Welcome to the August 30th 2007 version of the Breakfast of Champions on WMBR in Cambridge. For your perusal, the playlist!
(8:00am - Moving in sequential order, the cubbyhole stops by V)
The Vibrators - "Keep It Clean"
Ritchie Venus and the Blue Beetles - "The Crypt"
The Verlaines - "Death and the Maiden"
Tom Verlaine - "Souvenir From A Dream"
The Ventures - "Apache" (background music)
(8:15am - The 2nd half of the VE section is featured this morning)
Venom P. Stinger - "Dear God"
Vertigo - "Big Brother"
Vexed - "P2"
Verbal Abuse - "V.A. Rocks Your Liver"
Vermonster - "Grease of the Yak" (background music)
(8:30am - let's do the band of the week thing)
Ui - "Run. Pietro"
Ui - "Spilling"
Versailles - "The Mule" (background music)
(8:45am - the final random set of VE bands from our voluminous vinyl library)
Venus and the Razorblades - "Big City"
Venus Beads - "Wolf on a Chain"
Verve - "Slide Away"
VHS or Beta - "Night on Fire (Phil Kieran Mix)" (background music)
(9:00am - moving into the new music hour)
Weakerthans - "Sun In an Empty Room"
Rilo Kiley - "Silver Lining"
Voice of the Seven Woods - "Return from Byzantium (concert report music)
(9:20am - post concert report bliss)
Lewis and Clarke - "Crimson Carpets"
Little Name - "This Was Your Place of Birth"
Revolving Paint Dream - "Fever Mountain"
Milton and the Devil’s Party - "Have To Have Everything"
(9:40am - more new music new music new music)
Justice - "One Minute to Midnight"
The Go! Team - "Keys To The City"
Prinzhorn Dance School - "Hamworthy Sports and Leisure Center"
Shock Cinema - "Howling Door (Evasion)"
Tegan & Sara - "Burn Your Life Down"
(9:55am - thanks for listening!)
Dave Jones Xperience - "Mountain Road"
The archive version is available for two weeks from the original airdate on WMBR's website.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Latest late August releases for your perusal!
Manatella - "Eye Spy"
The album reminds me very much of early Throwing Muses with the dual female vocals and blocky folk feel to an otherwise straight indie pop record with some very basic basslines. This is probably the most polished song of the bunch, with a little extra in the rhythm and guitars to keep it flowing. Played on 8/23/07.
Clare & The Reasons - "Rodi"
Berklee school grad uses her (and daddy's) connections to get a FBI wanted list worth of guest stars from Van Dyke Parks to Sufjan Stevens on what basically is a Frente record for the new century. In other words, a whole lotta effort for something that works best when it's sweet and unencumbered by 5,000 guest stars.
Odd Nosdam - "The Kill Tone Two"
The UK buzz is already cranking on the latest Odd Nosdam, which is still as odd as previous releases but admittedly in different ways. Not as experimental with unexpected WTF moments but containing plenty of left-field ideas, just more seamlessly presented. This one has a few spoken word guests including the guy from TV on the Radio which makes it more likely to get played in the near future.
The Lickets - "Crowd of Pimps in The Rain"
Background music fodder from this Chicago-style instrumental combo. They meld extreme repetition (in this song a plingy guitar-like instrument) with some less predictable elements taking foreground/background duties. Not interesting enough for a solo spin but it's queued for possible concert report music duty.
Christian Scott - "Void"
Concord Jazz decided to ship an extra review copy to the indie-rock kids, and for good reason. This particular track melds an Explosions in the Sky style backing with Christian's melancholy horn playing for an effective concert report music combo on 8/23/07. Most of the other tracks are crafted from a similar pattern, with either mathy or shoegazery backing to reasonable effect. Still, unless we can get Chris Bobko of the LRC interested I bet I'm the only one who will spin it. Maybe Ken Field?
Amiina - "Hilli"
Saw these four multi-instrumental Icelandic females open for Sigur Ros once, and must admit they are more impressive on stage than record. Here it's just overly pretty-precious background music fodder, great wallpaper but not worth noticing in the foreground. Very repetitive and heavily syncopated with just about every pluckable instrument available making some sort of guest appearance.
Maps - "To The Sky"
Thanks to the listener who tipped me off on these guys, I had missed it in the new rack back in July. Worth at least one spin (on 8/23/07), it has a free-flowing electronic/pop hybrid feel not unlike the One AM Radio combining tight drumming with breathily laconic male vocals containing airy reverb. Ticks along at a pleasant pace, the Mobius Band is another comparative touchstone.
Mr. Scruff/Spank Rock - "Get A Move On/What It Look Like"
Scion sponsors a Ninja Tune mix series which periodically show up on our doorstep at WMBR, this one was compiled by Spank Rock. The tune is basically a mash-up of the two artists, since I do enjoy the organic experimentation of Mr. Scruff quite a bit it's no surprise this hip-hop confabulation worked best for me. How this helps as a marketing tool to sell cars I'm unsure, but considering they're up to #18 in the series I suppose someone's deemed it effective. I'll stick with Subaru thanks very much.
The New Pornographers - "Mutiny, I Promise You"
Each new New Porno release seems like a slight step down from their previous effort, I can't find anything here that surpasses even the mid-level tracks like "Slow Descent" or "Execution Day" from Mass Romantic. Not to say the disc is awful, just treading well-trodden ground in a "when do we get an out-of-step Bejar track"/"when will Neko cut loose" kind of familiarity. Like most supergroups the well is starting to dry up from lack of creative excitement and time spend on other more worthy projects. Played it on 8/16/07 as a public service to y'all.
Rilo Kiley - "Silver Lining"
I've often said in 10 years we'll all be embarrased we lavished this much attention on a mediocre band like Rilo Kiley. Perhaps my estimate was off by 7 years or so. The best moments are the ones that sound like they should have been saved for the Watson Twins 2 album instead of being sacrificed to over-production and the overt commercial orientation of this record. It's a shame because this feels like it has puppet strings waggling the band in the background, though I've never thought of them as being overly brave (musicially that is) in the first place.
Pinback - "From Nothing To Nowhere"
Can't say I found much to love about the new Pinback either, beyond the leadoff track and one other song. It's another case where too many elements have drifted them away from the smoothly motivating Sea & Cake-ish style into an overloaded model that eschews efficiency for style and dual DVD players for the kids.
Numbers - "Fantasy Life"
Never been a huge Numbers fan though they have plenty of other WMBR devotees to their heavily frazzled rock feel. This one calms down enough to be a passable Blonde Redhead knockoff with awkward female vocals and sloppy guitars. This is not wound nearly as tight as anything from BR.
Shock Cinema - "Howling Door (Evasion)"
Mining the goth-punk genre with buried female vocals, spooky keyboards and super fuzzy bass from a 45 Grave era gone past. This particular selection doesn't really attempt to rock too much, instead going for tempo changes that increase the spooky factor. Quite effective despite my less-than lavish praise.
Dave Jones Xperience - "Mountain Road"
We get oh so many releases that never get spun on WMBR, and I listen to most of them. Quite simply they are terrible hand-made records, mostly people trying to knock off their favorite artist or latest style in subprime fashion with terrible lyrics. Many are laughable, yet I still feel for people so committed that they're willing to shell out the money to record, print, and mail these things. Nevertheless, we could fill a weekly hour-long show on WMBR called "Your Band Sucks" with immense yet misguided entertainment. The Dave Jones Xperience is an example of these types of bands at their best, as a poorly photoshopped cover of the dude's cat and his "isn't that a stalker?" picture with a Wendy O. Williams t-shirt tell you everything you need to know about this gentlemen and his musical output. Many of the songs have a high head-scratching factor, like this one warning us to slow down on mountain roads lest we end up in a ditch. Deserves an ending slot on the show, and soon.
Home Blitz - "Right Cut Even"
Pretty much what you'd expect from a Gulcher release that isn't a focus on some poorly recorded & barely remembered late-70's garage punk band. Instead it's a recent day distillation of that same garage punk/power pop hybrid with little concern for recording fidelity or 3+ minute song lengths. At just under 100 seconds it does make for a perfect filler track if the need arises. I also like how this song literally stops for a chat-up when the ride he's looking for finally arrives.
Prinzhorn Dance School - "Hamworthy Sports and Leisure Center"
Ok they want to be The Fall. REALLY want to be the Fall circa 82 or so. If you think Mark E lost it when he started to use more than two instruments per song here's a new disc for you. Male/Female vox but the sung/shouted male vox about non-subjects are definitely the most prominent. Not to say it isn't a competent distillation of the sound, just that after 4 tracks or so the novelty wore off for me, surpassed by the "I get it, I get it" factor.
Love Like Fire - "SOS"
Not an ABBA cover unfortunately. Instead it's typical Rainer Maria style rock with a female singer and friendly 80's leaning rock backing. You know, they type with a dut-dut-dut-dut-dut dut-dut-dut-dut-dut bassline and keyboards that only show up during the soaring chorus. That being said, they hit the combo ball on at least one track so kudos there (and here).
