Montag, 2. Aug 2010, 12:57
The idea is for a journal for every month listing new albums I listen to and what I think so that when I review the year's music in December, I will have a handy reminder. I will add to this as the month goes on. Suggestions welcome.
Play the radio: My Gang Featured Albums 10 http://static.last.fm/matt/tinyradio.gif
January | February | March | April | May | June |
July
w/c Mon 02 August:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51L15q-eILL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Kit Downes Trio - Golden
The Kit Downes Trio is pianist Kit Downes, double bassist Calum Gourlay and drummer James Maddren. ‘Golden’ is the trio’s debut album and has been nominated for the Mercury Prize 2010. Improvised jazz, eclectic, clever.
We7 | Spotify | Official Site
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51PfE-6PsNL._SL160_AA115_.jpg The Rolling Stones - Exile On Main Street
The original recordings, remastered. The deluxe edition features ten never-before-heard tracks from the Exile sessions. A masterpiece.
We7 | Spotify | Official Site
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51thkX9BYJL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Bombay Bicycle Club - Flaws
Their debut, I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose, was loathsome, an ugly, flawed affair that did little to endear me to them. I couldn't get my fingers out of my ears to appreciate the varied influences that were much written about. Not so this time. 'Flaws' is anything but. The album picks up from where the last track on the debut, The Giantess, left off. Acoustic, folk, heart-rending little melodies and gorgeous little twists typify the second album. Playing on repeat isn't enough.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51PdaHqoQsL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Foals - Total Life Forever
My mistake, it wasn't Vampire Weekend who said "Senegalese and stuff", it was these guys. Again, loathed and despised them before. This time… I'm head over heels.
Foals – Spanish Sahara : Reco of the Week 3 August 2010
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/419H5laAdrL._SL160_AA115_.jpg - Autolux - Transit Transit
Six years after 'Future Perfect,' the L.A. trio finally releases its second album. (Spinner) Shoegaze, dream pop. Doesn't stay in your mind, but you do find yourself going back for more. Audience No. 2 stands out.
BBC Review
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51oZAKx4UaL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Mystery Jets - Serotonin
Didn't see any write ups, just saw people kept mentioning them in Last.fm. Checked it out. And liked it. Totally forgot I've listened to them before and not liked them. Huge turnaround. Alternative, indie rock.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51T0gGqUmJL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Janelle Monáe - The Archandroid
Had her down as a Next Big Things - NBTs. Didn't realise my nose was that good. She's blowing everyone out of the water this year and even Prince idolises her. It's R&B but not as you know it. References are pulled in from all over the place, like little gifts you're not expecting. I envy anyone having their first listen. I shan't forget mine.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41-5mg9aByL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Mt St Helens Vietnam Band - Where the Messengers Meet
The band follows up their self-titled debut with an Arcade Fire and Pink Floyd-influenced album. (Spinner) Arcade Fire and Pink Floyd my foot. What on earth is going on here? An aural assault. The parts don't work.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51NGP2ktoEL._SL160_AA115_.jpg El-P - Weareallgoingtoburninhellmegamixxx3
The Brooklyn producer/emcee returns with this all-instrumental mix tape. (Spinner) This is good. Underground hip-hop. Unexpected twists and turns, little nooks to explore. One listen isn't enough.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
w/c Mon 09 August:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51vO0RfgetL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan - Hawk
More gorgeousness.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51XH5PZ8k3L._SL160_AA115_.jpg Isbells - Isbells
Released November 2009. Acoustic folk, duyster. Calming, melancholic and soft.
