Definitely enough stuff to get you out to the record store....Top Five New CD Releases
Apples in Stereo: New Magnetic Wonder (Simian/Yep Roc) – I honestly thought they’d broken up. This is their first album in five years. It’s manic and features guest performances from all your favorite Elephant 6 artists. They’re a precedent for a lot of the manic, indie pop bands that are popular today. I’ve always been a casual fan, but never a buy it on the day it comes out guy.
Bloc Party: A Weekend in the City (Vice) – These guys are my favorite of the latest wave of dance rock, post-punk bands. I could pick apart little things I don’t like about this record, and he does seem a bit self-important, but overall it makes for good driving music. If you liked their first album, there’s no reason you won’t like this. See them live at the Wiltern on 3/19 and 3/20. Letter Grade: B
Loney Dear: Loney, Noir (Sub Pop) – The Swedish invasion continues. I finally heard this record and it's got its moments. There are three or four good songs, but his voice is like a saccharine sweet version of Jason Lytle of Grandaddy. I'd say he's got some potential. Download “I Am John” Letter Grade: B-
Eleni Mandell: Miracle of Five (Zedtone) – I’m not a big fan of the female, torchy chanteuse genre. But this one transcends that. With Nels Cline’s guitar work all over it, this one’s pretty interesting. Appearing at the Echo on 2/8. Letter Grade: B
Peter Bjorn and John: Writer’s Block (Almost Gold) – You know I love them. If you’re into indie pop with heart (not the manic kind that shouts in your face) then you’ll love this. The first half of the record is fantastic, while the second half gets a little mellow. See them at Coachella on 4/28. This domestic release includes a bonus disc six extra tracks (two remixes of “Young Folks” and the original version of “Let’s Call It Off”) Letter Grade: A-
Other Noteworthy Releases:
Aerogramme: My Heart Has a Wish That You Would Not Go (Sonic Unyon) – Scotland’s answer to Muse? Not quite as dramatic as that, but strings, lots of keyboards and plaintive lyrics.
Apostle of Hustle: National Anthem of Nowhere (Arts & Crafts) – Yet another member of Broken Social Scene with another band.
The Colour: Between Earth and Sky (RTR) – Local rock ‘n’ roll band. Not really my cup of tea. See them at Cinespace tonight. Letter Grade: C-
Deerhunter: Cryptograms (Kranky) – Appearing at the Echo on 4/14. They’re a very divisive band but a lot of the popular bloggers love them.
Fall Out Boy: Infinity on High (Island) – I dare you to buy this if you’re over the drinking age.
Sondre Lerche: Phantom Punch (Astralwerks) – The Norwegian pop singer eschews his recent jazzy tunes for songs with more bite. Appearing at the El Rey on 3/21.
Yoko Ono: Yes I’m a Witch (Astralwerks) – Did you guys ever see the Pinky & the Brain episode where they go to India like the Beatles, and Yoyo Nono is there? A bunch of artists like the Flaming Lips, Jason Pierce, Chan Marshall, Peaches and the Polyphonic Spree picked pieces of old Yoko tunes and re-worked them into new songs. I’ll admit I’m curious.
The Postmarks: S/T (Unfiltered) – New music for fans of Bossa Nova and old 1960’s French singers.
Public Enemy: Fight the Power – Greatest Hits Live (Pyramid Media)
The Queers: Munki Brain (Asian Man) – The offensive punk band’s 15th release.
Sarah Shannon: City Morning Song (Minty Fresh) – Former lead singer of Velocity Girl.
Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter: Like, Love, Lust & the Open Halls of the Soul (Barsuk) – She’s appearing Friday at the Fonda with Sparklehorse. The guy in the Sweet Hereafter was the guitarist in Whiskeytown (with Ryan Adams). Download “LLL”
Various Artists: A Date with John Waters (New Line) – Weird compilation of tracks Waters would seduce you with.
Apples in Stereo: New Magnetic Wonder (Simian/Yep Roc) – I honestly thought they’d broken up. This is their first album in five years. It’s manic and features guest performances from all your favorite Elephant 6 artists. They’re a precedent for a lot of the manic, indie pop bands that are popular today. I’ve always been a casual fan, but never a buy it on the day it comes out guy.
Bloc Party: A Weekend in the City (Vice) – These guys are my favorite of the latest wave of dance rock, post-punk bands. I could pick apart little things I don’t like about this record, and he does seem a bit self-important, but overall it makes for good driving music. If you liked their first album, there’s no reason you won’t like this. See them live at the Wiltern on 3/19 and 3/20. Letter Grade: B
Loney Dear: Loney, Noir (Sub Pop) – The Swedish invasion continues. I finally heard this record and it's got its moments. There are three or four good songs, but his voice is like a saccharine sweet version of Jason Lytle of Grandaddy. I'd say he's got some potential. Download “I Am John” Letter Grade: B-
Eleni Mandell: Miracle of Five (Zedtone) – I’m not a big fan of the female, torchy chanteuse genre. But this one transcends that. With Nels Cline’s guitar work all over it, this one’s pretty interesting. Appearing at the Echo on 2/8. Letter Grade: B
Peter Bjorn and John: Writer’s Block (Almost Gold) – You know I love them. If you’re into indie pop with heart (not the manic kind that shouts in your face) then you’ll love this. The first half of the record is fantastic, while the second half gets a little mellow. See them at Coachella on 4/28. This domestic release includes a bonus disc six extra tracks (two remixes of “Young Folks” and the original version of “Let’s Call It Off”) Letter Grade: A-
Other Noteworthy Releases:
Aerogramme: My Heart Has a Wish That You Would Not Go (Sonic Unyon) – Scotland’s answer to Muse? Not quite as dramatic as that, but strings, lots of keyboards and plaintive lyrics.
Apostle of Hustle: National Anthem of Nowhere (Arts & Crafts) – Yet another member of Broken Social Scene with another band.
The Colour: Between Earth and Sky (RTR) – Local rock ‘n’ roll band. Not really my cup of tea. See them at Cinespace tonight. Letter Grade: C-
Deerhunter: Cryptograms (Kranky) – Appearing at the Echo on 4/14. They’re a very divisive band but a lot of the popular bloggers love them.
Fall Out Boy: Infinity on High (Island) – I dare you to buy this if you’re over the drinking age.
Sondre Lerche: Phantom Punch (Astralwerks) – The Norwegian pop singer eschews his recent jazzy tunes for songs with more bite. Appearing at the El Rey on 3/21.
Yoko Ono: Yes I’m a Witch (Astralwerks) – Did you guys ever see the Pinky & the Brain episode where they go to India like the Beatles, and Yoyo Nono is there? A bunch of artists like the Flaming Lips, Jason Pierce, Chan Marshall, Peaches and the Polyphonic Spree picked pieces of old Yoko tunes and re-worked them into new songs. I’ll admit I’m curious.
The Postmarks: S/T (Unfiltered) – New music for fans of Bossa Nova and old 1960’s French singers.
Public Enemy: Fight the Power – Greatest Hits Live (Pyramid Media)
The Queers: Munki Brain (Asian Man) – The offensive punk band’s 15th release.
Sarah Shannon: City Morning Song (Minty Fresh) – Former lead singer of Velocity Girl.
Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter: Like, Love, Lust & the Open Halls of the Soul (Barsuk) – She’s appearing Friday at the Fonda with Sparklehorse. The guy in the Sweet Hereafter was the guitarist in Whiskeytown (with Ryan Adams). Download “LLL”
Various Artists: A Date with John Waters (New Line) – Weird compilation of tracks Waters would seduce you with.
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