Artifice

Great record - the Studio Q performance of Archie is interesting because it sounds much different than the record. Personally, I think the record's production was too heavy - whoever did it was trying too hard to make them sound like Best Coast (east coast / west coast indie girl pop war?). I like the live performance better.

And I am a sucker for catchy four chord pop songs (where have you gone Evan Dando?). Maybe it's because I am a crap guitarist. Archie is incessantly fun to play. Maybe one day I'll try to learn the lead.

I just posted something similar in the now listening thread.

Though I do like Spoon's record, and that Alvvays album is especially fun since almost all of the songs are four chord simplicity (just pick up a guitar and play along - you'll have it by the 2nd verse), IMO the best indie-pop album of the year is Stars - No One is Lost. Just a great record that isn't getting enough love yet.

I have been absolutely wearing this record out. With all due respect to other bands that have put out pop records this year, this one has quickly become my favorite. It's fantastic. Easily their best record to date, and a contender for album of the year IMHO.

Saw that a couple of you were listeining to the new Jenny Lewis record...

Thoughts? Should I get it? If its as good as that outfit...

Trying to get caught up on 2014 releases.

Here are 4 I picked up this week. Spent the last 48 hours with them. Time for initial impressions:

Blah. It's not awful, but it's way too compressed and the songwriting comes off as uninsipired - especially Craig's lyrics. They're like mad libs of older songs. On the other extreme - the new guitarist has brought a very generic rock quality to their sound. Maybe I shouldnt have listened to some of their old records before I heard it. They don't want to sound like that anymore, but I kinda want them to, with Craig's lyrics still sounding as fresh and inspired, Hate to bag on a band I love, but... meh.

:sigh: They seem so nice. Maybe this is a grower. I liked Loud Planes Fly Low. It was a worthwhile record with several stand out tracks. This one bored me so bad I took it out of the rotation after day 1. I'll give it another chance later.

A solid, very Spoon-ish record. Early impression is its the best of these 4 records. Not my fave Spoon release, but it has its moments. Also, I learned the chord progression for "Do You" by the end of the first listen (and I am a crap guitarist - just awful), which was fun for me. I love catchy songs that are easy to play (where are you Evan Dando???).

Admission: I haven't bought a NP record since Twin Cinema. I have Neko's solo records, and I wanted to give them another chance cause I loved TC so much. Stilla djusting to their quirks, but I still love her voice, and this one seems like it has some solid tracks on it. I'd give it a thumbs up.

I have a few more records I still need to hear, and any 2014 suggestions are welcome. I am looking forward to the new Stars record. (ughh this is the smallest pict of it I can find... it's huuuge):

Have been an even bigger fan of theirs since I saw them live a few years back and they put on a really great show. I warmed way too late to 5 Ghosts and The North... (that performance of Fixed on Fallon certainly helped) - kinda hoping for a record that grabs me right away.

Love both of these. I haven't listened to that Material Issue record in ages. Pretty sure I saw them @ Grant Park in '91 at the last ever (until this year) Ramones show. They were really good.

I'm listening to:

Seeing them this week. This record came out last fall but I just finally picked it up. It's not bad. Bit of a grower. Good laid back make you smile record.

Sorry to necro a thread. Even more ridiculous how long it took me to find it.

But, I just wanted to say I repent! I repent. And it feels good. What I said about Matt Berninger and the National was probably one of the douchiest things I have ever said on here. 

Happy to say that I've come 180 on them. I think it's because I finally sat down and really listened to High Violet and Trouble Will Find Me. But what put me over the top was this show from just a couple of months ago:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3q57hKoOR4

Absolutely fantastic set list. I have been humming England all day.

[edit] Argh - tried to multiquote - doesn't work. I give up.

I first heard Alynda Lee Segarra (aka Hurray For the Riff Raff) a couple of months ago - the first song I heard was this one: Born To WIn (Part One). Immediately hooked. Love her voice and that sound. This is the new one. If you like blues-y southern folk/rock, and smoky vocals, you'll dig this. 

Later on, I got in a mood - these guys have a new one coming out, so I figured I'd fire up the back catalog:

 ,

(you get the idea)   

RIP Pete. A truly inspirational force in music and life.

bah couldnt find a smaller pic of it.

This one has gripped me this dreary, cold, rainy morning...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3PHDLMAacY

Phosphorecent - The Quotidian Beasts

Another killer track from this record.

When listening to this, I find myself having thoughts like "you have to be one hell of a cold hearted, cynical SOB not to fall in love with this record".  It is timeless, and utterly joyful. I really love that there is a band out there making music like this. There are days when I badly need it.  

Am worried this one isn't getting a fair enough shake...

It's dense, and a grower. Production is a little "samey" throughout, which along with just a 35 minute run time, makes it a better full album listen:

There are only 6 studio albums and they are all essential.

Absolutely. I have all of his LPs, still in plastic, framed on my 90s wall with some Jeff Buckley stuff. They're all essential.

Mic City Songs is ok...Get Lucky is a catchy song.

Another vote for Mic City Sons. It's a little uneven as a record, but Get Lucky, Pop in G, and Plainclothes Man are all fantastic. Pop in G is incredibly infectious. Plainclothes has some killer lyrics and I love the build up when Elliott belts "I remember why I dream in Black & Whiiiiite..." So good.  

All of the new Aracde Fire songs, on heavy rotation.

But I have to admit, the intro to Afterlife is a complete rip off of New Order's Temptation ('87). Still, that doesn't bother me because it got me to listen to this classic again: 

Hadn't heard it in years. Amazing how well it has held up. Aside from a tiny bit of vintage 80s production, it is absolutely timeless and stacked with classic tracks.

"Jeff Tweedy and I holding @hodgman 's ears. Yes. It happened. " - Adam Savage.

 

Bill Janovitz (from Buffalo Tom) - Walt Whitman Mall

Does that mean he met his funding goal? If so, good for him. Really cool. Will have to give this one a listen.

{edit} - looks like he went well over. Nice! http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/billjanovitz

Besnard Lakes - Until in Excess; Imperceptible UFO

Just FYI, it is streaming for free @ Pitchfork - http://pitchfork.com/advance/58-until-in-excess-imperceptible-ufo/

 

what is it with all the nudie album covers????

It's counterculture, man. We're so uptight... Anyway, Song For Zula is absolutely fantastic.

It's getting heavy rotation on a SXSW '13 (youtube) playlist I made with a lot of help from KCRW and my good friend, cold beer... I don't suppose it's kosher to post a link to the playlist?

Assuming no, here is another favorite from that playlist:

Lord help me, Only Tomorrow owns me.

I'm sure there's a Kevin Shields rig page somewhere. Would love to know exactly how he's getting those tones. I am hellbent on gettings omething like that out of my Jaguar.

Never thought this would actually happen.

Digging it. There's only one track I don't like.

Only complaint is that it's a little heavy on the drowzy vibe... could have done with one more song with a faster rock tempo. Think the only one that does is Nothing Is, and that's the one I dont like (not the tempo - just too monotonous).

A couple of the tracks really stand out.

Interested to see what others think.