Album Review: Weekend - Sports

At risk of showing my age, I remember when bands on independent labels with no budget sounded as such. Since they had no choice but to have that scuzzy distortion and tape hiss in their recordings, they took full advantage by emphasizing it. These bands made the lack of available funds to sink in their recording a benefit, begetting a new sound from their D.I.Y energy and passion that burst through the bare bones production. The distortion became part of who they were. It was worn like a badge proudly and the passionate fans of those can-do bands loved them for it. There were lots of made-up names for this genre such as lo-fi or fuzz-pop or even noise. Now we are in an era where music can be recorded with clarity and no hiss (no tapes!) on a bedroom recording budget. Because of this, the new questions come forth for a band that chooses to adopt this sound because they want it rather than are stuck with it. When does the distorted nature of a recording just another reference to a genre that the band is trying too hard to match? When is fuzz-pop just fuzz? Moreover, when is the fuzz in the fuzz-pop as essential as the bass, guitar, drums and vocals?

San Francisco's Weekend formed as a trio last year After the requisite vinyl single tune-ups, they have released Sports as their first full length about a month ago on Slumberland Records. At the outset of the first track "Coma Summer", there is no indication of lo-fi fuzz. A surf punk beat pounds away as a relatively clean guitar riff cuts in causing the listener's ears to perk up. There is an eerie, distant howl that is fighting it's way from the shadows and, when the energetic bass thumps in, the howls come up front and we have a nice rolling jam. Just as you are patiently waiting for the lyrics to kick in, Weekend swerves off the path at the 1:30 mark with a pedal push. You are drenched in a blanket of feedback so thick that it is like someone just blocked the sun. That catchy, little jam you were just enjoying is crammed into the basement and you are left with pained vocals battling with a buzzsaw as the punk undertones keep propelling the glorious noise. At the end of the nearly seven minutes of "Coma Summer", it becomes obvious that it is much more than a great song. It is a band mission statement that their sound is a calculated choice, a reference to what was great about that lo-fi sound and, with some adventurous listening, you realize that this special sound tied to a disappearing past can still thrive in this brave new world.

There is no trickery on the remaining tracks as Sports careens down this shadowy path of haunted echoes and tension breaking blasts of noise. The b-grade road movie of "Youth Haunts" is a homage to the early years of Sonic Youth when they were paving the road that is still gratefully well-traveled. That trip continues on "Age Class" that still comes fully loaded with Sonic Youth amenities but runs on the well oiled engine of Joy Division. That dank bass and echoing vocals of anguish connects on "End Times" with a hook that could be more appreciated by the general public if it wasn't buried under inches of grit. Finishing off Sports is an untitled track that grabs you with so many post-punk associations that it could be a lost studio outtake that got buried in the annals of a past that should be on every cool kid's mixtape of obscurity.

There has been a lo-fi resurgence in recent years and a lot of it has garnered a lukewarm reaction from me. Yes, I recognize what these bands are doing here and the choices they have made, but there is a missing element on their recordings that Weekend provides so eagerly. It could be harmony, tempo or pure energy, but that "je ne sais quoi" is a vital current that runs thick and rampant through Sports. It makes that scuzz and distortion as important to the album as any of the instruments. There was a time when those imperfections were not on purpose, but rather a result of a low budget making for lack of studio time and quality. Now that properly employed sound rings authentically throughout Sports as a loving homage and new step on the lo-fi path.

Tweet

Purchase Weekend - Sports here.

Right click to download "Coma Summer" for free here. Right click to download "End Times" for free here.

Weekend - Coma Summer


Weekend - End Times

Bradford Cox Gives Away Not One, Not Two, But Three Albums...For Free!

The frontman for Deerhunter has definitely been bitten by the Santa bug. Often releasing music under his solo pseudonym Atlas Sound, Bradford Cox has given away three full length albums in the past three days via the Deerhunter blog. Named Bedroom Databank Vol. 1, Vol. 2 and Vol. 3, there is no indication if there is more to come or if this the early signs of a series. Of course, the sheer magnitude of the output is awe inspiring. According to the given information, most of the tracks have been recorded in past several days at Chez de Cox.  What makes the project even more impressive is the quality of most of what could be perceived as "inspired noodling". A lot of the tracks could be demos or instrumental versions of songs for a full length release and feel like outtakes from sessions for his two previous Atlas Sound albums. There does not seem to be a common thread or a differing style between the three LP's. Volume 1 features covers of Kurt Vile and Bob Dylan's (and TV's Absolutely Fabulous theme) "This Wheel's On Fire". Volume 2 finishes out with an 11-minute jam "Here Comes The Train". Volume 3, by comparison, has a bit of a clearinghouse feel. Nevertheless the whole mess is free, so grab it while the links are still available and start cherrypicking.

