Playlist for April 26, 2007 version of the Breakfast of Champions on WMBR Cambridge.
(8:00 - Taking a tour of the "D" section of WMBR's vinyl library)
Dredd Foole and the Din - "So Tough"
Drunks With Guns - "Beautiful Happiness"
Drivin' n Cryin' - "Scarred But Smarter"
Drumming on Glass - "Jagged"
Dramatics - "Chas in Kool & The Gang With a Big Stick"
(8:15 - specifically the "DR" section)
Dream Syndicate - "That's What You Always Say"
Ducks Deluxe - "Fireball"
Drongos - "Metronome"
Bill Drummond - "Julian Cope Is Dead"
Drowning Pool - "Nierika"
(8:30 - time for band of the week)
Ride - "Vapour Trail"
Ride - "Twisterella"
Dub Narcotic Sound System - "Waffle Ganger"
(8:45 - filling up the cubbyhole)
Dreams So Real - "Drifting Away"
Droogs - "Change Is Gonna Come"
Dream Academy - "In Places On The Run"
Barry Dransfield - "Broken Barricades"
Drum Buddy - "Scratch"
(9:00 - kick off for the new music hour)
The Clientele - "Somebody Changed"
Tracy Thorn - "Hands Up In The Air"
Page France and the Family Telephone - "Beggar's Table Legs"
65daysofstatic - "Music is Music as Devices Are Kisses is Everything"
(9:20 - how do you follow that world famous concert report)
Matthew Dear - "Deserter"
Elk City - "Los Cruzados"
Pop Levi - "Mournin' Light"
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - "Not What You Wanted"
(9:40 - carefully combing through the latest entries)
Maximo Park - "Girls Who Play Guitar"
The Basement - "Do You Think You're Moving On?"
The Sea and Cake - "Middlenight"
Karl Blau - "Sky"
Johnny and the Moon - "Tamed a Lion"
(9:55 - time to go!)
Christopher Walla - "Shattered Dreams"
thanks for your attention - if you missed the program visit WMBR's archive of streaming audio
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Can't say this group of mid-late Apr-07 releases are very inspiring but we'll give it a go.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - "Not What You Wanted"
Their first release was an acceptable Jesus & Mary Chain inspired fuzzrock knockoff though since then its wandered more towards the Give Out But Don't Give Up era Primal Scream bluesrock goop. Their 4th album wanders back towards the J&MC vibe but really only satisfies on a few songs. This song has a bit of retro 60's pop vibe that will merit a spin.
Red Collar - "Stay"
Going for that punk meets AOR rock vibe that the Hold Steady farm, not as literate but just as catchy with harmonized backing vocals and guitar riffs aching to be early Joe Jackson Browne-ish. Not a Blue Nile cover (for those few who would be horrified if is was).
Brakes - "Beatific Visions"
The vocals give me Daniel Bejar flashbacks, with a nasally glam flow. Most of the songs are very happy punk in the Thermals vein but a few straight pop efforts creep into the mix, of which this is one. Jangly mid-tempo guitars with sonically tweaked (doubled?) vocals and plenty o' tambourine give it that mid-70's AM radio feel. BTW this is the UK band, not the US band with "the" in their name.
HelToro - "Bombaklot"
Local band with one of those expressive vocalists who sounds like he's half screaming the end of every line, sorta like early Elvis Costello but with a much deeper register (John Hiatt perhaps?). Musically it's maniacal rock that jumps and counterpunches in the same breath.
The Little Bicycles - "Tennessee"
Female pop-punk (actually I think the drummer is a guy) with equal parts sweetness and fire. This one is lower on the energy and higher on the melody as I prefer the pop side of things, it has almost a Scrawl-ish vibe. The rest of the (mostly faster) songs just didn't coalesce for me, likely a production issue.
The Narrator - "August 32nd"
Some rather nasal vocals mated with a layered musical approach - additional elements build upon each other as the song progresses until an orgasmic conclusion. A very early 90's rock vibe with pleasantly crisp guitars echoing an Arcwelder vibe.
Superdrag - "Comfortably Bummed"
A b-sides and rarities comp from these power-poppers sounding their most Canadian (don't be confused, they're from TN). There's usually a good reason why a song doesn't make the a-list and most of these display a weakness or two, on this one the bad pun title may have cost it. For fans only, though you could accurately say that about any of their records.
Goldrush - "The Story of the City"
Really liked their previous one which had a Flaming Lips meets grad school logic to it, lots of elements but nothing too freaky. Unfortunately it was largely ignored in our new rack, this one is likely to suffer the same fate though for better reasons as overall it's not as strong. A 2 minute tune that might make a good end of set filler.
The Basement - "Do You Think You're Moving On?"
The promo blurb plays up their Irishness and tries to forge sonic links to the Pogues. If anything this leadoff track succeeds due to how American it sounds, the pure 70's rock guitars mixed with bluesy keys and an effective banjo. The balance of the disc forces the vocal lilt upfront and doesn't let itself loose like this lovely little ditty. Where's Shea Storm when you need him?
The Race - "Ice Station"
Retro new wave with a chugging baseline providing a cold and dark sonic foundation for the highly syncopated drums and guitars plus a few menacing keyboard splashes. Accurately sounds like something that was the a-side of an unknown 7" dated 1981 and subsequently collected on a Hyped2Death comp. Enjoyed the dual vocal attack, the backing pops in at seemingly random moments to provide some pepper. The Chicago band, not the UK - played this 4/19/07 (Frank Viola's birthday!)
Echoboy - "Lovesick Antelopes"
Pretty much the only song on the new Echoboy worthy of foreground play, which is unfortunate as their last US release was fantastic retro-new wave dancepop. While a similar vibe is on display here the majority of it lacks vocals and add a few random sonic elements to place it more towards the IDM line. Nice stop-start pause 2/3 of the way through.
Frog Eyes - "Stockades"
OK, after the relative success of the Swan Lake pairing with Dan Bejar I thought I'd approach the new Frog Eyes with open ears, perhaps even allowing myself to be swayed by the In Your Face Brian Glidewells of the world. However this bang-on-a-piano and yelp over the mandolins tune was the most promising thing I could find on the album, and it wasn't all that promising truth be told.
Guppies - "I Just Want"
This LA band sent us a five song ep with minimal packaging. If produced properly I'd probably adore this release, but the set-up-the-mics-and-play vibe puts the off-key vocals too front-and-center and distances the glistening play-one-note-and-change-the-chord guitars. Appreciated the spoken word part in the middle as well as the sped up pace about 2/3 of the way through. Played it on 4/19/07.
Calvin Johnson & the Sons of the Soil - "Love Travels Faster"
Sounds like a recorded-live-in-one-take one off with a band that includes Adam Forkner. My favorite Calvin tunes are when he gets expressive, fluctuating that note downward just a bit to extract a tinge of regret. This one lopes along like a hot summer day road trip but is just as lovely as the inevitable stop for ice cream.
Craig Markel - "Reverse"
I've always had a soft spot for this former frontman of New Sweet Breath, his previous solo albums have had some of the finest white-indie-rocker-doing-70's-soul moments since Ian Svenonius, except Graig does the smooth sexy sounds of soul not the white cherry version. This album hearkens to a different time though, with a sedate Sunny Day Real Estate vibe complete with glacial pacing. It feels almost underwritten to me, the songs flow finely but never coalesce.
Azeda Booth - "Dead Girls"
Glitchy electro-pop spurts and sputters with some heavily modified female vocals occasionally bursting through the background. Some blissfully lovely but overly busy banging and clanging drew me to reserve this, though on 2nd thought it probably won't get spun.
Hem - "Fire Thief (live)"
From a double CD compilation of live songs courtesy of WUAG. Ah remember the halcyon days of the Pipeline comp? In any case I barely recognized 1/3 of the bands so likely it's mostly local content, of course I went for the sweetest voice this side of early 90's Lucinda as my keeper.
Page France and the Family Telephone - "Beggar's Table Legs"
Really enjoyed the previous Page France lp with its man-and-a-microphone folk-pop vibe that fit comfortably between the Sufjans and Bonnie Billys of the world. So who are the Family Telephone and what do they add to the proceedings? Some horns, some chimes, some backing vocals ... at least as far as I can tell. In my mind they get in the way, it feels like Page cut some demos then sent them off for the additional elements to be pasted in rather than everyone getting together to create a song. Ah well, there's still some lightness amongst the sweetener.
No River City - "Two Sad Horses"
Country rock played as straight as a North Dakota highway, the type of thing that will equally be ignored by the likes of the Saturday morning block and the weekday morning block and it's too rock for the country and too country for the rock.
Tarwater - "A Marriage In Belmont"
I often struggle to find even one song to reserve on a Tarwater release, either the spoken-but-sorta-sung vocals get in the way or the electronic backing gets a bit too busy for me. The same case applies here, if they recruited David J (for example) to add vocals to these tunes it would have just enough competence to find my ear as the beats are tastefully restrained enough on this one song to keep my attention.
Karl Blau - "SKY"
Pacific Northwest luminary pops up in many a band from that fertile area. The album is called Dance Positive but I have a difficult time visualizing anyone hopping along to these kitchen sink tunes. This one at least finds a relatively consistent beat but continues the disparate sounds of occasionally tickled guitars, monotone vocals and a handful of other blown or plucked instruments that each provide plenty of space for their compatriots to chime in.
