Today's Quick Mention: Noah covered
pretty much all the big releases hitting theaters
this weekend, so you should click on the film
section and check out what's worth seeing.
And now, music and words. Enjoy.
:Cursive
- Wowowow:
My love of Cursive usually leaves me biased enough
to like whatever they put out, but I have to admit
that I'm legitimately excited about the new full
length. The two tracks previously released
were good, and now this rocking number has arrived.
Gemini is due out February 21 on the always
stellar Saddle Creek, and the band will play the
Mohawk with Cymbals Eat Guitars on April 14.
:Beach
Fossils - Shallow:
While they were championed a bit last year for their
What A Pleasure EP, this is the first time
I've felt the need to mention Beach Fossils. I
don't know if that means I'm late to the party or
what, but I can for sure say that this is a really
nice piece of pop. The band will release the
Shallow 7" on February 21. They're also
said to be working on a full length.
:The
Mary Onettes - Love's Taking Strange Ways:
If you're feeling as though your day could use a
dash of 80s-style sounds, then this track is for
you. Just know that you shouldn't expect
something overly dedicated to that decade.
This is sporting its own thing, but you'll know what
it's based on, and you'll dig it. The Love
Forever EP is due out February 28 via Labrador.
:Bowerbirds
- In The Yard:
This band is really good at making music that your
ears can't help but appreciate, and this song is
just further proof of that. I highly recommend
headphones. And maybe a nice glass of wine.
Dead Oceans will release The Clearing, which
is Bowerbirds' third full length, on March 6.
You can also expect to see the act play the Parish
on April 11.
:Prinzhorn
Dance School - Happy In Bits:
I hate to say it, but I totally forgot about this
act's new album. I've liked everything I've
heard, and yet they still managed to escaped my
mind. Oh well. At least this oddly
danceable track came along and reminded me to check
them out. The band just released Clay Class
on DFA. You should run out and snatch it up.
Today's Quick Mention: Not that I
actually expect you to take the time to watch
anything that features Carson Daly, but if you're up
late tonight then you should tune into his show to
catch a performance by White Denim. It'll
definitely be worth your time.
Word of a solo effort by Jack White seemingly set
the world on fire earlier this week, and I can
understand why - the guy is easily one of the
premier musicians working today. For me,
though, I'm anxious to see what he'll do on his own.
I liked his numerous side projects, but scaled down
White is the way to go. Third Man
Records/Columbia will release Blunderbuss on
April 24.
:Jack
White - Love Interruption: The press quotes that have been floating around seem to
indicate that White is doing a solo effort because he
finally assembled a collection of songs that were solely
meant for him and no one else. I can dig that,
especially if it means we'll be getting an album that's as
nice to listen as this track is. Let's hope I can find
a way to take this off repeat.
This
trio is kicking off the year sporting "Health Is The
New Drug." It's the first track being released from
the upcoming 2012 LP produced by Chris "Frenchie"
Smith (Trail of Dead, Meat Puppets, Ume). The song
features psychedelic guitar riffs, a wall of
synthesizers, and a few words of wisdom (or
caution). If you take a closer examination of the
song title and lyrics, you could ask yourself if the
lengths to which we try to do what's good for
ourselves is actually just causing more harm. My
health advice? Eat your fruits and veggies, go to a
show,
and don't forget to wear your earplugs. You can
pre-order the 7" vinyl of this song
here.
Last
month JC & Co released their debut album after
working on it for three years. The band originally
started as a recording project for Jason Chronis
(ex-Voxtrot, Belaire, The Black). Now, with the turn
to being a live band, he's joined by Matt Simon,
Cari Palazzolo (from Belaire), and others. I wasn't
able to find a Bandcamp or Soundcloud page, but
there are a few nice pop tunes you can stream on
MySpace.
If you like what you hear, order the effort from
Jason Chronis for $10 plus shipping by emailing
him.
Alright, kids. Gather round and sing this with me
now ...
Dø - a band, a real good band.
Re - a guy not in it at all.
Mi - a guy that likes the Dø.
Fa - I’ve still got a long, long way to go.