Patrizia & Jimmy - "Trust Your Child Pt. 1"
Another Numero Group compilation, or should I say excavation of rare 60's/70's soul tracks. This one claims a title of the ABC's of kid soul, or cute pre-teens with limited vocal skill trying to pry our hearts away. On the leadoff track an extremely effective duo provide just as many reasons not to trust your child as they do the other side of the argument which a wonderful but basic funk band augments. The closing track on 8/23/07.
Oakley Hall - "Angela"
Dirty smelly faux-folk hippies clean it up just a little bit on their first album for Merge. There's still plenty of slow & scattered Gram Parsons inspired efforts but this particular track goes for more of a mid-stream chick-folk-pop execution ... think mid-period Downy Mildew. Sweet & nice, I have not a complaint and played it on 8/23/07.
Dolly Varden - "Small Pockets"
Some country pop (more country, less pop) from the Chicago area with traded male/female vocals. Disappointing in that Cowboy Junkies without-the-VU-obsession kind of way, tough to criticize them too harshly but at the same time it's like a tasteless glass of good wine, it works while it's front and center but soon after the experience I have a hard time remembering the distinguishing characteristics.
Lindsay Anderson - "Sweetness & Light"
Vocalist from the group L'Altra steps out on her own. This is one of the few tracks I thought didn't stray too far into AAA territory, instead relying on a spacious drums/chimes/strings arrangement that allows Lindsay time to paint her voice across the sonic canvas. Quite lovely, too bad the rest of the record doesn't show a similar restraint.
Manatella - "Eye Spy"
The album reminds me very much of early Throwing Muses with the dual female vocals and blocky folk feel to an otherwise straight indie pop record with some very basic basslines. This is probably the most polished song of the bunch, with a little extra in the rhythm and guitars to keep it flowing. Played on 8/23/07.
Clare & The Reasons - "Rodi"
Berklee school grad uses her (and daddy's) connections to get a FBI wanted list worth of guest stars from Van Dyke Parks to Sufjan Stevens on what basically is a Frente record for the new century. In other words, a whole lotta effort for something that works best when it's sweet and unencumbered by 5,000 guest stars.
Odd Nosdam - "The Kill Tone Two"
The UK buzz is already cranking on the latest Odd Nosdam, which is still as odd as previous releases but admittedly in different ways. Not as experimental with unexpected WTF moments but containing plenty of left-field ideas, just more seamlessly presented. This one has a few spoken word guests including the guy from TV on the Radio which makes it more likely to get played in the near future.
The Lickets - "Crowd of Pimps in The Rain"
Background music fodder from this Chicago-style instrumental combo. They meld extreme repetition (in this song a plingy guitar-like instrument) with some less predictable elements taking foreground/background duties. Not interesting enough for a solo spin but it's queued for possible concert report music duty.
Christian Scott - "Void"
Concord Jazz decided to ship an extra review copy to the indie-rock kids, and for good reason. This particular track melds an Explosions in the Sky style backing with Christian's melancholy horn playing for an effective concert report music combo on 8/23/07. Most of the other tracks are crafted from a similar pattern, with either mathy or shoegazery backing to reasonable effect. Still, unless we can get Chris Bobko of the LRC interested I bet I'm the only one who will spin it. Maybe Ken Field?
Amiina - "Hilli"
Saw these four multi-instrumental Icelandic females open for Sigur Ros once, and must admit they are more impressive on stage than record. Here it's just overly pretty-precious background music fodder, great wallpaper but not worth noticing in the foreground. Very repetitive and heavily syncopated with just about every pluckable instrument available making some sort of guest appearance.
Maps - "To The Sky"
Thanks to the listener who tipped me off on these guys, I had missed it in the new rack back in July. Worth at least one spin (on 8/23/07), it has a free-flowing electronic/pop hybrid feel not unlike the One AM Radio combining tight drumming with breathily laconic male vocals containing airy reverb. Ticks along at a pleasant pace, the Mobius Band is another comparative touchstone.
Mr. Scruff/Spank Rock - "Get A Move On/What It Look Like"
Scion sponsors a Ninja Tune mix series which periodically show up on our doorstep at WMBR, this one was compiled by Spank Rock. The tune is basically a mash-up of the two artists, since I do enjoy the organic experimentation of Mr. Scruff quite a bit it's no surprise this hip-hop confabulation worked best for me. How this helps as a marketing tool to sell cars I'm unsure, but considering they're up to #18 in the series I suppose someone's deemed it effective. I'll stick with Subaru thanks very much.
The New Pornographers - "Mutiny, I Promise You"
Each new New Porno release seems like a slight step down from their previous effort, I can't find anything here that surpasses even the mid-level tracks like "Slow Descent" or "Execution Day" from Mass Romantic. Not to say the disc is awful, just treading well-trodden ground in a "when do we get an out-of-step Bejar track"/"when will Neko cut loose" kind of familiarity. Like most supergroups the well is starting to dry up from lack of creative excitement and time spend on other more worthy projects. Played it on 8/16/07 as a public service to y'all.
Rilo Kiley - "Silver Lining"
I've often said in 10 years we'll all be embarrased we lavished this much attention on a mediocre band like Rilo Kiley. Perhaps my estimate was off by 7 years or so. The best moments are the ones that sound like they should have been saved for the Watson Twins 2 album instead of being sacrificed to over-production and the overt commercial orientation of this record. It's a shame because this feels like it has puppet strings waggling the band in the background, though I've never thought of them as being overly brave (musicially that is) in the first place.
Pinback - "From Nothing To Nowhere"
Can't say I found much to love about the new Pinback either, beyond the leadoff track and one other song. It's another case where too many elements have drifted them away from the smoothly motivating Sea & Cake-ish style into an overloaded model that eschews efficiency for style and dual DVD players for the kids.
Numbers - "Fantasy Life"
Never been a huge Numbers fan though they have plenty of other WMBR devotees to their heavily frazzled rock feel. This one calms down enough to be a passable Blonde Redhead knockoff with awkward female vocals and sloppy guitars. This is not wound nearly as tight as anything from BR.
Shock Cinema - "Howling Door (Evasion)"
Mining the goth-punk genre with buried female vocals, spooky keyboards and super fuzzy bass from a 45 Grave era gone past. This particular selection doesn't really attempt to rock too much, instead going for tempo changes that increase the spooky factor. Quite effective despite my less-than lavish praise.
Dave Jones Xperience - "Mountain Road"
We get oh so many releases that never get spun on WMBR, and I listen to most of them. Quite simply they are terrible hand-made records, mostly people trying to knock off their favorite artist or latest style in subprime fashion with terrible lyrics. Many are laughable, yet I still feel for people so committed that they're willing to shell out the money to record, print, and mail these things. Nevertheless, we could fill a weekly hour-long show on WMBR called "Your Band Sucks" with immense yet misguided entertainment. The Dave Jones Xperience is an example of these types of bands at their best, as a poorly photoshopped cover of the dude's cat and his "isn't that a stalker?" picture with a Wendy O. Williams t-shirt tell you everything you need to know about this gentlemen and his musical output. Many of the songs have a high head-scratching factor, like this one warning us to slow down on mountain roads lest we end up in a ditch. Deserves an ending slot on the show, and soon.
Home Blitz - "Right Cut Even"
Pretty much what you'd expect from a Gulcher release that isn't a focus on some poorly recorded & barely remembered late-70's garage punk band. Instead it's a recent day distillation of that same garage punk/power pop hybrid with little concern for recording fidelity or 3+ minute song lengths. At just under 100 seconds it does make for a perfect filler track if the need arises. I also like how this song literally stops for a chat-up when the ride he's looking for finally arrives.
Prinzhorn Dance School - "Hamworthy Sports and Leisure Center"
Ok they want to be The Fall. REALLY want to be the Fall circa 82 or so. If you think Mark E lost it when he started to use more than two instruments per song here's a new disc for you. Male/Female vox but the sung/shouted male vox about non-subjects are definitely the most prominent. Not to say it isn't a competent distillation of the sound, just that after 4 tracks or so the novelty wore off for me, surpassed by the "I get it, I get it" factor.
Love Like Fire - "SOS"
Not an ABBA cover unfortunately. Instead it's typical Rainer Maria style rock with a female singer and friendly 80's leaning rock backing. You know, they type with a dut-dut-dut-dut-dut
Patrizia & Jimmy - "Trust Your Child Pt. 1"
Another Numero Group compilation, or should I say excavation of rare 60's/70's soul tracks. This one claims a title of the ABC's of kid soul, or cute pre-teens with limited vocal skill trying to pry our hearts away. On the leadoff track an extremely effective duo provide just as many reasons not to trust your child as they do the other side of the argument which a wonderful but basic funk band augments. The closing track on 8/23/07.
