Sorry about the extended absence! Between the holidays, my writing gig at No Country for New Nashville, and the general December slowness of the industry (music, at least- movies are still going strong and I hope to have a December movie recap up in some form or another very soon!) it's been tough to keep content regular. We're brainstorming finally adding a couple more contributors to the mix (I hope), and figuring out the best way to keep more consistent for 2013. Definitely planning more concert and film reviews as well. Thanks for bearing with us while I get the format figured out! Writing is something I enjoy and I am very eager to balance this with the many other projects I have going on in life right now. Since this has been a slow month, I decided to showcase all of December in two parts, rather than slap together weaker, weekly lists. Here's the first half of what we think you should be listening to from December:
Our Take: This is one of our essential picks for December. We know, we know; haters gonna hate. We're not claiming that this is necessairly the best album on this list; it's just the one we think warrants your attention the most. Ke$ha is an indisputably polarizing artist (and we know we're not the first unlikely site to give this record so much love). Make no mistake though, we're not recommending it out of irony or suddenly jumping on the Ke$ha bandwagon; we sincerely think that this is a thoroughly entertaining and top-notch pop record with some serious rock and roll spirit to it (if you don't believe us, keep reading until we get to the guest features). We unabashadely enjoyed the singer's 2010 debut, Animal, and strong followup EP, Cannibal. Honestly, we're a sucker for anything Max Martin and Dr. Luke touch (another opinion we share with many other seemingly unlikely sources- just look at how many year-end song lists Taylor Swift's Max Martin tracks ended up on). But with Warrior, the singer steps beyond just a Luke/Martin machination and really injects more of her own artistry into the mix (in the somewhat absurd, occasionally vapid, self-instituted party girl/rocker chick characterization she long ago adopted). The record isn't a huge departure, but rather an improvement on an established formula and simultaneous artistic expansion that lands stronger and more confidently than any of the Ke$ha's previous output. Thematically, Warrior also showcases a distinct shift from the mostly shallow and lyrically impersonal previous releases and focuses more on Ke$ha's feelings and personal struggles. That's not to say there aren't plenty of tracks about partying, but it's nice to see the enigmatic wild child pull the curtain back a bit.
There's actually two records we're recommending here, so let's start with the EP. Deconstructed is available only in a special bundle from Ke$ha's website, so it's likely to fly much more under the radar than her previous EP, Cannibal. It's being marketed as an "acoustic" EP, but last we checked synthesizers don't count as acoustic. "Stripped down" would be a more accurate descriptor. Featuring two songs from Cannibal and two from Warrior (one of which is the previously released, stripped-down version of "Die Young"- a song penned by fun.'s Nate Ruess), the real reason we're calling this noteworthy is its opener- the mama Ke$ha-penned track "Old Flames Can't Hold a Candle to You," made famous by Dolly Parton. That's right, Ke$ha's mom was a successful songwriter. Who knew? Anyway, Ke$ha really tastefully and faithfully knocks that track out of the park, accompanied by an impecable arrangement that does the original justice without forcing the pop singer to stray into country territory (we doubt that would be pretty- despite her Nashville upbringing). The other reason we think Deconstructed warrants a listen is its rare glimpse into a calmer, more retrained, and more vocal-centric side of a singer whose output, for the most part, rarely dictates the need for any of those characteristics. It doesn't sound completely without autotune, but the EP does give some credence to the hope that Ke$ha, as a vocalist, is not a complete construct of studio production.
The real record of note here, though, is Warrior. Make sure you check out the deluxe version. Though it clocks it at a rather lengthy (for this type of album) 16 tracks, the bonus 4 give a glimpse into what Warrior could have been, had it not carried the pressure to follow up the aesthetics pre-established by Animal and Cannibal. That stylistic dichotomy is present throughout, and makes for a really unbalanced, though still very entertaining, listen. Warrior sounds more like a compilation than an album proper (and, for all intents and purposes, it kind of is- the singer reportedly recorded many, many more songs with various producers and collaborators so this is the product of compromise between Ke$ha and the major label machine). You get the sense that you're listening to two distinctly different types of songs: the Animal-esque, Luke/Martin-infused, hook-laden dance pop songs both expected and, at this point, required of the singer to churn out and the old school, throwback rock and roll and indie jams she would rather be making (and, in all likelihood, closer to the realm of what she more frequently listens to and identifies with). Ke$ha, as an artist, was a bit of an accident- a personality discovered by a superstar production team and plugged into Big Music in a way where her style was more or less pre-crafted for her. It's not a bad style, fortunately, and even the more "classically Ke$ha" tracks on Warrior are mindlessly enjoyable and wonderfully poppy- as strong as or stronger than anything on her debut. At moments, her pop tracks get really unpredictable and avant-garde even, with occasional dubsteppy tendencies and pretty mind-blowing production turns (top 40 backbone notwithstanding). However, it's the rock songs, the more "sincerely Ke$ha" tracks (which are sort of crammed into the middle as not to curb the pacing) that are the most intriguing. She snagged help from The Black Keys on this song (and just Patrick Carney here), The Strokes on this one, The Flaming Lips on this one (the only one to make the cut of a reported 6 or 7 produced) and Iggy Pop on a song in the style of Iggy Pop (how meta is that?). Bits and pieces of these tracks fall flat, but for the most part they work surprisingly well- especially her collaboration with The Strokes (which is essentially a Strokes song with Ke$ha on vocals). The pedigree of these collaborators alone gives the singer an air of legitimacy that few of her peers can claim. Sure, guest spots can be bought, but that's not a list of artists who would stamp their name on just any track, no matter the amount being offered. We're intrigued by just how good this record could have been, had Ke$ha really been allowed to reign unchained and unchecked. Even at her most rock and roll, she's bogged down by incredibly glossy production, embellished hooks, and an abundance of autotune. These characteristics are a huge part of what makes Ke$ha so immensely enjoyable in many aspects, but the irony is the elements that make her music so irresistibly catchy are also perhaps limiting its own natural evolution into a more self-representative territory.
Warrior is not high art and you probably shouldn't hold out hope for Ke$ha to quietly transform into the second coming of rock and roll on mainstream radio. But it's a thoroughly enjoyable record nonetheless, and a shining beacon of promise in the sea of mostly unlistenable top 40 music of the moment. It's not our guilty pleasure- it's sincerely fun, light, feel-good music and we genuinely enjoy it and completely recommend giving it a listen, even if mainstream pop isn't typically your thing. Warrior is also a reassuring testament to the fact that Ke$ha has high regard for the direction of her career and we seriously hope she keeps pushing to produce music that she likes on a personal level and infusing it with her established formula. Though her persona is clearly an embellishment, we do honestly believe that Ke$ha is a true outcast rocker girl with the most genuine of intentions, accidentally cemented in a position of pop radio prominence, whose musical mission is, to the best of her capability, to spread the rock and roll spirit and bring the party (probably the party she never got invited to in high school). And we're solidly on board with that.
