Smith Westerns - Dye it Blonde
Wearing your influences on your sleeve can be a tricky game to play. Go too far and you're just a derivative mess. Try and re-invent the wheel and listeners just want the original style. Smith Westerns seem to have found the balance of the two. The songs are original, punchy and fun to listen to but you can certainly tell what these guys grew up listening to. 60's goodness abound piped through love-sick pop songs. I'm into it.
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LCD Soundsystem - London Sessions
I'll be honest, I picked this up entirely because A) I've never seen the band live and B) they won't exist as they do now for much longer so it seemed like a decent idea to have a document of the era. It is, as live recordings go, a fun listen. It's not exactly superior to the studio versions but they aren't particularly inferior either. If you've got $10 burning a hole in your pocket, maybe pick it up.
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Nilsson - Aerial Pandemonium Ballet
A re-released mashup of Nilsson's first two albums put together after he found a bit of commercial success later on. Surprisingly he actually remixed and re-recorded some of the vocals on several of the tracks so it's not a true compilation but actual alternate "updated" versions. While it may not be true to the originals I can't think of a better way to introduce anyone to the earlier works of Nilsson - so many of his great songs are present here and some of the unknown gems are tucked in as well. If you've still not jumped on the Nilsson bandwagon, get this. If you're already there, this is a handy way to jam pack two great albums into one.
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lowercase collective - Sorry But We Destroyed Everything
An album that was long shelved due to interest in other endeavors (short films, nonsensical short story writing) the full-length from lowercase collective is a surprisingly pleasant listen. To neglect a project usually indicates a lack of interest (or confidence) in the final results. If you're a fan of smooth pop songs; this is a good bet for you.
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Blur - 13
It dawned on me recently that I don't actually own any full albums from Blur. I've always enjoyed a handful of songs from them but never took the time to dive a little deeper. From what I've read '13' is a good a place as any to start the introduction. "Coffee and TV" has always been a favorite so why not? Reviewing an album released in 2006 that pretty much anyone reading this is already well aware of seems like a waste of time so I won't bore you but it's a far more eclectic album (and far more Spiritualized-esque) than I would have guessed.
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Yellow Ostrich - The Mistress
Don't let the first track fool you, there is goodness for the ears to be had throughout this record. Nice layered harmonies, fun plodding drum lines and just quality indie pop rock. It's hard to find artists these days that have that affected vocal style - almost pleading in their delivery - but never cross the threshold of annoying. It just sounds genuine and it's a great collaboration of melancholy and upbeat (as you know, one of the better combos to properly achieve). I love how the record embraces more and more singing sounds rather than vocals as it goes on. I particularly recommend Libraries and Mary if you're looking for a good starting point.
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Trombone Shorty - Backatown
Another recommendation from the Sound Opinions overlooked gems of 2010, this falls squarely into my love of bands like Budos Band or anything involving extremely well done horn sections. It is lively, feel good and perfectly upbeat. However, any songs with vocals is, for me, somewhat embarrassing to listen to. It's got a Triple A radio sound to it.. reminiscent of some late era Lenny Kravitz or something. Just.. ugh. For your money, get the entire Budos Band catalog and maybe grab the title track from this. And, myself included, stop listening to the Sound Opinion guys. They're two for two now in the somewhat strike zone.
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Clive Tanaka Y Su Orquesta - Jet Set Siempre 1 Degree
I heard this reviewed on Sound Opinions as an overlooked gem of 2010 and decided to take a listen. The forty minute album is divided into two distinct parts, For Dance and For Romance. The first side has its merits, particularly in instrument sound and the warbled sonicness of it all, but I find it a bit too much for my ears on the whole. The second side is much more subdued and benefits from said retraction. Frankly, I think there might be something interesting to come out of this down the line but I'm not all that smitten with what is here. I'd suggest Para One or any number of other artists in the same vein before recommending diving in here.