Slaraffenland - "Watch Out"
Copenhagen based band that struggles to get their songs to clock in at under 5 minutes. Just an observation, mind you. It takes awhile for this one to find its energy, if they had sliced off the first three minutes of noodling and gotten to the fiery wall of guitars and tasteful horns earlier it may have rated a spin. Perhaps I'll make a BoC-thurs edit for y'all.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - "Not What You Wanted"
Their first release was an acceptable Jesus & Mary Chain inspired fuzzrock knockoff though since then its wandered more towards the Give Out But Don't Give Up era Primal Scream bluesrock goop. Their 4th album wanders back towards the J&MC vibe but really only satisfies on a few songs. This song has a bit of retro 60's pop vibe that will merit a spin.
Red Collar - "Stay"
Going for that punk meets AOR rock vibe that the Hold Steady farm, not as literate but just as catchy with harmonized backing vocals and guitar riffs aching to be early Joe Jackson Browne-ish. Not a Blue Nile cover (for those few who would be horrified if is was).
Brakes - "Beatific Visions"
The vocals give me Daniel Bejar flashbacks, with a nasally glam flow. Most of the songs are very happy punk in the Thermals vein but a few straight pop efforts creep into the mix, of which this is one. Jangly mid-tempo guitars with sonically tweaked (doubled?) vocals and plenty o' tambourine give it that mid-70's AM radio feel. BTW this is the UK band, not the US band with "the" in their name.
HelToro - "Bombaklot"
Local band with one of those expressive vocalists who sounds like he's half screaming the end of every line, sorta like early Elvis Costello but with a much deeper register (John Hiatt perhaps?). Musically it's maniacal rock that jumps and counterpunches in the same breath.
The Little Bicycles - "Tennessee"
Female pop-punk (actually I think the drummer is a guy) with equal parts sweetness and fire. This one is lower on the energy and higher on the melody as I prefer the pop side of things, it has almost a Scrawl-ish vibe. The rest of the (mostly faster) songs just didn't coalesce for me, likely a production issue.
The Narrator - "August 32nd"
Some rather nasal vocals mated with a layered musical approach - additional elements build upon each other as the song progresses until an orgasmic conclusion. A very early 90's rock vibe with pleasantly crisp guitars echoing an Arcwelder vibe.
Superdrag - "Comfortably Bummed"
A b-sides and rarities comp from these power-poppers sounding their most Canadian (don't be confused, they're from TN). There's usually a good reason why a song doesn't make the a-list and most of these display a weakness or two, on this one the bad pun title may have cost it. For fans only, though you could accurately say that about any of their records.
Goldrush - "The Story of the City"
Really liked their previous one which had a Flaming Lips meets grad school logic to it, lots of elements but nothing too freaky. Unfortunately it was largely ignored in our new rack, this one is likely to suffer the same fate though for better reasons as overall it's not as strong. A 2 minute tune that might make a good end of set filler.
The Basement - "Do You Think You're Moving On?"
The promo blurb plays up their Irishness and tries to forge sonic links to the Pogues. If anything this leadoff track succeeds due to how American it sounds, the pure 70's rock guitars mixed with bluesy keys and an effective banjo. The balance of the disc forces the vocal lilt upfront and doesn't let itself loose like this lovely little ditty. Where's Shea Storm when you need him?
The Race - "Ice Station"
Retro new wave with a chugging baseline providing a cold and dark sonic foundation for the highly syncopated drums and guitars plus a few menacing keyboard splashes. Accurately sounds like something that was the a-side of an unknown 7" dated 1981 and subsequently collected on a Hyped2Death comp. Enjoyed the dual vocal attack, the backing pops in at seemingly random moments to provide some pepper. The Chicago band, not the UK - played this 4/19/07 (Frank Viola's birthday!)
Echoboy - "Lovesick Antelopes"
Pretty much the only song on the new Echoboy worthy of foreground play, which is unfortunate as their last US release was fantastic retro-new wave dancepop. While a similar vibe is on display here the majority of it lacks vocals and add a few random sonic elements to place it more towards the IDM line. Nice stop-start pause 2/3 of the way through.
Frog Eyes - "Stockades"
OK, after the relative success of the Swan Lake pairing with Dan Bejar I thought I'd approach the new Frog Eyes with open ears, perhaps even allowing myself to be swayed by the In Your Face Brian Glidewells of the world. However this bang-on-a-piano and yelp over the mandolins tune was the most promising thing I could find on the album, and it wasn't all that promising truth be told.
Guppies - "I Just Want"
This LA band sent us a five song ep with minimal packaging. If produced properly I'd probably adore this release, but the set-up-the-mics-and-play vibe puts the off-key vocals too front-and-center and distances the glistening play-one-note-and-change-the-chord guitars. Appreciated the spoken word part in the middle as well as the sped up pace about 2/3 of the way through. Played it on 4/19/07.
Calvin Johnson & the Sons of the Soil - "Love Travels Faster"
Sounds like a recorded-live-in-one-take one off with a band that includes Adam Forkner. My favorite Calvin tunes are when he gets expressive, fluctuating that note downward just a bit to extract a tinge of regret. This one lopes along like a hot summer day road trip but is just as lovely as the inevitable stop for ice cream.
Craig Markel - "Reverse"
I've always had a soft spot for this former frontman of New Sweet Breath, his previous solo albums have had some of the finest white-indie-rocker-doing-70's-soul moments since Ian Svenonius, except Graig does the smooth sexy sounds of soul not the white cherry version. This album hearkens to a different time though, with a sedate Sunny Day Real Estate vibe complete with glacial pacing. It feels almost underwritten to me, the songs flow finely but never coalesce.
Azeda Booth - "Dead Girls"
Glitchy electro-pop spurts and sputters with some heavily modified female vocals occasionally bursting through the background. Some blissfully lovely but overly busy banging and clanging drew me to reserve this, though on 2nd thought it probably won't get spun.
Hem - "Fire Thief (live)"
From a double CD compilation of live songs courtesy of WUAG. Ah remember the halcyon days of the Pipeline comp? In any case I barely recognized 1/3 of the bands so likely it's mostly local content, of course I went for the sweetest voice this side of early 90's Lucinda as my keeper.
Page France and the Family Telephone - "Beggar's Table Legs"
Really enjoyed the previous Page France lp with its man-and-a-microphone folk-pop vibe that fit comfortably between the Sufjans and Bonnie Billys of the world. So who are the Family Telephone and what do they add to the proceedings? Some horns, some chimes, some backing vocals ... at least as far as I can tell. In my mind they get in the way, it feels like Page cut some demos then sent them off for the additional elements to be pasted in rather than everyone getting together to create a song. Ah well, there's still some lightness amongst the sweetener.
No River City - "Two Sad Horses"
Country rock played as straight as a North Dakota highway, the type of thing that will equally be ignored by the likes of the Saturday morning block and the weekday morning block and it's too rock for the country and too country for the rock.
Tarwater - "A Marriage In Belmont"
I often struggle to find even one song to reserve on a Tarwater release, either the spoken-but-sorta-sung vocals get in the way or the electronic backing gets a bit too busy for me. The same case applies here, if they recruited David J (for example) to add vocals to these tunes it would have just enough competence to find my ear as the beats are tastefully restrained enough on this one song to keep my attention.
Karl Blau - "SKY"
Pacific Northwest luminary pops up in many a band from that fertile area. The album is called Dance Positive but I have a difficult time visualizing anyone hopping along to these kitchen sink tunes. This one at least finds a relatively consistent beat but continues the disparate sounds of occasionally tickled guitars, monotone vocals and a handful of other blown or plucked instruments that each provide plenty of space for their compatriots to chime in.
Slaraffenland - "Watch Out"
Copenhagen based band that struggles to get their songs to clock in at under 5 minutes. Just an observation, mind you. It takes awhile for this one to find its energy, if they had sliced off the first three minutes of noodling and gotten to the fiery wall of guitars and tasteful horns earlier it may have rated a spin. Perhaps I'll make a BoC-thurs edit for y'all.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
April 19, 2007 playlist for the Breakfast of Champions Thursday on WMBR
(8:00 - this week's cubbyhole is in the C section)
Exene Cervenka - "Famous Barmaid"
The Cat Heads - "I Would Kill For Suzy"
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - "Slowly Goes The Night"
16 Bitch Pile-Up -"The Dead Boy Would Not Go Away" (background music)
(8:15 - from Cat to Cervenka, basically)
Cat - "I'm Going To Hijack a Plane to Cuba"
Cavedogs - "What In The World?"
Celibate Rifles - "Sometimes"
Cat Rapes Dog - "An Ass For A Brain"
Centipede - "Septober Energy - Duet" (background music)
(8:30 - band of the week)
Don Caballero - "Repeat Defender"
Peter Catham - "Beet Pasta" (background music)
(8:45 - coming out of the C's)
A Certain Ratio - "Do the Du (casse)"
Certain General - "Holiday of Love"
Caterwaul - "Alex Aphrodisiac"
(9:00 - new music hour on tap)
Bill Callahan - "Sycamore"
The Triffids - "Blinder By The Hour"
The Field - "Sun & Ice" (concert report music)
(9:20 - back to the new music)
Celestial - "Nothing Happens; Twice"
The Airborne Toxic Event - "The Girls In Their Summer Dresses"
The Race - "Ice Station"
Guppies - "I Just Want"
(9:40 - wrapping up the new music)
The Apples In Stereo - "Same Old Drag"
Calvin Johnson & the Sons of the Soil - "Love Travels Faster"
Laura Veirs - "Pink Light"
Woods - "Night Creature"
(9:55 - because I don't play enough emo)
The Almost - "Southern Weather"
Thanks for tuning in ... if you missed it you have two weeks to peruse the WMBR archives for the online streamed version.
