19- Week #8 New Releases + Reviews

Here we are 2 months into 2010 already. Is it me or is time just flying right on by? I'm deeply immersed in Patti Smith's new memoir "Just Kids" about her life and times with Robert Mapplethorpe. It's quite a read...

Here are this week's new releases - oh and it's a big one this week!:

FEB 23

1. JOAN ARMATRADING-“WALK UNDER LADDERS” (REMASTERED & EXPANDED IMPORT) (2/23)

2. ATOM TM-“MUSIC IS BETTER THAN PUSSY” (FORCED EXPOSURE – NOT LISTED ANYWHERE ELSE YET) (2/23)

3. BALMORHEA-“CONSTELLATIONS” (2/23)

4. BLESSURE GRAVE-“JUDGED BY 12 CARRIED BY 6” (2/23)

5. THE BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE-“WHO KILLED SGT. PEPPER?” (2/23)

6. THE BUGGLES-“ADVENTURES IN MODERN RECORDINGS” (2^ND ALBUM FROM 1982 REMASTERED/EXPANDED REISSUE IMPORT) (2/23)

7. JOHNNY CASH-“AMERICAN 6: AIN’T NO GRAVE” (2/23)

8. CLEM SNIDE-“THE MEAT OF LIFE” (2/23)

9. CRIME IN STEREO-“I WAS TRYING TO DESCRIBE YOU TO SOMEONE” (2/23)

10. DEADSTRING BROTHERS-“SAO PAULO” (2/23)

11. DECIBULLY-“WORLD TRAVELS FAST” (2/23)

12. EDITORS-“YOU DON’T KNOW LOVE” [EP] (LTD EDITION) (2/23)

13. EFTERKLANG-“MAGIC CHAIRS” (2/23)

14. ELECTRIC PRESIDENT-“VIOLENT BLUE” (2/23)

15. ELUVIUM-“SIMILES” (2/23)

16. FAN DEATH-“COIN FOR THE WELL” [EP] (2/23)

17. FANG ISLAND-“FANG ISLAND” (2/23)

18. FUCKPONY-"FALL INTO ME" SINGLE (2/23)

19. GIRLS-“MORNING LIGHT” (SINGLE) (2/21)

20. GOD MODULE-“MAGIC IN MY HEARD IS DEAD” [EP] (2/23)

21. ROBIN GUTHRIE-“SUNFLOWER STORIES” [EP] (2/23)

22. HOQUIAM (DAMIEN & DRAKE JURADO)-“HOQUIAM” (2/23)

23. HURRICANE GHOST-“TONIGHT IS THE GHOST” (2/23)

24. THE ICARUS LINE-“WE SICK / HOLY MAN” (2-TRAX SINGLE) (2/23)

25. JAGA JAZZIST-“ONE ARMED BANDIT” (2/23)

26. WILL KIMBROUGH-“WINGS” (2/23)

27. ALAN LICHT & LOREN CONNORS-“INTO THE NIGHT SKY” (2/23)

28. LOCKSLEY-“BE IN LOVE” (2/23)

29. LONELADY-“NERVE UP” (ON WARP) (2/23)

30. CHARLIE ALEX MARCH-“HOME/HIDDEN” (WITH MEMBERS OF HIGH LLAMAS, STEREOLAB & METRONOME) (2/23)

31. MARTHA & THE MUFFINS-“DELICATE” (2/23)

32. MARTYN-“FABRIC 50” (2/23)

33. HOLLY MIRANDA-“MAGICIAN’S PRIVATE LIBRARY” (2/23)

34. CARRIE NEWCOMER-“BEFORE & AFTER” (2/23)

35. JOANNA NEWSOM-“HAVE ONE ON ME” (3-CD) (2/23)

36. PARENTHETICAL GIRLS-“PRIVILEGE, PT. 1: ON DEATH & ENDEARMENTS” [EP] (2/23)

37. PAST LIVES-“TAPESTRY OF WEBS” (2/23)

38. PIEMONT-“UNDERPASS” [EP] (2/23)

39. THE PLIMSOULS-“LIVE BEG BORROW & STEAL: OCT 31, 1981 AT THE WHISKEY” (2/23)

40. QUASI-“AMERICAN GONG” (2/23)

41. DIANA ROSS-“TOUCH ME IN THE MORNING” (2-CD DELUXE EDITION) (2/23)

42. SAMBASSADEUR-“EUROPEAN” (2/23)

43. SHEARWATER-“GOLDEN ARCHIPELAGO" (2/23)

44. SHOUT OUT LOUDS-“WORK” (2/23)

45. TITLE TRACKS-“IT WAS EASY” (FROM GEORGIE JAMES AND Q AND NOT U) (2/23)

46. TRACY SHEDD-“EP88” (2/23)

47. ROCKY VOTOLATO-“TRUE DEVOTION” (2/23)

48. WE ARE WOLVES-“INVISIBLE VIOLENCE” (2/23)

49. WHITE HILLS-“WHITE HILLS” (2/23)

50. XIU XIU-“DEAR GOD, I HATE MYSELF” (2/23)

51. ZEUS - "SAY US" (2/23)

52. VARIOUS ARTISTS-“STROKE: SONGS FOR CHRIS KNOX” (2-CD) (2/23)

Like I said, this is one big new release week! Now onto some more recent releases I've listened to this week.

