Patrick Wolf - The Magic Position

Absolutely mesmerizing. The Magic Position is the third album from the multi-instrumentalist, boy-wonder, Patrick Wolf. This music has been touted as ‘folktronica,’ and I suppose that that is an accurate label, if you feel it absolutely necessary to have one, although it really doesn’t seem to convey the majesty felt in Wolf’s music. The album begins with drumming reminiscent of Joy Division which is soon joined by a haunting violin giving the music an almost rushed, classical feel; a grand, theatrical presence. Of course, the inclusion of electronic, mechanical noises keeps the music sounding distinctly modern and utterly unique. Also found on the album are more traditionally arranged piano ballads, which are equally as enticing, and even a look into Wolf’s synth-infused musical beginnings. Wolf sought to create a ‘big love pop record’ with The Magic Position. He succeeded brilliantly; this is the sound of falling in love.

how many? 9.4
The Magic Position mp3

Panda Bear - Person Pitch

This is my ray gun; my REAGAN. Get it? Panda Bear. Panda Bear! Come and eat me alive. Devour with; you’re, sound. When my soul starts growing, I get so hungry and I wish it never would, never would, never would stop growing. Noah Lennox is Panda Bear of Animal Collective. Of Animal Collective. Feels, feels… Comfy in Nautica; comfy inside this one. Try. Try. Try. Try. Goodness is having courage, courage to do what's right. The sound here; Person! Pitch! Person! Pitch! Person! Pitch! Young Prayer was largely acoustic, somber; recorded in the wake of the passing of Panda Bear’s father; Person Pitch sounds almost like the Beach Boys. Fantastic pop sensibility, upbeat, an amazing read. An amazing read. Try. Try. Try. Oh oh ooh. This album is refreshing, renewing, renew; half the time I can’t even understand what he is saying. I don’t want for us tooo take pills, anymore. Not that it’s bad. We don’t need to take pills; Person Pitch is a drug. Float along beside it, inside it. Perfectly consistent. Try. Try. Try. Try. Sounds effortless; integrity and grace. This album sounds new, and not just because it is. Noah found the delicious often and frequently. All the time.

how many? 8.9
Comfy in Nautica mp3

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

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

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

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