So, considering the above, I’m going to stop myself
while I still can. The Dø (pronounced as in a deer,
a female deer) is made up of Dan Levi and Olivia
Merilahti. Naming themselves after the first and
last note of that ever so recognizable standard
musical scale, this duo hopes to cover every musical
base from do to do while knocking re, mi, fa, so,
la, and ti down on their way. It is in this that
you’ll find the Dø’s singularity - an attraction to
numerous genres all minimized down to play a piece
in their music. Covering such a wide range of styles
from rock, pop, folk and even hip-hop, they’re truly
a colliding intersection of genres, and with the
unlikely blending of so many styles, eclectic might
not be a strong enough word for them. This, I know,
is likely to be true though - you’re bound to like
something in their bit of everything.
Their sophomore release, Both Ways Open Jaws,
is out now.
Today's Quick Mention: I'm expecting to
catch an early screening of The Woman In Black
tonight. Here's hoping it's the first in a
string of good films for Daniel Radcliffe. If
it's not, at least he has all that sweet Harry
Potter money to keep him well fed.
Is the world still interesting in MIA? I know I
am, but her new track premiered on Pitchfork
yesterday and the amount of buzz surrounding it
seemed surprisingly muffled. Is she up against
a rough backlash? Or were people just more
concerned with that Jack White solo LP announcement?
In any case, MIA is expecting to put out a new full
length this summer. Enjoy.
:MIA
- Bad Girls: I really like this track. I thought a fairly
sizeable part of MIA's last album was made up of material
that took itself too seriously (maybe that's how she
ended up on people's bad side), and this sounds like she's
back to having fun. So, crank the volume, dance as
best as you can, and then take a moment to mentally high
five MIA for this gem.
Today's Quick Mention: I highly
recommend that you get out tonight for A Lull,
Deleted Scenes, and Tape Deck Mountain at the
Mohawk. It'll be a great a show, and it's
inside so you'll stay warm. Tix are $10 at the
door.
Here's some music. Enjoy.
:Dirty
Ghosts - Ropes That Way:
This song dominated my weekend. It's got a
great hook, and Allyson Baker's vocals pack just
enough attitude to make me want to strut around
while this blares in the background. I can't
wait to hear more from Dirty Ghosts. Last Gang
Records will release Metal Moon on February
21. If you want something now, the band does
have a 7" titled Shout It In available.
:Wild
Nothing - Nowhere:
While it starts out sounding like something you'd
find on a Huey Lewis album, I really love the music
in this track - it's warm, inviting, and very well
crafted. On another ear-acceptance related
note, the presence of Twin Sister's Andrea Estella
is an especially nice touch that helps put this
piece of pop over the top. The Nowhere
single is due February 21 via Captured Tracks.
:Mmoths
- Heart (Featuring Keep Shelly In Athens):
Want to feel accomplished today? Then just
listen to this and don't read any further, as the
news of Mmoths being an 18-year old named Jack
Colleran will probably just bake up a bunch of
frownies for you. By the way, headphones are a
must for this kid's ethereal effort. SQE Music
will release this act's self titled EP on March 6.
:White
Fence - It Will Never Be:
Tim Presley is back, and this time he's packing a
double album. This retro tune, which is
apparently an edited version, is the first taste off
the ambitious effort. I like it, and you
probably will too. Family Perfume: Volume 1
is due out April 3 on Woodsist. Volume 2
is expected later in the spring, and then the two
discs will be packaged together in summer.
:Memoryhouse
- Walk With Me:
To be honest, this song makes me want to hold hands
with someone. It's soft. I mean,
really soft. Fortunately, it's also a
rather good track. Now I just want to see if I
can make it through an entire album of material like
this without finding the prettiness to be too much.
The mighty Sub Pop will release The Slideshow
Effect on February 28.
Today's Quick Mention: Keep in mind
that on Sunday the
wife
and her defending champion Rhinestone Cowgirls will
be taking on the All Scar Army at the Palmer Center.
Show up! It'll be a ton of fun. Tix are
$15 at the door.
Weekend tunes for your ears. Enjoy.
:Bishop
Morocco - Old Boys:
It's been quite a long time since I heard anything
from this act, so seeing their name pop up in my
inbox was a surprise. I really think I was
under the impression they had split up. In any
case, this is a nice indie pop tune where both the
vocals and the music are rather inviting. The
Old Boys EP is due out March 13 via Arts And
Crafts.
:Damien
Jurado - Museum Of Flight:
Nothing Is The News was the first track
released off of Jurado's upcoming album, and it was
fantastic. This, because we all deserve a gift
every now and again, is just as good. I
honestly can't wait to get my hands on the new full
length. Somebody hand it over. Now.
