At this moment, I am watching a VH1 marathon of 100 Greatest Songs Of The 80s. Watching some of the videos, then seeing “Everyday” by Vetiver, I see a lot of similarities. Check out the clothes, the hair styles, and you’ll see what I’m talking about. (On second thought, it’s more late 80s/early 90s.) Still, it’s a bit strange, when draped around the poppy-folk melody of “Everyday”. Read More »Vetiver: Everyday [Video]
It’s no secret that one of my all-time favorite groups is Carissa’s Wierd [sic]. That group has birthed some of the greatest names in music today, from Band Of Horses to Grand Archives. And, of course, Sera Cahoone. Cahoone’s music lands somewhere between folk and country with heavy inclusion of steel slide (played by Jason Kardong of The Wakefields) and banjo. Read More »Sera Cahoone: Baker Lake [Video]
Belle & Sebastian’s Stuart Murdoch has a new project. His latest venture is God Help The Girl and, in all honestly, as far as I can tell it’s pretty similar to Belle & Sebastian. That’s what I wrote as “Mary’s Market” played over my speakers for the first time. “Come Monday Night” on the other hand takes things in a slightly different direction, and it’s here where God Help The Girl sets itself apart from Belle & Sebastian. Read More »God Help The Girl [Feature Band]
Jon Hardy And The Public have ventured into interesting territory — releasing a four-song cover EP filled solely by tracks from singer/songwriter Randy Newman. No surprise: the songs sound nothing like Newman. Actually, “Little Criminals” sounds more like The Walkmen than anything else (except, of course, Jon Hardy And The Public). Read More »Jon Hardy And The Public: Little Criminals [Video]
Quick, furious, and externally tempting are the best available adjectives to describe Forever and their self-titled debut EP. Their songs seem to focus on the triumph and/or tyranny of love. Vocalist Shenna Corbridge spends an electrically-fused 15 minutes screaming truths she makes you believe are self-evident. This is a group that says what they want, when they want. And in 50 words or less at times. Read More »Forever: Forever [EP Review]
Sad news was released last Friday, as the independent music world lost an amazing talent, and the world lost an amazing individual. Jeff Hanson was found dead in his new apartment; preliminary reports are calling it an accidental fall. I met Jeff a few years back when he performed at a small art gallery in Moscow, ID. Everyone always talks about how his voice was like no other, but for me it was that coupled with the passion in which he relayed his songs to his audience. Read More »Jeff Hanson: 1978 – 2009
Casper And The Cookies (MySpace) are an interesting bunch. Modern Silence demonstrates their agility in creating bizarre pop songs in the vein of early Of Montreal and Apples In Stereo, the Elephant 6 entourage, and underground glam pop. While front-man Jason NeSmith had a brief stint in Of Montreal, it should be noted that Casper And The Cookies were already in existence, and had been, for nearly half a decade. Read More »Casper And The Cookies: Modern Silence [Album Review]
Kranky is known for putting out great releases that edge toward the avant-garde and the drone-heavy by artists like Deerhunter and Windy & Carl. Their latest release, Tape Chants by Gregg Kowalsky, fits the mold perfectly. In support of Tape Chants, Kowalsky will head out on the road to roam the states and avoid the Pacific Northwest. Read More »Gregg Kowalsky [Tour]
Over And Over by The Legends came out recently on Labrador Records, but when I attempted to order it from the local record shop they noted it wouldn’t be out for another few weeks. While this is likely due to an alternate US release date, or whatever, I was happy to hear The Legends, one of Johan Angergård’s many quality Swedish groups, gave us a little teaser to pass the time.
Read More »The Legends: Always The Same [Video] 
There’s nothing like driving at night to regather your thoughts and emotions. It’s dark, the road winds on and on, and if you live in the country like I do the stars hang patiently above on clear summer nights. The imagery is stark: I remember a time where I drove off into the middle of nowhere just to drive. It was pitch black out but for the stars and moon and my headlights. Speeding past farms with barking dogs and hills covered in wheat fields with my windows down, letting the cool evening summer air wisp by my ears and blow in my hair—it’s an amazing feeling; one that Arco easily brings home with the A-Side chorus of this single. Read More »Arco: Driving At Night [7″ Review]
