2007, part five
Here is the link for this week's mp3 blast:
hxxp://www.sendspace.com/file/fuymvs
Copy it, paste it, replace "hxxp" with "http," and download it. 10 songs from new releases of the past year.
Akron/Family "Ed Is A Portal"
Akron/Family has continued with the progression set by previous efforts, releasing a record of hippie anthems and feel-good prog-folk jams. Surprisingly, I like it a lot. Live they were something to behold - anywhere from seven to twelve musicians on stage beating drums, singing harmonies, and jumping around. It was fun, and the record is good.
Bain Wolfkind "Butcher's Daughter"
"Love Letters" is a new four song ep from the man formerly known as Novo Homo. For this ep, he strips away all of the industrial elements that make his other records enjoyable, leaving only out-of-tune singing and way too much reverb. Hopefully this is a one-time experiment.
Beirut "Nantes"
The new Beirut is an amazing exploration of early 20th century France, on par with if not better than their debut "The Gulag Orkestar." That's one guy singing all those harmonies with himself, playing all those horn parts, and doing everything else on the record. Even if you dismiss such studio wizardry as a mere gimmick, the music is still beautiful and engaging. An easy contender for record of the year.
Crescent "Cup"
Finally, a new Crescent record! Unfortunately not as organ-fueled as the last two, "Little Waves" still has their trademark loose sound and relaxing feel.
Evelyn Evelyn "Elephant Elephant"
Another one of those Jason Webley collaboration CD+7" sets, this time with Amanda Palmer of the Dresden dolls, under the name Evelyn Evelyn. The lyrics are sung from the perspective of siamese twins, both named Evelyn. It's a cute record, and it includes a cover of Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart" on the 7".
Gang Gang Dance "Nicoman"
Gang Gang Dance has become one of my new favorite bands. I don't know of anyone else doing what they are doing, and I can't describe their sound accurately. Some kind of quasi-improv dance rock I guess. They also put on one of the best live shows I have ever seen. RAWWAR is just a three song ep, and is not representative of their best work, but it's pretty good.
Ionosphere "06:21:455"
"The Stellar Winds" is the newest CDR from this German purveyor of cosmic dark ambient. Drifting through the void.
Iron & Wine "Boy with a Coin"
This is the single from the new Iron & Wine Record. Yes, the new record is more upbeat and rocking than previous records. Yes, it is still extremely good. I'm going to see them play tonight and I am very excited.
Mesomeso "Danro"
Creation Centre is a weblabel offering a variety of strange sounds. I was directed to this release by one-woman japanese act Mesomeso via psych_folk. The label describes it as a "charming and quiet ep." I will let you judge yourself.
November Növelet "My Fairy Place"
"Magic" is only the second November Növelet full length. Their debut LP of German "Angst Pop," "From Heaven on Earth," was released eight long years ago, and remains one of my favorite records of all time. Like that record and those of their other project Haus Arafna, it is best taken in as a whole, from start to finish. Since I can't give you the whole thing, here is one of the better songs.
hxxp://www.sendspace.com/file/fuymvs
Copy it, paste it, replace "hxxp" with "http," and download it. 10 songs from new releases of the past year.
Akron/Family "Ed Is A Portal"
Akron/Family has continued with the progression set by previous efforts, releasing a record of hippie anthems and feel-good prog-folk jams. Surprisingly, I like it a lot. Live they were something to behold - anywhere from seven to twelve musicians on stage beating drums, singing harmonies, and jumping around. It was fun, and the record is good.
Bain Wolfkind "Butcher's Daughter"
"Love Letters" is a new four song ep from the man formerly known as Novo Homo. For this ep, he strips away all of the industrial elements that make his other records enjoyable, leaving only out-of-tune singing and way too much reverb. Hopefully this is a one-time experiment.
Beirut "Nantes"
The new Beirut is an amazing exploration of early 20th century France, on par with if not better than their debut "The Gulag Orkestar." That's one guy singing all those harmonies with himself, playing all those horn parts, and doing everything else on the record. Even if you dismiss such studio wizardry as a mere gimmick, the music is still beautiful and engaging. An easy contender for record of the year.
Crescent "Cup"
Finally, a new Crescent record! Unfortunately not as organ-fueled as the last two, "Little Waves" still has their trademark loose sound and relaxing feel.
Evelyn Evelyn "Elephant Elephant"
Another one of those Jason Webley collaboration CD+7" sets, this time with Amanda Palmer of the Dresden dolls, under the name Evelyn Evelyn. The lyrics are sung from the perspective of siamese twins, both named Evelyn. It's a cute record, and it includes a cover of Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart" on the 7".
Gang Gang Dance "Nicoman"
Gang Gang Dance has become one of my new favorite bands. I don't know of anyone else doing what they are doing, and I can't describe their sound accurately. Some kind of quasi-improv dance rock I guess. They also put on one of the best live shows I have ever seen. RAWWAR is just a three song ep, and is not representative of their best work, but it's pretty good.
Ionosphere "06:21:455"
"The Stellar Winds" is the newest CDR from this German purveyor of cosmic dark ambient. Drifting through the void.
Iron & Wine "Boy with a Coin"
This is the single from the new Iron & Wine Record. Yes, the new record is more upbeat and rocking than previous records. Yes, it is still extremely good. I'm going to see them play tonight and I am very excited.
Mesomeso "Danro"
Creation Centre is a weblabel offering a variety of strange sounds. I was directed to this release by one-woman japanese act Mesomeso via psych_folk. The label describes it as a "charming and quiet ep." I will let you judge yourself.
November Növelet "My Fairy Place"
"Magic" is only the second November Növelet full length. Their debut LP of German "Angst Pop," "From Heaven on Earth," was released eight long years ago, and remains one of my favorite records of all time. Like that record and those of their other project Haus Arafna, it is best taken in as a whole, from start to finish. Since I can't give you the whole thing, here is one of the better songs.