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Brian Eno - Another Green World
Another entry in my continued series of "Albums I'm Embarrassed To Admit I Hadn't Even Heard Of Before This Time." I always associated Eno with his ambient music creations but these albums with more rock leanings are, obviously, phenomenal. I've skipped over the second record, Taking Tiger Mountain, for now, as I was eager to hear the infusion of the beginnings of his ambient dabblings and his regular rock structures as one record. I may not go much further forward than this moment in his career but I'm loving everything about this album and, frankly, am glad I came around to it eventually instead of keeping my ignorance a moment longer.
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Nick Drake - Bryter Layter
Nick Drake is always one of those artists that I've heard the name OF forever and ever and just sort of assumed I wouldn't be in to what he had to offer. Either I wasn't ready for it at the time or I was just flat out wrong (maybe both) but I'm really enjoying this quiet, introspective, lush, quite melancholy record. It's funny that even the upbeat songs have an underlying sadness to them. I fully expect to be diving into and completely embracing the proper catalog of Mr. Drake.. and kicking myself the whole way for not coming around to it sooner.
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Para One - Naissance Des Pieuvres
This was given to me as a Christmas present from someone that assumed that I loved AIR, specifically the style of AIR where they are at their darkest.. ala The Virgin Suicides soundtrack. The assumption was correct. If someone played this for me sight unseen and told me it was Part 2 of the same album I wouldn't bat an eye. Basically it's further evidence that the French have a better grasp on electronic music that appeals to me than just about anyone else.
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Hands Down Eugene - Narceologist
The story goes that this album was lost during a studio break-in and a complete disarray of recordings being shuffled into unmarked boxes. After much digging, the songs were revived and compiled into their proper form. Whatever amount of work went into unearthing this was entirely worth it - as it is HDE's strongest effort. I absolutely love the previous album (White Stone, Black Witch) and this seems to take that sound to the next level. It's a difficult to describe blend of southern rock, regular rock, solid hooks and a whole host of dark themes lyrically. Plus, if you don't love the guitar work at the end of "Glad To Be" you're just an idiot.
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Mini Mansions - Self Titled
Proof that cover art can still have an influence on potential new fans; I strayed from this record thinking that the type treatment and spookily illuminated plush doll screamed tongue-in-cheek aggressive rock band. Turns out, it's a pretty lush piece of work. Granted, there is no shortage of dark and brooding musical styles but they're layered with harmonies and pop sensibilities. It actually vaguely reminds me of Jellyfish or Jon Brion when they're in their pensive, gloomy modes. Shame this was released so late in the year as it will likely get buried by Best Of lists.. of which it should likely be included on.
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Unknown Mortal Orchestra - EP
Four song EP featuring two vetted tracks previously available as free download and two new tracks.. one of which falls into a surprisingly funky zone and one into a warbled punkish zone. All and all, it's further proof that this band has got some surprises up its sleeve and a full-length record should prove to be pretty diverse yet enjoyable.
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Octopus Project - Hexadecagon
Can I be honest with you? I bought this for the packaging. Double gatefold LP where side D is actually ten "locked groove" songs that play infinitely; couple with a frame by frame zoetrope to connect to the record player itself. Overall, a packaging nerds dream. Musically, it seems more engaging than the previous record but pushing further into the spacey sounds, rather than the big explosions of rock they used to treat us with.
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Ghost Baby - Buffalo
I love Creeper Lagoon. Not a past tense statement, I still love them. Much of this is largely due to the vocal styles of Ian Sefchick - so it's nice to hear him singing again with his latest project Ghost Baby. There are some pop-y numbers within but, overall, it's a pretty calm record.. a vibe that suits me just fine. There's only one misfire as far as I can tell (subjectively - 1234 My Eyes) but it's so nice to hear his familiar voice again I wouldn't dare to complain.
