It’s been ages since I’ve written about Bears, Ohio’s best pop band. And I was totally stoked to get a few copies of their new single in the mail (ordered a few months ago when it was still at the plant). Who Knows includes two brief songs, the title track and “Make Something.†Read More »Bears: Who Knows [7″ Review]
Headlights‘ Kill Them With Kindness comes with incredible hype. So, what everyone wishes to know is whether or not the album lives up to said hype. When it comes down to the answer, it all depends on the individual and their expectations of the band, their personal musical preferences, and their particular mood at the time of their first listen… second listen, third listen, etc.
Read More »Headlights: Kill Them With Kindness [Album Review] 
When a new track or upcoming release is announced noting the master duo Fredrik and Lindefelt, be it their original project The LK (or known earlier as The Lovekevins) or the full group simply named Fredrik, the question is not whether they will deliver, it’s how much. Na Na Ni, to prove a point, was my #1 album of 2008. They return now with the upcoming sophomore release, Trilogi, once again to be released on The Kora Records. Read More »Fredrik: Locked In The Basement [Track Review]
B-sides are supposed to be throw-away tracks, the rejects that didn’t make the cut. But the majority of the tracks Chad VanGaalen classifies as such are worth much more than that nerdy kid picked last in 4th grade gym class. Read More »Chad VanGaalen: Soft Airplane B-Sides
Seattle was once a city of depression-based rock enthusiasm when the times where as confusing as a text message from Michael J. Fox. But, times were almost better then. And we needed something to be angry about. Nowadays, there is plenty to be upset with. So why not enjoy the city’s new excursions into a more inspiring blend of progressive shoegaze. This would be the work of Benjamin Bear, brainchild of pianist Mychal Cohen and percussionist David Stern and their refreshing album Lungs. Read More »Benjamin Bear: Lungs [Album Review]
Upon first hearing “Beach Town”, the first officially available track off Le Loup‘s sophomore release Family, I noted how it was surprisingly reminiscent of recent Papercuts. I failed to mention that the two artists shared a stage at CMJ 2007, where I saw each lay down a phenomenal set. Well, listening to Family in its entirety, I’m struck by two thoughts. Read More »Le Loup: Family [Album Review]
For those not currently in the know, it might seem strange to hear that the soft-hearted anti-folk artist Robert Gomez was once a member a popular Texas based mambo band known as the Latin Pimps. Or that he once toured as a circus performer (of sorts). You won’t hear much direct influence from these experiences on his latest solo effort, Pine Sticks and Phosphorus. But there is an obvious “influenced by the earth” feel to the album. As well as it being a cut above your average singer/songwriter’s work. Read More »Robert Gomez: Pine Sticks and Phosphorus [Album Review]
Jon and Roy are a couple of charismatic Canadian cats. Anyone can see this. Their less than threatening folk style represents their entire persona as freelance artists quite well. And “Another Noon” sounds like what Eddie Vedder was trying to do a couple years ago. But, Jon and Roy don’t sound like Count Chocula trying to do a lullaby for foster kids. These guys are much sweeter. This is a song that is sure to captivate audiences with their spontaneous picturesque love affair with a picturesque life. Read More »Jon and Roy: Another Noon [Track Review]
Stricken City‘s “Pull The House Down”, off their upcoming October 12 release Songs About People I Know, is poised to be one of fall’s hype tracks. With clever guitar riffs, enough cowbell to make Bruce Dickinson proud, and hefty synth lines, this London-based, female-fronted pop group is set to explode into international greatness. Read More »Stricken City: Pull The House Down [Track Review]
I may get railed on for making a Dylan comparison here, but Simon Joyner and the master himself share a few points. There’s the minimal acoustic guitar and equally minimal accompaniment in songs like “The Drunken Boat” and “Sunday Morning Song For Sara”. There’s the traditional folk element rampant throughout each of his songs. And there’s a slight vocal similarity as well. Sure, Joyner may not be the songwriter Bob is, as that feat would truly be amazing, but his songs have that same timeless folk quality that dabbles in Americana. Read More »Simon Joyner: Out Into The Snow [Album Review]
