New Music Releases - 10/28/08

Of what I’ve heard, the School of Seven Bells is my favorite. But the music snobs are loving the new Deerhunter. I haven’t listened to the whole thing yet, but what I’ve heard sounds like a big progression over the hit-or-miss Cryptograms. Crystal Stilts and Cause Co-Motion! are turning on the indie snobs too.

New Music Releases 10/28/08

Records I’ve Heard:
Ryan Adams & the Cardinals: Cardinology (Lost Highway) – I’m still a big fan of Adams’ Heartbreaker. This one’s pretty cohesive but felt a little too mid-tempo and polished to really move me. It’s getting pretty good reviews though, so fans should give it a listen. At the Staples Center on 12/4/08

It’s a Musical: Music Makes Me Sick (Morr Music) – Guitar-less indie pop from Berlin (but sung in English of course). The All Music Guide compares it to early Mates of State, but it’s not quite that manic.
MP3: Bad Day

O’Death: Broken Hymns, Limbs and Skin (Kemado) – The give themselves that goth/country/punk label. File them in that ever expanding category of bands with pretty good music, but with a singer that I can’t listen to. At Spaceland on 11/22/08
MP3: Lowtide

School of Seven Bells: Alpinisms (Ghostly) – Dream-pop that’s rooted in classic 4AD with propulsive electronic beats, hints of kraut rock and a Middle Eastern vibe. It’s accomplished and cohesive and recommended if you’re into that sort of thing at all. The band features Ben Curtis (ex-Secret Machines) and the Deheza sisters (ex-On!Air!Library!). At the Fonda on 11/29/08
MP3: Connjur

Local Releases:
The 88: Not Only…But Also (Island) – They got the major label makeover – parted ways with early members, ditched the business suits, got haircuts and hired very expensive producers (Babyface and Matt Wallace). I haven’t heard it yet, so I don’t know if it’s an improvement or not. At Club Nokia on 11/16/08

Other Noteworthy Releases:
Dave Alvin – Best of – At Largo on 11/8/08
Bloc Party – At Club Nokia on 12/10/08
Cause Co-Motion! – singles and EPs
Cobra Verde
Juliette Commagere
Ry Cooder – anthology
Crystal Stilts
The Cure
The Darling Downs
Deerhunter – At El Rey on 11/25/08
DJ Babu
Eagles of Death Metal
Tom Gabel
Merle Haggard – Live from 1978
Waylon Jennings – Live from 1984
Kaiser Chiefs – At the Fonda on 11/11/08
Lady Gaga – At the Nokia on 11/26/08
John Legend
Jesse Malin – covers album
No-Neck Blues Band
Marykate O’Neil
Pink
Rodrigo y Gabriela – two disc live album
Arthur Russell – unreleased tracks
Snow Patrol
Squarepusher
Starflyer 59
Hunter S. Thompson – Gonzo tapes box set
Hank Williams – unreleased box set
John Zorn