Conducted by Capt. Obvious
Obvious: I drove to Mobile, AL the other night and caught your live show, which quite honestly was one of the best I've ever been to (right up there with Wilco). The energy was great, especially considering the relatively modest crowd. Do you prefer playing to larger crowds or in more intimate settings?
Scott: We have learned to enjoy both types of crowds. Big or small, no matter, they both have a ton of positives and reasons for doing. We have to understand that there are always going to be new places or certain types of venues that will produce less people but it's all about the kinds of people not the amount.
Obvious: Describe your upbringing. Both you and Seth are very talented, was music a vital part of your childhood?
Scott: We did grow up in a fairly musical family. Our father, grandmother, aunts and uncles. However, it was always more about gathering than performing. For me personally, whether it was music or dancing or jumping around and screaming, it was purely about stirring things up and putting on some sort of a show for anyone willing to pay some attention.
Obvious: I'm really impressed by your paintings. Do you find it difficult to balance your artistic endeavors considering you're so busy with your music?
Scott: I will say that painting is very important to me. I am very serious about it and it always lives on its own plane away from the other forms of art that I am involved in, however, it is a constant push and pull for me shifting from one to another and I have learned to maintain constant growth with it on and off the road. It is about continuing the study outside of the studio and although I don't have the time in the studio I constantly research and collect in preparation for my return to the studio.
Obvious: "If I Get Murdered In The City" is such a moving song. Any chance it will be appearing on the next Gleam EP?
Scott: Yes there is a chance.
Obvious: You guys have really picked up a lot of steam as of late, playing Late Night with Conan O'Brien last year and having "If It's The Beaches" played on the NBC series "Friday Night Lights." Are you surprised by the success?
Scott: None of our accomplishments have made us champions but we are extremely thankful and honored by the recognition. Since day one we have promised to carry ourselves proudly no matter the rate of "success" that comes our way. Success, for us, is to maintain that integrity and that attitude and nothing can touch us... but, surprised to find yourself on the Grand Ole Opry or Conan O'Brien, no doubt about it.
Obvious: What's your record for broken banjo strings in one night?
Scott: Sixteen at Andy's in Chestertown, Maryland.
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/theavettbrothers
Listen:
MP3: The Avett Brothers - Die Die Die (from Emotionalism)
MP3: The Avett Brothers - If It's The Beaches (from The Gleam EP)
MP3: The Avett Brothers - If I Get Murdered In The City (Live)
4.29.2008
Interview: Scott Avett of The Avett Brothers
4.28.2008
Bon Iver: Flume (Live)
COTV
Here's Justin Vernon aka Bon Iver performing "Flume" from his album For Emma, Forever Ago live in the studios of 89.3 The Current. Gorgeous song. -- Capt. Obvious
Fort King
You Should Know
Fort King is Los Angeles singer/songwriter Ryan Fuller, and judging by the cd-r full of mostly rough demos I received from the musician, I'd say his stuff sounds like an alt. countrified version of Elliott Smith. Vocally is where the Elliott Smith comparison makes sense, but the music is much folksier. "Black Palms," a single ready for pressing in my opinion, sounds like it could be a b-side off of last year's AA Bondy record, and that's high praise considering the quality of that album. On the song, Ryan sings over gentle finger-picked guitar with a country twang in his voice: "Cut herself so she would bleed/ didn't eat to go unseen/ told her mama that she was fine/ dressed her wrist with iodine." There's definitely some solid material here and I'm looking forward to hearing a full album with the studio treatment. Ryan is being courted by a couple small labels, so expect to see at least an EP by the end of Summer/early Fall. In the meantime, swing by the Fort King Myspace page.-- Capt. Obvious
Listen:
MP3: Fort King - Black Palms
MP3: Fort King - To The Moon
April Mixtape
SIDE A
1. Wolf Parade - Call It A Ritual
2. David Dondero - Contagious Shooting
3. No Age - Eraser
4. My Brightest Diamond - Inside A Boy
5. My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges
6. Tilly And The Wall - Cacophony
7. Joseph Arthur - Nothin' 2 Hide
SIDE B
1. The Lovely Sparrows - Department Of Forseeable Outcomes
2. Sun Kil Moon - Lost Verses
3. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Think I Wanna Die
4. Tape - Beams
5. Titus Andronicus - Titus Andronicus
6. South - Better Things
7. Cut Copy - Feel The Love
4.27.2008
The Cap Recommends 4.28.08
Celluloid
Hello friends, here are a few films I caught on DVD lately that I really enjoyed. Maybe you will too. If not, please don't yell at me. -- Capt. Obvious
Lars And The Real Girl (2007) - While this film is being marketed as a comedy, I wouldn't quite classify it as such. There are some funny moments, but the tone is more serious than expected. The premise sounds like a ridiculous Farrelly Brothers film: An awkward young man (Ryan Gosling) attempts to carry on a meaningful relationship with a sex doll he's ordered off the internet while a supportive small town goes along with his delusion. It sounds absurd, and it's blatantly farcical, but there is a lot of heart at the core of this story and Gosling continually impresses me with his role choices and acting ability. Gosling is also impressive in The Believer and Half Nelson, so check them out if you haven't already.
