoon
Album: The Year of Hibernation
Label: Fat Possum
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: At least in theory, Youth Lagoon's debut LP is a bedroom pop record; after all, Trevor Powers put most of the album together at home in Boise. But tagging The Year of Hibernation with that narrow-sounding label would be terrifically inaccurate. There's an awful lot going on here, from gorgeous, hazy psychedelic pop to slow-building, folk-infused songs (check out "Montana" or "Posters") that have drawn Powers comparisons to Perfume Genius, the nom de tune of Mike Hadreas, who made a splash with his Matador debut Learning back in 2010.
At its heart, though, this is pop music, and it's crafted so well that you can easily forget that this is a essentially a one-man show--as the promoter claims, the music sounds "as if [Powers] were joined by a 9-piece band..." But as accessible and catchy as the tunes may be, The Year of Hibernation is simultaneously a very personal, intimate effort. Back to the onesheet: "Hidden beneath the melodies is a voice that is eerie yet nostalgic. Powers claims his music is like letting people read his journal."
Read away--this is one of the best debuts of 2011, and Youth Lagoon might be the best act to come out of Boise since Built to Spill. Start with tracks 2, 8, 7, 1 and 3.
Twin Sister
Add Date: September 27
Artist: Twin Sister
Album: In Heaven
Label: Domino
Genre: Pop
Comments: Though it might not be fair, Twin Sister have been set up to fail. Most likely through no fault of their own, this New York quintet has had the internet hype machine cranked into overdrive, with only 2010's Color Your Life EP and a handful of other singles to back up the claims that they were the next Stereolab, or the next Cocteau Twins, or the next Björk. (Pitchfork, bless their hearts, compared Twin Sister to those three bands in the same sentence.) All of this before a proper full-length, which we now have with In Heaven.
My greatest fear for the band was that they'd be the next Black Kids--the pattern of EP-generating-way-too-much-buzz-for-an-unproven-band was eerily similar to that Jacksonville act, which crashed and burned a few years back--and to Twin Sister's credit, they've produced a very respectable debut. I'm not ready to elevate the band to "pop genius" status quite yet, but excellent tracks like the minimalist dance song "Bad Street" (released as a single a couple of months ago) and the layered, Stereolab-leaning "Kimmi in a Rice Field" show an enormous amount of promise.
The rest of the record is good, if not spectacular, though I imagine that the album as a whole is a grower. Andrea Estella possesses one of the finest voices in pop music--here, the Björk comparison is aptest, though I'll wager that you'll find Estella's vocals more endearing--while guitarist Eric Cardona and their bandmates fill things in nicely. In Heaven isn't a landmark record for any particular branch of pop, and let's hope that it's not a career-defining moment for the band either; instead, this should be the first LP in a very fruitful career. Start with tracks 3, 5, 8 and 2.
Artist: Twin Sister
Album: In Heaven
Label: Domino
Genre: Pop
Comments: Though it might not be fair, Twin Sister have been set up to fail. Most likely through no fault of their own, this New York quintet has had the internet hype machine cranked into overdrive, with only 2010's Color Your Life EP and a handful of other singles to back up the claims that they were the next Stereolab, or the next Cocteau Twins, or the next Björk. (Pitchfork, bless their hearts, compared Twin Sister to those three bands in the same sentence.) All of this before a proper full-length, which we now have with In Heaven.
My greatest fear for the band was that they'd be the next Black Kids--the pattern of EP-generating-way-too-much-buzz-for-an-unproven-band was eerily similar to that Jacksonville act, which crashed and burned a few years back--and to Twin Sister's credit, they've produced a very respectable debut. I'm not ready to elevate the band to "pop genius" status quite yet, but excellent tracks like the minimalist dance song "Bad Street" (released as a single a couple of months ago) and the layered, Stereolab-leaning "Kimmi in a Rice Field" show an enormous amount of promise.
The rest of the record is good, if not spectacular, though I imagine that the album as a whole is a grower. Andrea Estella possesses one of the finest voices in pop music--here, the Björk comparison is aptest, though I'll wager that you'll find Estella's vocals more endearing--while guitarist Eric Cardona and their bandmates fill things in nicely. In Heaven isn't a landmark record for any particular branch of pop, and let's hope that it's not a career-defining moment for the band either; instead, this should be the first LP in a very fruitful career. Start with tracks 3, 5, 8 and 2.
Jonathan Coulton
Add Date: September 27
Artist: Jonathan Coulton
Album: Artificial Heart
Label: Jocoserious
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Jonathan Coulton is perfect as the opening band for They Might Be Giants, whose John Flansburgh produced Artificial Heart. As a kooky yet catchy pop songwriter, Coulton could easily rank among the likes of Ben Folds. The album also features Suzanne Vega, John Roderick of The Long Winters, and Sara Quin of Tegan and Sara. Start with "Nemeses".
Artist: Jonathan Coulton
Album: Artificial Heart
Label: Jocoserious
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Jonathan Coulton is perfect as the opening band for They Might Be Giants, whose John Flansburgh produced Artificial Heart. As a kooky yet catchy pop songwriter, Coulton could easily rank among the likes of Ben Folds. The album also features Suzanne Vega, John Roderick of The Long Winters, and Sara Quin of Tegan and Sara. Start with "Nemeses".
Vanish Valley
Add Date: September 27
Artist: Vanish Valley
Album: Get Good
Label: Hard Bark
Genre: Country, folk rock
Comments: Andrew McAllister, the frontman of Vanish Valley, moved from Seattle to Los Angeles in the winter of 2008, which precipitated the writing of the songs on Get Good. He says that "a lot of this album was written while surviving the first couple years in Los Angeles." Vanish Valley blends folk, country, and psych rock in a way that's enjoyable, if not overly interesting.
Artist: Vanish Valley
Album: Get Good
Label: Hard Bark
Genre: Country, folk rock
Comments: Andrew McAllister, the frontman of Vanish Valley, moved from Seattle to Los Angeles in the winter of 2008, which precipitated the writing of the songs on Get Good. He says that "a lot of this album was written while surviving the first couple years in Los Angeles." Vanish Valley blends folk, country, and psych rock in a way that's enjoyable, if not overly interesting.
Dan Mangan
Add Date: September 27
Artist: Dan Mangan
Album: Oh Fortune
Label: Arts & Crafts
Genre: Folk, rock
Comments: Following up on his acclaimed sophomore album Nice, Nice, Very Nice, Dan Mangan continues to grow and expand his breadth as a formidable folk-rock crooner. Oh Fortune is characterized by the rugged and sometimes harsh beauty of Mangan's voice backed by dense instrumentals. "Post-War Blues" is the first track to really get a feel for this complexity--the song has a strong electric guitar that builds the intensity to perfectly complement Mangan's bursting voice. He's also not bad with the slow, more folksy songs. Worth a listen. Or two.
Artist: Dan Mangan
Album: Oh Fortune
Label: Arts & Crafts
Genre: Folk, rock
Comments: Following up on his acclaimed sophomore album Nice, Nice, Very Nice, Dan Mangan continues to grow and expand his breadth as a formidable folk-rock crooner. Oh Fortune is characterized by the rugged and sometimes harsh beauty of Mangan's voice backed by dense instrumentals. "Post-War Blues" is the first track to really get a feel for this complexity--the song has a strong electric guitar that builds the intensity to perfectly complement Mangan's bursting voice. He's also not bad with the slow, more folksy songs. Worth a listen. Or two.
S.C.U.M
Add Date: September 27
Artist: S.C.U.M
Album: Again Into Eyes
Label: Mute
Genre: Rock, post-punk
Comments: Again Into Eyes is the debut record from the London band S.C.U.M--whose name is taken from the SCUM (Society for Cutting Up Men) Manifesto of Valerie Solanas, Andy Warhol's attempted assassin--and this explosive LP will quickly justify why they landed on Mute Records and have shared the stage with The Kills and Erasure, among others. The music here is a well-weighted mix of post-punk, New Wave, shoegaze and experimental; in other words, it's equally reminiscent of Joy Division, My Bloody Valentine and Sonic Youth, and it's all traceable back--both musically and, it would seem, culturally--to The Velvet Underground.
Though I wouldn't say there's a great deal of similarity in their sound, I'll venture that S.C.U.M's greatest musical kinship among their contemporaries might be with their Mute labelmates (and recent tourmates) Liars. Both bands apparently draw inspiration from some of the most interesting artists of the last five decades of rock, but still manage to sound distinctive and original.
Listen to the first two tracks on Again Into Eyes, "Faith Unfolds" and "Days Untrue", and you'll be hooked. Also spin "Whitechapel" and "Amber Hands".
Artist: S.C.U.M
Album: Again Into Eyes
Label: Mute
Genre: Rock, post-punk
Comments: Again Into Eyes is the debut record from the London band S.C.U.M--whose name is taken from the SCUM (Society for Cutting Up Men) Manifesto of Valerie Solanas, Andy Warhol's attempted assassin--and this explosive LP will quickly justify why they landed on Mute Records and have shared the stage with The Kills and Erasure, among others. The music here is a well-weighted mix of post-punk, New Wave, shoegaze and experimental; in other words, it's equally reminiscent of Joy Division, My Bloody Valentine and Sonic Youth, and it's all traceable back--both musically and, it would seem, culturally--to The Velvet Underground.
Though I wouldn't say there's a great deal of similarity in their sound, I'll venture that S.C.U.M's greatest musical kinship among their contemporaries might be with their Mute labelmates (and recent tourmates) Liars. Both bands apparently draw inspiration from some of the most interesting artists of the last five decades of rock, but still manage to sound distinctive and original.
Listen to the first two tracks on Again Into Eyes, "Faith Unfolds" and "Days Untrue", and you'll be hooked. Also spin "Whitechapel" and "Amber Hands".
Ralph Carney's Serious Jass Project
Add Date: September 27
Artist: Ralph Carney's Serious Jass Project
Album: Seriously
Label: Smog Veil
Genre: Jazz
Comments: From the promoter: "Ralph Carney (uncle of the Black Keys' Patrick Carney) 'decided to do another record of tunes I loved, sticking close to the same styles as my first album. Basically a mix of "honkers and screamers" type saxophonists, mostly from the late 1940s through the early to mid-1950s, alongside kinda obscure Ellington small band songs... I also did a couple of Coleman Hawkins tunes from his time in Europe in the '30s.'"
Artist: Ralph Carney's Serious Jass Project
Album: Seriously
Label: Smog Veil
Genre: Jazz
Comments: From the promoter: "Ralph Carney (uncle of the Black Keys' Patrick Carney) 'decided to do another record of tunes I loved, sticking close to the same styles as my first album. Basically a mix of "honkers and screamers" type saxophonists, mostly from the late 1940s through the early to mid-1950s, alongside kinda obscure Ellington small band songs... I also did a couple of Coleman Hawkins tunes from his time in Europe in the '30s.'"
Fun.
Add Date: September 27
Artist: Fun. feat. Janelle Monáe
Album: "We Are Young" (single)
Label: Fueled By Ramen
Genre: Pop, electropop
Comments: "They had me until the bridge." -Megan Daily
But honestly, you'll get lost before the bridge. While this single by Fun. has some great pop parts a la Matt & Kim, the song just keeps changing tone and form, even though it's only four minutes long. Entertaining the first time around, not sure it will get another spin though.
Artist: Fun. feat. Janelle Monáe
Album: "We Are Young" (single)
Label: Fueled By Ramen
Genre: Pop, electropop
Comments: "They had me until the bridge." -Megan Daily
But honestly, you'll get lost before the bridge. While this single by Fun. has some great pop parts a la Matt & Kim, the song just keeps changing tone and form, even though it's only four minutes long. Entertaining the first time around, not sure it will get another spin though.
Caroline Smith
Add Date: September 27
Artist: Caroline Smith & The Good Night Sleeps
Album: Little Wind
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Minneapolis' Caroline Smith seems to be going for the Regina Spektor/Ingrid Michaelson demographic. And while Smith writes serviceable pop songs, and while her vocals--which fall somewhere between Spektor and Norah Jones--are earnest enough not to sound overwrought, the market for this type of music is already terribly overcrowded. Good thing, then, that her band can mix it up and play some rock; indeed, the most interesting moments on Little Wind are when the guitars fill in the empty spaces--at it turns out, Smith can front an indie rock band quite well.
That's not to say that the folk-pop songs are bad; it's just that you've heard them before. Stick with tracks 1, 5 and 7.
Artist: Caroline Smith & The Good Night Sleeps
Album: Little Wind
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Minneapolis' Caroline Smith seems to be going for the Regina Spektor/Ingrid Michaelson demographic. And while Smith writes serviceable pop songs, and while her vocals--which fall somewhere between Spektor and Norah Jones--are earnest enough not to sound overwrought, the market for this type of music is already terribly overcrowded. Good thing, then, that her band can mix it up and play some rock; indeed, the most interesting moments on Little Wind are when the guitars fill in the empty spaces--at it turns out, Smith can front an indie rock band quite well.
That's not to say that the folk-pop songs are bad; it's just that you've heard them before. Stick with tracks 1, 5 and 7.
Into It. Over It.
Add Date: September 27
Artist: Into It. Over It.
Album: Proper
Label: No Sleep
Genre: Rock, punk
Comments: Evan Thomas Weiss, who records as Into It. Over It., is nothing if not ambitious. His 2009 debut, 52 Weeks, was the culmination of a year-long project in which he wrote and recorded a new song each week. (Yes, it's a 52-track collection.) Weiss has followed that up with Twelve Towns--another release with a self-explanatory title--as well as a bunch of singles and EPs, and now comes yet another full-length, Proper, on the underrated indie label No Sleep.
On the surface, Into It. Over It.'s music sounds like your typical melodic pop-punk, but a closer listen reveals Weiss' songwriting prowess, as well as his musical versatility; outside of drums, backing vocals and the occasional keys, he performed pretty much the entire record by himself. Sunny Day Real Estate and Get Up Kids are noticeable influences, and fans of Owen and The Dismemberment Plan will also find something to like on Proper.
Start with tracks 3, 5, 1 and 11.
Artist: Into It. Over It.
Album: Proper
Label: No Sleep
Genre: Rock, punk
Comments: Evan Thomas Weiss, who records as Into It. Over It., is nothing if not ambitious. His 2009 debut, 52 Weeks, was the culmination of a year-long project in which he wrote and recorded a new song each week. (Yes, it's a 52-track collection.) Weiss has followed that up with Twelve Towns--another release with a self-explanatory title--as well as a bunch of singles and EPs, and now comes yet another full-length, Proper, on the underrated indie label No Sleep.
On the surface, Into It. Over It.'s music sounds like your typical melodic pop-punk, but a closer listen reveals Weiss' songwriting prowess, as well as his musical versatility; outside of drums, backing vocals and the occasional keys, he performed pretty much the entire record by himself. Sunny Day Real Estate and Get Up Kids are noticeable influences, and fans of Owen and The Dismemberment Plan will also find something to like on Proper.
Start with tracks 3, 5, 1 and 11.
Chux Beta
Add Date: September 27
Artist: Chux Beta
Album: Heartbroken Underground
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: The onesheet describes Pittsburgh band Chux Beta's music as "heavy post-grunge anthems spiced up with bits of power pop and touches of neo-psychedelia... [a] combination of penetrating twin-guitar attacks and textured, melodic vocals over hard sturdy grooves..." I wouldn't argue with any of that. Try tracks 2, 3 and 4.
Artist: Chux Beta
Album: Heartbroken Underground
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: The onesheet describes Pittsburgh band Chux Beta's music as "heavy post-grunge anthems spiced up with bits of power pop and touches of neo-psychedelia... [a] combination of penetrating twin-guitar attacks and textured, melodic vocals over hard sturdy grooves..." I wouldn't argue with any of that. Try tracks 2, 3 and 4.
Merrily and the Poison Orchard
Add Date: September 27
Artist: Merrily and the Poison Orchard
Album: Time and Hell
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk pop
Comments: Merrily and the Poison Orchard's music could easily get lumped into the generic folk-pop pile, but the instrumentation on Time and Hell--featuring the Rhodes organ and mandolin--and the noticeable jazz influences keep things interesting. Try "I've Been So Good" or the title track.