Check Out: "Only Wanna Dance with You ," the Strokes collaboration that just might be one of the best pop songs all year, the best thing The Strokes have had their name attached to in the past half a decade, and, hopefully, a blueprint for what we can expect from Ke$ha in the future. Really, though, check out all of the collaborations we linked to above.
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Click "Read More" to find out what else from the month of December you should be checking out (they're not all top 40 pop records, we promise)!
Dream Boat- Eclipsing [Cloud]
Quick Take: As a debut album, Eclipsing is unreasonably refined and confident in exactly the type of sound Dream Boat (the duo of Page Campbell and Dan Donahue) are striving for. Musically, it's lush, atmospheric, understated, and haunting. Thematically, it's emotionally dense, beautiful, and subtle. Based out of Athens and pseudo-affiliated with the Elephant 6 Collective (the genesis of projects such as Neutral Milk Hotel, The Apples in Stereo, and Elf Power), Dream Boat are a group that commands a reasonable amount of buzz out of the gate, and they live up to every bit of it with Eclipsing. They're quite different than many of the other Elephant 6 bands, however. Stylistically they're much more mellow and dreamy; very downtempo and deliberate. It's almost tough to pinpoint the group's specific, deep appeal- their minimalist sound and texture-heavy arrangements are nothing new, but crafted here in a way that connects on such a deeply personal level. Their lyrics are vulnerable and well matched aesthetically to the musical tone throughout Eclipsing, if not somewhat muddled and disconnected by the hazy, drawn-out production (but we forgive that fact because the production is perfectly suited to their delivery). The duo's ability to co-opt varied stylistic influences and fold them into a unified sound throughout the record is simply mind-blowing. Rarely does Eclipsing falter, and when it does, it's minor enough to hardly detract from the record's overall effectiveness. Dream Boat are a hard band to describe and finding specific points of recommendation about their debut is even harder. It's simply a solid piece of dreamy, atmospheric pop with smarter, more refined songs than most bands could hope to craft on a debut and, from beginning to end, it's wholly gorgeous and enthralling.
Check Out: "Sea to Sky," the standout track on the record that is most perfectly demonstrative of Dream Boat's dreamy, lush style and Eclipsing's tonal foundation.
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Heathered Pearls- Loyal [Ghostly International]
Quick Take: Heathered Pearls is the solo vehicle of Jakub Alexander (the co-founder of the record label Moongadget). His debut, Loyal, is an artistic and ethereal representation of ambient music at its true essence. Borrowing a distinct note from artists like Steve Reich and Matthew Dear, Loyal perhaps owes its greatest influence to ambient aficionado Brian Eno's school of understated, atmospheric aesthetics. Completely instrumental and somewhat loose in its structure, the record, as with much ambient music, does bear something of a point of entry to fully digest. Once you wrap your brain around exactly what Heathered Pearls has crafted, however, and allow the surprisingly concise tracks to reel you in, it's a gorgeous and welcome musical journey. Using such sparse instrumentation (and even a limited range of textures and samples), Loyal still feels incredibly broad and thematic- constructing a story melodically with such an acute attention to detail few artists have the self-control or ear for. Though it's somewhat hard to recommend because it takes a level of patience and determination to connect with, Hearthered Pearls' debut is an intriguing and beautiful piece of art and a totally rewarding listening experience if you allow yourself the necessary immersion.
Check Out: "Beach Shelter," the ocean-conjuring, misty, and hugely atmospheric track that should give you a pretty solid taste of what you're in store for with Loyal.
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Scott Walker- Bish Bosch [4AD]
Quick Take: It's pretty wild that the Scott Walker of The Walker Brothers and the Scott Walker of today are one in the same. Formerly a fairly straightforward orchestral pop crooner, Walker (a month shy of 70) has transformed into an enigmatic and critically lauded, surrealist experimental musician. It hasn't been an overnight change; Walker began moving away from his earlier pop tunes and teen appeal as early as the '70s, but it wasn't until 1995's Tilt (its own prototype somewhat laid out in 1984's Climate of Hunter), that the Walker of today truly emerged. Walker has only been releasing an album a decade since the '80s, his last 2006's The Drift, so his despite his career evolution taking place over three decades, the musical change has been more incremental than one might expect. His latest, Bish Bosch, mostly lands in the same vein of the bleak, experimental tone of The Drift (the two, at six years apart, are his closest intervaled releases since the '70s). It's the darkest, weirdest, most fringe appealing, and avant-garde, yet, on many levels, brilliant thing Walker has produced in his strange and multifaceted career. Intentionally oddball structure abounds, and nonsensical lyrics delivered in Walker's unmistakable baritone screech are juxtaposed with unpredictable arrangements. It's a sometimes frustrating musical direction, trailing off in unforeseen and lingering turns, yet it never strays into the territory of boring. We think Bish Bosch is a brilliant, yet admittedly tough, listen and an essential December record which would ultimately have made a lot of year-end lists had it been released a bit sooner. We're well aware that this one is going to be pretty polarizing, however, and very much expect a lot of people to regard it as practically unlistenable. Give it a spin and decide for yourself.
Check Out: "Epizootics!," which, clocking in at almost 10 minutes, has a tendency to stray into excess at points, but nonetheless is the sound of a very talented and spaced-out artist with a liberating absence of regard for how his art is perceived.
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T.I.- Trouble Man: Heavy Is the Head [Grand Hustle/Atlantic]
Quick Take: Atlanta rapper T.I.'s last album, No Mercy (released in between two stints in prison), was competent, yet nowhere near the level of previous commercial and critical standouts King and Paper Trail. It seems like the rapper's releases are stuck in the same pattern as the Star Trek films- the even releases are significantly stronger than the odds (See that? We just name-checked Star Trek in a T.I. review). In keeping with that pattern, Trouble Man: Heavy Is the Head is an incredibly solid return to form from a reinvigorated T.I. Finally out of the litigious woods, and seemingly more at peace with his lifestyle, family, and outside business ventures, the record bears an air of increased clarity and assurance that was lacking on its predecesor. Trouble Man is not quite T.I. at the absolute top of his game, but with an outstanding panel of guests, more varied production than his releases typically tend to include, and the same self-assured southern swagger the MC is known for, it's a lot of fun and rarely falters in its intensity or pacing. The biggest hip hop faux pas, perhaps, is how often the guests come close to overshadowing T.I. himself. Andre 3000 (always a welcome name to see on a track feature), Meek Mill, and A$AP Rocky all deliver their verses with such a confidence and fluidness, that you momentarily forget whose name comes first on their tracks. Despite those shortcomings, T.I. mostly holds his own on in welcome return to form which we hope is indicative of even better material to come.
Check Out: "Sorry (feat. Andre 3000)," one of several standout tracks on Trouble Man. We're recommending this as the one you've got to hear, mostly for the mind-blowingly good verse from Andre 3000- but T.I. holds his own on it as well.