Bob Blank was a producer in the 70s and 80s who worked with a wide range of Artists (Lydia Lunch to Gladys Knight). This new release is titled: "The Blank Generation: Blank Tapes NYC 1971-1985". I had higher hopes for hearing the material I wasn't familiar with. In the end my favourites were by Debbie Blackwell and Fonda Rae. I'm thinking that some of it didn't age as well as expected...

PlayRadioPlay! is the unfortunate moniker chosen by Dan Hunter who is the person behind that name. Even though I don't like that choice, I really do like the music. He has just released a 2-CD extravaganza "Besides, Nothing" (B-Sides And Rarities 2003-2009) and it's an excellent collection. After listening to most of it, I decided that if I had to describe it for others to give an inkling as to the sound, I would say imagine if you crossed Bright Eyes with Joy Electric, perhaps that could equal PlayRadioPlay!. So many great hightlights on here; too many to mention. ****1/2

Paste Magazine just put out their 60th Sampler for February 2010. This one wasn't one of their best. Too many uncreative choices that made me restless for the good stuff. However, there is still plenty of new and upcoming singles that were great to hear now from Artists like: Athlete, The Album Leaf, Skybox, Olof Arnalds (From MUM), Oberhofer, Blunt Mechanic, Liars, Seabird...

Alan Sparhawk from the band LOW (A personal favourite) is back with "2" the 2nd album from his band Retribution Gospel Choir. While I'm glad he's bringing the guitars and the energy, aside from "Hide It Away" & "White Wolf", the rest of the album is just alright. The former track is an EXCELLENT single and ranks high up there with my favourite singles so far this year. Since I wasn't enthralled throughout... ***

Secret Machines have a new single "Like I Can" which is a bit of a departure for them but I like it. The B-side is rather unmemorable. Vivian Girls also have a new single that is excellent "Wild Eyes". They just have that sound I love and I really like Vivian Girls. Veronica Falls new single "Found Love In A Graveyard" is another excellent slice of new music now! Shout Out Louds released a new EP "Fall Hard" prior to the full length just out this week. The EP is excellent especially the title track, here in 2 different versions. Great song, great band I've liked for a few years now. Cave In also released a new EP "Planets of Old". These guys are great and so difficult to pin down. One minute they could be post metal/post hardcore or punk or whatever! When I need the guitars and the power and energy thankfully we have bands right now like Fucked Up and Cave In to deliver. This EP is excellent on all accounts. The opening track is a killer sonic blast and the other 3 tracks are just perfect in succession.

Minamo is a Japanese Electronic/Acoustic Duo who I'd read about in the Wire magazine. Intrigued I listened to their new release "Duree" (2010). The sounds, the textures, the nuances going on within each piece really made for an enjoyable listening experience of some really gorgeous instrumental music that I really loved. ****1/2

BT has just released his lastest major extravaganza titled "These Hopeful Machines" which in deluxe version is 4-CDs of new music and remixes. I've just finished listening to Disc 1. The first 2 discs of new music are done in a continuous mix which I don't love because you cannot extract certain trax for compilations. That gets a big negative right off the top and I've noticed online that everyone is really complaining about that. Each disc is about an hour long. Discs 3 & 4 are remixes. This first hour I really like. Great songs, great sound and yes the mix is nice but it could/should have been separated by track numbers instead of only 1 continuous track. Shame on you BT! Next time I'll finish up reviewing this new set since Disc 2 has just begun.... Until next time, happy ears!

18 - Reviews

I'm back with more reviews of new releases. First up is the band Raised By Swans-"No Ghostless Place" (2010). Apparently this is their 2nd album in 5 years! The debut was out in 2005. They are from Canada and well I guess they move slowly as is representative in the music. It's a dark and ethereal affair and it's a lovely listen with at least half of the songs being just beautifully perfect. Makes me want to hear their first album. ****

Suzanne Vega has just released "Close-Up, Vol. 1: Love Songs" which is a selection of her songs completely stripped down to just her and her acoustic. She is apparently touring just by herself. That Suzanne has had a miserable love life is clearly evident in her songs. I've always loved her and her writing and her understated delivery. Some of these songs are better than others, but still it's nice to hear her again and I'm glad she's still creating. ***1/2

Vibracathedral Orchestra has dropped 3 new releases this month. They are "Smoke Song", "The Secret Base" & "Joka Baya". I really enjoyed all 3 of these releases. I guess the tags of experimental and drone are to apply here. Honestly, it's just music to me! One of the main guys here Neil Campbell is also Astral Social Club which would be electronic alter ego. I really like all of this type of music. It's creative and a lot of it really draws the listener in and it sounds great. ****

Pat Metheny is back with his new release in 2 years titled "Orchestrion" (2010). Here is a detail about the recording taken from the Amazon listing for the album that better describes it:Pat Metheny s Orchestrion may turn out to be his most talked-about, argued-over undertaking. It s already his most adventurous. With Orchestrion, Metheny redefines the concept of the solo album. He is indeed the only live musician on this recording, but it s the opposite of, say, his 2003 One Quiet Night, in which Metheny hunkered down in his home studio to explore all the musical possibilities of one new guitar. Here he works with an extraordinary set-up of acoustic instruments, assembled for him by a visionary team of inventors. What they have created in collaboration with Metheny is a veritable made-to-order solenoid orchestra that includes, among other things, bass, pianos, percussion, marimbas, guitar-bots, and a mellifluous cabinet of carefully tuned bottles. Using one-of-a-kind software programs and solenoid switches, Metheny controls each instrument via his guitar and an array of pedals.