Grab Bedroom Databank Volume 1 here, Volume 2 here and Volume 3 here.

Atlas Sound - Here Come the Trains (from Bedroom Databank Volume 2)

The National Expands High Violet Just In Time For Holiday Shopping

Arguably, this has been the year of The National (unless Kanye decides to charge the stage and steal the award away from them). Tons of press and accolades have been thrown their way in response to their album High Violet. Just in time for the holiday season, 4AD has rolled out the expanded edition of the LP, adding another 8 tracks on a separate CD. The new material includes an string-laden, rocking alternate version of "Terrible Love", 3 live tracks, 2 b-sides from High Violet and 2 brand new studio tracks. The album release is November 23 or today (if you are reading it today, that is).

Look to "You Were A Kindness" and "Walk Off" for must-have tracks. Both are aching and lovely using a sparse recording and emotive piano that would have fit into High Violet much better than "Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks". "Sin Eaters" is an insistent dirge featuring great percussion and an interesting left turn around the 2 minute mark. "Wake Up Your Saints" is an upbeat number with a handclaps and honky tonk piano. It is an odd number and would never have fit on the album, but not without redeeming value.

Tweet

Purchase The National - High Violet (Expanded Edition) here.

The National - You Were A Kindness


The National - Walk Off


The National - Sin Eaters


The National - Wake Up Your Saints


Bonus: The guys made a promo video for the new release, explaining all of the tracks on CD 2 and resolving my personal issues with the reissue money grab that so many artists & record labels abuse these days. Definitely chuckleworthy.

Mogwai Gives Away New Track, Album Out In February

The Scottish instrumentalist four piece Mogwai has been mining the edges of rock since the mid-90's. Call it prog, post-rock, heck call it metal. Mogwai has been bringing their seething and calculated intensity to projects such as a documentary for French soccer star Zinedine Zidane and remixing tracks from their heralded album Young Team. This year saw a live album/ DVD coupling from the band in Special Moves/Burning and the first taste of new music since the 2008 LP The Hawk Is Howling. The new track "Rano Pano" will be released on 7" single on January 18 and be featured on the upcoming album, deftly entitled Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will, set for release February 15 on Sub Pop.

"Rano Pano" is equal parts creepy loveliness and fuzzed out bliss. The ache of the keyboards is crushed under the waves of reverb and feedback from the guitars, unfurling like the final song on the soundtrack of a futuristic Hollywood blockbuster, playing out as the credits roll. Give it a listen and download by entering your email in the widget below.

Tweet

Purchase Mogwai - Special Moves/Burning here.

Mogwai - Rano Pano


Bonus: Here is the delicate and haunting track from this year's live DVD Burning "I'm Jim Morrison, I'm Dead".

The Ting Tings Release A Remix A Day Just For The Fans

The Ting Tings are certainly in a giving mood around the holidays. Accroding to their Facebook page, the UK duo would like to thank their fans for putting their latest single "Hands" on the top of the charts. To quote below:

"To celebrate the fact that hands was no 1 on the billboard dance chart in the states last week.. We are giving all 7 remixes away on our website from midday tomorrow. A different one everyday. We also stayed up last night and made a video of all the crowds we have played to over the past 2 years. Maybe you will see yourself.. thanxs to the peeps who remixed Hands."
katie and jules x

Isn't that nice? Yesterday, they released the first remix by Michael Woods, a techno stomper that contains the requisite hand claps and crescendos to keep the club kids dancing. Today's offering is the Retro/Grade Dub mix that feels like a New Order remix of a Power, Corruption & Lies track. Keep checking back at the Ting Tings website daily for a new freebie. Give a listen to the first track and download below.

Tweet

The Ting Tings - Hands (Michael Woods Remix)

Three Crazy Videos From The Arcade Fire, Klaxons and Egyptrixx

A bit of a diversion for me. Three really strange videos (in contrasting ways) were just released. I am putting them together because of there stark differences and, well,  because I can. The first two are NSFW, so watch with discretion please.

