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Armalite
Armalite
From the ominous, warped bass intro to the explosive vocals of "Entitled," you get that comfy, nostalgic DC punk feeling coursing through your veins, compliments of this vibrant Philly side project featuring Atom Goren of "His Package" fame and Dan Yemin from the almighty Paint
It Black. Armalite is the happy medium between Atom's pop sensibility and caustic humor ("Metastic!") and the full-on hardcore assault that Dan practices oh so well. No slick Pro Tools magic snuck its
way in this production, the basement dwellers kept it simple with raw, jangly distortion and bristling vocals delivered by "fuzzy bear sounding" singer Mike McKee and "6-year-old off-key sounding" Atom. This CD is basically an homage to the punk bands that the members grew up on.
One second your hearing the criminally underappreciated Gray Matter ("When Nice People Think Dumb Things, Attack and Vote"), the next, Husker Du's "New Day Rising" is unearthed from your senses when the appropriately titled "Husker Dave" starts playing. This track also contains
a very telling line that these fellas are no spring chickens and with age comes responsibility, "When you're a parent, that means no committing suicide." The "getting old" sentiment of playing on and being true to punk while being ignored by the music industry continues with the
strongest track "Other Entertainers." Scratch that, I can't say strongest track, honestly, every song is quite fantastic and each has its own immensely enjoyable flavor. "New Wave" ends this phenomenal trip with a big-ass Naked Raygun dueling with Pegboy blast of epic punk
goodness. - JL |
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Mogwai
Mr. Beast
Need killer music? I’m talking real music expertly crafted and performed with a “we know we rule” attitude. The kind of music that will pervade your soul and compel you run to a mountain top, strip off your clothes and sway joyfully with your hands in the
air. Okay maybe not that last bit of euphoria, but if you are tired of the 3-chord, chop-chop guitars or retro, kitschy keyboards, then do I have a record for you. Meet “Mr Beast,” Mogwai’s latest CD. Once you’ve been introduced follow these directions:
Put on some headphones, turn the volume up enough to drown out all external noise, close your eyes and just sit back. “Acid Food” will warmly welcome you in to their world. By the time “Friend of the Night” rolls around you will be in a blissful state, fluctuating
between calm and awe, wishing you continued with piano lessons back in fifth grade. When “Glasgow Mega-Snake” hits and rattles your relaxed bones, you will understand why no words are necessary for this powerful and majestic music. These proud Scotts have been delivering
the deafening goods for many years and have eased up the sonic shock a bit for a more meditative and accessible offering without compromising their hypnotic grasp. Definitely for fans of: Rachel’s, Tortoise, Sigur Rós and Don Caballero.
- JL |
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The Del McCoury Band
The
Company We Keep
Okay, I've been taking a lot of heat recently for playing oddities like The Residents and Artichoke on our podcasts. but instead of making up for it by reviewing a destined-to-be-classic punk/pop gem (that'd just be TOO easy), I'm going to dig myself even deeper and review a destined-to-be-classic
bluegrass album. You know, I was as skeptical as you when "The Company We Keep" by bluegrass stalwart Del McCoury was recommended to me, and figured that at the very least it probably wouldn't appeal to those of you in WigsLand. But while the first listen to this disc was gratifying
in several ways (knee-slappin' precision musicianship, fantastic old time harmonies, and a smirky self-awareness in the lyrics and the overall delivery that is disarming and highly enjoyable), what really surprised me is how several of these tracks ("Nothin' Special" in particular)
vaulted right up into the company of other "permanently stuck in my head" songs that I tend to sing while doing things around the house, running errands, etc. — and how I keep putting the doggone thing (see what listening to bluegrass will do to you?) back in the CD player.