Secretly Canadian will release Maraqopa on
February 21.
:Royal
Baths - Faster, Harder:
My opinion of this band is still living on the
indecisive side of things, but I don't have any
issue with saying that I really dig this track.
Before you hit play I highly recommend that you grab
a nice pair of headphones so that you can let the
slinky vocals fill your skull. Better Luck
Next Life is due out March 6 on the always
stellar Kanine Records.
:Pelican
- Lathe Biosas:
While I always know what I'm going to get whenever I
sit down to listen to a new track from this act, I
still end up pleased with what blasts out of my
speakers. It's heavy, it's instrumental, and
it's good. Hard to ask for more than that,
right? The Ataraxia/Taraxis EP is set
to be released everywhere on April 10 via Southern
Lord.
:Black
Bananas - Rad Times:
This song is ridiculous. It's fairly catchy,
but the music and the vocals all run together and
create a bit of a mess. Still, it's got some
sort of bizarre charm to it that prevents me from
not wanting to keep it on repeat. Like I said,
it's ridiculous. The awesomely titled
Rad Times Xpress IV is due out on Drag City
this upcoming Tuesday.
Today's Quick Mention: I saw the Kills
and Jeff The Brotherhood at Stubb's last night.
JFB were pretty great. As for the Kills, I
thought they were solid. Alison Mosshart
looked a little scary, but her voice sounded
fantastic ... especially on a stripped down version
of Patsy Cline's Crazy. Anyone else go?
I've never been a huge Cold War Kids fan, but here
and there a track like the one I have today will
come along and grab my attention. The band
just put it out recently in an effort to promote a
mini-tour they have coming up in Portland, Seattle,
and San Francisco. This means it doesn't call
a physical effort home, so grab it while you can.
Enjoy.
:Cold
War Kids - Minimum Day: Like most CWK songs, this has a nice hook and features a
breezy runtime that won't test your patience (or attention
span). What really got me about the track, though, was
the lo-fi feel of it. The band clearly didn't sit
around in the studio perfecting every bit of this, and I
kind of dig hearing them in a not so orchestrated fashion.
One
band I’ve consistently championed the past few years
has been Mind Spiders. The Denton-based act is lead
by Mark Ryan, who is also in The Marked Men and High
Tension Wires. Mind Spiders started as Ryan’s solo
project and quickly gained national attention when
he released a four track EP in 2010. Last year he
followed the EP up with a self-titled full length,
which ended up being my favorite album of 2011.
Needless to say I was very excited when I received
their highly anticipated follow-up, Meltdown
(out on Dirtnap Records on February 21st). I just
got the record yesterday, so I’m still digesting it.
However, I can confidently say it will delight
current fans and pull in some new ones. So, what
does it sound like? It’s more straightforward rock
when compared to the punk pop and lo-fi psychedelic
songs of the last album. Previous Mind Spider
records were constructed piecemeal with Ryan
handling the instrumentation, but Meltdown
features a live backing band with not one, but two
drummers. I love dual drummers! The extra
percussions create a bigger sound with the rhythm
pushed to the forefront. There are also fewer
sub-two minute garage pop jams. These songs are
longer, heavier, and while they aren’t as bouncy,
they’re just as engaging.
The record is a bit of a departure from the past,
but there are some familiar elements on it. One is
the frequent mention of spiders in the lyrics. Also,
the songs still have a pop sensibility and Ryan
still manages to mix in experimentation and
unexpected twists (especially in the second half of
the record). Overall, it’s another impressive work
by a band I’m happy to recommend.
Do I
live in Texas to wear coats? Can one properly get
down to some beats while it’s cold outside? No and
No. Luckily our little city is starting to warm up
again, which means that I’m trading in my usual
depressing winter songs for some sweet dancin' jams.
I’ve
been following P-Tek for a while now, and his style
of hip hop is a refreshing and fantastic break from
a lot of the genre. Don’t get me wrong, totally
vapid rap and hip-hop has a large part of my heart,
but it’s nice to be able to listen to a rapper and
actually relate to the lyrics. P-Tek is always
fresh, often dark, and pushes a lot of boundaries;
look no further than the title track of his latest
album, "Oh! What A Miracle" or "Prayers," a song
from the same album featuring
Mother Falcon’s
Claire Puckett.
But my favorite track on the album is undoubtedly
"True Romance" featuring
Esther Lavonne.