We7 | Spotify |
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51mYpjom0DL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Menomena – Mines
Menomena’s sound often encompasses progressive rock, freeform jazz and ambient electronica in a single stride. (BBC Review). I think this is what they call a 'tour de force'. Experimental, brave, rangey, huge, a bit wrong then gloriously right. One of the highlights of the month and a contender for 'best of' lists come the end of the year.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51unUmKlv-L._SL160_AA115_.jpg Lost in the Trees - All Alone in an Empty House
Composer/singer Ari Picker's orchestral folk-pop group releases its debut album. (Spinner) Dreamy folk mixed up with lush orchestration. Moreish.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/513g23jycQL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Dreamend - So I Ate Myself, Bite by Bite
Black Moth Super Rainbow member Ryan Graveface brings a dark sound to his latest experimental output. (Spinner) This will be released in October in the UK. Scary album title. Post-rock, shoegaze, banjos and campfires.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/513lQw0OreL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Kelli Scarr - Piece
The singer-songwriter recorded her debut album in her bedroom, Moby's home studio and a secluded Canadian cabin. Lady Bon Iver, then. Like this. Sounds a lot like Cat Power.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61-gtjrYYHL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Stacy Clark - Connect the Dots
The indie-pop singer-songwriter follows up her 2007 self-released debut, 'Apples and Oranges.' (Spinner)
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51SYSIHEBjL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Caitlin Rose - Own Side Now
Debut album from young country singer-songwriter Caitlin Rose, following her successful EP, Dead Flowers. (Amazon) I was looking forward to this. Wasn't disappointed.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41-2OKWSZYL._SL160_AA115_.jpg PVT - Church With No Magic
Formerly known as Pivot, the Aussie experimental rockers return with their third LP. (Spinner) Dark indie electronica, just the way I like it.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51rS2UJ9e7L._SL160_AA115_.jpg Various Artists - Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
The Michael Cera film features new music from Beck, who performs as Cera's fictional band Sex Bob-omb. (Spinner) Also features Frank Black, Black Lips, Broken Social Scene, the Rolling Stones, T-Rex and more.
We7 | Spotify |
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51qg1I22kUL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (Original Score Composed by Nigel Godrich) There are two Scott Pilgrim albums to accompany the movie, this one produced by Radiohead's producer Nigel Godrich, Beck, Osymyso and Dan the Automator. Prefer this one.
We7 | Spotify |
w/c Mon 16 August:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41r-8WlvuxL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Eliza Carthy & Norma Waterson - Gift
Mother and daughter make for beguiling singing partners: voices that meet and match, but at times, too, push against one another. Folk royalty. A 2010 essential.
We7 | Spotify | Official Site
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51gMJChgtgL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Brian Wilson - Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin
The Beach Boys mastermind puts a unique spin on George Gershwin classics and finishes two of the composer's incomplete songs. (Spinner) Chased away the Monday blues. Wonderful. Due 6 Sept.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61DONAcAUhL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs - God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise
The singer-songwriter's self-produced fourth album is the first to feature his new backing band. New band, different sound, same voice. This man always gets it right. Due 6 September. Links go to current single, Beg Steal Or Borrow.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/513Q7AYZsuL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Dylan LeBlanc - Pauper's Field
The 20-year-old singer-songwriter from Louisiana releases his debut album. (Spinner) Another one that needs the quiet of night to shine, this time to dream and drift away. Soft americana, alt-country. Due 23 Aug.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61wl65INXxL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Esperanza Spalding - Chamber Music Society
The acclaimed jazz bassist/multi-instrumentalist releases her third album as a bandleader. (Spinner) Beautiful, confident person makes beautiful, confident music for beautiful, confident people. Accomplished, sophisticated and alienatingly perfect. Features a distinctive and outstanding cover of Wild Is the Wind. Her name is on everyone's lips this year. One to watch. Album due 30 Aug.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41uiJog6KKL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Matthew Dear - Black City
The electropop artist reinvents his sound for his latest album. (Spinner) First listen was during the day when I was busy and distracted. Volume was low, I wasn't really listening, made no impact. Put it on again at night, and it sparkles. Little People (Black City) is a dance track divided into movements. Nearly ten minutes long, you don't want it to stop. Overall, the sound is dark. It's dark funk. And very, very good.
BBC review
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61XEY1LPwfL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Darker My Love - Alive as You Are
The Los Angeles band channels their psychedelic music influences and goes deeper with their newest album. (Spinner) Aaaaah. Joy. Back in my comfort zone with the 60s. Music for long, dusty roads, blazing sunshine and one tanned arm. Put it on repeat, it's only 36 minutes long. Think Grateful Dead you won't go far wrong.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/514LiamfsVL._SL160_AA115_.jpg John Mellencamp - No Better Than This
The rocker reteamed with T Bone Burnett and recorded this album in famous locations like Sun Studios. (Spinner) Like coming home. Album title is a description. Produced by T Bone Burnett, recorded with one microphone (for the whole band) onto tape, in mono, in Sun Studio in Memphis, with the band arranged according to a floor plan drawn up by Sam Phillips (Elvis's producer). These details and more contribute to the warmth and authenticity of the sound. The music is soft, downtempo, folk, blues, alt-country, early rock'n'roll.