(8:00 - this week's cubbyhole is in the C section)
Exene Cervenka - "Famous Barmaid"
The Cat Heads - "I Would Kill For Suzy"
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - "Slowly Goes The Night"
16 Bitch Pile-Up -"The Dead Boy Would Not Go Away" (background music)
(8:15 - from Cat to Cervenka, basically)
Cat - "I'm Going To Hijack a Plane to Cuba"
Cavedogs - "What In The World?"
Celibate Rifles - "Sometimes"
Cat Rapes Dog - "An Ass For A Brain"
Centipede - "Septober Energy - Duet" (background music)
(8:30 - band of the week)
Don Caballero - "Repeat Defender"
Peter Catham - "Beet Pasta" (background music)
(8:45 - coming out of the C's)
A Certain Ratio - "Do the Du (casse)"
Certain General - "Holiday of Love"
Caterwaul - "Alex Aphrodisiac"
(9:00 - new music hour on tap)
Bill Callahan - "Sycamore"
The Triffids - "Blinder By The Hour"
The Field - "Sun & Ice" (concert report music)
(9:20 - back to the new music)
Celestial - "Nothing Happens; Twice"
The Airborne Toxic Event - "The Girls In Their Summer Dresses"
The Race - "Ice Station"
Guppies - "I Just Want"
(9:40 - wrapping up the new music)
The Apples In Stereo - "Same Old Drag"
Calvin Johnson & the Sons of the Soil - "Love Travels Faster"
Laura Veirs - "Pink Light"
Woods - "Night Creature"
(9:55 - because I don't play enough emo)
The Almost - "Southern Weather"
Thanks for tuning in ... if you missed it you have two weeks to peruse the WMBR archives for the online streamed version.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Plowed though several stacks of newly arrived discs yesterday, here are the mid-April 2007 results.
Rumskib - "Hearts On Fire"
It's fair to compare these retro shoegazers to Lush, at least early Lush. They have the breathy female vocals down perfectly, and the guitars are just as sonically satisfying. The drums are busier than you'd typically find in the genre which adds some nervous energy to the proceedings. It's on Darla so set your expectations appropriately high.
Jatun - "Fashion Whore"
Used this as concert report music on 4/12/07. Shoegazer instrumentals that have much more of a driving drumbeat than comparables such as Manual or Ulrich Schnauss. The keyboards provide a goth edge. Some muted male vocals appear occasionally but neither add or detract from the aural wallpaper vibe.
Celestial - "Nothing Happens; Twice"
Still sticking with the chiming guitar vibe, this has a late-80s Sarah records feel to it, Brighter is a good signpost. Drenched in reverb'd male vocals that play across an upbeat poppy background with fuzz-drenched backbeat and one crisp chiming guitar. Other tunes on this record were moodier, but I reserved the most uptempo of the bunch. Swedish so you know it sounds authentic.
Au Revoir Simone - "Dark Halls"
The lovely ladies that form this synth-pop trio tease us on the front and back cover with vaguely out-of-focus photos which suggest plenty of skin but little possibility for titilation. So I rapidly grabbed the booklet in search of further eye candy, but found only a lush green setting instead. So listeners will have to settle for an aural fixation instead (or cruise over to their website for a murky photo collection), the album contains sing-songy ditties with swapped vocal parts. This tune mentions Boston which put it ahead of the pack of consistently enjoyable brethern.
Matthew Dear - "Deserter"
Matthew sent out his latest single on a thumb drive, though I think WMBR may have just downloaded it. This song is played straight for Matthew, usually he includes plenty of busy electronic touches but what we have here is a rather simple but affecting new wave tune with dour vocals and a bubbly synth riff. Only a hint of entropy creeps in about halfway through.
The Airborne Toxic Event - "The Girls In Their Summer Dresses"
Going for the emotional side of jangly early 90's guitar pop with a prominent rhythm section, rare for the genre. In other words, it has more drive than your average early Trash Can Sinatras tune, the male vocals are croonerish in style with some lovely female backing as well. The other songs on the ep were more typically retro-postpunk. Guessing this is their debut, hopefully the name is not a precursor of things to come.
The Ponys - "1209 Seminary"
Probably the least rockin' song off their new album ... hey I can't stray too far into Late Risers' Club territory can I? Probably about as shoegazery as these guys get (which is not very), the guitars do sound very jovial and provide a bit of a flourish to this kaleidoscopic tune. But they still have the garage in their heart, don't you worry. Spun it on 4/12/07.
Pterodactyl - "Rampage 1"
From Oneida's Brah label comes a group even noisier than the host band, juxtaposing hefty guitar fuzz bursts and a chugging beat with some spindly and barely competent vocals. Has that on-the-edge-of-falling-apart loping feel, kept waiting for it to break up Polvo style but they hang together until the conclusion.
Slade - "Do We Still Do It"
From a Slade b-sides comp we just received at the station, this song has more "C'mons" than any of Cheap Trick's c'mon songs. The album itself is as all-over-the-map as the band, but of course they all rock. I went for a bubblegummy glam tune as that Slade style presses most of my musical buttons. Will be difficult to wrest this one from either Rich or Joanie's clutches.
Pop Levi - "Mournin' Light"
Speaking of glam here's a modern day purveyor of the genre. Don't know if this should be filed in the "P" or "L" section of the library but it looks to be one gentleman. If you wish Destroyer rocked out here's your wish granted as it is similar in tone but contains much more electric guitar testosterone T Rex style.
The Veils - "A Birthday Present"
Released last year in the UK, we had to wait until now for the follow up to their debut. Christopher Vyce of L&F repped this as one of his ten best of last year, unfortunately I do not concur. I can see why it tweaks his nipples though, it is more bluesy and the vocals much grittier than the smoother brit-rock execution on the first one. Couldn't find a rockin' stormer that kicked out the jams so I was disappointed.
The Soft Drugs - "Defending The Paint"
Former (and now again current) local TW Walsh of the alt.country solo releases on Truckstop and the rockin' lineup of Pedro The Lion (in other words, the last one) puts out this ep of his new outfit which is off to a promising start. Impeccably produced as you'd expect, the vocals have never sounded better. Cuts a middle ground between the Pedro emo pop/rock and the grittier aspects of his solo stuff.
Mandrew - "Princess On The Porch"
Capable power pop, a bit too earnest for my tastes but several of the songs back off enough to get the nod. Is that a vibes solo I hear? Some very smooth passages in this song make it memorable, like eating cake icing out of the can.
The Marlboro Chorus - "Hello!"
Really enjoyed the retro 60's pop (think Minders as a touchstone) on their first two records but can't find as much to recommend here on the 3rd one. Seem to be attempting to meld their bouncy style with a rock feel that borders on bluesy. Want to give them another try so I reserved a song here.
Golden Smog - "Starman"
Midwestern alt.country supergroup really dropped the ball on their most recent lp, which sounded like an unfocused mish-mash of ideas that were never fleshed out properly in the studio. This ep contains a few covers, I grabbed the Bowie tune for curiosity's sake but it's a by the numbers attempt. Believe there were Dinosaur Jr and Soul Asylum takes on there as well.
Christopher Walla - "Shattered Dreams"
Speaking of covers we were sent a compliation of Portland OR artists taking on mostly 80's favorites for charity, called Bridging the Distance. Most of the attempts seem to be one-off live recordings that don't attempt to do anything different beyond a note-by-note recreation, and as a result suffer in comparison to their originals. The DCfC singer at least updates the sound of the Johnny Hates Jazz sophisti-pop original into a smooth emo-power-pop confection. It deserves at least one spin.
The Puppini Sisters - "Wuthering Heights"
If you thought Nouvelle Vague's bossa-nova updates of 80's tunes was a seriously weak concept, wait til you get a load of this UK flavour-of-the-month. Yes, it's Andrews Sisters swing style vocal harmony stabs at hit songs (I Will Survive?!?) and classics of the era. How this paper thin premise got expanded into an album that set off UK buzz meters here in the US I dunno, as most of these are embarrising at best. My Kate Bush fandom required me to grab this one, and I must admit they do a credible job of translating the chorus. For the rest of the song (and album) ... stay far away.
The Autumn Defense - "Feel You Now"
Reasonably proficient 70's retro pop with some nice vocal harmonies and bluesy keyboards - aimed straight at The River demographic. Actually, I think I am The River demographic. Luckily it doesn't come close to supplanting Josh Rouse atop my guilty please Hall of Fame list, but that sure seems to be the inspiration.
Johnny and the Moon - "The Ballad of Scarlet Town"
Most of the cuts on this album were rather sparsely constructed country-folk-pop tunes, this one adds some extra percussion and a mandolin (?) to flesh it out into BoC territory. The "everyone join in the wordless backing vocals" ending is almost Decemberists-ish. I'm more than ok with the harmonica solo as well.