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BONUS: Chief Keef- Finally Rich [Interscope]
Why: Chief Keef first popped onto most people's radar with the remix of his song "I Don't Like" appearing on Kanye West/G.O.O.D. Music's Cruel Summer compilation. The track also appears on Keef's debut, sans West (and loses some of its luster without those star-studded guest spots). Finally Rich carries a lot of hype and, even beyond its best-known track, largely delivers. Thematically, it's dark and sometimes troublesome- Keef's disturbed worldview and distasteful notions extend well beyond the bounds of typical gangsta rap (but no worse than shock rappers like Odd Future regularly produce- the difference being Keef seems more sincere and less satirical). To be fair, Keef is a mere 17-years-old so we're seeing the angst-ridden, complicated emotions of a young man thrust into a position of fame and influence. Themes aside, Keef's knack for restrained, unique delivery perfectly matches the fairly top-notch production on Finally Rich and, overall, it really lands effectively. Check out the weed-inspired, Wiz Khalifa and 50 Cent-featuring "Hate Bein' Sober" and stream the entire album on Spotify.
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BONUS: Green Day- ¡Trè! [Reprise]
Why: The third and final release in a somewhat disappointing trilogy of studio albums, ¡Trè! hits closer to where a band like Green Day, at this point in their career, should. It's not even that previous releases ¡Uno! and ¡Dos! were that bad, necessarily, but with a band capable of career high points like Dookie and the more recent American Idiot, they should be a operating at a much higher caliber at this point in the game. We'd like to chalk it up to overreaching ambition (the trilogy could have been trimmed down to one fairly solid output) and personal complications on frontman Billie Joe Armstrong's part. ¡Trè! is the strongest and most enjoyable of the bunch, but only time will tell if the group still has it in them to properly find their footing once more. Check out unabashedly catchy, yet still punk-tinged "99 Revolutions," reminiscent of Green Day's better days, and stream the entire album on Spotify.
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BONUS: We Are Voices- Tread Lightly [self-released]
Why: We Are Voices have an incredible knack for crafting anthemic, melodic, and intelligent indie rock songs. On Tread Lightly, the band bounces from emotional, mellow, and layered (really showcasing singer Lucas Larson's outstanding pipes) to driving, powerful, and moving indie romps. Hailing from Kasas City, it's a bit shocking to see that We Are Voices are still fully independent. Tread Lightly is top-notch and refined in its production, and its appeal so broad yet substantial, that the band becoming a household name seems only a matter of time. This record is the perfect balance of artistry and accessibility, and we wholeheartedly recommend it! Check out the tastefully constructed, hypnotic, dynamic, and fantastically catchy jam "End" and stream the entire album on Spotify.
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BONUS: Time & Distance- On [EP] [self-released]
Why: We're not exactly sure how to classify Time & Distance. They've been a band for a decade and came from a distinctly pop punk background, but On is definitely not a pop punk record. Alt rock? Powerpop? Rock and roll? The EP is a skillful and calculated merging of influences from a band who has spent many years, many tours, and several records honing the ability to craft the perfect hook. And On is full of not only hooks, but substance. Time & Distance were only somewhat on our radar previously, but if On is any indication of what the band capable of from here on out, we're definitely paying attention. Check out the impossibly catchy, gut-wrenchingly honest, and primed for radio (if only radio was still kind to pop punk) "Little Disaster," and stream the entire album on Spotify.
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BONUS: Pat Maine- Doomsday Charades [Alive and Well]
Why: Though he hails from Salt Lake City, if we didn't know better we'd swear Pat Maine was a product of the Minneapolis rap scene that brought us Atmosphere, P.O.S., and the Doomtree crew. Maine's second full-length, Doomsday Charades is more focused, hard-hitting, and technically proficient than any of the MC's previous output. The record meshes sharply delivered and poignant lyrics with mostly natural instrumentation (which, again, reminds us a lot of P.O.S.) in perfect balance. In a hip hop heavy month, Doomsday Charades is a worthy contendor and an underdog that deserves your attention. Check out the Dumb Luck, Sleep, and ECID-featuring, horn-laden, high-energy, fast rhyming track "A Monster," and stream the entire album on Spotify.
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HONORABLE MENTION: Merchandise- Children of Desire [Jagjaguwar]
Why: Children of Desire was officially released back in the spring (which is why it didn't make our list proper) on small label Katorga Works. It's an amazing (and completely overlooked) post-punk/new wavy output from a band of individuals who cut their teeth in the punk and hardcore scene. The label wasn't able to keep up with physical product demand, so Jagjaguwar stepped in to newly wide release the fantastic album. If you missed it the first time around, we can't recommend enough that you give it a listen! Check out the haunting, ambient, and sort of hard to classify single "Time" and download the entire record for FREE at Katorga Works.
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You can also find a slightly different version of this list at No Country for New Nashville.
The amount of great music on television each week can be hard to keep track of. Every Monday, we'll post a recap of the best and most interesting performances coming up. We'll give you our essential pick for each night, as well as some other great options that might pique your interest.
Here are the performances we think you should set your DVR for:
M- Jack White on Conan
Tu- FIDLAR on Carson Daly
W- Atlas Genius on Kimmel
Th- Ryan Adams on Conan
Fr- Martha Wainright on Fallon
Sa- Paul McCartney on SNL
Click "Read More" for descriptions, links, channel listings, a Spotify playlist of our picks, and a schedule of even more television performances for the week!
MONDAY (12/10)
Our pick: Jack White on Conan [TBS; 11PMe]: His solo career has really exloded this year with Blunderbuss, Third Man Records is growing in popularity by the day, and his chemistry with Conan is unbeatable. Plus, he's a modern day musical legend. Don't miss out on this one!
The Hives on Last Call with Carson Daly [NBC; 1:35AMe]: 2012 hasn't quite proven to be the comeback year Swedish rockers The Hives were hoping for, since the release of their new album Lex Hives. Regardless, they always put on a top-notch, high energy performance.
Of Monsters and Men on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno [NBC; 11:35PMe]: Icelandic indie rockers Of Monsters and Men have had quite a breakout year after an amazing debut, and we have no doubt 2013 will be even bigger. Expect them as fixtures at all the festivals this summer.
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TUESDAY (12/11)
Our pick: FIDLAR on Last Call with Carson Daly [NBC; 1:35AMe]: FIDLAR (an acronym for Fuck It Dog, Life's a Risk) are a no-B.S., punk-tinged garage rock band who play music about being broke, drinking cheap beer, and partying. And they're so, so good at it.
AWOLNATION on Late Show with David Letterman [CBS; 11:35PMe]: It was a shame that Aaron Bruno's old band, Under the Influence of Giants, never quite broke through. With a fantastic debut and already more critical and commercial attention, it's great to see the talented singer get another shot with AWOLNATION.
Graham Parker & The Rumour on Conan [TBS; 11PMe]: After over three decades of releasing music on his own, legendary British rocker Graham Parker has reunited with the original lineup of his classic late '70s band The Rumour. The band just released a great comeback record called Three Chords Good.