That said, I really enjoyed the opening 15 minute title track and the closing track. The other 3 tracks are good but they veer off into traditional Pat territory, thus not leaving them very groundbreaking in their sound. Pat remains one of my favourite guitarists ever. *** 1/12

I shouldn't admit that I listened to this disaster, but since I did (hey, it was free!) I'll just mention it. Rob Zombie-"Hellbilly Deluxe 2" (2010). In his drugged up mind there must be a reason for this and in his (what's left of) brain he must think it is a good album. I did actually find 2 short bright moments in an otherwise disaster that I just had to fast forward through because obviously the songs were so stupid and awful. The tracks: "What" & "Death And Destiny Inside The Dream Factory" are pretty good so why didn't this mess just release a single and then go back to making bad b movies? RATING=WHATEVER!

Projekt Records has been around for a long time and they've just released their annual sampler for 2010 "Under The Weight Of Light" spotlighting releases from the coming year. This one is a really uneven listen. There are really only 4 highlights for me and they are from: Makaras Pen, Curtis Eller, Unto Ashes & Rome. The rest was just there. **1/2

Chris Knox was from New Zealand and was a well respected musician in his country from 1981 until he passed away after having a stroke in 2009. Their is a new tribute 2-CD out titled: Stroke-Songs for Chris Knox (2010). Listening to these songs shows a man who had a great talent and wrote some really terrific songs that were obviously mostly ignored here in the U.S. For me, the highlights on this tribute are from: The Chills, Bill Callahan, The Tokey Tons And Friends, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, Jay Reatard, & Red & Zeke featuring Bill Doss And Neil Cleary. ***1/2

In 2000 the trio of Christian Fennesz, Jim O'Rourke & Peter Rehberg released "Magic & Return". In 2009 it was reissued and remastered with a bonus disc. This is a spectacular meeting. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a Fennesz freak! I love him and have tried to collect as much of his material as I can including singles, vinyl and books with rare tracks on accompanying cd's. He's an electronic genius in my book. This collaboration is solid and I was happy for the bonus trax. A great relisten. *****

Moon Wiring Club I read about in the January issue of The Wire and on the Wire website they've had some free downloads of their material and also of a double cassette release mix tape titled "ASDA MIX Side A & B". What an interesting listen this is! I've never heard any of the music presented on this mix. I gathered that most of it is older from perhaps the 60s and 70s and some more recent stuff thrown in here and there. Interesting listen and I did enjoy it. I've yet to find any listing of Moon Wiring Club anywhere online except the Wire... They do that a lot. :-)

Dakota Suite have been around since 1996 and have consistently released album after beautiful album. Just out is "The Night Just Keeps Coming In" (2010) A remix collection/companion piece to their 2008 album "The End Of Trying". It's a gorgeous homage full of "dark, contemplative moods" as one review described it. ****

Postdata-"Postdata" (2010) is a new project from the leader of the band Wintersleep. This is a stripped down affair to acoustic guitar, cello and Paul Murphy's lovely voice that is reminiscent of Nick Drake & Mark Kozelek. I really like this record and the honesty and vulnerability it delivers. ****

The Brunettes have a new release "Paper Dolls" (2010). It starts off great with "In Colours" & "Red Rollerskates" and then after the 4th track it slips into blah blah blahsville for me. Only reviving itself for the great closer "Thank you". What happened in the middle? I don't know but it soured the entire listen. Better luck next time. **1/2

Hurray For The Riff Raff released their 2nd album "Young Blood Blues" (2010) which actually sounds like it could have been called "Old Blood Blues". This is an interesting record and I guess it's folk but I think that is a bit of a misnomer for this music so I don't know what I would really call it if forced to. Alynda Lee the singer has an interesting voice and she is full of passion. This will require more listens before I can decide what I really think. I will say that the middle of the album was much more entralling than the beginning - at first listen anyway.

Well, that's all I have for this entry. Tomorrow I'll be back with new releases for the week.

17 - Week #7 2010 New Releases

First up, some more reviews. The new Durutti Column release is a 2-cd tribute to the late Tony Wilson of Factory Records. Titled "A Paean To Wilson" (2010) it is mostly an instrumental album. However, the 2 tracks that just have the "brother brother..." part from Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" I found to be REALLY annoying. Why it showed up more than once just made it worse. Some of the trax are really nice and some are just there so I found it to be a mixed bag. Perhaps it meant more to Vini Reilly than to me on a musical level...