If this song doesn’t get your booty shakin', then we
probably can’t be friends. Esther Lavonne’s voice is
beautiful and sultry, and P-Tek is snappy, excepting
for his silly turn towards the end - look forward to
a nerdy joke. It’s the ultimate desperate love song
for a young generation, as P-Tek says, "true romance
is never nice and pretty."
The whole album is on
Bandcamp
for free download. Why not?
And despite cold weather not being conducive to my
personal dancing style, apparently people in Chicago
must be able to club hard anyway, cause Chicagoland
natives The Hood Internet continue to churn out the
sickest tunes. I’ve been obsessing over their remix
of Foster The People’s "Pumped Up Kicks." Somehow
the song is ten times better slowed down, and the
Hollywood Holt verse is super fun. It’s upbeat and v
e r y c h i l l, total trippy picnic music. I know
it’s not exactly new, but it’s a great celebration
of our return to tank top season, if you don’t
actually think about the lyrics.
Today's Quick Mention: Don't forget
that the Kills and Jeff The Brotherhood are playing
Stubb's tomorrow night. I really liked both of
the band's full lengths from last year, so my guess
at this point is that the show is going to be good.
Tix will be $25 at the door.
Secretly Canadian released Porcelain Raft's debut
everywhere today, so I figured it was time to give
you a reminder of how good they are via a "new"
track. Better right on time than never, right?
I like to think so, but then again I'm trying to
avoid the fact that I didn't talk about the track
earlier. In any case, run out and find the
Strange Weekend LP now. Enjoy.
:Porcelain
Raft - Unless You Want To Speak From Your Heart: To be honest, I'd probably be pretty willing to share
this even if it was just an instrumental track. I
adore the music. It's warm and inviting, and I
absolutely love the head-nod worthy bounce that drives it.
As for the vocals/lyrics, they're also good. Just
expect to be a bit more stuck on what's going on behind
them.
Today's Quick Mention: There's not many
shows going on tonight, so I recommend staying
inside. Or, if you want, you could get out and
see Haywire. I thought it was a pretty
solid flick.
Why is Monday here already? Oh well.
Here's some music. Enjoy.
:Shearwater
- You As You Were:
When I mentioned the track Breaking The Yearlings
I said I liked how the band seemed to be more
focused on the rockier side of things. This is
different. It's actually more like the
Shearwater we're all used to, but that's totally
fine since there's a rather good chance this is one
of the better songs they've ever churned out.
I really can't wait to hear Animal Joy.
It's due February 14 via Sub Pop.
:Eux
Autres - Right Again:
SOTO's resident film nerd Noah is always raving
about the music scene that surrounds him in San
Francisco, so I'm not surprised to see that a fine
indie rock act like this one is from there.
Expect to dig this if you ever liked anything from
the 90s. The band will release the Sun Is
Sunk EP on February 28 via Bons Mots Records.
:Capybara
- Neighbor Crimes:
If you're going through this mix and looking for the
one track that will slap a smile on your face and
get your day moving, this is it. Talk about
gloriously upbeat and sunny. I'm not sure if
it's even possible to not at least like this a
little. The Kansas City-based group will
release Dave Drusky on February 7 via The
Record Machine.
:Matthew
Dear - In The Middle (I Met You There):
I never know what I'm going to get out of this
electronic wizard, so I don't have any problem
saying that I hit play with a bit of hesitation.
I dig this, though. It's strangely infectious,
and I now I feel like I should see what else is on
the new effort. Matthew just put out the
Headcage EP last week via Ghostly International.
:Dirty
Three - Rising Below:
Jim White, Warren Ellis, and Mick Turner have
returned! I can't say I've been sitting around
and just missing them to no end, but a good band is
a good band, so it's nice to see the trio back in
the swing of things. As for this track, it
doesn't do a lot, but it sure sounds nice.
Toward The Low Sun, which is their first LP in
seven years, is due February 28 via Drag City.
Today's Quick Mention: Instead of
shoving show recommendations here, I've started
putting a few up on the Side One Track One Facebook
page.
Check it out. And "like" it, if you want.
And now some music. Enjoy.
:Yellow
Ostrich - Marathon Runner:
I was hoping a single would quickly follow the
announcement of YO's follow up to last year's
absolutely stellar The Mistress, and it did!
We all win. Not just because a new track is
here, but because said new track is rather great.
Good luck getting it out of your head. The
name of the new LP is Strange Land, and it's
due out March 6 via Barsuk.
