The Minor CanonThis is a monster week with about ten things worth picking up and a lot of LA-relevant music.
Top Five Most Interesting New Releases:
Explosions in the Sky: All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone (Temporary Residence) – Beloved Austin, TX instrumental post-rock band. This one's getting rave reviews. Download “Welcome, Ghosts” See them at Coachella on 4/29
Charlie Louvin: Charlie Louvin (Tompkins Square) – If you’re a serious roots music fan, then I don’t need to tell you about Charlie Louvin. The Louvin Brothers have been covered by the Byrds, Uncle Tupelo, Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, Gram Parsons and the Raconteurs. The album cover for Satan Is Real is one of my favorites of all time. The 79 year old country legend is back with guest performances by Jeff Tweedy, Will Oldham, George Jones, Elvis Costello, Bobby Bare and members of Lambchop, Bright Eyes and Clem Snide. I haven’t heard it yet, but it’s on my list.
The Minor Canon: No Good Deed Goes Unpunished (Tenderness Records) – I recently wrote kind of a long explanation of all the LA bands that sprang out of Strictly Ballroom and Further. Paul Larson is/was a big part of that scene. This is his new six-piece ensemble featuring a horn section, piano, organ, drums and of course guitar (you’ll hear Larson’s guitar work on the much anticipated Dntel record later this year). It’s not the kind of music that hits you over the head immediately, but give it a couple of spins and you’ll be rewarded. The songs are very well constructed pop songs at heart. Some have a melancholy feel, but they never feels weighted down. What’s his voice sound like? Well, I never thought about it before, but his voice is similar to the lead singer of Dios (Malos). Do yourself a favor and pick this up. Highlights include: “It Never Was” and “Killing Spiders.” The Minor Canon will be doing the Monday night residency at Spaceland in April; you’ll benefit by having a familiarity with the songs. Letter Grade: B+
Elvis Perkins: Ash Wednesday (XL Recordings) – He’s a very talented songwriter who used to live in LA. I saw him recently at Spaceland opening for the Pernice Bros. and at the Wiltern opening for My Morning Jacket. He was compelling in both venues. His story’s tragic (his dad was Anthony Perkins and his mom died in 9/11) and there are apparently some dark songs on the album. The All Music Guide compares him to Nick Drake and Leonard Cohen. I plan on picking this one up. You can see him with Let’s Go Sailing (who he used to play with) at the Rec Center on 3/23 and Largo on 3/24.
Richard Swift: Dressed Up for the Letdown (Secretly Canadian) – Here’s another talented singer-songwriter who used to call LA home. He’s got a solo McCartney vibe, which I can always appreciate. I plan on picking this one up too. Download “Kisses for the Misses”
Also of local interest:
BARR: Summary (5 Rue Christine) – Local band. Download “The Song Is the Single” At the Smell on 3/3
Fu Manchu: We Must Obey (Century Media) – Local stoner rockers. At the Troubadour on 4/12.
The One AM Radio: This Too Will Pass (Dangerbird) – Singer-songwriters may move away from LA but thankfully new ones always move in to take their place. Hrishikesh Hirway is one of the new ones. He’s another melancholy pop guy. I’ve only listened to the record a couple of times all the way through, but I enjoyed it. Download “In the Time We’ve Got” See him at the Hotel Café on 3/14. Letter Grade: B (this might be premature, so I reserve the right to revisit).
Pop Levi: Return to Form Black Majick Party (Counter) – Another recent transplant to LA. He used to be in Ladytron, but his music is more like a mix between early T. Rex and freak folk. What I’ve heard sounds pretty good; I’ll probably pick this one up too.
Samamidon: But This Chicken Proved Falsehearted (Plug Research) – Plug Research is a respectable local label, but I don’t know much about this one.
Other Noteworthy New Releases:
Aqueduct: Or Give Me Death (Barsuk) – From Barsuk: “or give me death finds David Terry broadening his tonal horizons to encompass mariachi horns, Gershwin-esque strings, looped and layered vocals, and grand piano. Oh and there’s also quite a lot more electric guitar.” Download “Living a Lie” and “As You Wish” At Spaceland on 3/3
Arab Strap: Ten Years of Tears (Chemikal Underground)
The Besnard Lakes: The Besnard Lakes are the Dark Horse (Jagjaguwar) – Mojo gave this 4 out of 5 stars. Download “And You Lied to Me” At the Echo on 3/20.
The Black Lips: Valientes del Mundo Nuevo (Vice) – Live from Tijuana. They’re crazy reputation is apparently warranted.
Bobby Conn: King for a Day (Thrill Jockey)
Calla: Strength in Numbers (Beggars Banquet) – At Spaceland on 3/27
Jill Cunniff: City Beach (Militia) – Ex-Lucious Jackson. At the Hotel Café on 3/29.
David Karsten Daniels: Sharp Teeth (Fat Cat)
Doloreon: You Can’t Win (Yep Roc)
Eluvium: Copia (Temporary Residence) – Sad, instrumental piano songs. On tour with Explosions in the Sky. Download “Prelude for Time Feelers”
The Frames: The Cost (Anti-) – Veteran Irish band.
