What The Hell Am I Listening To?!?
Mew
I’m a little bit behind the curve on this new Mew record because for a while I mistakenly thought it was only an EP. But now that I have the full-length album, I am totally obsessed with it. I was a big fan of their last two records, but I feel like with No More Stories… they have taken their game up to a whole new level. They pull off a move in a more poppy and upbeat direction almost flawlessly, balancing out the ridiculously catchy melodies with plenty of proggy weirdness. So if you somehow missed this one as well, go grab it now:
Mew : Introducing Palace Players
Built To Spill
BTS @ ATP NY ’08
It’s strange hearing songs I obsessed about over half a decade ago appearing for the first time on a new record. The fact that I had been hearing the songs on You In Reverse for years prior on live recordings greatly diminished the newness of it when it came out, and I think that that played a part in my inability to fully fall in love with it, as I have with the rest of Doug Martch‘s vast catalogue. Luckily There is No Enemy has plenty of fresh material, and the older stuff contained on it happen to be some of my favourites from that ’04-’05 era. Also, BTS felt noticeably more invigorated in their concerts last year than they had in quite a while, and I think that that zeal bled into the recordings. All in all, it’s great to hear one of my favourite bands making compelling music again.
Built To Spill : Things Fall Apart
Volcano Choir
Volcano Choir is Justin Vernon (aka Bon Iver) teamed up with fellow Wisconsin artists Collections of Colonies of Bees. The resulting 35 minute record sounds like a more experimental and trippy version of Bon Iver, and it’s pretty much amazing. Blood Bank was kind of neat, but it made me begin to question whether Vernon could ever again create something as enchanting and transcendental as For Emma, Forever Ago. But Volcano Choir‘s Unmap proves that he is no one hit wonder, and demonstrates the enormous amount of talent and range of these midwestern musicians. Between this and Emma, it is hard not to concur that Justin Vernon is going to be a premiere musician for years to come.
- Posted by Davy Minor on October 14, 2009 at 5:46 am
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What The Hell Am I Listening To?!?
The two best records to come out of North Carolina so far in 2009:
Birds Of Avalon (Raleigh, NC)
Photo by Justin Lyon
I remember catching Birds Of Avalon open for Beach House a couple of years ago and thinking that they would be something special one day. Well, that day seems to have come with the release of their newest record, Uncanny Valley. The album was recorded completely with analog equipment and their sound is heavily rooted in ’60s and ’70s psych. While I’m not typically one to champion music so retro, they manage to squeeze out so much that is unique and fresh with this approach. Something about this band’s vibe makes me want to describe them as a weirder and more lo-fi MGMT, but they are really a beast all their own. They will be heading through Atlanta October 3rd, hitting up both Criminal Records and the Star Bar, so be sure to catch them and get your hands on a copy of Uncanny Valley:
Birds Of Avalon : All Your Downtime Is Up
The Bronzed Chorus (Greensboro, NC)
My greatest discovery while on the road this summer had to be The Bronzed Chorus. Most of the time I find 2-piece bands lacking in a live setting, but this duo put on more than an impressive show. The drummer was a machine, and the guitarist had some neat gear tricks up his sleeve. Their studio work is stunning as well. I am a post-rock junkie, and I have to say that their newest effort, I’m The Spring, is one of the best of that sort I’ve heard in long time. It is difficult for an instrumental album to hold the listener’s attention throughout, but every inch of this one is completely engaging. Make sure to stop down at the Drunken Unicorn Friday night to catch them along with Georgia instrumental rock institutions A Armada and Sorry No Ferrari.
The Bronzed Chorus : Underpass Sunrise
The Bronzed Chorus : Hiding In The Woods
- Posted by Davy Minor on September 1, 2009 at 4:55 am
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What The Hell Am I Listening To?!?
Atlanta bands playing Nophest:
Jungol
If you aren’t familiar with Jungol, you might be familiar with Liquid Jungle, the band’s former incarnation. Centered around brothers Josh and Graham Yoder, this group has actually been soldiering the local scene for most of the decade. I caught them a few times back in the day when jambands ruled a hefty portion of the underground music turf, and while they were certainly part of that scene, I remember there being a little something different about these guys. They had something special that the typical neo-hippie brahs didn’t have. Fast forward to now, and Jungol have evolved into an excellent band that writes beautiful, concise pop songs infused with a heart of prog, as showcased on their newest record, Places. I think my favourite thing about this album is how so much intricacy and subtly is veiled behind the pleasantly appealing melodies in the forefront. Make sure to pick up a copy, because it still hasn’t stopped growing on me:
Nerd Parade
As the name of their band would imply, Nerd Parade aren’t concerned with their style being hip, they’re just busy making good music. Usually it is hard for me to dig into conservative leaning music like this, employing pop music and rock ‘n’ roll from every corner of the late 20th century, but this band just puts it all together masterfully. Their newest record, The Span Of A Life, is ridiculously dynamic, bouncing around between so many different influences and styles while Abby Wren and Randy Garcia trade vocal duties when they aren’t both differing to extended instrumental jam outs. What is also striking about the album, is how seamlessly it all flows together. It is all one colossal composition, and it’s been an integral part of my summer soundtrack. Check it out:
Nerd Parade : Dead Air & Denial
Nerd Parade : One Million Wooden Arches
- Posted by Davy Minor on August 6, 2009 at 5:22 am
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What The Hell Am I Listening To?!?
