The Cells - "Drag It On"
Solid powerpop tune with excessive repetition of the chorus "and on and on and on and on and on." The album as a whole gets a bit Weezer-ish in its production but this one sublimates the whiny boy vocals enough to earn a spin on 9/27/07.
Axe Riverboy - "Carry On"
Xavier from Tahiti 80's solo side project is about as Sloan as you can get without actually being Canadian. If this was a Sloan album it would slot into the bottom 1/4 of their output, reasonably fun power pop songs with enough poptactular choruses and goofy guitar hooks to provide a diversion during the morning commute, but nothing overly sticky. Played on 10/4/07.
Rockfour - "No Worries"
Israeli pop band that fondly updates late 60's jangle pop with a few 70's touches, this one stands out for its ELO-ish chorus. Sure to find friends amongst the older dj demographic down at WMBR, of which we have more than a few. Nothing radically entertaining as Apples in Stereo but it doesn't sycophantically display its influences either. If you enjoy this sort of racket you will likely enjoy. Spun on 10/4/07.
Rogue Wave - "Lake Michigan"
Almost missed the new release from this NoCal combo as they sent it in a slim cardboard case, probably why it has effectively hidden in our new rack for the past few weeks. This release steps away from the rougher garage pop production of the previous record, instead opting for Matt Pond/Pernice Bros levels of lushness. Like their previous sound I found the songs fitfully interesting but probably won't spin anything beyond this one cut on 9/27/07.
The Blank Tapes - "We Can Still Be Friends"
Anytime an unknown band sends along a new release filled with 25+ songs it can be a bit intimidating. How's a dj supposed to suss out the gems? Luckily the pattern is pretty similar amongst tracks here, its Kinks style pop with equal parts jangle and emotion. Some slow, some fast, given the sheer number of songs it does get a bit samey after awhile. But if Davies & Co are your idols perhaps that will be just alright with you.
Robert Pollard - "Current Desperation (Angels Speak of Nothing)"
I can understand why some have given up on Robert Pollard as a viable source of new thrills, the sheer number of songs he's created during his various incarnations makes me wonder if there are any more gems to be found. On this double album one platter is rough garage band pop rock, the other tones down the amps and ladles more emotion in the lyrics. Couldn't really identify any home runs here, though admittedly my attention span waned after a few handfuls.
Old Time Relijun - "Veleno Mortale"
Our generation's greatest Van Vliet knockoffs are back with another release full of harsh stop/start jolts and jerky rhythms backing hoarse vocals. This particular song is in Italian and sprawls across 5+ minutes of manic tourette's style songcraft.
Signal To Trust - "The Herald"
My first spin identified this band as a reasonable attempt to capture Polvo's harsh vibe with a few less ruffled feathers. A second spin refutes that impression, as the hard stop tempo and metallic guitar I thought I heard aren't as apparent. Reasonable enough stuff that may fall between the LRC and BoC sweet spots.
Moving Units - "Paper Hearts"
I remember this group sounding much more punk on their previous efforts, then again when a band jumps labels to Metropolis there better be some overtures to the goth audience. Which means this new Moving Units lp is solidly in the post-Interpol camp, certainly better than that aforementioned band's previous two releases but not compelling enough to put it on the air (yet).
Charmparticles - "Gold Plated Shot"
Their previous album might have been the pinnacle for this pleasant early 90's shoegazer pop influenced band. The female leads are much clearer amongst the clouds of glossy guitar pop and given their relative strength (or lack thereof) I can't say it's a decision I support. Perhaps it's just a little too reminiscent of the type of major-label knockoff shoegaze that dotted the landscape of the early 90's, either way my neurons aren't firing like they were for the previous release.
Brazzaville - "Jesse James"
On the other side of the coin, here's a band I've casually dismissed in the past which now offers a new set of tunes which cross my wires. These are still light pop songs with a vague world influence, perhaps the extra space in the arrangements is aligning better with my tastes. This song takes a Smiths-like lyrical tone, offering details and emotions without revealing too much of the plot. He wants to die like Jesse James, I prefer Doc Holliday's fate myself. Played on 10/4/07.
Damon and Naomi - "Stars Never Fade"
The duo split vocal duties on this new record while Michio Kurihara provides the Wayne-style guitar freakouts and Bhob Rainey the special sauce that makes it so breathtaking. My preference is for the Naomi tracks as she works comfortably within her limited vocal range, moaning and groaning sentiments that can only be construed as quite sad (sans lyrical interpretation), Played on 9/27/07.
Morning Recordings - "We Loved The City Years"
Chicago band that wears the lineage very well. While they're Codiene slow they're not Codiene harsh, the Coctails minus the jazz spirit would be a better characterization. Sparse yet effective songs that stretch out and wait, if you prefer the downtempo vibe there are some delicacies worth sampling on this disc. Played the song on 9/27/07.
Cass McCombs - "Morning Shadows"
Latest Domino release from Cass promises a higher profile for this delicate singer and player. Usually I have no trouble finding the hit(s) on Cass's records but this one proved a bit more difficult as the tone has shifted more towards acoustic numbers with minor tempo changes. While certainly nice I couldn't find anything particularly bracing or enchanting, and chose this tune on 10/4/07.
Iron and Wine - "Boy With a Coin"
Well, the Simon & Garfunkel period of this band seems like it's over and done. Don't confuse that with a drop in quality though, as this infectious handclap driven selection definitely retains an Iron and Wine feel wrapped in restrained enthusiasm. The quotient of simple plucked guitar and harmony vocals songs is way down, but I'm more than fine with that decision as the production balances all elements quite nicely, uniting both the folk and pop lovers of the world. Played this on 10/4/07.
Alberta Cross - "Lucy Rider"
Woe is the fate of Alberta Cross, who are from London not the western provinces as you might expect. They're signed to Fiction which currently employs hitmakers like Snow Patrol and the Maccabees, certainly you'd think the label is looking for more commercial bounty. However this release is not very glossy, in fact it wouldn't sound out of place on a nondescript US regional independent label with its indy rock vibe of verse-memorable chorus-verse and off-key vocals. Hope they survive the ride!
Bevel - "Since The World"
Side project from a member of Drunk and Manischevitz that proudly displays why the lead singer doesn't pull those duties in his other bands. Still, he does carry an awkward David Sylvian vibe sans the smooth release behind some clever guitar work. If you can handle the odd vocals there's plenty to enjoy on this new Contraphonic release. Played on 10/4/07.
Steve Goldberg and the Arch Enemies - "Julia"
Just haven't been able to find time for this twee-pop nerd love song, which mentions D&D amongst the proposed activities our heroic singer offers the object of his affection. Cute, with all the positive and negative connatations of that word in effect.
Jens Lekman - "The Opposite of Hallelujah"
Still trying to suss out why the full-lengths provided by Jens just don't thrill me as much as the ep's. Perhaps it is just a matter of focus, when given a consideration set of four songs it's much easier to find the lyrical gem. If more time is all I need to unearth the "Maple Leaves" on this new one then it's time worth spending. As it is I played this song about his sister on 10/4/07, I think Evan of A Distorted Reality made a better song choice the day before.
The Pipettes - "Baby, Just Be Yourself"
Grabbed one of the two tracks on the (finally!) US release of their debut, since I (and probably you) already have the import version. It was a top 10 album for me last year and my opinion has not wavered, I adore this girl group trio who take 60's pop tropes and update the subject matter for current day mores. Played one of the other tracks leadoff on 10/4/07.
Fire Engines - "Hungry Beat"
Title track of the reissue from Acute. One of those "thank you for finally making this available again" moments.
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