Yeah, I know I’m still way behind. I make the mistake of trying to listen to everything before I post these lists. Be sure to check out Largehearted Boy for more complete lists (here and here).
Albums Released on 3/18/08
Albums Released on 3/18/08
Things I’ve Heard:
Be Your Own Pet: Get Awkward (Ecstatic Peace/Universal) - Thurston Moore signed them as teenagers. The lead singer's a twenty year old woman with lots of attitude who writes lyrics like a fourteen year old girl who’s afraid she’s going to get grounded. It's all about partying and getting mad at boys. If I was a fifteen year old boy, I'd probably have a crush on her. Universal removed three of the tracks from the domestic release, because they were supposedly too risqué, which I suppose is a decent publicity stunt. It’s all in good fun though. See them at the Wiltern on 6/21 with She Wants Revenge.
Birds of Avalon: Outer Upper Inner EP (Volcom) – Like their debut, Mitch Easter produced this follow up EP. It’s still got a bit of a 1970s rock ‘n’ roll thing going on. Passable, but didn’t really move me much. You can see them at the Key Club on 4/8 before they head out on the road with the Raconteurs in late April.
Adam Green: Sixes & Sevens (Rough Trade) – Thanks to the Juno soundtrack, there’s been a resurgence of interest in Green’s former band, the Moldy Peaches. I was never a fan of the Moldy Peaches, but if you like cheeky singer-songwriters you’ll probably like this one. It’s a bit hit or miss, but there are some fun songs. See him at the Troubadour on 5/21.
F*ck Buttons: Street Horrrsing (ATP Recordings) – I threw this one in the CD player on the way to work a few weeks ago without knowing much about it. Instant headache. Pitchfork gave it an 8.6 and has it in their Best New Music column, so if you’re like totally anti-establishment and like abrasive noise rock, this will drive your parents crazy (unless David Yow’s your dad). See them at El Rey on 4/24 with Caribou.
Horrible Truth About Burma remastered w/ one unreleased track and DVD of live footage (Matador)
Signals, Calls and Marches remastered w/ two unreleased songs and DVD of live footage (Matador)
Vs. remastered w/ DVD of live footage (Matador) - Mission of Burma’s one of the great, influential American post-punk bands. I first got into them in high school, thanks to R.E.M. Signals, Calls and Marches is the one you should start with because it contains their two best songs, “That’s When I Reach for My Revolver” and “Academy Fight Song.” Before these reissues I never had Vs. or The Horrible Truth About Burma, but they’re both worth picking up too. The Horrible Truth About Burma is an interesting live album. As All Music points out, the live disc show’s how much MoB seemed to have an influence on Steve Albini’s guitar sound. Download “Max Ernst” and “Weatherbox (live)”
She & Him: Volume One (Merge) – This is Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward’s band. Deschanel’s voice is distinctive and actually pretty good. The arrangements are playful, many inspired by late 1950s/early 1960s country and Brill Building Sound. There are a couple of misses; I didn’t feel too cool when I pulled up to a gas station on Crenshaw today with my windows down and “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” playing. See them at the Vista Theatre on 4/28 and 4/29.
Switches: Lay Down the Law (Interscope) – British guitar based, hooky dance rock along the lines of the more commercial songs from the Dandy Warhols. It’s not bad, but not really my thing. See them at the Wiltern on 6/21 with She Wants Revenge and Be Your Own Pet.
Switches: Lay Down the Law (Interscope) – British guitar based, hooky dance rock along the lines of the more commercial songs from the Dandy Warhols. It’s not bad, but not really my thing. See them at the Wiltern on 6/21 with She Wants Revenge and Be Your Own Pet.
Local Interest:
The Chapin Sisters: Lake Bottom LP (Plain) – Haven’t heard the record, but I enjoy hearing their three part harmonies.
Great Northern: Sleepy Eepee (Eenie Meenie) – A few more tracks from the dreamy, local band who appeared on Morning Becomes Eclectic today. Download “Telling Lies” See them at the Avalon on 4/2 with the Gutter Twins.
Things still on my shopping list:
The Dodos: Visiter (Frenchkiss) – Download “Fools” and “Jody” See them at Natural History Museum on 5/2.
The Dodos: Visiter (Frenchkiss) – Download “Fools” and “Jody” See them at Natural History Museum on 5/2.
Other Noteworthy Releases: 13 Ghosts (mp3 and mp3), Joseph Arthur (mp3), Big Dipper box set (mp3), The Bravery, Sera Cahoone (mp3), Clark, Crystal Castles [at Premiere Events Center on 4/12], Devotchka [at Coachella 4/26], Destroyer [at Troubadour 5/19] (mp3), The Kills [at El Rey on 5/21], Daniel Lanois, Neon Neon – features Gruff Rhys and Boom Bip, Tall Firs, The Teenagers [at Coachella on 4/26], Witch – did they name their band after J. Mascis’ hair?
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