Oakley Hall - "Angela"
Dirty smelly faux-folk hippies clean it up just a little bit on their first album for Merge. There's still plenty of slow & scattered Gram Parsons inspired efforts but this particular track goes for more of a mid-stream chick-folk-pop execution ... think mid-period Downy Mildew. Sweet & nice, I have not a complaint and played it on 8/23/07.
Dolly Varden - "Small Pockets"
Some country pop (more country, less pop) from the Chicago area with traded male/female vocals. Disappointing in that Cowboy Junkies without-the-VU-obsession kind of way, tough to criticize them too harshly but at the same time it's like a tasteless glass of good wine, it works while it's front and center but soon after the experience I have a hard time remembering the distinguishing characteristics.
Lindsay Anderson - "Sweetness & Light"
Vocalist from the group L'Altra steps out on her own. This is one of the few tracks I thought didn't stray too far into AAA territory, instead relying on a spacious drums/chimes/strings arrangement that allows Lindsay time to paint her voice across the sonic canvas. Quite lovely, too bad the rest of the record doesn't show a similar restraint.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Hey kids, comics! Oh, and also it's time for the Breakfast of Champions! On WMBR in Cambridge! First on your FM dial! Here's the August 23rd 2007 playlist!
(8:00am - winding down the cubbyhole concept with the letter U)
Union Carbide Productions - "Ring My Bell"
Uniform Choice - "Screaming For Change"
The Undead - "I Want You Dead"
Unwound - "Pure Pain Sugar"
Unrest - "Coming Hot and Proud"
Universal Congress Of - "Igor's Blues" (background music)
(8:15am - The UN-UP section tunrs out to be the most fertile ground for great bands yet!)
The Units - "Digital Stimulation"
Underachievers - "Short Wave"
The Up Beats - "So Free"
The Undertones - "Boys Will Be Boys"
The Unknowns - "Suzzanne"
The Universal Indians - "Thrist Of The Worm" (background music)
(8:30am - let's stop for a minute & honour the band of the week)
Lightning Bolt - "The Faire Folk"
Lightning Bolt - "Bizzaro Zarro Land"
The Untouchables - "What's Gone (dub)" (background music)
(8:45am - I have to admit, the UN section is the best yet to be featured on the cubbyhole)
The United States of America - "Stranded In Time"
Uncle Wiggly - "Morphine & Ice Cream"
Ups & Downs - "Living Inside My Head"
Uncle Tupelo - "Before I Break"
Univers Zero - "Presage" (background music)
(9:00am - moving on to the new music hour)
Pinback - "From Nothing To Nowhere"
Caribou - "Eli"
Ween - "I Got To Put The Hammer Down"
Christian Scott - "Void" (concert report music)
(9:20am - 2 requests for new music hour before the concert report - yikes!)
Dolly Varden - "Small Pockets"
Oakley Hall - "Angela"
Josh Rouse - "Hollywood Bass Player"
Manatella - "Eye Spy"
(9:40am - more new music for y'all)
Campaign for Real Time - "Is Anybody Listening"
Maps - "To The Sky"
Department of Eagles - "Noam Chomsky Spring Break 2002"
Plane - "I See Love In The Future"
(9:55 - the big finale)
Patrizia & Jimmy - "Trust Your Child Pt. 1"
If you missed the program there is an archived version available for streaming over the next two weeks ... enjoy
(8:00am - winding down the cubbyhole concept with the letter U)
Union Carbide Productions - "Ring My Bell"
Uniform Choice - "Screaming For Change"
The Undead - "I Want You Dead"
Unwound - "Pure Pain Sugar"
Unrest - "Coming Hot and Proud"
Universal Congress Of - "Igor's Blues" (background music)
(8:15am - The UN-UP section tunrs out to be the most fertile ground for great bands yet!)
The Units - "Digital Stimulation"
Underachievers - "Short Wave"
The Up Beats - "So Free"
The Undertones - "Boys Will Be Boys"
The Unknowns - "Suzzanne"
The Universal Indians - "Thrist Of The Worm" (background music)
(8:30am - let's stop for a minute & honour the band of the week)
Lightning Bolt - "The Faire Folk"
Lightning Bolt - "Bizzaro Zarro Land"
The Untouchables - "What's Gone (dub)" (background music)
(8:45am - I have to admit, the UN section is the best yet to be featured on the cubbyhole)
The United States of America - "Stranded In Time"
Uncle Wiggly - "Morphine & Ice Cream"
Ups & Downs - "Living Inside My Head"
Uncle Tupelo - "Before I Break"
Univers Zero - "Presage" (background music)
(9:00am - moving on to the new music hour)
Pinback - "From Nothing To Nowhere"
Caribou - "Eli"
Ween - "I Got To Put The Hammer Down"
Christian Scott - "Void" (concert report music)
(9:20am - 2 requests for new music hour before the concert report - yikes!)
Dolly Varden - "Small Pockets"
Oakley Hall - "Angela"
Josh Rouse - "Hollywood Bass Player"
Manatella - "Eye Spy"
(9:40am - more new music for y'all)
Campaign for Real Time - "Is Anybody Listening"
Maps - "To The Sky"
Department of Eagles - "Noam Chomsky Spring Break 2002"
Plane - "I See Love In The Future"
(9:55 - the big finale)
Patrizia & Jimmy - "Trust Your Child Pt. 1"
If you missed the program there is an archived version available for streaming over the next two weeks ... enjoy
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Some bands are trying to get a jump on the early September push that coincides with school's return to session by releasing their stuff in mid-to-late August. Let's seek out the brave ...
Campaign for Real Time - "Is Anybody Listening"
C4RT sent us a home-burned disc of new songs, not sure if these are demos or a preview. The trademarked industrial / new wave / rock / hip-hop meld is not apparent in this bunch of tunes, instead they mine a sprawling 80’s new wave meets rock melding of bands like U2 or INXS. It’s definitely less LRC friendly and therefore less C4RT to my ears. While I’m not complaining about the quality of this song it does not possess that unique C4RT sound.
Severed Heads - "Petrol"
Australia’s offering to the industrial movement gets their own 2CD retrospective on LTM, and it’s a well-deserved tribute. They often get missed in the midst of more mentioned bands like Front 242 and Front Line Assembly, perhaps due to their pop orientation or 2nd tier status at the time. In my mind they had many winning songs just as deserving of "Headhunter" status. Some of their softer techniques many not have rattled the subwoofers as hard but certainly inspired many a dancefloor exploration. Played a shorter song on 8/9/07
New Young Pony Club - "Get Lucky"
Their ep from earlier this year featured an addictive leadoff track "Ice Cream" which certainly inspired anticipation on my part for the full-length. While there are some similar moments here, it largely comes off as a Delta 5 post-punk inspired dance pop that cleans up into a far too friendly medium range. The deadpan female vocals eventually grate underneath the repetitive vocals exposing the playbook as being thinner than expected. Spun on 8/9/07.
Department of Eagles - "Noam Chomsky Spring Break 2002"
These cut-and-paste sonic collages fleshed out with organic instruments are as unpredictable as they are enjoyable. Inspiration seems to come from all corners of the musical map from jazz to funk to electronic dance yet each genre exists comfortably; the songs do not bend under the weight of multiple masters. This album could be a real grower. Played a different song on 8/16/07 as there are more than a handful of quality choices.
Caribou - "Eli"
Is this really the same band as Manitoba? The enticing electronic element has largely been removed from this new effort, and I can’t say the more traditional band result is very exciting. I guess they’re aiming for 3-minute Mogwai moments here but the record feels very underdeveloped. Just when this particular retro-harmonizing tune starts to show signs of liftoff it simply stops.
New Buffalo - "Emotional Champ"
One of the few songs from this new piano-and-female-vox effort that takes off, thanks largely to the reduced role of the vocalist. She simply does not have the breathy ability to carry a song on her own yet is far too often required to do so, leading to multiple fast-forward moments. The production helps her out here as well as the limited range required by the song. Played on 8/16/07.
Nina Nastasia & Jim White - "Odd Said The Doe"
Contrast the weaker moments of the previous record with anything Nina has ever recorded and the choice is clear. How Jim White gets 2nd billing for showing up on drums baffles me, but perhaps the name recognition will help Nina earn some new admirers. Otherwise this is lighter territory for Nina, folkier in tone than her previous records, but at least it doesn’t stray into faux-blues territory. Aired this on 8/16/07.
Amandine - "Better Soil"
A warmly recorded roots album with plenty of sandpaper used to smooth away the grit ... as is the Swedish way. Meaning the production is sumptuous and note-perfect, with vocals sometimes barely distinguishable as a lilting instrument. As with the previous Amandine album there were only a couple of tunes I found exciting though those few are worthy of repeat performances. Played on 8/16/07.
