I can honestly say I wasn't really looking forward to this disc. Don't get me wrong, I've loved Low for pretty much forever. The shift from slow core to something more akin to actual rock around 2001's Things We Lost In the Fire, made me appreciate the band all over again (and Dinosaur Act is a classic). The Great Destroyer is an amazing album. Sparhawk and Co. rocking out is fine with me. However, a cursory listen to the first Retribution Gospel Choir disc didn't really grab me. And then seeing them open for mark kozelek at the varsity a year and a half ago crystallized the notion that RGC was sparhawk's guitar wanking outlet, lots of chord progressions and guitar histrionics, but not a lot of songs. So it was more whim and gift card that made me pick up RGC 2. or maybe it was the cool cover art; cool blue and white stacked up sheets of ice, and clear embossed band name.
Whatever the reason, turned out to be a good buy. Melodies rule the day here (Do I detect some nods to a 70's classic in Hide It Away?), with wanking kept well in hand. The guitars serve the songs, limited to nifty riffs and a few jamming solos, that don't get too carried away. Digging Hide It Away, Poor Man's Daughter and most Low-like tune here; Bless Us All. Even Electric Guitar (all 8 minutes) works for me. Not essential, by any means, but a fun layaway on the next Low disc.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
A Fistful of Singles
rogue wave good morning: catchey, dancey; The future, oh-oh!
besnard lakes albatross: cocteau twins, MBV and sorta jesus (not so much mary chain) i miss them all (circa 1993)
ruby suns cranberry:somebody's been taking their daily animal collective (not complaining, just saying)
the knife colouring of pigeons: bran is good for you, but sugar is more fun. Let me digest a while and I'll get back to you.
she and him in the sun: not exactly making me excited for the new disc.
jj my way/let's go: I am a little intrigued. me thinks I should do a little digging. I bet they are easy to google (but not as fun to google as XX)
gorillaz stylo: maybe it's because I finally got my H1N1 flu shot, but this doesn't seem that infectious.
caribou odessa: I like the synth line, that's maybe about it. And cowbell? Really?
vampire qeekend californa english pt 2: this couldn't have been bundled with Contra instead of that stupid Toy Selectah Contramelt BS?
drive by truckers this fucking job: meh. Seems like a song with a title like this deserves more than this by the numbers tune.
besnard lakes albatross: cocteau twins, MBV and sorta jesus (not so much mary chain) i miss them all (circa 1993)
ruby suns cranberry:somebody's been taking their daily animal collective (not complaining, just saying)
the knife colouring of pigeons: bran is good for you, but sugar is more fun. Let me digest a while and I'll get back to you.
she and him in the sun: not exactly making me excited for the new disc.
jj my way/let's go: I am a little intrigued. me thinks I should do a little digging. I bet they are easy to google (but not as fun to google as XX)
gorillaz stylo: maybe it's because I finally got my H1N1 flu shot, but this doesn't seem that infectious.
caribou odessa: I like the synth line, that's maybe about it. And cowbell? Really?
vampire qeekend californa english pt 2: this couldn't have been bundled with Contra instead of that stupid Toy Selectah Contramelt BS?
drive by truckers this fucking job: meh. Seems like a song with a title like this deserves more than this by the numbers tune.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Loose Inside the Shell
New National Album
New Arcade Fire and the National within weeks of each other? if only tomorrow were May....
and of course, this can only mean they would tour together......
New Arcade Fire and the National within weeks of each other? if only tomorrow were May....
and of course, this can only mean they would tour together......
Saturday, January 23, 2010
You Should Be....
i listened to the Bee Gees Greatest Hits Today. dunno what to say to that. other than i didn't skip a song.
also listened to beach house again (found it at cheapo, along with ANOTHER copy of the remastered Irish Heartbeat) and then some random, jump around compilations (just enough to hear the first verse and then the chorus, before i skip to the next song).
oh yeah, one more...but i'll hold off on comment on that one.....
also listened to beach house again (found it at cheapo, along with ANOTHER copy of the remastered Irish Heartbeat) and then some random, jump around compilations (just enough to hear the first verse and then the chorus, before i skip to the next song).
oh yeah, one more...but i'll hold off on comment on that one.....
Thursday, January 21, 2010
This Dreamer's Only Dream
Lots of random listening lately:
Andy Gibb-Greatest Hits: Pretty fun stuff, even the non-hits are surprisingly tuneful. Time for an andy gibb re-assessment no doubt, but just keep his cds out of print, cos they make me money.
Cock Robin-st: Gonna pick the lock on it.
