It's been a busy week since I last wrote and I have a lot to get to here so let's begin with the 3rd album from Beach House, just out is "Teen Dream" (2010). It's dreamy alright. I LOVE this new album. I really loved their first 2 albums as well. This is a natural progression for this band and they have a more professional sound on this new record. "Norway" will clearly be one of the best singles of this year. I give it a strong 4 1/2 rating.
One of my all time favourite bands is Blue Rodeo and they have just released, on their 25th year anniversary, "The Things We Left Behind" which is their first studio double album. Thankfully, the Rodeo deliver once again on this album. And since it's a 2-CD they did make it worth it and made it count. "Million Miles" is a 9 minute deluxe Rodeo treat! The band stretches out and the songs are great. It's a strong 4 1/2 rating. It's up there with my favourite Rodeo album from 1994 "Five Days In July". Always will be close to my heart...
I was able to listen to the new Hot Chip-"One Life Stand" early before it's release today. The first few trax are great and the title track "One Life Stand" is another one of those singles that will be right up there as one of the best of 2010. Then, instead of keeping the momentum going on this record the boys decided to drop in the ballads and dare I say it, "fillers"? I don't know, I lost my excitement when once the jams stopped it was rather boring and I do tire of everyone who has kids deciding to toss in some crap about their family life. SNOREFEST! Anyway, I do love Hot Chip and on first listen I have some disappointment here on the direction the record ended up taking which became very uneven. I'm going to reserve judgement until I listen to again all the way through without interruptions. I'd been hoping though that it would have been a contender... However, it does blow away the new Four Tet, whose reviews online are confounding to me. I guess if I were on prozak and wanted a boring background then I'd throw it on....
AFCGT is a new collaboration between the bands A-Frames & Climax Golden Twins. Their S/T new album is just out. This is a wild ride and rather confounding at times. However, I dug it. It's out there but in a good way meaning I think it's a creative collaboration and they are definitely doing there own thing. I give it my blessing!
Joan Of Arc are (sort of) back with a new album. Really it's Kim Kinsella (who really is Joan Of Arc) and friends. And by friends, he means a different friend(s) on each track. The album is called "Joan Of Arc Presents: Don't Mind Control" (2010). I really love this album. It's got some terrific songs on it and Tim shows he can work with just about anybody! People like: Owen, Euphone, Cale Parks, Birdshow and a host of people even I am not familiar grace this fantastic collaboration. Strong 4 star rating.
This next album must get an honorary mention because it's just a fantastic nearly 5 star album. Steve Kilbey & Martin Kennedy (The Church) - "Unseen Music Unheard Words" (2010) is a gorgeous delight that sounds so good you just want to hit repeat when it's all over. Why should a record this great have an end? I found it transforming and it gets an album of the week nod and I highly recommend this album.
CLOGS have a new release "Veil Waltz" (2010). I've been into these guys for quite a few years after I picked up their 2004 release "Stick Music". I've no clue as to what I would classify this very talented instrument ensemble. Whatever you want to call them, just make sure you include GREAT in there. This new album is beautiful. My only complaint would be that the pieces are quite short and sometimes this doesn't give them the time to perhaps finish something? Still, it's a great record for them to add to their consistent catalogue of music.
Los Campesinos! are back with "Romance Is Boring" (2010). I had the pleasure of catching some of their live set this past summer here in San Diego. They we were quite the live act and had a really rabid audience which shocked me for being in San Diego! This new album definitely has it's moments. There are some killer songs on here. However, I believe some editing should have taken place. This album is WAY too long for them. 3/4 through it struck me that their ideas for this record had already been realized and someone should have pulled the plug. Therefore, 3 1/2 rating.
Along with the Steve Kilbey/Martin Kennedy album, another favourite this week is the new release by Saxon Shore - "It Doesn't Matter" (2010). This is a beautiful record that just soars! Think: Sigur Ros meets Mogwai (without the ear splitting) and tops off with a little Explosions In The Sky. Delicious. It sounds great, it IS great. Strong 4 1/2 rating! Check it out.
I'd been reading so much lately about the band Washed Out and they just released a new Split EP with the band Small Black. Well, first of all, the Washed Out EP (2009) is delicious! Great sound. However, it's almost as if these are teaser songs because they are way too short and it was a real complaint that I had. Still, what they do offer is terrific. I expect much better things coming from them. The new 2010 split release with Small Black is each band doing remixes for the other and it's really great. Then I listened to the 2009 EP from Small Black and this was even BETTER than Washed Out. However, I've not seen anyone writing about them. I highly recommend their 2009 EP. It's great and I look forward to a full length from them hopefully this year.
Peanut Butter Wolf is a musical chameleon who has done some interesting musical excursions over the year. I won't say I like it all because he does tread the hip hop line and I'm not a fan. His latest project is that he collected a bunch of rare Electro Pop from the 80's and has just released it as "The Minimal Wave Tapes, Volume One" (2010). This is a great collection of 14 trax that I've never heard of. There are some really terrific gems on here and overall it's a great listen and I give it a strong 4 star rating.
Sunday morning had me listening to the Jayhawks collection "Music From The North Country: The Jayhawks Anthology 1989-2003" (2-CD Collection from2009). All I can say really is if you aren't familiar with the Jayhawks then you owe it to yourself to at least hear this collection and you will discover timeless classic music that will never be forgotten by those of us who love great music. It's transcending and their b-sides disc is better than many people's A-Sides!
Another new instrumental album out last week is from Slow Six - "Tomorrow Becomes You". Another joyous listen of great sounds, great arrangements, great music. Lots of instrumental bands showing off their talent and I really like it! Strong 4 star rating here on this one.
A super great surprise for me this past week is another favourite of the week. This one comes from Danny And The Champions Of The World-"Streets Of Our Time" (2010). At times it made me think of a modern/old time Neil Young record but it's much more than that. Great songs, great singer, great band = great album! Check them out. Strong 4 1/2 rating.
I was also re-mesmerized by the 2009 Son Volt album "American Central Dust". It's just an excellent album and I know it's definitely in my top 20 from 2009. If you haven't checked out this one, then do yourself a favour and listen. You will be rewarded.
Check back tomorrow for this week's Week #6 new releases and some more reviews!
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