Catching up on the releases with this exploration of the late February entries into WMBR's new rack. As you'll see below there's quite a bit I want to play, time is a big constraint when the new release get this crowded together.

1. Cortney Tidwell - "La La"
She's got some buzz behind her on the UK front but I've heard very little about here in the US. Tennessee girl who takes the new-folk and adds just a tinge of shoegazer reverb, enough to scent it with some Cocteau Twins vibe but not enough to call it a swipe by any means. Several strong tunes on this debut release, played this song on 3/1/07.

2. Bobby Conn - "Mr. Lucky"
Not as retro-funk or glam as previous releases, also nowhere near as strange. His non-seq's were a highlight of other albums, this one seems to step outside the studio with a much simpler formula. Played a much shorter song on 3/1/07 but won't be hitting it again.

3. The One AM Radio - "Mercury"
Loved the previous two full-lengths, this one for the more part eschews some of the delicate beauty that can be found there for a fuller sound with more propulsive bass/drum action. Must say I prefer the old school feedback but will stick with it due to a strong karma reserve. Played on 2/22/07.

4. Secret Mommy - "Diciduism"
Another schizophrenic electronic mess, this is the most coherent song of the bunch. Thought I might be able to do something with it, who knows. Meant for those kids who find time signatures boring.

5. Boo Hoo - "Disappearer"
Strong Canadian indie rock, very propulsive with great energy and pace. Has that Built to Spill feel to it with the chiming guitars and raspy vocals.

6. The Wombats - "Moving to New York"
A side of a single they sent to us, interesting enough to reserve for future reference. Would prefer to hear the whole album first. Going for that commercial post-punk rock sound, upbeat and fiery.

7. The Arcade Fire - "(Antichrist Television Blues)"
Extremely inconsistent effort from these guys with very poor sequencing as well, takes a good long while to get started and the songs have a difficult time coalescing beyond some individual charms. Overall a big disappointment as I am quite enamored of the first full-length. Still several gems here, played this on 3/1/07.

8. Seafood - "Between The Noise Pt. 2"
Has that major-label big big sound but I must admit it works. While certainly not as dark as Interpol there are some links here in the bulky guitar sound and thick basslines.

9. Lemurs - "Breaking You Down"
Pretty much anything that jumps on the dark 80's revivalist bandwagon gets at least a reserve from me, which explains the presence on this track on here. Has that authentically awkward vocal sound and after initially brushing it with a by-the-numbers label I must admit the attraction is growing.

10. Palomar - "Our Haunt"
Nowhere near as simple or catchy as their previous pure indie-pop releases, this adds a huge dollop of rock production which IMO sacrifices much of the pleasure of Palomar. Played on 3/1/07 but don't think this relationship will progress beyond that.

11. Seagulls Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her - "Evolution"
The XTC reference gets this Japanese band goodwill points off the bat. Date check reveals this is a 2001 album, which either means it's a station purchase or much-delayed US release. While I didn't find it too interesting as a whole, this leadoff track is stellar sunshiney female fronted pop that doesn't easily reveal its roots. Deserves a spin.

12. Kristoffer Ragnstam - "Too Close To The Curb"
Another Swedish effort with a pop feel but the vocals don't have that signature nasal quality and the music is actually a brawnier version of that prototypical power pop. Nice guitar lick, definitely worth a play.

13. Don Lennon - "Our Bodies"
He's back, our local troubador with the wry observances on life turns in a smash hit with this observant song about our obsession with the physical form. Overall the album seems rather weak though I bet once purchased it will reveal many charms. Played on 3/1/07, deserves multiple spins on this song alone.

14. Mountaineer - "You Pay No Mind"
Looks like we were several months late to this party as this late-06 release got lost in the back of the Music Director's cabinet. Too bad, it's a fleshier folk-pop upgrade not unlike Elliott Smith with less of the awkwardness (and consequently less of the charm). Still should run this one at least once.

15. Let's Go Sailing - "Better Off"
My father had a sailboat during my youth so the band name certainly drew some positive attention. And the very comely lead singer certainly doesn't hurt either. So I'm willing to overlook any vocal flaws and put this one firmly in the charming indie-pop camp. Played it 3/1/07. Wonder if they're from Yardley PA?

16. Life In Sodom - "The New Year"
EP from this goth-rock band, complete with the doomy male vocals. A strong Bats in the Belfry candidate, reserved here just in case I ever get called to do a fill-in on that program.

17. Explosions in the Sky - "Welcome, Ghosts"
They basically deliver the goods on the new album, there are several sparkly tunes worthy of inclusion in the canon but a few dry ones as well. Background music fodder.

18. Sea.Mine - "Cascadia"
Vocals here remind me quite a bit of the Atlanta band Five.Eight, quite a bit of range. Musically there's some similarity as well though they don't quite have the tension. Still, quite likable.

19. The Dexateens - "Fyffe"
Roots rock in the rockinist flannel shirt way, if Greg Reibman still had a show this record would be getting multiple spins. As it is I'm sure Joan on Three Ring Circus will make sure it receives plenty of airtime. Plenty of fun, spun it on 2/22/07.