Bill Callahan - "Sycamore"
The opening guitar is almost Clientele-ish, though the rest of the song is definitively Smog. If there's any difference this has much more of a band effort vibe than any of the Smog albums. Bill Callahan's trademark am-I-singing-or-am-I-talking vocals trickle across this brightly constructed tune, quite friendly for him actually. Don't know why he went for the name change but I doubt Smog - or is that (smog) - fans will be alienated.
Mr. Flash - "Sideo Dynamite"
This electro-disco cut from a Vice compilation of Ed Banger records (volume 2) doesn't fit in with any of the preceding cuts, guess that's why I tacked it onto the end of this CD-R. Melding 70's TV theme flourishes with more current dance club flavors.
Rumskib - "Hearts On Fire"
It's fair to compare these retro shoegazers to Lush, at least early Lush. They have the breathy female vocals down perfectly, and the guitars are just as sonically satisfying. The drums are busier than you'd typically find in the genre which adds some nervous energy to the proceedings. It's on Darla so set your expectations appropriately high.
Jatun - "Fashion Whore"
Used this as concert report music on 4/12/07. Shoegazer instrumentals that have much more of a driving drumbeat than comparables such as Manual or Ulrich Schnauss. The keyboards provide a goth edge. Some muted male vocals appear occasionally but neither add or detract from the aural wallpaper vibe.
Celestial - "Nothing Happens; Twice"
Still sticking with the chiming guitar vibe, this has a late-80s Sarah records feel to it, Brighter is a good signpost. Drenched in reverb'd male vocals that play across an upbeat poppy background with fuzz-drenched backbeat and one crisp chiming guitar. Other tunes on this record were moodier, but I reserved the most uptempo of the bunch. Swedish so you know it sounds authentic.
Au Revoir Simone - "Dark Halls"
The lovely ladies that form this synth-pop trio tease us on the front and back cover with vaguely out-of-focus photos which suggest plenty of skin but little possibility for titilation. So I rapidly grabbed the booklet in search of further eye candy, but found only a lush green setting instead. So listeners will have to settle for an aural fixation instead (or cruise over to their website for a murky photo collection), the album contains sing-songy ditties with swapped vocal parts. This tune mentions Boston which put it ahead of the pack of consistently enjoyable brethern.
Matthew Dear - "Deserter"
Matthew sent out his latest single on a thumb drive, though I think WMBR may have just downloaded it. This song is played straight for Matthew, usually he includes plenty of busy electronic touches but what we have here is a rather simple but affecting new wave tune with dour vocals and a bubbly synth riff. Only a hint of entropy creeps in about halfway through.
The Airborne Toxic Event - "The Girls In Their Summer Dresses"
Going for the emotional side of jangly early 90's guitar pop with a prominent rhythm section, rare for the genre. In other words, it has more drive than your average early Trash Can Sinatras tune, the male vocals are croonerish in style with some lovely female backing as well. The other songs on the ep were more typically retro-postpunk. Guessing this is their debut, hopefully the name is not a precursor of things to come.
The Ponys - "1209 Seminary"
Probably the least rockin' song off their new album ... hey I can't stray too far into Late Risers' Club territory can I? Probably about as shoegazery as these guys get (which is not very), the guitars do sound very jovial and provide a bit of a flourish to this kaleidoscopic tune. But they still have the garage in their heart, don't you worry. Spun it on 4/12/07.
Pterodactyl - "Rampage 1"
From Oneida's Brah label comes a group even noisier than the host band, juxtaposing hefty guitar fuzz bursts and a chugging beat with some spindly and barely competent vocals. Has that on-the-edge-of-falling-apart loping feel, kept waiting for it to break up Polvo style but they hang together until the conclusion.
Slade - "Do We Still Do It"
From a Slade b-sides comp we just received at the station, this song has more "C'mons" than any of Cheap Trick's c'mon songs. The album itself is as all-over-the-map as the band, but of course they all rock. I went for a bubblegummy glam tune as that Slade style presses most of my musical buttons. Will be difficult to wrest this one from either Rich or Joanie's clutches.
Pop Levi - "Mournin' Light"
Speaking of glam here's a modern day purveyor of the genre. Don't know if this should be filed in the "P" or "L" section of the library but it looks to be one gentleman. If you wish Destroyer rocked out here's your wish granted as it is similar in tone but contains much more electric guitar testosterone T Rex style.
The Veils - "A Birthday Present"
Released last year in the UK, we had to wait until now for the follow up to their debut. Christopher Vyce of L&F repped this as one of his ten best of last year, unfortunately I do not concur. I can see why it tweaks his nipples though, it is more bluesy and the vocals much grittier than the smoother brit-rock execution on the first one. Couldn't find a rockin' stormer that kicked out the jams so I was disappointed.
The Soft Drugs - "Defending The Paint"
Former (and now again current) local TW Walsh of the alt.country solo releases on Truckstop and the rockin' lineup of Pedro The Lion (in other words, the last one) puts out this ep of his new outfit which is off to a promising start. Impeccably produced as you'd expect, the vocals have never sounded better. Cuts a middle ground between the Pedro emo pop/rock and the grittier aspects of his solo stuff.
Mandrew - "Princess On The Porch"
Capable power pop, a bit too earnest for my tastes but several of the songs back off enough to get the nod. Is that a vibes solo I hear? Some very smooth passages in this song make it memorable, like eating cake icing out of the can.
The Marlboro Chorus - "Hello!"
Really enjoyed the retro 60's pop (think Minders as a touchstone) on their first two records but can't find as much to recommend here on the 3rd one. Seem to be attempting to meld their bouncy style with a rock feel that borders on bluesy. Want to give them another try so I reserved a song here.
Golden Smog - "Starman"
Midwestern alt.country supergroup really dropped the ball on their most recent lp, which sounded like an unfocused mish-mash of ideas that were never fleshed out properly in the studio. This ep contains a few covers, I grabbed the Bowie tune for curiosity's sake but it's a by the numbers attempt. Believe there were Dinosaur Jr and Soul Asylum takes on there as well.
Christopher Walla - "Shattered Dreams"
Speaking of covers we were sent a compliation of Portland OR artists taking on mostly 80's favorites for charity, called Bridging the Distance. Most of the attempts seem to be one-off live recordings that don't attempt to do anything different beyond a note-by-note recreation, and as a result suffer in comparison to their originals. The DCfC singer at least updates the sound of the Johnny Hates Jazz sophisti-pop original into a smooth emo-power-pop confection. It deserves at least one spin.
The Puppini Sisters - "Wuthering Heights"
If you thought Nouvelle Vague's bossa-nova updates of 80's tunes was a seriously weak concept, wait til you get a load of this UK flavour-of-the-month. Yes, it's Andrews Sisters swing style vocal harmony stabs at hit songs (I Will Survive?!?) and classics of the era. How this paper thin premise got expanded into an album that set off UK buzz meters here in the US I dunno, as most of these are embarrising at best. My Kate Bush fandom required me to grab this one, and I must admit they do a credible job of translating the chorus. For the rest of the song (and album) ... stay far away.
The Autumn Defense - "Feel You Now"
Reasonably proficient 70's retro pop with some nice vocal harmonies and bluesy keyboards - aimed straight at The River demographic. Actually, I think I am The River demographic. Luckily it doesn't come close to supplanting Josh Rouse atop my guilty please Hall of Fame list, but that sure seems to be the inspiration.
Johnny and the Moon - "The Ballad of Scarlet Town"
Most of the cuts on this album were rather sparsely constructed country-folk-pop tunes, this one adds some extra percussion and a mandolin (?) to flesh it out into BoC territory. The "everyone join in the wordless backing vocals" ending is almost Decemberists-ish. I'm more than ok with the harmonica solo as well.
Bill Callahan - "Sycamore"
The opening guitar is almost Clientele-ish, though the rest of the song is definitively Smog. If there's any difference this has much more of a band effort vibe than any of the Smog albums. Bill Callahan's trademark am-I-singing-or-am-I-talking vocals trickle across this brightly constructed tune, quite friendly for him actually. Don't know why he went for the name change but I doubt Smog - or is that (smog) - fans will be alienated.
Mr. Flash - "Sideo Dynamite"
This electro-disco cut from a Vice compilation of Ed Banger records (volume 2) doesn't fit in with any of the preceding cuts, guess that's why I tacked it onto the end of this CD-R. Melding 70's TV theme flourishes with more current dance club flavors.
Friday, April 13, 2007
The past two weeks the first hour of the show has been taken up by a favorite new feature I'm calling the Cubbyhole. Down in the WMBR library our walls are lined with wooden shelves and dividers containing our voluminous vinyl collection. I can't recall the exact number but there's somewhere around 600 of these 'cubbyholes' with rock records in total, each holding around 75-100 lps each. From major label hits to incredibly obscure self-releases, they're side-by-side in alphabetical order.
With this amazing amount of choices at my fingertips I often get frustrated by the lack of available time to explore our treasures. So I've decided to pick one section a week and exclusively use records from that section to program the show.
It's going to be an uneven experience, but hopefully a fruitful one as well. Those who enjoy hearing random long-buried 15+ year old obscurities mixed in with a few old favorites should find it to your liking. If you prefer our programming to be comprised of more recognizable and noteworthy artists, well this may not be for you.
Feel free to request certain letter combinations or make comments. I'm not making any promises but it's always nice to get feedback.