David Dondero - "You Don’t Love Anyone"
David has a tendency to quaver his vocals slightly near the end of each line or held syllable, which quite frankly pegs my annoying-meter. But there’s enough charm in the simple rattling drums and spiderweb guitar that this track was reserved in case I ever need some rootsy filler.
Amp - "Melatonin Red"
We received (or maybe purchased?) a 3 CD Amp box set spanning their career. This tune is an early one, mixing the glossy ambient guitar twiddling of a band like Soul Whirling Somewhere with barely-there vocals drifting in and out of the mix. Slot this one in the overly pretty acoustic end of the shoegazer market, with some low end distortion randomly thrown in for flavour.
Plane - "I See Love In The Future"
Not every band that tries to replicate the sound of UK guitar pop of the mid-80’s gets played on my show, I swear. Still, Plane proves that even the most vaguely competent followers of that genre will get consideration. The majority of songs on this disc eschew production for flat vocals (vaguely NZ in style), cheap keyboards and some lovely low/high dual guitar strumming. This one keeps it together the best, which I guess is why it’s the title track.
Dave Derby - "Beaten Down"
Former lead of the Dambuilders offers another solo album with a myriad of local guest stars and a deficit of interesting songs. Of course there are one or two tightly constructed confections which carry their energy from stem to stern but the majority meander in some soft rock purgatory. This one is vaguely T. Rexish in its mid-tempo construction and the constant presence of multiple backup singers.
Pash - "ABCD"
The lead female singer’s overly expressive attempts at vocalization made it very difficult to find one track that sublimated her octave-reaching instincts enough to play it. After further listening, perhaps I made a mistake in airing this one on 8/16/07. Thought it had some Velocity Girl-type charm, and while the guitars definitely work her sub-Sarah Shannon style just grates.
Bald Eagle - "Rodents of Unusual Size"
Based on the title this is an obvious tip of the hat to the Canadian instrumental band that gave Kids in the Hall its title theme. However, the presence of a vocally challenged male singer distracts from the overall effect. There isn’t much else like this on the full length, which is a messy rock effort. This one at least doesn’t sound like it’s going to fall apart at any point during the song.
Portugal The Man - "My Mind"
Another odd duck on an album full of stoner-influenced pop ... can’t call it rock because their guitars do not aspire to Kyuss-like levels of amp-bursting power. This particular song is a departure into Blonde Redhead territory, with tight staccato guitars straight out of "Dream On" and even tighter rhythmic control on the lockstep tempo mated with dueling vocalists. Played it on 8/16/07, nothing else on this disc feels remotely similar.
Foreign Born - "In The Shape"
One of the more promising entries into the new rack last week, I found myself choosing between at least half of the songs for airplay consideration. Eventually I picked this shapeless construction, which considering all its charms is simply some soaring vocals in the chorus, a well-applied basecoat of keyboards and some layered elements as the song progresses, including a directionless guitar solo that doesn’t know where to stop.
Empire Dogs - "Everywhere"
This band have a song that’s used in a Chevy commercial, it apes Radio 4 shamelessly. This song’s casually constructed male/female rock takes up a vaguely Arctic Monkey style. They do polish it a bit but still the elements of a rambling vocal style and incessantly unfocused guitar accompaniment fly front and center. I’m thinking this one’s not worthy of further consideration.
The Golden Dogs - "Run Outta Love"
Perhaps Jon made the better pick on 8/10/07 with the song about the construction worker, at the time I thought it was underwritten. Perhaps that’s where their charm really lies. Played this selection the day before. Still this song has a very mid-70s feel due to the horns in the solo. The rapid fire female vocals in the chorus are seriously addictive, the laconic male vocals during the verse are not. Their sound is purely mid-90s jangle on speed.
Pseudosix - "Treacherous Ways"
Generally as a rule a band must impress within the first four songs to give me the incentive to progress futher, otherwise the disc is pulled from consideration. Pseudosix is an example of a band that displays barely enough potential to keep me moving onto songs five and six before I begrudgingly stuck with #7. The vocalist has a lazy late VU Lou Reed style with more nasal execution, and the backing is similarly crisp in its production. A weaker Luna record would nevertheless outpace this effort.
Lewis and Clarke - "Crimson Carpets"
The two most appealing songs on this well-constructed pop album clock in at 8 and 10 minutes, severely reducing their airplay potential. Still I’ll probably find the time for this restrained and spacious tune. The lead singer has a slightly melancholy tone, accentuated by occasional strings but mostly carried by a very precise acoustic guitar and some brushed drums. While certainly slow it’s not at all dark or oppressive, instead there’s a slowly unfurling beauty which earns attention.
Josh Rouse - "Hollywood Bass Player"
The fact that Nettwerk didn’t even bother to service this to college radio should be a stern warning to me. Yet still I somehow cling to a tenuous rationalization that Josh is closer to the Pernice Brothers in style and intent than John Mayer’s neutered-smooth mewlings. Even worse, I read the critical warnings that this new album is his weakest, yet I still purchased and enjoyed it. I’ll even play a cut if I can remember to bring it down to the station. If I told you this song is an infectious tip of the hat to early 70’s pop, I’m sure you would believe me. But did you roll your eyes while doing it?
Campaign for Real Time - "Is Anybody Listening"
C4RT sent us a home-burned disc of new songs, not sure if these are demos or a preview. The trademarked industrial / new wave / rock / hip-hop meld is not apparent in this bunch of tunes, instead they mine a sprawling 80’s new wave meets rock melding of bands like U2 or INXS. It’s definitely less LRC friendly and therefore less C4RT to my ears. While I’m not complaining about the quality of this song it does not possess that unique C4RT sound.
Severed Heads - "Petrol"
Australia’s offering to the industrial movement gets their own 2CD retrospective on LTM, and it’s a well-deserved tribute. They often get missed in the midst of more mentioned bands like Front 242 and Front Line Assembly, perhaps due to their pop orientation or 2nd tier status at the time. In my mind they had many winning songs just as deserving of "Headhunter" status. Some of their softer techniques many not have rattled the subwoofers as hard but certainly inspired many a dancefloor exploration. Played a shorter song on 8/9/07
New Young Pony Club - "Get Lucky"
Their ep from earlier this year featured an addictive leadoff track "Ice Cream" which certainly inspired anticipation on my part for the full-length. While there are some similar moments here, it largely comes off as a Delta 5 post-punk inspired dance pop that cleans up into a far too friendly medium range. The deadpan female vocals eventually grate underneath the repetitive vocals exposing the playbook as being thinner than expected. Spun on 8/9/07.
Department of Eagles - "Noam Chomsky Spring Break 2002"
These cut-and-paste sonic collages fleshed out with organic instruments are as unpredictable as they are enjoyable. Inspiration seems to come from all corners of the musical map from jazz to funk to electronic dance yet each genre exists comfortably; the songs do not bend under the weight of multiple masters. This album could be a real grower. Played a different song on 8/16/07 as there are more than a handful of quality choices.
Caribou - "Eli"
Is this really the same band as Manitoba? The enticing electronic element has largely been removed from this new effort, and I can’t say the more traditional band result is very exciting. I guess they’re aiming for 3-minute Mogwai moments here but the record feels very underdeveloped. Just when this particular retro-harmonizing tune starts to show signs of liftoff it simply stops.
New Buffalo - "Emotional Champ"
One of the few songs from this new piano-and-female-vox effort that takes off, thanks largely to the reduced role of the vocalist. She simply does not have the breathy ability to carry a song on her own yet is far too often required to do so, leading to multiple fast-forward moments. The production helps her out here as well as the limited range required by the song. Played on 8/16/07.
Nina Nastasia & Jim White - "Odd Said The Doe"
Contrast the weaker moments of the previous record with anything Nina has ever recorded and the choice is clear. How Jim White gets 2nd billing for showing up on drums baffles me, but perhaps the name recognition will help Nina earn some new admirers. Otherwise this is lighter territory for Nina, folkier in tone than her previous records, but at least it doesn’t stray into faux-blues territory. Aired this on 8/16/07.
Amandine - "Better Soil"
A warmly recorded roots album with plenty of sandpaper used to smooth away the grit ... as is the Swedish way. Meaning the production is sumptuous and note-perfect, with vocals sometimes barely distinguishable as a lilting instrument. As with the previous Amandine album there were only a couple of tunes I found exciting though those few are worthy of repeat performances. Played on 8/16/07.
David Dondero - "You Don’t Love Anyone"
David has a tendency to quaver his vocals slightly near the end of each line or held syllable, which quite frankly pegs my annoying-meter. But there’s enough charm in the simple rattling drums and spiderweb guitar that this track was reserved in case I ever need some rootsy filler.
Amp - "Melatonin Red"
We received (or maybe purchased?) a 3 CD Amp box set spanning their career. This tune is an early one, mixing the glossy ambient guitar twiddling of a band like Soul Whirling Somewhere with barely-there vocals drifting in and out of the mix. Slot this one in the overly pretty acoustic end of the shoegazer market, with some low end distortion randomly thrown in for flavour.
