New Music Releases: February 8th, 2011

What's coming out of Akron/Family's Volcano?

Pick of the Week:

Akron/Family: S/t II – The Cosmic Birth and Journey of Shinju TNT (Dead Oceans) – They’re a strange/unique band that draws from a much wider range of influences than most. Each record’s a progression on the last and they’re always interesting to check out. “Silly Bears” is like the hippie version of a Sleigh Bells song. At the Echo on 4/6/11

MP3: Silly Bears

MP3: So It Goes

Other Recommended Releases:

And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead: Tao of the Dead (Superball Music) – The songs aren’t all perfect, but it’s a pretty damn good psychedelic rock record (their seventh). So big and epic it makes me miss the Secret Machines. They even cop the Rolling Stones on one track. Check out “Weight of the Sun or the Post-modern Prometheus.” Listen HERE

Other Records That Caught My Eye:

Nicole Atkins: Mondo Amore (Razor & Tie) – Throaty, bluesy, noir-y Brooklyn singer belts them out. At the Troubadour on 2/16/11; Listen HERE

James Blake: James Blake (Universal) – Dubstep meets crooner? MP3 only at this point, CD comes out next week. Pitchfork anointed it Best New Music. Watch on Youtube

Cut Copy: Zonoscope (Modular) – Synth poppers. I love New Order, but for some reason haven’t gotten into Cut Copy or LCD Soundsystem or any of the other popular dance bands. Vinyl comes out 2/22/11; At Coachella on 4/15/11; Another Best New Music anointee.; Listen HERE

Miles Davis: Bitches Brew Live (Sony Legacy) – From the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970. Also includes three previously unreleased tracks from the Newport Jazz Festival in 1969.

Esben and the Witch: Violet Cries (Matador) – Gothy and dark. Her voice reminds me of PJ Harvey. At the Bootleg on 3/22/11

MP3: Warpath

Jessica Lea Mayfield: Tell Me (Nonesuch) – Dan Auerbach produced and engineered this (she guested on the Black Keys’ “Things Ain’t Like They Used To Be”). What I’ve heard sounds pretty good, but I haven’t listened to the whole record yet.

Over the Rhine: Long Surrender (Great Speckled Dog) – Twenty year veterans. At least check out “Undamned” which features Lucinda Williams; Listen HERE

Silk Flowers: Ltd. Form (PPM) – This one’s on Dean Spunt’s (No Age) label. Synth pop from New York produced by Amanda Warner (MNDR).

Wild Nothing: Gemini (Captured Tracks) – Expanded edition. There’s a limited edition red vinyl version too. At the Museum of Natural History on 3/4/11.

Young Galaxy: Shapeshifting (Paper Bag) – Ex-Stars touring guitarist. Part of that Canadian scene. Digital only, physical follows one week later.

Vinyl Reissues:

Sparklehorse: Good Morning Spider (Plain) – Great album and good price point at $19. Comes with a download card.

Sparklehorse: Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot (Plain) – Good album and a good price point at $20. Comes with a bonus 7” and download card.

Spiritualized: Lazer Guided Melodies (Plain) – Great album. It’s a double disc, so it’s a little pricey at $27.

Spiritualized: Pure Phase (Plain) –Good album. It’s a double disc so it’s a little pricey at $27.