Artist: Merrily and the Poison Orchard
Album: Time and Hell
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk pop
Comments: Merrily and the Poison Orchard's music could easily get lumped into the generic folk-pop pile, but the instrumentation on Time and Hell--featuring the Rhodes organ and mandolin--and the noticeable jazz influences keep things interesting. Try "I've Been So Good" or the title track.
The Big Scary
Add Date: September 27
Artist: The Big Scary
Album: Four Seasons
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, folk, folk pop
Comments: From the promoter: "What began as a few rainy day acoustics ballads soon grew into a genre-defying sound. Before long, Big Scary were writing anything they pleased--fuzzed-out garage rock; piano-led pop; intricate, pastoral instrumentals--each imbued with an effortless pop sensibility..."
Four Seasons is actually a collection of four EPs mashed into one full-length. At times, the music takes a quick, stark turn, as when the pensive instrumental "Summer" gives way into the rockabilly-punk tune "Tuesday Is Rent Day"; unfortunately, those kinds of transitions don't really work. Instead, stick to folk-inflected indie rock tunes like "Autumn", "Hamilton" and "Spring", which The Big Scary is much better suited for.
Artist: The Big Scary
Album: Four Seasons
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock, folk, folk pop
Comments: From the promoter: "What began as a few rainy day acoustics ballads soon grew into a genre-defying sound. Before long, Big Scary were writing anything they pleased--fuzzed-out garage rock; piano-led pop; intricate, pastoral instrumentals--each imbued with an effortless pop sensibility..."
Four Seasons is actually a collection of four EPs mashed into one full-length. At times, the music takes a quick, stark turn, as when the pensive instrumental "Summer" gives way into the rockabilly-punk tune "Tuesday Is Rent Day"; unfortunately, those kinds of transitions don't really work. Instead, stick to folk-inflected indie rock tunes like "Autumn", "Hamilton" and "Spring", which The Big Scary is much better suited for.
The NowhereNauts
Add Date: September 27
Artist: The NowhereNauts
Album: The NowhereNauts
Label: Club Rock
Genre: Rock
Comments: A nice combination of post-punk and angular indie rock on this eponymous debut from the New York band The NowhereNauts. While this isn't the most polished record, there's no denying that the band has the right blend of energy and acumen for this style of music. Their hearts seem to be in the right place, too--as evidence, the LP features covers of The Jam and Pixies. Try tracks 2, 1, 8 and 3.
Artist: The NowhereNauts
Album: The NowhereNauts
Label: Club Rock
Genre: Rock
Comments: A nice combination of post-punk and angular indie rock on this eponymous debut from the New York band The NowhereNauts. While this isn't the most polished record, there's no denying that the band has the right blend of energy and acumen for this style of music. Their hearts seem to be in the right place, too--as evidence, the LP features covers of The Jam and Pixies. Try tracks 2, 1, 8 and 3.
Jupe Jupe
Add Date: September 27
Artist: Jupe Jupe
Album: Reduction in Drag
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: What great fun! Jupe Jupe is full of high-energy pop that will make you shake your hips in your seat. I can't help but think of The Killers when I listen to this record; other bands that come to mind are Franz Ferdinand and Interpol. Great indie-pop from Jupe Jupe; check out tracks 2 and 6.
Artist: Jupe Jupe
Album: Reduction in Drag
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: What great fun! Jupe Jupe is full of high-energy pop that will make you shake your hips in your seat. I can't help but think of The Killers when I listen to this record; other bands that come to mind are Franz Ferdinand and Interpol. Great indie-pop from Jupe Jupe; check out tracks 2 and 6.
Beats Antique
Add Date: September 27
Artist: Beats Antique
Album: Elektrafone
Label: Antique
Genre: Dance, electronica
Comments: From the promoter: "Growing like wildfire under the canopy of live electronica and world roots music comes Beats Antique, a masterful merge of modern technology, live instrumentation, and seductive performance. Beats Antique combines the sounds of the Middle East and orchestral gypsy music with the styles of hip hop, brass band, downtempo, glitch and dubstep in a new collage of music that is mixed and broken down with clever breakbeats for an adept international flair."
WOW, never has a onesheet been so spot-on descriptive. Start with 2, 3 and 9.
Artist: Beats Antique
Album: Elektrafone
Label: Antique
Genre: Dance, electronica
Comments: From the promoter: "Growing like wildfire under the canopy of live electronica and world roots music comes Beats Antique, a masterful merge of modern technology, live instrumentation, and seductive performance. Beats Antique combines the sounds of the Middle East and orchestral gypsy music with the styles of hip hop, brass band, downtempo, glitch and dubstep in a new collage of music that is mixed and broken down with clever breakbeats for an adept international flair."
WOW, never has a onesheet been so spot-on descriptive. Start with 2, 3 and 9.
Memoryhouse
Add Date: September 27
Artist: Memoryhouse
Album: The Years (EP)
Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Rock, dream pop
Comments: As their first order of business upon signing to Sub Pop, the Toronto duo Memoryhouse have re-recorded and reissued The Years, a 5-song EP that highlights the band's dreamy pop tunes. Denise Nouvion's vocals sound just as wistful as those of Victoria Legrand--I'm certainly not the first to liken Memoryhouse to labelmates Beach House--while Evan Abeele's sonic backdrops border on ambient electronica or shoegaze.
Melancholic pop is no longer an oxymoron; try "To the Lighthouse", "Lately" and "Modern, Normal".
Artist: Memoryhouse
Album: The Years (EP)
Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Rock, dream pop
Comments: As their first order of business upon signing to Sub Pop, the Toronto duo Memoryhouse have re-recorded and reissued The Years, a 5-song EP that highlights the band's dreamy pop tunes. Denise Nouvion's vocals sound just as wistful as those of Victoria Legrand--I'm certainly not the first to liken Memoryhouse to labelmates Beach House--while Evan Abeele's sonic backdrops border on ambient electronica or shoegaze.
Melancholic pop is no longer an oxymoron; try "To the Lighthouse", "Lately" and "Modern, Normal".
Jono McCleery
Add Date: September 27
Artist: Jono McCleery
Album: There Is
Label: Counter
Genre: Atmospheric rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Jono McCleery is nearly impossible to place a label on. The London-based singer/songwriter adds glitchy minimalist touches to his mesmerizing album, There Is. The album transcends into a journey of influences that gives McCleery such an original sound." Start with 1, 5 and 6.
Artist: Jono McCleery
Album: There Is
Label: Counter
Genre: Atmospheric rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Jono McCleery is nearly impossible to place a label on. The London-based singer/songwriter adds glitchy minimalist touches to his mesmerizing album, There Is. The album transcends into a journey of influences that gives McCleery such an original sound." Start with 1, 5 and 6.
Sarah Jaffe
Add Date: September 27
Artist: Sarah Jaffe
Album: The Way Sound Leaves a Room
Label: Kirtland
Genre: Rock
Comments: The Way Sound Leaves a Room is a beautiful singer/songwriter release from Sarah Jaffe. She spends most of her time singing behind a piano, introducing various other instruments and styles sporadically throughout the record. A very pretty, very soft, very relaxing record; check out 2, 5 and 7.
Artist: Sarah Jaffe
Album: The Way Sound Leaves a Room
Label: Kirtland
Genre: Rock
Comments: The Way Sound Leaves a Room is a beautiful singer/songwriter release from Sarah Jaffe. She spends most of her time singing behind a piano, introducing various other instruments and styles sporadically throughout the record. A very pretty, very soft, very relaxing record; check out 2, 5 and 7.
Forrest Day
Add Date: September 27
Artist: Forrest Day
Album: Forrest Day
Label: Ninth Street Opus
Genre: Rock, rap
Comments: From the promoter: "With solid instrumentation as its basis, the brand new full-length from Forrest Day covers every sound, style, and genre imaginable. As the emcee-inspired vocals provide a placement for Day's nervously melodic splendor, the lyrical content presents itself as a self-conscious stream of consciousness, taking you on a wild journey through the mind. This catchy, snarky and smart work is fleshed out by a full band sound that features Forrest Day himself on the saxophone, and is being called 'one of the strongest albums to come out of San Francisco this year' by the Huffington Post."
Start with tracks 2 and 5.
Artist: Forrest Day
Album: Forrest Day
Label: Ninth Street Opus
Genre: Rock, rap
Comments: From the promoter: "With solid instrumentation as its basis, the brand new full-length from Forrest Day covers every sound, style, and genre imaginable. As the emcee-inspired vocals provide a placement for Day's nervously melodic splendor, the lyrical content presents itself as a self-conscious stream of consciousness, taking you on a wild journey through the mind. This catchy, snarky and smart work is fleshed out by a full band sound that features Forrest Day himself on the saxophone, and is being called 'one of the strongest albums to come out of San Francisco this year' by the Huffington Post."
Start with tracks 2 and 5.
Pallers
Add Date: September 27
Artist: Pallers
Album: The Sea of Memories
Label: Labrador
Genre: Electropop
Comments: It can be difficult to keep track of the myriad projects of the Stockholm-based musician Johan Angergård. In addition to running Labrador Records--probably most known to music fans as the home of The Radio Dept.--Angergård is part of Acid House Kings, The Legends and Club 8. And, with the producer Henrik Mårtensson, Angergård works in the duo Pallers, whose full-length debut The Sea of Memories is filled with glorious electronic pop.
This is very well-done Balearic pop; album standout "Humdrum" would flow well in a mix that included Air France or The Tough Alliance. But Pallers also borrows from many other styles; Mårtensson's background is in trip hop and ambient electro, and you'll hear plenty of those genres dribbling into the music. Meanwhile, "Wicked" is a club anthem, with vocals by fellow Swede Elise Zalbo. Also try "Come Rain, Come Sunshine" and "The Kiss".
Artist: Pallers
Album: The Sea of Memories
Label: Labrador
Genre: Electropop
Comments: It can be difficult to keep track of the myriad projects of the Stockholm-based musician Johan Angergård. In addition to running Labrador Records--probably most known to music fans as the home of The Radio Dept.--Angergård is part of Acid House Kings, The Legends and Club 8. And, with the producer Henrik Mårtensson, Angergård works in the duo Pallers, whose full-length debut The Sea of Memories is filled with glorious electronic pop.
This is very well-done Balearic pop; album standout "Humdrum" would flow well in a mix that included Air France or The Tough Alliance. But Pallers also borrows from many other styles; Mårtensson's background is in trip hop and ambient electro, and you'll hear plenty of those genres dribbling into the music. Meanwhile, "Wicked" is a club anthem, with vocals by fellow Swede Elise Zalbo. Also try "Come Rain, Come Sunshine" and "The Kiss".
Ohbijou
Add Date: September 27
Artist: Ohbijou
Album: Metal Meets
Label: Last Gang
Genre: Rock, indie pop
Comments: Ohbijou has produced a fun pop record that brings to mind a combination of Feist and Gregory and the Hawk. The lead singer's vocals are high-pitched, yet melodious and expressive. The songs are not only fun, but musically complex and intricate. Other similarities include Blonde Redhead and Angus & Julia Stone. Start with 2, 3 and 4.
Artist: Ohbijou
Album: Metal Meets
Label: Last Gang
Genre: Rock, indie pop
Comments: Ohbijou has produced a fun pop record that brings to mind a combination of Feist and Gregory and the Hawk. The lead singer's vocals are high-pitched, yet melodious and expressive. The songs are not only fun, but musically complex and intricate. Other similarities include Blonde Redhead and Angus & Julia Stone. Start with 2, 3 and 4.
Sports
Add Date: September 27
Artist: Sports
Album: Sports
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: From the promoter: "All that's needed for instant fun is guitars, drums, organ and vocals." While Sports does include guitars, drums, an organ and vocals, fun might be what's missing. Sports' self-titled debut veers away from "fun" and into the land of "kooky and hyperactive". To be fair, there is some talent hiding behind the overambitious sounds, particularly when the band channels Elvis Costello.
Artist: Sports
Album: Sports
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: From the promoter: "All that's needed for instant fun is guitars, drums, organ and vocals." While Sports does include guitars, drums, an organ and vocals, fun might be what's missing. Sports' self-titled debut veers away from "fun" and into the land of "kooky and hyperactive". To be fair, there is some talent hiding behind the overambitious sounds, particularly when the band channels Elvis Costello.
Neon Hymns
Add Date: September 27
Artist: Neon Hymns
Album: Neon Hymns
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: As if we didn't already have enough band names to keep straight in the "animal" theme (see the Young Man post), the "neon" theme keeps getting bigger. In addition to Neon Trees and Neon Indian, there is now a Neon Hymns. Their self-titled, self-released debut EP has a solid rock sound reminiscent of U2 and Kings of Leon. Start with "Whatever Happened," though don't expect it to be as good as the Strokes' song of the same name.
Artist: Neon Hymns
Album: Neon Hymns
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: As if we didn't already have enough band names to keep straight in the "animal" theme (see the Young Man post), the "neon" theme keeps getting bigger. In addition to Neon Trees and Neon Indian, there is now a Neon Hymns. Their self-titled, self-released debut EP has a solid rock sound reminiscent of U2 and Kings of Leon. Start with "Whatever Happened," though don't expect it to be as good as the Strokes' song of the same name.
Young Man
Add Date: September 27
Artist: Young Man
Album: Ideas Of Distance
Label: Frenchkiss
Genre: Alternative
Comments: Young Man, aka Chicago's Colin Caulfield, classifies himself along the likes of Deerhunter, Panda Bear, and Animal Collective. (Is anyone else disconcerted by the number of bands named after an animal?) Ideas Of Distance has the big trademarks of these bands: distortion, a foundation of electronic beats, and floating vocals. Where Young Man seems to deviate from his influences, though, is in the forward progression of the sound. The tracks are too long, too wandering, and too distant to keep any listener entertained after the first three minutes of each song.
Artist: Young Man
Album: Ideas Of Distance
Label: Frenchkiss
Genre: Alternative
Comments: Young Man, aka Chicago's Colin Caulfield, classifies himself along the likes of Deerhunter, Panda Bear, and Animal Collective. (Is anyone else disconcerted by the number of bands named after an animal?) Ideas Of Distance has the big trademarks of these bands: distortion, a foundation of electronic beats, and floating vocals. Where Young Man seems to deviate from his influences, though, is in the forward progression of the sound. The tracks are too long, too wandering, and too distant to keep any listener entertained after the first three minutes of each song.
Exitmusic
Add Date: September 27
Artist: Exitmusic
Album: From Silence
Label: Secretly Canadian
Genre: Rock, alternative
Comments: With the addition of drummer Dru Prentiss and electronic musician Nicholas Shelestak, Aleksa Palladino and Devon Church (who are married) were able to expand their band, Exitmusic, and create the full, dark sound that so entrapped them when they were younger (i.e. Radiohead's Kid A). The 5-song EP From Silence sprawls and stretches from the quiet mystery of a softly-played guitar to the angry and obtrusive use of synthesizers. This is definitely a dark album, but with a talented and interesting sound.
Artist: Exitmusic
Album: From Silence
Label: Secretly Canadian
Genre: Rock, alternative
Comments: With the addition of drummer Dru Prentiss and electronic musician Nicholas Shelestak, Aleksa Palladino and Devon Church (who are married) were able to expand their band, Exitmusic, and create the full, dark sound that so entrapped them when they were younger (i.e. Radiohead's Kid A). The 5-song EP From Silence sprawls and stretches from the quiet mystery of a softly-played guitar to the angry and obtrusive use of synthesizers. This is definitely a dark album, but with a talented and interesting sound.
Gem Club
Add Date: September 27
Artist: Gem Club
Album: Breakers
Label: Hardly Art
Genre: Alternative
Comments: Following their self-released EP, Acid and Everything, Gem Club has finally issued Breakers, the band's first full-length album. Comprised of Christopher Barnes, cellist Kristen Drymala, and vocalist Leva Berberian, Gem Club show their mastery of quiet and haunting sounds. Each track is characterized by the low, calm pulse of the piano and fluidity of the cello, which perfectly complement the hazy and sometimes falsetto vocals.
This continuity from one track to the next allows for Gem Club's style and purpose to be clearly and coherently communicated. The slight downside of this continuity would be the extremely depressed feeling overshadowing the beauty of the music. But like I said, that's a slight downside. Breakers stands as a whispering reminder that complexity and vision often come in the quiet sounds that no one ever remembers.
