TV on the Radio - Read Silence

            I wasn’t a big fan of TV on the Radio’s most recent release, “Dear Science.”  I thought they got away from the simple things that made them such a great group.  They lost the plot.  Sometimes that happens when bands are trying something new and trying to grow and evolve, but rarely is it apparent at the time.  It’s like getting a snap-shot from the mid-point of an open-heart surgery…it could be the most flawless heart surgery ever, but it’s not going to look pretty to anyone except the people directly involved.

            On to the new EP then, shall we?  I think it’s great!  The Willie Isz Remix by Jneiro Jarel of Shout Me Out has that beautiful simplicity I mentioned earlier.  In fact, this track is almost too simple in that I don’t get much of a progression feel as the song moves along, but I still think it’s a nice re-imagination of something I initially didn’t like. 

         Gang Gang Dance is one of those “hot” groups right now and I gotta admit that I’m pretty into them.  They rarely depart from their formula of using classical sounds and everyday noises to make sound clashes.  I think Stork and Owl is a stark reminder of what GGD does so well.  They create a long intro and add attempt to add depth to the vocals but end up creating a separation between the music and it’s message.  I think it leaves a lot to be desired and while has touching moments doesn’t necessarily qualify to end up on my iPod.

         My favorite track on the record is the Glitch Mob’s remix of Red Dress.  The intro reminds me of part of the original “Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” when they descend on the boat ride to insanity.  What we come out into is a dirty beat that Glitch Mob uses to truly remix the song instead of just reinterpret it.  The over-bearing mechanically march on the top side of the beat sounds bright and real and demands the listener move.

         Three solid remixes from a record I didn’t really like to begin with?  Who can ask for more?  I think this EP will do exactly what it is supposed  to do—make me go back and listen to “Dear Science” again!    

Jarvis Cocker - Further Complications

It took me a while to come around to Pulp back in the days of my college radio stewardship, but I did and it was because of JC’s soothing voice and his debaucherous tales of the underbelly. His first solo record, “Jarvis,” left a lot to be desired though and while “Further Complications” is a leap in the right direction I still can’t fully recommend it.

The record’s sound is aggressive in a strange 1990s alternative way and gone is the back alley lounge of the future replaced by fuzz and rough edges of the past. Barely any of the songs truly feature Cocker’s wonderful voice, which leads one to think it may be failing after years of abuse. The mix of the instruments also seems to be way forward overpowering the singer at times which is strange for such a crooner as JC. I Never Said I Was Deep comes close to offering the complex writing and performance I long for but ends up sounding more like a local band playing at the prom. Slush is my favorite track, but still only comes close not quite accomplishing the lofty ideals I have for Jarvis and at 6:28 is a bit on the long side. Another track worth noting is You’re In My Eyes (discosong), but the backup singers up the cheese factor dramatically here.

For JC fans and Pulp rememberists it’s worth a listen to remember the old days in a new light, but “Further Complications” will not make the Top 100 list this year for most. If you’re in the mood though, I recommend pouring yourself a whiskey, neat, and turning down the lights and having a drink with this common person, again.

Burial/Four Tet 12" -Moth/Wolf Cub

So, everyone is hyped about this new Burial/Four Tet split 12" entitled Moth/Wolf Cub, which is set to be released sometime in May on Kieran Hebden's TEXT label. I just heard some samples over at Juno and it doesn't dissapoint.

bearded mechanic=pain

What better reason do you need to join our blog besides the bearded mechanic.

Music For The Masses

Current listens:
Camera Obscura -My Maudlin Career
Japandroids -Post Nothing
Royksopp -Junior
Neko Case -Middle Cyclone
The Rosebuds -Life Like
Fridge -Early Output 1996–1998

Best Electronic Record of '09 (so far)

My favorite electronic record of '09 ( as of April) is the debut solo album from Fever Ray. I'm fairly sure it will end up on my top ten for the year. Karin Dreijer Andersson has become the Bjork of Sweden. If your not familiar with her work with The Knife, I highly recommend giving "Heartbeats" a listen off Deep Cuts then work your way up to Silent Shout (a classic of 2006).