With this amazing amount of choices at my fingertips I often get frustrated by the lack of available time to explore our treasures. So I've decided to pick one section a week and exclusively use records from that section to program the show.
It's going to be an uneven experience, but hopefully a fruitful one as well. Those who enjoy hearing random long-buried 15+ year old obscurities mixed in with a few old favorites should find it to your liking. If you prefer our programming to be comprised of more recognizable and noteworthy artists, well this may not be for you.
Feel free to request certain letter combinations or make comments. I'm not making any promises but it's always nice to get feedback.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Playlist for Breakfast of Champions, April 12 edition
(8:00 - another edition of the cubbyhole!)
Blake Babies - "Wipe It Up"
Blondie - "I Didn't Have The Nerve To Say No"
Bleached Black - "Chelsea"
Bleach - "Dipping"
(8:15 - in the BL section of our vinyl library today)
Bloodloss - "Blissarama"
Blissed Out Fatalists - "Spiral"
Blast Paris - "Molecule Man"
Blitz - "Acolyte"
Blind Idiot God - "Stealth Dub" (background music)
(8:30 - band of the week time)
All Natural Lemon & Lime Flavors - "Exploded View"
All Natural Lemon & Lime Flavors - "Snowflake Eye"
A Blind Dog Stares - "Troller Tanz" (background music)
(8:45 - closing out the BL spotlight)
Ronee Blakely - "I Lied"
The Blasters - "Crazy Baby"
Blancmange - "I've Seen The Word"
Blonde Furniture - "What Do Girls Want"
Blodwyn Pig - "The Squirreling Must Go On" (background music)
(9:00 - starting up the new music hour)
Laura Veirs - "Drink Deep"
Tincup Prophette - "Going Numb"
Jatun - "Viola and the Case" (concert report music)
(9:20 - continuing up the new music hour)
Wolf & Cub - "Rozalia Bizzare"
The Ponys - "1209 Seminary"
Blonde Redhead - "Top Ranking"
The Avett Brothers - "Pretty Girl from Chile"
(9:40 - closing up the new music hour)
The Icicles - "Regret"
The Cripple Lilies - "Early In The Morning (Space For Leda)"
Don Lennon - "Our Bodies"
Walker Kong - "Goodbye, Lonesome Eyes"
(9:55 - Death Proof was the better of the two Grindhouse films)
Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich - "Hold Tight"
thanks for listening, if you missed it you have until 4/26 to catch up with WMBR's archives
(8:00 - another edition of the cubbyhole!)
Blake Babies - "Wipe It Up"
Blondie - "I Didn't Have The Nerve To Say No"
Bleached Black - "Chelsea"
Bleach - "Dipping"
(8:15 - in the BL section of our vinyl library today)
Bloodloss - "Blissarama"
Blissed Out Fatalists - "Spiral"
Blast Paris - "Molecule Man"
Blitz - "Acolyte"
Blind Idiot God - "Stealth Dub" (background music)
(8:30 - band of the week time)
All Natural Lemon & Lime Flavors - "Exploded View"
All Natural Lemon & Lime Flavors - "Snowflake Eye"
A Blind Dog Stares - "Troller Tanz" (background music)
(8:45 - closing out the BL spotlight)
Ronee Blakely - "I Lied"
The Blasters - "Crazy Baby"
Blancmange - "I've Seen The Word"
Blonde Furniture - "What Do Girls Want"
Blodwyn Pig - "The Squirreling Must Go On" (background music)
(9:00 - starting up the new music hour)
Laura Veirs - "Drink Deep"
Tincup Prophette - "Going Numb"
Jatun - "Viola and the Case" (concert report music)
(9:20 - continuing up the new music hour)
Wolf & Cub - "Rozalia Bizzare"
The Ponys - "1209 Seminary"
Blonde Redhead - "Top Ranking"
The Avett Brothers - "Pretty Girl from Chile"
(9:40 - closing up the new music hour)
The Icicles - "Regret"
The Cripple Lilies - "Early In The Morning (Space For Leda)"
Don Lennon - "Our Bodies"
Walker Kong - "Goodbye, Lonesome Eyes"
(9:55 - Death Proof was the better of the two Grindhouse films)
Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich - "Hold Tight"
thanks for listening, if you missed it you have until 4/26 to catch up with WMBR's archives
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Here's a tour of my new rack favorites from early April, 2007
Avett Brothers - "Pretty Girl From Chile"
Probably a bit too pop for the country shows and a bit too country for the pop shows, which is a shame because this band's releases get better every time out. A jaunty heartbreaking epic in four parts, the singer mourns the dissolution of his relationship with the titular character named Gabriella. He's honest that he could have been a better partner, but that doesn't stop him from painfully needing her back in his life. The killer is a sampled phone message in the middle of the song where Gabriella herself tosses off the song with a "you're so silly," indirectly making it very clear there will be so reconciliation. Played on 3/29/07 and a definite candidate for the end-of-year disc. Oh yeah the rest of the album is quite enjoyable as well, but this is the jewel in the crown.
Limbeck - "Let's Get Crazy"
A mix of retro-60s pop with glam elements and a dash of Tom Petty-esque keys. It's got a girl group beat in its heart (with male vocals though) but there's a fuller sound with some Marc Bolan style in the vocals. This tune is definitely a winner though I struggled to find another one even close to its equal on the disc.
Kitcar - "My Relation To Her"
I'm a bit of a stickler when it comes to production which is where this disc falls down. Very muddy and thin, suggesting an early 90's self-release level of competence. Too bad because I bet they can punch a hole though the back of the room in a live setting. Chiming guitar rock with some hoarse vocals, appreciated in this era of oversinging.
Ral Partha Vogelbacher - "CDB International Park"
Shifty rock tune trys out a few tempos with a very heavy stoner rock core but more Polvo-ish in the vocals. The repetitive synth line (or is that a very high guitar?) reminds me of late 70's Rush.
The Almost - "Stop It"
Side project of Underoath drummer which means there's a healthy dollop of commerical emo over-singing on this one. But the guitar rock is solid enough and the verses actually contain a little vocal subtlety believe it or not. Reminiscent of that last Sunny Day Real Estate record which is a plus, not a negative.
Idlewild - "If It Takes You Home"
One of the litany of UK bands that get majorly overhyped upon debut yet stumble into their 2nd or 3rd release with relatively little fanfare. Remember JJ72? Well, neither do I. Truthfull these guys are nothing like JJ72, instead offering superslick driving monster guitars with upbeat tempos. This album seems to lose focus, I guess they're searching for a hit that will eventually provide them with a new sonic direction.
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists - "The World Stops Turning"
How many names has this band used? It was "/Pharmacists" on one release, wasn't it "+ Pharmacists" on another? I guess as the members change so does the name. In any case no surprises here for Ted Leo fans, it's perfectly produced power pop with a UK '79 flavour to it. Probably his most consistent album, usually I play "search for the hit" with Ted Leo records but there was plenty to choose from here. Played this 3/29/07.
The Eames Era - "All Bets Are Off"
These pure poppers have a similar style to Sarge/The Reputation and had one killer song on an early ep called "Could Be Anything." Since then they've struggled to capture my attention. To make things worse this song curses precluding any airplay considerations. She just doesn't loosen up her vocals loosen up to make the songs move beyond a pleasant Velocity Girl b-side groove.
Joy Electric - "Red Will Dye These Snows of Silver"
New wave revivalists are back, though personally I think The Brothers Martin side project is far superior to this new release. Too overproduced for my tastes, it's very busy with many elements (such as highly interlaced backing vocals) competiting for attention. This song did make for a topical spin on 4/5/07 since a trucker dropped some containers of red dye on 495 North a couple days before the show.
Blonde Redhead - "Top Ranking"
Not a cover, not even a facsimilie. Just another quality Blonde Redhead song. This album is a bit more shoegazery than their last few, there isn't any of the space that made Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons my favourite album by them. I guess they've left that sound for Deerhoof to screw up. Still I have no complaints with this effort, after one spin of the disc half the songs were competing for my immediate attention.
Small Sails - "Aftershocks and Afterthoughts"
Looking back through my notes I have this song on an August-06 sampler as well, I think it captured my attention on a PDX pop compilation. In any case it's no mistake that I grabbed it a second time, these blisspoppy instrumentals with wordless female vocals have a dash of new wave style to them. Good enough to play in the foreground on 4/5/07.
Cornelius - "Magic"
It's been a long layover between Cornelius releases, and while this one is as meticulously constructed as any of his records it does lack the pure fun of his earlier stuff. Cornelius to me is a celebration of music and style, this album is very consistent and deliberate. Hard to find many "gosh that's so beautiful" moments though this song is one of them, played on 4/5/07.
Yppah - "In Two, The Weakly"
Ninja Tune goes blisspop, and does it quite well as you'd expect. This album is not an aural landscape painting like most records from the genre, instead mixing in glitchy beats with droney guitars for an altogether different vibe. Used as concert report music on 4/5/07.
Dntel - "Natural Resources"
Anyone expecting a Postal Service record with guest vocalists instead of Ben is going to be sadly disappointed. The pace gets glacial on many of these tunes, and organic elements pepper these fussy tunes. Not complaining mind you, just setting expectations. This is a lovely slow tempo tune with bleating horns and haunting keyboards/samples that give it an underwater/drowning feeling. Fog provides the vocals and I would bet had some influence over the music as well.