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WEDNESDAY (12/12)
Our pick: Atlas Genius on Jimmy Kimmel Live! [ABC; 12AMe]: If their debut EP (released this summer) is any indication, Atlas Genius are destined for great things. They're already gaining a ton of underground buzz and tons of touring and festival appearances are sure to make for a big 2013.
Grizzly Bear on Late Show with David Letterman [CBS; 11:35PMe]: Their latest record Shields is their strongest release yet, further cementing the fact that the indie rockers have more staying power than many of their peers. Plus, they always put on a great performance!
The Heavy on Last Call with Carson Daly [NBC; 1:35AMe]: English soul/funk rockers The Heavy made quite a splash in the U.S. in 2012 due to extensive touring and their great new album The Glorious Dead. Expect big things to come.
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THURSDAY (12/13)
Our pick: Ryan Adams on Conan [TBS; 11PMe]: By Ryan Adams standards, the dynamic singer has had a relatively quiet past couple of years. We can only assume the lack of new material in 2012 means we'll see at least two new releases in 2013.
Dan Deacon on Jimmy Kimmel Live! [ABC; 12AMe]: Known for his strong live shows, indie/electronic musician Dan Deacon's latest release America is the culmination of the unique, smart sound he's spent years refining. Don't miss him!
DIIV on Late Show with David Letterman [CBS; 11:35PMe]: Brooklyn's DIIV released their debut album Oshin this summer and have been an unstoppable force of buzz ever since. Expect the shoegaze, dreamy indie rockers to have a solid 2013 as well.
The Jezabels on Last Call with Carson Daly [NBC; 1:35AMe]: Hailing from Australia, indie rockers The Jezabels have been developing something of a cult following over the past few years. The band has finally begun slipping into the mainstream radar since last year's excellent Prisoner.
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FRIDAY (12/14)
Our pick: Martha Wainwright on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon [NBC; 12:35AMe]: Though she's been making ripples in the indie folk scene for years, Martha Wainwright's recent release Come Home to Mama is poised to catapult her career to the next level. She's also a seasoned and never anything but spectacular performer.
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit on Late Show with David Letterman [CBS; 11:35PMe]: Former Drive-By Trucker Jason Isbell has had quite an impressive solo run over the the past few years. The Alabama alt-country rocker just put out a great new live album and is sure to bring a good time.
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SATURDAY (12/15)
Our pick: Paul McCartney on Saturday Night Live [NBC; 11:30PMe]: This one's a no-brainer. Sir Paul, a longtime fan, occasional cameo, and sometimes performer on Saturday Night Live (this will be the former Beatle's 4th time performing on the show) is a legend. It's been a fairly strong season so far, so come for the musical guest, stay for the sure-to-be-hilarious holiday episode hosted by SNL alum Martin Short. McCartney tends to pop up in sketches whenever he appears on the show, so keep your eyes glued to the whole thing!
Sorry for the delay. It's that hectic time of year, and since a lot of the records coming out are from artists we're less familiar with, we're making an effort to spend an appropriate amount of time with each of them. As we mentioned Friday, there was just way too much great new music to condense into one post this week. Here's Part 2 of our essential picks for the best new record releases of the past week. Today we're focusing on full-lengths.
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Pav Dic- GMB [self-released/RBC]
Quick Take: This is our other essential pick for the week. Pac Div (or Pacific Division if you're mad at them) have only released one other proper full-length (and a slew of mixtapes), but you'd never guess that when listening to GMB. The record (its title an acronym for the trio's first names- Gabe, Mike, and Bryan- though their stage names are Mibbs, Like, and BeYoung), is a confident, polished, and slick piece of hip hop and a total joy to listen to from beginning to end. Though it's technically a pseudo self-release, GMB sounds not only good, but downright amazing from a production standpoint. It's thick with samples, vocal effects, and more bass than we can even reasonably comprehend. The production is cohesive and top-notch, but a top-notch album can not production alone make. Fortunately Pac Div are up to the task in every respect- their lyrics strong and refined, their west coast flow hypnotic and entrancing, and their thematic focus tough and extravagant but never overbearing. At its best, GMB offers up some of the best musical moments in all of 2012. At its worst, it's an above average rap ride that never once loses steam. It's the perfect balance of everything we want from a hip hop record and quite possibly the best the genere has to offer for the close of the year.
Check Out: "Automatic," the Swiff D-produced banger that showcases each member of the group in equal measures and plows along with a never-ending momentum. Anyone else notice that total Afrika Bambaataaa vocal effect callback at the beginning?
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Click "Read More" to find out what we're listening to this week!
Big Dipper- Crashes on the Platinum Planet [Almost Ready]
Quick Take: If you were down with Big Dipper before the 2008 Merge Records anthology/reissue of the band's back catalogue, you're either much older than us, much cooler than us, or both. Hailing from Boston, Big Dipper belonged to the late '80s could-have-been should-have-been school of alt/indie bands that struggled to break into relevance in a pre-'90s alt rock explosion world. Though they received some moderate success and critical praise (especially in regards to their 1987 debut Heavens) at the time, the group disbanded in 1990 and were largely relegated to a mere footnote in musical history. Since 2008, however, the band has steadfastly been climbing back into musical consciousness; a journey which has culminated with Crashes on the Platinum Planet, their first album in 22 years. And my, what a wonderful album it is. Big Dipper still sounds like, well, Big Dipper. But a better, more distilled essence of their former selves. It's rare that we're inclined to look at an album released so many years after a group's relevance (especially when that group has been laying dormant all that time) through the same critical lens as their previous work. Times have changed, perspectives evolved, and recreating the youthful energy and spark that necessitated a bands' existence in the first place is often a battle of diminishing returns. However, Crashes on Platinum Planet somehow manages to defy all odds as the strongest release of Big Dipper's career while staying true to the group's core sound, thematic tendencies, and general aesthetic. Even without comparing it against their past work (which, as a fan more new than old we would rather do), it stands alone as a strong, smart, and tightly crafted piece of indie rock and a magnificent way to kick off December. It doesn't feel like a comeback, because it doesn't sound like a record from a band that ever left.
Check Out: "Robert Pollard," the nostalgic, youthful, and perfectly layered jam that exemplifies how an old sound can be reconstructed in a modern environment and still sound fresh and relevant.
