Paul (The Minor Canon) Larson's Guest List

The guest lists continue here at You Set the Scene. Today we've got Paul Larson, lead singer of the Minor Canon. He also played guitar on the latest Dntel record.

Worst of 2007:

Bruce Springsteen - Magic

Feist- The Reminder

the Earlies - Enemy Chorus

Radiohead- In Rainbows

Josh Ritter- The Historical Conquests of

Best Of 2007:

Dr. Dog - We All Belong

Arcade Fire - Neon Bible

Albert Hammond Jr. - Yours To Keep

The Broken West - I Can't Go On, I'll Go On

Josh Ritter- The Historical Conquests of

Honorable Mentions:

Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

Wilco - Sky Blue Sky

Handsome Furs - Plague Park

Weekly New Music Releases 11/13/07

I'm rapidly closing the gap, but still two weeks behind. I suck.

For the week 11/13/07:

Top Five Most Interesting Releases of the Week:

The Hives: Black and White Album (A&M) – I’ve always gotten a kick out the Hives. Their music is fun and works well in the background of all the ESPN spots it’s in. This record’s not straight ahead garage rock like their other albums, but there are still enough anthems to please their fans.

Japancakes: Loveless (Darla) – My Bloody Valentine’s Loveless covered with pedal steel and cello (and instrumental). Sure it’s gimmicky, but still probably worth a listen.

Led Zeppelin: Mothership (Atlantic/Rhino) – 2CD retrospective with 24 remastered songs. There’s also a limited edition version with a DVD. If you’ve already got all the studio albums, you probably don’t need it. But if your nephews just getting into music, it’s probably a great gift.

LCD Soundsystem: 45:33 (DFA) – Originally an iTunes exclusive, now available on CD and vinyl.

Os Mutantes: Live at the Barbican Theatre 2006 (Luaka Bop) – Great band. Rita Lee wasn’t on tour with them, but I heard it was still pretty good.

Other Noteworthy New Releases:

Dirty on Purpose: Like Bees EP (North Street)

Duran Duran: Red Carpet Massacre (Epic) – I was never a fan, but I have seen them live and been at a party with Nick Rhodes.

Fancey: Schmancey (What Are Records) – Todd Fancey of the New Pornographers. His last album was okay, but I haven’t heard this one.
Download “Gulf Breeze”

Richmond Fontaine: Live at the Doug Fir Lounge (El Cortez)

The High Violets: Satellite Remixes (Reverberation Records)

Robyn Hitchcock: I Wanna Go Backwards Box Set (Yep Roc) – Five disc collection. I haven’t spent much time with any of his solo records but I do like the Soft Boys (and I’ve seen him live).

House and Parish: One, One-Thousand EP (Arena Rock)

Alicia Keys: As I Am (Sony)

The Killers: Sawdust (Island) – Odds and ends collection featuring Joy Division and Kenny Rogers covers. A guest appearance from Lou Reed and a bunch of other b-sides/unreleased tracks.

Michael Showalter: Sandwiches & Cats (JDub Records) – From the State. Download “Intro to Erotica”

Wire: Read and Burn 03 (Pink Flag)

Recent New Music Releases 10/16/07 & 10/23/07

I'm way behind in trying to keep up with the new releases. Here are some recent weeks...


Top Five New Releases 10/16/07 and 10/23/07:

Can: Anthology 1968-1993 (Mute) – Worth picking up if you don’t have the albums.

Prefuse 73: Preparations (Warp) – It’s got a 65 on Metacritic which seems fair to me.
At the Troubadour on 12/9

[LOCAL] The Warlocks: Heavy Deavy Skull Lover (Tee Pee Records) – The Warlocks are back as a quartet.
At the Troubadour on 11/17

Ween: La Cucaracha (Rounder) – Apparently this is a return to their goofy, sniffing glue style of record. It’s got a 76 on Metacritic.
At the Wiltern on 11/8

Neil Young: Chrome Dreams II (Reprise) – This one’s very hit or miss. I was listening to it a log to get psyched up for his concert. Then he played some of the lamer tracks live and I probably won’t listen to it again for a long time. It’s got a 76 on Metacritic.

Other Interesting New Releases:

Ryan Adams: Follow the Lights EP (Lost Highway) – New and old songs. Two covers (Alice in Chains and Cardinals). He’ll be on Morning Becomes Eclectic on 11/9.

Babyshambles: Shotter’s Nation (Astralwerks) – Pete Doherty stayed out of jail long enough to make another record. I thought the Libertines had two or three decent tracks, but really don’t get it. It’s got a 67 on Metacritic.
Download “Delivery”

Black Dice: Load Blown (Paw Tracks) – Brooklyn experimental/noise/art rock band. It’s got a 73 on Metacritic. At the Echoplex on 11/13.
Download “Kokomo”

Castanets: In the Vines (Asthmatic Kitty) – Indie folk. It’s got a 76 on Metacritic.
Download “Sway” and “This Is the Early Game”

Extra Golden: Hera Ma Nono (Thrill Jockey) – It started out as a school project on Benga music. American/Kenyan collaboration. It’s got a 70 on Metacritic.
Download “Obama”

The Forms: The Forms (Rebel Group) – Steve Albini produced this one. At the Scene on 11/14.

Jesu: Lifeline EP (Hydra Head) – At the Echoplex on 11/9

Dave Gahan: Hourglass (Mute) – The Depeche Mode frontman. It’s got a 65 on Metacritic.

Holy Fuck: Holy Fuck (Young Turks)

Karate: 595 (Southern) – Posthumous live release.

Lazarus: Hawk Medicine (Temporary Residence)
Download “The Sky of the Tall Sun”

The Owls: Daughters and Suns (Magic Marker) – Indie pop.

Phosphorescent: Pride (Dead Oceans) – Ethereal folk
Download “A Picture of Our Torn Up Praise”

Robert Plant & Allison Krauss: Raising Sand (Rounder) – It’s got an 86 on Metacritic.

Randall of Nazareth: Randall of Nazareth (Drag City) – From Pearls and Brass
Download “Ballad of a Sorry Lonely Breaking Man”

R.E.M.: R.E.M. Live CD/DVD (Warner Bros.) – It’s got a 65 on Metacritic. They were my favorite band for a couple of years in high school, but never known for being a great live band.

Saturday Looks Good To Me: Fill Up the Room (K Records) – Indie pop.
At the Echo on 11/10
Download “Make a Plan”

Soft: Gone Faded (Academy Fight Song)
Download “Higher”

Sole: Sole and the Skywriter Band (Anticon)
Download “Shipwreckers”

Soulsavers: It’s Not How Far You Fall, It’s the Way You Land (Columbia) – Mark Lanegan guests on the downbeat electro record. At the Troubadour on 12/2.

Serj Tankian: Elect the Dead (Reprise) – It’s got a 70 on Metacritic. The lead singer of A System of a Down.

Tullycraft: Every Scene Needs a Center (Magic Marker)

[LOCAL] West Indian Girl: 4th and Wall (Milan Records)
Download “To Die in LA”

Dwight Yoakam: Dwight Sings Buck (New West) – I like Dwight Yoakam and I like Buck Owens.

Reissues/Greatest Hits:

The Besnard Lakes: Vol. 1 (Jagjaguwar) – I love the new one, but this one’s not quite the same.

Of Montreal: If He Is Protecting Our Nation, Who Is Protecting Big Oil, Our Children? (Polyvinyl)
At the Avalon on 11/8 and 11/9

New Release Tuesday 10/9/07

Another big release date. Definitely some stuff I need to check out...

