Iran - Dissolver
The fact that this is vaguely related to TV on the Radio made me very hesitant to check it out but the fact is - this is an Aaron Aites endeavour with Kyp Malone lending a hand. Thus, not a TVOTR project. Or maybe I'm just overly rationalizing. Either way, it's a good bit of straightforward rock and Aites strained vocals make for an enjoyable listen.
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Make-Out with Violence - Original Soundtrack
I have been listening to a bootleg of 12 of these tracks for several years and could not believe it when I was informed that the legit release would be 44 tracks of much of the same goodness. I think there are possibly three tracks out of this entire epic onslaught of music that I don't love entirely - and those three I still like, just don't love. I think I may have lost all objectivity on this one but I put this easily into my Go To And Listen, Always Good playlist.
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Bell Orchestre - As Seen Through Windows
Based on what I'd previously heard I would assume this is a languid, soothing backdrop of sound. I would be wrong. While quite pleasant to listen to, it stirs your attention more often than avoids it. Soothing but always moving forward. Orchestral in the way that you assume it's meant to accompany some visual movement, but you'll just have to see it in your head.
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DM Stith - Heavy Ghost
I was recommended this under the guise that it was sort of Department of Eagles-esque but with a darker vibe. This is a summary I can't disagree with. An enjoyable listen and one that seems to be more fulfilling with each listen.
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Field Music - Write Your Own History
I think I may have downloaded this at some point in the past but no longer had it and found myself in need of some quality Brit Pop. There is no better source for such other than Field Music - even if it's a collection of b-sides.
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Vetiver - Tight Knit
The songs I previewed were so pleasant and then the whole album kind of bored me. Is that bad? Either way, it's the truth. Don't dislike it but don't foresee myself really revisiting it that often.
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National Skyline - Bliss and Death
I had no idea that National Skyline even existed as a band anymore but when I saw that this was available I nabbed it right away. While not a huge step forward for them, it is nice to have some more quality National Skyline to listen to.
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Pete and The Pirates - Jennifer
Only a track track diddy but acts as nice further proof that these guys can write one helluva quality pop song.
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Cursive - Mama, I'm Swollen
I haven't listened to this as intently as I should but first impressions tell me that it's better than the last record, particularly the parts that harken back to The Ugly Organ and Domestica. It's worth noting that the artwork is pretty badass as well.
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Hylozoists - Lile de Dept Villes
I find this to be perfect mood music. It's low key, subtle, soothing, orchestral, sweeping at times and just all around pleasant. There is something compelling to the arrangements that makes it feel like a soundtrack to a non-specific journey.. how's that for a heavy handed review?
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Jensen Sportag - Jackie
The latest release in their Perfect Strangers series of EP's is every bit as good as the last one - even if it doesn't have 2x2 on it. I do not typically consider myself a fan of 'dance music' or but you can hear so many influences here from so many different realms that it's unfair to pigeonhole it as Dance Music. It's got seventies pop, disco, funk.. eighties keyboard mania and even bit of desperate indie rock longing in the vocals. I'd love to see these guys with a full band behind them.
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Kindercastle - Dot To Dot To Dot
Despite having just put out their debut LP these guys are wasting no time putting a new EP out there to keep people listening. It's more of the same poppy, ELO influenced orchestra pop but that's not a phrase you use in a derogatory manner - this is top notch pop music.
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Charles Spearin - Happiness Project
After seeing him perform one track from this live (Mrs. Morris) I was intrigued by the concept of the whole album but fairly convinced going in that it was not going to be that enjoyable to listen to - more of a challenge or just purely interesting. Turns out, my pre-conceived notions turned into absolute delight once I got into it. You wouldn't think music emulating the rhythm of speech would be so engaging but it is!
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Various Artists - Dark Was The Night
One helluva compilation and the proceeds go towards a good cause. I would have bought this entirely for the new Books song but turns out there are a bunch of other new diddies to be enjoyed here as well. The majority of the two discs is a bit sullen on the whole but given the subject matter I can't say that is entirely inappropriate.
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Here We Go Magic - Here We Go Magic
Technically an album it feels like two EP's mashed together - the first half being electronically inspired, rythmn driven languid indie pop songs and the second half being a bit more grating, more experimental and entirely instrumental. The last track doesnt really seem to fit either set but somehow ties it all together by providing a third bit of unexpected (and welcome) variety.
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Icy Demons - Tears of a Clone
Purchased due to the involvement of Man Man drummer but quite surprised and pleased by the vast difference between that band and what is contained here. I can't even properly describe the sounds - rhythmic, poppy, drone-y at times and occasionally just weird. Certainly worth investigating.
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Cut Off Your Hands - You And I
Upbeat Brit Pop, pure and simple. It's anthemic and energetic for the duration. You know those albums that are quality from start to finish but you still don't feel overly compelled to listen to it? This sorta falls into that category for me. It's well done, it's catchy, it's upbeat, it's a pleasure to listen to but I'm never really drawn to it. Take that for what you will.
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Brooklyn Qawwali Party - Brooklyn Qawwali Party
Sometimes you need a bit of jazz from a fourteen piece conglomerate celebrating the music of a Pakistani mainstay to help you get through the day. It's upbeat but doesn't demand your attention at all times either. Great workday music.
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Tim Fite - Fair Ain't Fair
I was told of this album well over a year ago and it's taken me that long to finally, naturally, come to it and appreciate it. There's obviously some hip-hop influence to these songs but they are a strange fusion of Americana, country and folk. It really is a mixed bag of influences and he manages to make it work.
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Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion
You know what? Screw the hype, this album actually IS damn good. It's certainly worlds better than the last one and more leaning towards the pop sensibilities than Feels. The blogosphere fawning all over them can make it hard to appreciate but it's loungey psychedelic music with a twinge of hysteria every so often.
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Howlies - Trippin With Howlies
Aside from not really loving the cover art, I'm a big fan of this one. The doo-wop fused with surf rock style pop rock isn't something I'd buy into by description only but these guys make it work. Songs like Chimera and Angeline have a great forelorn feel to them, a nice juxtaposition to the rawkus style of Whiskey Night and Dirty Woman. The band is fun and still able to make a connection to the listener - not an easy task.
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Jason Zumpano - Roses 9.99 Dozen
Catbird Records Special Projects are an instant purchase for me because I am sure the music will be interesting and the packaging is always well done. This Zumpano album fits the bill as expected - interesting music and intriguing packaging. Done and done.
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Dent May - The Good Feeling Music of Dent May And His Magnifi
The focus here tends to be on the presence of Ukulele but it's really more of an aside than a focal point. These are pop gems - taking up the time tested formula of upbeat music mixed with some forelorn lyrics. Hearing a song about alcoholism that gets you in a pleasant mood is a rare treat.
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Ebu Gogo - Worlds
Saw this advertised on Silent Uproar, checked it out on eMusic and immediately downloaded the 20 track epic. It's an instrumental opus with a great amount of energy and the ability to never get old or run through the standard instrumental music tricks (quiet / loud / quiet / loud). Love that it's a good bit of true rock with a healthy dose of keyboards and electronics leading the way - an effective ombo that is all too rare to find being done well lately.
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Gentleman Reg - You Can't Get It Back
Seeing news of an upcoming Arts and Crafts release usually makes me investigate the artist if I'm not familiar with them. Gentleman Reg fits quite well in the AC lineup, unlike some more recent signings (Los Campesinos I'm looking at you). Curious to hear more from the forthcoming full-length as this two track single just wasn't enough to satisfy completely.
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