Man/Miracle are a new band and their debut is "The Shape Of Things" (2010). There are some really songs on this record and they have some interesting arrangements that lead to an intriguing listen. I like it. ***1/2

Midlake are back with their new album "The Courage Of Others" (2010) and it is gorgeous! It really sounds like a lost album from the 60s which is what most of their music sounds like anyway. I really like this album and it is one of my top picks for the week! ****

Prior to releasing their new full length this week, the band DIOS released a single and an EP recently "Cosmic Rays" [EP] & "I Feel Finite" Single (2010). There are some good moments on here for sure but it's all uneven in the end so I'm more interested in hearing the new full album to see if there is a cohesiveness to the direction they are now going in....

This next album is a great surprise. Zoey Van Goey-"The Cage Was Unlocked All Along" (2010). Apparently this is their 2nd album and they are from Scotland. Perhaps a little bit Belle & Sebastian but not quite. There are some really great songs on here and I like both the male and the female singer. I highly recommend this album. ****

Keeping up with that sort of 60s vibe is the new Erland & The Carnival-"E&TC" (2010) album released on the label of Damon Albarn from Blur. I definitely wasn't jumping up and down over this one, but it does have it's moments. Perhaps it will take another listen before I can really say what I think of it but in the meantime... ***

Yesterday many of the music sites were giving a free stream to the just released Preservation Hall Jazz Band new Tribute album that came out yesterday. While boasting tons of Artists that I like (the list is large) I just couldn't relate to this at all. It's because I don't care for this type of music at all. It does nothing for me and the whole New Orleans jazz thingy is just way out of my realm of interest. The only track on here that I kind of enjoyed was the one with Ani Difranco because her voice actually seemed to fit that style of music. Otherwise it was a mostly unbearable listen for me. I'm glad I got to check it out but I have to give this a pass....

Another free stream yesterday was the new release from Local Natives-"Gorilla Manor" (2010). Now this I REALLY like! This is an excellent album and the voices in this band are quite stunning. I guess some will say it has a (bit) of an Animal Collective vibe but they do have their own thing going on and I really liked it. Their cover of the Talking Heads song "Warning Sign" is a real treat as well. ****

Priestess are a pseudo metal band from Canada back with their 2nd album "Prior to the Fire" (2010). I say psuedo because this is definitely not metal. Their debut was pretty strong and I admit I liked it (a guilty pleasure I guess) because the vocalist can actually sing and the band sounded good. This new album is ok. I'll admit I became more interested in the last half of the album than the first half. Much better and stronger songs. Still an interesting listen for me anyway. ***

Once again I'm still digging the new Hot Chip and with new track placement and deleting 2 trax, I've got it in heavy rotation...

Now onto this week's new releases. There are a ton!!!

FEB 16

1. ELLEN ALLIEN-“WATERGATE #5” (COMPILATION SERIES) (2/16)

2. KASEY ANDERSON-“NOWHERE NIGHTS” (2/16)

3. THE ART MUSEUMS-“ROUGH FRAME” (2/16)

4. BACKYARD TIRE FIRE-“GOOD TO BE” (2/16)

5. THE BIG PINK-“VELVET” [EP] (2/14)

6. DAN BLACK-“((UN))” (2/16)

7. DAKOTA SUITE-“THE NIGHT JUST KEEPS COMING IN” (REMIXES) (2/16)

8. DIOS-“WE ARE DIOS” (2/16)

9. DUM DUM GIRLS-“JAIL LA LA” 7” (2/16)

10. EXCEPTER-“PRESIDENCE” (2CD) (2/16)

11. FANFARLO-“I-TUNES SESSION” [EP] (2/12)

12. FIELD MUSIC-“FIELD MUSIC (MEASURE)” (2/16)

13. 4HERO & DJ MARKY-“THE KINGS OF DRUM + BASS” (3-CD) (2/16)

