Last week was an absolute monster of new releases. I'm still trying to get through them. But here's my update (a week late).
Records I’ve Heard:
Catfish Haven: Devastator (Secretly Canadian) – These guys (from Chicago actually) play soulful, rough around the edges rock ‘n’ roll that’s a close cousin to LA’s High Society. It’s a good party record and I imagine they’re a great band to see in a bar.
MP3: Set in Stone
MP3: Devastator
Deerhoof: Offend Maggie (Kill Rock Stars) – I like the music, but as soon as lead singer Satomi Matsuzaki starts singing, I lose all interest. It’s getting really good reviews though, so I’m sure fans will dig it. At the Echoplex on 11/14/08
MP3: Offend Maggie
Department of Eagles: In Ear Park (4AD) – This was Daniel Rossen’s band before he joined Grizzly Bear. The album’s four years in the works and features heavy contributions from Chris Taylor and Chris Bear of Grizzly Bear. It’s an ambitious, interesting record that should be right up my alley (just like Grizzly Bear for that matter), but I just don’t connect with it. It reminds me of Van Dyke Park’s Song Cycle (which I also appreciate without connecting with).
MP3: No One Does It Like You Do
El Guincho: Alegranza (XL Recordings/Beggars) – Hailed as Spain’s answer to Panda Bear, El Guincho has gotten mad praise from blogs like Gorilla vs. Bear. It’s got that tribal sound that’s au courant. It reminds me a little bit of the Avalanches too. I find the songs maddeningly repetitive, but it’s worth a listen. At the Echo on 11/20/08
Fucked Up: Chemistry of Common Life (Matador) – Pissed off hardcore that’s all about confronting the listener.
MP3: Twice Born
MP3: No Epiphany
Jay Reatard: Matador Singles ‘08 (Matador) – A collection of all the 7” singles he’s released throughout the year on Matador. Reatard’s a little bit of a chameleon in terms of musical style. He’s usually lumped into the punk category, but the album goes from having a 1950s rock ‘n’ roll vibe all the way to a 1980s Australian sound. And when I saw him live, it bordered on punk-metal. There are enough good songs here to make it an interesting listen. RECOMMENDED
MP3: See-Saw
MP3: Always Wanting More
Lambchop: OH ohio (Merge) – Lambchop’s another band where I like the music, but have a hard time getting over the lead singer’s voice. But if you like well constructed, chamber pop style songs (like I tend to), you should give it a listen.
MP3: National Talk Like a Pirate Day
Margot & the Nuclear So and So’s: Animal! (Epic)
Margot & the Nuclear So and So’s: Not Animal (Epic) – After signing to a major, the band got into a pissing contest over this record. Animal! is the record the band wants you to hear. You can only get it on vinyl right now. Not Animal is the record the label wants you to hear. It’s available on CD as well. I haven’t had a chance to spend much time with either one yet but I’ll let you know when I do.
The Rosebuds: Life Like (Merge) – I honestly wasn’t too familiar with the Rosebuds before this release, so I’m happy the label sent it to me. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a sucker for indie rock with mostly upbeat music and totally dark lyrics. At the Echo on 11/25/08; RECOMMENDED
MP3: Life Like
Marnie Stern: This Is It & I Am It & You Are It & So Is That & He Is It & It Is It & That Is That (Kill Rock Stars) – Stern’s once again joined by Hella’s crazy ass drummer, Zach Hill. When you listen to this, it makes you feel like your head’s going to explode. Normally I don’t go for this sort of noise, but I always find Hill’s drumming compelling. Recommended for fans of the more extreme, experimental side of indie rock. At El Rey on 11/15/08
MP3: Transformer
Local Releases:
Crystal Antlers: EP (Touch & Go) – Pitchfork awarded their debut EP the coveted, “Best New Music” tag, which helped them sell over 3,000 copies direct to their fans via Myspace. Touch & Go signed them and is now re-releasing the EP. It’s got garage, psych and hardcore elements. It’s a promising set of songs.
MP3: A Thousand Eyes
The Little Ones: Morning Tide (Chop Shop) – The Little Ones debut EP was at the top of my list of local releases in 2006. Two years later, and now signed to music supervisor Alexandra Patsavas’ label, the guys finally release their debut full length. There’s nothing quite as catchy as “Lovers Who Uncover” but there are plenty of really catchy songs that should please indie pop fans. “Morning Tide,” which starts out with a Belle & Sebastian vibe, is one of the highlights. Give it a few listens and the songs will creep into your skin. At the Echo on 11/14/08
MP3: Morning Tide
Other Noteworthy Records:
Damon Aaron
Annuals – MP3: Confessor – At the Fonda on 11/16/08
Antony & the Johnsons EP – At the Walt Disney Concert Hall on 10/14/08
Castanets – At McCabe’s on 11/15/08
Crooked Fingers – MP3: Phony Revolutions – At the Troubadour on 11/12/08
Devin the Dude
Bob Dylan – bootleg volume 8
Justin Townes Earle
Earthless live
Ezra Furman & the Harpoons
Gregory & the Hawk
Robin Guthrie soundtrack
Her Space Holiday – MP3: Sleepy Tigers
Jolie Holland
Hot Lava
Japanese Motors – At the Roxy on 10/30/08
King Tuff
Julian Koster – indie rock Christmas album; MP3: Jingle Bells
Land of Talk
The Legendary Pink Dots – At the Knitting Factory on 11/13/08
Juana Molina
Daniel Martin Moore – MP3: Stray Age
New Radiant Storm King
Oasis – at the Staples on 12/4/08
The Pretenders – CD version
Rig 1
The Spinto Band - MP3: Summer Grof – At the Echoplex on 11/3/08
The Streets
These Are Powers – MP3: Cockles
These Arms Are Snakes
Women – At the Echo on 11/12/08
MP3: Black Rice
MP3: Group Transport Hall
Wu-Tang Clan
Rachel Yamagata
Yo Majesty
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