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The Ghost Of A Saber Tooth Tiger - Acoustic Sessions
My introduction to this undertaking from Sean Lennon and Charlotte Kemp Muhl collaborative undertaking was a little two song single with some great French pop stylings. I had hoped for more of the same from the full-length but with a title like Acoustic Sessions my hopes weren't high. On the whole, there is a great appeal to both of their vocals - especially when used in tandem. Musically, it keeps your attention but it's never overly striking; sort of what you'd expect from acoustic renditions of your favorite songs, only in this case you haven't heard the fully fleshed out versions yet. Not giving up on listening to this project but I'd moreso recommend the single than I would the album...
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Generationals - Trust
Four song EP embracing the dance-y yet somehow still languid style Generationals locked in on Con Law. And much like that full-length album, without repeated listens you might let this one slip past your radar. Every time this comes on, I realize how much I enjoy it - more each time.
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Sharon Van Etten - I'm Giving Up On You
Two song single continuing in the tradition of the full-length released earlier this year. If you aren't into her heartbreaking vocal styles, this won't change your mind. If you are, this is a nice added bonus to keep your iTunes rolling once you've listened through 'Epic' one more time.
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Johann Johannsson - The Sun’s Gone Dim And The Sky’s Turned Black
Pretty sure I heard this on a movie trailer for some terrible (but appealing) movie and had a few eMusic credits leftover, so I snagged it. That being said, if you're a fan of the over the top vocoder vocals and some hushed Icelandic atmospheres; this is your jam. I should probably know a ton more about ole Johannsson than I do given what looks like a rich history of lush music but all I know are these two songs of sparse, dark and quite evocatively emotional pieces.
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SALEM - King Night
Heard one of these tracks from a mix from Paige and was entirely intrigued. Sonically, it's somewhat similar to the Sleigh Bells record in that it is incredibly loud, extremely blown out and a complete assault on the ears. However, instead of gang vocals and punk undertones, Salem goes for gloomy keyboards, atmospheric moods and crushing beats. It works but only in doses. If you ever drop acid and want to be scared shitless, this seems like your Number One candidate for soundtrack.
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Sufjan Stevens - The Age of Adz
I don't care what backlash may be involved in the following statement: I Like Sufjan Stevens. I can totally understand, and sympathize, with the feeling that he's more than a bit dramatic at times and has had way too much stock put into his career as being The Savior of Songwriting or The Next Big Hope for whatever bizarre reason... But he has consistently written interesting songs to my ears. I like that he's tackled some electronic base to this album and that he continues to embrace an epic platform from time to time (the album has a 25 minute song - it's not always great but it's 25 minutes.. so it certainly has some moments). Long story short, he's not my favorite artist of all time ever by any means but I don't see any reason not to let your Sufjan Love show through; he's making music worth listening to.
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Harry Nilsson - Knnillssonn
After seeing the Nilsson documentary I have decided to commit myself to hearing all of his albums and taking the time to fully appreciate them. I'm not necessarily going to go about said plan in chronological order but it will be done. Knnillssonn is Nilsson's fourteenth album and seems to embody his ability to be balance being achingly heartbreaking, amusing goofy and completely in control musically. Maybe not the Most Classic in the repertoire of such an under-appreciated artist but still quite enjoyable.
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Three Mile Pilot - The Inevitable Past Is The Future Forgotten
I will, somewhat shamefully, admit that I've not listened to any Three Mile Pilot prior to this new album. I'm a fan of Pinback, Systems Officers and Black Heart Procession so it would stand to reason that I would have dug into this prior to now. The distinct bass sounds of Zach Smith are like an automatic switch On of enjoyment. If anyone out there has managed to find themselves in a position similar to mine - familiar with Pinback and their many offshoots but ignorant to Three Mile Pilot - do yourself a favor and get into this asap.
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Jean Jacques Perrey - Amazing Electronic Pop Sound
French musician who pretty much pioneered a huge path for electronic pop music. The music is awesomely upbeat - the kind to remind you that life is good. If you listen to Brazilian Flower and don't immediately love it, I'd be alarmed. Long story short, this is top notch electronic french pop from the 60's - need I say more?
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