The Savages (2007) - Another drama with comedic elements weaved into its fabric, The Savages tackles some sobering subject matter. Siblings Jon and Wendy Savage (Philip Seymour Hoffman and Laura Linney) must take care of their once abusive father after he exhibits signs of dementia and can no longer care for himself. Although the pair hasn't spoken to the man in decades, they feel obligated to take care of him and are forced to put him into a nursing home. The newfound responsibility only complicates their already problem-filled lives. Great performances all around and an honest portrayal really give this film some emotional heft.
My Kid Could Paint That (2007) - This documentary chronicles the unlikely success of four-year-old Marla Olmstead, whose abstract paintings have raked in hundreds of thousands of dollars. After a report on Sixty Minutes questions the validity of her work (it implies that her father is indeed doctoring the paintings), the Olmsteads battle to clear their name. Interesting issues of art vs. hype are raised, and there are plenty of snobby art critics spouting off their opinion on what is "art".. which is always entertaining. The increasingly uncomfortable relationship between the director and the family is also very intriguing because the filmmaker verbalizes his own doubts regarding Marla's purported genius. Very interesting viewing.
4.25.2008
TV On The Radio: Wolf Like Me
COTV
MTV hardly even plays videos anymore, and when they do it's for music that pretty much sucks. So I figured I'd post some of my favorite music videos every now and then. Here's a great video from TV On The Radio, who I've been listening to a lot lately. -- Capt. Obvious
Blog Roundup 4.25.08
Props
Parasites & Sycophants offers up a What Made Milwaukee Famous cover of the Billy Joel song "You May Be Right" along with some tour information on the band.
When You Awake has another great themed mix tape posted. This time around the theme is Thunder and Lightning. It includes a great cover of Springsteen's "Thunder Road" by Will Oldham and Tortoise.
Speed Of Dark is your one-stop guide to Coachella. You'll find some bands to check out and some places to eat. Good music and good food. What more could you ask for?
Songs:Illinois posts a new video for the song "Love Will Never Leave You Alone" from Austin singer/songwriter Dana Falconberry. Great song and cool video.
The Pelican's Perch has a write-up on the new Notwist album The Devil, You + Me along with mp3 downloads of "Good Lies" and "Where In The World."
