Thursday, May 22, 2008

Spiritualized - A&E

A&E cover art
J. Spaceman and company return for the first Spiritualized album in five years and the group's overall sixth album. The album needs more rocking of the spaces and less of the whiny, suicidal vocals (though, to be fair, J. Spaceman did almost die of pneumonia in 2005 so I guess he has a right to be kind of a downer, but I don't like it). I am really disappointed by this effort.

www.myspace.com/spiritualized
www.spiritualized.com

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

The Republic Tigers - Keep Color

Keep Color cover art
They're from Kansas City, Missouri and their lead singer, Kenn Jankowski, used to front The Golden Republic. This is their debut. It's midtempo melodic pop/rock, definitely has Britpop influences. It's pleasant; not the most profound album by any means, but nice to listen to and relax.

www.myspace.com/therepublictigers
(They do not appear to currently have their own website.)

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Mates of State - Re-Arrange Us

Re-Arrange Us cover art
The husband-wife duo returns with their fifth full-length and second for the Barsuk label. They play cutesy indie-pop. Kori plays a variety of keyboard instruments (keys, organ, piano) and sings while Jason is the drummer and second singer. Their indie-pop is sweet and adorable, to the point that I find them to be one of the most annoying, yet catchiest, duos in the indie scene today. It is hard to listen to them and be in a bad mood, they are very upbeat and just so darn cute. I don't know if I like this as much as their last album, but one thing can definitely be said: I really like the packaging this album comes in; it's simple and nice, much like their music.

www.myspace.com/matesofstate
www.matesofstate.com

Monday, May 19, 2008

Blackstrap - Steal My Horses and Run

Steal My Horses and Run cover art
This is the quintet's sophomore album. They're from Stockholm, Sweden, and play slightly bluesy rock'n'roll that has shoegazey influences, demonstrated through their simultaneously shimmering and fuzzy guitar lines. Mainly male vocals with female backing, though occasionally there are female leads. They remind me of the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club that I've heard.

www.myspace.com/blackstrap001
www.blackstrap.net

Friday, May 16, 2008

Jamie Lidell - Jim

Jim cover art
This is the third full-length release for the Brit who has frequently been touted as the new King of Soul. He's certainly got soulful, rhythm and blues influences in his sound. Some music sites list his sound as electronic, but aside from a few electronic bits in the backing music of his songs, he owes a greater debt in his sound on this album to an artist such as Stevie Wonder, than Squarepusher. Personally, I rather enjoyed this album. There are a few slower songs that don't mesh as well with the rest, but a track like "Out of My System" more than makes up for it, and will probably stick in your head for a long time after you hear it.

www.myspace.com/jamielidell
www.jamielidell.com

Thursday, May 15, 2008

This Is Ivy League - Self-Titled

This Is Ivy League cover art
This is the debut for the Brooklyn-based duo of Ryland Blackinton and Alex Suarez. It's chock full of delightful folk-influenced pop music. They remind me of a modern-day, upbeat Simon and Garfunkel. They are super super good. So good!

www.myspace.com/ivyleagueonline
www.thisisivyleague.net

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs

Narrow Stairs cover art
Since I don't really like music and, therefore, don't pay much attention to it, I've never heard of these guys before. I guess they're kinda popular? Well, this is their sixth album so they must be making records for a reason. It's indie rock/pop, the guy who sings is probably heartbroken or longing for something or someone. He reminds me of the vocalist from The Postal Service, sort of! Obviously, if I actually listened to music and had heard their previous work, I would say that after a few listens, I like this as much if not more than their other stuff. It's pretty good!

www.myspace.com/deathcabforcutie
www.deathcabforcutie.com

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Jeremy Jay - A Place Where We Could Go

A Place Where We Could Go cover art
This is the debut album for the Californian. It’s pop music that would feel at home in the late 1970’s. It’s okay but nothing compares to the song “Airwalker” off of the EP he released around the end of 2007. The songs on this album remind me of the Modern Lovers songs that I have heard, which I suppose is pretty neat.

www.myspace.com/jeremyjay
www.krecs.com/html/artists/artistbio.php?interest=101

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

The Black and White Years - Self-Titled

The Black and White Years cover art
They are a quartet from Austin, Texas; this is their debut album. Jerry Harrison produced this and since the band didn't have a drummer for the recording, Steve Ferrone of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers rocked the kit for this album. They play upbeat rock that has post-punk, funk, and electro influences. Since Jerry Harrison is a fan, the Talking Heads comparisons are inevitable, but they have their own sound. And it's good.

www.myspace.com/theblackandwhiteyears
www.theblackandwhiteyears.com

Monday, May 5, 2008

These Modern Socks - Picking A Lock At The Speed Of Light

Picking A Lock At The Speed of Light cover art
They're a five-piece from Minneapolis and this is their second album. Indie pop/rock with electronic touches. Male vocals. Very relaxing while at the same time very upbeat and not boring. Maybe it's the clean guitar lines and the singer's unoffensive voice? Music to take with you on your leisure trip to the Moon.

www.myspace.com/thesemodernsocksmusic
thesemodernsocks.com

Friday, May 2, 2008

Thee Oh Sees - The Master's Bedroom is Worth Spending A Night In

The Master's Bedroom... cover art
Led by John Dwyer of Coachwhips fame, here is garage rock that Frankenstein's Monster would probably play at his next social gathering. The vocals are buried in the mix and difficult to decipher; both male and female vox. Calling them a lo-fi B-52s might work, but it's a bit of a stretch. This band is more likely to appeal to fans of the Raveonettes. They're okay, but still really rough around the edges.

www.myspace.com/ohsees
www.tomlabel.com/theeohsees

Thursday, May 1, 2008

The Specimen - Do U Damage EP

Do U Damage cover art
Led by Matt Gorny, born in Poland; New York City dweller since he was eleven. Apparently he won the John Lennon Songwriting Competition in 2007. He makes upbeat electro-infused rock that has a high level of danceability. Some of the songs are decent and could probably get played in a club somewhere. A few bored me. Recommended if you like electro-indie rock that feels kinda dirty and trashy.

www.myspace.com/thespecimen
www.thespecimen.org
(His official band site may not currently be functional.)