Plane - "I See Love In The Future"
Not every band that tries to replicate the sound of UK guitar pop of the mid-80’s gets played on my show, I swear. Still, Plane proves that even the most vaguely competent followers of that genre will get consideration. The majority of songs on this disc eschew production for flat vocals (vaguely NZ in style), cheap keyboards and some lovely low/high dual guitar strumming. This one keeps it together the best, which I guess is why it’s the title track.
Dave Derby - "Beaten Down"
Former lead of the Dambuilders offers another solo album with a myriad of local guest stars and a deficit of interesting songs. Of course there are one or two tightly constructed confections which carry their energy from stem to stern but the majority meander in some soft rock purgatory. This one is vaguely T. Rexish in its mid-tempo construction and the constant presence of multiple backup singers.
Pash - "ABCD"
The lead female singer’s overly expressive attempts at vocalization made it very difficult to find one track that sublimated her octave-reaching instincts enough to play it. After further listening, perhaps I made a mistake in airing this one on 8/16/07. Thought it had some Velocity Girl-type charm, and while the guitars definitely work her sub-Sarah Shannon style just grates.
Bald Eagle - "Rodents of Unusual Size"
Based on the title this is an obvious tip of the hat to the Canadian instrumental band that gave Kids in the Hall its title theme. However, the presence of a vocally challenged male singer distracts from the overall effect. There isn’t much else like this on the full length, which is a messy rock effort. This one at least doesn’t sound like it’s going to fall apart at any point during the song.
Portugal The Man - "My Mind"
Another odd duck on an album full of stoner-influenced pop ... can’t call it rock because their guitars do not aspire to Kyuss-like levels of amp-bursting power. This particular song is a departure into Blonde Redhead territory, with tight staccato guitars straight out of "Dream On" and even tighter rhythmic control on the lockstep tempo mated with dueling vocalists. Played it on 8/16/07, nothing else on this disc feels remotely similar.
Foreign Born - "In The Shape"
One of the more promising entries into the new rack last week, I found myself choosing between at least half of the songs for airplay consideration. Eventually I picked this shapeless construction, which considering all its charms is simply some soaring vocals in the chorus, a well-applied basecoat of keyboards and some layered elements as the song progresses, including a directionless guitar solo that doesn’t know where to stop.
Empire Dogs - "Everywhere"
This band have a song that’s used in a Chevy commercial, it apes Radio 4 shamelessly. This song’s casually constructed male/female rock takes up a vaguely Arctic Monkey style. They do polish it a bit but still the elements of a rambling vocal style and incessantly unfocused guitar accompaniment fly front and center. I’m thinking this one’s not worthy of further consideration.
The Golden Dogs - "Run Outta Love"
Perhaps Jon made the better pick on 8/10/07 with the song about the construction worker, at the time I thought it was underwritten. Perhaps that’s where their charm really lies. Played this selection the day before. Still this song has a very mid-70s feel due to the horns in the solo. The rapid fire female vocals in the chorus are seriously addictive, the laconic male vocals during the verse are not. Their sound is purely mid-90s jangle on speed.
Pseudosix - "Treacherous Ways"
Generally as a rule a band must impress within the first four songs to give me the incentive to progress futher, otherwise the disc is pulled from consideration. Pseudosix is an example of a band that displays barely enough potential to keep me moving onto songs five and six before I begrudgingly stuck with #7. The vocalist has a lazy late VU Lou Reed style with more nasal execution, and the backing is similarly crisp in its production. A weaker Luna record would nevertheless outpace this effort.
Lewis and Clarke - "Crimson Carpets"
The two most appealing songs on this well-constructed pop album clock in at 8 and 10 minutes, severely reducing their airplay potential. Still I’ll probably find the time for this restrained and spacious tune. The lead singer has a slightly melancholy tone, accentuated by occasional strings but mostly carried by a very precise acoustic guitar and some brushed drums. While certainly slow it’s not at all dark or oppressive, instead there’s a slowly unfurling beauty which earns attention.
Josh Rouse - "Hollywood Bass Player"
The fact that Nettwerk didn’t even bother to service this to college radio should be a stern warning to me. Yet still I somehow cling to a tenuous rationalization that Josh is closer to the Pernice Brothers in style and intent than John Mayer’s neutered-smooth mewlings. Even worse, I read the critical warnings that this new album is his weakest, yet I still purchased and enjoyed it. I’ll even play a cut if I can remember to bring it down to the station. If I told you this song is an infectious tip of the hat to early 70’s pop, I’m sure you would believe me. But did you roll your eyes while doing it?
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Welcome to another playlist for WMBR's Breakfast of Champions Thursday, August 16th 2007 edition.
(8:00am - More fun in the WMBR vinyl library, this time with the letter T)
Treepeople - "Radioman"
Treponem Pal - "Fugitive Soul"
The Trend - "Electric Chair"
The Tremeloes - "What A State I'm In"
T. Rex - "Ride A White Swan"
Triumvirat - "Panic on 5th Avenue" (background music)
(8:15am - We're exploring the TRE to TRI section today)
Treat Her Right - "Don't Look Back"
Trip Shakespeare - "Pearle"
Triplefastaction - "Bird Again"
Tripod Jimmie - "Women In Uniform"
Triangles - "Side A" (background music)
(8:30am - a short respite from the theme for Band of the Week)
The Celibate Rifles - "Back In The Red"
The Celibate Rifles - "The More Things Change"
The Celibate Rifles - "Some Kind Of Feeling"
Trisomie 21 - "W.S.W. (West-South-West)" (background music)
(8:45am - closing out the T band spotlight)
The Triffids - "Jerdacuttup Man"
The Trilobites - "Minibar of Oblivian"
Treacherous Jaywalkers - "La Isla Bonita"
Gerald Trimble - "Adieu My Lovely Nancy" (background music)
(9:00am - new music hour is go!)
The New Pornographers - "Mutiny, I Promise You"
Foreign Born - "In The Shape"
Bronze Farm - "Does This Battle Armor Suit Me?" (concert report music)
(9:20am - new music hour is steady rollin')
Portugal The Man - "My Mind"
Pash - "ABCD"
Nina Nastasia & Jim White - "Odd Said The Doe"
Amandine - "Better Soil"
(9:40am - new music hour is peakin' man)
The Takeovers - "Music For Us"
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Down Boy"
Department of Eagles - "The Horse You Ride"
New Buffalo - "Emotional Champ"
(9:55am - a special closing song for Joanie)
Necroanal - "My Corset Is Making Me Rip Pooties Left and Right"
Appreciate the phone calls, e-mails and good thoughts! The streaming archive version of this program is available for two weeks on WMBR's website.
(8:00am - More fun in the WMBR vinyl library, this time with the letter T)
Treepeople - "Radioman"
Treponem Pal - "Fugitive Soul"
The Trend - "Electric Chair"
The Tremeloes - "What A State I'm In"
T. Rex - "Ride A White Swan"
Triumvirat - "Panic on 5th Avenue" (background music)
(8:15am - We're exploring the TRE to TRI section today)
Treat Her Right - "Don't Look Back"
Trip Shakespeare - "Pearle"
Triplefastaction - "Bird Again"
Tripod Jimmie - "Women In Uniform"
Triangles - "Side A" (background music)
(8:30am - a short respite from the theme for Band of the Week)
The Celibate Rifles - "Back In The Red"
The Celibate Rifles - "The More Things Change"
The Celibate Rifles - "Some Kind Of Feeling"
Trisomie 21 - "W.S.W. (West-South-West)" (background music)
(8:45am - closing out the T band spotlight)
The Triffids - "Jerdacuttup Man"
The Trilobites - "Minibar of Oblivian"
Treacherous Jaywalkers - "La Isla Bonita"
Gerald Trimble - "Adieu My Lovely Nancy" (background music)
(9:00am - new music hour is go!)
The New Pornographers - "Mutiny, I Promise You"
Foreign Born - "In The Shape"
Bronze Farm - "Does This Battle Armor Suit Me?" (concert report music)
(9:20am - new music hour is steady rollin')
Portugal The Man - "My Mind"
Pash - "ABCD"
Nina Nastasia & Jim White - "Odd Said The Doe"
Amandine - "Better Soil"
(9:40am - new music hour is peakin' man)
The Takeovers - "Music For Us"
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Down Boy"
Department of Eagles - "The Horse You Ride"
New Buffalo - "Emotional Champ"
(9:55am - a special closing song for Joanie)
Necroanal - "My Corset Is Making Me Rip Pooties Left and Right"
Appreciate the phone calls, e-mails and good thoughts! The streaming archive version of this program is available for two weeks on WMBR's website.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Welcome to the playlist of the Thursday August 9th edition of the Breakfast of Champions on WMBR Cambridge.