Top New Releases (10/9/07):

Band of Horses: Cease to Begin (Sub Pop) – Expect a major promotional push for this thing. If you go into Starbucks Tuesday, one of the tracks is the song of day (meaning you can get a free iTunes download of it). You can buy it for $7.99 at all the big box retailers and Amazon (or $15.99 at your local indie stores). They’ve already licensed songs to Walmart.com and Ford (I’m sure Friday Night Lights and Chuck won’t be too far behind). The band’s featured on the Myspace splash page. All that’s fine and dandy with me as long as the record still moves me. Is it any good? Well, Pitchfork gave it a 7.7/10. Unfortunately I don’t agree. It starts off solid with “Is There a Ghost” but goes downhill from there. Each song seems to get progressively harder and harder to stomach. By the time I get to the fifth song, "The General Specific," I can't even listen anymore. As he sings “la-dee-da” and "the world is beautiful" I can’t help but think la-dee-fucking-Keane. Anyway, listen to it for yourself. They redeem themselves on "Marry Song," the eighth track. I still like his voice and several of the songs (#1, #2, #8). If my expectations hadn’t been so high (their first album was #7 on my “best of 2006” list last year), I probably wouldn’t be so damn critical. I’m sure this record will be huge, but it won't be anywhere near my top 10 this time.
See them at Amoeba on 10/10 at 7:00PM and at the Avalon on 11/24
Download “Is There a Ghost”

Beirut: The Flying Club Cup (Ba Da Bing) – If you’re into Eastern European folk sung by an American kid with a warbly voice, then you’re all over this. I tried really hard to get into Gulag Orkestar and I’ve tried really hard to get into this one, but I'm just never in the mood for this type of thing. That said, I totally respect what’s he’s doing.
At the Avalon on 10/11 and 10/12

Jens Lekman: Night Falls Over Kortadela (Secretly Canadian) - Sweden's so much better than us that a guy like Jens Lekman can hit the top of the charts there.
At the Troubadour on 11/10
Download "The Opposite of Hallelujah" and "Friday Night at the Drive-In Bingo"

Cass McCombs: Dropping the Writ (Domino) - Most of this album was written while he lived here. That almost qualifies it as local. I like his earlier stuff, so I plan on picking this one up.

Download "That's That" and "Deseret"
At the Fonda on 11/27

Robert Pollard: Coast to Coast Carpet of Love (Merge) - "His poppier 'Beatles' side." Celebrating his 50th birthday by releasing two albums.
Download "Current Desperation (Angels Speak of Nothing)"

Robert Pollard: Standard Gargoyle Decisions (Merge) - "His punkier 'Stones' side"
Download "Pill Gone Girl"

Radiohead: In Rainbows (Self-Released Download Only) – Comes out on 10/10. You pay whatever you want and download it Wednesday.

Sunset Rubdown: Random Spirit Lover (Jagjaguwar) - The third album from the Spencer Krug band. I know all the indie kids love it, but I can't couldn't get into the last one.
At El Rey on 10/19
Download "Winged/Wicked Things" and "Up On Your Leopard, Upon the End of Your Feral Days"

Other Releases:

Celebration: Modern Tribe (4AD) - At the Echo on 11/9

Josie Cotton: Invasion of the B-Girls (Scruffy) – Favorites from B-Movies of the 60s and 70s with an introduction by John Waters.

Dead Kennedys: Milking the Sacred Cow (Manifesto) - Probably my favorite band in junior high. This is only 10 songs (+2 unreleased live tracks). I suppose it's a decent introduction.

The Deadstring Brothers: Silver Mountain (Bloodshot)

Electric Six: I Shall Exterminate Everything Around Me That Restricts Me From Being Master (Metropolis)
At the Key Club on 10/18

Enon: Grass Geysers…Carbon Clouds (Touch and Go)
At the Echo on 11/3

Fatboy Slim: Late Night Tales (Thrive) – Fatboy Slim turns you onto Jonathan Richman and the Velvet Underground

The Fiery Furnaces: Widow City (Thrill Jockey) - I don't get these guys at all and I've seen them live and I've heard the records.
At the Troubadour on 10/22

His Name Is Alive: Firefly Dragonfly (Acuarela) - Veteran dream poppers.

[LOCAL] Moving Units: Hexes for Exes (Metropolis) - Blake Miller takes a break from DJ'ing with Aoki.

Scout Niblett: This Fool Can Die Now (Beggars/Too Pure) - Will Oldham makes a notable appearance on "Kiss."
At Pehrspace on 10/12

The Octopus Project: Hello, Avalanche (Peek-a-Boo) – Austin indie-poppers.
At the Roxy on 11/10
Download “I Saw the Bright Shinies”

Old Time Relijun: Catharsis in Crisis (K Records)
Download "Indestructible Life"

Polysics: Polysics or Die – Vista (Myspace Records) - Japanese synth-poppers.
At the Troubadour on 10/13

Prints: Prints (Temporary Residence) - The label stuff compares them to Eno and Brian Wilson. This free download's good enough to make me want to hear more.
Download "Too Much Water"

Ravens and Chimes: Reichenbach Falls (Better Looking Records) –
Listen to “January” and “General Lafayette! You Are Not Alone”

[Local] She Wants Revenge: This Is Forever (Geffen) – So contrived, but if you people want to buy it, go right ahead.
At the Fonda on 11/9 & 11/10

The Silver Seas: High Society (Cheap Lullaby)

Sleeping People: Growing (Temporary Residence) - For the math rock fans.
At the Knitting Factory on 12/2

Spank Rock and Benny Blanco: Bangers and Cash (Downtown) - Satire rap.

Tulsa: I Was Submerged (Park the Van) - David Fricke compared his voice to Jim James and said the music sounds like Parsons-era Byrds which makes me want to hear it.
At the Silverlake Lounge on 11/15

White Shoes and the Couples Company: White Shoes & the Couples Company (Minty Fresh) - From Jakarta

Robert Wyatt: Comicopera (Domino) - The founder of Soft Machine

Reissues:

Moby Grape: Moby Grape (Sundazed) - This one's kind of the quintessential San Francisco psychedelic-era album. If you don't already have it, you probably should get it.

Moby Grape: Wow (Sundazed)

Moby Grape: Grape Jam (Sundazed)

Weekly New Music Releases - Tuesday 10/2/07

Top New Releases:

[LOCAL] Division Day: Beartrap Island (Eenie Meenie) – This is the new and improved version of Division Day’s Beartrap Island. Some of the local readers probably have the original limited release, but it’s been remastered and two tracks have been added. The band plays propulsive, keyboard upfront music that’s still firmly rooted in guitar rock ‘n’ roll. This was on my top 10 list of local acts last year.
Download “Tigers” and “Light Out”

PJ Harvey: White Chalk (Island) – I’m not the world’s biggest PJ Harvey fan, but I was still disappointed with this one. If you’re in the mood for some dark and unhappy shit, then this might be your cup of tea. I couldn’t get through it even once. A lot of the critics seem to find it rewarding (it’s got an 80/100 on Metacritic).
At the Orpheum Theatre on 10/15

Mick Jagger: The Very Best of Mick Jagger (Rhino) – While I’m a pretty huge Stones fan, I’m not super familiar with Jagger’s solo work. Listening to this collection on the way to work reminded me that do own a copy of 1985’s She’s the Boss (I think I picked it up in the $1 vinyl bin a while back). This collection focuses largely on collaborations and experiments. There’s the hit duet with Bowie alongside Jagger’s appearance on a Peter Tosh track. There are several collaborations with Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics. There’s a song co-written by Lenny Kravitz. There’s even a song sung with Bono. You’ve got Jagger’s voice, which is a large part of the Stones, but this collection makes you miss Keith Richards’ balls. A lot of the production sounds dated and limp. A lot of it’s interesting, while some of it would be best forgotten. There are two excellent tracks, “Too Many Cooks (Spoil the Soup” a heavily bootlegged track that was produced by John Lennon in 1973 and features Harry Nilsson on backing vocals. The other is, “Memo From Turner” which comes from the Performance soundtrack and features Ry Cooder on guitar and Steve Winwood on bass.