Marti Jones-Unsophisticated Time: Thanks so much for loaning me this album, buddy. I've been enjoying it a lot. Lonely Is (As Lonely Does), The Element Within Her (better than Elvis' own version) and of course, Follow You All Over the World. Wonderful. and now converted to cd. (and i had a ton of fun figuring out the new conversion software)
Spoon-Transference: the last three spoon albums are desert island discs all, so this one has some pretty big shoes to fill. Doesn't quite measure up to those classics, but apart from the single (Written in
Reverse), this is a pretty good disc. I really appreciate the spacious demo approach to the production. Lots of room in these songs for the sparse instrumentation and basic melodies to breath. I'm willing to let the songs work their magic on me. Mystery Zone is definitely an early highlight.
Hot Chip-One Life Stand: Apart from the last song (Take It In)everything on this disc is shite. Boring, aimless, and retried and tired. Very disappointing disc from a band I really enjoy.
Eels-End Times: Mark. Get your medication changed. Or your therapist. Or join a cult or something. Find some happiness, cos this whole working your issues out through music doesn't appear to be working.
Owen Pallet-Heartland: I should give this more time, but it's not working for me so far.
Yeasayer-Odd Blood: first song is an odd choice to lead off the album and it kinda drags to the end, but I'm liking it.
Beach House-Teen Dream: Probably my second favorite of the new year so far. Not a dud track on this disc.
Midlake-The Courage of Others: This is not Van Occupanther. Where's the evocative lyrics and music? Where are the melodies that carried Van? All we have here is production and harmonies. Wasn't really looking for
a van squared (ok, maybe I was) but nothing on here is the equal of the least of that disc.
Shearwater-The Golden Archipelago: wow. This is an ALBUM! Every song is perfect. Perfectly written, perfectly played, and perfectly placed on the disc. Deserves to be heart from start to finish. And then start to finish again. I'd write more extolling it's virtues, but I want to concentrate on listening again.
Dan Deacon-Bromst: I started listening to this disc wondering why it wasn't in my top ten for 2009. Build Voice, Paddling Ghost, Snookered (still can't get over the john cale like song structures), Woof, Woof; all such excellent songs. But by the end of the disc, I'm again reminded of why it just fell short. Too long, too repetitive. Get an editor dan. No song over 5 minutes, 9 songs tops. (save some material for dearly loved, but neglected b-sides). But keep making videos, cos that's some funny trippy stuff.
Crazy Heart Soundtrack: you sorta forget it's jeff bridges singing and just figure its some dusty country relic (kris kristofferson, merle haggard) having a rick rubin sponsored career renaissance ressurection rehabilitation. and who knew colin farell could sing? (i think i prefer the jeff versions of the songs as opposed to the Ryan Bingham sung tongs)
Real Estate-st: I thought Let's Rock the Beach was a seals and crofts cover. It isn't, but that's a decent enough starting point for this band.
Andy Gibb-Greatest Hits: Pretty fun stuff, even the non-hits are surprisingly tuneful. Time for an andy gibb re-assessment no doubt, but just keep his cds out of print, cos they make me money.
Cock Robin-st: Gonna pick the lock on it.
Marti Jones-Unsophisticated Time: Thanks so much for loaning me this album, buddy. I've been enjoying it a lot. Lonely Is (As Lonely Does), The Element Within Her (better than Elvis' own version) and of course, Follow You All Over the World. Wonderful. and now converted to cd. (and i had a ton of fun figuring out the new conversion software)
Spoon-Transference: the last three spoon albums are desert island discs all, so this one has some pretty big shoes to fill. Doesn't quite measure up to those classics, but apart from the single (Written in
Reverse), this is a pretty good disc. I really appreciate the spacious demo approach to the production. Lots of room in these songs for the sparse instrumentation and basic melodies to breath. I'm willing to let the songs work their magic on me. Mystery Zone is definitely an early highlight.
Hot Chip-One Life Stand: Apart from the last song (Take It In)everything on this disc is shite. Boring, aimless, and retried and tired. Very disappointing disc from a band I really enjoy.
Eels-End Times: Mark. Get your medication changed. Or your therapist. Or join a cult or something. Find some happiness, cos this whole working your issues out through music doesn't appear to be working.
Owen Pallet-Heartland: I should give this more time, but it's not working for me so far.
Yeasayer-Odd Blood: first song is an odd choice to lead off the album and it kinda drags to the end, but I'm liking it.
Beach House-Teen Dream: Probably my second favorite of the new year so far. Not a dud track on this disc.
