Today has to be one of the greatest release dates in some time. Here's the list of albums I'm going to be sinking my ears into over the next few weeks (in order of listening priority):
Cold War Kids Loyalty to Loyalty: CWK aren't my favorite group on the list (yet), but they have a sound that's all there own. I haven't heard anything like Cold War Kids since Robbers and Cowards.
Mogwai The Hawk is Howling: If you get Mogwai, you get Mogwai. And they just keep getting better.
TV on the Radio Dear Science: Like CWK, no one quiet does it like these New Yorkers. Take Peter Gabriel, make him the front man of Souldive, then have the band do gospel covers. That's one TV on the Radio.
Jenny Lewis Acid Tongue: Rabbit Fur Coat was one of my most surprising albums of the last few years. I've always thought of Rilo Kiley (Lewis's band) as above average, but her side-project with The Watson Twins really exposed her songwriting abilities and ranked her with the likes of Neko Case. Jenny Lewis is "truly" solo this time.
Blitzen Trapper Furr: As someone who cringes at the Grateful Dead, I'm amazed how much I can get into tracks like "Country Caravan" from last year's Wild Mountain Naiton. The cover's kinda 80s metal (Valient Thor, anyone?), but lets hope the sound's still early 00s Wilco.
I'll be reviewing these albums as I absorb them, and I'm sure at least a couple will make my end-of-the-year list.
Sep 23, 2008
Sep 3, 2008
Best New Music: Enemy Edition
In honor of the return of the Ricky Gervais Podcast, this (hopefully reoccurring) segment will feature the "enemy" of their new release. Yeah, I know; I'm reaching here.
In August, Ra Ra Riot finally released their first full length, featuring new tracks, a couple old ones, and some re-recordings. The Rhumb Line's enemies are bands like Death Cab and Cursive, who--although still good--have a lost a bit of their edge recently. RRR's ally, the influence of Fugazi, proposes to make this one of 2008's best.
Susu's enemy is all those people who can't stand the influences on the perpetual sleave of contemporary bands. Interpol, Editors, and A.R.E. Weapons are just a few of the newer acts who've received criticism for a lack of originality. I'll admit that none of these bands are going blow knowledgeable minds, but they can't all be Arcade Fire, Rasputina, or Radiohead. There's a value in doing a genre well, and Susu are doing their part to revive a bit of dirty, no-wave influenced indie rock. Unwound is reincartnated on Susu's new release, Win.
Brevity has been fighting a loosing battle against Red Sparowes for several years in song structure, but even more so in song naming. Those hungry for just a post-metal appetizer will be satisfied by their new EP, Aphorisms. With 3 tracks and a total of 17 minutes, this release will leave Red Sparowes's biggest fans (like myself), wanting more, but it's better than nothing. Screw you, Brevity! Mogwai's new album is around the corner.
In August, Ra Ra Riot finally released their first full length, featuring new tracks, a couple old ones, and some re-recordings. The Rhumb Line's enemies are bands like Death Cab and Cursive, who--although still good--have a lost a bit of their edge recently. RRR's ally, the influence of Fugazi, proposes to make this one of 2008's best.
Susu's enemy is all those people who can't stand the influences on the perpetual sleave of contemporary bands. Interpol, Editors, and A.R.E. Weapons are just a few of the newer acts who've received criticism for a lack of originality. I'll admit that none of these bands are going blow knowledgeable minds, but they can't all be Arcade Fire, Rasputina, or Radiohead. There's a value in doing a genre well, and Susu are doing their part to revive a bit of dirty, no-wave influenced indie rock. Unwound is reincartnated on Susu's new release, Win.
Brevity has been fighting a loosing battle against Red Sparowes for several years in song structure, but even more so in song naming. Those hungry for just a post-metal appetizer will be satisfied by their new EP, Aphorisms. With 3 tracks and a total of 17 minutes, this release will leave Red Sparowes's biggest fans (like myself), wanting more, but it's better than nothing. Screw you, Brevity! Mogwai's new album is around the corner.
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