14. GENTLE FRIENDLY-“RIDE SLOW” (2/16)

15. GIANT DRAG-“SWANSONG” [EP] (2/16)

16. THE GO FIND-“EVERYBODY KNOWS IT’S GONNA HAPPEN ONLY NOT TONIGHT” (2/14)

17. DANIEL PAUL GRODY-“FOUNTAIN” (2/16) (HE’S FROM TARENTEL & THE DRIFT)

18. JULIANA HATFIELD-“PEACE AND LOVE” (2/16)

19. I BLAME COCO-“CAESAR” (SINGLE) (2/16)

20. LIGHTSPEED CHAMPION-“LIFE IS SWEET, NICE TO MEET YOU” (2/16)

21. LOCAL NATIVES-“GORILLA MANOR” (2/16)

22. LUSINE-“TWILIGHT” [EP] (2/9)

23. THE MACCABEES-“WALL OF ARMS” (IMPORT EXPANDED EDITION W/ 5-BONUS TRAX) (2/16)

24. M.A.N.D.Y. VS. BOOKA SHADE-“DONUT” (REMIXES) (2/9)

25. MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS-“FAMILY JEWELS” (IMPORT) (2/16)

26. BILLY RAY MARTIN-“THE CRACKDOWN PROJECT, VOL. 1 (SOLD OUT TO DISCO: THE CRACKDOWN / FASCINATION) (2/15)

27. MIRACLE CONDITION-“S/T” (FROM US MAPLE) (2/16)

28. MOON DUO-“ESCAPE” [EP] (2/16)

29. MUMFORD & SONS-“SIGH NO MORE” (2/16)

30. NITZER EBB-“INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX” (2/16)

31. OCEAN COLOUR SCENE-“SATURDAY” (IMPORT) (2/16)

32. RAY OKPARA-“BRAINOWS” [EP] (2/1) + RAY OKPARA-“TRU CROWD” [EP] (2/15)

33. OVER THE RHINE-“BESIDES” (REISSUE OF RARITIES FROM 1997) (2/16)

34. EWAN PEARSON-“WE ARE PROUD OF OUR CHOICES” (ON KOMPAKT) (2/16)

35. PET SHOP BOYS-“PANDEMONIUM LIVE” (CD/DVD) (2/16)

36. ROBERT POLLARD-“WE ALL GOT OUT OF THE ARMY” (2/16)

37. PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND-“PRESERVATION: AN ALBUM TO BENEFIT PRESERVATION HALL & THE PRESERVATION HALL MUSIC OUTREACH PROGRAM” (DELUXE VERSION) (2/16)

38. JOE PUG-“MESSENGER” (2/16)

39. SCANNERS-“SUBMARINE” (2/16)

40. THE SEVEN FIELDS OF APHELION-“PERIPHERY” (2/16) (SHE’S FROM BLACK MOTH SUPER RAINBOW)

41. SLOW CLUB-“YEAH SO?” (IMPORT) (2/16)

42. SMOKING POPES-“IT’S BEEN A LONG DAY” (2/16)

43. BEN SOLLEE AND DANIEL MARTIN MOORE (WITH JIM JAMES OF MY MORNING JACKET)-“DEAR COMPANION” (2/16)

44. THE SUPERIONS-“THE SUPERIONS” [EP] (FRED SCHNEIDER IS IN IT)(2/23)

45. THEE SILVER MT ZION ORCHESTRAK-“KOLLAPS TRADIXIONALES” (2/16)

46. TINDERSTICKS-“FALLING DOWN A MOUNTAIN” (2/16)

16 - New Reviews + My Favourite Artist Pick for January 2010

Welcome back to my little land of all things music. To kick off this latest talk of new music we have Toro Y Moi-"Causers Of This" (2010). Essentially this is a one man project and he's been at it since 2001. I'd just recently read about him. There is some interesting music on this album. I guess it is classified as indie electronica - somewhere between Panda Bear and Beach House which I guess is rather accurate in areas. I like it so I'm going to give it my recommendation.

Next up is Gentle Friendly-"Ride Slow" (Out on Feb 16, 2010). This is an interesting lo-fi mash up of sounds and ideas. Stylistically they are literally all over the map but somehow this album has a cohesiveness to it and it IS a very intriguing listen especially after you realize you're not sure what's coming next. I give it 4 of 5 stars.

One of my favourite's and one of my picks for the past week is the new release from Scanners who are finally back with their 2nd album after 4 years from their debut! This new one is called "Submarine" (2010) and I was totally digging this record. From the opening track "Jesus Saves" I had a smile on my face and this track gets into my favourite singles of 2010 list! In fact there are at least 4 great singles off this record. I really thought the band sounded tight and the songs are great. 2 snaps up!!!

I am a big Gun Club fan and was deeply saddened when Jeffrey Lee Pierce passed away back in 1996. What a loss was his passing. A fantastic bunch of musicians have gotten together and put out The Jeffrey Lee Pierce Sessions Project - the album is titled "We Are Only Riders" (2010). Collaborators include: Nick Cave, Deborah Harry, Mark Lanegan, David Eugene Edwards, Lydia Lunch, The Raveonettes... One gets the picture I hope. This is a tribute album that is clearly a labor of love. Deborah Harry redeems herself here with a beautiful cover of "Lucky Jim" and her and Nick Cave duet on the equally gorgeous "Free Walk". Then there is my other girlfriend Lydia Lunch who appears on 3 different trax here to deliver more stunning energy. This brings me to my pick for the Artist of January 2010 which I heartily bestow upon the great Lydia Lunch!!! Her album with Gallon Drunk "Lydia Lunch's Big Sexy Noise" is a spectacular hot mess that I can't get enough of. Then she appears on the Bob Blank compilation of material from the 80s (on the same album with Gladys Knight!) and then she appears on this fantastic new Jeffrey Lee Pierce project. I'm so happy to hear her again and sounding so magnificent in all of her viscous glory!!! Certainly showing the younger generation just how it gets done. And not for the weak of hearts is her unbelievable vocal performance on "Walking down the Streets" on the Jeffrey Lee Pierce tribute album. 5 stars all around everyone!!!

Just as I'd been lately thinking that apparently there aren't many real "rock" bands around these days, the band Fucked Up come out with "Couple Tracks: Singles 2002-2009" (2010) a 2-disc extravaganza that would make Joe Strummer proud. These guys are amazing and wild. They blow my face off with many of these trax and for as wild as their singer is, you can actually hear what this boy is ranting and raving about. Thanks guys for bringing the guitars and the energy. I for one appreciate it!!!