(8:00am - further exploration of the WMBR record library has revealed these selections)
Sick Of It All - "World Full Of Hate"
Showcase Showdown - "I've Got A Date With Louise Woodward"
Sic F*cks - "Chop Up Your Mother"
Shutdown 66 - "Bad, Bad, Bad, Bad Girl"
The Sicilian Vespers - "I Need A Clone"
Short Dogs Grow - "Half The Time"
Michael Shrieve - "Interlock" (background music)
(8:15am - We're in the letter "S" today ... SHOOT to SIGH)
Shudder To Think - "Fresco"
Sideshow - "These Words"
The Shrubs - "Assassin"
The Sidewinders - "7&7 Is"
Shopwell - "Side A" (background music)
(8:30am - band of the week feature with Can)
Can - "Spoon"
Can - "I Want More"
Can - "Hoolah Hoolah"
Ben Sidran - "Beg For It (The Real Thing)" (background music)
(8:45am - finishing up the "S" exploration of our vinyl library)
The Sighs - "Got To Get Control Of My Life"
Shrimp Boat - "Bumble Bees"
The Side Effects - "French Forest"
The Shy Strangers - "Skeletal Emotions"
S.I. Futures - "We Are Not A Rock Band" (background music)
(9:00am - for the next hour we'll explore the latest entries into our music library)
The Steinbecks - "Shin’s Journey"
Milton and the Devil’s Party - "Have To Have Everything"
Mick Turner/Tren Brothers - "The Beach That Leads To Your Shore" (concert report music)
(9:20am - after the concert report, the new music continues)
Junior Senior - "Ur A Girl"
Northern State - "Away Away"
Justice - "Tthhee Ppaarrttyy"
Severed Heads - "20DD"
(9:40am - more new stuff to unveiled on the BoC)
Earlimart - "Answers & Questions"
Alamo Race Track - "Kiss Me Bar"
Tegan & Sara - "Burn Your Life Down"
The Golden Dogs - "Runouttaluck"
New Young Pony Club - "Get Lucky"
Black Moth Super Rainbow - "Melt Me"
(9:55am - glad to hand it off to Joanie and the Late Riser's Club)
A Sunny Day In Glasgow - "Laughter (Victims)"
You have two weeks from the broadcast date to catch this program on WMBR's streaming archive!
(8:00am - further exploration of the WMBR record library has revealed these selections)
Sick Of It All - "World Full Of Hate"
Showcase Showdown - "I've Got A Date With Louise Woodward"
Sic F*cks - "Chop Up Your Mother"
Shutdown 66 - "Bad, Bad, Bad, Bad Girl"
The Sicilian Vespers - "I Need A Clone"
Short Dogs Grow - "Half The Time"
Michael Shrieve - "Interlock" (background music)
(8:15am - We're in the letter "S" today ... SHOOT to SIGH)
Shudder To Think - "Fresco"
Sideshow - "These Words"
The Shrubs - "Assassin"
The Sidewinders - "7&7 Is"
Shopwell - "Side A" (background music)
(8:30am - band of the week feature with Can)
Can - "Spoon"
Can - "I Want More"
Can - "Hoolah Hoolah"
Ben Sidran - "Beg For It (The Real Thing)" (background music)
(8:45am - finishing up the "S" exploration of our vinyl library)
The Sighs - "Got To Get Control Of My Life"
Shrimp Boat - "Bumble Bees"
The Side Effects - "French Forest"
The Shy Strangers - "Skeletal Emotions"
S.I. Futures - "We Are Not A Rock Band" (background music)
(9:00am - for the next hour we'll explore the latest entries into our music library)
The Steinbecks - "Shin’s Journey"
Milton and the Devil’s Party - "Have To Have Everything"
Mick Turner/Tren Brothers - "The Beach That Leads To Your Shore" (concert report music)
(9:20am - after the concert report, the new music continues)
Junior Senior - "Ur A Girl"
Northern State - "Away Away"
Justice - "Tthhee Ppaarrttyy"
Severed Heads - "20DD"
(9:40am - more new stuff to unveiled on the BoC)
Earlimart - "Answers & Questions"
Alamo Race Track - "Kiss Me Bar"
Tegan & Sara - "Burn Your Life Down"
The Golden Dogs - "Runouttaluck"
New Young Pony Club - "Get Lucky"
Black Moth Super Rainbow - "Melt Me"
(9:55am - glad to hand it off to Joanie and the Late Riser's Club)
A Sunny Day In Glasgow - "Laughter (Victims)"
You have two weeks from the broadcast date to catch this program on WMBR's streaming archive!
Monday, August 06, 2007
Nothing says early August like two fistfuls of new tracks for our perusal.
Hinkley - "Hanging Tree"
University of Rochester alums (that’s NY for the neophytes) from the early 90’s like myself can say with certainty that area’s music scene has never been very fertile …
still have my Popfest Compilation as evidence. So it’s nice to hear a record from upstate with a strong opening cut, this mournful ballad that quickly builds into a massive My Morning Jacket style stormcloud. I can’t say the whole album is as affecting, but at least they knew well enough to put their best effort upfront.
Alina Simone - "Pacifica"
This one’s very reminiscent of Shannon Wright without the benefit of her pipes or Steve Albini’s bass-heavy production. Get beyond that and it’s a reasonable effort, but so much of the playbook is similar (like the occasional doubled vocals in the middle of the verse, or the way the song peters out only to pick back up with a rash of drums and a wail) I think I’d rather just pull out a few of Shannon’s less radio-friendly efforts.
Okkervil River - "A Girl In Port"
After largely being unswayed by the balance of Okkervil River’s catalog I guess I’m finally finding a positive place for them, perhaps years of exposure slowly wore away that defensive layer of skin. Or perhaps just this song, seemingly about a girl spied in a crowd, tripped my switch. The singer seems to speculate on the details of her past, romanticizing the encounter until it’s difficult to tell whether these events are being recounted or imagined. Played on 8/2/07.
Tegan & Sara - "Burn Your Life Down"
I always had an (unearned) negative opinion about this duo until I caught one of their earlier efforts on a fellow dj’s show. This new one feels like it’s getting quite a bit of notice, and it’s certainly a very professional pop package. This song is crisply recorded and well constructed, with a great downward note chorus after an equally upbeat verse and a shouty bridge. Overall the album is a mixed bag but at least there are a few jewels that require further inspection.
You Say Party! We Say Die! - "Opportunity"
This was the only song from this new release that worked for me. In general it’s soupy unfocused post-punk with a press-one-note-at-a-time organ riff and a struggling female vocalist. While the pace is positive they can’t seem to focus on any one element of the song, instead shifting ideas about every 15-30 seconds. ADD anyone?
Birds & Batteries - "Soft Surveillance"
A lovely melding of light-touch electronics and Palace-style country, complete with an awkward vocalist that dredges up enough character to carry the song. Due to the electronics this possesses a driving beat unique to the genre. Still it unfurls quite easily, never feeling all that urgent. The slide guitar certainly helps in that regard. Worthy of further exploration, I played this one on 8/2/07.
Manual - "Marbella"
Stellar shoegazer instrumentalists offer us a 2 CD collection of previously unreleased works, collaborations, compilation tracks and b-sides thrown in for filler. In my mind they’re near the top of the mellifluous pile, this particular song ebbs and flows with sonic wave after wave kissing sweeter than wine. Not everything works, and given the scope that meets expectations.
Port O’Brien - "My Eyes Won’t Shut"
I’ll forgive the schizophrenic nature of this band’s effort as this is lifted from a career sampler, even if that career only spans two records. Still this sounds like the collective effort of a commune taking turns at the musical helm. If anything this song reminds me of the more countrified efforts of Modest Mouse, it unfortunately also drops and f-bomb just like Isaac. Other tunes are less coherent, the tin pan drums work well here with the dueling acoustic guitars.
Northern State - "Away Away"
The most pop-oriented song on this feminine hip-hop lp mates a repetitive sung chorus with some rapping in the verses and a lazily insistent bassline. Simple but effective, reminds me of KHanna’s rapping attempts with Internal/External but of course much much slicker. Still there’s that Bikini Kills nasalness to it w/o any of the accompanying political fury, instead focusing on the boy that left.
Stereo Total - "Ta Voix Au Telephone"
You make me feel like dancing! The duo cadges liberally from Leo Sayer’s disco hit for this less-than-energetic dance tune with their typically laissez-faire professionalism. Read that as barely competent, yet still undeniably delicious. On first go-round I’m guessing each song on the new album is inspired by a hit from the past, as several of them sound suspiciously familiar. Played this one on 8/2/07.
The Steinbecks - "Shin’s Journey"
I’ve never adopted these aussie-poppers despite the plaudits from their adoring twee-pop fans. More of the same on this new one, as the songs seems desperate to congeal yet end up nothing more than a fidgety portrait aspiring for catchiness. This particular tune seems to work the best of the lot with an affecting guitar in the chorus and lyrics about an art-school infatuation that will bring back memories of crushing romantic defeat to everyone coherent within an audible area.