Everything about this album just screams "have fun" — nothing about it feels elitist; it's perfect for the backyard barbecues that are just around the corner. Sure, it's not for everyone, but if you got a kick out of "O' Brother" and are still interested in this classically
American art form now that the hype has died down a bit, this is the pick for you. Now pass them ribs. - RS |
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Lagwagon
Resolve
Lagwagon sits high and happy in the upper echelons of punk rock royalty, flawlessly mixing razor sharp metalish riffs, stop-on-a dime tempo changes, keenly emotive vocals and a sense of humor and self-deprecation on par with the masters NOFX and The Descendents. Frontman Joey Cape
has one of the most recognizable voices in punk, at times snide and bratty, other times polished, sincere and especially on the emotionally-charged track "Resolve," deeply touching. Sadly, a founding member and good friend of the band, Derrick
Plourde (Ataris, Bad Astronaut), took his own life in 2005 and his loss is this inspiration and driving force behind the entire CD. Lagwagon's last record was solid, but nowhere near the heights they achieved on earlier efforts. It seems this tragedy had at least one positive
effect: invigorating a band to make serious music in honor of their fallen friend.
Fast-paced, fierce and full of unanswerable questions and aching anger, this tribute is a tear-inducing affair but without one ounce of sappiness or "poor me" sentiments. It's more of a therapy session for band and listener alike. "The Worst" deftly deals with the rage and bewilderment
felt by loved ones and the final track "Day of New" gives a glimpse of hope and acceptance. The CD actually ends quietly and pensively with a secret track, an acoustic version of "The Chemist," a suitable song considering the circumstances. The combination of blistering guitar
bursts, pummeling rhythms, impassioned vocals and thoughtful lyrics propels Lagwagon back to fine form and gives comfort to those who've suffered similar losses. For a nice visual tribute to Derrick, check out the video for "Heartbreaking
Music." - JL |
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Pale Pacific
Urgency
This genre is not my usual cup of tea, in fact I drink coffee, lots of it, but that's not relevant unless you were thinking of sending me a gift. Anyway, this CD creeps up on you in a cozy snuggling manner, like when that massive dose of NyQuil kicks in and you are hazily transported
to a very happy and very chill place where all feels fine. By the time "Tied to a Million Things" kicks in, you are awash in a big swirl of My Bloody Valentine orchestration with just enough guitar crunch for emphasis and edge. "Your Parent's House" is the most poppy and accessible
tune on the CD and would fit on an episode of "The O.C." That's not a bust. The show stinks, but they do play some decent tunes (Walking Concert, anyone?) This song is a real beauty, the piano is exquisite and Gabe Archer's vocals are tailored to this type of rollicking ballad.
His sensitive guy smooth yet innocent delivery is kind of a throwback; I could picture him fronting one of the bands featured on a John's Hughes soundtrack. Ducky would surely dig. Fans of The Get Up Kids, Matt Pond PA and Death Cab should warmly welcome this slow-build, emotional
(not emo) rock into their bulging iPods. - JL |
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The Bomb
Indecision
Back in ye olden days — the 90s — fans of quality music enjoyed a feast of hard-charging, intelligent post-punk bands like Samiam, Pegboy and Jawbox. These bands embraced the early edge and energy of their forefathers
like Government Issue and the Effigies, and upped the ante with more layers of guitar, bigger melodies and cleaner production. Those were the days my friend. Sadly, the oughts brought a different kind of punk to the forefront. It's either that treacly, sing-songy pop stuff or the
"we got a guy who just screams and we're gonna use him" nonsense that very few bands can pull off well. Thank goodness for Chicago where good punk still thrives (Lawrence Arms, Alkaline Trio, Challenger) and scene veteren Jeff Pezzati (of the almighty Naked Raygun) is still making
killer music. He's just put out a very solid CD with a super tight band of youg guns: guitarist Jeff Dean (ex of Story So Far) who writes most of the music and bassist Pete Mittler and drummer Mike Soucy of The Methadones. "Indecision" is a logical bridge between the new and old