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Junkie XL- Synthesized [Nettwerk]
Quick Take: The sixth album from Dutch DJ Junkie XL, Synthesized is the culmination of a long and varied career of a musician that has seen a huge range of trends come and go within his realm of influence, and learned how to deconstruct the best elements and essence of each of those trends and apply them to his own music. Collaborations have always been a staple of his solo releases, but Synthesized takes a turn to highlight mostly less prominent, less named guests than previous releases (save for Datarock). We don't claim to be especially EDM savvy and that's part of Junkie XL's appeal- his knack for making accessible, mass-appeal songs that genuinely feel like songs that anyone can enjoy, but songs that still exist solidly in the world of EDM and serve all functions of that accordingly. Though his music flexes an immense level of attention to detail and talent in layering samples and synth flourishes in appropriate measures, his obsession with providing a hook- often supplied by his collaborators- works to push the record in a forward-moving, very grounded manner. Whether it's the soundtrack to your party or a casual listen, Synthesized is an exploration in top-notch dance music from a man more than qualified to provide it
Check Out: "Synthesized," the hypnotic and lush title track with a hook that'll be stuck in your head all day.
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Departures- Teenage Haze [No Sleep]
Quick Take: What kind of band are Departures, exactly? It's definitely something you might ponder when giving their new album Teenage Haze a first listen. You might be inclined to call them hardcore, based on vocal delivery, but they're not a hardcore band. You might be inclined to call them indie rock or alt or emo throwback, based on their musical structure and production, but that's definitely not right either. A punk band? Too slow, too reflective, too sensitive for that. Pop punk? Getting colder- there's no pop here. Screamo? No way (does anyone even use that term anymore?). Let's just call them a good band. A band capable of harnessing a whole plethora of influences and sonically channeling them into a sound that is all at once familiar yet wholly unique. And a sincere and honest one. Teenage Haze is a really magnificent juxtaposition of punk-leaning alt rock music with decidedly emo (we mean it in the best possible way) and introspective lyrics delivered in a markedly punk style (another juxtaposition in of itself, as the abrasiveness of singer James McKean's delivery often clashes with the emotional theme he is conveying). Teenage Haze is a powerful, bombastic, and often vulnerable romp of raw emotion and musical energy and by the time it ends, your only complaint will likely be that the journey was a bit too brief.
Check Out: "21," a driving and agressive, yet fantastically earnest track channeling into perfect musical articulation the stages of coping with a broken down relationship.
Stream | Spotify | Rdio
Download | iTunes | Amazon | Google Play
Vinyl | No Sleep Records
CD | No Sleep Records
Connect | Tumblr | Twitter | Facebook
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Dean Blunt- The Narcissist II [Hippos in Tanks]
Quick Take: Dean Blunt is a bit of a mystery. Both to us and, it seems, to the musical community as a whole. Little is known about the artist, his releases receive minor fanfare (though The Narcissist II is widely available for purchase) and Blunt receives little attention as a performer outside of blogs and underground-leaning music sites. It's that anonymity, perhaps, and the mystery that surrounds it that adds a extra layer of intangible appeal to his lo-fi art pop releases. There's something very admirable about creating something new and nice and putting an obviously high amount of effort into making it seem old and unpolished. There's also a fine line between tastefully done and disaster, however, not to mention the question as to whether or not a work of art needs that treatment in the first place. We can't imagine The Narcissist II sounding any other way. The record is not as narcissistic as the title might suggest, but thematically it's fairly self-involved and often outright seductive. It's a haunting, at times creepy melding of familiar samples, chopped and screwed to the point where they sound like lingering ghosts of songs past. The lo-fi treatment benefits this effect while seamlessly matching it with the soulful, yet reserved, vocal delivery of Blunt and lyrical forwardness. As a concept, a record like The Narcissist II could easily fall apart, but thanks to the production and the talent of Dean Blunt it soars. On so many levels, this album just works.
Check Out: "The Narcissist," the Hype Williams-produced haunting downtempo title track featuring frequent collaborator Inga Copeland.
Stream | Spotify | Rdio
Download | iTunes | Amazon | Google Play
Vinyl | Hippos in Tanks
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BONUS: The Winter Sounds- Runner [New Grenada]
Why: The Winder Sounds aren't aiming to reinvent the indie rock wheel, and they don't need to. Their new album Runner is a fun, balanced, energetic take on the genere that eclipses the band's previous work in production quality and songwriting. It's dancy and full of Killers-esque synth embellishments, but never wavers from being fully grounded in solid rock and roll. Our only gripe is it seems to be front-stacked with its strongest, most engaging songs. Check out the almost too good to open a record with "The Sun Also Rises" and stream the entire album on Spotify.
Why: When writing about Lone Ninja, it's easy to draw comparisons to MF Doom, but still, they aren't unwarranted. The MC is even further planted in the underground scene, harkens an old school production and delivery style, and largely operates in anonymity. Spanning 27 tracks, Rogue Agent is the rapper's most ambitious, most thematically grandiose, and most technically sound album yet. It's a true gem and a testament to how thriving underground hip hop really is. Check out tough, sharp hitting old school jam "Maximum Penalty" streaming at Hip Hop DX.
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BONUS: Last Call- Dog Years [Broken Arrow Collective]
Why: Hailing from Las Vegas, Last Call belong to the new school of young pop punk bands seeking to once again legitimize the genre (The Wonder Years, Fireworks, etc). Dog Years is a solidly-crafted, energetic, and agressive yet outstandingly catchy entry that builds on the band's past work and allows itself to be guided by their strongest elements. The record doesn't particularly push any boundaries, instead planting itself firmly into and established stylistic realm and excelling at it. It's a thoroughly enjoyable, well-made, top notch pop punk album. Check out the hook-laden, melodically dense singalong "Bones" and stream the entire album on BandCamp.
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BONUS: Wu Block- Wu Block [E1]
Why: Wu Block is the collaboration of Wu-Tang Clan's Ghostface Killah and The LOX's (also known as D-Block, where the record derives it name) Sheek Louch. It's perhaps the connotations of that pedigree that add an extra dimension of pressure to to their self-titled debut, but ultimately Wu Block falls a bit short considering the sum of its parts. Mind you, it's still a quality, masterfully crafted hip hop record, it's just not a career high point for either rapper- it's solidly good and enjoyable, without transcending into greatness. The record feels slanted more in Ghostface's favor at its best moments (and in points for who brought the most associates in to collaborate), but when Sheek shines it's fantastic. The record might have been better served to have been trimmed down by a few tracks, and it terms of relevance or listenability isn't going to overtake the more underground hip hop releases we've already mentioned- but we're still crowning this by far the most gangsta record you're going to get this holiday season. Check out one of the few tracks devoid of a guest and also one of the record's strongest moments of straightforward technically prowess, "Been Robbed," and stream the entire album on Spotify.
Why: Fitting, it seems, that we should follow one of the most hyped hip hop releases (on a fairly hip hop heavy list- rappers apparently love the cold months) of the winter from two established MCs with an almost entirely underground release from two little known collaborators. 100dBs is a Brooklyn-based DJ and frequent collaborator with rapper Ryan-O'Neil. Their latest outing together, Tea & Spliffs, is a sharp, old school, impossibly well-refined and lyrically sharp-witted, intelligent, and honest romp in straightforward, unabashed, hip hop at its purest essence. With its confidence, never wavering flow, and top-notch production this is a no-gimmicks reminder of the power of the story at hip hip's core and a thoroughly enjoyable listen from beginning to end. Check out the infectious old school jam with a great food-for-thought message "Wait a Minute" and stream the entire album on Spotify.