Artist: Gem Club
Album: Breakers
Label: Hardly Art
Genre: Alternative
Comments: Following their self-released EP, Acid and Everything, Gem Club has finally issued Breakers, the band's first full-length album. Comprised of Christopher Barnes, cellist Kristen Drymala, and vocalist Leva Berberian, Gem Club show their mastery of quiet and haunting sounds. Each track is characterized by the low, calm pulse of the piano and fluidity of the cello, which perfectly complement the hazy and sometimes falsetto vocals.
This continuity from one track to the next allows for Gem Club's style and purpose to be clearly and coherently communicated. The slight downside of this continuity would be the extremely depressed feeling overshadowing the beauty of the music. But like I said, that's a slight downside. Breakers stands as a whispering reminder that complexity and vision often come in the quiet sounds that no one ever remembers.
Gary Clark Jr.
Add Date: September 27
Artist: Gary Clark Jr.
Album: The Bright Lights EP
Label: Warner Bros.
Genre: Blues, rock
Comments: The Bright Lights EP is a fantastic 4-song collection of blues rock tunes from Gary Clark Jr. Clark distinguishes himself from other recent blues rock artists (cough, The Black Keys, cough cough) by injecting loads of soul into his vocal melodies throughout the record. On the first two songs of the EP, high-paced rhythms are driven forward by the drum and bass duet. The other two songs are acoustic solo tracks by Clark. His soulful vocal melodies make their strongest appearance in the stripped-down format of these tunes.
Start with 2, 1 and 4.
Artist: Gary Clark Jr.
Album: The Bright Lights EP
Label: Warner Bros.
Genre: Blues, rock
Comments: The Bright Lights EP is a fantastic 4-song collection of blues rock tunes from Gary Clark Jr. Clark distinguishes himself from other recent blues rock artists (cough, The Black Keys, cough cough) by injecting loads of soul into his vocal melodies throughout the record. On the first two songs of the EP, high-paced rhythms are driven forward by the drum and bass duet. The other two songs are acoustic solo tracks by Clark. His soulful vocal melodies make their strongest appearance in the stripped-down format of these tunes.
Start with 2, 1 and 4.
Dawes
Add Date: September 27
Artist: Dawes
Album: Nothing is Wrong
Label: ATO
Genre: Rock, folk
Comments: From the Huffington Post: "When you listen to [Dawes'] new album, Nothing Is Wrong, you will hear eleven honest-to-God songs. You will hear their love for tradition, for the seventies folk and Stax-era soul they grew up on. You will hear powerful three-part harmonies and you will hear clever, meticulously crafted lyrics. Taylor is a storyteller. Whether he's singing about himself and all he hopes to learn from the world, or he's singing about another man in another place and time, you will follow him from first verse to last. Whether or not Dawes resonates with you stylistically, I'm convinced the quality of their songs is undeniable. Taylor took a risk with these songs; they're very literal and potentially hokey ('A Little Bit of Everything' contains food lyrics--awesome food lyrics). As far as I'm concerned, though, the risk paid off. Each song on Nothing Is Wrong is a deeply fulfilling journey delivered with expert language and restraint atop one of the best rhythm sections playing today."
True to form, Dawes' new album is a force to be reckoned with. Try out tracks 1, 7, 3 and 11.
Artist: Dawes
Album: Nothing is Wrong
Label: ATO
Genre: Rock, folk
Comments: From the Huffington Post: "When you listen to [Dawes'] new album, Nothing Is Wrong, you will hear eleven honest-to-God songs. You will hear their love for tradition, for the seventies folk and Stax-era soul they grew up on. You will hear powerful three-part harmonies and you will hear clever, meticulously crafted lyrics. Taylor is a storyteller. Whether he's singing about himself and all he hopes to learn from the world, or he's singing about another man in another place and time, you will follow him from first verse to last. Whether or not Dawes resonates with you stylistically, I'm convinced the quality of their songs is undeniable. Taylor took a risk with these songs; they're very literal and potentially hokey ('A Little Bit of Everything' contains food lyrics--awesome food lyrics). As far as I'm concerned, though, the risk paid off. Each song on Nothing Is Wrong is a deeply fulfilling journey delivered with expert language and restraint atop one of the best rhythm sections playing today."
True to form, Dawes' new album is a force to be reckoned with. Try out tracks 1, 7, 3 and 11.
Cosmo Jarvis
Add Date: September 27
Artist: Cosmo Jarvis
Album: Is the World Strange or Am I Strange?
Label: The End
Genre: Rock, folk
Comments: If The Kooks were somehow stranded in the Appalachian Mountains for an indeterminable amount of time, they would probably resemble the sound of Cosmo Jarvis. Is the World Strange or Am I Strange? has singer/songwriter Cosmo Jarvis creating an alternative rock-country sound that works surprisingly well. With songs about the wrong kind of happy and someone blaming it all on him until the willow weeps, Jarvis utilizes that age-old British self-deprecation in his work in catchy ways.
A decent, albeit expletive, effort. Try out radio-friendly tracks 2, 3, 9 and 15.
Artist: Cosmo Jarvis
Album: Is the World Strange or Am I Strange?
Label: The End
Genre: Rock, folk
Comments: If The Kooks were somehow stranded in the Appalachian Mountains for an indeterminable amount of time, they would probably resemble the sound of Cosmo Jarvis. Is the World Strange or Am I Strange? has singer/songwriter Cosmo Jarvis creating an alternative rock-country sound that works surprisingly well. With songs about the wrong kind of happy and someone blaming it all on him until the willow weeps, Jarvis utilizes that age-old British self-deprecation in his work in catchy ways.
A decent, albeit expletive, effort. Try out radio-friendly tracks 2, 3, 9 and 15.
Donora
Add Date: September 27
Artist: Donora
Album: Boyfriends, Girlfriends
Label: Rostrum
Genre: Rock, pop, alternative
Comments: Pittsburgh-based indie pop/rock band Donora has a new album out, and it puts the "catch" in "catchy". Comparable to an Americanized Ting Tings or a lite Metric, Donora has all the peppy, poppy, Pennsylvanian nuggets you'd ever want or require with their new record Boyfriends, Girlfriends. Definitely a must-have for anyone in the mood for some sugar-sweet tunes.
Tracks 1, 2, 3, 9 and 4 are choice.
Artist: Donora
Album: Boyfriends, Girlfriends
Label: Rostrum
Genre: Rock, pop, alternative
Comments: Pittsburgh-based indie pop/rock band Donora has a new album out, and it puts the "catch" in "catchy". Comparable to an Americanized Ting Tings or a lite Metric, Donora has all the peppy, poppy, Pennsylvanian nuggets you'd ever want or require with their new record Boyfriends, Girlfriends. Definitely a must-have for anyone in the mood for some sugar-sweet tunes.
Tracks 1, 2, 3, 9 and 4 are choice.
The Kooks
Add Date: September 27
Artist: The Kooks
Album: Junk of the Heart
Label: Capitol
Genre: Alternative, rock
Comments: It would be "Naive" of me to say that The Kooks are just an alt-rock band. "Ooh La", with their 2006 multi-platinum debut and platinum selling UK number one follow-up, they are so much more than a simple musical act. So the question remains, "Do You Wanna" listen to their newest album?
Song-dropping jokes aside, The Kooks' Junk of the Heart still displays their trademark Brit-rock catchiness. They've lost absolutely none of their exuberance or singable hits, which could be a good thing for diehard fans, or a bad thing to those wanting some more original material from the band. Just as their title track sings, The Kooks have decided to "make you happy" by skipping musical experimentation (the opposite route of Kaiser Chiefs and Arctic Monkeys) and returning with an easily head-nod-able album for their fans. Junk of the Heart may rarely be original, but it still makes for a consistently enjoyable album. And isn't that why we listen to music?
Tracks 1, 2, 8 and 9 are just some of the surefire hits from the album.
Artist: The Kooks
Album: Junk of the Heart
Label: Capitol
Genre: Alternative, rock
Comments: It would be "Naive" of me to say that The Kooks are just an alt-rock band. "Ooh La", with their 2006 multi-platinum debut and platinum selling UK number one follow-up, they are so much more than a simple musical act. So the question remains, "Do You Wanna" listen to their newest album?
Song-dropping jokes aside, The Kooks' Junk of the Heart still displays their trademark Brit-rock catchiness. They've lost absolutely none of their exuberance or singable hits, which could be a good thing for diehard fans, or a bad thing to those wanting some more original material from the band. Just as their title track sings, The Kooks have decided to "make you happy" by skipping musical experimentation (the opposite route of Kaiser Chiefs and Arctic Monkeys) and returning with an easily head-nod-able album for their fans. Junk of the Heart may rarely be original, but it still makes for a consistently enjoyable album. And isn't that why we listen to music?
Tracks 1, 2, 8 and 9 are just some of the surefire hits from the album.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Best New Music - September 20
Top 5 for the week:
And don't forget about: Astronautilus, Mikal Cronin, Grouplove, The Jayhawks, Painted Palms, Shimmering Stars
Dum Dum Girls
Add Date: September 20
Artist: Dum Dum Girls
Album: Only in Dreams
Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Dum Dum Girls' first LP, last spring's I Will Be, landed right in the middle of the lo-fi, garage-rock, surf-rock, girl-group craze. All but two of the album's tracks clocked in under 3 minutes, with what lead singer/Dum Dum Girl-in-chief Dee Dee described as "blissed-out buzz saw." However, a year later came the excellent He Gets Me High EP; with production by Raveonette Sune Rose Wagner and a terrific Smiths cover, Dum Dum Girls were emerging from the fuzzy haze of their debut.
That 4-song set signaled the change in direction that's fleshed out in full on the band's terrific sophomore release Only in Dreams. There's by no means a complete break with the past--instead, the album strikes a perfect balance between old and new. (Wagner co-produced with Richard Gottehrer, who was at the helm for Dum Dum Girls' first LP.) Dee Dee and her cohorts clearly weren't covering a Morrissey-penned tune just for kicks; there's plenty of '80s-leaning indie pop showing up throughout, while "Coming Down" sounds like a long-lost Mazzy Star number. Meanwhile, the energy and '60s-inspired sounds of I Will Be show up on tracks like "Always Looking" and "Wasted Away".
Right in the middle are my two favorite cuts on the album, "In My Head" and "Heartbeat (Take It Away)". If you listen closely enough, you'll hear hints of a lot of different eras and styles of rock music, but ultimately these are timeless pop songs. As a whole, Only in Dreams is almost there; Dum Dum Girls dabble in many different styles, all while flirting with pop perfection. Check out tracks 4, 5, 7, 1, 2 and 8.
Artist: Dum Dum Girls
Album: Only in Dreams
Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: Dum Dum Girls' first LP, last spring's I Will Be, landed right in the middle of the lo-fi, garage-rock, surf-rock, girl-group craze. All but two of the album's tracks clocked in under 3 minutes, with what lead singer/Dum Dum Girl-in-chief Dee Dee described as "blissed-out buzz saw." However, a year later came the excellent He Gets Me High EP; with production by Raveonette Sune Rose Wagner and a terrific Smiths cover, Dum Dum Girls were emerging from the fuzzy haze of their debut.
That 4-song set signaled the change in direction that's fleshed out in full on the band's terrific sophomore release Only in Dreams. There's by no means a complete break with the past--instead, the album strikes a perfect balance between old and new. (Wagner co-produced with Richard Gottehrer, who was at the helm for Dum Dum Girls' first LP.) Dee Dee and her cohorts clearly weren't covering a Morrissey-penned tune just for kicks; there's plenty of '80s-leaning indie pop showing up throughout, while "Coming Down" sounds like a long-lost Mazzy Star number. Meanwhile, the energy and '60s-inspired sounds of I Will Be show up on tracks like "Always Looking" and "Wasted Away".
Right in the middle are my two favorite cuts on the album, "In My Head" and "Heartbeat (Take It Away)". If you listen closely enough, you'll hear hints of a lot of different eras and styles of rock music, but ultimately these are timeless pop songs. As a whole, Only in Dreams is almost there; Dum Dum Girls dabble in many different styles, all while flirting with pop perfection. Check out tracks 4, 5, 7, 1, 2 and 8.
Grouplove
Add Date: September 20
Artist: Grouplove
Album: Never Trust a Happy Song
Label: Atlantic
Genre: Pop, rock
Comments: Unbridled screaming, enthusiastic handclaps, and a sprawling keyboard all characterize Never Trust A Happy Song, the debut from the wide-eyed Grouplove. Each song has enough pop and pizzazz to be comfortable in a dance club, but good enough lyrics and sounds to enjoy while not under the influence of mind-altering drinks and a sweaty mob If you like Matt & Kim, definitely give this a listen. Start with "Tongue Tied".
Artist: Grouplove
Album: Never Trust a Happy Song
Label: Atlantic
Genre: Pop, rock
Comments: Unbridled screaming, enthusiastic handclaps, and a sprawling keyboard all characterize Never Trust A Happy Song, the debut from the wide-eyed Grouplove. Each song has enough pop and pizzazz to be comfortable in a dance club, but good enough lyrics and sounds to enjoy while not under the influence of mind-altering drinks and a sweaty mob If you like Matt & Kim, definitely give this a listen. Start with "Tongue Tied".
Sainthood Reps
Add Date: September 20
Artist: Sainthood Reps
Album: Monoculture
Label: Tooth & Nail
Genre: Rock
Comments: Sainthood Reps have a simple goal: form a band that was influenced by all of their favorite bands such as Mogwai, Fugazi, Explosions in the Sky, Sunny Day, Real Estate, Modest Mouse, Jesus Lizard, and Built to Spill. Monoculture stands as a picture of angry music, which involves lots of distortion, jagged sounds, and plenty of anger.
Artist: Sainthood Reps
Album: Monoculture
Label: Tooth & Nail
Genre: Rock
Comments: Sainthood Reps have a simple goal: form a band that was influenced by all of their favorite bands such as Mogwai, Fugazi, Explosions in the Sky, Sunny Day, Real Estate, Modest Mouse, Jesus Lizard, and Built to Spill. Monoculture stands as a picture of angry music, which involves lots of distortion, jagged sounds, and plenty of anger.
Billy the Kid and the Southside Boys
Add Date: September 20
Artist: Billy the Kid and the Southside Boys
Album: Ours
Label: Lost
Genre: Country, folk rock
Comments: Ours, an album that was released directly to the fans song-by-song, tries to fit into the wildly successful genre of Taylor Swift's and Miranda Lambert's pop/rock/country. Billy, however, neither has the charm of Swift nor the authenticity and talent of Lambert. Instead, the album borders on the generic, though tracks 9 and 11 are worth a listen.
Artist: Billy the Kid and the Southside Boys
Album: Ours
Label: Lost
Genre: Country, folk rock
Comments: Ours, an album that was released directly to the fans song-by-song, tries to fit into the wildly successful genre of Taylor Swift's and Miranda Lambert's pop/rock/country. Billy, however, neither has the charm of Swift nor the authenticity and talent of Lambert. Instead, the album borders on the generic, though tracks 9 and 11 are worth a listen.
Lenny Marcus
Add Date: September 20
Artist: Lenny Marcus
Album: The Jazz of Beethoven
Label: Self-released
Genre: Jazz, classical
Comments: From the promoter: "This unique music brings many classical and jazz influences together in the setting of Beethoven masterpieces. [Lenny] Marcus and his trio take the listener on inventive interpretations of Beethoven's piano sonatas 8, 14, and 21... complete with modal elements, modern jazz chords distilled from Beethoven's syncopated notes and arpeggios, and Afro-Cuban rhythms."
Artist: Lenny Marcus
Album: The Jazz of Beethoven
Label: Self-released
Genre: Jazz, classical
Comments: From the promoter: "This unique music brings many classical and jazz influences together in the setting of Beethoven masterpieces. [Lenny] Marcus and his trio take the listener on inventive interpretations of Beethoven's piano sonatas 8, 14, and 21... complete with modal elements, modern jazz chords distilled from Beethoven's syncopated notes and arpeggios, and Afro-Cuban rhythms."
Mikal Cronin
Add Date: September 20
Artist: Mikal Cronin
Album: Mikal Cronin
Label: Trouble In Mind
Genre: Garage rock
Comments: Have faith, all you college kids. No, don't listen to that Relient K song again. Take comfort in Mikal Cronin's story: Feeling stressed and lonely in his latter days in college, Cronin took to a metaphorical basement garage and wrote the songs on his eponymous debut. This 10-track album layers on the fuzzy and gritty sounds, which perfectly compliments the '60s surf-rock vibe. With a little help from his friend Ty Segall (who plays the drums on five of the songs), Cronin establishes himself as an energetic, blustering, angry, and overall talented product of the California garage movement.