American Songwriter review
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51bwj9zF7DL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Also released is John Mellencamp - On The Rural Route 7609 - Special Edition, a 4 CD box set.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/174s/46323901.jpg Fire! Santa Rosa, Fire! - Sea Priest
The Adelaide, Australia sextet's debut LP gets its stateside release. (Spinner) Lo-fi, indie rock, dance punk. Bouncy, good fun, lovely vocals and good sound. Just needs a little something else. Love the quiet of All of us in The Water.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31lzAhJntvL._SL160_AA115_.jpg mark beazley - Stateless
The man from Rothko goes solo. Ambient. Huge, bleak, cold soundscapes that belong to the dead of night.
We7 | Spotify |
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51k%2Blu%2BcLRL._SL500_SS110_.jpg Meeting of Important People - Quit Music
The Pittsburg trio follows up its 2009 debut album with this EP. (Spinner) 10-track EP including 4 demos, which I prefer. Pretty indie pop/rock.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
w/c Mon 23 August:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516zKmDPzhL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Eels - Tomorrow Morning
Mark Oliver Everett's second 2010 album takes an optimistic turn in contrast two his previous two albums. (Spinner) The third part of the trilogy. In the first, Hombre Lobo, subtitle: 21 Songs of Desire, he got the girl. In End Times, he lost the girl and they divorced. Now, in Tomorrow Morning, he picks himself up and looks to the future with a sense of optimism. A happy album.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51RmhnO8i0L._SL160_AA115_.jpg William Orbit - Pieces In A Modern Style Vol.2
I've always liked William Orbit so started this thinking I'd like it, easy peasy, job done. Except I didn't. There are two discs and I had to stop. A disappointment.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Lu2IdBqdL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Mogwai - Special Moves
The Scotsmen release their first live album to coincide with the concert film 'Burning.' (Spinner) Don't usually listen to live albums, but it's Mogwai. Stunning post-rock.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51nQD6om08L._SL160_AA115_.jpg Ra Ra Riot - The Orchard
The Syracuse, N.Y. natives release their highly anticipated sophomore album. (Spinner) Another disappointment. Nothing interesting musically here at all. If anything, made me feel quite cross. Aren't they better than this?
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61ZkuMey8xL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Let It Sway
Hailing from Springfield, Mo., SSLYBY mature to cheer you out of your broken heart with their newest album. (Spinner) Nothing new here but good fun anyway. Album gets better as it goes on, ending on a high with three excellent bonus tracks. Bended (Digital Bonus Track) my favourite.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Hdh7k30BL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Land of Talk - Cloak and Cipher
Frontwoman Elizabeth Powell composed this album while recovering from a hemorrhaged vocal polyp. (Spinner) because that's a sensible thing to do. Her vocals are the best bit. Something Elizabeth Fraser/Cocteau Twins about the quality and the production. Fine, dreamy indie rock.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51LXMddoFML._SL160_AA115_.jpg Lana Mir - Lana Mir
The Ukraine-born singer-songwriter releases her first LP. (Spinner) A good effort. Lifts its head for an unexpected cover of Stone Roses - I Wanna Be Adored, copied a little too closely. A pleasant album, listened to all of it, but wasn't moved.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51HewTUk76L._SL160_AA115_.jpg S. Carey - All We Grow
The Bon Iver member releases his first solo album. (Spinner) Gosh, I just want to know more. I like this better than Bon Iver - better than Justin Vernon's vocals and that whole remote cabin thing. Carey has more presence, his voice and the music is gorgeous with heart-rending dramatic moments. It's still navel gazing but it's brighter and it sparkles.
BBC Review
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51MXQYJHZML._SL160_AA115_.jpg Amy Millan - Masters of the Burial
Released near the end of 2009, criminally underpromoted. Alt-country, indie rock, folk, dreamy with an underlying jazz feel. Millan is a member of Stars and Broken Social Scene. Features two covers, Richard Hawley - Run For Me and Death Cab For Cutie - I Will Follow You into the Dark.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/510iadjiQOL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Cotton Jones - Tall Hours in the Glowstream
The girl-boy Maryland duo release a vintage-tinted, hazy second LP. (Spinner). Had me at hazy. Indie folk, psychedelic, alternative. Old-fashioned loveliness. First track, Sail of the Silver Morning, is pretty much Pachelbel - Canon, which isn't something I like.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51NbVEuw1HL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Hans Zimmer - Inception OST
High drama and the strange world of dreams brilliantly realised.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51tviTF15xL._SL160_AA115_.jpg The Radio Dept. - Clinging to a Scheme
Swedish indie pop. Released April 2010. Reminded me of a less excitable Mew. Cheerful.