Two ridiculously talented females up the ante with a sophomore release from each of their respective projects:
St Vincent
Annie Clark’s first release as St Vincent, Marry Me, was an album that I really enjoyed, but it had this ultra-light, whimsical character to it that made it hard for me to sink my teeth into at first. I eventually grew to adore it, but it always sounded like it was a couple of steps away from the brilliant potential I thought she possessed. On only her second attempt, Actor, she has fully realized that untapped inner genius. I’m going to go ahead and declare it: Right now, this record is my favourite to come out officially so far this year. Every single song seems to contain one of those hair raising sort of moments that just wow you. It is simply a perfectly crafted composition from beginning to end and I cannot stop listening to it. So jump on the bandwagon sooner than later and get your tickets to her show at The Earl June 14 now because I hear they are selling fast.
Bat For Lashes
Natasha Khan returns with a more consistent and altogether stunning release than her really good debut album 2 years ago, Fur & Gold. The Tori Amos influence is still heavily felt here, but she has been able to carve out a more unique and personal sound this time around. The clear standout on the record is “Daniel”, which manages to do the ’80s nostalgia thing more successfully than anything on M83‘s entire album of attempts from last year. Although the two tracks I picked out below don’t represent it, this record as a whole will be a bit of a difficult listen for someone who prefers their music upbeat. But there are some really amazing parts on the slower songs as well, so make sure to check this one out:
- Posted by Davy Minor on May 6, 2009 at 1:56 am
- 2 Comments
What The Hell Am I Listening To?!?
The three best Spring 2009 releases from Georgia:
Lotus Plaza
While Bradford Cox gets the lion share of credit and attention when people talk about Deerhunter, the band is far from a solo endeavor. The quiet genius of Lockett Pundt is the ying to Cox’s yang. His debut album under his code name, Lotus Plaza, demonstrates not only the impressive talent Pundt possesses, but the music itself parallels his seemingly humble, stoic stage persona. Everything has this weird, distant detachment to its sound and the whole thing feels like a background. What initially attracted me to Deerhunter in the first place were the ambient, instrumental jams on Cryptograms, and those ideas seemed to be fleshed out much further on The Floodlight Collective. I feel like I peel back a new layer every time I listen to this record, so be advised this is a grower that may not hit you that hard upon your first listen, but I think it is one of the best to come out this year.
Mastodon
Mastodon have returned with a record that is more psychedelic rock ‘n’ roll than metal. At times it reminds me of the best of Metallica, Black Sabbath, and Pink Floyd, but still remains completely a thing all its own. The record showcases just how successful this band is at straddling the line between arena rock massiveness and avant-garde artfulness. Crack The Skye is a logical progression for the band, and the best thing about this album is that it gives you exactly what you were expecting and hoping for from the follow up to Blood Mountain. I know I had some giant expectations, and they have been completely fulfilled. Here are the first two tracks to start your journey:
Venice Is Sinking
photo by: Ian Darken
Athens’ Venice Is Sinking have finally unveiled their sophomore effort, AZAR, and it is a gorgeous yet surprisingly difficult release. Something about the pacing makes it hard to penetrate, and it has taken me a while to learn to love this record, but love it I do. It is simply unapologetic about its heavy employment of emotional builds and pushing dreamy lushness to its limits. Seven songs are strung together by the four part instrumental title track combing the best of both worlds between conceptualism and exceptional pop music. With Arcade Fire fallen back to Earth and Sufjan Stevens missing in action, the symphonic indie rock approach has become a lot less hip these days, but fashionable or not, Venice Is Sinking have created an outstanding collection of music that you should pick up:
Venice Is Sinking : Iron Range
Buy AZAR
- Posted by Davy Minor on April 13, 2009 at 6:06 am
- 1 Comment
What The Hell Am I Listening To?!?