It's hard for me to believe that the first Tindersticks album came out in 1993, but here we are 17 years later and the band are still going strong. I believe this is only their 9th studio album since they formed. Stuart Staples possesses one of those very unique voices that could never be duplicated, and you know who it is instantly as he starts singing. When this band is on (see albums #1 & #2) they are on and even when they aren't they are still good. This new release "Falling Down A Mountain" (2010) falls more towards the latter. It's good but it's not amazing. I wanted amazing of course but half of the album really lived up to what I love about Tindersticks and the other half is just kind of there. So I guess it would have made a 5 star EP instead of a 3 star album.

After being intrigued over the latest Feral Children album I listened to their previous 2008 release "Second To The Last Frontier". It's interesting and the band is good and they have ideas but sadly I don't think this band knows how to fully execute their ideas. I definitely found the music and arrangements much better until the singer began with his half-baked lyrics. Keep trying boys, but work harder.

Another stylistically all over the map and a bit of a hot mess album, is the latest from the mash up of The Brian Jonestown Massacre - "Who Killed Sgt Pepper?" (2010). The opening track "Tempo 116.7 (Reaching for dangerous levels of sobriety)" is a great beginning which reminded me of classic Primal Scream. Some of the material on this record I can't quite put my finger on and some of the trax are just flat out excellent. So it's a mixed bag for the most part but I do recommend this album. However, I suggest you don't waste 10 minutes of your life on the completely pointless album closer "Felt Tipped Pictures Of UFO". Do yourself a favour and stop when track 12 ends.

Here I am back to the new Hot Chip release "One Life Stand" (2010). I definitely have to give it an album of week pick. However, it's not perfect. Let's talk about what is right with this album. For starters, the first four songs are SUPER fantastic. The 1,2,3,4 punch of "Thieves In The Night", "Hand Me Down Your Love", "I Feel Better" & "One Life Stand" are superb and if they don't keep you reaching for the volume button to turn it up louder and louder so that by the time you get to the title track it's blowing your face off and you can't stop moving about then something is wrong with you and this music just isn't for you - since you clearly don't get it. I found it VERY exciting and moving and LOVE it and can't get enough it sounds soooo good. Then after the magnificence of "One Life Stand" they drop track 5 "Brothers" and then "Slush". UGH! These songs clearly don't belong here and if they did then someone could have told themselves that placement is everything. Track 8 "We Have Love" is SUPER and should have been track 5 which would have heartily kept up the momentum, and then "Take It In" which is track 10 should have been track 6 and then "Alley Cats" Track 7 should have closed the album leaving it at an 8 track album instead of the momentum buster that it is. I have explained this out since if you want to take my recommendation and get your groove on to this album then reprogram it yourself with above recommendations, and have a smile on your face for the duration of these 8 tracks. So I give it 4 stars only since they messed with perfection. FRUSTRATING, especially since I was available for consultation...HELLO!!!!!

This is another pick for this week and it's the excellent return of Massive Attack with "Heligoland" (2010) a 2-CD (With Remixes) extravaganza that I was initally worried about but I had no reason to be since this record has turned out great. Guest vocalists Martina Topley-Bird, Guy Garvey, Hope Sandoval, & Horace Andy all give something great to these songs. It's mostly a dark and moody record but most importantly it sounds great and was well put together. Just get it!

The first album from The Most Serene Republic-"Population" from 2007 was an excellent debut and a favourite of mine from that year. Last year they dropped "...And The Ever Expanding Universe" (2009) and what a disappointment this has turned out be. I think boring and unmemorable are words that come to mind as I reflect upon when I was listening to this. Very disappointed 2nd time around...

Native-"Wresting Moves" (2010). This record isn't for everyone I'll admit. It's post-hardcore which did at times remind me of a slower, poundier (is that a new word?) version of the Jesus Lizard. Perhaps so because of the vocalist who does resemble David Yow quite a bit. I think they bring the energy and power that this type of music must deliver if it wants to pack a punch. I think there are great songs here for what it is and I give it my blessing.

The first 2 records from the band Husky Rescue are favourites of mine. The debut from 2005 "Country Falls" and the follow up from 2007 "Ghost Is Not Real" are fantastic albums that deserved way more recognition than they received. They just released their 3rd album "Ship of Light" (2010). It's a mixed bag. They definitely brought the guitars to the front this time over the electronics, which isn't a bad thing. I think that on first listen I found it lacked a cohesiveness so I'm going to have to give another go around with this one before I can share a firm opinion here. Still, it's nice that they are back and still working and releasing records that someone other than myself must be listening to.

Here is a new favourite find!!! Her name is Ninca Leece and her debut is titled "There Is No One Else When I Lay Down And Dream" (2010). It hit me by the 3rd song that this is my new Miss Kittin! I LOVE Miss Kittin by the way and this Ninca has the same sort of vibe and this is a very cool record. Mostly, it's less like electro-clash and more electronic than Miss Kittin. There are definitely some excellent movers on here for sure. The last 1/4 of the album died down some of the excitement but perhaps on further listens I'll have a different opinion on that. However, I do recommend this record. Oh, and Peaches, take notice!