Artist: Mikal Cronin
Album: Mikal Cronin
Label: Trouble In Mind
Genre: Garage rock
Comments: Have faith, all you college kids. No, don't listen to that Relient K song again. Take comfort in Mikal Cronin's story: Feeling stressed and lonely in his latter days in college, Cronin took to a metaphorical basement garage and wrote the songs on his eponymous debut. This 10-track album layers on the fuzzy and gritty sounds, which perfectly compliments the '60s surf-rock vibe. With a little help from his friend Ty Segall (who plays the drums on five of the songs), Cronin establishes himself as an energetic, blustering, angry, and overall talented product of the California garage movement.
Neon Indian
Add Date: September 20
Artist: Neon Indian
Album: Era Extraña
Label: Mom + Pop
Genre: Electronica, synth pop
Comments: Neon Indian mastermind Alan Palomo reins in the weirdness and goes for synth-pop glory on Era Extraña, the band's second LP. For the most part, Palomo's creations fall into that semi-fictional genre known as "chillwave" (think Small Black or Washed Out's Life of Leisure), but there's lots of Balearic pop seeping into Era Extraña--it's worth noting that Palomo did most of the recording in Helsinki--and even some psych pop that leans toward MGMT and the like.
Even if Era Extraña is a bit more, shall we say, accessible, that's not to say that there's nothing interesting happening here, and this certainly isn't your older brother's dance music. The first half of the record is pretty straightforward electronic pop, though extremely well-constructed (and unavoidably catchy), especially on early album favorites "Polish Girl" and "The Blindside Kiss". But the record picks up steam on its excellent second half, as Palomo gets a bit more adventurous on the shoegazey "Halogen (I Could Be a Shadow)" and the off-kilter pop tune "Future Sick".
A very solid record; spin tracks 2, 8, 3, 9 and 12.
Artist: Neon Indian
Album: Era Extraña
Label: Mom + Pop
Genre: Electronica, synth pop
Comments: Neon Indian mastermind Alan Palomo reins in the weirdness and goes for synth-pop glory on Era Extraña, the band's second LP. For the most part, Palomo's creations fall into that semi-fictional genre known as "chillwave" (think Small Black or Washed Out's Life of Leisure), but there's lots of Balearic pop seeping into Era Extraña--it's worth noting that Palomo did most of the recording in Helsinki--and even some psych pop that leans toward MGMT and the like.
Even if Era Extraña is a bit more, shall we say, accessible, that's not to say that there's nothing interesting happening here, and this certainly isn't your older brother's dance music. The first half of the record is pretty straightforward electronic pop, though extremely well-constructed (and unavoidably catchy), especially on early album favorites "Polish Girl" and "The Blindside Kiss". But the record picks up steam on its excellent second half, as Palomo gets a bit more adventurous on the shoegazey "Halogen (I Could Be a Shadow)" and the off-kilter pop tune "Future Sick".
A very solid record; spin tracks 2, 8, 3, 9 and 12.
Painted Palms
Add Date: September 20
Artist: Painted Palms
Album: Canopy (EP)
Label: Secretly Canadian
Genre: Electropop, pop
Comments: The two members of Painted Palms, Reese Donohue and Chris Prudhomme, are cousins who grew up down the street from each other in Lafayette, La. However, their musical project didn't come about until Donohue had moved out to Berkeley, Calif., for school. The duo spent years exchanging music that they had made individually, and eventually this correspondence turned into Painted Palms. With the exception of "Falling Asleep", one of the standout tracks on this 5-song debut EP, the partnership remained a long-distance collaboration.
It's an interesting backstory, and with the music to back it up. Canopy is 18 minutes of joyous, sunny electropop, much in the vein of Sun Airway or Delorean. Painted Palms has already caught the ear of Kevin Barnes, who invited the band to tour with of Montreal; they're currently on the road with Pepper Rabbit and Braids. Check out tracks 1, 3 and 2.
Artist: Painted Palms
Album: Canopy (EP)
Label: Secretly Canadian
Genre: Electropop, pop
Comments: The two members of Painted Palms, Reese Donohue and Chris Prudhomme, are cousins who grew up down the street from each other in Lafayette, La. However, their musical project didn't come about until Donohue had moved out to Berkeley, Calif., for school. The duo spent years exchanging music that they had made individually, and eventually this correspondence turned into Painted Palms. With the exception of "Falling Asleep", one of the standout tracks on this 5-song debut EP, the partnership remained a long-distance collaboration.
It's an interesting backstory, and with the music to back it up. Canopy is 18 minutes of joyous, sunny electropop, much in the vein of Sun Airway or Delorean. Painted Palms has already caught the ear of Kevin Barnes, who invited the band to tour with of Montreal; they're currently on the road with Pepper Rabbit and Braids. Check out tracks 1, 3 and 2.
Warm Ghost
Add Date: September 20
Artist: Warm Ghost
Album: Narrows
Label: Partisan
Genre: Synth pop
Comments: Warm Ghost's Oliver Chapoy explains that "it's all about making our music more challenging to the ear." Well done, Oliver. Well done. It's not that Narrows, the debut LP from the band, makes your ears bleed or anything (actually, the band knows its synth pop and fits nicely into the sub-genre); it's that Narrows just seems to be challenging for challenging's sake. More accessibility and refinement would make this album more listenable and enjoyable, or a least a little less pretentious.
Artist: Warm Ghost
Album: Narrows
Label: Partisan
Genre: Synth pop
Comments: Warm Ghost's Oliver Chapoy explains that "it's all about making our music more challenging to the ear." Well done, Oliver. Well done. It's not that Narrows, the debut LP from the band, makes your ears bleed or anything (actually, the band knows its synth pop and fits nicely into the sub-genre); it's that Narrows just seems to be challenging for challenging's sake. More accessibility and refinement would make this album more listenable and enjoyable, or a least a little less pretentious.
Saint Solitude
Add Date: September 20
Artist: Saint Solitude
Album: By Some Great Storm
Label: Alive and Well
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: This album is stuck in between the realm of good music and the none-too-friendly realm of bland and generic. For what Saint Solitude proclaims to be, which is "dark and moody cerebral pop," he's pretty good at fulfilling that promise, although I would hardly call using a few minor chords and strained vocals "dark and moody." Definitely not a bad album, though; "Construct A Delicate Plot" is the standout.
Artist: Saint Solitude
Album: By Some Great Storm
Label: Alive and Well
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: This album is stuck in between the realm of good music and the none-too-friendly realm of bland and generic. For what Saint Solitude proclaims to be, which is "dark and moody cerebral pop," he's pretty good at fulfilling that promise, although I would hardly call using a few minor chords and strained vocals "dark and moody." Definitely not a bad album, though; "Construct A Delicate Plot" is the standout.
The Janks
Add Date: September 20
Artist: The Janks
Album: Hands of Time
Label: Sprouted
Genre: Indie pop
Comments: From the promoter: "The Janks offer a change for rock 'n roll on Hands of Time. On songs like the title track and 'Dead Man', guitars careen with an elegant impulsiveness, while vocal harmonies rise and fall seamlessly, evoking a myriad of feelings to tell this cohesive story."
Good indie pop; check out 4, 3 and 6.
Artist: The Janks
Album: Hands of Time
Label: Sprouted
Genre: Indie pop
Comments: From the promoter: "The Janks offer a change for rock 'n roll on Hands of Time. On songs like the title track and 'Dead Man', guitars careen with an elegant impulsiveness, while vocal harmonies rise and fall seamlessly, evoking a myriad of feelings to tell this cohesive story."
Good indie pop; check out 4, 3 and 6.
Penguin Prison
Add Date: September 20
Artist: Penguin Prison
Album: "Don't Fuss With My Money" (single)
Label: Downtown Records
Genre: Dance, electronica
Comments: This is an extremely fun electronica/dance single from Penguin Prison. "Don't Fuss With My Money" has a strong '80s dance vibe, and joy and happiness oozes from this single. Looking forward to the full-length near the end of October.
Artist: Penguin Prison
Album: "Don't Fuss With My Money" (single)
Label: Downtown Records
Genre: Dance, electronica
Comments: This is an extremely fun electronica/dance single from Penguin Prison. "Don't Fuss With My Money" has a strong '80s dance vibe, and joy and happiness oozes from this single. Looking forward to the full-length near the end of October.
Steven Leibman
Add Date: September 20
Artist: Steven Leibman
Album: I Know They're There
Label: Jacob's Latter Platters
Genre: Rock, folk
Comments: This record is a fine singer/songwriter folk album. Steven Leibman has a way of telling a story through music that is enjoyable and dramatic; he kind of sounds like Graham Nash in his old age. Start with tracks 1 and 2.
Artist: Steven Leibman
Album: I Know They're There
Label: Jacob's Latter Platters
Genre: Rock, folk
Comments: This record is a fine singer/songwriter folk album. Steven Leibman has a way of telling a story through music that is enjoyable and dramatic; he kind of sounds like Graham Nash in his old age. Start with tracks 1 and 2.
Astronautilus
Add Date: September 20
Artist: Astronautilus
Album: This Is Our Science
Label: Fake Four Inc.
Genre: Hip hop, rock, electronica
Comments: From the promoter: "Once you find out that Astronautalis was born to a Texas train man with a nose crooked from bar fights, it becomes clear that he didn't stumble into the life of a drifter, he was born into it... His latest release, This Is Our Science, is no exception to that tradition of genre blending... Astronautalis uses that limitless approach to aid in his vivid storytelling, but while previous records read like historical fiction, This Is Our Science is pure autobiography... Neither a rap record, nor a rock record, it's a work that finally captures the vein popping intensity and high melodrama of his famous live shows."
I'm normally no fan of music that attempts to blend rap and rock, as it usually seems so forced and more of an awkward juxtaposition than an example of musical prowess. However, Astronautalis has provided a fantastic exception to this generalization. Everything about his music is intelligent and purposeful, from the driving rhythms, to the catchy melodies, to the fast-paced hip hop, all which is intertwined in each and every track on this record. Start with 3, 6 and 7.
Artist: Astronautilus
Album: This Is Our Science
Label: Fake Four Inc.
Genre: Hip hop, rock, electronica
Comments: From the promoter: "Once you find out that Astronautalis was born to a Texas train man with a nose crooked from bar fights, it becomes clear that he didn't stumble into the life of a drifter, he was born into it... His latest release, This Is Our Science, is no exception to that tradition of genre blending... Astronautalis uses that limitless approach to aid in his vivid storytelling, but while previous records read like historical fiction, This Is Our Science is pure autobiography... Neither a rap record, nor a rock record, it's a work that finally captures the vein popping intensity and high melodrama of his famous live shows."
I'm normally no fan of music that attempts to blend rap and rock, as it usually seems so forced and more of an awkward juxtaposition than an example of musical prowess. However, Astronautalis has provided a fantastic exception to this generalization. Everything about his music is intelligent and purposeful, from the driving rhythms, to the catchy melodies, to the fast-paced hip hop, all which is intertwined in each and every track on this record. Start with 3, 6 and 7.
Ted Stevens
Add Date: September 20
Artist: Ted Stevens
Album: Waiting
Label: MCB
Genre: Indie rock
Comments: For better or worse, Waiting shows Ted Stevens' reluctance to be pigeonholed. He sometimes sounds like a young Pete Yorn, only to move quickly to a much harder sound, then only to bring in his extreme falsetto. The album and even some of the songs are disjointed, but Stevens actually has a real strength from strumming on his acoustic guitar and making better-than-average indie rock sounds, even sometimes breaching the Americana barrier. It doesn't hurt that you can hear his exuberance behind every one of his songs.
Artist: Ted Stevens
Album: Waiting
Label: MCB
Genre: Indie rock
Comments: For better or worse, Waiting shows Ted Stevens' reluctance to be pigeonholed. He sometimes sounds like a young Pete Yorn, only to move quickly to a much harder sound, then only to bring in his extreme falsetto. The album and even some of the songs are disjointed, but Stevens actually has a real strength from strumming on his acoustic guitar and making better-than-average indie rock sounds, even sometimes breaching the Americana barrier. It doesn't hurt that you can hear his exuberance behind every one of his songs.
Big Tree
Add Date: September 20
Artist: Big Tree
Album: The New Year
Label: Paper Garden
Genre: Folk, indie rock
Comments: The New Year, the second full-length album by five former Sarah Lawrence jazz students known as Big Tree, has the makings of a great indie rock/folk album--comprehensive instrumentals, soaring and ethereal harmonies, and pretty good melodies. The album, however, could use some refinement. From the start, the talent and musical preferences of all the members are showcased, with the result being some great hooks and great songs. There's too much differentiation between the songs, though, causing a slight lack of cohesion and steadiness. Start with "Seattle Bound".
Artist: Big Tree
Album: The New Year
Label: Paper Garden
Genre: Folk, indie rock
Comments: The New Year, the second full-length album by five former Sarah Lawrence jazz students known as Big Tree, has the makings of a great indie rock/folk album--comprehensive instrumentals, soaring and ethereal harmonies, and pretty good melodies. The album, however, could use some refinement. From the start, the talent and musical preferences of all the members are showcased, with the result being some great hooks and great songs. There's too much differentiation between the songs, though, causing a slight lack of cohesion and steadiness. Start with "Seattle Bound".
Tammar
Add Date: September 20
Artist: Tammar
Album: Visits
Label: Suicide Squeeze
Genre: Rock, post-punk
Comments: After two EPs, Tammar finally has a proper debut by the name of Visits. With a sound enmeshed in post-punk and atmospheric rock, Tammar directly links themselves to the likes of Joy Division and New Order, with a little bit of Velvet Underground mixed in. The comprehensiveness of what the band is trying to do can be seen in the track lengths (only one is under the 4-minute mark), but each hook is catchy and the album as a whole is extremely cohesive with very few lulls. Tammar has the rare but praised ability to find exhilaration and life within purposefully restrained vocals and themes of melancholy and misanthropy.
A great listen from start to finish; check out tracks 1, 3 and 2.
Artist: Tammar
Album: Visits
Label: Suicide Squeeze
Genre: Rock, post-punk
Comments: After two EPs, Tammar finally has a proper debut by the name of Visits. With a sound enmeshed in post-punk and atmospheric rock, Tammar directly links themselves to the likes of Joy Division and New Order, with a little bit of Velvet Underground mixed in. The comprehensiveness of what the band is trying to do can be seen in the track lengths (only one is under the 4-minute mark), but each hook is catchy and the album as a whole is extremely cohesive with very few lulls. Tammar has the rare but praised ability to find exhilaration and life within purposefully restrained vocals and themes of melancholy and misanthropy.
A great listen from start to finish; check out tracks 1, 3 and 2.
Miguel Migs
Add Date: September 20
Artist: Miguel Migs
Album: Outside the Skyline
Label: OM/Salted
Genre: Electronic, reggae
Comments: From the promoter: "Miguel Migs... is now moving well and truly beyond the limitations of the house scene in which he first made his name. His deep-seated love for reggae and dub shines strongly through as well as his passion for classic rock, blues, funk and soul."
While mostly positioned in the style of house music, this album meanders through various genres, including R&B, soul, and reggae. Start with 4, 10 and 13.
Artist: Miguel Migs
Album: Outside the Skyline
Label: OM/Salted
Genre: Electronic, reggae
Comments: From the promoter: "Miguel Migs... is now moving well and truly beyond the limitations of the house scene in which he first made his name. His deep-seated love for reggae and dub shines strongly through as well as his passion for classic rock, blues, funk and soul."
While mostly positioned in the style of house music, this album meanders through various genres, including R&B, soul, and reggae. Start with 4, 10 and 13.
International Waters
Add Date: September 20
Artist: International Waters
Album: 1994
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie pop, rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Based out of Austin, TX, International Waters is a four-piece group led by Mitch Calvert of Voxtrot, that introduces a fresh take on the jangle pop style! New five song EP 1994 leads off with the title track and early favorite, '1994', a dreamy yet catchy indie pop song, which sets the tone for the rest of the EP... These tracks instantly draw you in with their ethereal sounds, while still maintaining a poppy sensibility that fans of Belle & Sebastian, Voxtrot, and The Smiths will surely appreciate!"
