-
Real Estate – Days
I’ve listened to Real Estate’s eponymous debut a dozen times but I still feel like I barely know it. I can’t quite put my finger on why this is – maybe it has something to do with the band’s hazy, lethargic sound. Despite this, or maybe because of this, I’m still intrigued by their sophomore album Days. Grab it for $5 over at 7digital.
-
M83 – Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming
Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming is my first exposure to M83. I’ve only listened to it once, but the epic double album has a few great moments, especially “Wait” and “Outro”. The rest of the songs sound like they’re straight from the 80′s. I’ve yet to decide whether that’s a good thing or not.
archives for the category
New Releases
-
-
-
Ryan Adams – Ashes & Fire
Ryan Adams is one of the most prolific musicians out there. Unfortunately, he misses more than he hits. After listening to Ashes & Fire just once, I’m pretty confident it’s a hit. It hooked me from the beginning and refused to let go. Stream it at
Spinneror buy it at 7digital for $5. -
James Blake – Enough Thunder
I wasn’t a fan of James Blake until I heard his beautiful collaboration with Bon Iver on “Fall Creek Boys Choir.” Listen to the song and the rest of Enough Thunder at his website. The EP serves as a good introduction to Blake’s distinct minimalist electronic sound.
-
Andrew Bird – Norman (Soundtrack)
Andrew Bird’s music has always had a cinematic feel to it, so little wonder he was tapped to score the music for the indie film Norman. The soundtrack (streaming at
Spinner) features several new instrumental songs by Bird, as well as amazing alternate version of Wolf Parade’s “You Are a Runner and I Am My Father’s Son.” -
Yuck – Yuck (Deluxe)
I don’t know why Yuck’s debut album is getting deluxe treatment already: it was released earlier this year. However, if you’ve never heard of the band this is the perfect excuse to check them out, especially if you like Built to Spill. Also, the six bonus songs on the deluxe version are pretty solid.
-
-
-
We Were Promised Jetpacks – In the Pit of the Stomach
Last year, We Were Promised Jetpacks followed their thunderous debut album with a decidedly less-thunderous EP. It begged the question: which direction will the band take in their next album? After listening to a few tracks from In the Pit of the Stomach here, they’ve clearly chosen more thunder.
-
Loney, Dear – Hall Music
It’s going to be tough for Loney, Dear to top his last album Dear John (which I reviewed here). I’ve listened to Hall Music a few times already but can’t say I’m particularly impressed. Which is okay because I’m pretty sure I felt the same way about Dear John initially. Stream “My Heart” at Myspace.
-
Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – Wolfroy Goes To Town
It seems like Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy releases a new album every few months. This might be a slight exaggeration, but the dude is pretty prolific. Yet through it all the quality of music hasn’t fallen off. It may take me a few months to actually listen to Wolfroy Goes To Town, but when I do, I know I’ll be happy.
-
Sóley – We Sink
Sóley is a member of Seabear, which is one of my favorite Icelandic bands, so I had a feeling I’d like We Sink before I even listened to it. The album doesn’t disappoint. The music is delicate, gorgeous, and enchanting, much like the Icelandic countryside. Listen to “I’ll Drown” here.
-
Feist – Metals
Initially I didn’t think Feist’s latest album would make this list. I wasn’t particularly impressed by The Reminder: it was a little too poppy for my tastes. Yet for some reason I still decided to give Metals a listen. Boy am I glad I did! I especially like “Get It Wrong, Get It Right.” Grab the album for $5 at 7digital.
-
-
-
Youth Lagoon – The Year of Hibernation
The first time I heard “Cannon” I was floored by the depth of emotion that flowed from such a simple song. I knew I’d found something special, and couldn’t wait to hear more tracks. After three months of anticipation Youth Lagoon’s debut is finally here. Needless to say, I’m quite excited to listen to it.
-
Gem Club – Breakers
I had a very similar experience with Gem Club. I remember listening to “Breakers” a few months ago and being captivated by its beautiful, melancholic sound. With winter just around the corner, Breakers could easily become the official soundtrack to my favorite season.
-
Wilco – The Whole Love
I used to be obsessed with Wilco. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was a defining experience for me, opening my ears to new genres of music, most importantly Americana. The Whole Love may not be as groundbreaking but it just might rekindle my love for the band. Grab it for only $5 at 7digital.
-
Dum Dum Girls – Only In Dreams
Not only did my fiancé go to high school with Dee Dee, the lead singer of Dum Dum Girls, they also played on the same soccer team. I think that’s pretty cool. None of my high school friends are rock stars. Check out Dum Dum Girls’ sophomore album Only In Dreams over at
Spinner.