<a href="http://brokenarrowcllctv.bandcamp.com/track/bones" data-mce-href="http://brokenarrowcllctv.bandcamp.com/track/bones">Bones by Last Call</a>
Don't forget to check out yesterday's New Music Recap: EP Edition.
You can also find this list at No Country for New Nashville.
The amount of great music on television each week can be hard to keep track of. Every Monday, we'll post a recap of the best and most interesting performances coming up. We'll give you our essential pick for each night, as well as some other great options that might pique your interest.
Here are the performances we think you should set your DVR for:
M- Punch Brothers on Conan
Tu- Ke$ha on Conan
W- Delta Spirit on Conan
Th- The Gaslight Anthem on Conan
Fr- Big Boi on Fallon
Click "Read More" for descriptions, links, channel listings, a Spotify playlist of our picks, and a schedule of even more television performances for the week!
MONDAY (12/3)
Our pick: Punch Brothers on Conan [TBS; 11PMe]: The Americana/bluegrass rockers released a great album earlier this year and they just recently released a new EP called Ahoy! They always put on a great show!
Led Zeppelin (not performing) on Late Show with David Letterman [CBS; 11:35PMe]: Though they won't be performing (that would be epic), the legendary rock band stops by Letterman tonight to plug their recently released Celebration Day DVD.
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TUESDAY (12/4)
Our pick: Ke$ha on Conan [TBS; 11PMe]: Ok, not only is Ke$ha a catchy, guilty pleasure of ours, but hear us out. On her new album Warrior (out tomorrow), the singer again enlists the help of superproducers Max Martin and Dr. Luke as well the likes of Wayne Coyne (of The Flaming Lips), The Strokes, Iggy Pop, Patrick Carney (of The Black Keys), and Nate Ruess of fun. That not enough to pique your interest? The record is a pretty astoundingly solid pop with a decidedly rock and roll throwback vibe, and Ke$ha's known for her weird, over the top performances. Don't miss out on this one!
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WEDNESDAY (12/5)
Our pick: Delta Spirit on Conan [TBS; 11PMe]: Folk-tinged California indie rockers Delta Spirit put out an incredible self-titled album earlier this year. An immensely talented band known for their tight and energetic live performances, their stop at Conan is one not to miss. Man, Conan is killing it this week, huh?
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THURSDAY (12/6)
Our pick: The Gaslight Anthem on Conan [TBS; 11PMe]: The Gaslight Anthem have had an amazing few years. After basically shedding their solidly punk beginnings and embracing a heartland rock, anthemic sound with punk undertones, the band have become critical darlings. Their latest record Handwritten (the followup to 2010's universally revered American Slang) is fantastic and the band's performance style is never anything below top-notch.
Tanlines on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon [NBC; 12:35AMe]: Tanlines are a little bit poppy, a little bit progressive, a little bit synthy, and a lot nostalgic. Think Vampire Weekend unchained. The band's latest album is also really fantastic.
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FRIDAY (12/7)
Our pick: Big Boi on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon [NBC; 12:35AMe]: Though we'd be lying if we didn't admit we'd rather see the return of OutKast, a new solo outing from Big Boi is almost as good. Set to drop next week, if the rapper's new record is half as good as his last one, it'll make up for the wait!
Garbage on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno [NBC; 11:35PMe]: Alt-rock legends Garbage put out a pretty awesome new record earlier this year. Still riding the promotional trail for the release, you know 'em, you love 'em, and they're sure to be great.
We're doing something a little bit different this week. As we mentioned, the holidays are kind of a deadzone for major releases so we're doing some extra digging and spotlighting indie bands and smaller releases. Just like two weeks ago, we found too many exciting releases we want you to know about, so we're splitting our coverage into two parts. Instead of half the picks today and half tomorrow, we'll instead be talking about five exciting EPs in the first half, then some great full lengths in the second.
Here's what we think you should be checking out this week:
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Hotel of The Laughing Tree- Mammoth Skin, Pt. 1 [self-released]
Quick Take: This is our first essential pick for the week. Just a few years ago it seemed like Long Island's Hotel of The Laughing Tree were poised to explode out of the underground indie rock scene. After gaining attention from mtvU and national magazines following the release of their debut Old Dominion and subsequent followup Terror and Everything After, the band then proceeded to go into a bit of a period of hibernation and self-examination. Having lost and gained members, apparently parting from their label, selling their van, and readjusting their aim and approach for continuing forward (scaled down tour plans, self-release record model), the band is at a point where they're genuinely making music purely for the love of it. And that sincerity is reflected all over their new EP, Mammoth Skin, Pt. 1 (as the title implies, Part 2 is coming early next year). The record is truly a labor of love from a band seeking only self-fulfillment. It's poppy, it's folky, it's densely and melodically layered with sweeping harmonies and gang vocals, the instrumentation is intelligent and tasteful. The tracks weave seamlessly from straightforward indie rock to progressive and epic. Hotel of The Laughing Tree have always been gifted songwriters and their latest release is their most focused, tastefully restrained, and consistently enjoyable. It's the sound of a band remembering why they became a band in the first place, and oh what a wonderful sound it is.
Check Out: "People That We Please," a poppy and progressive indie jam that juxtaposes an earnest, passionate vocal delivery over a hypnotic and layered groove that wouldn't sound out of place in a Minus the Bear song.
Stream | BandCamp
Download | BandCamp
Connect | Twitter | Facebook | Site
<a href="http://hotelofthelaughingtree.bandcamp.com/track/people-that-we-please" data-mce-href="http://hotelofthelaughingtree.bandcamp.com/track/people-that-we-please">People That We Please by Hotel of the Laughing Tree</a>
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Click "Read More" to find out what else we're listening to this week!
You, Me, and Everyone We Know- A Great Big Hole [self-released]
Quick Take: Everybody loves a good tale of redemption. To say You, Me, and Everyone We Know have had a tumultuous existence would be an understatement- in its 6 years of existence, the band has already gone through 11 members, leaving only singer Ben Liebsch standing by the beginning of 2011. Their/his latest EP A Great Big Hole is the band's 4th, in addition to full-length in 2010. It's also, perhaps, its most important. Bouncing back from a battle with alcoholism (the singer claims he's now 20 months sober) and controversy surrounding the financial dealings with his bandmates (the catalyst for their departure), A Great Big Hole represents an artist back on track, and one aware and remorseful of his past transgressions. Its briefest (and most classic YMAEWK sounding) middle track, "I'm Alright" is a straightforward and poignant declaration that the singer, though still not perfect, is, well, alright. The EP is intentionally reflective of the natural progression of the singer's feelings- its opener and title track "A Great Big Hole" dwelling on the damage and regret leading up to this point and its closing track "Coming Up Short" reflecting on the road ahead. "Coming Up Short" is also perhaps the most musically adventurous and a solid affirmation that Liebsch's new perspective and life choices have had no ill-effect on his offbeat and brillant knack for crafting slightly off-kilter rock songs firmly rooted in pop punk. The EP ends with an urgently shouted "there will be no more wasted time for me" that resounds in a way that could easily also be the singer's new life mantra. It's clear You, Me, and Everyone We Know are at a crossroads, but it's also clear, at least as far as Liebsch is concerned, that they're just warming up.