of the genre. Pezzati is a great understated singer with a subdued but powerful delivery and just a slight theatrical flourish heard on his trademark booming "whoas and ohs." Check out "Nothing to Say" and "Further From the Truth" for a healthy taste. "Up From the Floor" will bring
back some happy Naked Raygun memories, while the stand-out "Won't Apologize" slows it down and shows some versatility. All said, this is straight-up, driving punk record — both ominous and empowering — about bad relationships
and other nastiness, that should help your through the bad times and remember the good ol' days. Speaking of, I need to dig through some old boxes and find my cassette of GI's "You." A classic! - JL |
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Elliott Brood
Ambassador
Elliott Brood's latest disc is on the superb Toronto label Six Shooter Records, whose motto happens to be "Life is too short to listen to shitty music." If that doesn't automatically make you want
to check out every thing they release.maybe this will: they MEAN it. EB's latest disc (it's a band, not a guy) is no exception to the creed - a dusty, windy saga of an album with equal parts heart and grit that sounds a bit like a slightly more upbeat Sixteen Horsepower as fronted
by Perry Farrell at his most tuneful and consistent. Passionately strummed acoustic guitars and piercing alterna-banjo abound, with a few curveballs thrown in such as the brooding harmonium-driven "Jackson", on which the vocals sound a lot like our Philly favorite Brian Seymour.
This album also boasts one of the most unique vocal approaches I've heard in a while - the layered vocals on the chorus of "Johnny Brooke" are mesmerizing, with a sound like the tail end of an air-raid siren. A sprawling, gripping effort. Standout Tracks: "President (35),"
"Wolfgang," "Jackson," "Johnny Rooke" Obscure Reference: The fellows also get an A+ for the simple yet compelling packaging, with liner notes in the form of a train ticket and travel itinerary paper-clipped to the inside of a digipak — reminiscent of another
"band, not a guy", Jethro Tull, and their groundbreaking newspaper fold-out LP "Thick As A Brick." - RS
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Mercury Radio Theater
The Blue Eyed Model
There are precious few groups brave enough to incorporate elements of legitimate performance art into what they're doing; fewer still are able to pull it off. However, PA's own Mercury Radio Theater make the cut. Their latest album, like their manic shows, plays out like an early
radio serial (as their name would suggest); period style narration gives way to high-energy surf/sci-fi pop-punk instrumentals (think Man or Astroman? as conducted by Mike Watt) leaving the audience to envision the action sequences for themselves. Or just see the band live. I highly
recommend the experience. There is plenty to look at as they race around the stage, torture their instruments, and depending on that evening's story, may even tease vintage spookiness from a Theremin encased in the shell of an antique cathedral radio. But the big question is, "Does
that excitement translate to the recording?" Like Zappa on Halloween or Alice Cooper's infamous '73 tour, nothing will beat being there in person, but "The Blue Eyed Model" is enjoyable in and of itself, and feels like a complete multimedia experience even if all you've
got is the audio. Standout Tracks: "We Put The Fun back In Funeral," "Girl In A Box," "The Very Merry Un-Birthday Song," "The Blue Eyed Model (Reprise)" - RS
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Artichoke
26 Scientists (Volume One: Anning - Malthus)
What if.They Might Be Giants, Ween, and Camper Van Beethoven broke into Robert Pollard's studio with a stack of science textbooks and more than a few six-packs? I imagine you'd wind up with something sonically similar to Artichoke's latest. A fun and stylistically diverse collection
of DIY pop-rock, this disc is the first of a proposed two based on the concept of stringing together 26 catchy musical biographies (one for each letter of the alphabet, of course) of historical scientists. That sounds way more highbrow than it actually comes across, though. From
the cowboy swagger of "Einstein, Albert" to the percolating "Burbank, Luther," and from the megaphone-voiced rave-up "Galilei, Galileo" to the Beatle-chorused "Darwin, Charles Robert"," this is more School of Rock than science class. This should fit nicely next to the
hotly anticipated 5-disc collection by Jay-Z addressing the elements of the periodic table. I hear that "Ununnilium" is particularly bangin'. Standout Tracks: "Malthus, Thomas Robert", "Fuller, Richard Buckminster", "Einstein, Albert", "Burbank, Luther" -