1994 is a very fun atmospheric pop/rock record that incorporates jazz and soaring harmonies into what the promoter aptly calls "jangle pop" songs. A fun, lo-fi EP to give a spin without a doubt; enjoy 1, 2 and 5 first.
Artist: International Waters
Album: 1994
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie pop, rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Based out of Austin, TX, International Waters is a four-piece group led by Mitch Calvert of Voxtrot, that introduces a fresh take on the jangle pop style! New five song EP 1994 leads off with the title track and early favorite, '1994', a dreamy yet catchy indie pop song, which sets the tone for the rest of the EP... These tracks instantly draw you in with their ethereal sounds, while still maintaining a poppy sensibility that fans of Belle & Sebastian, Voxtrot, and The Smiths will surely appreciate!"
1994 is a very fun atmospheric pop/rock record that incorporates jazz and soaring harmonies into what the promoter aptly calls "jangle pop" songs. A fun, lo-fi EP to give a spin without a doubt; enjoy 1, 2 and 5 first.
Pistol Annies
Add Date: September 20
Artist: Pistol Annies
Album: Hell on Heels
Label: Columbia
Genre: Country
Comments: Pistol Annies combines classic and modern pop country to create a very accessible and fun record, which falls in very much the same vein as the Dixie Chicks or Dolly Parton. The album is far less trite than the album art suggests, so don't judge this one solely by its cover.
A fantastic record for all of those country fans at the station. Start with 4, 2 and 3.
Artist: Pistol Annies
Album: Hell on Heels
Label: Columbia
Genre: Country
Comments: Pistol Annies combines classic and modern pop country to create a very accessible and fun record, which falls in very much the same vein as the Dixie Chicks or Dolly Parton. The album is far less trite than the album art suggests, so don't judge this one solely by its cover.
A fantastic record for all of those country fans at the station. Start with 4, 2 and 3.
Dandelo
Add Date: September 20
Artist: Dandelo
Album: Dandelo
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Raised on Ohio soil, and harvested on the West Coast, Dandelo consists of brothers Erik and Ethan Donley, as well as childhood friend Rheese Detrow and newly added bassist Jacob Pillot. Their blend of catchy hooks and feel-good melodies are a blast of good old rock 'n roll... Their debut album is driven forward by the momentum of the guitars while still managing to break for an occasional serene moment before slamming back down on the gas pedal and peeling out into the sunset."
Dandelo is a pure garage rock record that is endearing, energetic and fun. Start with tracks 2 and 5.
Artist: Dandelo
Album: Dandelo
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Raised on Ohio soil, and harvested on the West Coast, Dandelo consists of brothers Erik and Ethan Donley, as well as childhood friend Rheese Detrow and newly added bassist Jacob Pillot. Their blend of catchy hooks and feel-good melodies are a blast of good old rock 'n roll... Their debut album is driven forward by the momentum of the guitars while still managing to break for an occasional serene moment before slamming back down on the gas pedal and peeling out into the sunset."
Dandelo is a pure garage rock record that is endearing, energetic and fun. Start with tracks 2 and 5.
Apparat
Add Date: September 20
Artist: Apparat
Album: The Devil's Walk
Label: Mute
Genre: Electronica, electronic rock, atmospheric
Comments: From the promoter: "If [Sascha Ring's] last album, 2007's Walls, hinted to a move away from the heat of the dance floor, The Devil's Walk, with its cool contemplative dream-pop and bruise-tender Sigur Ros texture, makes that explicit. Having furnished the tracks with guitars, drums, keyboards, and whatever else was lying around the studio, the natural progression is for Sascha to perform these new Apparat songs with a live band."
This record is best described as a meandering piece of wild atmospheric experimental rock. Start with 2, 3 and 8.
Artist: Apparat
Album: The Devil's Walk
Label: Mute
Genre: Electronica, electronic rock, atmospheric
Comments: From the promoter: "If [Sascha Ring's] last album, 2007's Walls, hinted to a move away from the heat of the dance floor, The Devil's Walk, with its cool contemplative dream-pop and bruise-tender Sigur Ros texture, makes that explicit. Having furnished the tracks with guitars, drums, keyboards, and whatever else was lying around the studio, the natural progression is for Sascha to perform these new Apparat songs with a live band."
This record is best described as a meandering piece of wild atmospheric experimental rock. Start with 2, 3 and 8.
The Jayhawks
Add Date: September 20
Artist: The Jayhawks
Album: Mockingbird Time
Label: Rounder
Genre: Alt-country, folk rock
Comments: Another amazing release from the legendary group The Jayhawks, who formed in the mid-1980s and have released 10 records. Mockingbird Time boasts The Jayhawks' everpresent warming melodies, enveloped by fairy-tale-esque harmonies and ringing guitars. Much like hearing Crosby, Stills and Nash live today, the imperfections caused by age in The Jayhawks' singers' vocals are present on this record. Nevertheless, not much has changed in their ability to produce the highest quality of melodious rock 'n roll.
A great record--all lovers of rock and pop should give it a spin. Start with 3, 1 and 6.
Artist: The Jayhawks
Album: Mockingbird Time
Label: Rounder
Genre: Alt-country, folk rock
Comments: Another amazing release from the legendary group The Jayhawks, who formed in the mid-1980s and have released 10 records. Mockingbird Time boasts The Jayhawks' everpresent warming melodies, enveloped by fairy-tale-esque harmonies and ringing guitars. Much like hearing Crosby, Stills and Nash live today, the imperfections caused by age in The Jayhawks' singers' vocals are present on this record. Nevertheless, not much has changed in their ability to produce the highest quality of melodious rock 'n roll.
A great record--all lovers of rock and pop should give it a spin. Start with 3, 1 and 6.
Pieta Brown
Add Date: September 20
Artist: Pieta Brown
Album: Mercury
Label: Red House
Genre: Folk
Comments: From the promoter: "Saturated in her mercurial phrasing and mesmerizing melodies, this highly anticipated new release evokes the sounds of [Pieta Brown's] native Southland with raw folk and Americana songs that have strains of Gillian Welch and The Civil Wars with the radio-friendly allure of Feist and Ray LaMontagne... Inspired by a dream, Pieta made the album in the country of west Nashville."
Pieta Brown has created a beautiful folk record that progressives effortlessly and naturally through various corners of the Americana musicscape. She successfully blends pop, country, folk, poetry, and intimate feeling into one fantastic album. Start with 7, 3, 4 and 13.
Artist: Pieta Brown
Album: Mercury
Label: Red House
Genre: Folk
Comments: From the promoter: "Saturated in her mercurial phrasing and mesmerizing melodies, this highly anticipated new release evokes the sounds of [Pieta Brown's] native Southland with raw folk and Americana songs that have strains of Gillian Welch and The Civil Wars with the radio-friendly allure of Feist and Ray LaMontagne... Inspired by a dream, Pieta made the album in the country of west Nashville."
Pieta Brown has created a beautiful folk record that progressives effortlessly and naturally through various corners of the Americana musicscape. She successfully blends pop, country, folk, poetry, and intimate feeling into one fantastic album. Start with 7, 3, 4 and 13.
Radiation City
Add Date: September 20
Artist: Radiation City
Album: The Hands That Take You
Label: Apes Tapes
Genre: Rock, indie pop
Comments: Hailed as "one of Portland's more polished and promising young acts", Oregon-bred Radiation City is a band influenced by certain staple macro-genres such as '60s bossa nova and Chicago jazz, but instead supported by irresistible pop vocal hooks and the employment of minimal electronics which provide rhythm but leave plenty of space. Led by warm vocals and distortion-fueled rock, the band is poised to break out beyond their backyard as one of the Northwest's critical darlings with their debut album.
Tracks 2, 3, 5 and 8 are ready to hit a radio broadcast near you.
Artist: Radiation City
Album: The Hands That Take You
Label: Apes Tapes
Genre: Rock, indie pop
Comments: Hailed as "one of Portland's more polished and promising young acts", Oregon-bred Radiation City is a band influenced by certain staple macro-genres such as '60s bossa nova and Chicago jazz, but instead supported by irresistible pop vocal hooks and the employment of minimal electronics which provide rhythm but leave plenty of space. Led by warm vocals and distortion-fueled rock, the band is poised to break out beyond their backyard as one of the Northwest's critical darlings with their debut album.
Tracks 2, 3, 5 and 8 are ready to hit a radio broadcast near you.
The Barr Brothers
Add Date: September 20
Artist: The Barr Brothers
Album: The Barr Brothers
Label: Secret City
Genre: Rock, folk
Comments: The Barr Brothers are a Montreal-based quartet that includes the brothers Barr, a harpist, and a multi-instrumentalist. Recorded in a makeshift studio in an old boiler room, the self-titled debut was written over the course of the brothers' time in a city full of strangers, lovers, old ghosts and new friends. If you're in the market for some beautiful folk and gutbusting blues, the album will deliver the goods.
Try out tracks 1, 3, 4 and 7.
Artist: The Barr Brothers
Album: The Barr Brothers
Label: Secret City
Genre: Rock, folk
Comments: The Barr Brothers are a Montreal-based quartet that includes the brothers Barr, a harpist, and a multi-instrumentalist. Recorded in a makeshift studio in an old boiler room, the self-titled debut was written over the course of the brothers' time in a city full of strangers, lovers, old ghosts and new friends. If you're in the market for some beautiful folk and gutbusting blues, the album will deliver the goods.
Try out tracks 1, 3, 4 and 7.
Aeroplane Pageant
Add Date: September 20
Artist: Aeroplane Pageant
Album: Float Above the Yard
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Whether joining the stage with artists ranging from Vampire Weekend, Psychedelic Furs, Tokyo Police Club, The Antlers, to Hold Steady, Dr. Dog, and White Rabbits, or collaborating with such artists as American writer Rick Moody (author of Ice Storm), or producer Shane Stoneback (Jim Jarmusch, Sleigh Bells, Cults, F***ed Up), both of whom are currently remixing songs from [the] upcoming LP, Aeroplane Pageant has become an integral addition to the New York art pop scene—making art for art’s sake, and borrowing from all artistic mediums—by pooling together sounds both big and small, organic and electronic, insular and celebratory, bright and dark, abstract and material, noisy and melodic, and repetitious and formless—thus creating a sound and vision that’s entirely their own, which only fully materializes with their unhinged cerebral live show."
Try out tracks 1, 2, 3 and 6.
Artist: Aeroplane Pageant
Album: Float Above the Yard
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Whether joining the stage with artists ranging from Vampire Weekend, Psychedelic Furs, Tokyo Police Club, The Antlers, to Hold Steady, Dr. Dog, and White Rabbits, or collaborating with such artists as American writer Rick Moody (author of Ice Storm), or producer Shane Stoneback (Jim Jarmusch, Sleigh Bells, Cults, F***ed Up), both of whom are currently remixing songs from [the] upcoming LP, Aeroplane Pageant has become an integral addition to the New York art pop scene—making art for art’s sake, and borrowing from all artistic mediums—by pooling together sounds both big and small, organic and electronic, insular and celebratory, bright and dark, abstract and material, noisy and melodic, and repetitious and formless—thus creating a sound and vision that’s entirely their own, which only fully materializes with their unhinged cerebral live show."
Try out tracks 1, 2, 3 and 6.
Big Black Delta
Add Date: September 20
Artist: Big Black Delta
Album: BBDLP1
Label: Self-released
Genre: Pop, electronica
Comments: If Depeche Mode had gone to a rave, stumbled out of the party to find themselves face-to-face with some aliens, and woken up the next morning with no clue of the previous night's activities, the result of their exploits would have resembled Big Black Delta. A mix of synthesizers, guitar, and electronics, Jonathan Bates' first solo project brings some interesting verve and mellow tunes. As the promoter states, "by doing everything slightly wrong in the studio, on purpose, Bates set out to make music that wasn't bound by gravity".
The production values may not be top-rate, but the hazy quality of the songs makes up with for it with some strange and mysterious appeal, particularly tracks 10, 3, 4 and 2.
Artist: Big Black Delta
Album: BBDLP1
Label: Self-released
Genre: Pop, electronica
Comments: If Depeche Mode had gone to a rave, stumbled out of the party to find themselves face-to-face with some aliens, and woken up the next morning with no clue of the previous night's activities, the result of their exploits would have resembled Big Black Delta. A mix of synthesizers, guitar, and electronics, Jonathan Bates' first solo project brings some interesting verve and mellow tunes. As the promoter states, "by doing everything slightly wrong in the studio, on purpose, Bates set out to make music that wasn't bound by gravity".
The production values may not be top-rate, but the hazy quality of the songs makes up with for it with some strange and mysterious appeal, particularly tracks 10, 3, 4 and 2.
Shimmering Stars
Add Date: September 20
Artist: Shimmering Stars
Album: Violent Hearts
Label: Almost Musique/Hardly Art
Genre: Indie rock, alternative
Comments: Dream pop act Shimmering Stars is dragging their music out of the obscure with their debut LP Violent Hearts. Surfer music for the nonsurfer demographic, the album embodies that wholesome, innocent music of the '50s and '60s, but with an indie twist. It has your standard amount of songs about love, unlove, and youth, but the Canadian three-piece takes the cliched topics in stride and creates some wonderfully-reverbed tunes in return.
Recommended tracks include, but are not limited to, 2, 4, 10 and 8.
Artist: Shimmering Stars
Album: Violent Hearts
Label: Almost Musique/Hardly Art
Genre: Indie rock, alternative
Comments: Dream pop act Shimmering Stars is dragging their music out of the obscure with their debut LP Violent Hearts. Surfer music for the nonsurfer demographic, the album embodies that wholesome, innocent music of the '50s and '60s, but with an indie twist. It has your standard amount of songs about love, unlove, and youth, but the Canadian three-piece takes the cliched topics in stride and creates some wonderfully-reverbed tunes in return.
Recommended tracks include, but are not limited to, 2, 4, 10 and 8.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Best New Music - September 13
Best add week ever? We already know you're going to love spectacular new records from
Blitzen Trapper, St. Vincent and Girls,
but there's a lot more where those came from.
Let's start with five:
And still there's more: Big Harp, The Features, Sleep ∞ Over, Veronica Falls and a Jens Lekman EP
Girls
Add Date: September 13
Artist: Girls
Album: Father, Son, Holy Ghost
Label: True Panther
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: "[A]cknowledging the fact that music does have a spiritual quality you can't put your finger on."
- Christopher Owens
That describes how Owens (one of the two members, along with Chet "JR" White) came up with the title of Girls' second full-length album, Father, Son, Holy Ghost. While the assertion that your music has a spiritual quality seems pompous, there's nothing inflated in this statement. Yes, the sound is retro, which can drift into the land of the overly-done-before. The album is so good, though, that you wish every established band or wannabe artist could go back and recreate the time when better songs, better recordings, better vocals, better everything were the norm instead of the exception.
Except that Girls didn't produce this album under normal circumstances. They chose not to confine themselves to the rigid structures of a typical recording studio, instead opting for a basement studio in San Francisco's Tenderloin district. Also, Owens only recorded his vocals during the night because of the noisy and crowded daytime streets. This is a lot of really cool info but, honestly, all of it disappears when you hear the album--the dreamy pop, the mixture of melancholia and hope, and the overall transcendent beauty.
If you can't already tell, listen to this album.
Artist: Girls
Album: Father, Son, Holy Ghost
Label: True Panther
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: "[A]cknowledging the fact that music does have a spiritual quality you can't put your finger on."
- Christopher Owens
That describes how Owens (one of the two members, along with Chet "JR" White) came up with the title of Girls' second full-length album, Father, Son, Holy Ghost. While the assertion that your music has a spiritual quality seems pompous, there's nothing inflated in this statement. Yes, the sound is retro, which can drift into the land of the overly-done-before. The album is so good, though, that you wish every established band or wannabe artist could go back and recreate the time when better songs, better recordings, better vocals, better everything were the norm instead of the exception.
Except that Girls didn't produce this album under normal circumstances. They chose not to confine themselves to the rigid structures of a typical recording studio, instead opting for a basement studio in San Francisco's Tenderloin district. Also, Owens only recorded his vocals during the night because of the noisy and crowded daytime streets. This is a lot of really cool info but, honestly, all of it disappears when you hear the album--the dreamy pop, the mixture of melancholia and hope, and the overall transcendent beauty.