High Llamas: Can Cladders (Drag City) - I usually find Sean O'Hagan's music better in theory than reality, but that doesn't mean I won't seek this out. Yeah, he's Beach Boys inspired.
Jesu: Conquerer (Hydrahead) – Heavy but atmospheric music.
Minus the Bear: Interpretaciones Del Oso (Suicide Squeeze) – Remix record. Download “Drilling – P.O.S.”
Pacha Massive: All Good Things (Nacional) – From their label, “The Bronx-based act’s rhythmic blend of funky Latin jams with Colombian cumbia, Afro-Cuban son, Jamaican reggae-dancehall, dub and drum-and-bass has made them a New York club favorite.”
P.G. Six: Slightly Sorry (Drag City) – This guy’s stuff doesn’t sound half bad if you’re into British 60’s folk and country-rock.
The Silos: Come On Like the Fast Lane (Bloodshot) – From the press release: “energy reminiscent of the proto-punk lower East Side legends like The Velvet Underground and Television, punched up with pop melodies that resuscitates a sound that never went out of style.”
Southern Culture on the Skids: Countrypolitan Favorites (Yep Roc)
Marnie Stern: In Advance of the Broken Arm (Kill Rock Stars) – Female headache rocker with production and drumming from Hella’s Zach Hill. Download “Every Single Line Means Something” At the Smell on 3/3.
Trans Am: Sex Change (Thrill Jockey) – Ironic riff rockers. At the Troubadour on 4/20
Reissues:
Boredoms: Super Roots 6 (Vice) – Vice: “a collection of static and minimally manipulated beats, sometimes juxtaposed with world music loop overlays”
Boredoms: Super Roots 7 (Vice) – Extended cover of Mekons second single.
Boredoms: Super Roots 8 (Vice) – Vice: “This EP finds the group tackling the theme to the Japanese TV show "Jungle Taitei." It would seem that they took the title literally, as the otherwise majestic track is sliced into thousands of pieces by 250 BPM beyond-gabber drum programming.”
ELO: Out of the Blue 30th Anniversary (Sony) – This is a very inconsistent album, but has my favorite ELO track, “Mr. Blue Sky.” “Turn to Stone” is pretty damn good too.
Silversun Pickups: Carnavas (Dangerbird) – Finally available on vinyl. Did you guys see them on the Tonight Show last night? Great job. At the Gibson Amphitheatre on 3/2 and in the process of booking their first European tour.
Explosions in the Sky: All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone (Temporary Residence) – Beloved Austin, TX instrumental post-rock band. This one's getting rave reviews. Download “Welcome, Ghosts” See them at Coachella on 4/29
Charlie Louvin: Charlie Louvin (Tompkins Square) – If you’re a serious roots music fan, then I don’t need to tell you about Charlie Louvin. The Louvin Brothers have been covered by the Byrds, Uncle Tupelo, Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, Gram Parsons and the Raconteurs. The album cover for Satan Is Real is one of my favorites of all time. The 79 year old country legend is back with guest performances by Jeff Tweedy, Will Oldham, George Jones, Elvis Costello, Bobby Bare and members of Lambchop, Bright Eyes and Clem Snide. I haven’t heard it yet, but it’s on my list.
The Minor Canon: No Good Deed Goes Unpunished (Tenderness Records) – I recently wrote kind of a long explanation of all the LA bands that sprang out of Strictly Ballroom and Further. Paul Larson is/was a big part of that scene. This is his new six-piece ensemble featuring a horn section, piano, organ, drums and of course guitar (you’ll hear Larson’s guitar work on the much anticipated Dntel record later this year). It’s not the kind of music that hits you over the head immediately, but give it a couple of spins and you’ll be rewarded. The songs are very well constructed pop songs at heart. Some have a melancholy feel, but they never feels weighted down. What’s his voice sound like? Well, I never thought about it before, but his voice is similar to the lead singer of Dios (Malos). Do yourself a favor and pick this up. Highlights include: “It Never Was” and “Killing Spiders.” The Minor Canon will be doing the Monday night residency at Spaceland in April; you’ll benefit by having a familiarity with the songs. Letter Grade: B+
Elvis Perkins: Ash Wednesday (XL Recordings) – He’s a very talented songwriter who used to live in LA. I saw him recently at Spaceland opening for the Pernice Bros. and at the Wiltern opening for My Morning Jacket. He was compelling in both venues. His story’s tragic (his dad was Anthony Perkins and his mom died in 9/11) and there are apparently some dark songs on the album. The All Music Guide compares him to Nick Drake and Leonard Cohen. I plan on picking this one up. You can see him with Let’s Go Sailing (who he used to play with) at the Rec Center on 3/23 and Largo on 3/24.