Tags: Blog Roundup, Captain Obvious
Mr. Gnome: Deliver This Creature (2008)
New Wax
Cleveland duo Mr. Gnome seems very in tune with the nature of duality. Their new album Deliver This Creature is a bold marriage of warring elements. Singer/guitarist Nicole Barille has a beautiful voice, and on the opening track "Pirates," Barille's haunting vocals are laid over a repetitious piano riff that gives way to the sonic equivalent of a backhand to the face. I was minding my business, thinking general "Hmm, this song is pretty" thoughts until this gorgeous onslaught of drums and face-melting distorted guitar knocked me on my posterior. Deliver This Creature doesn't dabble in trendy genre-mixing for the hell of it, its experimentalism is well-measured and unwaivering in its effectiveness. So what does Mr. Gnome sound like? Well, take ethereal Fiona Apple-tinged vocals, add a dash of Pelican, and throw in a bad case of schizophrenia, and you're on the right track. Did I mention the drums on this album? Drummer Sam Meister might just need medication because these songs have some of the most manic drum-parts I've heard in some time. How an album can be so feminine and beautiful yet unpredictable and violent at the same time is beyond me, but I'm stoked on it. This is very unique and epic stuff. -- Capt. Obvious
Listen:
MP3: Mr. Gnome - Pirates
MP3: Mr. Gnome - Night Of The Crickets
4.24.2008
Bridges And Powerlines: Ghost Types (2008)
New Wax
While Bridges And Powerlines' new album Ghost Types sounds like it could have been played a decade ago on college rock radio, the band also adds psych-influenced harmonies and synth goodness. Apparently the New York band draws heavily from bands like Guided By Voices and the Elephant Six Collective, and I'll spare you a feeble attempt at a clever comparison here because I'm honestly not very informed on Guided By Voices and only know of a few bands from the Elephant Six Collective. Building off a buzzworthy EP, the band has teamed up with producer Chris Zane (Les Savy Fav, White Rabbits, Asobi Seksu) for Ghost Types, and the band's mash up of minor-chord guitars, synths, and vocal melodies will have you tapping your feet in no time. "The Golden Age" is a fittingly nostalgic track that tackles growing up (as does much of the album) and it kind of sounds like it could be an old Nada Surf song. If you miss 90's college-rock then you'll have no problem finding something to dig on Ghost Types, which is now available on the band's own imprint Citybird Records. -- Capt. Obvious
Listen:
MP3: Bridges And Powerlines - The Golden Age
MP3: Bridges And Powerlines - Middle Child
4.23.2008
Santogold
You Should Know
Santogold is the pseudonym for Santi White, a Philly native now based out of Brooklyn who pursued her solo career after the death of her father, a prominent Philadelphia lawyer who passed away in 2003 amidst an FBI investigation into municipal corruption. Combining a wide array of styles including dub, reggae, dancehall, punk, indie rock, electronica, new wave, and 80's synth pop, White's music is virtually unclassifiable, although she often receives some pretty unwarranted comparisons to M.I.A.. Once a member of a punk band named Stiffed, White's music seems heavily influenced by 80's music and you can hear everything from The Pixies to The Cure to Blondie to Bad Brains on her multi-faceted self-titled debut album (due out in early May). White also has fans in high places considering she was personally requested by Bjork as an opening act. While not every song on the album is necessarily the captain's cup of tea, there are definitely some brilliant moments. If Santogold's innovative take on pop music catches on, it might actually be worth turning the radio back on. Maybe. -- Capt. Obvious
Listen:
MP3: Santogold - L.E.S. Artistes
MP3: Santogold - I'm A Lady
Watch:
YouTube: Santogold - L.E.S. Artistes
4.21.2008
The Cheer Up, Emo Kid Mixtape
SIDE A
1. Sunny Day Real Estate - In Circles
2. Knapsack - Hummingbirds
3. Mineral - Parking Lot
4. Texas Is The Reason - Johnny On The Spot
5. The Appleseed Cast - Marigold & Patchwork
6. Jets To Brazil - Morning New Disease
7. Saves The Day - Freakish
8. Jimmy Eat World - Crush
SIDE B
1. The Promise Ring - The Sea Of Cortez
2. Braid - Killing A Camera
3. The Juliana Theory - August In Bethany
4. Brandtson - Shannon Said
5. American Football - Honestly
6. Benton Falls - All These Things
7. Casket Lottery - Home Is...
8. Further Seems Forever - Snowbirds And Townies
Port O'Brien
You Should Know
Starting out as a folk duo in 2005 consisting of Van Perszalowski and Cambria Goodwin, Oakland's Port O'Brien has since added members and received a glowing endorsement from M. Ward, who named the group his favorite new band of 2007 for Pitchfork Media. Named after a fishing community in Alaska (Pirszalowski spends summers working on his father's commercial salmon boat in the waters off Alaska), the band's brand of folk has a decidedly maritime feel and much of their material portrays a keen sense of loneliness due to being out at sea. The band's 2007 album The Wind And The Swell actually combines the best material from the band's previous two self-released albums. The opening track "I Woke Up Today" sounds like a more spastic folked-out version of Broken Social Scene with it's sing-a-long vocals. While the rest of the album isn't quite as experimental, it's just as good and exhibits enough jangled looseness to surely please folk fans. The band has a new album entitled All We Could Do Was Sing scheduled for a May 13th release, and you should buy it when it comes out. -- Capt. Obvious
Listen:
MP3: Port O'Brien - I Woke Up Today
MP3: Port O'Brien - Five And Dime
4.20.2008
Chris Bathgate
You Should Know
One of the forefront artists of Ann Arbor's folk scene, Chris Bathgate released one of the more surprisingly polished albums with last year's A Cork Tale Wake and it received some favorable press along with the admiration of fellow artists like Will Oldham and Jeff Tweedy. Yours truly even gave it a glowing review. Now back with a new six-song EP entitled Wait, Skeleton, Bathgate offers three brand new songs in "Casual Way", "Salt Year" and "Been Out All Night." The mini-album's title track "Wait, Skeleton" made its original appearance on Bathgate's debut album Silence Is For Suckers, but the track has been re-worked for the EP. Wait, Skeleton also includes new versions of "Yes, I'm Cold" (originally appearing on Throatsleep) and "Cold Press Rail" (a b-side from A Cork Tale Wake). With a more folksy rendition built on jangly guitars, the new version of "Yes, I"m Cold" is an improvement on an already solid original. One of the more eclectic singer/songwriters out there, Bathgate's folk songs are adventurous and unique and you should listen to his music. Now. Do it. -- Capt. Obvious
4.18.2008
Frightened Rabbit: The Midnight Organ Fight (2008)
New Wax
"Oh f*ck yes." That was my reaction about halfway through the first track on Frightened Rabbit's new album The Midnight Organ Fight. This is one of the best albums I've heard so far in 2008, and barring an uncommon onslaught of high quality releases in the coming months, it should find its way onto my year-end list. Frightened Rabbit is a quartet that hails from Glasgow and the polish on The Midnight Organ Fight might have something to do with producer Peter Katis, whose production credits include Interpol and The National. Most of the lyrical content on the album's 14 tracks stems from lead singer Scott Hutchison's recent break up. While I'm usually partial to subtlety and metaphor, there is an unfiltered honesty in Hutchison's approach that is easy to connect with. On "Good Arms vs. Bad Arms" Hutchison's unabashedly Scottish accent is laid over crisply mixed acoustic and slide guitars: "I might not want you back, but I want to kill him." He ends the song with an admittance: "I'm still in love with you and can't admit it yet." Despite his intensely personal lyrics, Hutchison's bluntness never toes the line of sentimentality (perhaps it's the accent), and the arrangements backing his words are wonderful. The mix on the album is pitch-perfect, and there is such a fullness in the band's sound that you'd never know they lack a bass player. I'm blown away. -- Capt. Obvious