Tweet

The Arcade Fire track "The Suburbs" kickoffs the album with a loving yet fearful ode to trying to find a safe haven for your children, but never quite escaping the fear. This Spike Jonze directed video accurately represents the sentiment of this song (and the album).

Klaxons are a strange band in their own way. Using a mixture of rock and electro with off key vocals, they concoct abrasive, yet at times successful, dance music. The video for "Twin Flames" is an orgy of people with no end or beginning making for a creepy vision for all of us to witness. Not for the sensitive viewer.

Seeing as the link below has been inconsistent, please click here to check it out. 




Finally, this video from minimalist recording artists Egyptrixx is described as such: "The video examines the relationship between the simulated image and its physical manifestation." Sounds good to me. Try blowing this one up to full screen and turn up your volume so you feel the subwoofer in your belly. Thanks for the link on this one, Meandre!

Album Review: Twin Shadow - Forget

It is not news that romanticism in the media arts has been steamrolled by profiteering and cynicism in so many arenas in and around the new millennium. Movies have been out-dramatized by television as television tries to undermine itself through exploiting the dimwitted and disenfranchised.  Of course, popular music is a wasteland of auto-tune, rehashed metal chords and insipid homogenization. Although the skywide openness of indie music is still subject to the commercial or big label sellout and too-cool-for-school ironic co-opting of a sound, beat, riff or vocal inflection to gain a foothold in the blogosphere. There are not many venues left that simply contain a bit of unsullied honesty.

Whether or not an artist possesses that facet of tempered romance and true emotion is basically subject to opinion. However, if you are looking for earnestness in music, you may not need to look any farther than George Lewis Jr., aka Twin Shadow. His futuristic croon has the lounge lizard feel of Brian Ferry and 80's era Bowie yet contains the vulnerability of a Johnny Hartman for modern times; a boozy, beaten down sadness that either soars or winces based on his emotive inflections. The music also works in that new wave milieu employing stainless steel guitars, digital beats and waves of synths that crash the shores as his lyrics ache with each new tide. When most bands lately opt for the arms-length nature of chillwave, Lewis lays his confessions out for all to observe. His first full album Forget out on Terrible Records has a timeless quality even though it was released a few weeks ago. (The album had it's worldwide release November 15 on 4AD.)

The childlike, little world that is constructed on Forget is full of fear, reflection and discovery. Opening with "Tyrant Destroyed", Lewis speaks of his regression based on being the heartbreaker rather than the heartbroken as depicted in most pop songs. His next tracks wrestle with that checkered past in different reflections on wanting closeness from an unavailable someone. On "While We're Dancing", he politely asks to be left alone with his special somebody, yet becomes impatient on the next track "I Can't Wait" as his advances are summarily rejected. By the time "Shooting Holes" begins, his desires turn unrestrained as he bites the hand that he desperately needs. The thematic chain in the lyrics coupled with the glamorous stylings influenced by Roxy Music at their peak makes for a seductively introduction to the Forget's diary motif.

The smooth sounds of Twin Shadow take a darker turn in the second half of Forget. The beats become more futuristic like a sweetened, doe-eyed TV On The Radio. Still the influence of Terrible Records producer/Grizzly Bear founder Chris Taylor is found as well. Rather than being boxed in, each track plays upon it's organic strength, finding that little captured moment and accentuating it until it blossoms. "Slow" is a example of this, working the elastic bass and jittery guitar until it explodes in the song's climax. "At My Heels" employs a chugging riff, but digs deeper with the swirling synth that bubbles with joy when Lewis strives for tenderness in the chorus. When the final track "Forget" commences, it becomes evident that the whole album was Lewis' emotional bloodletting and moving on is his ultimate goal. That necessary ability to cut ties without looking back bodes well for Twin Shadow's future efforts. For now, we can truly revel in what could be the start of an long career and recognize that Forget is simply proof that even in these hardened times, romance isn't dead yet. Listen to the entire LP Forget using the widget below. Right click the links below for some freebies.

Download "I Can't Wait" for free here. Download "Slow" for free here. Download "Forget" for free here.

Tweet

Purchase Twin Shadow - Forget here.

Bonus: Listen and download for free the Twin Shadow b-side "Savannah Howl".

RFC Article: Wiping Off The Dust: The Feelies - The Good Earth

The following is an excerpt from my article for Radio Free Chicago.

