Fresh off the buzz of their last EP, BBM, Collider has once again come out swinging with their own brand of 90’s influenced fuzz pop. Strobos EP is their third release to date, and is quite frankly a subtle, yet very well organized jump forward in their progression as artists.
Read More »Collider: Strobos EP [Album Review]
There is a growing underground force of pop labels releasing music on nontraditional formats. Of these formats, two prevalent ones, at least in the lo-fi pop and twee pop arenas, are cassette and the 3-inch single. Being such a strong fan of the genres that release via these formats, one would think I would have the ability to play them when they arrive in my mailbox. Unfortunately, I do not at this time. (But boy do I love receiving them!) WeePOP! Records releases via the latter and they’ve built a solid foundation of twee and lo-fi pop releases. Read More »WeePOP! Records [Label Spotlight]
This is the new Sambassadeur video, filmed by label mate Philip Ekström of The Mary Onettes and staring Ekström’s eight-year-old nephew Mattis. “I Can Try” is your standard Sambassadeur tune; the band consistently produces great Swedish pop music in the vein of their prior work, each new single slightly better than the last. And each new single is unbearably catchy, yet contains a hint of sadness. The video is an interesting one, reminiscent of a lonely childhood filled with unique realities and a world view much too mature for a young boy. As Mattis sends his wooden boat into the water, and as he swings his sword, fighting invisible battles to save made up princesses, it makes me feel a bit nostalgic. Read More »Sambassadeur: I Can Try [Video]
Like a shot of Red Bull to the thigh, Trances Arc explodes through your speakers like a jaunting energy kick, yet they manage to remain calm and organized through all the hysteria. Their latest album, TA, almost plays as a brilliant collection of one hit wonders that entranced the skating rinks and dark alleys of the late 90’s. Each song is a potential single, with even greater potential for helping you soar into the pop rock oblivion where creativity reigns supreme and prosperous. This is catchy, hook-oriented rock and roll at its very best.Read More »Trances Arc: TA [Album Review]
Stars have always been a group delayed; their albums ultimately get put on hold or set aside for months or even a full year before finding their way into my playlist. Not this time, I said. The band’s new album, The Five Ghosts is here, and I have to say I am impressed. Opening with the romantic “Dead Hearts” and continuing with the pseudo electric “I Died So I Could Haunt You”. It finds the band again maturing in new and exciting ways. The first single off the album is “We Don’t Want Your Body” and it is, perhaps, the best example of the changes undergone by Stars since In Our Bedroom After The War. One listen and you’ll hear an emphasis on electronic production. It may take a few listens to get used to, but it wouldn’t be the Stars we know and love if that weren’t so. (And for those who find it a bit too far out, remember there are still tracks like “Dead Hearts” that have a bit more in common with the band’s past.) I for one, find Stars invigorating in every form. Read More »Stars: We Don’t Want Your Body [mp3]
If you have ever wanted to know what it would feel like to have the point of an upright bass jammed directly into your neck, then Jews and Catholics might just be your favorite band. With razor sharp spirit, and a post-punk sound as well as attitude, this North Carolina duo of noise makers bring forth the power of Sonic Youth, fused with just an acid droplet of The Clash on their album Who Are? We Think We Are. Read More »Jews and Catholics: Who Are? We Think We Are [Album Review]
I thought I recognized the One Happy Island name. The band recently released a few singles on 3″ CD via the London-based pop label weePOP. The latest is that they have a new one out soon on Odd Box Records — the band’s debut self-titled full-length. One Happy Island creates hyperactive pop with overly ambitious percussion (in a good way), a slew of chanting vocalists, and a sound entirely lo-fi and uninhibited by post production. They also write soft pop songs that border on folk. Read More »One Happy Island [Feature]
Remix albums are something I don’t often look forward to. They typically are not as innovative or unique as the… Read More »HEALTH: DISCO 2 [Album Review]
Alan Cohen shook your world in 2008 with the ultimate ode to the then president-elect (Senator) Barack Obama with his intense dance track “The Obama Groove”. In 2009, he took us on a journey back in time with one of the greatest hippie rock albums since Country Joe & The Fish, the Experience’s EP Eat The Peace. So where should a guy go when politics have faded away into the popular culture oblivion? Well, how about THE oblivion. Or how about the entire solar system for that matter? Read More »Alan Cohen Experience: Einstein [Track]
Everybody loves a legend. And John Prine is nothing if he is not one of the finest songwriters in American folk history. He has been creating wonderful and thought felt Americana style music for 40 years. And he is not stopping any time soon. His latest efforts, In Person & On Stage, has been said to be Prine at his finest. And with appearances from some of the finest folk/country artists of the current age to join him (Emmylou Harris, Iris Dement, & more) this wonderfully compiled live album is sure to be a must have for the ultimate strum and jive fans out there. You will go absolutely hillbilly ape shit when you hear “Long Monday” in such a peculiarly personal arrangement. Read More »John Prine [Feature]