Listen:
MP3: Frightened Rabbit - The Modern Leper
MP3: Frightened Rabbit - Head Rolls Off
Cassettes Won't Listen: Small-Time Machine (2008)
New Wax
Cassettes Won't Listen is a solo project by multi-instrumentalist Jason Drake. Lavished with praise since his 2005 digital EP Nobody's Moving, Drake drops his first physical release with Small-Time Machine. Listening to this album, I definitely had my "Ben Gibbard, James Tamborello, have you released a Postal Service album under a new alias?" moment, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing considering how much I loved the legendary Give Up. While I found the first two tracks on this album pretty forgettable, the album really starts to prove its solidity with the single "Paper Float," an instantly catchy track that intermingles piano, robotic synth, electric guitar, and Drake's smooth Gibbard-reminiscent vocals. The next song, "Freeze And Explode" is hands-down the strongest track on the album, both melodically and lyrically. I am, by no means, an electronica enthusiast, but I really like bands that mix an indie-rock aesthetic and strong songwriting with an electronic flair (for example: The Notwist, Casiotone For The Painfully Alone). Cassettes Won't Listen incorporates a lot of different sounds seamlessly and definitely fits into that category. Small-Time Machine is a testament to Drake's knack for writing accessible electro-pop gems. -- Capt. Obvious
Listen:
MP3: Cassettes Won't Listen - Paper Float
MP3: Cassettes Won't Listen - Freeze And Explode
4.15.2008
City Breathing
You Should Know
The press release on Brooklyn's City Breathing was intriguing to me because the description of the band compared them to Owen, Explosions In The Sky, and Band Of Horses. Considering how much I love those artists, and how different they all are, I was pretty curious as to how City Breathing could meld such diverse influences. After listening to the band's new album Look How It's Snowing Upwards, Look How They Move Towards Heaven, I definitely hear the Explosions In The Sky influence, and the vocals come off like a more uplifting take on Mike Kinsella. Band Of Horses I'm not hearing at all, but two out of three ain't bad. Combining ethereal and atmospheric guitar-work with more intimate moments, City Breathing sounds like a post-rock band with pop sensibilities. There has to be a word for that.. how about post-pop? The epic "We Can Retrace The Sinking Sky" is a good indication of the band's capabilities. The track combines soaring reverb-heavy electric guitar with a finger-picked acoustic guitar riff, silky smooth vocals, and electronic nuance. This is definitely a band worth checking out, and you can do so for next to nothing considering the band is adopting the Radiohead-inspired variable-pricing model. Fans can pay whatever price they think is fair for a digital copy of the album, or they can pay $5 to $12 for a hard copy. Visit the City Breathing myspace page to lend your support. -- Capt. Obvious
Listen:
MP3: City Breathing - We Can Retrace The Sinking Sky
MP3: City Breathing - Rain And Revolution
4.14.2008
Wye Oak: If Children (2008)
New Wax
Baltimore indie-pop duo Wye Oak (named after Maryland's state tree) consists of guitarist/vocalist Jenn Wasner and drummer/vocalist Andy Stack. Originally known as Monarch, Wye Oak has just re-released their album If Children under the highly-regarded Merge Records label. While the band carries the indie-pop tag, the songs on If Children vary stylistically from shoegaze to slowcore to folk. Despite the stylistic shifts throughout the album, the tracks play together quite well. There is a sonic spectrum on If Children that ranges from quiet and intimate to distorted and noisy. The first single off the album is "Warning," a strong track that fuses Wasner's perfect indie-pop voice with ethereal fuzz fit for a My Bloody Valentine album. The acoustic-guitar based "Regret" showcases the band's softer side with Stack providing the song's vocals over a finger-picked riff. Other highlights include the catchy "I Don't Feel Young," and "Obituary." If Children is a testament to a young band's versatility and promise. Considering both members of Wye Oak are in their early 20's, we can expect some great albums out of this band in the future. If Children is a rock solid start. -- Capt. Obvious