The online retailer Insound dropped their February 2010 Digital Mixtape with 15-trax from newly released and upcoming releases. Highlights here are great songs from the likes of: Balmorhea, Holly Miranda, The Seven Fields Of Aphelion (a personal favourite), Wild Nothing, Dum Dum Girls, & Dios. 2010 is shaping up nicely so far.

Northern Portrait are a band who clearly WORSHIP at the altar of Morrissey & The Smiths. Their debut full length "Criminal Art Lovers" (2010) is a shameless paean that couldn't disguise if it wanted to. Still, even with the lifted/extremely similar guitar riffs and the (only once) falsetto reaching Morrissey imitation, they do flatter. I wasn't offended and I'm sure I'll give it another go since it does have it's moments.

Well, that's it for this edition. So much music - so little time! It's Feb 13th and I'm backed up on new releases already. It's doesn't get any more fun than that for me. Until next time, have happy ears!!!

15 - Week 6 2010 New Releases Feb 9

FEB 9

1. AM-“FUTURE SONS & DAUGHTERS” (2/9)

2. APPARATJIK-“WE ARE HERE” (A-HA, COLDPLAY BASSIST & SINGER FROM MEW) (CAN’T FIND IT ON ANY REGULAR ONLINE SITES) (SEE THE MYSPACE PAGE FOR ENTIRE ALBUM AND IT’S REALLY GOOD! WWW.MYSPACE.COM/APPARATJIK)

3. BEN + VESPER-“LUVINIDLENESS” (2/9)

4. BEST COAST-“MAKE YOU MINE” [EP] (1/10) + “WHEN I’M WITH YOU” (SINGLE) , + “SUN WAS HIGH (SO WAS I) (SINGLE) + “SOMETHING IN THE WAY” [EP] (2/9/10)

5. BLUEBOY-“UNISEX” (1994/2010) (2/11)

6. GUI BORATTO-“RENAISSANCE: THE MIX COLLECTION” (4-CD) (2/9)

7. A BROKEN CONSORT-“CROW AUTUMN” (2/9)

8. BRANDI CARLILE-“XOBC – EP” (2/8)

9. CITY CENTER-“SPRING ST.” [EP] (2/9)

10. ENIGMA-“PLATINUM COLLECTION” (3-CD) (2/9)

11. E.S.T. (ESBORN SVENSSON TRIO)-“RETROSPECTIVE: THE VERY BEST OF EST” (2/9)

12. LAURA GIBSON & ETHAN ROSE-“BRIDGE CAROLS” (2/9)

13. HOT CHIP-“ONE LIFE STAND” (LTD ED CD/DVD) (2/9)

14. HOT CHIP-“ONE LIFE STAND” (2/9)

15. KD LANG-“RECOLLECTION” (3-CD’S + 1-DVD DELUXE EDITION) (2/9)

16. MASSIVE ATTACK-“HELIGOLAND” (2/9)

17. RAY OKPARA-“BRAINOWS” [EP] (2/1)

18. PHANTOGRAM-“EYELID MOVIES” (2/9)

19. PILLARS & TONGUES-“LAY OF PILGRIMS PARK” (2/9) (TOURED WITH BONNIE PRINCE BILLY THIS IS THEIR 2^ND ALBUM)

20. PRETENDERS-“LIVE IN LONDON” (CD/DVD) (2/9)

21. FIONN REGAN-“SHADOW OF AN EMPIRE” (IMPORT) (2/9)

22. SADE-“SOLDIER OF LOVE” (2/9)

23. THEODORE-“HOLD YOU LIKE A LOVER” (2/9)

24. UNDERSEA POEM-“S/T” (17-CREDITS) (FORMERLY THE MOSQUITOS) (2/9)

25. THE VANDELLES-“S/T EP” (REISSUED FROM 2007) (2/9)

26. THE WATSON TWINS-“TALKING TO YOU, TALKING TO ME” (2/9)

27. YEASAYER-“ODD BLOOD” (2/16)

28. YOU SAY PARTY! WE SAY DIE!-“XXXX” (2/9)

29. VARIOUS ARTISTS-“BUSTIN OUT, NEW WAVE TO NEW BEAT: THE POST-PUNK ERA 1979-1981” (2/9)

14 - Recent Music highlights

Wow, is all I can say. 2010 has definitely begun full force in the new music department. Please don't become one of those people who claim there isn't ever any good new music to listen to. If you have the "popular" crap crammed down your throat and do not have the capacity to think for yourself, then surely there won't ever be any good music in your future. This is prompted by a recent article I read from someone in some band complaining about how every band sucked and no good new music was being made. This idiot clearly lives under a rock and is delusional if he thinks his band was "new" and "forward thinking". UGH!

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!