Emily Haines & Soft Skeleton - "The Bank"
Lead singer of Metric takes a shot at the solo life with a Cat Power-esque turn that relies less on pathos and more on polish. This ep is a mind refresher for her under-promoted full-length which has been available for over a year now. Jeff "Summer" Breeze tipped me to her charms, so with an educated air I’ll say when the full-length works well it’s particularly melty, when it doesn’t it’s simply polish. The ep sits somewhere in between, truthfully it would not compel me to make an otherwise worthwhile purchase of the lp.
Milton and the Devil’s Party - "Have To Have Everything"
With Brian McTear’s name on the producer’s credit we’ll assume this band is out of Philadelphia … lord knows it’s probably comprised of several members of other equally obscure area bands. This one deliciously digs into a refined late 80’s Go-Betweens vein and coughs up blood on several tunes with delicate yet weighty pop and appropriately yearning vocals. Past experience tells me to rein back the enthusiasm as sometimes candy turns into salt, so I’ll just be appropriately enthusiastic about this effort.
Earlimart - "Answers & Questions"
The LP captures pretty much everything I personally expect from an Earlimart release, with perhaps a bit more wax on the floor. There’s more than a flavor of early 90’s REM jangle here vacillating between potently refined pop-rockers like this one and hi-fi attempts at lo-fi alt-country introversion. Fitfully beguiling, yet I yearn for more vocal punch in the equation.
Alamo Race Track - "On The Beach"
Here’s a bit of a 60’s Beatlesque flavour that nicely alternates predominantly drum and bass sections with flourishes from other plucked and strummed instruments to create a rather precious pastiche in the midst of a punchy pop song. Some of their efforts are reminiscent of the nicest bits of 90’s fuzzpop while others dollop on nostalgia from other eras.
Junior Senior - "Ur A Girl"
So help me at first spin this song reminded me of finest pop moments of The Osmonds, who were terrifically competent trend copiers. So it goes here with dashes of violins dotted by an earnest falsetto chorus in between pleas for attention from the opposite sex that mature at about a middle school level of reality. Needless to say this one’s getting dropped on Joanie at some point in the future.
Smokey and His Sister - "Creators of Rain"
A few 60’s era Sundazed reissues came in this week, including this brother-sister folk duo which the liners claim was never properly released. Some very nice strings and bass elevate it into pop category, and the gender roles are switched vocally as she has the deeper stronger voice while he takes more of a fey approach. Quite pleasant if you enjoy the orchestral folk of the day, the production is restrained and provides an airy instead of overwhelming feel.
The Groop - "Nobody At All"
The other 60’s era Sundazed reissue this week is strongly reminiscent of the Association with intricately constructed orchestral pop backing and multiple vocalists working in and out of harmony. Anything with a Millennium connection immediately gets my attention, and while this one is down on the creamy meter and up on bombast, it still contains multiple charms.
The Mams - "All Hail The Dilettantes"
This Britpop revival is so super insistent on their powerpop charms that more often than not I found myself sweatily pouncing on the FFWD button to get past their demanding happy bouncy smiley pop charms. Still, I made it through a few of their cuts stem to stern so it can’t really be all that oft-putting, can it? Or maybe I’m just one sick sucker.
The Takeovers - "Molly & Zack"
Here’s another new Robert Pollard effort with a passel of guest stars and collaborators, Chris Slusarenko taking most of the blame. If you possess an opinion that Pollard’s ability to imbue his half-formed ideas with that old magic left him with Cobra Verde during GbV days this one will only confirm your suspicions, as every gem is leavened with a toss-off or two. Here simple works best as an acoustic guitar and horn is all that’s needed to create a pretty little ditty about a couple or something, I’m still not quite sure. Spun on 8/2/07.
Marissa Nadler - "My Love And I"
The recent success of Joanna Newsom has likely cleared many thickets from the path to publishing pedaled by female folkies with odd voices. Now a reasonable gamble in the musical landscape, there’s even less hindrance for those blessed with fetching genes. Of course my concern is the music, which unfortunately for Ms. Nadler only occasionally rises beyond fitfully precious and sibilant. Still, I played this one on 8/2/07 as she was looking lonely on the ol’ new rack.
Justice - "Waters of Nazareth"
Somehow Winamp’s random function saved the best for last this time around with the exciting debut album from Justice turning back the Daft Punk clock 10 years for some super sonically dirty beats designed to make full use of subwoofers across the world. Considering they cull a hefty portion of its material from 5 years worth of stellar club tracks, it's no surprise that we have an immediate top ten contender here. This one does Digitalism one bettah by eschewing clever samples for potently gritty funk and occasional but effective guest vocalists. Played this on 8/2/07, you’ll be hearing others in the near future.
Hinkley - "Hanging Tree"
University of Rochester alums (that’s NY for the neophytes) from the early 90’s like myself can say with certainty that area’s music scene has never been very fertile …
still have my Popfest Compilation as evidence. So it’s nice to hear a record from upstate with a strong opening cut, this mournful ballad that quickly builds into a massive My Morning Jacket style stormcloud. I can’t say the whole album is as affecting, but at least they knew well enough to put their best effort upfront.
Alina Simone - "Pacifica"
This one’s very reminiscent of Shannon Wright without the benefit of her pipes or Steve Albini’s bass-heavy production. Get beyond that and it’s a reasonable effort, but so much of the playbook is similar (like the occasional doubled vocals in the middle of the verse, or the way the song peters out only to pick back up with a rash of drums and a wail) I think I’d rather just pull out a few of Shannon’s less radio-friendly efforts.
Okkervil River - "A Girl In Port"
After largely being unswayed by the balance of Okkervil River’s catalog I guess I’m finally finding a positive place for them, perhaps years of exposure slowly wore away that defensive layer of skin. Or perhaps just this song, seemingly about a girl spied in a crowd, tripped my switch. The singer seems to speculate on the details of her past, romanticizing the encounter until it’s difficult to tell whether these events are being recounted or imagined. Played on 8/2/07.
Tegan & Sara - "Burn Your Life Down"
I always had an (unearned) negative opinion about this duo until I caught one of their earlier efforts on a fellow dj’s show. This new one feels like it’s getting quite a bit of notice, and it’s certainly a very professional pop package. This song is crisply recorded and well constructed, with a great downward note chorus after an equally upbeat verse and a shouty bridge. Overall the album is a mixed bag but at least there are a few jewels that require further inspection.
You Say Party! We Say Die! - "Opportunity"
This was the only song from this new release that worked for me. In general it’s soupy unfocused post-punk with a press-one-note-at-a-time organ riff and a struggling female vocalist. While the pace is positive they can’t seem to focus on any one element of the song, instead shifting ideas about every 15-30 seconds. ADD anyone?
Birds & Batteries - "Soft Surveillance"
A lovely melding of light-touch electronics and Palace-style country, complete with an awkward vocalist that dredges up enough character to carry the song. Due to the electronics this possesses a driving beat unique to the genre. Still it unfurls quite easily, never feeling all that urgent. The slide guitar certainly helps in that regard. Worthy of further exploration, I played this one on 8/2/07.
Manual - "Marbella"
Stellar shoegazer instrumentalists offer us a 2 CD collection of previously unreleased works, collaborations, compilation tracks and b-sides thrown in for filler. In my mind they’re near the top of the mellifluous pile, this particular song ebbs and flows with sonic wave after wave kissing sweeter than wine. Not everything works, and given the scope that meets expectations.
Port O’Brien - "My Eyes Won’t Shut"
I’ll forgive the schizophrenic nature of this band’s effort as this is lifted from a career sampler, even if that career only spans two records. Still this sounds like the collective effort of a commune taking turns at the musical helm. If anything this song reminds me of the more countrified efforts of Modest Mouse, it unfortunately also drops and f-bomb just like Isaac. Other tunes are less coherent, the tin pan drums work well here with the dueling acoustic guitars.
Northern State - "Away Away"
The most pop-oriented song on this feminine hip-hop lp mates a repetitive sung chorus with some rapping in the verses and a lazily insistent bassline. Simple but effective, reminds me of KHanna’s rapping attempts with Internal/External but of course much much slicker. Still there’s that Bikini Kills nasalness to it w/o any of the accompanying political fury, instead focusing on the boy that left.
Stereo Total - "Ta Voix Au Telephone"
You make me feel like dancing! The duo cadges liberally from Leo Sayer’s disco hit for this less-than-energetic dance tune with their typically laissez-faire professionalism. Read that as barely competent, yet still undeniably delicious. On first go-round I’m guessing each song on the new album is inspired by a hit from the past, as several of them sound suspiciously familiar. Played this one on 8/2/07.