The Pipettes: We Are the Pipettes (Cherrytree / Interscope) – British trio that wears matching polka dots and pays homage to 1950s girl groups. It’s a little gimmicky, but the backing tracks are pretty good and it’s all in good fun. If you’re into this sort of thing you could do a lot worse. While I don’t find myself listening to it much, I can understand the positive reviews from The Onion and Pitchfork.
At the Echoplex on 10/25

Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band: Magic (Sony) – I’ve never been a fan of the Boss. I was told that non-fans should use Nebraska as a gateway into his catalog. I liked a few tracks, but that didn’t work either. Thanks to massive $1 vinyl bins at local record stores I own most of his catalog, but never play it. This one’s getting some great reviews and some ok reviews. If you like the Hold Steady and don’t own any Springstreen, then you’re musical tastes probably aren’t worth trusting (unless you’re a kid and it’s perfectly acceptable). Needless to say, I’m not too excited about this.
See him at the Sports Arena on 10/29

10/2/07
The 1900s: Cold & Kind (Parasol) – Don’t confuse them with the 1990s.
Download “When I Say Go”

[LOCAL] Aceyalone: Lightning Strikes (Defcon)

[LOCAL] Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti: Scared Famous (Hall of Records) – Forgotten tracks.

Bring Back the Guns: Dry Futures – Download “In Piles/On File”

Carol Bui: Everyone Wore White (54-40 or Fight)
Download “Modern Dance”

David Byrne: Live From Austin, TX (New West) – Austin City Limits performance

Cake: B-Sides and Rarities (Upbeat) – A bunch of covers including Sabbath, Buck Owens, Kenny Rogers and George Jones.

Dashboard Confessional: The Shade of Poison Trees (Vagrant)
At the Orpheum on 10/16 & 10/17

Bob Dylan: Dylan Box Set (Columbia/Legacy) – Thanks again to the $1 dollar bins, I own most of Dylan’s catalog on vinyl. This is a three disc career spanning retrospective. The world probably doesn’t need another Dylan box set, but it’s 4th quarter and record labels like to milk the fans of the of their A list artist every year. With a couple of exceptions, most of his records before 1976 are worth owning in their entirety.

Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings: 100 Days, 100 Nights (Daptone Records) –
At El Rey on 12/4
Download “100 Days, 100 Nights”

Merle Haggard: The Bluegrass Sessions (McCoury Music) – His first real bluegrass album. I’d like to hear it.

Richard Hawley: Lady’s Bridge (Mute)

iLiKETRAiNS: Elegies to Lessons Learnt (Beggars Banquet) – Compared to Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Download “The Deception”

Japancakes: Giving Machines (Darla)

Christian Kiefer and Jefferson Pitcher: To All Dead Soldiers (Camera Obscura)

Annie Lennox: Songs of Mass Destruction (Arista) – I’ve listened to her records way more times than I’d care to admit.
At the Wilshire Theatre on 10/11

Sondre Lerche: Dan in Real Life Soundtrack (Capitol)

Mobius Band: Heaven (Misra)
At the Echo on 10/16 and Spaceland on 10/17
Download “Hallie”

[LOCAL] Peanut Butter Wolf: PBW Presents 2K8 – B-Ball Zombie War (Stones Throw)

John Ralston: Sorry Vampire (Vagrant)
At the Orpheum on 10/16 & 10/17

Chuck Prophet: Soap and Water (Yep Roc)

Doug Sahm: Live From Austin, TX (New West)

Siouxsie: Mantaray (Decca) – Debut solo record from Siouxsie of the Banshees.

Greg Summerlin: All Done in Good Time (Superphonic) - Download “Unlucky in Love”

Ike & Tina Turner: The Ike & Tina Turner Story (Time Life) – 3 CD collection

Various Artists: The Bakers Arms Dozen – A Fierce Panda Collection (Fierce Panda) – Download “Lists” by My Architects

Various: For the Kids Three (Nettwerk)

Various Artists: The Heartbreak Kid soundtrack

Various Artists: Heavy Metal Box Set (Rhino) – Decent collection of 70 tracks from 1968-1991. I’d really only consider myself a fan of about eight of the bands on the set.

[LOCAL] Nico Vega: No Child Left Behind EP (Myspace Records)
Live at the Detour Festival on 10/6

We Are Wolves: Total Magique (Dare to Care)

DVD – The Ramones: It’s Alive (Rhino) – I haven’t watched this yet, but it’s essential viewing for fans of the Ramones. It’s a two disc collection with 119 live performances. I should have a review up later. Watch the Youtube Trailer

Most Interesting New Releases - Tuesday 9/25/07

I'm so far behind, this is for last Tuesday. Too much interesting stuff to investigate...

Top New Releases 9/25/07:

[LOCAL] Devendra Banhart: Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon (XL) – When I see this guy out he seems like a super nice and friendly cat. Then when I see him in photos in Indian headdress or sequin bikinis on the splash page of Myspace I think WTF. He’s managed by Neil Young’s manager and living the sort of idealized hippie existence in Topanga. I know he’s got interesting taste in music, but I’ve never really sat down with any of his records.
See him at the Orpheum on 10/13.
Download “Seahorse”

The Cave Singers: Invitation Songs (Matador) – I was really excited when I heard the first single. Then when I got the full length, the lead singer’s voice was just too much. It’s a rootsy, Appalachian folk-inspired band. His voice is the male equivalent of Victoria Williams. If you can get over that, you might dig it.
See them at the Echo on 10/23.
Download “Seeds of Night”

Georgie James: Places (Saddle Creek) – I got this one in the mail and it didn’t immediately grab me, but my girlfriend found it and told me to give it another shot. It’s John Davis (from Q and Not U) and Laura Burhenn doing real a sorta 1970s soft rock.thing that reminded me a little of Tahiti 80 and reminded my girlfriend of that French band, Mellow. It’s nice and pleastant pop.
See them at the Echo on 10/31.
Download “Need Your Needs” (recommended) and “Cake Parade”

Iron & Wine: The Shepherd’s Dog (Sub Pop) – I’m a big Sam Beam/Iron & Wine fan. I appreciate how he manages to keep doing new things with each album but stays true to his essence. This record features his most fleshed out arrangements with accordions, organs, vibraphones, etc. I still love his sparse, early recordings but this one’s great too. Recommended.
See them at the Orpheum on 11/28
Download “Innocent Bones”

[LOCAL] Sea Wolf: Leaves in the River (Dangerbird) – I haven’t heard the full length yet. As you know Alex Church was the bassist in Irving and split off to form Sea Wolf. He’s already gotten a ton of press and a national TV appearance on Kimmel.
See them at the Troubadour on 11/29

Shocking Pinks: Shocking Pinks (DFA/Astralwerks) – Indie electro-pop from New Zealand. I liked the clips I heard and bought this one (but haven’t had a chance to listen yet).

Stars: In Our Bedroom After the War (Arts & Crafts) – Their fourth album, which I haven’t heard yet. The bits I have heard make it sound like they’ve abandoned the electro-pop sound of their last record.
At the Orpheum on 11/10.

Tunng: Good Arrows (Thrill Jockey) – The third album from the British, folktronica band. I saw Jeff Weiss’ review and requested a copy of this. It’s a really interesting and dense listen that I haven’t had a chance to fully digest yet. If you like the moody, introspective electronic sounds of bands like the Notwist, I think you’ll dig it.
See them at the Echo on 11/6.

Other Interesting Releases:

Athlete: Beyond the Neighborhood (Astralwerks)
At the Troubadour on 11/14

Sir Richard Bishop: Polytheistic Fragments (Drag City) – Founding member of Sun City Girls.
At the Echoplex on 10/5

Karen Dalton: Cotton Eyed Joe (Delmore) – 2CD + DVD

Damon and Naomi: Within These Walls (20/20/20) – Former Galaxie 500 members.
At the Echoplex on 10/15.

Dethklok: The Dethalbum (Williams Street) – Those crazy kids at Adult Swim.

