New Music Releases: 10/14/08

These updates are so much easier when publicists don't send me any of the records. Of course, I can't really recommend anything either...

Records I’ve Heard:

Secret Machines: Secret Machines (TSM Records) – This is the band’s first release since guitarist Ben Curtis was replaced by ex-Tripping Daisy guitarist Phil Karnats. The change is pretty subtle. The kraut rock influences might be toned down a little and the classic rock ‘n’ roll influences are dialed up a bit? Josh Garza’s bombastic drums have always kind of made the band for me. They have one long jam during the third track, “Have I Run Out,” but save most of it for the 11 minute closing track, “The Fire Is Waiting.” I'm digging it more than their last record and it got a good review from Pitchfork today too. If you’re not going to Neil Young, make sure to catch them at the Key Club on 10/30/08. For all that talk about how loud those My Bloody Valentine shows were at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, Secret Machines were a lot louder the last time I saw them at the Viper Room.
MP3: Atomic Heels

On the Shopping List:
Townes Van Zandt: Delta Momma Blues (Fat Possum) – Vinyl reissue

Townes Van Zandt: Townes Van Zandt (Fat Possum) – Vinyl reissue

Lucinda Williams: Little Honey (Lost Highway) – Haven’t heard anything but the first single so far. At the Wiltern on 11/21/08

Local Releases:
Army Navy: Army Navy (The Fever Zone)

Hearts of Palm UK: For Life (Hypnote) – At Spaceland on 11/6/08
MP3: I Flow
MP3: People and Logistics

Shiloe: And Now the Screaming Starts (New & Used Records) - Available digitally too

Other Noteworthy Records:
David Bowie – compilation selected by Bowie
Ane Brun – At the Hotel Café on 10/30/08
Buena Vista Social Club – live
Kenny Chesney
Vic Chesnutt, Elf Power, The Amorphous Strums
Nikka Costa
The Dead C
The Decemberists – 12” singles; at the Wiltern on 11/24/08
Dillinger Four
Early Man – EP
The Fleshtones – Christmas album
Frances
Holly Golightly and the Brokeoffs – At Spaceland on 11/29/08
I’m From Barcelona
Nick Jaina
Keane
Killing Joke – Peel Sessions
Ladyhawke – EP; at the Echo on 10/16/08
Ray LaMontagne – at the Wiltern on 11/2/08
Mario Local – MP3: Samba Sem Nenhum Problema
Menahan Street Band – MP3: Make the Road By Walking
Ingrid Michaelson – at El Rey on 11/6/08
The Mighty Underdogs –at the Knitting Factory on 10/30/08
The Organ – EP; MP3: Let the Bells Ring
The Parties
Religious Knives
Santana
Todd Snider
The Spores
The Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt! – single; MP3: Fast Forward Regrets
Tobacco – MP3: Truck Sweat
Various Artists – Born to the Breed – Judy Collins Tribute
Various Artists – Hotel Café Christmas compilation
Various Artists – W. soundtrack
Various Artists – We Wish You a Metal Christmas
The Visitations
Windy & Carl
Winterpills
Yonlu – single; MP3: I Know What It’s Like