Midlake-The Courage of Others: This is not Van Occupanther. Where's the evocative lyrics and music? Where are the melodies that carried Van? All we have here is production and harmonies. Wasn't really looking for
a van squared (ok, maybe I was) but nothing on here is the equal of the least of that disc.
Shearwater-The Golden Archipelago: wow. This is an ALBUM! Every song is perfect. Perfectly written, perfectly played, and perfectly placed on the disc. Deserves to be heart from start to finish. And then start to finish again. I'd write more extolling it's virtues, but I want to concentrate on listening again.
Dan Deacon-Bromst: I started listening to this disc wondering why it wasn't in my top ten for 2009. Build Voice, Paddling Ghost, Snookered (still can't get over the john cale like song structures), Woof, Woof; all such excellent songs. But by the end of the disc, I'm again reminded of why it just fell short. Too long, too repetitive. Get an editor dan. No song over 5 minutes, 9 songs tops. (save some material for dearly loved, but neglected b-sides). But keep making videos, cos that's some funny trippy stuff.
Crazy Heart Soundtrack: you sorta forget it's jeff bridges singing and just figure its some dusty country relic (kris kristofferson, merle haggard) having a rick rubin sponsored career renaissance ressurection rehabilitation. and who knew colin farell could sing? (i think i prefer the jeff versions of the songs as opposed to the Ryan Bingham sung tongs)
Real Estate-st: I thought Let's Rock the Beach was a seals and crofts cover. It isn't, but that's a decent enough starting point for this band.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Here Comes a Feeling, You Thought You’d Forgotten
Contra-Vampire Weekend
Contra, the second release from Vampire Weekend, shows no signs of an adolescent growth spurt. This is essentially the debut album redone, with slightly less returns. The polite poly-rhythms are still very much in abundance. Lightly lilted singing skates along the surface of the bouncing melodies. The volume never gets too loud (not even Cousins, the most revved up song in the lot, really lets loose) and emotions barely rise to the surface. Contra doesn’t seem so much like music for the backpack kids, as music for their parents. This is music NPR would be pleased to play and your grandmother would tolerate pleasantly. But when you produce such and effervescent and joyous debut (successful and with much blog love) what band (other than Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah) would be so Contra as to blow up the formula?
Formula you ask? Yes, I say. Power Pop, indie style. That’s Vampire Weekend. Verse, chorus, verse with the occasional bridge. Oh, they can dress it up in a bunch of secondhand sounds and repeated rhythms, South Africa via bowie, byrne and simon (the musical holy trinity of cultural pilfering) substituting the world for 3 guitar chords, but when you get down to it, it’s power pop.
And in that vein, there’s plenty to enjoy on this disc. If I was guessing, I’d bet someone could easily put 6 to 7 songs from this disc on their Ipod. Horchata is finally growing on me, after leaving me cold through the first listens. White Sky and Holiday are standard fare for the band, but their propulsive beats and catchy melodies more than make up for the “been there, done that” feel. The auto-tuning gone berserk wink of California English is worth a smile or two. Taxi Cab is very nice stylistic change halfway through the album, witha nice melody, a little more feeling in the lyrics and burbling synth and piano lines driving the song along.
The second half lags a bit. I love Cousins and wish the album took off from that point, but Run doesn’t really. Giving Up the Gun has an interesting beginning and chorus, but could use a little tightening up (one two many bridges to cross and I’m not really looking for extended musical interludes from VW). I could do without Diplomat’s Son. It goes on for too long and doesn’t even get started by the time it ends, but I’ll give them a nod just for stretching it out a bit. For me though, the highlight of the album is the closer, I Think UR a Contra. It’s a gem of a melody, slowed down, stripped down and ornamented with off kilter instrumentation. Personal and emotional, it smartly stakes out the spaces within the transitory political and social posturing of privilege against the hopes and desires of a relationship. Play and replay. And become very curious about the next album, after the fame and fortune and backlash have subsided.
Contra, the second release from Vampire Weekend, shows no signs of an adolescent growth spurt. This is essentially the debut album redone, with slightly less returns. The polite poly-rhythms are still very much in abundance. Lightly lilted singing skates along the surface of the bouncing melodies. The volume never gets too loud (not even Cousins, the most revved up song in the lot, really lets loose) and emotions barely rise to the surface. Contra doesn’t seem so much like music for the backpack kids, as music for their parents. This is music NPR would be pleased to play and your grandmother would tolerate pleasantly. But when you produce such and effervescent and joyous debut (successful and with much blog love) what band (other than Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah) would be so Contra as to blow up the formula?