-
-
-
Megafaun – Megafaun
I should love Megafaun: they used to record music with Justin Vernon (of Bon Iver) under the moniker DeYarmond Edison. I love both those bands, but for some reason I can’t get into Megafaun. Their latest album (which is streaming over at
Spinner) has a few good songs, but it also has some weird ones. -
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah – Hysterical
Back in 2005 I got swept up in the Clap Your Hands Say Yeah tidal wave (who didn’t?). Since then I kinda forgot about the band. When I first listened to Hysterical I didn’t quite know what to expect. It’s a little too early to judge but so far I’m pleasantly surprised. Stream the entire album at
Spinner.
-
-
-
Blind Pilot – We Are the Tide
Blind Pilot quietly follow up their impressive debut 3 Rounds and a Sound (which I reviewed here) with We Are the Tide. I haven’t gotten a chance to listen to it yet but I have no doubt it will be enjoyable. Grab it for only $5.49 at Amazon after discount (see the top of the page for details).
-
Girls – Father, Son, Holy Ghost
When Girls’ debut album first came out in 2009, I didn’t understand all the hype it received. Since then I’ve warmed to it a little thanks largely to “Vomit,” the first single from Father, Son, Holy Ghost. Download the track here, stream the entire album over at The Guardian, or buy it at 7digital for $5.
-
Mogwai – Earth Division EP
Earlier this year Mogwai released their seventh studio album Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will. Now they’ve got a new 4-song EP entitled Earth Division. Pitchfork says it’s one of their quietest, most subdued releases to date. I definitely respect a band that refuses to stagnate.
-
The Drums – Portamento
Technically, I think Portamento came out last week, but since I was traveling and didn’t get a chance to write about it, I’m including it in this week’s list. I’ve listened to the album once and it’s a pretty solid follow-up to The Drums’ self-titled debut.
-
-
-
Lil Wayne – Tha Carter IV
I haven’t listened to Tha Carter IV yet, but from what I’ve read so far, it doesn’t sound good. However, the album is only $5 on 7digital so I’ll probably still pick it up. There’s bound to be at least a few good tracks. After all, the album’s first single “6 foot 7 foot” is pretty epic.
-
Cymbals Eat Guitars – Lenses Alien
Despite the critical acclaim, I never really warmed to Cymbals Eat Guitars’ debut Why There Are Mountains. For some reason, the melodies never fully hooked me. It’s a little too early to judge Lenses Alien, but the first few listens sound pretty similar. Preview the entire album over at
Spinner. -
Male Bonding – Endless Now
Everything (and I mean everything) I wrote above about Cymbals Eat Guitars also holds for British noise-pop band Male Bonding. Just switch out the band names and replace Lenses Alien with Endless Now, which, coincidentally, can also be streamed over at
Spinner.
-
-
-
Active Child – You Are All I See
Recently I’ve warmed to a genre of music I never thought I would: R&B. I’m not talking about Boyz II Men, but instead newer genre-bending artists like How to Dress Well and The Weeknd. I might soon add Active Child to this list. Stream his ethereal, ghostly debut album over at
Spinner. -
I Break Horses – Hearts
If I didn’t know any better, I might’ve confused I Break Horses for Beach House. Despite the similar sound, Hearts is an impressive debut. I feel like it’s only a matter of time before Pitchfork slaps their Best New Music tag on it. Stream the album here or on Spotify (if you have it).
-
-
-
Jay-Z & Kanye West – Watch the Throne
I haven’t listened to Watch the Throne yet but the buzz it’s generated is unbelievable. Standard and deluxe versions of the album are currently available only through iTunes. Physical copies hit stores August 12, with the deluxe version initially exclusive to Best Buy (available elsewhere August 23).
-
-
-
Beirut – The Rip Tide
If you want a physical copy of The Rip Tide you’ll have to wait until August 30. Right now it’s only available digitally at the band’s website for $7.99. I’ve been listening to the first single “East Harlem” for the past few weeks, and if it’s any indication, The Rip Tide will not disappoint.
-
Moonface – Organ Music Not Vibraphone Like I’d Hoped
Wolf Parade may be on indefinite hiatus but that hasn’t stopped Spencer Krug from releasing new music, this time as Moonface. Organ Music is, as its title implies, organ music. It’s a little bizarre but has potential. Start with “Fast Peter” (which can be streamed at
Spinner) and see how it goes. -
Drive-By Truckers – Greatest Hits 1998-2009
In principle, I agree with a Drive-By Truckers greatest hits album, as it could make the band’s extensive catalog a little less intimidating. However, the collection of songs on Greatest Hits 1998-2009 leaves much to be desired. Where are classics like “Goddamn Lonely Love” or “Danko/Manuel”? Fail.
-
Arcade Fire – The Suburbs Deluxe Edition
In celebration of its one-year anniversary, The Suburbs is getting the deluxe treatment. The expanded edition features two new songs (“Speaking In Tongues” and “Culture War”), a 30-minute Spike Jonze documentary, and a ridiculously low price. Full details can be found here.
-