The Dragons: BFI (Ninja Tune) – First time ever release from the Dragon brothers who went on to back up the Beach Boys. Brother Daryl is also known as the Captain from Captain and Tenille. I’m a sucker for this type of story, so I’m sure I’ll pick it up. The bits I’ve heard sound a little bit jazzy, a little bit spacey, a little bit funky.

Dragons of Zynth: Coronation Thieves (Gigantic Records)
Download “Get Off”

Steve Earle: Washington Square Serenade (New West)

Eskimo Joe: Black Fingernails Red Wine
Download “Black Fingernails, Red Wine” and “New York”

Foo Fighters: Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace (RCA) – Remember how they promote this shit?

Jose Gonzalez: In Our Nature (Mute) – Talented Swedish singer-songwriter with one of those haunting voices.
At El Rey on 10/10

The GoStation: Passion Before Function (Edge Delay)
Download “All Together Now”

Bettye LaVette: The Scene of the Crime (Anti) – Soul music.
Download “Talking Old Soldiers” and “You Don’t Know Me at All”

Loney, Dear: Sologne (Rebel Group) – Reissue

Magik Markers: Boss (Ecstatic Peace)
See them at Spaceland on 10/14

Mountain Home: Mountain Home (Drag City)

mum: Go Go Smear the Poison Ivy (Fat Cat) – Atmospheric Icelandic people
See them at the Orpheum on 10/24

The New Amsterdams: At the Foot of My Rival (Curb Appeal) – Lawrence, KS

Office: A Night at the Ritz (New Line) – Chicago band. I wanted to hear them since they’re touring with Earlimart. The lyrics are really inane which make it sleaze-pop, but I don’t find it that interesting.
At the Troubadour on 10/24
Download “The Ritz” and “Oh My”

The Red Krayola with Art & Language: Sighs Trapped By Liars (Drag City)

Brian Setzer Orchestra: Wolfgang’s Big Night Out (Surfdog Records) - At the Gibson on 12/21.
Download “Wolfgang’s Big Night Out”

Small Sins: Mood Swings (Astralwerks) – These guys toured with the Little Ones, but I haven’t really heard them.
At Spaceland on 11/7

Takka Takka: We Feel Safer At Night (Ernest Jenning) – These guys got a lot of post-CYHSY attention.

Telephone Jim Jesus: Anywhere Out of Everything (Anticon)

Two Gallants: Two Gallants (Saddle Creek)
At El Rey on 10/18
Download “The Hand That Held Me Down” and “Despite What You’ve Been Told”

Various Artists: People Take Warning – Murder Ballads & Disaster Songs 1913-1938 (Tompkins Square) – Three disc box set that would make a great gift for your American roots loving music snob friends.

Via Audio: Say Something (Sidecho)

The Weakerthans: Reunion Tour (Epitaph)
See them at El Rey on 10/2

Zolar X: X Marks the Spot (Alternative Tentacles) – Crazy scenesters who dressed up like Space Aliens and hung out at Rodney Bingenheimer’s English Disco. Jello Biafra was a huge fan, thus the label connection.

New Music Releases 9/18/07

Not as good as last week, but a number of promising releases. Unfortunately I haven't sampled too many of these yet. A few good Christmas box sets too....

Most Interesting New Releases:

Akron/Family: Love Is Simple (Young God) – This was the leadoff review in the Other Music mailer this week, so you know they’ve got music snob cred. You know you’ve been blogging for too long when you realize you’ve recommended seeing them twice, yet have no recollection of it. Damn. Anyway, they’re in the freak-folk family. See them at the Troubadour on 10/12.
Download “Ed Is a Portal” and “Phenomena”

Broken Social Scene Presents Kevin Drew: Spirit If (Arts & Crafts) – Haven’t heard it. Not sure why this one’s considered a solo album? I do like Broken Social Scene, so I’ll pick it up. See him at the Orpheum on 10/30. Feist, Emily Haines, Amy Milan, J. Mascis, Spiral Stairs and Jason Collett all make appearances.

Emmylou Harris: Songbird Box Set (Rhino Records) – She’s got one of my favorite voices. Four CDs and one DVD. Instead of focusing on greatest hits, the first two discs have her favorite songs while the next two discs have obscure or unreleased tracks. This might make a nice Christmas gift for me (unless one of the fine people at Rhino unexpectedly sends me a copy in the mail). Read the press release HERE.

Les Savy Fav: Let’s Stay Friends (Frenchkiss) – These veteran heavyish indie rockers seem like a band I should have paid more attention to in college. Pitchfork gave this an 8.3 and put it in their best new music column.
Download “What Would Wolves Do” and “The Equestrian”

[LOCAL] HEALTH: HEALTH (Lovepump United) – Local band that’s part of the all ages, Smell crowd. Their press release compares them to Liars, Black Dice and Animal Collective which gives you an idea of their experimental nature. See them at the Smell on 11/3.
Download “Triceratops” and “Crimewave” and “Perfect Skin”

Percee P: Perseverance (Stones Throw) – The underground hip-hop fans have been looking forward to this one for a while. Madlib helps out. Aesop Rock makes an appearance. Other Music gives it high praise.

Thurston: Trees Outside the Academy (Ecstatic Peace) – Thurston Moore, the Sonic Youth frontman does the (mostly) acoustic singer-songwriter thing. J. Mascis shows up on some of the tracks. Pitchfork gave this one a 7.9. At the Echoplex on 10/30.

Other Releases:

Acid Mothers Guru Guru: Psychedelic Navigator (Important)

Baron Zen: At the Mall Remixes (Stones Throw) – Baron Zen included Peanut Butter Wolf (Chris Manak) before he started the Stones Throw label. This has remixes from the Stones Throw stable. Check out the record release party on 9/19 at the Roxy.

Bella: No One Will Know (Mint) – West Coast indie pop.

Chamillionaire: Ultimate Victory (Motown)

Crescent: Little Waves (Fat Cat)
Download “Little Waves”

The Donnas: Bitchin’ (Feather Records) – Melodic punk-pop. At the Roxy on 10/27.

Fog: Ditherer (Lex Records) – Alan Sparkhaw, Andrew Bird and Why? Make guest appearances. At Spaceland on 11/9.

Mary Gauthier: Between Daylight and Dark (Lost Highway)

Gravenhurst: The Western Lands (Warp) – AMG says they’re equally inspired by Bert Jansch and My Bloody Valentine.

Green Pajamas: Box of Secrets – Northern Gothic 2 (Hidden Agenda) – Retrospective of the Seattle neo-psych band inspired by LA’s Paisley Underground scene.

His Name Is Alive: Xmmer (Reincarnate) – Ethereal

Jesca Hoop: Kismet (Columbia) – KCRW darling at the Wiltern on 9/21.

Jana Hunter: Carrion (Gnomonsong)

Ben Lee: Ripe (New West) – I’ve been watching his career for over a decade (since the Noise Addict days). This new one is studio polished singer-songwriter material. He’s got sex on the mind and even does a duet with Mandy Moore.

Magnet: The Simple Life (Filter US Recordings) – At the Roxy on 11/14
Download “Lonely No More”

Ministry: The Last Sucker (13th Planet Recordings) – Their last studio album.
Download “Die In a Crash” and “Let’s Go”

Motion City Soundtrack: Even If It Kills Me (Epitaph) – At the Wiltern on 12/4. For the Hot Topic crowd.

Myracle Brah: Can You Hear Myracle Brah (Rainbow Quartz) – Power pop.
Download “This Is Where We Belong”

Plasticines: LP1 (Virigin) – Four French girls play peppy punk.

Polyphonic Spree: Live from Austin, TX (New West) – From their August 2004 appearance on Austin City Limits.

Rogue Wave: Asleep at Heaven’s Gate (Brushfire) – Leaving behind Sub Pop for Jack Johnson’s Brushfire, the Oakland band releases their third album. They seem to be chasing commercialism and putting out more watered down releases each time. See them at Fingerprints in Long Beach on 9/21 or El Rey on 10/11. Also, there’s just something about straight guys and thumb rings…..

