This week I was lucky enough to pick up the vinyl reissue of Gang Gang Dance’s second album God’s Money at Earshot this past week. Let me just tell you that this is a really incredible record, but this probably isn’t for everyone.
My first experience with the band was at the 2006 CMJ Festival at the behest of my friend. They were a stunning outfit to see live, and I unfortunately only followed up that up by listening to 2008’s fantastic Saint Dymphna.
The music on this record uses elements of electronic/ambient/drone/dub and eastern rhythms and melodies to create a truly unique music. What is so appealing about this record to me, is the way new sounds are introduced in each song, and you can almost never predict what is going to happen next. The only other time I can describe how this hit me, was listening to Tom Wait’s album Mule Variations during my freshman year. For instance, pay attention to the song Egowar. Notice how it starts one way, ends on another and uses new layers and textures almost every second.
Toro Y Moi is from Columbia…. It is also the moniker of Chaz Bundick from Columbia . Chaz’s new LP (and first released properly) Causers of This comes out this Tuesday on Carpark Records. That is besides the point. I have had the pleasure of knowing Chaz for a while now, and I am so stoked for him and this record. I have heard most of these songs, and if they haven’t been rocking your stereo for a while now, then there is something you have seriously been missing. At best, if you read Pitchfork, this will be in their “Best New Music” category, if it is not, then it should be. I suggest buying this record the second you see it (preferably on vinyl) because it is fantastic.
I have known Chaz predominately through his other band The Heist and the Accomplice. They are one of my favorite bands ever, and their last album Connections Work is something that I listen to regularly. Every member of the Heist is so talented that it pains me to know that I will never be able to touch on their genius. It is also a sad time for me to know that most likely Toro will be the new main project, but it is about time the world should be able to experience the greatness of his songwriting. Expect to Hear more here about The Heist soon enough…
Blessa is the track that has been making the rounds on the blog. I won’t host it here for too long but you need to hear it if you haven’t because it is just the tip of the iceberg considering the talent that flows out of Chaz. People may think this is an anthem, and they may be right, but you can surely expect things from him that will most likely make this look like small potatoes.
I first saw the Rosebuds in the fall of 2004 with some of my friends at the New Brookland Tavern in support of their debut Make Out. Over the course of my time at WUSC I saw them a few more times, and played a few of their songs on my show, but never digested the material. That changed a few days ago, while at work. I’ve had Birds Make Good Neighbors and Life Like on my iPod for a while now, but decided to give it a whirl…. Holy Mackeral! There are some amazing songs on these records! It is not so much that their are only a few good songs on each album, but they are almost all seriously great. Kelly & Ivan have, and apparently will continue to make great songs. I can’t wait for them to put out another album. In the meantime check out some of my faves below, but be sure to stop by Daytrotter and listen to their session. You can pick up all of their albums from Merge, or most likely your favorite local record store.
The Rosebuds – Border Guards of their album Life Like
Miss Newsom has a brand new song streaming on Drag City. It is superb. Just her and the harp, but that melody is awesome. I walked around last night singing what I was doing to it. Any words will work fine, but none quite as good as hers. But seriously, what is up with the album art? (that is why is put a picture of her looking like the Urban Outfitters model)
Let me start of by saying that I do think Surfer Blood’s new record Astro Coast is pretty darn good. I don’t know if it as great as some people think, but I will buy it (on vinyl of course). The songs are super catchy, and they the guy’s voice sounds like James Mercer’s, really great guitar pop. If you take away one thing from this piece, let it be that. If you take away two, let it be this…
My problem with the record is the fact that two songs remind me of the Arcade Fire’s incredible debut Funeral. I had listened to it a couple times through without noticing, but once a friend pointed out that the guitar harmonic song so aptly named “Harmonix” sounded somewhat similar to the Arcade Fire song “Neighborhood #2″.
Today in honor of their “Best New Music” tag, I thought I would give the record another play at work. Too my surprise another song entitled ”Fast Jabroni” sounds like another Arcade Fire song “Rebellion (Lies)”.
Now that we went on that Adventure together… I don’t think Surfer Blood are even conscious of the similarities (you folks may not even agree that they sound similar, but that’s ok). Sometimes genius comes down and touches people, and sometime it is similar to others. How many people have painted the Last Supper? This shouldn’t take the wind out of their sails (no pun related to surfing whatsoever intended) I hope to see them on their tour in Charlotte or Atlanta, but for these reasons I will never think this record is the best thing ever. I do think they have a great future, and you should pick up this album.
Coma Cinema are from Spartanburg, SC or Columbia,SC (the myspace recently changed locations). They make delightfully whistful tunes sometimes reminiscent of twee. Regardless of the classification, the band is fantastic. They have a new video up on vimeo for the song “Flower Pills” Their EP (really a collection of songs) Baby Prayers can be had here.
Most of these songs have great melodies. The only problem is the fact that a lot of them are under 2 minutes long. Trust me, you’ll want these songs.
Trailer Trash Tracys are a UK band that really caught my attention last year. When I first heard their name, I expected them to be some generic alt-country or rockabillyesque band, but I was way wrong. They have a chilled out, sleepy sound that I am all about at the moment. Right now, there’s no word on a full length album, but you can definitely get a hold of a few tracks on their website, or you can possibly snag a copy of their Candy Girl 7″. I am really excited to watch this band grow, and I hope you are too.
It appears Real Estate’s Reality is on sale now at the Mexican Summer website. I am really excited about this record based off their previous material. This will go really really quick so act now! Here’s the link. I just snagged mine.
I can’t remember where I heard about Twin Sister, but thanks to the amazing power of the internet, I can see that I am a bit late to the party. (ed. note. just realized Pfck let a song make their cast today…whatevers.) Their EP, which I have been listening to a lot is called Vampires with Dreaming Kids. It is really really great, and the best part of it is…. It is completely free on their website! Dry Hump is the only song from the EP, I’ve posted, but All My Trials sounds really fantastic, It is has great harmonies between the guy and girl (who are apparently siblings?) Their songs have a great rock/folk/slowcore things going on. I can’t wait to go through their other songs.
Pick it up here! What are you waiting for? Oh, and their new EP is due out in March on Infinite Best Recordings.
The newest Laura Veirs album, July Flame, is available today! It accompanied me on my way to class today; I have to say it is quite pleasant. Can’t purchase the album right now? You can get two free tracks, “July Flame” and ” I Can See Your Tracks” via Raven Marching Band.