Just a few scant days ago, I heard some tremendous and jawdropping news. The Feelies are releasing an album of all new material this coming spring. Obviously this may not garner as much excitement for anyone under 35 and from most of said age bracket it would most likely inspire a quizzical "Who?". Notoriously reclusive and frustratingly sparse in their material, they are putting out their first full length since 1991's Time For A Witness. That's 20 years, my friends. If you have only heard of this influential band, you may have knowledge of their much lauded debut LP Crazy Rhythms as it tends to land on any respectable critics best of the 80's list. If you were a child of MTV, perhaps you caught the video for single "Away" off of their 1988 LP Only Life directed by their biggest fan Jonathan Demme. Proof of this is evident as The Feelies always seem to get wedged into his movies and on their respective soundtracks. Nevertheless, The Feelies are one the connecting links between The Velvet Underground and what was coined as "college rock". Without The Feelies, there is quite simply no stage being set for bands such as the dB's, Camper Van Beethoven and R.E.M.. It is scary how dull would the indie landscape be without these godfathers of jangle pop and indie folk.

Read the rest of the article at listen to more tracks from The Good Earth at Radio Free Chicago.

Tweet

Purchase the reissue of The Good Earth here.

The Feelies - Slipping (Into Something)

Girl Talk Gives Away New Album For Free (If You Are Patient)

The sample stealing/laptop DJ/mashup master Girl Talk has been dropping his musical melange since 2002. However, it was his game changer Night Ripper in 2006 that made cool kids of all shapes, sizes and colors take notice and dissect each ironic reference while shaking their collective skinny jeans-clad hips. His style is truly broad in scope and flavor with nothing too mainstream nor disparate to be poured into the mix and blended into something wholly different than the sum of its parts. Without much more than some hints, Girl Talk drops an entire album for free through the Illegal Art website. Entitled All Day, early listens and information states that this is less of an album of short tracks containing snippets of pop, metal and hip hop with more of an extended and continuous mixtape feel. Still, the classic songs from any and all genres that he chooses to interlock together can run between mind-bendingly moving to head-scratchingly peculiar. That is why I dig Girl Talk so much. He has no pretension nor boundaries about his choices and nothing but love for the music he utilizes. Realizing that makes me be a better music fan.

If you are patient and persistent (and quit whining), the download will kick in a couple of minutes. If you are savvy and a bit nefarious, you can find it via other means in the darker corners of the 'net. Also, there are some new album audio tracks for your listening pleasure via his MySpace page. Good hunting. In the meantime, enjoy this classic fan-made video from the Night Ripper LP.

Tweet

Bonus: Check the still being compiled Wikipedia link for a list some of the samples from All Day. If you recognize any and they are not listed, be a good consumer and add your discovery. It is for the greater good.

RFC Article: Love For The Ladies - Hesta Prynn

The following is an excerpt from my article for Radio Free Chicago.

Sometimes hip-hop, sometimes electro, Hesta Prynn is a true millennial artist whose sound is a mashup of influences making her genre undefinable. Her sound evokes many of her female contemporaries such as M.I.A., Amanda Blank or Santigold. The sound is thick, with actual drums, guitars and bass rather than samples that is a bedrock for Prynn to stand upon firmly while her vocals take off in any direction she chooses. Whether she coos like a disco diva, rocks either a Butthole Surfers or Neon Indian cover or croons a duet with Les Savy Fav's Time Harrington, Hesta Prynn chameleon ways can seemingly do it all. But let me veer off course, if only for a moment... We have a everywoman here that is as smart as a whip, as sweet as they come, an obvious open arms approach to music AND digs a good horror flick. Place that within the stunning package as viewed in the given pictures and you have what my Daddy would call "marriage material". If only she bothered to listen to your overtures. Her digital EP Can We Go Wrong hit the Internets back in July. Give it a listen on her website or purchase the EP here.

Read the entire article at Radio Free Chicago.

Hesta Prynn - Can We Go Wrong


Hesta Prynn - Can We Go Wrong (RAC Extended Mix)


Hesta Prynn - Easy Bear (Feat Tim Harrington)

New Levek 7" Available November 16

It is hard to put into words an accurate critique of music from an artist that shuns any singular genre. Such are the first moments spent listening to part time artist/full time busdriver Levek. The brainchild of Orlando, FL David Levesque is nevertheless an intriguing code of influence ready to decipher. Is it channeling Philadelphia Soul? Folksy chamber-pop? Southern Gospel? Nouveau Afro-beat? All of these labels apply and yet are much too limiting. Even Levesque himself spun his own description concerning his music: "Mickey Mouse Tribal Sounds". To that answer I say, sure, why not? Levek has a 7" coming out on Father/Daughter November 16. After the first dozen listens or so, that purchase a turntable you have been putting off seems all the more reasonable now, doesn't it?