Listen:
MP3: Wye Oak - Warning
MP3: Wye Oak - Obituary
4.11.2008
The Girl Names Mixtape 2
SIDE A
1. The Decemberists - Clementine
2. Horse Feathers - Helen
3. John Vanderslice - Angela
4. Josh Ritter - Kathleen
5. Neutral Milk Hotel - Naomi
6. Patrick Wolf - Augustine
7. Novi Split - Julie
8. The Avett Brothers - Salina
SIDE B
1. Bright Eyes - Lila
2. The Cave Singers - Helen
3. Built To Spill - Cleo
4. The Pernice Brothers - Judy
5. Ryan Adams - Karina
6. Midlake - Anabel
7. The National - Karen
8. Lucero - Cass
Scott Matthew
You Should Know
Born in Queensland, Australia and now operating out of Brooklyn, singer/songwriter Scott Matthew has a unique and slightly androgynous voice somewhat but not blatantly reminiscent of Antony Hegarty of Antony and the Johnsons. After contributing six songs to the sexually charged 2006 John Cameron Mitchell film Shortbus, Matthew found a larger audience. He's also recorded scores for Japanese anime television shows and songs for the film adaptation of Cowboy Bebop. Weird. Now armed with a full-length self-titled debut, Matthew's songs sort of have a Devendra Banhart aesthetic, but perhaps a bit more accessible. Residing in the folk vein and utilizing acoustic guitars, piano, violin, and spare drums, the tracks on the album provide the perfect bare-bones backdrop for Matthew's gorgeous vocals to shine. Just listen. -- Capt. Obvious
Listen:
MP3: Scott Matthew - Amputee
MP3: Scott Matthew - Abandoned
4.10.2008
Centro-Matic/South San Gabriel: Dual Hawks (2008)
New Wax
Will Johnson is one of my favorite songwriters, and he's ratcheting up his already prolific output even more with the upcoming release of Dual Hawks, a double-LP consisting of one disc of new material from his band Centro-Matic and another disc containing new material from his other band South San Gabriel. For those who aren't familiar with Johnson's work, Centro-Matic and South San Gabriel both consist of the same members but the former plays a unique brand of alt. country-rock while South San Gabriel's music is much more subdued and introspective. Both bands feature Johnson's rustic and weathered vocals, which ring whiskey-soaked and brutally honest. Considering the quality of Johnson's songwriting and the fact that he's released a dozen albums of material over the last decade, it's downright mind-boggling how generally overlooked he is. It's borderline criminal. On Dual Hawks, Johnson exhibits his uncanny ability to shift from the overdriven country-tinged indie rock of Centro-Matic to the whisper-quiet fare of South San Gabriel. The Centro-Matic disc opens with "The Rat Patrol And DJs," a strong track consisting of twangy distorted guitars and gritty vocals that will have any Son Volt and/or Uncle Tupelo fan salivating. On the other hand, the South San Gabriel disc opens with the sparsely gorgeous "Emma Jane," which is accompanied by acoustic guitar and a string section. Comparing the two songs, you begin to understand Johnson's diverse capability as a songwriter, and both discs are consistently wonderful. Dual Hawks will be released April 14 in Europe and June 3 here in the states. -- Capt. Obvious
Listen:
MP3: Centro-Matic - I, The Kite
MP3: South San Gabriel - Emma Jane
Watch:
YouTube: Centro-Matic - Triggers And Trash Heaps
4.08.2008
Man Man: Rabbit Habits (2008)
New Wax
This reviewer had the great pleasure of witnessing Man Man’s live act in New Orleans last summer during their tour with Modest Mouse. Don’t tell Isaac Brock, but in many ways, they blew Mouse out of the water, taking stage with 70’s era tennis outfits, complete with sweatbands and porn-worthy mustaches. As if this wasn’t enough, they littered the stage with a yard sale of mismatched drums, xylophones, pots, pans. . . you get the idea. The sound? Think Stomp meets Tom Waits. Gimmicky? Maybe a little, but the music was thicker than axle grease and just as slick, with a groove so deliciously trashy that not even the squares could resist shaking their hips.