:Lower
Dens - Brains:
I wasn't sure what I thought of this the first time
I gave it a listen, but I really like it now that
I've hit repeat a few times. The trick is to
throw on headphones first. It's much easier to
get swept up in the track's steady pace and layered
vocals when that's all you can hear. The
Domino-offshoot Ribbon Music will release
Nootropics on May 1.
:Now,
Now - School Friends:
The last time I mentioned this act I noted how they
don't really alter their sound all that much.
They do vulnerable indie pop. That's it.
And this track? It's more of the same, which
means you're either going to dig it or just not want
to bother. I think it's good, but I'd probably
find it great if I was feeling sad and had a bottle
of wine. Threads is due out March 6 via
Chris Walla's Trans-Records.
:Miike
Snow - Paddling Out:
I've never really felt much of a need to jump on
this act's bandwagon, but I have to admit that this
is a pretty cool song. Whenever no one is home
and I'm certain no guests are expected, I think my
plan is just put this on repeat and dance like
there's no tomorrow. Downtown/Universal
Republic will release Happy To You on March
27.
:Oberhofer
- HEART:
Oberhofer has made an appearance around these parts
a time or two in the past, but I think this is the
first time a song of his has left me anxious for
more. Now I just have to hope there's a few
more snazzy pieces of pop like this one on his
upcoming full length. You can expect to grab
Time Capsules II on March 27 via Glassnote.
Today's Quick Mention: Death Cab For
Cutie are coming to ACL Live on May 3 to do a show
with Magik Magik Orchestra backing them. I
imagine it's going to be rather awesome, so we
should all make an effort to be there. Tickets go on sale
January 27. Grab them quick.
The wait for Santigold's return has been
going on for what seems like an eternity, so it's nice to see her
finally ready to get back in the swing of things.
Her brand new single awaits your attention just
below. You can expect the full length, Master Of
My Make Believe, at some point (hopefully sooner
rather than later) this year via Downtown/Atlantic.
Enjoy.
:Santigold
- Big Mouth: I imagine that, regardless of whether you like it or
not, many of you will listen to this and want to at least
give Santigold a high five for refusing to come back soft.
Sure, the track is somewhat carrying a hook. but for the
most part it's a fairly weird listen that only so many
artists would even bother trying. I kind of hope the
rest of the album is this off the wall.
Another
day, and yet another boy-girl duo - considering
their formula, it’s easy to draw up all the familiar
comparisons be it Slow Club or Tennis or whoever
else that may come to mind ... yet there’s something
intriguing about this transcontinental twosome.
Built on a relationship that started out of an
American teaching a Brit how to play Sonic Youth
songs on guitar, Big Deal are a London-based duo
that’s likely to live up to their name. Tales of
love and loss are harmonized by the lovely,
interlacing swoon of guitars and vocals. It’s as
uncomplicated as that - two voices and two guitars.
It may not seem like much, but it allows the
strength of their lyrics to become absolutely
tactile, and following close behind the lyrics,
their guitars pluck along at a pace that makes them
seem like they’re just clinging on to the words.
It’s a magnificent blend of pristine sounds, and out
of this simple amalgamation of the barest
ingredients comes an intimate, brilliant set of
music.
The
problem with compiling end of the year lists is that
it's easy to miss a well deserved effort or two.
After turning in my 2011 list to SOTO, I picked up
the latest CD by
Western Ghost
House, Kaleidoscope Tower,
at their record release show in mid-December. It's
been on frequent rotation ever since. It feels like
a movie soundtrack that is looking for its missing
film companion. With songs like "Varicose Veins" and
"October Leaves," you can close your eyes and
imagine you're in a spaghetti western with the sound
of tambourines as the equivalent of cowboy boot
spurs hitting the ground with careful precision. The
album title is referenced in the sensual ("tangled
hair and dirty thoughts and feelings") and dramatic
string-fueled "Festival." A standout favorite track
for me is the frenzied, cathartic "You Don't Scare
Me" - it builds and builds until the protagonist
screams out the words in the song title. "Branded"
has a striking, moody quality that resonates with
you ("all it takes is just a fraction of a memory/I
can only imagine how you must be").
WGH
take you on a mood-filled journey full of rich,
haunting imagery and it's worth exploring again and
again.