If you can't already tell, listen to this album.
St. Vincent
Add Date: September 13
Artist: St. Vincent
Album: Strange Mercy
Label: 4AD
Genre: Rock, pop, experimental
Comments: Months ago, when the release date for Strange Mercy was announced, label 4AD promised that it would "redefin[e] the idea of the guitar hero, utilizing the instrument as a pointillist artist might wield a brush." Anyone who's seen Annie Clark absolutely shred the guitar in concert wouldn't have been stunned to hear that proclamation, which is indeed borne out by St. Vincent's brilliant third LP.
The orchestral flourishes that featured throughout 2009's Actor have, in one sense, been discarded; you'll scarcely hear strings or woodwinds on Strange Mercy. Yet that doesn't mean that the songs here are stripped-down or empty-sounding. Instead, Clark's guitar and vocals--that great juxtaposition of her virtuoso-gone-haywire work on the Harmony Bobcat set against her dreamily sweet voice--and a healthy dose of synthesizers fill in these spaces perfectly. In general, the music here isn't quite as layered as on Actor, which can be a good thing--the tunes have space to breathe, at least until Clark overwhelms the last minute or so of a track with a mind-warping guitar piece.
One thing certainly hasn't changed on Strange Mercy: Clark continues to write glorious pop songs. The label describes album standout "Cruel" as "St. Vincent you can dance to, like some phantasmagorical Abba track." Meanwhile, "Surgeon" starts out as a cool lounge tune, with Clark's guitar just biding its time until it can push those synths out of the way and take over. The title track and "Champagne Year" mix in some soul and just a hint of New Wave, while the skewed pop of "Cheerleader" and "Northern Lights" provide even more twists and turns.
A phenomenal record--one of 2011's best and most interesting throughout, but start with tracks 2, 4, 8, 6, 5 and 3.
Artist: St. Vincent
Album: Strange Mercy
Label: 4AD
Genre: Rock, pop, experimental
Comments: Months ago, when the release date for Strange Mercy was announced, label 4AD promised that it would "redefin[e] the idea of the guitar hero, utilizing the instrument as a pointillist artist might wield a brush." Anyone who's seen Annie Clark absolutely shred the guitar in concert wouldn't have been stunned to hear that proclamation, which is indeed borne out by St. Vincent's brilliant third LP.
The orchestral flourishes that featured throughout 2009's Actor have, in one sense, been discarded; you'll scarcely hear strings or woodwinds on Strange Mercy. Yet that doesn't mean that the songs here are stripped-down or empty-sounding. Instead, Clark's guitar and vocals--that great juxtaposition of her virtuoso-gone-haywire work on the Harmony Bobcat set against her dreamily sweet voice--and a healthy dose of synthesizers fill in these spaces perfectly. In general, the music here isn't quite as layered as on Actor, which can be a good thing--the tunes have space to breathe, at least until Clark overwhelms the last minute or so of a track with a mind-warping guitar piece.
One thing certainly hasn't changed on Strange Mercy: Clark continues to write glorious pop songs. The label describes album standout "Cruel" as "St. Vincent you can dance to, like some phantasmagorical Abba track." Meanwhile, "Surgeon" starts out as a cool lounge tune, with Clark's guitar just biding its time until it can push those synths out of the way and take over. The title track and "Champagne Year" mix in some soul and just a hint of New Wave, while the skewed pop of "Cheerleader" and "Northern Lights" provide even more twists and turns.
A phenomenal record--one of 2011's best and most interesting throughout, but start with tracks 2, 4, 8, 6, 5 and 3.
Wild Flag
Add Date: September 13
Artist: Wild Flag
Album: Wild Flag
Label: Merge
Genre: Rock
Comments: The expectations for Wild Flag's first LP were, inevitably, set pretty high. Ever since Sleater-Kinney broke up in 2006, that band's legion of diehard fans have been hankering for something to fill the void; the various side projects--from The Corin Tucker Band to Janet Weiss' work as drummer for Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks to Carrie Brownstein's sketch comedy--that have occupied band members have certainly been worthwhile. But, well, they weren't quite the same.
Now, let's get one thing straight: Wild Flag isn't Sleater-Kinney Take 2. Joining Brownstein and Weiss are longtime indie stalwarts Mary Timony (Helium) and Rebecca Cole (The Minders). But the results shouldn't disappoint even the biggest S-K partisan--this is guitar-driven rock and roll at its finest. Timony's '90s indie-tinted guitar work is the perfect complement to Brownstein's slaying, and the dual-lead vocalist thing seems to work out pretty well. Meanwhile, Weiss' drumming is as crisp as ever, and Cole's keyboards and backing vocals tie everything together into a neat package.
Given the quartet's credentials, it seems a bit absurd to label Wild Flag as a debut, but it's a great first impression for this new project. Start with tracks 1, 4, 7, 2 and 9.
Artist: Wild Flag
Album: Wild Flag
Label: Merge
Genre: Rock
Comments: The expectations for Wild Flag's first LP were, inevitably, set pretty high. Ever since Sleater-Kinney broke up in 2006, that band's legion of diehard fans have been hankering for something to fill the void; the various side projects--from The Corin Tucker Band to Janet Weiss' work as drummer for Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks to Carrie Brownstein's sketch comedy--that have occupied band members have certainly been worthwhile. But, well, they weren't quite the same.
Now, let's get one thing straight: Wild Flag isn't Sleater-Kinney Take 2. Joining Brownstein and Weiss are longtime indie stalwarts Mary Timony (Helium) and Rebecca Cole (The Minders). But the results shouldn't disappoint even the biggest S-K partisan--this is guitar-driven rock and roll at its finest. Timony's '90s indie-tinted guitar work is the perfect complement to Brownstein's slaying, and the dual-lead vocalist thing seems to work out pretty well. Meanwhile, Weiss' drumming is as crisp as ever, and Cole's keyboards and backing vocals tie everything together into a neat package.
Given the quartet's credentials, it seems a bit absurd to label Wild Flag as a debut, but it's a great first impression for this new project. Start with tracks 1, 4, 7, 2 and 9.
Big Harp
Add Date: September 13
Artist: Big Harp
Album: White Hat
Label: Saddle Creek
Genre: Folk, alt-country
Comments: Sonny and Cher. John and Yoko. Chris and Stefanie. OK, so maybe you don't recognize the last pair, but after a listen to Big Harp's White Hat, you will. This husband-and-wife duo sing funky folk/country songs about (what else?) love of the other, love of place (they have ties to both LA and Omaha), and love of life. The tracks are good, if not overly interesting, but worth a listen for the deep, melodic voice of Chris.
Artist: Big Harp
Album: White Hat
Label: Saddle Creek
Genre: Folk, alt-country
Comments: Sonny and Cher. John and Yoko. Chris and Stefanie. OK, so maybe you don't recognize the last pair, but after a listen to Big Harp's White Hat, you will. This husband-and-wife duo sing funky folk/country songs about (what else?) love of the other, love of place (they have ties to both LA and Omaha), and love of life. The tracks are good, if not overly interesting, but worth a listen for the deep, melodic voice of Chris.
Cataldo
Add Date: September 13
Artist: Cataldo
Album: Prison Boxing
Label: Red Pepper
Genre: Indie rock
Comments: What's the typical, emo move after a breakup? No, it's not going to the Ben & Jerry's section of the grocery store. Instead, it's exactly what Eric Anderson did with his third album, Prison Boxing. Full of acoustic guitars and clear vocals, each track is an unpretentious window into Anderson's bittersweet thoughts about life and love. While that sounds cheesy, Prison Boxing is actually a pretty good album with plenty of authenticity.
Artist: Cataldo
Album: Prison Boxing
Label: Red Pepper
Genre: Indie rock
Comments: What's the typical, emo move after a breakup? No, it's not going to the Ben & Jerry's section of the grocery store. Instead, it's exactly what Eric Anderson did with his third album, Prison Boxing. Full of acoustic guitars and clear vocals, each track is an unpretentious window into Anderson's bittersweet thoughts about life and love. While that sounds cheesy, Prison Boxing is actually a pretty good album with plenty of authenticity.
Veronica Falls
Add Date: September 13
Artist: Veronica Falls
Album: Veronica Falls
Label: Slumberland
Genre: Pop, rock
Comments: On this self-titled debut album, Veronica Falls demonstrates its aptitude for the darker side of surf/chamber pop. Melancholy infiltrates every track, but without the pitfall of becoming overly depressing. Don't get too stuck on the first track title, "Found Love In A Graveyard", because, honestly, you will find love in this album. The short tracks and fuzzy vocals make Veronica Falls an easy listen with added depth of meaning.
Artist: Veronica Falls
Album: Veronica Falls
Label: Slumberland
Genre: Pop, rock
Comments: On this self-titled debut album, Veronica Falls demonstrates its aptitude for the darker side of surf/chamber pop. Melancholy infiltrates every track, but without the pitfall of becoming overly depressing. Don't get too stuck on the first track title, "Found Love In A Graveyard", because, honestly, you will find love in this album. The short tracks and fuzzy vocals make Veronica Falls an easy listen with added depth of meaning.
Anomie Belle
Add Date: September 13
Artist: Anomie Belle
Album: The Crush
Label: Self-released
Genre: Electronica, experimental
Comments: Wow! Anomie Belle has really pushed the envelope of accessible experimental music here. Her vocals are very Joanna Newsom-esque, but her music is like no one else I've ever heard. From time to time she enters into a kind of word-speak rant that follows well with the electronic rhythms. But for the most part, she sings soft melodies over powerful synths and high-tempo drum machines. Start with tracks 4, 1 and 2.
Artist: Anomie Belle
Album: The Crush
Label: Self-released
Genre: Electronica, experimental
Comments: Wow! Anomie Belle has really pushed the envelope of accessible experimental music here. Her vocals are very Joanna Newsom-esque, but her music is like no one else I've ever heard. From time to time she enters into a kind of word-speak rant that follows well with the electronic rhythms. But for the most part, she sings soft melodies over powerful synths and high-tempo drum machines. Start with tracks 4, 1 and 2.
Gabriel Miller Phillips
Add Date: September 13
Artist: Gabriel Miller Phillips
Album: One for the Crow
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk, rock
Comments: This is a beautiful soft acoustic record--Gabriel Phillips has a talent for songwriting and composing. This album has a very Elliott Smith feel to it, but there is more here than reproductions of old sounds. Phillips has released a fantastically unique record with One for the Crow. Start with 3, 1 and 2.
Artist: Gabriel Miller Phillips
Album: One for the Crow
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk, rock
Comments: This is a beautiful soft acoustic record--Gabriel Phillips has a talent for songwriting and composing. This album has a very Elliott Smith feel to it, but there is more here than reproductions of old sounds. Phillips has released a fantastically unique record with One for the Crow. Start with 3, 1 and 2.
The Features
Add Date: September 13
Artist: The Features
Album: Wilderness
Label: Bug Music
Genre: Rock, New Wave
Comments: This is a cool record. A kind of dark energy seems to flow from each melody; they grasp you and don't let you down, giving you a quick reprieve between tracks before sweeping you off your feet again at the intro of the next song. This is a pop record, accessible in every sense of the term. Yet, The Features are doing something wildly unique here. Think Interpol meets old Kings of Leon with a twist of lemon and lime all the way around. Start with 3, 1 and 4.
Artist: The Features
Album: Wilderness
Label: Bug Music
Genre: Rock, New Wave
Comments: This is a cool record. A kind of dark energy seems to flow from each melody; they grasp you and don't let you down, giving you a quick reprieve between tracks before sweeping you off your feet again at the intro of the next song. This is a pop record, accessible in every sense of the term. Yet, The Features are doing something wildly unique here. Think Interpol meets old Kings of Leon with a twist of lemon and lime all the way around. Start with 3, 1 and 4.
Charlie Chamberlin
Add Date: September 13
Artist: Charlie Chamberlin
Album: Old and New
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk, jazz, experimental
Comments: From the promoter: "Old and New is one very appropriately titled album. New Hampshire artist Charlie Chamberlain originally created this debut as an homage to one of America's oldest traditions, folk music. Ever the forward thinker, Chamberlain subtly mixed in modern rhythms, beats and electronic textures, as well as making the album free online. The result is, quite simply, an amazing post-modern Americana album."
This is a wild experimental/folk record with heavy emphasis on dramatic and layered instrumentation. Old and New is extremely hard to describe, but it's definitely worth a spin so that you can hear the insanity for yourself. Start with 3, 1 and 5.
Artist: Charlie Chamberlin
Album: Old and New
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk, jazz, experimental
Comments: From the promoter: "Old and New is one very appropriately titled album. New Hampshire artist Charlie Chamberlain originally created this debut as an homage to one of America's oldest traditions, folk music. Ever the forward thinker, Chamberlain subtly mixed in modern rhythms, beats and electronic textures, as well as making the album free online. The result is, quite simply, an amazing post-modern Americana album."
This is a wild experimental/folk record with heavy emphasis on dramatic and layered instrumentation. Old and New is extremely hard to describe, but it's definitely worth a spin so that you can hear the insanity for yourself. Start with 3, 1 and 5.
Sleep ∞ Over
Add Date: September 13
Artist: Sleep ∞ Over
Album: Forever
Label: Hippos In Tanks
Genre: Rock, psych pop, ambient
Comments: From the promoter: "Forever, the debut LP from Austin-based Stefanie Franciotti, is a record of pastoral psychedelia, swirling texture, and unforgettable vocal strains, combining both synth landscapes and pop architecture to create an unfolding sense of yearning... Her voice weaves in and out of brethren synth and guitar timbres, unfolding over time outlined by minimal drum machine pulse, creating tape-saturated pop gems and ominous moments of synth shimmer that recall both dream pop and industrial urgency."
As that blurb indicates, Sleep ∞ Over's music alternates between hazy, psychedelic rock--Franciotti has connections to summertime playlist faves Pure X--and ambient noise pop. It's a very interesting mix, at times more accessible than others, so stick with tracks 2, 5, 7 and 4.
Artist: Sleep ∞ Over
Album: Forever
Label: Hippos In Tanks
Genre: Rock, psych pop, ambient
Comments: From the promoter: "Forever, the debut LP from Austin-based Stefanie Franciotti, is a record of pastoral psychedelia, swirling texture, and unforgettable vocal strains, combining both synth landscapes and pop architecture to create an unfolding sense of yearning... Her voice weaves in and out of brethren synth and guitar timbres, unfolding over time outlined by minimal drum machine pulse, creating tape-saturated pop gems and ominous moments of synth shimmer that recall both dream pop and industrial urgency."
As that blurb indicates, Sleep ∞ Over's music alternates between hazy, psychedelic rock--Franciotti has connections to summertime playlist faves Pure X--and ambient noise pop. It's a very interesting mix, at times more accessible than others, so stick with tracks 2, 5, 7 and 4.
Waters
Add Date: September 13
Artist: Waters
Album: Out In The Light
Label: TBD
Genre: Rock
Comments: Need an energy boost? Put down those poisonous chemicals disguised as an overpriced energy drink and pick up Waters' Out In The Light. This is the new project from former Port O'Brien frontman Van Pierszalowski, who, after the disintegration of his band, moved to Oslo in order to gain space and solace.
Don't expect soft, soothing melodies and tracks filled with acoustic guitars, though. Like many of us, Pierszalowski has found catharsis and rejuvenation in gritty fuzz, crashing drums, and synth pop. This sound is great in and of itself, but it becomes more harmonious once Pierszalowski's hauntingly beautiful, and sometimes painful, voice emerges. This album is great in the first listen and only gets better.
Artist: Waters
Album: Out In The Light
Label: TBD
Genre: Rock
Comments: Need an energy boost? Put down those poisonous chemicals disguised as an overpriced energy drink and pick up Waters' Out In The Light. This is the new project from former Port O'Brien frontman Van Pierszalowski, who, after the disintegration of his band, moved to Oslo in order to gain space and solace.
Don't expect soft, soothing melodies and tracks filled with acoustic guitars, though. Like many of us, Pierszalowski has found catharsis and rejuvenation in gritty fuzz, crashing drums, and synth pop. This sound is great in and of itself, but it becomes more harmonious once Pierszalowski's hauntingly beautiful, and sometimes painful, voice emerges. This album is great in the first listen and only gets better.