Sleeping States: There the Open Spaces (Misra) – At Bordello on 9/27.
Download “Rivers”

Various Artists: Love Is the Song We Sing – San Francisco Nuggets 1965-1970 (Rhino) – Another four disc, 77-track collection that explores the San Francisco scene in great detail. The first two Nuggets box sets are essential. Not sure about this one? I am curious though. While I’m familiar with Country Joe, the Warlocks, Beau Brummels, Grateful Dead, Big Brother and the Holding Company, Jefferson Airplane, Steve Miller Band, Moby Grape, there are lots of obscurities.

Various Artists: You Got Yours – East Bay Garage 1965-1967 (Big Beat) – Maybe an interesting companion piece to the hippie set above.

Eddie Vedder: Into the Wild soundtrack (J Records) – The Pearl Jam frontman does the soundtrack for the new Sean Penn film. It’s mostly mellow, acoustic type songs befitting the subject of the film (a young guy who loses himself in the Alaskan wilderness).

Vells: Integreton (Imputor? Records) – Seattle

Wooden Shjips: Wooden Shjips (Holy Mountain) – Garage drone from San Francisco.
Download “We Ask You to Ride”

DVD:

The Best of the Johnny Cash TV Show (Columbia Legacy) – 66 performance clips on two discs. Includes performances by Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Kris Kristofferson, George Jones, Waylon Jennings, Neil Young, Bill Monroe, Loretta Lynn, the Everly Brothers, Conway Twitty, Glen Campbell, Merle Haggard, Carl Perkins and lots more.

Digital:

Division Day: Beartrap Island (Eenie Meenie) - This is available on iTunes. I'll write more about it when the physical version comes out on 10/2.

Weekly New Releases 9/11/07

This is a ridiculously strong week with something for everybody (and lots for people with broad tastes).....

Top New Releases:

Animal Collective: Strawberry Jam (Domino) - Indie snobs and rock critics adore these guys (Pitchfork gave this one a 9.3 and it's gotten great reviews elsewhere). While I feel like it's a bit of a chore to listen to one of their records all the way through, they do have their moments. As affected as they seem to me, they're also undeniably original, psychedelic and whatever else you might feel about them. They seem to be having a lot of fun too, so it's hard to be too critical. At the Fonda on 9/18

[LOCAL] The Deadly Syndrome: The Ortolan (Dim Mak) – Back on December 8, 2006 I named them one of the my top three local bands to watch out for in 2007. Thankfully their debut record is finally available and it doesn't disappoint. The songs are mostly upbeat and catchy, but more introspective than I was expecting. The songs are often piano/keyboard driven but there's also the occasional accordion. I recommend this one if you're into slightly askew indie pop. Since I got it a few weeks ago, it's really grown on me. See them at the Detour Festival on 10/6.

Download “Eucalyptus”

[PART LOCAL] Film School: Hideout (Beggars) – The San Francisco/LA band releases their third album. If you're into dreamy, atmospeheric noise pop then you'll want to check this one out. See them at Amoeba on 9/20 and Echoplex on 11/15. Download “Lectric”

The Go Team!: Proof of Youth (Sub Pop) - This is their eagerly anticipated second album. They've got a live band and a lot of guest appearances. I haven't heard it yet, but based on the reviews, it sounds like it's just as exuberant and well suited for starting the party as their first album. See them at the Echoplex on 10/21.

Oakley Hall

: I'll Follow You (Merge) - This is the Brooklyn band's fourth release. With their lap steel, fiddle and organ (along with drums, bass, and guitars) their music should appeal to people who like old country-rock. But the great thing about Oakley Hall is that their not on some retro trip. Instead of trying to duplicate the masters, they're bringing a perspective informed by punk, krautrock and classic rock. The result is a fresh rock'n'roll sound. Easily their best album to date. Recommended for fans of straight up rock'n'roll. They're a great live band too. See them at Spaceland on 9/21.

Pinback: Autumn of the Seraphs (Touch & Go) - I like all their records, so I'm sure I'll like this one. Layered and lush indie rock that sometimes gets wrongly labeled emo. See them at Amoeba on 9/12 and the Wiltern on 10/28.

Listen to "From Nothing to Nowhere"

Emma Pollock: Watch the Fireworks (4AD) - I was a fan of the Delgados, so I was immediately drawn to Emma's voice on her solo debut. There are a few tracks like the excellent "Adrenaline" that sound like they could have been on the last Delgados record. Not all the tracks are that upbeat, but the whole record's well worth hearing. This one is recommended for fans of dreamy, indie pop.
Download "Adrenaline" [Highly Recommended]

[LOCAL] Qui: Love’s Miracle (Ipecac) - They were an intense local duo who got the opportunity to have one of their heroes join them as a frontman (David Yow of Jesus Lizard/Scratch Acid). The music's not for everybody, but if you're sick of Grey's Anatomy soundtracks, iTunes commercials and people rocking out to the Shins and Arcade Fire in their BMWs, then this might be the kick in the scrotum you need. Recommended for fans of the Melvins, Jesus Lizard, Scratch Acid and other bowel loosening music. See them at the Echo tonight (9/11)

Kanye West: Graduation (Roc-aFella) - This one's getting almost univerally positive reviews. Check out Jeff Weiss' humorous take on the 50 Cent/Kanye beef at the LA Weekly.

Other Noteworthy New Releases:

50 Cent: Curtis (G-Unit/Interscope) - Timbaland and Dr. Dre help producer. Eminem and Justin Timberlake make appearances. Mostly blah reviews.

Adrian Orange: Adrian Orange & Her Band (K) - Formerly of Thanksgiving. No longer lo-fi, he's got a 17 piece band backing him up.

Axe Riverboy: Tu Tu to Tango (Minty Fresh) - The former frontman for French rockers, Tahiti 80. I liked those guys, very light, upbeat, almost dance music.

Black Francis: Bluefinger (Cooking Vinyl) - The Pixies frontman. See him at Safari Sam's on 10/15 and 10/16.

Black Lips: Good Bad Not Evil (Vice) - Garage punks. See them at the Troubadour on 10/19.

C.O.C.O: Play Drums + Bass (K) - Inspired by ESG and no wave bands. Download "For You"

Vic Chesnutt: North Star Deserter (Constellation) - Talented rootsy singer-songwriter.

The Dirty Projectors: Rise Above (Dead Oceans) - Covering Black Flag songs. At the Echo on 9/14.

[LOCAL] Eulogies: Eulogies (Dangerbird) – Local indie rockers led by Dangerbird Records founder, Peter Walker. If you like his solo records, I'm sure you'll like this. Their tour with Film School stops at the Echoplex on 11/15.

Download “One Man”

Figurines: When the Deer Wore Blue (The Control Group) - Indie rockers from Denmark. I haven't heard it yet. See them at Spaceland on 10/16.

The Good Life: Help Wanted Nights (Saddle Creek) - Led by Cursive's Tim Kasher. At the Troubadour on 10/25. Supposedly Kasher lives in LA these days.
Download "Heartbroke" and "You Don't Feel Like Home to Me"

Joe Henry: Civilians (Anti) - Veteran, rootsy singer-songwriter. Van Dyke Parks makes an appearance. See him at Largo on 9/14.

Hot Hot Heat: Happiness LTD (Sire) - See them tonight (9/11) for free at Cinespace with the purchase of the album at Best Buy. I haven't heard this one yet. I think the guitarist lives in LA these days.

Picastro: Whore Luck (Polyvinyl) - Female fronted, maudlin band with stark instrumentation.
Download "Hortur"

[LOCAL] Jonathan Rice: Further North (Reprise) – Local singer-songwriter and the envy of indie dudes around the world (he dates Jenny Lewis). I haven't heard this one, but All Music said his last album was somewhere between Pete Yorn and Badly Drawn Boy. At the Troubadour on 10/25.

