Recommended
Built to Spill You in Reverse (Warner Bros.) – There really aren’t any big surprises on the Boise, indie rockers’ sixth studio album. They still have the long songs, strong guitar playing and melancholy lyrics. Long time producer Phil Ek didn’t work on it, so some critics are picking up on a “rougher sound.” They’re appearing live at the Troubadour from 6/28-7/1. No free downloads, but you can listen to some tracks on the band’s site.
Things I Need to Hear
Future Pigeon The Echodelic Sounds of (Record Collection) – The second album from LA’s best punk-dub band. You might recognize some of the band from the Echo’s Dub Club and/or the band Wiskey Biscuit. And yes that is LA artist Ed Ruscha’s son in the band. They’re appearing live at the Echo on 4/16 and Sea Level Records on 4/22. You can hear some tracks at their MYSPACE page.
LL Cool J Todd Smith (Def Jam) – Tons of guest spots: J Lo, Mary J. Blige, Jamie Foxx, Ginuwine and a bunch of others.
Mono You Are There (Temporary Residence) – Japanese band recorded this album with Steve Albini. Supposedly in the same realm as Sigur Ros and Mogwai. Appearing live at the Troubadour on 5/29. Download “The Flames Beyond the Cold Mountain”
Other Noteworthy Releases
The Beatles The Capitol Albums Vol. 2 (Capitol) – Four disc collection of the American versions of the early albums (The Early Beatles, Beatles VI, Help and Rubber Soul) in both stereo and mono. It’s tempting to purchase, but unless you’re a completist it’s tough to justify.
The Black Angels Passover (Light In the Attic) – Austin, TX band. Appearing at the Troubadour on 6/23.
Download “Bloodhounds on My Trail”
Calexico Garden Ruin (Quarterstick) – Critics are giving it mixed reviews, with most saying it’s a more traditional sounding alt-country record this time around. Listen to Cruel HERE at their label’s site.
Crystal Skulls Outgoing Behavior (Suicide Squeeze) – Appearing at Spaceland on 5/11. Download “Baby Boy”
Eagles of Death Metal Death by Sexy (Downtown) – Trashy side project of Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age. Appearing live at Virgin Records (Hollywood & Highland) on 4/14 at 6:00PM. Download “I Want You So Hard”
Brian Eno and David Byrne My Life in the Bush of Ghosts [2006 Version] (Nonesuch) - Reissue of a rock critic favorite.
Gotan Project Lunatico (XL Recordings)
Jesu Silver (Hydrahead) – Some heavy shoegazer rock.
Ladytron Extended Play (Rykodisc) – Remixes and b-sides.
Lambchop The Decline and Fall of Country & Western Civilization: The Woodwind Years (Merge) – Non-album tracks.
Mecca Normal The Observer (Kill Rock Stars) – This is a concept album about online dating. Oh boy. Appearing at the Silverlake Lounge on 4/27. Download “I’ll Call You”
Moneen The Red Tree (Vagrant) – Music for kids.
Christopher O'Riley Home to Oblivion: An Elliott Smith Tribute by (World Village) – He did the classical treatment to Radiohead, now he’s doing it to Elliott Smith.
Parts & Labor Stay Afraid (Jagjaguwar) – Noise rock. Appearing live at the Echo on 4/28. Download “A Great Divide”
Pretty Girls Make Graves Elan Vital (Matador) – Appearing tonight at Amoeba at 6:00PM and the El Rey on 6/3. Download “The Nocturnal House”
Josh Ritter The Animal Years (V2) Singer-songwriter from Idaho who has become a big star in Ireland. For the KCRW crowd.Appearing live at the El Rey on 6/9. Download “Girl In the War”
Peter Walker Young Gravity (Dangerbird) – Local singer-songwriter who enlisted the help of Jim Fairchild and Aaron Espinosa on this album. Appearing live at Sea Level tonight at 8:00PM.
Download “What Do I Know”
Imaad Wasif Imaad Wasif (Kill Rock Stars) – He was in Alaska and Folk Implosion and lately he’s been touring with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and now he’s playing melancholy singer-songwriter stuff. Download “Out in the Black”
Wilderness Vessel States (Jagjaguwar) Appearing live at the Echo 4/28.
DVD Death Cab for Cutie Directions (original videos for each song from Plans album) (Atlantic)
DVD Mae Shi Lock the Skull, Load the Gun (Kill Rock Stars)
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