Check Out: "A Great Big Hole," which explosively and confidently opens the record with both the assurance that You, Me, and Everyone We Know are back and the understanding that Ben Liebsch has found peace, regret, and growth from his mistakes. It's intimate and honest and a testament to the power of art over personal struggle.
Stream | BandCamp
Download | iTunes | BandCamp | Google Play
Connect | Tumblr | Twitter | Facebook | Site
<a href="http://youmeandeveryoneweknow.bandcamp.com/track/a-great-big-hole" data-mce-href="http://youmeandeveryoneweknow.bandcamp.com/track/a-great-big-hole">A Great Big Hole by you, me, and everyone we know</a>
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Rivalries- Out of Town and Back Again [Household Name]
Quick Take: It's rare that we do this, but we're putting the new EP from UK band Rivalries, Out of Town and Back Again, on the list without having heard the entire thing yet. The record is currently only available on 7" from their London-based label (link below), but international shipping is incredibly reasonable so we plan to snag a proper copy soon! The band is currently streaming the song "Twelve Out of Ten" and we previously caught the track "Ten Things" (they're switching what's on their BandCamp each week), so our opinion reflects half of the record. Rivalries are a really unique band. We suppose you could call them pop punk, in the sense that they play punk rock with very melodic sensibilities but they definitely lean more on the punk than pop side of things. However, they're only punk in sound because their attitude is the furthest thing from pissed and angry, or even heartbroken; this is perhaps the most positive, happy punk band we've ever heard (even their social media is all under RivalriesAreFun). With chants like "surround yourself with the people that you love/ never give in and never give up" overtop of fast and agressive punk riffs, Rivalries will have you raging for the optimism in your own personal perspective and outlook in the face of any adversity that comes your way. And that's a refreshing take on punk rock we can get behind.
Check Out: "Twelve Out of Ten," an upbeat and uptempo old school pop punk jam that is not only inspiring, but also a downright solid punk song at its essence.
Vinyl | Household Name (UK)
Connect | Tumblr | Twitter | Facebook | Site
<a href="http://rivalriesarefun.bandcamp.com/album/out-of-town-and-back-again-2" data-mce-href="http://rivalriesarefun.bandcamp.com/album/out-of-town-and-back-again-2">Out of town and back again by Rivalries</a>
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Three Loco- ¡Three Loco! [Mad Decent]
Quick Take: Ok, yes, we're putting a rap record featuring Andy Milonakis (the perpetually adolescent-appearing due to a hormone condition, yet grown man, comedian and former MTV star-turned rapper) on the list. Yes, Three Loco also includes Dirt Nasty, a.k.a. Simon Rex, the former MTV VJ and mostly failed actor also turned rapper. Yes, the final member of Three Loco is Riff Raff- the bizarre commodity rapper who conjures early '90s nostalgia along with embellished style and off-kilter flow and subject matter, who rose to fame on MTV's From G's to Gents. And yes, Three Loco is technically a comedy group, their album cover even a parody of the film Three Amigos (and the group's name a spoof on alcoholic energy drink and college party favorite Four Loko). But hear us out: Three Loco are shockingly and undeniable good. Really, really good. With production help from the likes of Diplo and Sinden, the beats are fresh, embellished and simultaneously satirical of and relevant in the modern rap climate. Their style leans old school, but it doesn't sound dated- it's still a modern rap record for modern rap fans. You're not going to find huge flourishing beats and auto-tune here, it's definitely more minimalist in scope, but strong and cohesive nonetheless. The rhymes are just as satirical, an embellishment of typical hip hop lifestyle and boasting, but are so cleverly and confidently delivered that the lines between serious, boastful, and comedic are very much blurred. The history of its members and connotations of the group aside, ¡Three Loco! is a solid and enjoyable EP all the way through and so well-executed that we can't even call it a novelty or guilty pleasure; it's just good.
Check Out: "Neato," the infectiously catchy, off-kilter, and confident opening track that gives every member a really strong moment to shine and encapsulates the weirdness and skill that the unlikely group possesses, lyrically and in delivery. Production-wise it sounds like it could be a Beastie Boys b-side.
Stream | Spotify | Rdio
Download | iTunes | Amazon | Google Play
Connect | Twitter | Facebook
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Fairbanks- Eat This Record [Urban Scandal]
Quick Take: Hailing from Texas, Fairbanks are the kind of pop punk we can never seem to get enough of. Everything about their new EP, Eat This Record, from the production, the the harmonies, the instrumentation, the attitude, and even the album cover, would suggest that the band spent the last two decades frozen in some kind of punk rock time capsule and were awoken with instructions to write the followup to Green Day's Kerplunk. It doesn't sound like an homage or period piece or modern embellishment of "classic" pop punk (I think it's been long enough that we can start calling it that)- it sounds like a record teleported forward from that era. Fairbanks are a band clearly passionate about the music they play and unswayed by the typical tendencies the genre has accumulated throughout its progression. They're not a commodity; they're a true blue pop punk band and a damn fun one at that. If you grew up on classic pop punk, Eat This Record will take you back and if you consider Blink-182 to be your classic pop punk, the EP will serve as a great genre study of a less complicated era. We're very curious to keep an eye on this band.
Check Out: "Distilled Manx," which is arguably the EP's strongest track. It's a near-flawless genre study and an excellently energetic, angsty, and catchy jam. Curious about what the Warped Tour sounded like in '94? Something like this.
Stream | Spotify | BandCamp
Download | iTunes | Amazon | Google Play
CD | Urban Scandal
Connect | Twitter | Facebook
<a href="http://fairbanksmusic.bandcamp.com/track/distilled-manx-2" data-mce-href="http://fairbanksmusic.bandcamp.com/track/distilled-manx-2">Distilled Manx by Fairbanks</a>
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You can also find this list at No Country for New Nashville.
It's a busy fall packed with a ton of great new movie releases. We know it can be hard to keep track of everything coming out, much less figure out what's worth seeing. Fortunately, we've got you covered. Every weekend, we'll recap our picks for the best and most interesting new movies and tell you why we think they're worth checking out!
As we mentioned last time, release schedules get a little weird around the holidays. All of the bigger wide-release films came out last Wednesday which you can find our guide to here. A few new films were still released in limited capacity on Friday, however, so rather than piggybacking them into this upcoming weekend, we thought we'd give them their own quick post. At least two of the three we're highlighting are screening in select cities across the country, so despite the fact that they're limited, they're not impossible to catch.