Richard Swift: Dressed Up for the Letdown (Secretly Canadian) – Here’s another talented singer-songwriter who used to call LA home. He’s got a solo McCartney vibe, which I can always appreciate. I plan on picking this one up too. Download “Kisses for the Misses”
Also of local interest:
BARR: Summary (5 Rue Christine) – Local band. Download “The Song Is the Single” At the Smell on 3/3
Fu Manchu: We Must Obey (Century Media) – Local stoner rockers. At the Troubadour on 4/12.
The One AM Radio: This Too Will Pass (Dangerbird) – Singer-songwriters may move away from LA but thankfully new ones always move in to take their place. Hrishikesh Hirway is one of the new ones. He’s another melancholy pop guy. I’ve only listened to the record a couple of times all the way through, but I enjoyed it. Download “In the Time We’ve Got” See him at the Hotel Café on 3/14. Letter Grade: B (this might be premature, so I reserve the right to revisit).
Pop Levi: Return to Form Black Majick Party (Counter) – Another recent transplant to LA. He used to be in Ladytron, but his music is more like a mix between early T. Rex and freak folk. What I’ve heard sounds pretty good; I’ll probably pick this one up too.
Samamidon: But This Chicken Proved Falsehearted (Plug Research) – Plug Research is a respectable local label, but I don’t know much about this one.
Other Noteworthy New Releases:
Aqueduct: Or Give Me Death (Barsuk) – From Barsuk: “or give me death finds David Terry broadening his tonal horizons to encompass mariachi horns, Gershwin-esque strings, looped and layered vocals, and grand piano. Oh and there’s also quite a lot more electric guitar.” Download “Living a Lie” and “As You Wish” At Spaceland on 3/3
Arab Strap: Ten Years of Tears (Chemikal Underground)
The Besnard Lakes: The Besnard Lakes are the Dark Horse (Jagjaguwar) – Mojo gave this 4 out of 5 stars. Download “And You Lied to Me” At the Echo on 3/20.
The Black Lips: Valientes del Mundo Nuevo (Vice) – Live from Tijuana. They’re crazy reputation is apparently warranted.
Bobby Conn: King for a Day (Thrill Jockey)
Calla: Strength in Numbers (Beggars Banquet) – At Spaceland on 3/27
Jill Cunniff: City Beach (Militia) – Ex-Lucious Jackson. At the Hotel Café on 3/29.
David Karsten Daniels: Sharp Teeth (Fat Cat)
Doloreon: You Can’t Win (Yep Roc)
Eluvium: Copia (Temporary Residence) – Sad, instrumental piano songs. On tour with Explosions in the Sky. Download “Prelude for Time Feelers”
The Frames: The Cost (Anti-) – Veteran Irish band.
High Llamas: Can Cladders (Drag City) - I usually find Sean O'Hagan's music better in theory than reality, but that doesn't mean I won't seek this out. Yeah, he's Beach Boys inspired.
Jesu: Conquerer (Hydrahead) – Heavy but atmospheric music.
Minus the Bear: Interpretaciones Del Oso (Suicide Squeeze) – Remix record. Download “Drilling – P.O.S.”
Pacha Massive: All Good Things (Nacional) – From their label, “The Bronx-based act’s rhythmic blend of funky Latin jams with Colombian cumbia, Afro-Cuban son, Jamaican reggae-dancehall, dub and drum-and-bass has made them a New York club favorite.”
P.G. Six: Slightly Sorry (Drag City) – This guy’s stuff doesn’t sound half bad if you’re into British 60’s folk and country-rock.
The Silos: Come On Like the Fast Lane (Bloodshot) – From the press release: “energy reminiscent of the proto-punk lower East Side legends like The Velvet Underground and Television, punched up with pop melodies that resuscitates a sound that never went out of style.”
Southern Culture on the Skids: Countrypolitan Favorites (Yep Roc)
Marnie Stern: In Advance of the Broken Arm (Kill Rock Stars) – Female headache rocker with production and drumming from Hella’s Zach Hill. Download “Every Single Line Means Something” At the Smell on 3/3.
Trans Am: Sex Change (Thrill Jockey) – Ironic riff rockers. At the Troubadour on 4/20
Reissues:
Boredoms: Super Roots 6 (Vice) – Vice: “a collection of static and minimally manipulated beats, sometimes juxtaposed with world music loop overlays”
Boredoms: Super Roots 7 (Vice) – Extended cover of Mekons second single.
Boredoms: Super Roots 8 (Vice) – Vice: “This EP finds the group tackling the theme to the Japanese TV show "Jungle Taitei." It would seem that they took the title literally, as the otherwise majestic track is sliced into thousands of pieces by 250 BPM beyond-gabber drum programming.”
ELO: Out of the Blue 30th Anniversary (Sony) – This is a very inconsistent album, but has my favorite ELO track, “Mr. Blue Sky.” “Turn to Stone” is pretty damn good too.
Silversun Pickups: Carnavas (Dangerbird) – Finally available on vinyl. Did you guys see them on the Tonight Show last night? Great job. At the Gibson Amphitheatre on 3/2 and in the process of booking their first European tour.
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