Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band - Trout Mask Replica

Let’s sit down and take a trip; be sure to strap in, put on your headphones, this ride will be long and it will not be easy, at first. Take my hand and come with me, It's not too late for you, It's not too late for me. Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band will show you the way. A squid eating dough in a polyethylene bag is fast and bulbous. Got me? Look, look at everything that you used to know falling apart before your eyes; disassembling. The ride may be confusing, you may not be sure what to make of everything happening around you, but you must not turn back, you must proceed with Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band. It’s a bush recording; we’re out recording a bush. Listen, do you hear those magnificent horns? Do you see those magnificent horns? Can you feel those guitars wrapping around you? Do you know what is happening? Can you tell what is going on? The Good Captain will take care of you; make sure your mind doesn’t crack, make sure you get back to the world you know safely. His excited eyes from within the dark interior glazed; watered in appreciation of his thoughtful preparation. Every time you listen to this, every time you put this on, you move closer towards the front, you sit closer to The Captain. You see more, you feel more, you hear more, you know more. O' lady look up in time o' lady look out of love, 'n you should have us all, O' you should have us fall. Are you beginning to understand? Are you beginning to see what Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band are trying to show you? Have they succeeded in turning your mind around until you cannot tell that horn solo from that streak of light in the darkness? Or, do you feel that this is some awful joke? That this isn’t music, that these people have no musical talent. This is recorded thru uh flies ear, 'n you have t' have uh flies eye t' see it, It's the thing that's gonna make Captain Beefheart, And his magic band fat, Frank it's the big hit, It's the blimp, It's the blimp Frank, It's the blimp. Are you in that magical blimp or merely watching it fly by; oblivious to the wonderful things going on inside?

how many? 9.8
Frownland mp3

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Asobi Seksu - Citrus

This music is shoegaze, this music is dreampop, this music is noise, this music is whatever you want to call it, this music is good. I would often gaze at my shoes for hours just to feel like a part of the movement. Citrus is the sophomore album from New York City based Asobi Seksu; a band of the new millennium which borrows as much from Japanese pop and as it does from My Bloody Valentine. The lyrics on this album alternate between English and Japanese so, the average American will understand less than half of what is said. However, the Japanese words are sung in such a way that they feel familiar; they feel like whatever language you speak. I find myself constantly realizing halfway through a song that I have no idea what Yuki Chikudate has been singing about; even after hearing the songs multiple times. I enjoy this. Whistle through your window, we act the same as you.

how many? 8.7
Live: February 28, 2007 - The Middle East: Downstairs (opening act)
Strings
mp3

Monday, January 29, 2007

Jim Noir - Tower of Love

Tower of Love is “psychedelic pop,” it is extremely reminiscent of The Beatles, The Kinks, The Beach Boys. If you don’t give my football back, I’m going to tell my dad on you. Despite being released in early 2006, on Valentine’s Day no less, this music often seems dated; it’s a novelty record. And it is unfortunate for such a thing to occur, Jim Noir, master of irony, has a clear ear for melody. The tunes on this album are all quite catchy, in a pop sense, but are all ultimately too light-hearted to be taken seriously; to last. There are a couple of tracks which, in my ever humbling opinion, stand above this novelty act. One of these is the album’s closer, The Only Way, which feels heartfelt and genuine, something noticeably lacking from much of the album. Eanie meany, run away. Eanie meany run away. I would recommend this album to anyone looking for something light to put on while concentrating on something else.

how many? 6.4
The Only Way mp3

Sunday, January 28, 2007

Sort of Changes

It has only been two weeks and already the changes come. Oh happy day. The first thing I expect you will notice is not the grading system change, but rather the "labels" I assign to the posts, a minor change to be sure; because that will be done today whereas I will not be reviewing until tomorrow. These "labels" exist to make your life easier, they will be things such as "coming soon" which means that the band is "coming soon" to the Boston area. As for the grading, I will be moving from the letter grades to a 10.0 scale. Of course I know what you're thinking, why Matt, do you so blatently rip off Pitchfork? Aside from the additional freedom the 10.0 scale gives me as an occasional reviewer of music, that question cannot be so easily answered, so I avoid it. You may also notice that on two days in the past week I presented you with news, detestable. This news comes to you for various reasons, the most important being that I didn't manage to write a review. Another reason could be that I find the news interesting, see Win Butler gets a haircut! Don't let the sun go down on your grievances.