Rabbit Habits marks Man Man’s debut on ANTI- Records, home to iconic artists like Elliott Smith, Tom Waits, Neko Case, and The Frames. I must admit, when I first approached the album, I was dubious about how Man Man would translate to tape. The bad news is that Rabbit Habits does no justice to Man Man’s live show. It would be impossible to capture the visceral pleasure. That being said, this is as engaging a rock album as you’re likely to find this year. Though the tracks forego the live show’s usual bells and whistles (literally), Man Man’s insatiable groove still pervades. You’ll hear some of their trademark esoteric instrumentation, and with hardly a shred of guitar. Listening to the album feels like wandering down Canal Street in New Orleans with a head full of chemicals and a full moon to guide you, and just when you think things are getting weird, the circus comes to town. Singer Honus Honus’s lyrics construct a fantastic study of baroque characters and distorted landscapes. A great place to get lost when you’re weary of the status quo. -- Kilgore Trout
MP3: Man Man - Hurly Burly
MP3: Man Man - Top Drawer
Emily Jane White
You Should Know
My introduction to Emily Jane White was the film Wild Tigers I Have Known, an indie flick by director Cam Archer. I'm sure I made the same blunder as many by assuming the film's sparse and haunting title track was a Cat Power song. While Emily's vocals are undeniably similar to Chan Marshall's, you can definitely hear a difference vocally if you're listening closely enough. White, who hails from San Francisco, released an album entitled Dark Undercoat last year and it's filled with dark folksy goodness. Like many of the best albums, the material on Dark Undercoat stems from a broken relationship, but like the best songwriters, White avoids uncomfortable personal details and opts for metaphor and imagery. If you were a stickler for labels then goth-folk would seem like a suitable tag for White's music considering the dark undercurrent accompanying her material. For instance, observe the lyrical content on the song "Sleeping Dead" : "I had a dream last night/ There were ravens above my bed/ And they took my newlywed/ Cause we're all sleeping dead." On the aforementioned track "Wild Tigers I Have Known," lone piano sets a desolate backdrop for White's gorgeously haunted vocals. It's the kind of song that sends shivers down your spine with its simultaneous beauty and doom. Head over to Emily's website where you can download some free songs. You won't be disappointed. -- Capt. Obvious
Listen:
MP3: Emily Jane White - Wild Tigers I Have Known
MP3: Emily Jane White - Two Shots To The Head
4.07.2008
Russian Circles: Station (2008)
New Wax
Post-rock Chicago trio Russian Circles has cultivated quite a following considering they've only released one album: 2006 full-length Enter. With epic songs that span a sound spectrum from ambient delicacy to metal, the band is known for their mind-blowing live shows which utilize sampling and loop pedals, and they've already toured with the likes of Minus the Bear, Mono, and Pelican. Now armed with a new release entitled Station, the band sees the departure of bassist Colin DeKuiper. The bass tracks on Station were handled by ex-Botch/These Arms Are Snakes bass player Brian Cook (it's unclear if Cook is to become a full-time member or not). With more polished production than their noteworthy debut, Station better exhibits Mike Sullivan's knack for emotive guitar parts. On the sprawling "Verses," soaring guitar riffs inhabit the same space as Explosions In The Sky, while the harder-edged title-track exhibits the band's versatility and wide-array of influences. While there are moments on the album that seem to build toward an impending climax that never comes, Station is mostly excellent. With Cook's more-dynamic bass-playing and overall improved production, Station showcases the band's diverse instrumental talent and proves to be far from a sophomore slump. -- Capt. Obvious
Listen:
MP3: Russian Circles - Harper Lewis
Neva Dinova: You May Already Be Dreaming (2008)
New Wax
With their Saddle Creek ties and their 2004 collaboration with Bright Eyes on the split One Jug Of Wine, Two Vessels EP, it's a wonder why it took this long for Omaha band Neva Dinova to land on Saddle Creek's roster. Lead Singer/Guitarist Jake Bellows spent 2006 and 2007 touring with Bright Eyes and he contributed to the album Cassadaga and drummer Roger Lewis also drums for Saddle Creek act and Tim Kasher project the Good Life. Named after Bellows' grandmother, Neva Dinova follows up their overlooked 2005 release The Hate Yourself Change with a new album entitled You May Already Be Dreaming. As far as musically, Neva Dinova extends the Americana feel of their last album and exhibits an affinity for poppy folk songs. With minor chords and reverb-heavy riffs bleeding through their amps, it seems Neva Dinova has its share of Neil Young influence. While Neva Dinova's roots-inspired folk-pop doesn't reach the levels of say, Wilco (I mean, not many bands do), the songs on You May Already Be Dreaming are solid throughout and deserving of a close listen. It may be a little unassuming at first, but it's definitely an album I'm liking more and more with each listen. -- Capt. Obvious
Listen:
MP3: Neva Dinova - Will The Ladies Send You Flowers
MP3: Neva Dinova - Clouds
4.04.2008
Blog Roundup 4.4.08
Props
Head over to Local Vertical where Chris has some new material from some really good bands I'd recommend checking out: Annuals, Langhorne Slim, and The Lovely Sparrows.