Two albums from artists I just saw at SXSW:
DM Stith
David Michael Stith was discovered by Shara Worden (My Brightest Diamond) and signed to Asthmatic Kitty, and he fits right into what you would expect from an artist on this label. It is lovely music utilizing modern pop sensibilities with a more classical ethos, and a slight touch of psychedelia. While I enjoy listening to modern singer/songwriters like M Ward and Andrew Bird, I always feel like their stuff is just a little too vanilla and plain to really dig into. DM Stith adds just enough spice to make this sort of thing alluring to me:
DM Stith : Morning Glory Cloud
Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band
This band is an interesting test case in an attempt to find something new that can be both successful in mainstream radioland and everyone-is-a-critic blogland. It straddles the line between the two well, relying on a heavy dose of steady driving, upbeat melodies broken up by some weirder, riskier moments to catch your breath, like ending the record with their longest, quietest, slowest piece. It’s sort of like if The Strokes didn’t suck or Bloc Party before they sucked. Of course, this exercise in trying to make everyone happy will probably result in more backlash than hype in this day and age, as evidenced by P4K’s thumbs down earlier this week, but regardless, I think it is a great record, and their live show was just as striking. Bonus, the drummer is like 13 years old or something:
Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band : Albatross, Albatross, Albatross
Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band : En Fuego
Buy Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band
Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band myspace
- Posted by Davy Minor on March 26, 2009 at 4:28 am
- 2 Comments
What The Hell Am I Listening To?!?
Two talented musicians have each contributed some of the year’s most impressive music so far:
Here We Go Magic
Brooklyn’s Luke Temple has virtually abandoned his singer/songwriter stuff and moved in a hipper direction, and the change suits him. Not that anything is wrong with his previous stuff (2007′s Snowbeast is awesome), but it just feels like he made the perfect jump here and brought his game up a level. His newest effort, Here We Go Magic, is already one of 2009′s “next big hypes”, but it most definitely lives up to the reputation it is receiving. The album starts out with 4 tracks that pretty much anyone will dig, followed by 4 noisier, dronier tracks I really dig, and finishes off with a tune that feels like a Luke Temple throwback, and all of it is excellent. There is plenty of room on this bandwagon so jump on:
Here We Go Magic : I Just Want To See You Underwater
Blackout Beach
Of the holy Canadian indie-demigod trinity that make up Swan Lake, Carey Mercer is the one member I hadn’t yet completely worshiped. That is until I sat down with the new Blackout Beach album, Skin Of Evil. Mercer is far from accessible, and even my thirst for weirdness in music wasn’t enough to propel me into really digging into one of his projects until now. From reading various reviews, this seems to be one of his least far-out works, and it has proved to be an enjoyable and intriguing entry point for me. It has me extremely excited about the forthcoming Swan Lake album where Mercer is joined by Daniel Bejar (Destroyer, New Pornographers) and Spencer Krug (Sunset Rubdown, Wolf Parade). Do not miss this one:
Blackout Beach : Cloud Of Evil
Blackout Beach : Astoria, Menthol Lite, Hilltop, Wave of Evil, 1982
- Posted by Davy Minor on February 24, 2009 at 6:33 am
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What The Hell Am I Listening To?!?
2008 leftovers edition. There were three albums on my Top 50 list that I had never talked about prior to being on the list, #13 Wolf Parade‘s At Mount Zoomer, #10 White Denim‘s Exposion, and #48 Flying Lotus‘ Los Angeles. Well, on second thought I did mention the Wolf Parade, but not in a positive fashion. Between many, many Merriweather Post Pavilion listens, I have been jamming these three albums hard. So, here are a few mp3s for anyone who did not listen to these albums last year:
Wolf Parade : California Dreamer
Wolf Parade : Call It A Ritual
White Denim : Don’t Look That Way At It
Flying Lotus : Beginners Falafel
- Posted by Davy Minor on January 15, 2009 at 6:24 am
- 5 Comments
What The Hell Am I Listening To?!?
I’ve never paid much attention to record labels or kept track of what bands were on what rosters. But lately I keep noticing parallels between bands and then discovering they are on the same label, so I’ve become much more interested in that stuff now. Two records in my heavy rotation took me a very long time to get my head around, because they are both quite a departure from each bands’ previous album in terms of structure. Both records have been mostly dissed by the majority of reviews they have received, and all of these negative reviews seem to concentrate on the writer’s personal taste preferences rather than an objective discussion of the album’s quality. I think if you come to both of these records with no preconceptions of how you want the band to sound, you’ll find two of the most ambitious and successful records to come out so far this year. Also, both were released on Polyvinyl:
Of Montreal (Athens ,GA)
I remember Kevin Barnes talking about Skeletal Lamping last year and describing it as an album with about a hundred one minute songs, and I wondered how that might turn out. The ridiculously schizophrenic result has been too much to handle for the critics who think every album has to be crafted in the same, cohesive, boring fashion as everything else. For me, the tumultuous sonic journey complete with hilariously clever lyrics make for one of the most interesting pieces of work to come out in a long time. There is nothing I enjoy more than a band that takes big chances with their creative decisions and then have the ability to pull them off flawlessly. Here are the first two tracks:
Of Montreal : Nonpareil Of Favor
31 Knots (Portland, OR)
I’m really tired of the consensus among music journalist elites that an album can’t be good if it is negative and serious. Irony is cool and all, but I didn’t get the memo that everything not soaking in it sucks. There are many reviews ripping on 31 Knots‘ newest LP, Worried Well, but none of them actual address faults with the music, but rather complain about the lyrical content. Nothing bothers me more than when critics want to dismiss an entire piece of art simply because they don’t agree with the message the artist is trying to communicate. If you are above such petty hang ups, and “prog” isn’t a dirty word to you, I think you’ll find this album incredible:
31 Knots : Something Up There This Way Comes
31 Knots : Worried But Not Well
- Posted by Davy Minor on November 10, 2008 at 7:09 pm
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What The Hell Am I Listening To?!?
