And The Relatives - Animals
The only downside to this disc is that is a mere six songs. Aside from that it's a refreshing bit of rock. No pretentiousness, no gimmicks. Just straight ahead rock with intelligent parts for all the instruments. Rarely does everything mesh this well.
Find Out More →
Of Montreal - Skeletal Lamping
You know, I'm all for special packaging to make a disc more alluring to those that still visit retail stores but this thing goes way too far over the top. Aside from being unpleasant on the eyes, it is unwieldy to hold and even get to the disc. Lame.
As for the music - it's an intentional onslaught of short bits and pieces making up larger wholes. The result - an enjoyable 40 second listen followed by a lot of waiting for the next enjoyable 40 seconds. I wanted to enjoy this as a whole but thus far no deal.
Find Out More →
Raymond Scott - Microphone Music
Lately I've found no better retreat from the onslaught of incoming new music than with some old Jazz. Raymond Scott is not what I typically think of when I hear that term but it seems to fit in some respect.
Find Out More →
Talking Heads - Fear of Music
More coming around to music that I've overlooked for far too long. Nice to hear how heavily these songs influenced others but how fresh they remain on their own. I prefer the more ambient, less abrasive David Bryne but there's plenty of art-y pop music to be found.
Find Out More →
Talking Heads - Remain in Light
Thanks to Rocco and Dolan I'm finally able to come around to some older music that I have ignorantly overlooked for some time. Better late than never, no?
Find Out More →
Tobacco - F*cked Up Friends
Love it. It's basically a new Black Moth Super Rainbow album but under a different name. I am a total sucker for the sounds contained within and am not afraid to admit it. Highly recommended.
Find Out More →
Growing - All The Way
A bit tough on the ears at times I actually find this rewarding to listen to. It's droning, it aids in concentration and while, admittedly, a bit much at times - it does its thing very well. Honestly not a record that I think needs to be listened to intently for every nuance - better to experience as the whole.
Find Out More →
Spinto Band - Moonwink
This album might just need some time to grow. I enjoy listening to it but never feel compelled by much contained within. It's a solid pop record but it's going to take some healthy amount of listening to really figure out where the grabbing moments are.
Find Out More →
Chicha Libre - Sonica Amazonica
Instrumental surf-rock psychedelia done with a healthy dose of Spanish style. Very pleasant, and fun, to listen to.
Find Out More →
Mason Proper - Olly Oxen Free
Honestly I bought this in hopes that the whole record was as good as the sneak track 'Lock and Key' - it is not. However, it has some great moments and is a band I will continue to follow and expect more and more from on each release.
Find Out More →
Mogwai - Hawk is Howling
Whatever needs to be said about Mogwai has already been said a million times I am sure. They are the top of their post-rock game. A good range of Mogwai-esque sounds on this one - from the heavy hitting to the more serene. Always pleasant when it comes up on random or for working.
Find Out More →
All We Seabees - MKultra
Pretty low key and country influenced but it runs a wide enough influence gamut that it crosses into territory that is akin to many other languid indie pop bands. It's soothing, somewhat sad and rolls right along. Fortunately they remember to mix it up with some upfront rock songs too.. quite the nice mix.
Find Out More →
Buffalo Daughter - Captain Vapour Athletes
Damn you eMusic for marking an album from 1998 as a NEW 2008 release. Granted, I did no background checking but should I really have to? This album is decent at best and only hints at what Buffalo Daughter was capable of becoming. Not recommended..
Find Out More →
Fulton Lights - The Way We Ride
Catbird Records release so I support it fully just based on the premise of release tactics but musically it's taken me a few listens to get into it. Overall it's got a dark tone and feels most cohesive when listened to sequentially but it can be oppressive at times. Still worth the aural investigation as it gets better on each listen.
Find Out More →
Ghostfinger - Feeler
Not quite as compelling as the previous release. The first three tracks drew me in but the rest of the album pretty much lost me. It's not bad but it didn't hold my attention. Super talented guys and good at what they do but somehow I missed the majority of magic on this.
Find Out More →
Passion Pit - Chunk of Change
Honestly if you just got the track Sleepyhead you'd be fine but the rest of the EP is a fun electronic pop ditty with vaguely awkward vocals and some eighties musical sendups. Will be interesting to hear if they can put together a cohesive entire album.
Find Out More →
The Week That Was - Self-Titled
Another Field Music side project every bit as worthy as the main component. Brit Pop is often a bit too heavy on the pop or falls too far into the rock realm but TWTW manages to keep the balance just right.
Find Out More →
Vovo - Lighter Side of Life
Free EP from local pop outfit comprised of members of The Features. Honestly one of the better things I've heard from a local act in awhile and it's a shame that its freeness will garner less press and proper recognition. Absolutely worth a download.
Find Out More →
Disappointed By Candy - Self-Titled
Nashville band mixing up the rock and the electronic. The more languid songs I could do without but when they hit on the spot, they hit just right.
Find Out More →
Rahim - Laughter
What happened to all the dancey, math rock inspired indie rock bands? Maybe they are all still around and just more electronic than I care for but Rahim continues to bring some quality music.
Find Out More →
Plus Minus - X's on the Eyes
New album out Oct. 21 - got this on promo from Absolutely Kosher. I'm enjoying it more than the previous record - a bit more upbeat at times but maintains their style of upbeat rhythm section and languid, almost sickly sweet vocals.
Find Out More →
Pattern Is Movement - All Together
MP3Blogs do work. After reading raves about them I snagged their latest. I can foresee this being in heavy rotation for awhile. Well crafted pop songs, Pinback-esque at times but far more sweeping and looping. Loving the strings and keys.
Find Out More →
Oneida - Preteen Weaponry
Downloaded for the value. 3 tracks, 40 minutes. Great work headphones and zoning out at work.. even if it gets a bit abrasive at times.
Find Out More →
Young Widows - Old Wounds
On the recommendation of one April Fultz I picked up the latest from this Louisville act. It's about time I had some harder rock in my life again. Pop has its place but sometimes you just need riffs and energy.
Find Out More →
Mason Proper - There's A Moth In Your Chest
In preparation of the upcoming Oily Oxen Free album I decided to get a little more familiar with the works of Mason Proper. I've always heard comparison to Self and I do hear it - though more spastic and ethereal at times.
Find Out More →