Shout Out Louds: Our Ill Wills (Merge) - This is the Swedes indie debut after getting dropped by Capitol. I haven't heard the whole thing, but that first single is ridiculously Cure-like. Their first album was pretty good, so if you don't mind derivative music and like indie pop, check it out. See them at the Detour Festival on 10/6.

Simian Mobile Disco: Attack Decay Sustain Release (Wichita) – Producers and former members of Simian. If you like house/dance music along the lines of Daft Punk, you might want to check this out. At the Echoplex on 9/22.

Taken By Trees: Open Field (Rough Trade) - This is Victoria Bergsman's new solo release. She was formerly the singer in the Concretes and she's the female voice on PB&J's "Young Folks." I've listened to this one a couple of times and it's pretty good. I do like her voice, but the arrangements aren't that varied and the songs start to run into each other by the end. However, if you like fragile, female voices, go stream it on Myspace and see what you think.

Reissues / Compilations:

Ani DiFranco: Canon (Righteous Babe) - Career retropspective.

Cloud Cult: Advice from the Happy Hippopotamus (Earthology) – Re-release

Elvis Costello: My Aim Is True Reissue (Hip-O)

June Panic: Songs from Purgatory (Secretly Canadian) - Compilation

Download "Sundowner" and "Birthday Present"

Mono: Gone - A Collection of EPs 2000-2007 (Temporary Residence) – Live at El Rey on 9/21

Download “Gone”

Top Five New Releases - Tuesday 9/4/07

Top Five New Releases:

[LOCAL] Ferraby Lionheart: Catch the Brass Ring (Nettwerk) – Local singer-songwriter’s debut full-length. The EP was good. See him at the Troubadour on 9/13.

Life on Earth: Look! There Is Life on Earth! (Subliminal) – This is Mattias Gustavvson from Dungen’s solo record (but many of the other guys appear on some of the tracks as does Mia Doi Todd). The CD came out a few months ago, but the vinyl is available today.

Pink Floyd: Piper at the Gates of Dawn 40th Anniversary (Capitol) – Their first album and the only one with Syd Barrett. Obviously if you don’t have it you should pick it up immediately. If you do have it, depends on how much you like it. Capitol releases a two disc CD version with the stereo and mono mixes and a three disc limited edition version with a 12 page reproduction of Barrett’s notebook and a cloth cover designed by Storm Thorgerson. Both versions have been remastered. From the press release: Disc 3 includes bonus tracks, including the following: all the Pink Floyd singles from 1967, ('Arnold Layne', 'See Emily Play', and 'Apples And Oranges'), plus the B sides 'Candy And A Current Bun' and 'Paintbox'. Other tracks are a version of 'Interstellar Overdrive' - Take 2 of the original recording sessions, previously only available on an EP in France - and the 1967 stereo version of 'Apples And Oranges'.

Various Artists: Guilt By Association (Engine Room) – This is a hit or miss collection of indie artists doing covers of their favorite guilty pleasures. Petra Haden’s cover of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” and Luna’s cover of Paul Abdul’s “Straight Up” are a couple of my favorites. Will Oldham (Mariah Carey), Devendra Banhart (Oasis) turn in pretty interesting covers as well.

Various Artists: Home Schooled – The ABCs of Kid Soul (Numero Uno) – This one came out last week, but I missed it. Well done compilation of obscure 1970s kid soul tunes.

Other Noteworthy New Releases:

Manu Chao: La Radiolina (Nacional) – Pioneer of Latin alternative. He appeared on Morning Becomes Eclectic this morning.

Marla Hansen: Wedding Day (Standard Recording) – Classically trained violist who has performed with Sufjan and My Brightest Diamond.

Calvin Harris: I Created Disco (Almost Gold) – For the indie dance crowd. Electro beats likely influenced by Daft Punk and LCD Soundsystem. At the Echo on 9/14.

Heavy Trash: Going Way Out with Heavy Trash (Yep Roc) – Jon Spencer and Matt Verta-Ray get backed up by the Sadies on several of these tracks. At the Echo on 11/10.

The Holloways: So This is Great Britain (TVT) – British band along the lines of Arctic Monkeys.

Reissues:

Townes Van Zandt: Be Here to Love Me soundtrack (Fat Possum) – Great, but depressing singer-songwriter. This is the soundtrack to the documentary with dialogue snippets, live versions and well known tracks.

Townes Van Zandt: For the Sake of the Song (Fat Possum) – This is his debut album with “Tecumseh Valley,” “Waiting Around to Die,” etc. His catalog goes in and out of print all the time, so hopefully Fat Possum will keep these in print.

Digital Only:

Grand Ole Party: Humanimals (Digital only) – See them at the Santa Monica Civic on 10/15. Download “Look Out Young Son”

Midlake: Oak and Julian EP (Digital only)

M83: Digital Shades Vol. 1 (Digital only)

Top Five New Music Releases - 8/28/07

It's a strong week for underground hip-hop fans (Aesop Rock, Blockhead, Madlib) and experimental rock fans (No Age, Liars).

Top Five New Releases:
Aesop Rock: None Shall Pass (Definitive Jux) – Download “None Shall Pass” and “Citronella” At the Fonda on 10/12.

[2/3 LOCAL] Liars: Liars (Mute) – The critically acclaimed group’s fourth album is getting great reviews again. As experimental as they are, their success always surprises me. See them open for Interpol at the Forum on 10/23.
Stream Plaster Casts of Everything (audio)http://mute.edgeboss.net/wmedia/mute/liars/plaster_cast_of_everything_128k.wax
http://mute.edgeboss.net/real/mute/liars/plaster_cast_of_everything_128k.ram

[LOCAL] No Age: Weirdo Rippers (Fat Cat) – See them at Amoeba tonight or the Smell on 10/5. They’re an experimental duo and kind of the first of the Smell bands to begin to crossover into the mainstream. This release compiles five of their indie releases onto one disc.

Ringo Starr: Photograph – The Very Best of Ringo Starr (Capitol) – While owning almost every other Beatles entire catalog, I’m guilty of not being at all familiar with Ringo’s solo stuff. This is the first true greatest hits collection.

Super Furry Animals: Hey Venus! (Rough Trade Import) – Weirdo Welshmen. The vinyl and digital release is out today domestically. The CD with bonus material will come out in early 2008.

Other Noteworthy Releases:

Angels of Light: We Are Him (Young God) – Michael Gira’s band.
Download “Black River Song”

Blockhead: Uncle Tony’s Coloring Book (Ninja Tune) – At the Fonda on 10/12. The longtime Aesop Rock producer.

Circus Devils: Sgt. Disco (Ipecac) – Robert Pollard with Todd and Tim Tobias.

Concentrick: Aluminum Lake (Drag City) – Tim Green of the Fucking Champs. Download “Sacred Texts”

The Honorary Title: Scream & Light Up the Sky (Reprise) – Live at the Avalon on 9/7.

The Howling Hex: XI (Drag City) – Neil Michael Hagerty.
Download “Everybody’s Doing It”

Jamie T.: Panic Prevention (Caroline) – At the Troubadour on 9/26. The male Lily Allen? He’s nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize.

Lyle Lovett: It’s Not Big It’s Large (Lost Highway)

[LOCAL] Madlib: Beat Konducta Vol. 3-4 in India (Stones Throw)

Michael McDermott: Noise From Words (One Little Indian) – Singer-songwriter from Chicago. At the Hotel Café on 10/12.

New Young Pony Club: Fantastic Playroom (Modular) – British new wave, dance rock band that’s also nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize.

Northern State: Can I Keep This Pen? (Ipecac) – At the Orpheum on 10/29 with Tegan and Sara. Adrock helped out on this one.

Odd Nosdam: Level Live Wires (Anticon)

Turbonegro: Retox (Cooking Vinyl) – This was delayed from the 14th. Norway’s favorite fake leather boys. See them at LA Weekly’s Detour festival on 10/6 and the Fonda on 10/7.

