Call me a philistine, but I really just wasn’t “feeling” the new release from the much ballyhooed, Micachu & the Shapes. I found the first single off the record “Golden Phone” somewhat enjoyable, but the rest of the album more or less just got on my nerves. I also had the chance to sit down with the new Felice Brothers record a little bit, and while it isn’t a bad album to speak of, it channels Dylan so much, you’d almost think he was in the room when they made it. -ed.
Drake’s Take: New Releases 04.07.09
Another deep, deep field of releases to choose from this week. Between the latest from Bat for Lashes (which I haven’t heard yet and features Scott Walker,) Micachu & the Shapes and a live album from The Hold Steady, there’s plenty to get excited about. Also new releases from The Felice Brothers, Doves, Neil Young, The Thermals, Junior Boys, Casiotone For The Painfully Alone, Crystal Antlers, Bob Mould, The Veils, Richard Swift, Lady Sovereign, Dananananaykroyd and Eulogies.
Playlist: New Releases 04.07.09
Micachu & the Shapes – Jewellery
Stream / Purchase [mp3]
The anticipated debut release from Mica Levi is an artistic gem, an album full of pop hooks that are far enough askew to keep it at arms length from the mainstream. Her compelling, and sometimes odd delivery of the songs are backed by a sort of ‘found instrument’ orchestra of sound. She’s sort of a female Tom Waits for a new generation making art music that doesn’t require an excessive amount of patience. I’ve been listening to it quite a bit since it came out, like a shiny new toy, and perhaps some time will tell if some of the attraction is novelty, but for now it’s just a joy to listen to.
“Lips” [mp3]
The Hold Steady – A Positive Rage
Stream / Purchase [mp3]
The Hold Steady have always been a live band first and foremost, but one who’s albums have do a good job of capturing much of the infectious spirit that they deliver on stage, so it’s no surprise that a live CD and DVD should be added to their discography. A Positive Rage is an album for the fans, first and foremost, with a few non-album fan faves in the set list. In an interview on DVD, Guitarist Tad Kubler says, “If we can get someone in front of us, it’s a done deal,” and that’s pretty true – most who see them live become steadyheads. The DVD and Album don’t come close to reaching that height, but it’s a good document, nonetheless, of a band near it’s peak in its relationship with the audience.
More on the radar (and in the mp3 player) this week:
Bat For Lashes – Two Suns / Free AOL Album Stream
Doves – Kingdom of Rust / Free AOL Album Stream
The Felice Brothers – Yonder Is The Clock / Free AOL Album Stream / “Run Chicken Run” [mp3]
Neil Young – Fork in the Road
The Thermals – Now We Can See / “Now We Can See” [mp3]
Junior Boys – Begone Dull Care / Free AOL Album Stream
Casiotone For The Painfully Alone – Vs. Children / “Optimist vs. the Silent Alarm (When the Saints Go Marching In)” [mp3]
Crystal Antlers – Tentacles / “Andrew” [mp3]
Bob Mould – Life and Times / Free AOL Album Stream
The Veils – Sun Gang / “The Letter” [mp3]
Lady Sovereign – Jigsaw
Richard Swift – The Atlantic Ocean / Free AOL Album Stream / “Lady Luck” [mp3]
Dananananaykroyd – Hey Everyone
Eulogies – Here Anonymous / Free AOL Album Stream
Ramblin’ Jack Elliott – A Stranger Here
I Was a King – I Was a King
Black Dice – Repo / “Glazin” [mp3]
Youth Group – The Night Is Ours / Free AOL Album Stream / “All This Will Pass” [mp3]
Pele – A Scuttled Bender in a Watery Closet / “Gas the Nutsy” [mp3]
Comet Gain – Broken Record Prayers
Coathangers – Scramble (AOL Stream)
Covered: A Revolution in Sound
REISSUES
Siouxsie and the Banshees – Tinderbox
Siouxsie and the Banshees – Hyaena
Beastie Boys – Check Your Head (Free AOL Album Stream)