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Add Date: September 13
Artist: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Album: Hysterical
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie rock
Comments: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah's rise to fame was, at the time, unorthodox if not downright revolutionary: the band self-released its own eponymous debut in 2005, and internet and word-of-mouth buzz carried them to semi-fame. Nowadays, that's pretty routine, but Alec Ounsworth and co. were among the first to prove what has now become common knowledge, i.e. that it's no longer necessary to have the backing of a major label--or, indeed, any record label at all--to achieve success in the music world.
For various reasons (none of them seemingly related to their lack of a label), the band seemed to fizzle out after the release of follow-up Some Loud Thunder in January 2007. But now, after some solo work by Ounsworth, CYHSY return with a very solid third album, Hysterical. The band's formula of pop-rock--one part Wilson, one part Bowie, one part Byrne--and Ounsworth's trademark warble are once again at the forefront. Recommended for fans of Modest Mouse, Wolf Parade and Arcade Fire. Try tracks 1, 5, 2 and 4.
Artist: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Album: Hysterical
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie rock
Comments: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah's rise to fame was, at the time, unorthodox if not downright revolutionary: the band self-released its own eponymous debut in 2005, and internet and word-of-mouth buzz carried them to semi-fame. Nowadays, that's pretty routine, but Alec Ounsworth and co. were among the first to prove what has now become common knowledge, i.e. that it's no longer necessary to have the backing of a major label--or, indeed, any record label at all--to achieve success in the music world.
For various reasons (none of them seemingly related to their lack of a label), the band seemed to fizzle out after the release of follow-up Some Loud Thunder in January 2007. But now, after some solo work by Ounsworth, CYHSY return with a very solid third album, Hysterical. The band's formula of pop-rock--one part Wilson, one part Bowie, one part Byrne--and Ounsworth's trademark warble are once again at the forefront. Recommended for fans of Modest Mouse, Wolf Parade and Arcade Fire. Try tracks 1, 5, 2 and 4.
Melissa Ferrick
Add Date: September 13
Artist: Melissa Ferrick
Album: Still Right Here
Label: MPress
Genre: Pop, rock, folk
Comments: Melissa Ferrick caught her big break in the mid-'90s, when a last-second gig to open for Morrissey turned into a full stint on tour with the Brit pop icon, and things kept rolling from there. Now, after a brief hiatus, she's back with Still Right Here, a record that the promoter says "combin[es] the lyrical sophistication of Aimee Mann with the driving acoustic guitar of Dave Matthews. Featuring performances by Ani DiFranco and Kaki King, the album perfectly showcases Ferrick's finely-honed chops as a singer and guitarist, while highlighting her prowess on several other instruments including piano and drums...
"[T]his is a sonically rich, emotionally intense album that will appeal to fans of Tegan & Sara, Ben Harper, She & Him, Jakob Dylan, Neko Case and David Gray." Try tracks 3, 1, 2 and 8.
Artist: Melissa Ferrick
Album: Still Right Here
Label: MPress
Genre: Pop, rock, folk
Comments: Melissa Ferrick caught her big break in the mid-'90s, when a last-second gig to open for Morrissey turned into a full stint on tour with the Brit pop icon, and things kept rolling from there. Now, after a brief hiatus, she's back with Still Right Here, a record that the promoter says "combin[es] the lyrical sophistication of Aimee Mann with the driving acoustic guitar of Dave Matthews. Featuring performances by Ani DiFranco and Kaki King, the album perfectly showcases Ferrick's finely-honed chops as a singer and guitarist, while highlighting her prowess on several other instruments including piano and drums...
"[T]his is a sonically rich, emotionally intense album that will appeal to fans of Tegan & Sara, Ben Harper, She & Him, Jakob Dylan, Neko Case and David Gray." Try tracks 3, 1, 2 and 8.
Jens Lekman
Add Date: September 13
Artist: Jens Lekman
Album: An Argument With Myself (EP)
Label: Secretly Canadian
Genre: Indie pop
Comments: I'm not quite sure what to make of "An Argument With Myself", the title selection from Jens Lekman's new EP. The title isn't metaphorical; the song consists of an actual argument that Jens has with himself, complete with profanity--Secretly Canadian has included a separate disc with an MP3 of the radio edit--the artist addressing himself in the third person, and the repeated line "Why are you hitting yourself?", all set to a bouncy, tropicalesque rhythm. It's either a stroke of genius, or of kitsch; are the two mutually exclusive?
Though not as forthrightly manic as the opening track, the rest of the EP deals with recent changes in Lekman's life, addressing his relocation from his hometown of Gothenburg, Sweden--including a song that describes his attempt to track down Kirsten Dunst when she was filming a movie there--halfway across the world to Melbourne, Australia.
From the folk pop of "Waiting for Kirsten" to the horn-driven "New Directions", though, the musical style hasn't really changed for Lekman, whose 2007 release Night Falls Over Kortedala is one of the best pop records you'll ever hear. Try 2, 4 and (if you dare) the radio edit of the title track.
Artist: Jens Lekman
Album: An Argument With Myself (EP)
Label: Secretly Canadian
Genre: Indie pop
Comments: I'm not quite sure what to make of "An Argument With Myself", the title selection from Jens Lekman's new EP. The title isn't metaphorical; the song consists of an actual argument that Jens has with himself, complete with profanity--Secretly Canadian has included a separate disc with an MP3 of the radio edit--the artist addressing himself in the third person, and the repeated line "Why are you hitting yourself?", all set to a bouncy, tropicalesque rhythm. It's either a stroke of genius, or of kitsch; are the two mutually exclusive?
Though not as forthrightly manic as the opening track, the rest of the EP deals with recent changes in Lekman's life, addressing his relocation from his hometown of Gothenburg, Sweden--including a song that describes his attempt to track down Kirsten Dunst when she was filming a movie there--halfway across the world to Melbourne, Australia.
From the folk pop of "Waiting for Kirsten" to the horn-driven "New Directions", though, the musical style hasn't really changed for Lekman, whose 2007 release Night Falls Over Kortedala is one of the best pop records you'll ever hear. Try 2, 4 and (if you dare) the radio edit of the title track.
Mates of State
Add Date: September 13
Artist: Mates of State
Album: Mountaintops
Label: Barsuk
Genre: Indie pop
Comments: The veteran indie poppers Mates of State return with another terrific collection of tunes on Mountaintops. The husband-and-wife team of Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel have managed to keep things fresh and interesting for six LPs now; while it's hard to imagine them topping the New Wave-inspired, danceable rock of 2006 issue Bring It Back, there really hasn't been a letdown on the two albums since. The keyboard-based pop of the band, underlined by the duo's male/female harmony vocals and their penchant for the catchiest of hooks, stands up time after time.
If the bouncy swing of "Total Serendipity" and the percussion-driven pop of "At Least I Have You" don't inspire at least a foot-tap or two, you'd best check your pulse. Also try "Palomino", "Mistakes" and "Maracas".
Artist: Mates of State
Album: Mountaintops
Label: Barsuk
Genre: Indie pop
Comments: The veteran indie poppers Mates of State return with another terrific collection of tunes on Mountaintops. The husband-and-wife team of Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel have managed to keep things fresh and interesting for six LPs now; while it's hard to imagine them topping the New Wave-inspired, danceable rock of 2006 issue Bring It Back, there really hasn't been a letdown on the two albums since. The keyboard-based pop of the band, underlined by the duo's male/female harmony vocals and their penchant for the catchiest of hooks, stands up time after time.
If the bouncy swing of "Total Serendipity" and the percussion-driven pop of "At Least I Have You" don't inspire at least a foot-tap or two, you'd best check your pulse. Also try "Palomino", "Mistakes" and "Maracas".
Southerly
Add Date: September 13
Artist: Southerly
Album: Youth
Label: Greyday
Genre: Rock, folk rock
Comments: After surprising fans with the summertime release of his Champion of the Noisy Negativists EP--a collection of post-rock tunes--Southerly's Krist Krueger returns to the style of his past work on Youth. This record is full of downbeat, folk-inflected rock that seems to pay homage to Elliott Smith and American Music Club's Mark Eitzel, among others.
While I enjoyed the change of pace on the earlier EP, Youth displays the style that suits Krueger the best. He's a gifted songwriter, and his vocals, falling somewhere between Smith and Dan Bejar, are a perfect fit for this music--as is the simple and straightforward instrumentation, with guitars and percussion accented by the occasional synth line. Try tracks 7, 4, 11 and 12.
Artist: Southerly
Album: Youth
Label: Greyday
Genre: Rock, folk rock
Comments: After surprising fans with the summertime release of his Champion of the Noisy Negativists EP--a collection of post-rock tunes--Southerly's Krist Krueger returns to the style of his past work on Youth. This record is full of downbeat, folk-inflected rock that seems to pay homage to Elliott Smith and American Music Club's Mark Eitzel, among others.
While I enjoyed the change of pace on the earlier EP, Youth displays the style that suits Krueger the best. He's a gifted songwriter, and his vocals, falling somewhere between Smith and Dan Bejar, are a perfect fit for this music--as is the simple and straightforward instrumentation, with guitars and percussion accented by the occasional synth line. Try tracks 7, 4, 11 and 12.
Mild Mannered
Add Date: September 13
Artist: Mild Mannered
Album: Believeland
Label: Finished Basement
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: From the promoter: "The evolution of Mild Mannered is vintage Midwest charm blended with big city anecdotes, and their sound is one part rock, one part indie-pop, and one part tenacity."
Mild Mannered has released an interesting indie pop record that boasts overwhelmingly happy rhythms and melodies. This girl-pop record has fun with horns, synths, and other more traditional instruments like guitars and drums. Try tracks 1, 8 and 2.
Artist: Mild Mannered
Album: Believeland
Label: Finished Basement
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: From the promoter: "The evolution of Mild Mannered is vintage Midwest charm blended with big city anecdotes, and their sound is one part rock, one part indie-pop, and one part tenacity."
Mild Mannered has released an interesting indie pop record that boasts overwhelmingly happy rhythms and melodies. This girl-pop record has fun with horns, synths, and other more traditional instruments like guitars and drums. Try tracks 1, 8 and 2.
Carrie Clark and the Lonesome Lovers
Add Date: September 13
Artist: Carrie Clark and the Lonesome Lovers
Album: Between the Bed Sheets and Turpentine
Label: Red Bug
Genre: Folk, rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Seattle artist Carrie Clark has been wooing crowds with her superb voice and playful rhythms for over a decade. Charming audiences with songs about one night stands, femme fatales and cowboy lullabies, Carrie draws upon classic country, folk, an jazz creating a collision of styles, effects, and textures that can only be described as her very own."
Pretty good female singer/songwriter folk pop here. Check out 1, 3 and 6.
Artist: Carrie Clark and the Lonesome Lovers
Album: Between the Bed Sheets and Turpentine
Label: Red Bug
Genre: Folk, rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Seattle artist Carrie Clark has been wooing crowds with her superb voice and playful rhythms for over a decade. Charming audiences with songs about one night stands, femme fatales and cowboy lullabies, Carrie draws upon classic country, folk, an jazz creating a collision of styles, effects, and textures that can only be described as her very own."
Pretty good female singer/songwriter folk pop here. Check out 1, 3 and 6.
Milagres
Add Date: September 13
Artist: Milagres
Album: Glowing Mouth
Label: Kill Rock Stars
Genre: Rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Glowing Mouth is a lush sprawl, often swelling into luxuriously rich piano-based arrangements that incorporate elements of traditional classical arrangements (think: lots of glorious strings!) over a thumping synth backbone that propels the record throughout."
Atmospheric, progressive, accessible, melodic, fun--all of these terms aptly describe this new record from Milagres. Layers of synth melodies and drum machine rhythms dominate the musical landscape on the record, while Kyle Wilson's lead vocals demand attention to the lyrical melodies. Start with 3, 2 and 4.
Artist: Milagres
Album: Glowing Mouth
Label: Kill Rock Stars
Genre: Rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Glowing Mouth is a lush sprawl, often swelling into luxuriously rich piano-based arrangements that incorporate elements of traditional classical arrangements (think: lots of glorious strings!) over a thumping synth backbone that propels the record throughout."
Atmospheric, progressive, accessible, melodic, fun--all of these terms aptly describe this new record from Milagres. Layers of synth melodies and drum machine rhythms dominate the musical landscape on the record, while Kyle Wilson's lead vocals demand attention to the lyrical melodies. Start with 3, 2 and 4.
CANT
Add Date: September 13
Artist: CANT
Album: Dreams Come True
Label: Terrible
Genre: Rock, pop, electronica
Comments: From the promoter: "Composer Chris Taylor is set to release his first solo album under the moniker CANT... on his own Terrible Records. Dreams Come True features Taylor, who serves as bassist, vocalist and producer of Grizzly Bear, collaborating with George Lewis Jr. of Twin Shadow."
This is an atmospheric pop record that explores experimental corners of electronica while simultaneously planting itself squarely as an accessible pop album. Dreams Come True is at times dark and tumultuous (track 6), and at other times bright and joyful (track 2). Lots of wild instrumentation and strange vocal melodies too. Start with 1, 2 and 9.
Artist: CANT
Album: Dreams Come True
Label: Terrible
Genre: Rock, pop, electronica
Comments: From the promoter: "Composer Chris Taylor is set to release his first solo album under the moniker CANT... on his own Terrible Records. Dreams Come True features Taylor, who serves as bassist, vocalist and producer of Grizzly Bear, collaborating with George Lewis Jr. of Twin Shadow."
This is an atmospheric pop record that explores experimental corners of electronica while simultaneously planting itself squarely as an accessible pop album. Dreams Come True is at times dark and tumultuous (track 6), and at other times bright and joyful (track 2). Lots of wild instrumentation and strange vocal melodies too. Start with 1, 2 and 9.
Blitzen Trapper
Add Date: September 13
Artist: Blitzen Trapper
Album: American Goldwing
Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Rock, folk, Americana
Comments: From the promoter: "The stories here are the stuff of swamp rock legend; characters are drinking too much whiskey late at night, fantasizing about loving or leaving the finest women in town, returning home, and piecing together the wonders of the natural world... standing between the Allman Brothers and Creedence Clearwater Revival."
After the first spin, I could tell that American Goldwing would be one of my favorite records of 2011. In simple terms, this record is the quintessential modern American folk-rock album. Sweet sweet melodies, light banjo picking, acoustic guitar strumming, and layers and layers of harmonies make this album just another sign of Blitzen Trapper's amazing ability to create and play Americana tunes. There is something so genuine and pure about this record that will force you to smile, sing, and even dance when you turn on these songs.
The promoter's comparison to CCR might at first seem silly, but more than any of their previous work, this record takes a stroll down the classic-rock lane. The production is ultra-clear, yet vintage in its warmth and depth. American Goldwing is record that will make a defined mark in the music-scape of 2011. Start with tracks 1, 3, 7 and 9.
Artist: Blitzen Trapper
Album: American Goldwing
Label: Sub Pop
Genre: Rock, folk, Americana
Comments: From the promoter: "The stories here are the stuff of swamp rock legend; characters are drinking too much whiskey late at night, fantasizing about loving or leaving the finest women in town, returning home, and piecing together the wonders of the natural world... standing between the Allman Brothers and Creedence Clearwater Revival."
After the first spin, I could tell that American Goldwing would be one of my favorite records of 2011. In simple terms, this record is the quintessential modern American folk-rock album. Sweet sweet melodies, light banjo picking, acoustic guitar strumming, and layers and layers of harmonies make this album just another sign of Blitzen Trapper's amazing ability to create and play Americana tunes. There is something so genuine and pure about this record that will force you to smile, sing, and even dance when you turn on these songs.
The promoter's comparison to CCR might at first seem silly, but more than any of their previous work, this record takes a stroll down the classic-rock lane. The production is ultra-clear, yet vintage in its warmth and depth. American Goldwing is record that will make a defined mark in the music-scape of 2011. Start with tracks 1, 3, 7 and 9.
VHS or Beta
Add Date: September 13
Artist: VHS or Beta
Album: Diamonds and Death
Label: Krian Music Group
Genre: Rock, electronica
Comments: Brooklyn-by-Louisville's VHS or Beta return to their house rock/indie disco roots with their '80s-inspired fourth album. Diamonds and Death is a dance record for non-dance enthusiasts, akin to musical products made by The Klaxons and The Cure. With bright synthesizers and hyper-energetic anthems, VHS or Beta makes an undoubtedly solid effort.