Friday, January 26, 2007

The Late Cord - Lights From The Wheelhouse [EP]

The Late Cord is a collaboration between Micah P. Hinson and John Mark Lapham, Lights From The Wheelhouse is their debut EP. None of the tracks here are ones I would classify as filler; however, the two tracks which sit high above the others, which are the most realized, are The Lila Blue and My Most Meaningful Relationships are with Dead People. It is these two tracks which find Hinson and Lapham really in their element. The music is laid-back and has a folk feel; of course the album was released on 4AD, and that label’s signature sound is not totally absent here. Ambient sounds permeate the album and add much to the overall feel, vocals shine through multiple layers of sound and offer refreshing familiarity to sometimes alien soundscapes. Sometimes I think of you, wondering if you think of me. This is not one to miss.

Grade: A
The Lila Blue mp3

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Bright Eyes - New and New

Well, I'm just going to go ahead and say it. I love Bright Eyes. He's got a new album, Cassadega, coming out on April 10th, and an EP, Four Winds, coming out on March 6th. The Four Winds EP tracklisting is as follows:

1. Four Winds
2. Reinvent the Wheel
3. Smoke Without Fire
4. Stray Dog Freedom
5. Cartoon Blues
6. Tourist Trap






Here's a couple of (excellent) tracks to help you wait for the new material, whatever that means.

Endless Entertainment mp3
Tourist Trap mp3

He's also doing a show in Somerville on February 28th but it's sold out.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Tom Waits - Small Change

A man and his paino, a jazzy sound; a brilliant album. The songs here are comical (Pasties & A G-String), they are heartbreaking, literally (Bad Liver & A Broken Heart), they are narrative (Small Change (Got Rained on With His Own .38)), and they are always fascinating and wonderful to listen to; beautiful poetry set to a jazzy musical background. This is Tom Waits’ fourth album and the perfection of his hipster poet persona; though not the last before he ventured into entirely new territory, see Swordfishtrombones and Rain Dogs.

The first thing one may note about a Tom Waits album is his voice, described by one as “Like how you'd sound if you drank a quart of bourbon, smoked a pack of cigarettes and swallowed a pack of razor blades… Late at night. After not sleeping for three days.” Of course, Waits did drink, a lot, and he did smoke; and this can be seen in his lyrics (The Piano Has Been Drinking (Not Me)), among others. And of course it is the lyrics, songs of the derelict, the downtrodden, sung by one of their own, that make Small Change, or any Waits album, so intriguing, so enjoyable.

Grade: A+
The Piano Has Been Drinking (Not Me) mp3

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Vetiver - To Find Me Gone

Psych-folk, freak-folk, neo-folk and New Weird America, among countless others to be sure, are all terms used to describe the type of music that Andy Cabic and his band Vetiver are churning out. To Find Me Gone is Vetiver’s sophomore album, released two years after their self-titled debut. Cabic is close friends with freak-folk/New Weird America pioneer Devendra Banhart and while this friendship was largely seen through Vetiver’s music on the first release, it is certainly less pronounced here, of course Banhart is given co-songwriting credits on the final track, Down at El Rio. Cabic is stepping away from the complex finger-picking which Banhart is known for and is going for a deeper sound here, a different sound. Been So Long for instance, has an almost ambient background with shimmery layered vocals. I happen to find this progression particularly charming. The album is relaxed, laid-back; its one you can imagine just sitting and enjoying on some porch in the country while staring off into the horizon. I can’t wait to see what Cabic comes out with next.

Grade: B+
Live: January 31, 2007 -
Wesleyan College, Middletown, CT
Been So Long mp3

Monday, January 22, 2007

News Not Reviews

No album review today because I was busy all weekend not dying. Instead, I'll throw some news at you.

Win Butler got a haircut!


In lesser news, Kristin Hersh, ex-Throwing Muses, is touring in support of her new album, Learn to Sing Like a Star, and will be doing an in-store appearance tonight at Newbury Street's own Newbury Comics. Check it out.