RS |
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The City On Film
American Diary
Hey Mercedes is no more, but Robert Nanna is off and running with a prolific solo career under the name "The City On Film," and this latest EP comes hot on the heels of the full-length "In Formal Introduction" released back in June. In true "Wish You Were
Here" tradition, the opener and closer of this 6 song release are two quiet lo-fi acoustic numbers that seem to be fragments of the same song, which actually gives this disc the feeling of a concept record — even at a brisk 19 minutes total. BTW, speaking of "Wish
You Were Here," you can check out TCOF’s interpretation of that classic here. Anyway, back to the EP... "Pony’s Last Trick" feels like the standout of the set,
but the rest of the tunes do more than hold their own: "Astray! Astray!" is a fantastic little cowpunk diversion, "You’re Gonna Need That Patience Soon" is a driving and crunchy pop-rocker, and "Well, It Goes Like This" is a very pleasant dark
lounger. Hey Mercedes (read our interview) fans and newbies alike are encouraged to listen up. - RS |
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Nickodemus
Endangered Species
NYC's sonic chef Nickodemus has mercifully given us his first full length, and it's a musical trip around the world in 55 minutes. It is funky, trippy, and intelligent music that doesn't easily succumb to categorization. What's more, there's a sense of community here that is refreshingly
genuine, evidenced as much by the east-meets-west tone combinations as by the plethora of fellow world-groove luminaries who show up to make welcome guest appearances. Imagine a block party being held smack in the middle of where all of the ethnic neighborhoods meet, everyone getting
along famously, hauling out their instrument of choice, and partying well into the morning as the beat goes on. As we move closer to becoming a global community, music like this should be our soundtrack — joyous, inspiring, and inclusive. Don't bother fumbling around trying
to find the invitation, you're on the list. "We Are The World", indeed. Standout Tracks: the new mix of "Cleopatra In New York", "Give The Drummer Some" with its generous roll call, and the party send-up "Funky In The Middle." -
RS |
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Nada Surf
The Weight Is a Gift
Thank your lucky stars once again that Nada Surf signed to Barsuk records, where their talent and creativity can be cultivated. After leaving hit-single-seeking Elektra, their first Barsuk attempt resulted in the sublime "Let Go" in 2002, and now once again pays off handsomely
with "The Weight Is A Gift." It's a blast of introspective power pop that on the strength of single "Always Love" alone puts it up with the top albums of 2005. I always liked these guys but knew there was something really special going on when they chose to brilliantly cover Francoise
Hardy's "Au Fond du Reve D Ore" on Hear Music's 2004 Sweetheart collection, and my ears have been especially perked ever since. One of the comparatively few bands out there defying the typical career arc, Nada Surf has been outdoing themselves with each new release since their
early 21st century Barsuk rebirth — turning lessons learned on their 12-year roller-coaster ride into pretty damn near perfect records. Standout Tracks: "All Is Love", "Concrete Bed", "Do It Again", "Blankest Year", and the boys getting their Who on during the intro
to "Armies Walk." - RS |
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| Grab these free MP3s, then buy the CDs and support these bands. |
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Up Up Down Down
I'll Thank You Later
This clever and sweet little ditty from the pride of South Jersey that will leave you wanting more delicious pop goodness right away. |
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Fucked Up
Baiting The Public
If there was a simple term for "insanely awesome, intense, epic, hardcore bad-assness," I would most definitely use it here. This freaking rocks! |
Voxtrot
Mothers, Sisters, Daughters & Wives
I'm a sucker for modern bands that can capture the late 80s/early 90s indie pop sound well and update it with something a bit different. This is must for fans of The Connells and Let's Active. |
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| Check these old faves now in heavy rotation on the UW HQ hi-fi. |
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