Label: Mute Released: April 15, 2008 Saturdays = Youth is promising when it opens with “You, Appearing.” The piano is as warm and embracing as a fireplace on a cold winter day, and it seems to be laying the groundwork for an incredibly rich album. When the vocals finally kick in, they’re slightly urgent and desperate but pleasant and intriguing;… Read more »
Label: Parks and Records Released: January 2008 I’ve seen Carcrashlander compared to Randy Newman and I can’t stand Randy Newman. After listening to the debut album (and first release by green-focused Parks and Records), one of two things must be true: Either the Randy Newman comparison is inaccurate or I need to reconsider my feelings about him. Or perhaps there… Read more »
Label: Lujo Records Released: November 6, 2007 If I tell you that a band reminds me of ELO in any way and you’re turned off, it’s understandable. When I say it this time though, don’t tune out, because you’ll miss something very cool. Here I go. Mouse Fire reminds me of ELO. Now let me allay your fears a bit…. Read more »
Check out the review of their 7″ over at FensePost.
Label: self-released Released: October 2007 The Russians’ founder Scott Janovitz is a veteran of the Boston music scene and recently lent his talents to Graham Parker as one of the Latest Clowns, so the well-crafted pop of their second EP should come as no surprise. They aren’t shy about their love of the Beatles (even segueing each song into the… Read more »
The following dates are with Xiu Xiu. Check out my review of Thao’s latest album We Brave Bee Stings and All here. Mar 07 Portland, OR – Someday Lounge Mar 08 Seattle, WA – Chop Suey Mar 10 Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge Mar 11 Denver, CO – Hi Dive Mar 13 Ames, IA – Maintenance Shop Mar… Read more »
Parks and Records was started by Jon (Rum Diary) and Mimi Fee who were responsible for the amazing “translation.music” comps from the early 00s. The label has a focus on DIY as well as green ideals. They have one release out and apparently will be releasing the new album by Shuteye Unison, featuring Jon and Daniel of the Rum Diary…. Read more »
Label: Lujo Records Released: February 12, 2008 For this review, Chuck and I decided to collaborate. We both queued up the album at the same time and had a conversation about our thoughts. It came out more as the anatomy of a review, but the result was at least interesting. We’ll be trying this again (maybe every other week) to… Read more »
Brooklyn’s Teletextile have just released two new music videos, and the latest, from photographer Jessica Attie, is for “ampm2” from their debut LP, Care Package. It’s a pretty neat video. Check it out.
Label: Rhino Released: January 8, 2008 When I first saw Kimya Dawson several years ago opening for They Might Be Giants, there was nothing that made me think that her music would eventually be the soundtrack to a successful movie. Don’t get me wrong, I liked her…a lot. She can’t sing, she can’t play, her songs are simple, yet she… Read more »