BBC Review
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Ai0b1Oq1L._SL160_AA115_.jpg Bo Ningen - Koroshitai Kimochi
Released Nov 2009. Experimental, psychedelic, post-punk, heavy. Madness. Debut four-track EP from Japanese quartet. You go back for more.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/611x-Xd8veL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Women - Public Strain
Found via Twitter when BBC posted their review. Listened to the music first. Complicated and complex. Alienating at times. Crunchy, gritty, drone, shoegaze, noise, artfully delivered. Liked Heat Distraction from the off.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TlQcLCXoL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Magic Kids - Memphis
The Memphis-based power-pop act brings lush instrumentation on its debut full-length. (Spinner) Pop's fascination with the 60s, innocence and the Beach Boys continues. Summer music. Lovely strings.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41NCaZjlggL._SL160_AA115_.jpg The Dashing Suns - Really Like You
Nostalgic of 1960's rock, the quartet from Oakland, Calif. release their first LP. (Spinner) And we stay in the 60s, pop pickers, with a more rock-y debut from this band. First track, Goodbye Bad Vibrations, is spookily backwards.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://www.aolcdn.com/music_lp/thetorches_thetorches_204.jpg The Torches - The Torches
The roots rockers from D.C. burst on the scene with their first EP. (Spinner) Didn't think much of this at all on first listen. The second - they got me. They got me with the blues. Features the splendid Steerpike (The C--- of Gormanghast) which looks extremely rude like that. It's only Steerpike (The Cock of Gormanghast).
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51xldknCdNL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Hayley Taylor - One Foot in Front of the Other
The multi-talented singer-songwriter from L.A. releases her debut full-length album. (Spinner) The kind of music that's increasingly taken up by big name U.S. TV shows. Good quality folky indie, well put together, girl and guitar backed by orchestra. Good but nothing really stands out.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41oDabPixRL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Dead Confederate - Sugar
These rockers wrote 'Sugar' during a series of harsh blizzards that hit New Jersey in the winter of 2009. (Spinner) Alternate rock. A smoother listen than Wrecking Ball, with odd moments here and there of pure joy. Imperfect and likeable. Love Run From The Gun.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61A3TzuVLuL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Grass Widow - Past Time
The San Francisco all-female trio blends blends surf-pop and post-punk. (Spinner) And we return to the 60s. They describe the sound as "apparitional vocals over distorted post-punk riffs". Certainly some experimentation going on with the harmonies as well as mixing up the post-punk riffs with orchestration. An intriguing listen.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51W5IK1ZFPL._SL160_AA115_.jpg JJ Grey & Mofro - Georgia Warhorse
The soul/R&B/rock band's latest album is named after a tough breed of grasshopper. (Spinner) Sleazy, sweaty and dirty. Music that should be played outside on a hot night, loud so it soars to the sky. Great guitars.
We7 | Spotify |
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51tJEw37bGL._SL160_AA115_.jpg JP, Chrissie & The Fairground Boys - Fidelity
Pretenders frontwoman Chrissie Hynde teamed with producer JP Jones for this album. (Spinner) Grew up listening to her. She sounds as good as ever. Kind of wished it was her and her alone, without the others getting in the way.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61qHxhmqO%2BL._SL160_AA115_.jpg Neil Nathan - The Distance Calls
The Detroit native teams up with some of the city's best garage rockers on his latest studio effort. (Spinner) Features cover of ELO - Do Ya used on big U.S. TV show 'Californication': Do Ya. Debut features musicians from The Dead Weather, Queens of The Stone Age, Kid Rock, Detroit Cobras & The Go. Good.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516xUFnv5XL._SL500_SS110_.jpg New Idea Society - Somehow Disappearing
The Brooklyn rock band returns with its first album after recovering from injuries sustained in a tour bus crash. (Spinner) Understated. Mid-tempo indie rock. Played this through twice on first listen. If You Slip Under gorgeous.
We7 | Spotify | MySpace