Tin Cup Prophette - "Going Numb"
Delicately plucked strings provide the rapid-fire backing to this tune, though I hesitate to tag it as 'delicate.' Even though there are also some well placed chimes and maudlin strings in the mix. If anything it reminds me of a friendlier Shannon Wright tune, with some playfully dour female vocals and a persistent urgency despite the now-I'm-here-now-I'm-not drums and bass. This will be a good back-to-back selection with Blonde Redhead for next week's show.
The Cripple Lilies - "Early In The Morning (Space For Leda)"
Has an indie pop meets country folk feel to it, like when Belle & Sebastian try out a country tune. Retro-70's without sounding like it's actually from that era, probably due to the churchy keyboards and honest vocals. I though Lilies was spelled with three L's?
Nathan - "Ordinary Day"
As I mentioned on the 4/5/07 show, Doug of the Lost Highway program likes to pepper the indie section of our new rack (internally called "blue dot" due to the blue dots we paste on the spine) with some friendly country fare in hopes of snaring a spin from the BoC dj's. It rarely works, and believe me he grumbles about it quite a bit. So with a heart full of sympathy for my friend's frustrations I spun this banjo-laden tune on 4/5/07. Has those sweet country girl vocals that paint a melancholy picture of small town life and unwanted stalkers.
Elk City - "Los Cruzados"
The new effort by this NJ (or is it NY now?) based band didn't even last a week in our new rack before going AWOL, most likely misfiled into permanent obscurity. Believe me, misfiling something in the voluminous WMBR library means it's pretty much lost for good. Too bad as I do adore this band and their complicated brand of indie-rock with pleasantly awkward female vocals splayed across a multi-instrumental canvas of gorgeous guitar playing. Will have to pick this one up and get it a spin.
The Pierces - "Ruin"
Female duo that isn't afraid to put a pretty face to their names, at least on the inside of the digipack. Unfortunately I didn't find much I enjoyed beyond that, other than this Bangles-y tune that would slot well on a Anna Waronker record. Could only find one other song that didn't turn me off with the vocal treatment.
Laura Veirs - "Drink Deep"
Everyone's favorite sexy librarian is back! Ok, I don't know if she's ever been a librarian, but she looks like the librarian of my dreams. Every album I mutter to myself, "I need to pick this one up!" and never do, so sorry Laura! I promise to make it up to you by purchasing everything in sight the next time you come to Boston and aren't supporting some desperately tepid major-label act with an inflated ticket charge (Note: that's 5/15 at ME up). I don't think I've ever included her on a best of either, which is a crime on my part. Her voice has such character, especially the way she phrases and punctuates certain words. When she sings "gasping" in this song you can almost hear her catching her breath. You can have your Neko Case folks, just leave me Laura.
The Icicles - "Regret"
The cherry on this week's sundae is this twee-pop confection by The Icicles. Not a New Order cover, but instead a jangly original with some nice Byrds-y backing vocals and a fantastic chorus. This one generates a positive Velocity Girl association, not a negative one.
Avett Brothers - "Pretty Girl From Chile"
Probably a bit too pop for the country shows and a bit too country for the pop shows, which is a shame because this band's releases get better every time out. A jaunty heartbreaking epic in four parts, the singer mourns the dissolution of his relationship with the titular character named Gabriella. He's honest that he could have been a better partner, but that doesn't stop him from painfully needing her back in his life. The killer is a sampled phone message in the middle of the song where Gabriella herself tosses off the song with a "you're so silly," indirectly making it very clear there will be so reconciliation. Played on 3/29/07 and a definite candidate for the end-of-year disc. Oh yeah the rest of the album is quite enjoyable as well, but this is the jewel in the crown.
Limbeck - "Let's Get Crazy"
A mix of retro-60s pop with glam elements and a dash of Tom Petty-esque keys. It's got a girl group beat in its heart (with male vocals though) but there's a fuller sound with some Marc Bolan style in the vocals. This tune is definitely a winner though I struggled to find another one even close to its equal on the disc.
Kitcar - "My Relation To Her"
I'm a bit of a stickler when it comes to production which is where this disc falls down. Very muddy and thin, suggesting an early 90's self-release level of competence. Too bad because I bet they can punch a hole though the back of the room in a live setting. Chiming guitar rock with some hoarse vocals, appreciated in this era of oversinging.
Ral Partha Vogelbacher - "CDB International Park"
Shifty rock tune trys out a few tempos with a very heavy stoner rock core but more Polvo-ish in the vocals. The repetitive synth line (or is that a very high guitar?) reminds me of late 70's Rush.
The Almost - "Stop It"
Side project of Underoath drummer which means there's a healthy dollop of commerical emo over-singing on this one. But the guitar rock is solid enough and the verses actually contain a little vocal subtlety believe it or not. Reminiscent of that last Sunny Day Real Estate record which is a plus, not a negative.
Idlewild - "If It Takes You Home"
One of the litany of UK bands that get majorly overhyped upon debut yet stumble into their 2nd or 3rd release with relatively little fanfare. Remember JJ72? Well, neither do I. Truthfull these guys are nothing like JJ72, instead offering superslick driving monster guitars with upbeat tempos. This album seems to lose focus, I guess they're searching for a hit that will eventually provide them with a new sonic direction.
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists - "The World Stops Turning"
How many names has this band used? It was "/Pharmacists" on one release, wasn't it "+ Pharmacists" on another? I guess as the members change so does the name. In any case no surprises here for Ted Leo fans, it's perfectly produced power pop with a UK '79 flavour to it. Probably his most consistent album, usually I play "search for the hit" with Ted Leo records but there was plenty to choose from here. Played this 3/29/07.
The Eames Era - "All Bets Are Off"
These pure poppers have a similar style to Sarge/The Reputation and had one killer song on an early ep called "Could Be Anything." Since then they've struggled to capture my attention. To make things worse this song curses precluding any airplay considerations. She just doesn't loosen up her vocals loosen up to make the songs move beyond a pleasant Velocity Girl b-side groove.
Joy Electric - "Red Will Dye These Snows of Silver"
New wave revivalists are back, though personally I think The Brothers Martin side project is far superior to this new release. Too overproduced for my tastes, it's very busy with many elements (such as highly interlaced backing vocals) competiting for attention. This song did make for a topical spin on 4/5/07 since a trucker dropped some containers of red dye on 495 North a couple days before the show.
Blonde Redhead - "Top Ranking"
Not a cover, not even a facsimilie. Just another quality Blonde Redhead song. This album is a bit more shoegazery than their last few, there isn't any of the space that made Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons my favourite album by them. I guess they've left that sound for Deerhoof to screw up. Still I have no complaints with this effort, after one spin of the disc half the songs were competing for my immediate attention.
Small Sails - "Aftershocks and Afterthoughts"
Looking back through my notes I have this song on an August-06 sampler as well, I think it captured my attention on a PDX pop compilation. In any case it's no mistake that I grabbed it a second time, these blisspoppy instrumentals with wordless female vocals have a dash of new wave style to them. Good enough to play in the foreground on 4/5/07.
Cornelius - "Magic"
It's been a long layover between Cornelius releases, and while this one is as meticulously constructed as any of his records it does lack the pure fun of his earlier stuff. Cornelius to me is a celebration of music and style, this album is very consistent and deliberate. Hard to find many "gosh that's so beautiful" moments though this song is one of them, played on 4/5/07.
Yppah - "In Two, The Weakly"
Ninja Tune goes blisspop, and does it quite well as you'd expect. This album is not an aural landscape painting like most records from the genre, instead mixing in glitchy beats with droney guitars for an altogether different vibe. Used as concert report music on 4/5/07.
Dntel - "Natural Resources"
Anyone expecting a Postal Service record with guest vocalists instead of Ben is going to be sadly disappointed. The pace gets glacial on many of these tunes, and organic elements pepper these fussy tunes. Not complaining mind you, just setting expectations. This is a lovely slow tempo tune with bleating horns and haunting keyboards/samples that give it an underwater/drowning feeling. Fog provides the vocals and I would bet had some influence over the music as well.
Tin Cup Prophette - "Going Numb"
Delicately plucked strings provide the rapid-fire backing to this tune, though I hesitate to tag it as 'delicate.' Even though there are also some well placed chimes and maudlin strings in the mix. If anything it reminds me of a friendlier Shannon Wright tune, with some playfully dour female vocals and a persistent urgency despite the now-I'm-here-now-I'm-not drums and bass. This will be a good back-to-back selection with Blonde Redhead for next week's show.
The Cripple Lilies - "Early In The Morning (Space For Leda)"
Has an indie pop meets country folk feel to it, like when Belle & Sebastian try out a country tune. Retro-70's without sounding like it's actually from that era, probably due to the churchy keyboards and honest vocals. I though Lilies was spelled with three L's?
Nathan - "Ordinary Day"
As I mentioned on the 4/5/07 show, Doug of the Lost Highway program likes to pepper the indie section of our new rack (internally called "blue dot" due to the blue dots we paste on the spine) with some friendly country fare in hopes of snaring a spin from the BoC dj's. It rarely works, and believe me he grumbles about it quite a bit. So with a heart full of sympathy for my friend's frustrations I spun this banjo-laden tune on 4/5/07. Has those sweet country girl vocals that paint a melancholy picture of small town life and unwanted stalkers.