Another
2011 release that I didn't find until the beginning
of 2012 is the self titled album from El Cento. I
first saw the lead singer, Don Cento, at a recent
Crowded House/Neil Finn hoot night, so I knew the
man had good taste. I had a late start to enjoying
the Free Week shows. I had plans to see favorites,
Leatherbag along with Ryan Thomas Becker and Last
Joke, at Hole in the Wall. I arrived at Hole in the
Wall on the night of January 6 during El Cento's
opening set. I only saw the last few songs, but I
was instantly hooked and immediately bought a CD
after the show. It's been on frequent rotation for
the past week especially songs like "I Am The
Stereo." Imagine The Cars (check out "Tide In, Tide
Out") and Talking Heads (check out "Citizen")
deciding to play together (and the Crowded House and
Neil Finn influence has their place too). Don Cento
is a recent Austin transplant, although the rhythm
section is Dallas based. The songs have fun with its
influences while creating their own spin on
intelligent, fun pop-rock with plenty of groove and
soul.
Today's Quick Mention: Just when you
think we're back in the swing of things, another
holiday comes along and takes us away for a bit.
It's just ridiculous, right? In any case,
we're done with all that craziness for the time
being, so let's hope you're ready for some content.
Whether you
like it or not, Sleigh Bells have returned! They
provided a taste of their sophomore effort a while
back (actually still on the front page of SOTO, if
you missed it), and now they've put out the
"official" first single. Hear it below.
The rather anticipated Reign Of Terror has
been bumped to February 21, but it'll still be
released through Mom + Pop. Enjoy.
:Sleigh
Bells - Comeback Kid: If you thought Born To Lose seemed to be lacking
a hook (it was, but I liked it anyway), then I think this
will restore your faith in the band's ability to not sound
as though they only want you to smash your head on a wall.
This song is catchy, and the music is less metal-enthused
and more in line with what filled their debut. You're
going to dig it.
Today's Quick Mention: Do me two favors
this weekend. The first is head over to
Stubb's Jr. tomorrow night to see Cass McCombs
(Doors are 9pm. Tix are $14). The other thing
I'd like you to do is click on the film section and
check out Noah's Top Films of 2011. Thanks,
friends!
Five tracks to get your weekend started right. Enjoy.
:The
Shins - Simple Song:
The Shins have returned! You're excited.
I'm excited. Even people who don't know who
the band is are excited. But is there reason
to be? Yes, but I'm only saying that based on
this track, which is as effortless as anything I
expect to come across in 2012. Columbia/Aural
Apothecary will release Port Of Morrow on
March 20.
:King
Kahn And The Shrines - Bite My Tongue:
Because everyone needs a little something to strut
to, here's a new one from one of the more fun bands
on the planet. It's been too long since their
last album (2008's The Supreme Genius Of King
Kahn And The Shrines), so hopefully the upcoming
split 7" with Mikal Cronin means there's more to
come. You can officially own this track on
February 10 via Bruise Cruise.
:Ceremony
- Hysteria:
I'm not overly familiar with this band, but they're
signed to Matador and seem to be on the verge of
riding a wave of buzz for the rest of the year, and
that's enough for me to pay attention. Well,
that and the fact I really dig this blistering
effort. The Hysteria 7" is due February
7, and then their debut, Zoo, is expected
everywhere on March 6.
:Of
Montreal - Dour Percentage:
While playing catch up earlier this week I mentioned
that another new track from this band's new LP had
become available. This is it. I like it
a lot. You will too if you've ever enjoyed the
quirky pop stylings that Kevin Barnes has made Of
Montreal so well known for. Polyvinyl will
release Paralytic Stalks on February 7.
:School
Of Seven Bells - The Night:
These guys just put out a new
single
to support their upcoming full length, but since
it's not yet available as an mp3 for you guys to
cherish, I'm going back to a track I missed late
last years. It's just as good. Now
listen to it and then make a note to snatch up
Ghostory on February 28 via Vagrant/Ghostly
International.
Today's Quick Mention: Be sure to head
out and see Dana Falconberry, the Marmalakes, and
SleepGood at the Mohawk tonight. It's Dana's EP
release show, so I imagine she'll be ready to put on
a great performance. Tix are $6. Doors are at
9pm.
I should probably be taking this moment to throw
another opinion around in regards to the new Shins
track, but I'd rather share the first single off of
White Rabbits upcoming full length. The disc,
which carries the title of Milk Famous, was
recorded here in Austin, and it's due out March 6
(just in time for SXSW) via tbd Records.