Friday, January 19, 2007

Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton - Knives Don't Have Your Back

This is a singer/songwriter album; a girl and her piano, with occasional other instrumentation. This is Emily Haines of Metric and also indie super-group Broken Social Scene. Barring her extremely limited, self-released Cut in Half and Also Double, this is her first solo release. Yes, the lyrics are heartfelt and deeply personal. Yes, Ms. Haines is a very talented keyboardist. Yes, this is a nod to her jazz upbringing, her father, the late Paul Haines. No, I do not dig this album. All the songs sound just a little too similar, and while Haines is obviously very talented, this album simply does not grab me the way I feel an album should. Which, in a way, surprises me, because I almost feel like I should enjoy it; it’s not bad, and I do like singer/songwriter albums, I do like keyboards, I enjoy solo female musicians. I, personally, just feel like Chan Marshall pulls off a similar style with much more allure.

Grade: B-
Doctor Blind mp3

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Sparrow House - Falls [EP]

Sparrow House is a side project of Jared Van Fleet, guitarist/keyboardist for Voxtrot, the Falls EP is his first release. This project however, is not at all like Voxtrot; it is much mellower, much more folk. The music is centered on Fleet’s acoustic guitar; however, most songs feature multiple other instruments as well: Blindfold Waltz, for example, features strings, handclaps, and otherworldly synth sounds. The EP moves slowly, and has a calming effect, it gives one the feeling that everything else can wait. The only thing that matters while this music is playing is the music itself. Despite the repetition of ‘give up’ during the opening song Heart Flood, the melancholic beauty of this EP leaves me feeling refreshed and almost hopeful.

Grade: A-
When I Am Gone mp3

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Charles Manson - Lie: The Love and Terror Cult

I find it impossible to write this without first briefly mentioning a bit of the album’s history. Lie: The Love and Terror Cult was recorded in August of 1968, a year before the Tate murders. However, it was not until March of 1970 that the album was released, to help Manson finance his defense. The current release of the album is from Awareness Records and all proceeds are donated to a California fund for victims of violent crimes.

The music on this album can be described as hippie campfire-folk. The songs consist mostly of Manson singing and playing his guitar; occasionally one can hear drums and voices in the background, both of which add to the campfire feel. Admittedly, the music is a bit cultish; it’s easy to feel as if you are sitting around the fire hearing the music being played by Manson himself. Most of the songs on the album are; however, quite enjoyable. They feature proficient guitar playing and intelligent, even uplifting, lyrics. Home is Where You’re Happy is a particularly inspiring song with lines such as Just as long as you got love in your heart/ You'll never be alone and You can do what you want to do/ 'Cause you're strong in your mind. This music is, fortunately, nothing like you would expect from a man like Charles Manson.

Grade: B+
Home is Where You're Happy mp3

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

The Essex Green - Cannibal Sea

This Isn’t Farmlife begins the album and sets the tone for what is to come; upbeat, lighthearted fun. Cannibal Sea, by The Essex Green, of Elephant 6, is an absolute joy to listen to. The music has the 60’s folk/pop sound that the band is known for; however, modern flourishes are found throughout the album taking the music in a decidedly new direction, which the band tackles with confidence. The band has found a magnificent sound and welcomes all listeners to join them on their trip which is bursting with energy. The band doesn’t let up until the album’s closer, Slope Song, a beautiful, folky tune, perfect for letting listeners know that the ride is coming to an end and ensuring a safe landing for all.

Grade: A

Live: January 27, 2007 - Paradise Rock Club (with Camera Obscura)
Don't Know Why (You Stay) mp3

Sunday, January 14, 2007

The Dears - Gang of Losers

I was intrigued by the artwork, I love the Arts & Crafts label, I listened to Gang of Losers, my introduction to The Dears. The music on the album is not bad, it just does not feel like it has much to offer the listener; there isn’t much that really stands out. This level of mediocrity in the music causes the album to drag on much longer than it feels like it should, despite the total length being under 50 minutes. The one track which I feel stands above the rest is You and I Are a Gang of Losers; where everything The Dears strive for on this album comes together. This is a catchy tune with arresting boy/girl vocal harmonies and repetitive, yet unpretentious, lyrics which, like much of the album, deal with isolation. It is here that The Dears really find what they are looking for. Unfortunately, this moment is brief.

A large problem with this album is that the band has a defined aura of self-importance, there is the sense that the band feels like they are really doing something great and worthy of your time. This overconfident attitude can be heard, among other places, in Murray Lightburn’s often strained vocals and it turns off the listener pretty quickly. The Dears have grandiose ambitions however, they do fall short.

Grade: C
Live: January 16, 2007 - Paradise Rock Club
You and I Are a Gang of Losers mp3