Elk City - "Los Cruzados"
The new effort by this NJ (or is it NY now?) based band didn't even last a week in our new rack before going AWOL, most likely misfiled into permanent obscurity. Believe me, misfiling something in the voluminous WMBR library means it's pretty much lost for good. Too bad as I do adore this band and their complicated brand of indie-rock with pleasantly awkward female vocals splayed across a multi-instrumental canvas of gorgeous guitar playing. Will have to pick this one up and get it a spin.
The Pierces - "Ruin"
Female duo that isn't afraid to put a pretty face to their names, at least on the inside of the digipack. Unfortunately I didn't find much I enjoyed beyond that, other than this Bangles-y tune that would slot well on a Anna Waronker record. Could only find one other song that didn't turn me off with the vocal treatment.
Laura Veirs - "Drink Deep"
Everyone's favorite sexy librarian is back! Ok, I don't know if she's ever been a librarian, but she looks like the librarian of my dreams. Every album I mutter to myself, "I need to pick this one up!" and never do, so sorry Laura! I promise to make it up to you by purchasing everything in sight the next time you come to Boston and aren't supporting some desperately tepid major-label act with an inflated ticket charge (Note: that's 5/15 at ME up). I don't think I've ever included her on a best of either, which is a crime on my part. Her voice has such character, especially the way she phrases and punctuates certain words. When she sings "gasping" in this song you can almost hear her catching her breath. You can have your Neko Case folks, just leave me Laura.
The Icicles - "Regret"
The cherry on this week's sundae is this twee-pop confection by The Icicles. Not a New Order cover, but instead a jangly original with some nice Byrds-y backing vocals and a fantastic chorus. This one generates a positive Velocity Girl association, not a negative one.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
April 5th, 2007 - here's the playlist for your favourite radio show, the Breakfast of Champions!
(8:00 - debut of our favorite new feature, The Cubbyhole!)
Armitage Shanks - "Fanny Man"
Arkansaw Man - "Question #2"
Articles of Faith - "I Objectify"
Artch - "The Promised Land"
(8:15 - this edition of The Cubbyhole brought to you by the letter A)
Asexuals - "World For The Taking"
Arms Akimbo - "(Strangers) In Her Home"
Artful Dodger - "Things I'd Like To Do Again"
Ars Nova - "Temporary Serenade"
Art Zoyd - "Migrations" (background music)
(8:30 - band of the week time)
Saint Etienne - "Nothing Can Stop Us"
Saint Etienne - "Calico"
Saint Etienne - "Side Streets"
Art Interface - "Assassin" (background music)
(8:45 - late AR to early AS bands in this Cubbyhole)
The Arms of Someone New - "With Louise"
A Scanner Darkly - "Burn Baby Burn"
Arsenal - "Michelangelo's Penis"
Artanker Convoy - "Crown Vic (Alaksa Cosmic Rocker Remix)"
(9:00 - time for an hour of new music)
Cornelius - "Music"
Joy Electric - "Red Will Dye These Snows of Silver"
Yppah - "Good Like That" (concert report music)
(9:20 - continuing the new music vibe)
Adult. - "You Don't Worry Enough"
Marnie Stern - "The Weight of a Rock"
Peel - "Workers, Wake Up!"
Maria Taylor - "Irish Goodbye"
(9:40 - more music more music more music)
Nathan - "Ordinary Day"
Modest Mouse - "Fire It Up"
Bang Gang - "Something Wrong"
Small Sails - "Aftershocks and Afterthoughts"
My Teenage Stride - "Ears Like Golden Bats"
(9:55 - closing out the show)
World Wide Spies - "Better Friend Than A Lover"
thanks for listening ... or if you missed it you have two week to check out the archives!
(8:00 - debut of our favorite new feature, The Cubbyhole!)
Armitage Shanks - "Fanny Man"
Arkansaw Man - "Question #2"
Articles of Faith - "I Objectify"
Artch - "The Promised Land"
(8:15 - this edition of The Cubbyhole brought to you by the letter A)
Asexuals - "World For The Taking"
Arms Akimbo - "(Strangers) In Her Home"
Artful Dodger - "Things I'd Like To Do Again"
Ars Nova - "Temporary Serenade"
Art Zoyd - "Migrations" (background music)
(8:30 - band of the week time)
Saint Etienne - "Nothing Can Stop Us"
Saint Etienne - "Calico"
Saint Etienne - "Side Streets"
Art Interface - "Assassin" (background music)
(8:45 - late AR to early AS bands in this Cubbyhole)
The Arms of Someone New - "With Louise"
A Scanner Darkly - "Burn Baby Burn"
Arsenal - "Michelangelo's Penis"
Artanker Convoy - "Crown Vic (Alaksa Cosmic Rocker Remix)"
(9:00 - time for an hour of new music)
Cornelius - "Music"
Joy Electric - "Red Will Dye These Snows of Silver"
Yppah - "Good Like That" (concert report music)
(9:20 - continuing the new music vibe)
Adult. - "You Don't Worry Enough"
Marnie Stern - "The Weight of a Rock"
Peel - "Workers, Wake Up!"
Maria Taylor - "Irish Goodbye"
(9:40 - more music more music more music)
Nathan - "Ordinary Day"
Modest Mouse - "Fire It Up"
Bang Gang - "Something Wrong"
Small Sails - "Aftershocks and Afterthoughts"
My Teenage Stride - "Ears Like Golden Bats"
(9:55 - closing out the show)
World Wide Spies - "Better Friend Than A Lover"
thanks for listening ... or if you missed it you have two week to check out the archives!
Monday, April 02, 2007
Late March 2007 update as we had a dry week followed by a deluge of worthy releases.
Welcome - "This Minute"
Odd release for Fatcat, a Seattle based retro 60's band. Of course it's not quite that simple, the retro is not garage but a hybrid melding of freak psych and radical tempo shifts as well as swapped boy/girl vocals. This tune has a United States of America feel to it but is unpredictable in all the right ways. Spun this on 3/29/07.
The Breakers DK - "Tried So Hard"
As Sexy Sara of Gorilla Got Me so accurately pointed out, this song desperately wants to be Rod-era faces. And indeed it lives up to that lofty standard, with hoarse vocals (and even a mention of "Sally") and blues-tinged rock dipped in sugar with plenty of catchy backing vocals. The album as a whole wears its retro aspirations quite comfortably. Played 3/29/07.
Georgie James - "Need Your Needs"
I'm guessing this is a band, not a person, based on the multiple faces presented on the cd cover. Could be a faulty assumption. In any case, it's easy-to-swallow indie-pop with a throwback Minders feel, but doesn't come anywhere near the accuracy of that band (or the two listed above). Which isn't a slam mind you, just a nod that there's a healthy dollop of 90's power pop sheen in here which still doesn't get all that power-poppy.
!!! - "A New Name"
Well, it doesn't match the fire or urgency of the first which is bad news, but it also doesn't sink to the depths of shallow trash-talking and repetition like the second. The best song is of course 8+ minutes long so it isn't getting spun by me, though I played this 5+ minute cut to close 3/29/07. Some lovable funk riffs but a bit light on the lyrical content which is both refreshing and disappointing. It still makes a great late-night throw-it-on-the-CD-player-to-keep-the-party-going disc.
Harmonia - "Dino"
Re-issue of an album by this kraut-rock supergroup that consisted of members of Neu and Kluster. Given that lineage it's pretty much what you expect, heavily synthesized jams that hazily unfurl with a lighter touch. Perfect background music candidate for the Aural Fixation program.
+/- - Leap Year
We were dead late on this disc, for some reason Absolutely Kosher didn't pass this November release along until now. Enough complaining, I don't think it hits the sublime post-Versus heights of their previous album but +/-'s charms aren't usually fully evident in one spin anyway. This is a mid-tempo tune with those oh-so beguiling plaintive vocals, there's more emotion imbued here than any high-octave emo-band could ever muster. And bells, can't forget the bells.
The Field - "Sun & Ice"
Guaranteed background music selection for an upcoming show, probably this week. Shoegazer style but with more of a beat than the Ulrich Schnausses of the world. Gets very predictable and repetitive but anyone who likes the blisspop movement will undoubtedly find plenty of enjoyment here.
Peel - Workers, Wake Up!
Here's a case of too much being more than enough. At times they work the Stereolab vibe quite well as on this tune, which melds dispassionate female vocals and a politically lyrical vent across some burbly instrumentation. But these tracks are far beyond overproduced, instruments upon instruments creating so much activity that they bury the listening experience under their weight. I'd like it all to be just simpler. Still a few winners on there nonetheless.
Tracey Thorn - "Hands Up To The Ceiling"
Patrick of Subject to Change pulled the "music for MILFs" chain, knowing I'd be attracted to it like bells to a leper. But seriously, the song namedrops Siouxsie and Bobby Darin. How could I resist? Actually the album is rather weak and this underwritten tune is notable for only the above refernces and a delicate overall touch.
Autumn Shade - "Spanish Willow"
Female fronted faux-folk with a dash of Mazzy Star style reverb. Not much more than a feeling present here, but enough of one to play it during the Hi-Fi Lo-Fi fill-in on 3/27/07. Sorta like if Hope sang Devendra's songs, or at least his one interesting song.