Enjoy.
:White
Rabbits - Heavy Metal: I've always found this band to have some strong
similarities to Spoon, and now it looks as though they've
decided to really make that something everyone
thinks. It works. So good for them. On
another note, I like how they tricked me with the song
title. I was expecting another one of their frantic
numbers, but this track is rather gentle.
I
usually write about Austin bands, but every once in
a while I highlight the music of my beloved
Washington, DC. The year is not even two weeks old
and DC already has its first significant album
release. The city’s best power trio,
The Jet Age,
have just put out Domestic Disturbances. This
marks the third straight rock opera/concept record
from the band. In 2008 they released What Did You
Do During The War, Daddy?, a political album
which the band describes as a "soundtrack to an
imaginary musical." The next year they put out
Love, which was a concept album about adultery,
lust, and love (obviously).
Domestic Disturbances actually seems like a
natural extension of Love. It’s told from the
viewpoint of a husband and the struggles within his
marriage after a former lover enters his life again.
While the storyline may be a bit bleak at times, the
music doesn’t always mirror the depression or anger
of the lyrics. Much of it is upbeat with billowing
rhythms and scorching guitar. The Jet Age's usual
classic rock foundation with a slew of other genres
blended on top is also still in full force. A
perfect example of their varied style is the opening
track, I Am An Agent, which features a fuzzy
guitar solo followed up by a monster drum solo. Each
member of the band is an accomplished musician, but
special mention goes out to the drummer Pete
Nuwayser. The guy is a throwback to the days of John
Bonham and Keith Moon.
Other standout tracks on the record are You Can’t
Turn Around, which features a Fugazi-like funk
bassline and jangly guitars, and Change I Can
Believe In. The latter is a not so subtle
critique of the current President. The concepts of
broken promises and disappointment fit into the rock
opera story arc, but it’s really just a fuck you to
Obama for not fighting more for the causes that so
many of his supporters cherish.
While the songs on Domestic Disturbances are
about a wandering eye and possible adultery, the
album is ultimately a romantics look at the peaks
and valleys that occur in all relationships. The
song progression paints a loving relationship that
begins to falter with the reappearance of a past
girlfriend. Things then almost completely fall
apart, but true love pulls them back together. It
may sound corny, but when you listen to the
conversations, arguments, and pleadings in the
lyrics, you’ll relate to the couple and to their
situation. We’ve all struggled in relationships,
especially in marriages. They don’t always work out
but often times you realize, as the main character
on this album does, that love isn’t in the rear
mirror. It’s usually right in front of you. Anyone
who ever wondered about a past love, even while in a
happy marriage or relationship, can identify with
the themes on this record. We all wonder if the
grass is really greener (usually it’s not).
So
winter break is coming to a close, and college
students everywhere (myself included) are packing
their bags and sighing heavily. I’ve been at my
parents' house this break, spending a lot of time
listening to old mix CDs I have stashed here. There
are some particularly excellent ones that someone
made for me a few years back, and Pavement is a
pretty heavily featured band. I had sort of
forgotten about Pavement in the last couple years,
and now I realize how wrong that is. I feel ashamed
even typing that.
Guys,
news flash from 1991, Pavement is awesome. They are
sweet and slow and perfect-sloppy and bored and I
think that little soft spot in Stephen Malkmus’s
voice is just about divine. And their music remains
totally relevant 10-20+ years later. I like knowing
that my college music is the same college music as
people who graduated college before I was even born.
Say that five times fast.
In a lot of ways, I think I love Pavement because
their sound is such an Austin sound. In the same way
that Ben Kweller’s Sha Sha musically
described the hip, young, Austin slacker aesthetic
so well, Pavement has that similar laid back,
breakfast tacos 24-7 feel. It’s like, I’m young and
I want to do something and I’m effortlessly hip and
I’m almost angsty, except I can’t quite get myself
energized enough to entirely care. And that lazy,
gorgeous, simple guitar just sounds like Austin to
me. Also, I now realize that Sha Sha was
basically Ben Kweller trying to be the lovechild of
Ben Folds and Pavement, which makes me love BK even
more.
Here are two of my favorites. Pavement, I promise to
never forget you again.
Today's Quick Mention: In case you
missed it, my Top 50 Films of 2011 list is up over
in the film section. Do me a favor and check
it out. Noah, my film-writing cohort, will
have his list up later this week.