Formula you ask? Yes, I say. Power Pop, indie style. That’s Vampire Weekend. Verse, chorus, verse with the occasional bridge. Oh, they can dress it up in a bunch of secondhand sounds and repeated rhythms, South Africa via bowie, byrne and simon (the musical holy trinity of cultural pilfering) substituting the world for 3 guitar chords, but when you get down to it, it’s power pop.
And in that vein, there’s plenty to enjoy on this disc. If I was guessing, I’d bet someone could easily put 6 to 7 songs from this disc on their Ipod. Horchata is finally growing on me, after leaving me cold through the first listens. White Sky and Holiday are standard fare for the band, but their propulsive beats and catchy melodies more than make up for the “been there, done that” feel. The auto-tuning gone berserk wink of California English is worth a smile or two. Taxi Cab is very nice stylistic change halfway through the album, witha nice melody, a little more feeling in the lyrics and burbling synth and piano lines driving the song along.
The second half lags a bit. I love Cousins and wish the album took off from that point, but Run doesn’t really. Giving Up the Gun has an interesting beginning and chorus, but could use a little tightening up (one two many bridges to cross and I’m not really looking for extended musical interludes from VW). I could do without Diplomat’s Son. It goes on for too long and doesn’t even get started by the time it ends, but I’ll give them a nod just for stretching it out a bit. For me though, the highlight of the album is the closer, I Think UR a Contra. It’s a gem of a melody, slowed down, stripped down and ornamented with off kilter instrumentation. Personal and emotional, it smartly stakes out the spaces within the transitory political and social posturing of privilege against the hopes and desires of a relationship. Play and replay. And become very curious about the next album, after the fame and fortune and backlash have subsided.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
So I'm Counting on Your Fingers
Various Artistes-Dark Was the Night:I was wracking my brain for weeks trying to place the song that plays during the opening scenes of THE BLIND SIDE. Then I finally got serious about it and consulted the web. Of course it was familiar, it was The Cello Song (a cover of a nick drake song) by The Books and José González. I'm ashamed. Made me dig out Dark was the Night, another charity collection benefiting the red hot organization.
It's for a good cause. It's got names. And some pretty big indie names. And I appreciate that a lot of people got involved, but maybe too much of a good thing. There's really only one disc of worthwhile songs scattered across the two discs. The rest of the two discs is filled with generic/archetypical offerings and then a handful of bottom of the barrel, probably put together on a bender all nighter just for the cause. I love the National tune (of course) am disappointed by the Grizzly Bear and MMJ songs, expected more from Stuart Murdoch and really wish Cat Power would go away (i'll never get it, i suppose)
I'm most partial to Bon Iver's Brackett, Wi. When we were kids, we'd sell calves at an auction house down by Brackett. It was so exciting to get up early and load the calves and then drive down through the big city (Eau Claire) to the stockyard south of there. My brother and I would watch excitedly as they'd unload the calves and then grandpa would pull the pickup around front. We'd enter the building as big shots, Joe and I, all proud that we had calves to sell. Sometimes we'd get bored with the action on the auction floor and we'd dare the catwalks over the cattle pens. 30 feet above with no net, and when the catwalk was wooden, it was really exciting. And of course, there was always cherry pie in the cafeteria for lunch. Funny how a song title can strike such a chord.
It's for a good cause. It's got names. And some pretty big indie names. And I appreciate that a lot of people got involved, but maybe too much of a good thing. There's really only one disc of worthwhile songs scattered across the two discs. The rest of the two discs is filled with generic/archetypical offerings and then a handful of bottom of the barrel, probably put together on a bender all nighter just for the cause. I love the National tune (of course) am disappointed by the Grizzly Bear and MMJ songs, expected more from Stuart Murdoch and really wish Cat Power would go away (i'll never get it, i suppose)
I'm most partial to Bon Iver's Brackett, Wi. When we were kids, we'd sell calves at an auction house down by Brackett. It was so exciting to get up early and load the calves and then drive down through the big city (Eau Claire) to the stockyard south of there. My brother and I would watch excitedly as they'd unload the calves and then grandpa would pull the pickup around front. We'd enter the building as big shots, Joe and I, all proud that we had calves to sell. Sometimes we'd get bored with the action on the auction floor and we'd dare the catwalks over the cattle pens. 30 feet above with no net, and when the catwalk was wooden, it was really exciting. And of course, there was always cherry pie in the cafeteria for lunch. Funny how a song title can strike such a chord.
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