Cyann & Ben - "Guilty"
Not a Classix Nouveau cover unfortunately. A rather disappointing record for these two Frenchmen who always seem to struggle towards the lazy perfection of that Sigur Ros vibe but come up short. In this case disappointingly so. Putting the weak female fronted vox way upfront is not a smart decision. This particular tune plays like an OK Computer outtake, relying more on the meandering male vocals.
The Rosebuds - "Hold On To This Coat"
This Merge band heads towads the retro New Order dance-pop direction on this album, eschewing some of the Garden State indie pop style of their previous stuff. Funny enough, I don't like it as much though overall it's a heck of a lot more consistent than the preceeding hit-and-miss release. Played on 3/29/07. Could be a grower. Nice cover art, sorta Decemberists style art.
Director - Reconnect
Preview of an upcoming major label retro-new wave release with plenty o' passion in the vocals as opposed to dispassion. As I've mentioned before if it cadges the new wave vibe I'll almost always reserve it for future reference.
Music for Animals - "Justine"
See above! Ok, that's not exactly fair, these gents aren't on a major and aren't from Ireland (CA boys) and are much more on the propulsive rock end of the spectrum when it comes to the post-post-punk genre. But it's pushing similar buttons and was reserved for the same reason, probably won't get played.
Dinosaur Jr - "Crumble"
Not a terrible return for Murph, Mascis and that other guy Lou. Actually sounds much more like post-Lou stuff than pre- which I guess shouldn't be too surprising since this is and always has been J.'s band. If you enjoyed Where You Been this one will likely satisfy, it doesn't quite have that Green Mind punch to it. Instead it's very smooth with that signature big guitar building and building.
Secretary Bird - "Somewhere Girls"
Has that Richard Buckner feel to it, not the introspective Buckner but the let's-get-everyone-I-know-in-here-since-I-have-a-major-label-budget Buckner. Which is not to say these guys are on a major label budget, members of Friends of Dean Martinez do not aspire to those heights. But for the rock end of the alt.country genre this fills the stomach quite nicely, with a warm post-whiskey burn. Spun on 3/27/07 during Hi-Fi Lo-Fi fill-in.
World Wide Spies - "Philosophy"
This LA band is friendly with a former roommate, though I'm unfailingly honest when it comes to friend's bands. That being said they've nailed the late-80's goth-rock sound perfectly, like a poppier Sisters of Mercy or a more polished late-model Chameleons UK. The songs still sound a bit thinly written to my ears but the bite is so solid I'll forgive that occasional awkward passage. One of their songs will be the closer on the 4/5/07 show, since Joanie digs this style of stuff as well.
Cloud Cult - "Purpose"
Every month I'll come across a band that I just can't recall. Obviously I listened to them, because I jotted down a handful of possible tracks to play. But "Cloud Cult" ... hurm ... two minutes after I listen to them the description escapes my cranium. They might be this year's Modest Mouse, I can't recall beyond some off-kilter synths and pleasantly challenged vocals.
Welcome - "This Minute"
Odd release for Fatcat, a Seattle based retro 60's band. Of course it's not quite that simple, the retro is not garage but a hybrid melding of freak psych and radical tempo shifts as well as swapped boy/girl vocals. This tune has a United States of America feel to it but is unpredictable in all the right ways. Spun this on 3/29/07.
The Breakers DK - "Tried So Hard"
As Sexy Sara of Gorilla Got Me so accurately pointed out, this song desperately wants to be Rod-era faces. And indeed it lives up to that lofty standard, with hoarse vocals (and even a mention of "Sally") and blues-tinged rock dipped in sugar with plenty of catchy backing vocals. The album as a whole wears its retro aspirations quite comfortably. Played 3/29/07.
Georgie James - "Need Your Needs"
I'm guessing this is a band, not a person, based on the multiple faces presented on the cd cover. Could be a faulty assumption. In any case, it's easy-to-swallow indie-pop with a throwback Minders feel, but doesn't come anywhere near the accuracy of that band (or the two listed above). Which isn't a slam mind you, just a nod that there's a healthy dollop of 90's power pop sheen in here which still doesn't get all that power-poppy.
!!! - "A New Name"
Well, it doesn't match the fire or urgency of the first which is bad news, but it also doesn't sink to the depths of shallow trash-talking and repetition like the second. The best song is of course 8+ minutes long so it isn't getting spun by me, though I played this 5+ minute cut to close 3/29/07. Some lovable funk riffs but a bit light on the lyrical content which is both refreshing and disappointing. It still makes a great late-night throw-it-on-the-CD-player-to-keep-the-party-going disc.
Harmonia - "Dino"
Re-issue of an album by this kraut-rock supergroup that consisted of members of Neu and Kluster. Given that lineage it's pretty much what you expect, heavily synthesized jams that hazily unfurl with a lighter touch. Perfect background music candidate for the Aural Fixation program.
+/- - Leap Year
We were dead late on this disc, for some reason Absolutely Kosher didn't pass this November release along until now. Enough complaining, I don't think it hits the sublime post-Versus heights of their previous album but +/-'s charms aren't usually fully evident in one spin anyway. This is a mid-tempo tune with those oh-so beguiling plaintive vocals, there's more emotion imbued here than any high-octave emo-band could ever muster. And bells, can't forget the bells.
The Field - "Sun & Ice"
Guaranteed background music selection for an upcoming show, probably this week. Shoegazer style but with more of a beat than the Ulrich Schnausses of the world. Gets very predictable and repetitive but anyone who likes the blisspop movement will undoubtedly find plenty of enjoyment here.
Peel - Workers, Wake Up!
Here's a case of too much being more than enough. At times they work the Stereolab vibe quite well as on this tune, which melds dispassionate female vocals and a politically lyrical vent across some burbly instrumentation. But these tracks are far beyond overproduced, instruments upon instruments creating so much activity that they bury the listening experience under their weight. I'd like it all to be just simpler. Still a few winners on there nonetheless.
Tracey Thorn - "Hands Up To The Ceiling"
Patrick of Subject to Change pulled the "music for MILFs" chain, knowing I'd be attracted to it like bells to a leper. But seriously, the song namedrops Siouxsie and Bobby Darin. How could I resist? Actually the album is rather weak and this underwritten tune is notable for only the above refernces and a delicate overall touch.
Autumn Shade - "Spanish Willow"
Female fronted faux-folk with a dash of Mazzy Star style reverb. Not much more than a feeling present here, but enough of one to play it during the Hi-Fi Lo-Fi fill-in on 3/27/07. Sorta like if Hope sang Devendra's songs, or at least his one interesting song.
Cyann & Ben - "Guilty"
Not a Classix Nouveau cover unfortunately. A rather disappointing record for these two Frenchmen who always seem to struggle towards the lazy perfection of that Sigur Ros vibe but come up short. In this case disappointingly so. Putting the weak female fronted vox way upfront is not a smart decision. This particular tune plays like an OK Computer outtake, relying more on the meandering male vocals.
The Rosebuds - "Hold On To This Coat"
This Merge band heads towads the retro New Order dance-pop direction on this album, eschewing some of the Garden State indie pop style of their previous stuff. Funny enough, I don't like it as much though overall it's a heck of a lot more consistent than the preceeding hit-and-miss release. Played on 3/29/07. Could be a grower. Nice cover art, sorta Decemberists style art.
Director - Reconnect
Preview of an upcoming major label retro-new wave release with plenty o' passion in the vocals as opposed to dispassion. As I've mentioned before if it cadges the new wave vibe I'll almost always reserve it for future reference.
Music for Animals - "Justine"
See above! Ok, that's not exactly fair, these gents aren't on a major and aren't from Ireland (CA boys) and are much more on the propulsive rock end of the spectrum when it comes to the post-post-punk genre. But it's pushing similar buttons and was reserved for the same reason, probably won't get played.
Dinosaur Jr - "Crumble"
Not a terrible return for Murph, Mascis and that other guy Lou. Actually sounds much more like post-Lou stuff than pre- which I guess shouldn't be too surprising since this is and always has been J.'s band. If you enjoyed Where You Been this one will likely satisfy, it doesn't quite have that Green Mind punch to it. Instead it's very smooth with that signature big guitar building and building.
Secretary Bird - "Somewhere Girls"
Has that Richard Buckner feel to it, not the introspective Buckner but the let's-get-everyone-I-know-in-here-since-I-have-a-major-label-budget Buckner. Which is not to say these guys are on a major label budget, members of Friends of Dean Martinez do not aspire to those heights. But for the rock end of the alt.country genre this fills the stomach quite nicely, with a warm post-whiskey burn. Spun on 3/27/07 during Hi-Fi Lo-Fi fill-in.
World Wide Spies - "Philosophy"
This LA band is friendly with a former roommate, though I'm unfailingly honest when it comes to friend's bands. That being said they've nailed the late-80's goth-rock sound perfectly, like a poppier Sisters of Mercy or a more polished late-model Chameleons UK. The songs still sound a bit thinly written to my ears but the bite is so solid I'll forgive that occasional awkward passage. One of their songs will be the closer on the 4/5/07 show, since Joanie digs this style of stuff as well.
Cloud Cult - "Purpose"
Every month I'll come across a band that I just can't recall. Obviously I listened to them, because I jotted down a handful of possible tracks to play. But "Cloud Cult" ... hurm ... two minutes after I listen to them the description escapes my cranium. They might be this year's Modest Mouse, I can't recall beyond some off-kilter synths and pleasantly challenged vocals.
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