And now, the end of what we missed while we were
away. Enjoy.
:Sleigh
Bells - Born To Lose:
I have to admit I thought Sleigh Bells would take a
long break and then return with a different approach
to things. They didn't do either.
Although, in their defense, this does sound a little
louder and more frantic. You can expect to see
the rather nicely titled Reign Of Terror on
store shelves everywhere February 14 via Mom + Pop.
:La
Sera - Please Be My Third Eye:
While I liked this act's debut, I didn't necessarily
feel the need to find a place for it on my album
list. That might change this year, especially
since they're off to such a good start with this
infectious little number. Hardly Art is
expected to put out Sees The Light on March
24. Here's hoping we'll get to check out some
of the new tunes at SXSW.
:Of
Montreal - Wintered Debts:
I know a newer song from the Of Montreal album is
now available, but over the break I got really
attached to this inspired piece of pop. It's
somewhat of a scattered-brained effort that clocks
in at seven and a half minutes, so prepare yourself.
The always fantastic Polyvinyl Records will release
Paralytic Stalks on February 7.
:Now,
Now - Dead Oaks:
I'm slowly beginning to realize that this band isn't
much for varying up their approach to things.
Seriously. All of their songs pretty much
sound the same. On the bright side, they are
really good at doing vulnerable indie pop, so it's
hard to not be OK with the redundancy. Chris
Walla's label, Trans-Records, will release
Threads on March 6.
:Dana
Falconberry - Petoskey Stone:
She may not have a harp, but Dana Falconberry is
definitely the Austin-based version of Joanna
Newsom, and I expect that this will be her year to
shine. The Though I Didn't Call It Came
EP is due out January 24 via Crossbill Records.
She'll also be having a release show at the Mohawk
on January 12. See you there!
:Fujiya
And Miyagi - Ecstatic Dancer:
These guys have made some rather silly songs in the
past, but I think this one takes the cake.
It's beyond ridiculous. As always with this
act, though, it's a very catchy tune that will get
lodged in your head quickly. You just won't
want to tell anyone it's there. This is a
one-off single the band put out to support their
upcoming tour.
Today's Quick Mention: We've returned!
We missed you. Hopefully you missed us. Now
let's get back to acting as though we know what we're
talking about when it comes music and movies.
The EP is now called a Quickdraw. Enjoy.
:Shearwater
- Breaking The Yearlings:
While they've certainly had some booming moments throughout
the three full lengths they've put out, I've never really
thought of Shearwater as an act willing to get meaty with
their music. Then this track showed up, and now I'm
thinking that one of Austin's best bands just got better.
Animal Jay is due out February 14.
:Cursive
- The Sun And Moon:
I like this song, and I always find something to dig about
every effort that this band puts out, but I'd be lying if I
said I didn't wish Tim Kasher was still bitter, sarcastic,
and maybe a little too sensitive for his own good. It
sure made for some great indie rock. This well crafted
pop tune can be found on I Am Gemini, which is due on
February 21 via Saddle Creek.
:Frankie
Rose - Know Me:
This act has been riding a nice sized wave of buzz for a
while, but I think this gorgeous, infectious piece of pop is
going to really push them into the spotlight. Here's
hoping there's a few more like it on Interstellar.
Slumberland will release the LP on February 12, but you'll
be able to grab the Know Me single on January 17.
:Nous
Non Plus - Had Enough:
French is responsible for the only "D" I ever received in
school, so I have no idea what the hell this track is about.
Still, it's upbeat, catchy (in a make up your own lyrics
sort of way), and just too much fun to not like. You
can find this song on Freudian Slip, which was
recorded here in Austin, and is currently available via
Aeronaut Records.
:Rodrigo
Y Gabriela - Juan Loco (Featuring CUBA):
Despite feeling as though I should be attempting some sort
of elaborate dance whenever I listen to it, this is a pretty
stellar tune. Perhaps the duo adding a 13-piece Cuban
Orchestra to their sound will help me get past not ever
being able to listen to one of their albums for longer than
a month. Area 52 is due January 24.
:Heartless
Bastards - Parted Ways:
As long as Erika Wennerstrom has that golden voice of hers,
I'm in for whatever she and her band churn out.
Although, I will say it's very nice of them to make it easy
on me by always putting out quality stuff. Partisan
will release Arrow on February 14. HB will be
out touring all of next month, so try to make an effort to
catch them in a city near you.
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