VHS or Beta: Bring on the Comets (Astralwerks) – They were at the forefront of the latest dance rock revival. See them at the Echoplex on 9/15.

Singles:
[LOCAL] Darker My Love/ Moccasin: Split 12” (Ihaterocknroll)

Weekly New Music Releases - 8/21/07

There are lots of interesting releases this week. It makes me sad that Sea Level's not around anymore. The idea of popping in on the way to the Earlimart record release show at the Echoplex sounds very appealing right now....

Top Five New Releases:

[LOCAL] Earlimart: Mentor Tormentor (Majordomo) – Earlimart's back with their best album yet. The new album is a lush continuation of 2004's Treble & Tremble, so expect more comparisons to Grandaddy and Elliott Smith. After shopping the album to multiple labels, Espinoza settled on releasing it himself through Shout Factory. See them at the Echoplex tonight, 8/21 or the Troubadour on 10/24. Aaron was on Morning Becomes Eclectic this morning (you should be able to downlod the pocast soon). He'll be on Sinking with Sylvia on Little Radio on September 6th. Recommended.
Download "Everybody Knows Everybody" (via Pitchfork)
Download "Nevermind the Phonecalls" (via Pitchfork)
Download "Don't Think About Me" (via Pitchfork)

M.I.A.: Kala (Interscope) - I'm not really an M.I.A. guy, but critics and indie kids both love her. Switch produced most of the new record. Vibe panned it, but it's got an 87/100 on Metacritic. I'm sure I'll end up picking it up.

The New Pornographers: Challengers (Matador) – This one's even more "introspective" than the last (and I wished the last was more like Electric Version). Pitchfork gave it a mediocre review, which I'm inclined to agree with at this point. At the Fonda on 9/19 and 9/20.

[LOCAL] Patrick Park: Everyone’s In Everyone (Curb Appeal) - Like Earlimart, the local singer-songwriter is on a new label. I haven't heard much of it, but my impression is that it's thankfully more stripped down than Loneliness Knows My Name. I plan on picking this one up.

[LOCAL] Rilo Kiley: Under the Blacklight (Warner Bros.) - Their major label debut is definitely a departure from their old sound. (I recommend you stream the full album on their Myspace page before purchasing). Jason Lader (Gwen Stefani, Maroon 5) and Mike Elizondo (Dr. Dre) produced the bulk of it. Lyrically, there's a whore/stripper motif throughout. Many of the songs have a weak disco beat, which is on par with what you hear in bad porn films. Jenny Lewis' voice sounds great, even when she's singing about smoking pole. Longtime Rilo Kiley fans are split. "Silver Lining" and "The Angels Hung Around" are my favorite tracks, while "Dejalo" and "Smoke Detector" are the worst. At the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on 10/15.

Other Noteworthy New Releases:

Lindsay Anderson: If (Minty Fresh)

Architecture in Helsinki: Places Like This (Polyvinyl) – If Sea Level were still around, Todd would probably be pushing this record on you. At the Troubadour from 11/5-11/7.
Download "Heart it Races"

Caribou: Andorra (Merge) – I liked the last two albums. At the Troubadour on 10/26. I need to pick this one up.

David Dondero: Simple Love (Team Love) - He's going on tour with AgainstMe.
Download "When the Heart Breaks Deep"

Jeremy Enigk: The Missing Link (567 Records) - Emo pioneer as lead singer of Sunny Day Real Estate.

Ryan Ferguson: Only Trying to Help (Better Looking Records) - From San Diego, fomerly in No Knife.
Download "Remission"
Download "Kill My Confidence"

The Flaming Lips: UFOs at the Zoo Audio DVD (WEA/Reprise)

[LOCAL] Foreign Born: On the Wing Now (Dim Mak) – See them at the Echo tonight (8/21) or the Echoplex on Sunday. Pitchfork gave them a good review today, throwing around "anthem" and "U2" in the review.
Download "In the Shape"
Download "Union Hall"

Galactic: From the Corner to the Block (Anti) - At the House of Blues on 10/12

Imperial Teen: The Hair, The TV, The Baby & the Band (Merge) – At Spaceland on 9/28

Kinksi: Down Below It’s Chaos (Sub Pop) – At the Echo on 9/12
Download "Punching Goodbye Out Front"

Talib Kweli: Ear Drum (Warner Bros.)

The Mekons: Natural (Quarter Stick)
Download "Dickie, Chalkie and Nobby"

The Mendoza Line: 30 Year Low (Glurp)

Minus the Bear: Planet of Ice (Suicide Squeeze) – At the Avalon on 11/3.
Download "Throwin' Shapes"
Download "Dr L'Ling"

Numbers: Now You Are This (Kill Rock Stars) – At the Smell on 10/12.
Download "Mind Hole"

Over the Rhine: The Trumpet Child (Great Speckled Dog) – At the Knitting Factory on 9/21

Josh Ritter: The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter (Sony) - At El Rey on 10/25.

[LOCAL] The Section Quartet: Fuzzbox (Decca) – Doing their string thing on songs by the Strokes, the Postal Service, Muse, Radiohead and others. At the Troubdour on 8/27.

Mike Seeger: Tipple, Loom & Rail – Songs of the Industrialization of the South (Smithsonian Folkways)

Stereo Total: Paris-Berlin (Kill Rock Stars) - Fun, party music. At El Rey on 9/7.

Sun Ra: The Night of the Purple Moon (Atavistic) - Reissue.

Luke Temple: Snowbeast (Millpond) - He's got a unique voice that Sufjan Stevens and Ben Gibbard (Death Cab) love. I'm still on the fence. You should go stream some songs on his Myspace page.

Travis Morrison Hellfighters: All Y’all (Barsuk) - Former singer in the Dismemberment Plan.
Download "As We Proceed"

Various Artists: This Is Next (Vice) - Vice puts out an indie rock compilation for beginners.

Various Artists: Total 8 (Kompakt)

SINGLES:

[LOCAL] Nico Vega: Cocaine Cooked the Brain 7" and iTunes (Iamsound) - Co-written by Squeak E. Clean who produced the last Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Nico Vega's heading out with the Shout Out Louds soon.

Weekly New Music Releases - 8/14/07

The new Earlimart comes out next Tuesday. Until then, I'm most intrigued by the Nina Nastasia/Jim White and the Oh No....

Top Five Most Interesting Releases:

Eric Copeland: Hermaphrodite (Paw Tracks) – From experimental rockers, Black Dice. Pitchfork gave this is pretty impressive 7.6/10. Stream “Green Burrito” from P’fork.

Nina Nastasia and Jim White: You Follow Me (Fat Cat) – Folky, Steve Albini produced collaboration. Pitchfork gave this one an impressive 8.6/10.

Oh No: Dr. No’s Experiment (Stones Throw) – Well regarded hip-hop producer (and Madlib’s younger brother). Straight outta Oxnard.

The Rentals: The Last Little Life EP (Boompa) – The (long ago) former Weezer bassist.

Turbonegro: Retox (Cooking Vinyl) – Norway’s favorite fake leather boys. See them at LA Weekly’s Detour festival on 10/6 and the Fonda on 10/7. I watched their documentary once. Pretty amusing.

Other Noteworthy Releases:

Bang Lime: Best Friends in Love (Last Gang Records) – The rhythm section from Metric.

Dollar Store: Money Music (Bloodshot) – More rocking side band from some of the Waco Brothers.

Eisley: Combinations (Reprise) – Emotionally soaring rock. At the Avalon on 9/28.

Erik Friedlander: Block Ice and Propane (SkipStone) – Jazzy Mountain Goats affiliate

Floratone: Floratone (Blue Note) – Bill Frisell, Matt Chamberlain, Tucker Martine, etc.
John Lennon: solo work available now through iTunes Plus for $1.29 per song.

Dean Martin: Forever Cool (Capitol) – Crooner. Pairs his voice with modern artists like Kevin Spacey. Stream album HERE.