13-More Reviews + Week #5 New Releases

I'm going to pick up where I left off with the new Four Tet album "There Is Love In You" (2010). I've been a fan for nearly ten years so I can definitely say that much has changed with Kieran Hebden who is Four Tet. Prior to that he was in Fridge, who were excellent! In the past couple of years he has produced much different work outside of Four Tet, with other collaborators and it's been very good and interesting. This leads me right to this new album, which after a 5 year hiatus he has decided to release an album under this name. I have one word: cash. That's what he wants. This album is so lazy, it sounds like whoever played on it was also feeling lazy. Having made a name for himself with this moniker he's decided to revisit after all these years and he should have put out something really good not this lazy boring album that should have been shelved. Whatever!

Bird Show Band-"Bird Show Band" (2010). Ben Vida, formerly of Town And Country a Tortoise-like band who put out 5 albums from 1998-2006, formed Bird Show in 2001. This new release he added "Band" to the name title. This is an excellent new release that clearly blurs the lines between electronic & jazz even further. It's a fantastic listen and the "band" have produced some very interesting pieces here that definitely deserve to be heard. I give it a strong 4 star rating!

Gui Boratto is a favourite of mine in the Electronica genre. He has a new single EP out "Notations" with remixes. The original version isn't much at all, and really only one of the remixes is really good. His latest album from 2009 "Take My Breath Away" wasn't as good as his debut, but it still is much better than a lot of Electronica that gets released. Hopefully, he will put out a stronger album next time.

This next release I can barely mention because it was so unforgettable. First they stole their name Gas, which has already been used by the great Wolfgang Voigt for his GAS project. Being an American band they got away with it. They have a new EP "Compressed Gas" (2010) and I found it to be so elementary and bad that it was a waste of my time, as well as theirs. Enough said.

This next band, Harvey Milk have been around (sort of) for the past 15 years. They took a long hiatus and got back together in 2005. This new release "Early Recordings" is their 1994 self titled finally being released. Lumped into the "heavy stoner rock" category isn't really fair to Harvey Milk who clearly have much more going on. Sure, it's heavy but in many ways that incorporate many different styles, which is why I like them and I like this early material as well. I give it a strong 3 1/2 rating and it's fun to hear what they sounded like in the beginning.

OK, Onto the new releases out this week

FEB 2, 2010

1. THE ALBUM LEAF-“A CHORUS OF STORYTELLERS” (2/2)

2. AIDAN BAKER-“LIMINOID/LIFEFORMS” (2/2)

3. THE BRUNETTES-“PAPER DOLLS” (2/2)

4. BT-“THESE HOPEFUL MACHINES” (2-CD) (2/2)

5. CEEPHAX ACID CREW-“UNITED ACID EMIRATES” (2/2) (THIS IS SQUAREPUSHER’S BROTHER)

6. CONVEXTION-“CONVEXTION” (2/2)

7. DANNY AND THE CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD-“STREETS OF OUR TIME” (2/2)

8. DIOS-“COSMIC RAYS” [EP] + “I FEEL FINITE B/W PUTTIN IT DOWN” (1/26)

9. FIRST AID KIT-“THE BIG BLACK AND THE BLUE” (IMPORT OUT 2/2) (1/26)

10. TERENCE FIXMER-“ELECTRIC CITY” 12” (2/2)

11. FM BELFAST-“HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS” (2/2)

12. HURRAY FOR THE RIFF RAFF-“YOUNG BLOOD BLUES” (2/2)

13. HUSKY RESCUE-“SHIP OF LIGHT” (2/2)

14. NINCA LEECE-“THERE IS NO ONE ELSE WHEN I LAY DOWN AND DREAM” (2/2)

15. MAN/MIRACLE-“THE SHAPE OF THINGS “ (2/2)

16. MIDLAKE-“THE COURAGE OF OTHERS” (2/2)

17. MOUNT EERIE-“BLACK WOODEN EP” (2/2)

18. PAWEL-“PAWEL” (2/2)

19. PIERCED ARROWS (FORMERLY DEAD MOON)-“DESCENDING SHADOWS” (2/2)

20. PIKELET-“PIKELET” (REISSUED FROM 2007) (2/2)

21. PLAYRADIOPLAY!-“BESIDES, NOTHING (B-SIDES & RARITIES 2003-2009) (2-CD) (2/2)

22. PRIESTESS-“PRIOR TO THE FIRE” (2/2)

23. SECRET MACHINES-“LIKE I CAN B/W TERRIBLE LIGHT” (2/2)

24. SHOUT OUT LOUDS-“FALL HARD” EP (2/2)

25. THE SOFT PACK-“S/T” (2/2)

26. TORO Y MOI-“CAUSERS OF THIS” (2/2)

27. VIBRACATHEDRAL ORCHESTRA-TRIO OF LTD EDITION LP’S OR DIGITAL: “SMOKE SONG” , “JOKA BAYA” , “THE SECRET BASE”

28. ROB ZOMBIE-“HELLBILLY DELUXE VOL. 2” (2-CD) (2/2)

29. VARIOUS ARTISTS-“POP AMBIENT 2010” (2/2)

30. VARIOUS ARTISTS-“DELSIN 2.0 COMPILATION” (2-CD) (2/2) + THERE ARE ALSO 2 REMIX EP’S

31. VARIOUS ARTISTS-“UNDER THE WEIGHT OF LIGHT” (PROJEKT RECORDS 2010 SAMPLER) (2/2)