The Steinbecks - "Shin’s Journey"
I’ve never adopted these aussie-poppers despite the plaudits from their adoring twee-pop fans. More of the same on this new one, as the songs seems desperate to congeal yet end up nothing more than a fidgety portrait aspiring for catchiness. This particular tune seems to work the best of the lot with an affecting guitar in the chorus and lyrics about an art-school infatuation that will bring back memories of crushing romantic defeat to everyone coherent within an audible area.
Emily Haines & Soft Skeleton - "The Bank"
Lead singer of Metric takes a shot at the solo life with a Cat Power-esque turn that relies less on pathos and more on polish. This ep is a mind refresher for her under-promoted full-length which has been available for over a year now. Jeff "Summer" Breeze tipped me to her charms, so with an educated air I’ll say when the full-length works well it’s particularly melty, when it doesn’t it’s simply polish. The ep sits somewhere in between, truthfully it would not compel me to make an otherwise worthwhile purchase of the lp.
Milton and the Devil’s Party - "Have To Have Everything"
With Brian McTear’s name on the producer’s credit we’ll assume this band is out of Philadelphia … lord knows it’s probably comprised of several members of other equally obscure area bands. This one deliciously digs into a refined late 80’s Go-Betweens vein and coughs up blood on several tunes with delicate yet weighty pop and appropriately yearning vocals. Past experience tells me to rein back the enthusiasm as sometimes candy turns into salt, so I’ll just be appropriately enthusiastic about this effort.
Earlimart - "Answers & Questions"
The LP captures pretty much everything I personally expect from an Earlimart release, with perhaps a bit more wax on the floor. There’s more than a flavor of early 90’s REM jangle here vacillating between potently refined pop-rockers like this one and hi-fi attempts at lo-fi alt-country introversion. Fitfully beguiling, yet I yearn for more vocal punch in the equation.
Alamo Race Track - "On The Beach"
Here’s a bit of a 60’s Beatlesque flavour that nicely alternates predominantly drum and bass sections with flourishes from other plucked and strummed instruments to create a rather precious pastiche in the midst of a punchy pop song. Some of their efforts are reminiscent of the nicest bits of 90’s fuzzpop while others dollop on nostalgia from other eras.
Junior Senior - "Ur A Girl"
So help me at first spin this song reminded me of finest pop moments of The Osmonds, who were terrifically competent trend copiers. So it goes here with dashes of violins dotted by an earnest falsetto chorus in between pleas for attention from the opposite sex that mature at about a middle school level of reality. Needless to say this one’s getting dropped on Joanie at some point in the future.
Smokey and His Sister - "Creators of Rain"
A few 60’s era Sundazed reissues came in this week, including this brother-sister folk duo which the liners claim was never properly released. Some very nice strings and bass elevate it into pop category, and the gender roles are switched vocally as she has the deeper stronger voice while he takes more of a fey approach. Quite pleasant if you enjoy the orchestral folk of the day, the production is restrained and provides an airy instead of overwhelming feel.
The Groop - "Nobody At All"
The other 60’s era Sundazed reissue this week is strongly reminiscent of the Association with intricately constructed orchestral pop backing and multiple vocalists working in and out of harmony. Anything with a Millennium connection immediately gets my attention, and while this one is down on the creamy meter and up on bombast, it still contains multiple charms.
The Mams - "All Hail The Dilettantes"
This Britpop revival is so super insistent on their powerpop charms that more often than not I found myself sweatily pouncing on the FFWD button to get past their demanding happy bouncy smiley pop charms. Still, I made it through a few of their cuts stem to stern so it can’t really be all that oft-putting, can it? Or maybe I’m just one sick sucker.
The Takeovers - "Molly & Zack"
Here’s another new Robert Pollard effort with a passel of guest stars and collaborators, Chris Slusarenko taking most of the blame. If you possess an opinion that Pollard’s ability to imbue his half-formed ideas with that old magic left him with Cobra Verde during GbV days this one will only confirm your suspicions, as every gem is leavened with a toss-off or two. Here simple works best as an acoustic guitar and horn is all that’s needed to create a pretty little ditty about a couple or something, I’m still not quite sure. Spun on 8/2/07.
Marissa Nadler - "My Love And I"
The recent success of Joanna Newsom has likely cleared many thickets from the path to publishing pedaled by female folkies with odd voices. Now a reasonable gamble in the musical landscape, there’s even less hindrance for those blessed with fetching genes. Of course my concern is the music, which unfortunately for Ms. Nadler only occasionally rises beyond fitfully precious and sibilant. Still, I played this one on 8/2/07 as she was looking lonely on the ol’ new rack.
Justice - "Waters of Nazareth"
Somehow Winamp’s random function saved the best for last this time around with the exciting debut album from Justice turning back the Daft Punk clock 10 years for some super sonically dirty beats designed to make full use of subwoofers across the world. Considering they cull a hefty portion of its material from 5 years worth of stellar club tracks, it's no surprise that we have an immediate top ten contender here. This one does Digitalism one bettah by eschewing clever samples for potently gritty funk and occasional but effective guest vocalists. Played this on 8/2/07, you’ll be hearing others in the near future.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Hey friends, it's the Breakfast of Champions on WMBR in Cambridge! This playlist is for August 2nd, 2007!
(8:00am - continiuing the cubbyhole concept with the letter "R")
Red Rockers - "China"
Red Krayola - "A Portrait of V.I. Lenin in the Style of Jackson Pollock Part I"
Redd Kross - "Play My Song"
Reddy Teddy - "Shark In The Dark"
Red Stars Theory - "Think Piece" (background music)
(8:15am - today we feature all "RED" bands, in one way or another)
Red Lorry Yellow Lorry - "Which Side"
Red Scare - "Don't Look in the Basement"
Red Square - "First Impressions"
The Red House - "Killer Under Sky"
Red Temple Spirits - "Light Of Christ" (background music)
(8:30am - band of the week, every weekday at 8:30)
Momus - "Murderers, The Hope of Women"
Momus - "A Complete History of Sexual Jealousy (Parts 17-24)"
Red Flag - "Count To Three" (background music)
(8:45am - wrapping up the RED vinyl feature)
The Reducers - "Fistfight on the Beach"
The Reds - "Whatcha' Doin' To Me"
The Reds - "You Never Listen"
Red Rockers - "Teenage Underground"
Redbone - "Without Reservation" (background music)
(9:00am - let's fire up the new music hour)
The Information - "Armed Resistance"
Simple Kid - "The TwentySomething"
Manual - "The River" (concert report music)
(9:20am - the endurance test continues!)
Stereo-Total - "Ta Voix Au Telephone"
Justice - "Waters of Nazareth"
Future Conditional – “Crying's What You Need”
The Brunettes - "Small Town Crew"
(9:40am - we can keep on doing this for awhile longer ...)
Okkervil River - "A Girl In Port"
Birds & Batteries - "Soft Surveillance"
The Takeovers - "Molly & Zack"
Marissa Nadler - "My Love And I"
(9:55am - handing it over to Tim Kelly and the LRC)
The Shangri-Las - "Past, Present & Future"
Thanks for listening, to experience it again check out WMBR's streaming archives.
(8:00am - continiuing the cubbyhole concept with the letter "R")
Red Rockers - "China"
Red Krayola - "A Portrait of V.I. Lenin in the Style of Jackson Pollock Part I"
Redd Kross - "Play My Song"
Reddy Teddy - "Shark In The Dark"
Red Stars Theory - "Think Piece" (background music)
(8:15am - today we feature all "RED" bands, in one way or another)
Red Lorry Yellow Lorry - "Which Side"
Red Scare - "Don't Look in the Basement"
Red Square - "First Impressions"
The Red House - "Killer Under Sky"
Red Temple Spirits - "Light Of Christ" (background music)
(8:30am - band of the week, every weekday at 8:30)
Momus - "Murderers, The Hope of Women"
Momus - "A Complete History of Sexual Jealousy (Parts 17-24)"
Red Flag - "Count To Three" (background music)
(8:45am - wrapping up the RED vinyl feature)
The Reducers - "Fistfight on the Beach"
The Reds - "Whatcha' Doin' To Me"
The Reds - "You Never Listen"
Red Rockers - "Teenage Underground"
Redbone - "Without Reservation" (background music)
(9:00am - let's fire up the new music hour)
The Information - "Armed Resistance"
Simple Kid - "The TwentySomething"
Manual - "The River" (concert report music)
(9:20am - the endurance test continues!)
Stereo-Total - "Ta Voix Au Telephone"
Justice - "Waters of Nazareth"
Future Conditional – “Crying's What You Need”
The Brunettes - "Small Town Crew"
(9:40am - we can keep on doing this for awhile longer ...)
Okkervil River - "A Girl In Port"
Birds & Batteries - "Soft Surveillance"
The Takeovers - "Molly & Zack"
Marissa Nadler - "My Love And I"
(9:55am - handing it over to Tim Kelly and the LRC)
The Shangri-Las - "Past, Present & Future"
Thanks for listening, to experience it again check out WMBR's streaming archives.
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