Dave Mathews and Tim Reynolds: Live at Radio City Music Hall (RCA) – Jammy. Two disc collection.

Recoil: Subhuman Deluxe (Mute) – Alan Wilder formerly of Depeche Mode

Linda Thompson: Versatile Heart (Rounder) – English traditional folk.

Paul Van Dyk: In Between (Mute) – Electronica

Various Artists: Entourage Soundtrack (Atlantic) – A lot of hip-hop and one Cold War
Kids song. The ultimate guilty pleasure show.

Various Artists: "Musicfest NW Vol. 2," – Coincides with the Portland Music festival going on from 9/6-9/9. LA bands Brian Jonestown Massacre, Rilo Kiley, The Bronx and Clipse will be performing.

You Say Party! We Say Die: Lose All Time (Paper Bag) – Canadian dance punk.

Weekly New Releases 8/7/07

Top Five New Releases:
Art in Manilla: Set the Woods on Fire (Saddle Creek) – Orenda Fink from Azure Ray.

Download “Set the Woods on Fire” and “The Abomination”

Augie March: Moo, You Bloody Choir (Jive/Zomba) – See these Aussies tomorrow night (8/9/07) at the Roxy. They’re a huge deal in Australia and they’ve gotten great reviews from indie snobs like Pitchfork. Win a prize pack by emailing me by 5:00PM tonight.

Download “One Crowded Hour”

The Brunettes: Structure and Cosmetics (Sub Pop) – New Zealanders. See them at the Troubadour on 9/13.

Download “Small Town Crew”

Magnolia Electric Co.: Sojourner Box Set (Secretly Canadian) – Box set with four CDs, a DVD, a set of postcards, a medallion and a poster.

Okkervil River: The Stage Names (Jagjaguwar) – There’s a double disc limited edition version limited to 1500 copies. See them at the Troubadour on 9/4.

Download “Our Life Is Not a Movie Or Maybe”

Other Noteworthy New Releases:
Benzos: Branches (Stinky)

Christy & Emily: Gueen’s Head (Social Registry)

Flight of the Conchords: The Distant Future EP (Sub Pop) – The full-length will come out in October. The HBO show’s worth checking out. Download “Business Time”

Jennifer Gentle: A New Astronomy (A Silent Place) – Not a proper release. Mostly instrumental drone music. See them at the 6th Street Warehouse on 8/14.

Marissa Nadler: Song 3 – Bird on the Water (Kemado) – See her at Spaceland on 8/23.

Mirah and Spectratone: Share This Place (K Records)

Schooner: Hold on Too Tight (54-40 or Fight)

Tarantel: Ghetto Beats on the Surface of the Sun (Temporary Residence)

Five Most Interesting New Releases 7/31/07

Top Five Most Interesting New Releases:
1990s: Cookies (Rough Trade) – See them at the Echo on 8/5 or the Troubadour on 8/7. Upbeat Scots. Download “You’re Supposed to Be My Friend”
Bat for Lashes: Fur and Gold (Caroline) – The hottest (both literally and figuratively) new British export. Adored by Thom Yorke. Considered freak-folk (but she sounds more listenable than a lot of that stuff). See her at Spaceland tomorrow 7/31 and hear her on Morning Becomes Eclectic on Wednesday (August 1).
Dave Davies: Fractured Mindz (Koch) – The first album since his stroke in 2004. As you may know, the Kinks are my favorite band of all time.
The Nobility: The Mezzanine (Self-Released) – Nashville indie pop band that I’m really enjoying right now. I recently profiled them HERE. Download “Halleluiah Chorus”
The Phantom Family Halo: The Legend of Black Six (Cold Sweat) – They spent a bunch of time in LA last week. Mellowly psychedelic. Download “Black River” and “Lady Blue”

Other Noteworthy Releases:
Common: Finding Forever (Geffen) – Produced by Kanye West with a guest appearance from Lily Allen. See him at Starbucks on the 3rd Street Promenade at Noon on July 31st.
Culver City Dub Collective: Dos (Everloving) – See them at the Troubadour on 8/17 and the Sunset Junction the next day. For the Jack Johnson / Ben Harper crowd.
Department of Eagles: The Cold Nose (American Dust) – This is a reissue of their 2003 album. Daniel Rossen of Grizzly Bear is in this band.
The Louvin Brothers: Tragic Songs of Life / Satan Is Real (Raven AUS) – Australian reissue of two absolutely classic country/gospel albums.
Bob Marley: Roots, Rock, Remixed (Quango Fontana) – Marley remixes.
Polly Paulusma: Fingers & Thumbs (One Little Indian) – Nic Harcourt approved, British singer-songwriter.
Port O’Brien: The Wind and the Swell (American Dust) – A collection of the best tracks from their self-released albums.
Josh Rouse: Country Mouse City House (Nettwerk) – Prolific singer-songwriter for the NPR crowd.
Shivaree: Tainted Love – Mating Calls and Fight Songs (Zoe Records) – Love songs from Motley Crue, Gary Glitter, Michael Jackson, Phil Spector and Tanya Tucker
Various Artists: Complete Motown Singles, Vol. 7 – 1967 (Hip-O Select) – Five discs.
Alan Vega: Station (Mute) – His old partner in Suicide was in town last week.
Z-Trip: All Pro (Decon) – At the House of Blues Sunset on 8/15. Game soundtrack.

Weekly New Music Releases - 7/24/07

I haven't heard any of these releases, but I do plan on picking up the John Vanderslice.

Top Five Most Interesting New Releases:
Bishop Allen: The Broken String (Dead Oceans) – See them on 7/31 at the Echo. Download “Rain” and “Click Click Click Click”
Prince: Planet Earth (Sony)
Sebadoh: The Freed Man (Domino) – The first album expanded to 52 tracks.

Tegan & Sara: The Con (Vapor/Sire) – See them at Amoeba on 7/24 and the Malibu Performing Arts Center on 7/26 and 7/27.
John Vanderslice: Emerald City (Barsuk) – See him at the Troubadour on 9/6. He performed the album live in his studio and he’s premiering a song each day on a different blog. See “Kookaburra” on Steregum. Download “White Dove”


Other Noteworthy Releases:
Johnny Cash: The Great Lost Performance (Island) – Live show from 7/27/90 at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park
Dalek: Deadverse Massive, Vol. 1 – Dalek Rarities 1999-2006 (Hydrahead)
The Eat: It’s Not the Eat, It’s the Humidity (Alternative Tentacles)
Garbage: Absolute Garbage (Almo Sounds)
The Lovemakers: Misery Loves Company (Fuzz) – At the Troubadour on 8/9.
Manic: Another New Home EP (Suretone) – Download “Carolina Ghost” At Cinespace on 7/24 and doing the Monday night residency at the Echo on August.
MF Doom: MM…Food (Rhymesayers) - Reissue
Portugal, The Man: Church Mouth (Fearless) – At the Troubadour on 7/26.
Robbers on High Street: Grand Animals (New Line) – At the Troubadour on 8/7.
Saturday Looks Good To Me: Cold Colors EP (Polyvinyl) – The indie poppers.
Silverchair: Young Modern (Independent Label Group) – The popular Ausssies. With orchestral arrangements from Van Dyke Parks. At the Wiltern on 11/20
Billy Bob Thornton: Beautiful Door (New Door) – The actor. At the El Rey on 8/4.
Tiny Vipers: Hands Across the Void (Sub Pop) – Female singer-songwriter. Download “On this Side” At Spaceland on 8/16.
UNKLE: War Stories (Surrender All)
Various Artists: Friday Night Lights TV Soundtrack (Adrenaline) – Featuring Spoon, the Killers, Outkast, Whiskeytown, Drive By Truckers, Iron & Wine/Calexico, Jose Gonzalez, Explosions in the Sky, Townes Van Zandt
Yeah Yeah Yeahs: Is Is (Fontana)