Six Eyes has free mp3s posted from a Radiohead Live at the BBC show back in April. Get these while you can because they won't be up for long.
Obscure Sound is one of the best music blogs out there, and they have put together a great Best of March 2008 mixtape filled with indie goodness.
When You Awake is another rad blog with a surplus of great content. Check out their Music For The Mountains mixtape.
I know you guys go apeshit for cover songs, and Cover Lay Down is one of the best resources for good covers. Here's a brilliant post containing covers of classic rap songs by NWA, Coolio, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre: All Folked Up
Tags: Blog Roundup, Captain Obvious
4.03.2008
Tall Firs: Too Old To Die Young (2008)
New Wax
Put in the new Tall Firs album Too Old To Die Young, and laid on top of those wonderfully tangled guitars are vocals that sound kind of reminiscent of Stephen Malkmus and Thurston Moore. I guess it would make sense that Moore, of Sonic Youth fame, signed this New York electric-folk band to his Ecstatic Peace record label. The band's newest release, which follows their well-received debut, taps into the 90's indie-rock vein by recalling bands like Dinosaur Jr., Sebadoh, Pavement, and a more subdued Sonic Youth. In a musical landscape that seems peppered with bands who feign eccentricity for the sake of eccentricity, it's nice to hear a straight-forward indie-rock album that could easily be 15 years old. The vintage sound makes some sense considering Tall Firs actually started in 1990 when singers/guitarists Dave Mies and Aaron Mullen were teenagers. They didn't play their first gig until 2001, and they recorded their eponymous album in Sonic Youth's practice space before releasing it in 2006. The new Tall Firs album, which sees the addition of Ryan Sawyer (once in At The Drive-In), opens with "So Messed Up," which reads like a slacker-rock anthem: "We were acid-crazed teenage tweek-outs/ Those booze-filled days of pills and freak-outs." Rather than glorifying excessive behavior, it might just be a condemnation: "We're not too old to get drunk but we're too old to die young/ We're so messed up." Another of the album's highlights is "Hairdo," which is built on one of the most infectious guitar parts I've heard in a long while. While Too Old To Die Young has patches that seem repetitive, there are some really strong moments on the album and fans of 90's indie-rock will surely find something here to dig on. -- Capt. Obvious
Listen:
MP3: Tall Firs - Hairdo
MP3: Tall Firs - So Messed Up
4.01.2008
The Covers Mixtape VI
SIDE A
1. Rosie Thomas - The One I Love (R.E.M. Cover)
2. The National - Mansion On The Hill (Springsteen Cover)
3. Iron & Wine / Calexico - Wild Horses (Rolling Stones Cover)
4. Wakey! Wakey! - Maps (Yeah Yeah Yeahs Cover)
5. Dawn Landes - Young Folks (Peter Bjorn & John Cover)
6. Beach House - Some Things Last A Long Time (Daniel Johnston Cover)
7. Whiskeytown - I Still Miss Someone (Johnny Cash Cover)
8. Marissa Nadler - Famous Blue Raincoat (Leonard Cohen Cover)
1. Wilco - Thirteen (Big Star Cover)
2. Bell - It's Oh So Quiet (Bjork Cover)
3. Okkervil River - Your Other Man (Jandek Cover)
4. Will Oldham - Senor (Bob Dylan Cover)
5. Casiotone For The Painfully Alone - Graceland (Paul Simon Cover)
6. Stereophonics - Nothing Compares 2 You (Sinead O'Connor Cover.. Yes, I know Prince wrote it)
7. Mobius Band - Digital Love (Daft Punk Cover)
8. Greg Laswell - Girls Just Want To Have Fun (Cindi Lauper Cover)