"Look On The Bright Side" starts like a lost studio outtake from Curtis Mayfield, making you wonder if you heard this before. Yet, the sexy, moving vocals step in and the song truly takes shape. It is when single violin is cued that "Look On The Bright Side" becomes so much more than the sum of its parts. It is this kind of promise that makes you feel that you were chosen for a VIP spot on Levek's bandwagon. There may not be much room in the near future, so don't go anywhere.

Tweet

Purchase the "Look On The Bright Side" 7 inch here and get the digital download with extras as well.

Right click to download "Look On The Bright Side" here.

Levek - Look on the Bright Side


Bonus: Enjoy Levek's song "NW 4th St." set to Disney Animation. What else is there to say other than it works.

Cloud Nothings Unveil New Track, Album Out January 24

The origins of Cloud Nothings is really just one guy. Actually, a 19 year old kid. Clevelander Dylan Baldi began writing songs under the nom de plume just a short time ago from the comfort of his own bedroom.Through the wonders of technological distribution, the tracks grabbed the attention of tastemakers with their earnest, no frills style. In about a year's time, Cloud Nothings is now a full time band, playing on the same bill with bands such as Wavves, Titus Andronicus and Parts & Labor. After releasing Turned On as a compilation of his lo-fi home recordings earlier this year, Baldi and Co. have been hard at work (in an actual studio) on the new album. Due out in January on Baltimore's Carpark Records, the public is now given it's first taste of what the young man do in a professional atmosphere.

The new track "Understand At All" is 100% quirky punk energy. Baldi definitely is tailored fit for today's indie scene, pumping out a grabber that reminds me of some of the best of 80's alt-rock. It is singable, danceable, accessible and above all, a great start. Congratulations buddy, welcome to the minors.

Tweet

Purchase Cloud Nothings Turning On here.

Right click to download "Understand At All" for free here.

Cloud Nothings - Understand At All

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart Drop New Track, Album Due In March

I have a soft spot for all things shoegaze. When I first heard the bluster and bliss that is The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart self-titled first album last year, I was immediately reminded of the fuzzy melodies and dissonant beauty of so many musical forebearers that this New York quartet has jumbled together for their full length debut. In 2010, The Pains have been setting up for a big release of their latest LP Outside in March on Slumberland Records. Back in the summer, they dropped the 7" vinyl single "Say No To Love" to much fanfare. Now they have provided their first official taste of Outside with new track "Heart in Your Hearbreak". The song is pure sugarcoating that features much of the characteristics of great noise pop from the 90's. The sweet male/female duet floats along a cheerful bass while guitars and keys poke through at points to add some punctuation. All in all, it is a good start and a promising holdover until next year. Give a listen to both new tracks below. Bonus: enjoy the video for "Say No To Love" as well.

Tweet

Purchase The Pains of Being Pure at Heart here.

Right-click to download "Say No To Love" for free here.

Download "Heart In Your Heartbreak" by clicking on the down arrow on the player below.

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - Heart In Your Heartbreak


The Pains of Being Pure At Heart - Say No To Love

Cut Copy Set Release Date For February 8, Free Single Available

Electronic Aussie party makers Cut Copy truly enjoy what they do. Their second full length In Ghost Colours  was a definite grower for me. After catching their set at this year's Lollapalooza, I truly began to appreciate the combo of long lasting hooks, disco bass thump and 80's revival vocals that translated seamlessly to the stage. Their details on their upcoming LP Zonoscope just hit the internet, including an arty album cover and a release date of February 8 on Modular Recordings. The first single from the album "Where I'm Going" was released as a freebie back in the summer.  According to SPIN, the early release will differ from the LP mix, keeping the mystery level high. Nevertheless, the new track is a summer jam that tones down the synths in favor of a big beat, hand claps and a joyous chorus. Listen and grab it for free below.

Tweet

Purchase Cut Copy In Ghost Colours here.

Cut Copy - Where I'm Going