Depeche Mode - Sounds of The Universe

Depeche Mode’s output over the past eight years has been somewhat lackluster compared to their previous new-wave anthems produced in the eighties and mid-nineties. After their ninth studio album (Ultra), the band began to sound both overproduced and dull as they attempted to take their sound in a new direction. Working with such talented producers as Mark Bell (Bjork) and Ben Hillier (Blur, Elbow), Depeche Mode has repeatedly failed to bring their unique style of synth-pop to new heights. However, I do remain optimistic that the band does still have the potential to create another great record. The unfortunate thing is Sounds of The Universe isn’t that record and although I can appreciate the production value of the new material, I can’t help but feel there is nothing memorable about this trek into the universe.
Standout track(s): Wrong
Rating: 5.6

National Record Store Splits!

So many 7"s! My head's gonna explode!

Jay Reatard "Hang Them All"/Sonic Youth "No Garage"

Oh Jay! First of all, this is not a Tapes 'n Tapes cover. It's taken me a while to get into your guitar-driven angst-ridden rock, but I'm coming around. Maybe it was the initial idiocy of the name--who cares now though. This new track is not as pounding, yet it is still aggressive and has a light-hearted feel to it. Ok, most of his tracks are fun and "Hang Them All" is pretty tight.

The great Sonic Youth! How often do you find bands that get better and more experimental as they age despite their success? Unfortunately, this means they still try different thing and this is one. It sounds like a demo from 1984 Dinosaur Jr that just plods along with occasional noise-freak-outs. Yeah, we'll skip that one.

Beck "Green Light"/Sonic Youth "Pay No Mind"

Beck's track is more or less forgettable besides the fact that it's a John Legend cover. Basic in its style and more Elliott Smith-ish that true lo-fi Beck. What we really want here is Sonic Youth's cover of "Pay No Mind," which does not disappoint. It features a lone Kim Gordon on the first verse with a crackling fuzz behind her. Thurston joins as well as a simple drumbeat (ala Beat Happening) which crescendos with quickening pace and screaming feedback. This mid-90's anthem is given the full works and I think it's a wonderful tribute from one of the bands that helped make it happen in the first place.

Flaming Lips "Boderline"/Black Keys "Her Eyes Are A Blue Million Miles"

Again with the Flaming Lips, but this is the electronic Lips that seems to be most popular and when they cover Madonna, they COVER MADONNA! This version is fantastic! So slow and beautiful in it's simplicity that it's hard to imagine Madonna dancing around in her black mesh outfit to this track. Things pick up and it become an epic masterpiece worthy of Ming's court. The musical hook is also a surprise with its contrast adding that little extra bit of weirdness you were looking for from the Lips.

Another strange choice for a cover as the bluesy Akron boys take on Captain Beefheart's "Her Eyes Are A Blue Million Miles" and it comes off just like you think it would. I love the Black Keys, but will be the first to admit that they are becoming a bit predictable. This track, while excellently performed, just sounds like an out-take from Attack & Release: worth keeping but not praising.

Neko Case - Middle Cyclone

I have such a hard time writing good reviews of records, so I figured it'd be best to start with a tough one for me: Neko Case's Middle Cyclone. Upon first listen I wasn't too impressed, but as the weather has turned towards the sweaty side I'm beginning to feel the sultriness necessary to enjoy Neko's voice.

I initially kept several tracks because something told me they would grow on me. "This Tornado Loves You" is an obvious choice with it's frenetic pace and sweet side. "People Got a Lotta Nerve," while is a bit on the poppy side but the "man-eater" line sold it for me. I can remember years ago when a friend, who is consequently on PR staff at Neko's label Merge, used to send me provocative pictures of the songstress to anger me. Another gem is "Magpie in the Morning," which is a more traditional slow-mo emotional roller coaster. Her most apparent talent is to craft down-tempo songs with a desparation only a broken-hearted drunk can reveal and "I'm an Animal" is another example of this. The hits keep coming with "The Pharoahs," which is a reflective piece that makes me think of The Mummy Returns as it does the lonesome Southwest. "Red Tide" is the shining track on this album with it's foreboding beat and catchy, yet suspenseful, build to climax. I'd love to see her perform this one w/ Spoon as a backing band.

So, there you go! A first review and a positive one at that! Don't expect too many!

Sick of Critics!

That's it! I've had it! I can't read any more opinions about music. I should actually say lack of opinions. Everyone has been co-opted. By the labels, the venues, the stores, the websites, the bands, the glory, the power.

I'm taking this into my own hands. When I listen to a record or see a show-you'll get the straight line on it here. If no one reads it then fine, but if I can save one person a little time or even a little cash on a wasted record or better yet-send someone to the store on a mission to buy something, then I will have accomplished my goals here.

Enjoy!