Tracks 1, 3 and 8 are ready to be spun.
Artist: VHS or Beta
Album: Diamonds and Death
Label: Krian Music Group
Genre: Rock, electronica
Comments: Brooklyn-by-Louisville's VHS or Beta return to their house rock/indie disco roots with their '80s-inspired fourth album. Diamonds and Death is a dance record for non-dance enthusiasts, akin to musical products made by The Klaxons and The Cure. With bright synthesizers and hyper-energetic anthems, VHS or Beta makes an undoubtedly solid effort.
Tracks 1, 3 and 8 are ready to be spun.
Friska Viljor
Add Date: September 13
Artist: Friska Viljor
Album: The Beginning of the Beginning of the End
Label: Crying Bob
Genre: Indie rock
Comments: It's energetic. It's impossible to dislike. It's Swedish band Friska Viljor's fourth album, The Beginning of the Beginning of the End. The self-described "album full of grandure" is full of quirky, catchy undertones that will keep your bemused smile taped in place, even when the lyrics drift to tender matters. From the buoyant orchestral highs to the most melodic of come-downs, the album makes for a scrumptious all-you-can-eat buffet for the ears.
The entire album is a treat, but I'd stick to tracks 1, 2, 7 and 8.
Artist: Friska Viljor
Album: The Beginning of the Beginning of the End
Label: Crying Bob
Genre: Indie rock
Comments: It's energetic. It's impossible to dislike. It's Swedish band Friska Viljor's fourth album, The Beginning of the Beginning of the End. The self-described "album full of grandure" is full of quirky, catchy undertones that will keep your bemused smile taped in place, even when the lyrics drift to tender matters. From the buoyant orchestral highs to the most melodic of come-downs, the album makes for a scrumptious all-you-can-eat buffet for the ears.
The entire album is a treat, but I'd stick to tracks 1, 2, 7 and 8.
Primus
Add Date: September 13
Artist: Primus
Album: Green Naugahyde
Label: ATO
Genre: Alternative
Comments: Influential alternative rock icons Primus are back with their first album of brand new music since 1999's Antipop. The Northern Cali band is keeping to their same bag of tricks with Green Naugahyde, slapping the pop bass and keeping their wacky sound the entire time. Primus definitely stands apart from the regular trendy music of today--sometimes in a way that's not particularly amazing, but at least their originality can bring a smile to your face. I mean, this is the band that created the internationally beloved theme song for South Park.
If you want to jam out to some quirky but energetic bass womps, check out tracks 3, 5, 7 and 10.
Artist: Primus
Album: Green Naugahyde
Label: ATO
Genre: Alternative
Comments: Influential alternative rock icons Primus are back with their first album of brand new music since 1999's Antipop. The Northern Cali band is keeping to their same bag of tricks with Green Naugahyde, slapping the pop bass and keeping their wacky sound the entire time. Primus definitely stands apart from the regular trendy music of today--sometimes in a way that's not particularly amazing, but at least their originality can bring a smile to your face. I mean, this is the band that created the internationally beloved theme song for South Park.
If you want to jam out to some quirky but energetic bass womps, check out tracks 3, 5, 7 and 10.
Chuck Ragan
Add Date: September 13
Artist: Chuck Ragan
Album: Covering Ground
Label: SideOneDummy
Genre: Folk, punk, rock
Comments: Since starting the celebrated punk outfit Hot Water Music, Chuck Ragan has traveled the world as a musician for nearly two decades. Ragan's third solo effort, Covering Ground, channels the emotions and ideas so closely tied to such travels while featuring musical support from names like Brian Fallon (The Gaslight Anthem), Chris Thorn (Blind Melon) and long-time partners Jon Gaunt on fiddle and Joe Ginsberg on bass. The album showcases the way Ragan's songwriting has developed over his vast musical experience, with the music transcending punk, folk and alternative rock genres entirely.
Try out tracks 2, 4, 6 and 9 for some soul and drive.
Artist: Chuck Ragan
Album: Covering Ground
Label: SideOneDummy
Genre: Folk, punk, rock
Comments: Since starting the celebrated punk outfit Hot Water Music, Chuck Ragan has traveled the world as a musician for nearly two decades. Ragan's third solo effort, Covering Ground, channels the emotions and ideas so closely tied to such travels while featuring musical support from names like Brian Fallon (The Gaslight Anthem), Chris Thorn (Blind Melon) and long-time partners Jon Gaunt on fiddle and Joe Ginsberg on bass. The album showcases the way Ragan's songwriting has developed over his vast musical experience, with the music transcending punk, folk and alternative rock genres entirely.
Try out tracks 2, 4, 6 and 9 for some soul and drive.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Best New Music - September 6
Robbers on High Street
Add Date: September 6
Artist: Robbers on High Street
Album: Hey There Golden Hair
Label: Rocco Grecco
Genre: Rock
Comments: Robbers on High Street came onto the scene sometime around 2004, the year that their excellent EP Fine Lines began drawing them favorable comparisons to Spoon. The band signed with Warner Bros. offshoot New Line and put out a very solid full-length debut, Tree City, in 2005; two songs from that record would end up on popular movie soundtracks. (Wedding Crashers and Just Friends, for what it's worth.) But by the time that follow-up Grand Animals came out in 2007, the creative energy had somewhat evaporated, and the earlier comparisons backfired--now, alleged some critics, they were simply ripping off Britt Daniel and co.
So the Robbers fell off the map for a while, and now they return with a retooled lineup--frontman Ben Trokan and guitarist Steven Mercado are surrounded by a different rhythm section than on past works--and a sound that's certainly been tweaked and fleshed out, if not quite reinvented. If you're a Spoon fan, you'll still enjoy the new sound; Trokan's vocal similarities to Daniel will ensure that. But in the words of The New York Times' Jon Pareles: "There's a lot of the Beatles, especially their piano-pumping side, in the songs of Robbers on High Street, updated with Elvis Costello's gruffness and a matter-of-fact desperation..."
Hey There Golden Hair is an excellent pop-rock record, borrowing from '60s and '70s pop--beyond Costello and the Fab Four, I'd say that The Byrds and The Kinks are noticeable inspirations--modern alternative and even some classic soul and R&B; the horn section that shows up frequently on the album came over from Daptone Records. There are no skip-worthy songs, but start with 3, 7, 1, 4, 9 and 8.
Artist: Robbers on High Street
Album: Hey There Golden Hair
Label: Rocco Grecco
Genre: Rock
Comments: Robbers on High Street came onto the scene sometime around 2004, the year that their excellent EP Fine Lines began drawing them favorable comparisons to Spoon. The band signed with Warner Bros. offshoot New Line and put out a very solid full-length debut, Tree City, in 2005; two songs from that record would end up on popular movie soundtracks. (Wedding Crashers and Just Friends, for what it's worth.) But by the time that follow-up Grand Animals came out in 2007, the creative energy had somewhat evaporated, and the earlier comparisons backfired--now, alleged some critics, they were simply ripping off Britt Daniel and co.
So the Robbers fell off the map for a while, and now they return with a retooled lineup--frontman Ben Trokan and guitarist Steven Mercado are surrounded by a different rhythm section than on past works--and a sound that's certainly been tweaked and fleshed out, if not quite reinvented. If you're a Spoon fan, you'll still enjoy the new sound; Trokan's vocal similarities to Daniel will ensure that. But in the words of The New York Times' Jon Pareles: "There's a lot of the Beatles, especially their piano-pumping side, in the songs of Robbers on High Street, updated with Elvis Costello's gruffness and a matter-of-fact desperation..."
Hey There Golden Hair is an excellent pop-rock record, borrowing from '60s and '70s pop--beyond Costello and the Fab Four, I'd say that The Byrds and The Kinks are noticeable inspirations--modern alternative and even some classic soul and R&B; the horn section that shows up frequently on the album came over from Daptone Records. There are no skip-worthy songs, but start with 3, 7, 1, 4, 9 and 8.
Louise Burns
Add Date: September 6
Artist: Louise Burns
Album: Mellow Drama
Label: Light Organs
Genre: Pop, beach, psychedelic
Comments: Louise Burns has put a fantastic foot forward with this ultra-happy pop record that sounds like it was made on a sandy beach in bright, bright sun. The downfall of the record is its predictability. Louise Burns shows that she has the talent to do something really fantastic, but most of these tracks fall a little short in their complexity and uniqueness.
Start with 2, 4 and 3.
Artist: Louise Burns
Album: Mellow Drama
Label: Light Organs
Genre: Pop, beach, psychedelic
Comments: Louise Burns has put a fantastic foot forward with this ultra-happy pop record that sounds like it was made on a sandy beach in bright, bright sun. The downfall of the record is its predictability. Louise Burns shows that she has the talent to do something really fantastic, but most of these tracks fall a little short in their complexity and uniqueness.
Start with 2, 4 and 3.
The Static Jacks
Add Date: September 6
Artist: The Static Jacks
Album: If You're Young
Label: Fearless
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: The Static Jacks show off their pop-punk melodies and energy well on this record. The album's lo-fi production makes the off-key singing and less-then-stellar mix endearing, as if the band is full of your best friends playing in a room right next to you. The band does a great job of mixing pop melodies with the energy and thrill of punk music.
Start with tracks 2 and 4.
Artist: The Static Jacks
Album: If You're Young
Label: Fearless
Genre: Rock, pop
Comments: The Static Jacks show off their pop-punk melodies and energy well on this record. The album's lo-fi production makes the off-key singing and less-then-stellar mix endearing, as if the band is full of your best friends playing in a room right next to you. The band does a great job of mixing pop melodies with the energy and thrill of punk music.
Start with tracks 2 and 4.
Graham Reynolds
Add Date: September 6
Artist: Graham Reynolds
Album: The Difference Engine
Label: Innova
Genre: Jazz, classical
Comments: From the promoter: "The Difference Engine showcases what a truly unique talent Austin, Texas' Graham Reynolds is! The first five tracks, or movements, are part of a classical piece. The album's second half, however, is amazing remixes of the first half!" Start with 2 and 3.
Artist: Graham Reynolds
Album: The Difference Engine
Label: Innova
Genre: Jazz, classical
Comments: From the promoter: "The Difference Engine showcases what a truly unique talent Austin, Texas' Graham Reynolds is! The first five tracks, or movements, are part of a classical piece. The album's second half, however, is amazing remixes of the first half!" Start with 2 and 3.
The Horrible Crowes
Add Date: September 6
Artist: The Horrible Crowes
Album: Elsie
Label: SideOneDummy
Genre: Pop, rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Most of us know Brian Fallon as the frontman for The Gaslight Anthem, an act [that] started out in Jersey basements and slowly built their way up to headlining Radio City Music Hall. His new side project is his lounge-friendly tip of the hat to the acts who have shaped another side of his musical vision. Sonically, Elsie sees Fallon working with strings for the first time and stretching out musically in ways that might surprise longtime fans."
The Horrible Crowes have released a very accessible pop record full of energy, honesty, and catchy melodies. The group sounds like a Bruce Springsteen cover band playing matt pond PA songs. Elsie is a whole lot of fun and definitely worth a listen. Start with 3, 2 and 8.
Artist: The Horrible Crowes
Album: Elsie
Label: SideOneDummy
Genre: Pop, rock
Comments: From the promoter: "Most of us know Brian Fallon as the frontman for The Gaslight Anthem, an act [that] started out in Jersey basements and slowly built their way up to headlining Radio City Music Hall. His new side project is his lounge-friendly tip of the hat to the acts who have shaped another side of his musical vision. Sonically, Elsie sees Fallon working with strings for the first time and stretching out musically in ways that might surprise longtime fans."
The Horrible Crowes have released a very accessible pop record full of energy, honesty, and catchy melodies. The group sounds like a Bruce Springsteen cover band playing matt pond PA songs. Elsie is a whole lot of fun and definitely worth a listen. Start with 3, 2 and 8.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
HTRK
Add Date: September 6
Artist: HTRK
Album: Work (work, work)
Label: Ghostly International
Genre: Electronica, electronic rock, experimental
Comments: From the promoter: "On Work (work, work), HTRK craft a stark soundscape: achingly slow 808 beats, eerie synth arpeggios, vaporous guitar noise, and Jonnine Standish's androgynous, detached vocals, dripping with reverb. And yet it's the careful way the pair combine those elements--organizing and juxtaposing them with a minimalist's attention to detail--that makes their music so emotionally devastating... For all of Work (work, work)'s more abrasive elements, its sense of bleakness and mourning, one finds a surprisingly romantic core. A sense of doomed melancholy, a heavy heart, lives below the layers of a murky and heavy space."
Really dark, brooding electronic rock--spend some time with HTRK (pronounced "hate rock," by the way), and you'll appreciate everything that's going on with Work (work, work). Start with tracks 9, 4, 1 and 7.
Artist: HTRK
Album: Work (work, work)
Label: Ghostly International
Genre: Electronica, electronic rock, experimental
Comments: From the promoter: "On Work (work, work), HTRK craft a stark soundscape: achingly slow 808 beats, eerie synth arpeggios, vaporous guitar noise, and Jonnine Standish's androgynous, detached vocals, dripping with reverb. And yet it's the careful way the pair combine those elements--organizing and juxtaposing them with a minimalist's attention to detail--that makes their music so emotionally devastating... For all of Work (work, work)'s more abrasive elements, its sense of bleakness and mourning, one finds a surprisingly romantic core. A sense of doomed melancholy, a heavy heart, lives below the layers of a murky and heavy space."
Really dark, brooding electronic rock--spend some time with HTRK (pronounced "hate rock," by the way), and you'll appreciate everything that's going on with Work (work, work). Start with tracks 9, 4, 1 and 7.
The Dead Trees
Add Date: September 6
Artist: The Dead Trees
Album: WHATWAVE
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Formed in Boston and now based across the country in Portland, The Dead Trees make pop-rock tunes that take '60s and '70s melodies and infuse them with '90s indie, West Coast pop and just a hint of country. The band caught the ear of Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond Jr., who's taken them on tour (twice, in fact); indeed, WHATWAVE reminds me at least a bit of Hammond's solo work.
A very enjoyable LP, which somehow runs through 12 tracks in less than half an hour. Start with "Rayna", "Play Your Hand", "Punch for Punch" and the folksy "Comfortable Kids".
Artist: The Dead Trees
Album: WHATWAVE
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Comments: Formed in Boston and now based across the country in Portland, The Dead Trees make pop-rock tunes that take '60s and '70s melodies and infuse them with '90s indie, West Coast pop and just a hint of country. The band caught the ear of Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond Jr., who's taken them on tour (twice, in fact); indeed, WHATWAVE reminds me at least a bit of Hammond's solo work.
A very enjoyable LP, which somehow runs through 12 tracks in less than half an hour. Start with "Rayna", "Play Your Hand", "Punch for Punch" and the folksy "Comfortable Kids".
Toddla T
Add Date: September 6
Artist: Toddla T
Album: Watch Me Dance
Label: Ninja Tune
Genre: Dance, dubstep, electronica
Comments: British producer Toddla T has a lot going for him: he's a regular on one of the best radio stations in the world, BBC Radio 1; he's done remixes for Major Lazer, Hot Chip, Gorillaz, et al; and his collaborators on the new LP Watch Me Dance include Ms Dynamite, Roots Manuva, Shola Ama and many others. As you might expect, then, this is top-notch club music, heavily influenced by the dubstep movement that has taken over UK dancefloors as of late.
Plenty of good stuff to go around here; check out "Streets So Warm", "Take It Back", "Fly" and "Lovely Girl".
Artist: Toddla T
Album: Watch Me Dance
Label: Ninja Tune
Genre: Dance, dubstep, electronica
Comments: British producer Toddla T has a lot going for him: he's a regular on one of the best radio stations in the world, BBC Radio 1; he's done remixes for Major Lazer, Hot Chip, Gorillaz, et al; and his collaborators on the new LP Watch Me Dance include Ms Dynamite, Roots Manuva, Shola Ama and many others. As you might expect, then, this is top-notch club music, heavily influenced by the dubstep movement that has taken over UK dancefloors as of late.
Plenty of good stuff to go around here; check out "Streets So Warm", "Take It Back", "Fly" and "Lovely Girl".
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