The badassity of All Tomorrow’s Parties has yet to wear off on me, as I have been jamming hard the new albums from three of the bands I caught there:
Mogwai (Glasgow, UK)
Mogwai‘s newest album seems to be getting a bit overlooked and underestimated by the blog-a-lites, and it reminds me of Explosions In The Sky‘s record from last year in many ways. Obviously there are many parallels between these two bands, but I think each band’s most recent work may be their best. Both are a refined, culmination of a specific sound exploration that marks the pinnacles of what they can achieve. And both albums will be ultimately perceived by most as more of the same from bands that do not stray far from the conventional post-rock sound they have mastered. Yes, the armies of artists that have followed in their foot steps have pushed the boundaries of what an instrumental rock band can do far beyond anything on The Hawk Is Howling. But, every single song on this album has one of those blissful moments that you can never seem to get enough of, and there are very few albums I can think of that are capable of that:
Mogwai : The Sun Smells Too Loud
Buy The Hawk Is Howling: [MP3] [CD] [LP]
Mercury Rev (Catskills, NY)
While a part of me certainly hates hardly being aware of such an old, established band until recently, my lack of expectations for their newest album allows me to appreciate it in a different sort of way than those versed in Mercury Rev. Every review I read about Snowflake Midnight is so concerned with the band’s past and each analysis is fully in the context of their previous work. Taking it as an intro point to this band, I hear an album with a movie soundtrack vibe commanding mature, interesting songwriting and a sincere, ambitious vision. I can’t wait to go back through their discography and learn what I’ve been missing:
Mercury Rev : Snowflake In A Hot World
Buy Snowflake Midnight: [MP3] [CD] [LP]
Growing (Brooklyn, NY)
I remember listening to Growing‘s Color Wheel back in the beginning of last year. Every time I would try to sit down and listen to it, I just wasn’t in the right mood to digest it. You have to be in a certain frame of mind to truly be able to enjoy the low key, trippy instrumental, slow developing loop stuff this duo deals in. I eventually moved on and forgot about that album until recently being impressed by their live show and then digging in deep to their newest, All The Way. Tonight, I went back and listened to Color Wheel again by myself with my headphones on, and it felt very satisfying to finally be able to appreciate such a great record. Their newest is just as good, so check it out:
Buy All The Way: [MP3] [CD] [LP]
- Posted by Davy Minor on October 23, 2008 at 6:07 am
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What The Hell Am I Listening To?!?
Last week two artists who had an album in my top 5 from last year dropped their follow ups. These two acts exemplify the heights modern music can achieve. They are the rare sort of acts that combine virtuosity with an original, uncompromising vision. They also happen to be on the same label, Kill Rock Stars, a fact I hadn’t realized until I had pre-ordered both of their LPs. Get down with the Hottness:
Marnie Stern
I’m very glad that the bigger indie blogs are finally jumping on the Marnie Stern bandwagon, but I wish they would quit dissing her debut album as an excuse for being so late to the party. There are things I like better about Ms. Stern’s sophomore release, and things I don’t like quite as much. But those are more about preference than a discussion of quality, because so far this is two grand slams in a row from her. Maybe the most talented female musician alive:
Marnie Stern : Roads? Where We’re Going We Don’t Need Roads
Deerhoof
I didn’t get exposed to Deerhoof until about the time I started this blog, but since discovering this amazing band, I’ve fallen totally in love with them. I’ve been digging deep into their catalogue lately and finding gem after gem. I’m still not sure exactly where I would rate their newest, Offend Maggie, among their arsenal of previous albums. But, pretty much everything Deerhoof touches turns to gold, so you would be doing yourself a disservice to miss out on their latest.
- Posted by Davy Minor on October 13, 2008 at 4:39 am
- 2 Comments