If you're looking for an alternative to the big studio selections of last week, we think you should check out:
The Central Park Five [in limited release]
Documentary
IFC Films
Directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, David McMahon
Starring Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Kharey Wise
In 1989, five black and Latino teenagers were arrested and charged for brutally attacking and raping a white female jogger in Central Park. News media swarmed the case, calling it "the crime of the century." But the truth about what really happened didn't become clear until after the five had spent years in prison for a crime they didn't commit. With The Central Park Five, this story of injustice finally gets the telling it deserves. Based on Sarah Burns' best-selling book and co-directed by her husband David McMahon and father, the beloved doc filmmaker Ken Burns, this incendiary film tells the riveting tale of innocent young men scapegoated for a heinous crime, and serves as a mirror for our times. (from Rotten Tomatoes via IFC Films)
We've been pretty consistently presenting you with must-see documentaries each week, but this is the first time a documentary is our most-recommended. Co-directed by famed documentarian Ken Burns (and based on a book by his daughter), The Central Park Five is a bit edgier and more personal in subject matter than the broader historical documentaires the filmmaker is mostly known for. With the team involved, the film is sure to be top-notch and the subject matter covered is of huge social importance: the exploration of a mob mentality for justice amidst the backdrop of racial tension leading to the unlawful handling and wrongful conviction of innocent youth. Not unlike how The West Memphis Three were chronicled in Parade Lost (although in this instance there is absolutely zero ambiguity to the case, as the true guilty party has been found), The Central Park Five is a essential viewing for broader society to understand how corrupt even the best intentioned people can become when desperation to overcome horror strikes.
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Hit "Read More" to see what other new movies are on our radar!
Rust and Bone [in limited release]
Drama
Sony Pictures Classics
Directed by Jacques Audiard
Starring Marion Cotillard, Matthias Schoenaerts, Armand Verdure
A struggling single father helps a beautiful whale trainer recover her will to live following a terrible accident that leaves her confined to a wheelchair. Lonely and destitute, Ali (Schoenaerts) leaves the north of France for his sister's house in Antibes after becomming the sole guardian of his estranged five-year-old son... When Ali lands a job as a bouncer in a nearby nightclub, things quickly start to look up... Then one night, after breaking up a fight in the club, Ali meets the radiant Stephanie (Cotillard)... Though Stephanie's position on the high end of the social spectrum makes romance an unlikely prospect for the pair, a tragic accident at Marineland robs her of her legs, and finds her reaching out in desperation to Ali. Her spirit broken by the same tragedy... Stephanie gradually finds the courage to go on living transcendent moments spent with Ali- a man with precious little pity, but an enormous love of life. (from Rotten Tomatoes via Rovi)
Personally, we believe the trailer of this film doesn't really seem to jive with the description and at first glance, the plot appears to be an emotional grab to add layer and stakes to your traditional love that isn't meant to be setup. However, visually it appears to be stunning and the cast is just as strong as the director. Marion Cotillard is a breathtakingly fantastic actress and director Jacques Audiard was responsible for A Prophet, which we adore. Film distributers often struggle to properly market foreign films, as they avoid dialogue in the trailers, so we're assuming our initial apprehension speaks more to the marketing attempts that what the end result will be like. That said, we have a lot of faith in Audiard and the premise does sound intriguing, if not potentially a bit messy, and we think this is a pretty sure bet for fans of more substantial, emotional outings.
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Hitchcock [in limited release]
Drama
Fox Searchlight Pictures
Directed by Sacha Gervasi
Starring Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson
...a love story about one of the most influential filmmakers of the last century, Alfred Hitchcock and his wife and partner Alma Reville. The Film take place during the making of Hitchcock's seminal movie Psycho. (from Rotten Tomatoes)
This is a film we think could be a bit of a tossup. On one hand, Hitchcock and his eccentricities and genius are certainly interesting enough to support a film, in theory. Additionally, the leading actors are top notch and Hopkins especially has magnificently fallen into the look and mannerisms of the late film great. On the other hand, it's not a biopic but a slice of Hitchcock's life simply revolving around the making of Psycho- undoubtedly his best-known film, but limiting the scope to such a short period of time seems wasteful (not to mention, it could be more interesting to shed some light on more critically significant, if not as widely-known, films such as North by Northwest or about Hitchcock's move from British cinema to Hollywood). Not only is it set during Psycho, but appears to be less about the actual making-of (which could be reasonably interesting) and more about the filmmaker's personal life. We don't want to write it off (despite the fact that the director's track record is limited), we do feel like this one could be enjoyable. We just hope they didn't take such a talented cast and an interesting subject and produce a film that feels like a bit of a missed opportunity. It's in limited, so if you're willing to take a gamble and find out, you'll at least be treated to some top-notch acting performances.
Hope you all had a great holiday week (if you're in the U.S.)! Obviously the holidays are kind of a tough time for record releases (between now and January in general tends to be a bit of a music dead zone), so we did some extra digging. The slow release weeks are kind of nice, because they allow us to discover and showcase some bands that otherwise might not have been on our radar (or yours).
With a few releases from legacy artists and a lot from up and comers, the new albums this week were slim but solid enough to put together our usual top 5 with some great bonus picks as well. Bust out those Thanksgiving leftovers and take a listen to:
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The Pharmacy- Stoned & Alone [Old Flame]
Quick Take: This is our essential pick for the week. The Pharmacy are a bit of an anomaly. Their music and their attitude represents an impossibly broad spectrum of influences, many which would typically contradict at best or completely fall apart at worst. Yet the end result is a confident, refined, and amazingly enjoyable band. One that not only makes sense, but reflects so many familiar things while not sounding exactly like any of them. Even more amazingly, The Pharmacy make this remarkable feat seem effortless- they present and carry themselves with an all-encompassing rock and roll swagger (sorry Bieber, the big kids are taking that word back) that makes us honestly believe they don't care all that much about the end result or what you may think of it so much as the self-fulfillment of being and living this band. It's an understatement to say Stoned & Alone (a loose concept album as the title would suggest) is the band's strongest release to date. Mostly shed of their garage punk beginnings (though the spirit lives on), the record encompasses the range of indie rock, psychedelic flair, britpop, legacy punk, retro rock, and a TON of Seattle (the band's homebase) influence- both in the classic alt rock sense and more modern, artsy experimental Seattle aesthetic. It not only bounces around this spectrum from track to track, but within individual songs themselves as well- songs such as "Dig Your Grave" juxtapose punk rhythms with britpop vocals, modern indie riffs, total psychedelic tendencies, and retro lofi production that manages to sound timeless yet perfectly comfortable on the modern musical landscape. How the record sounds overall is another point of astonishment: the production value is so high, so clean, so perfectly matched to the band's sound that it's essentially invisible. The record sounds both old and new, appropriate to each track yet so consistent and fluid throughout- it doesn't exist anchored to the sound of a time, present or past, it just moves forward with steam and energy and lets The Pharmacy's strong material speak for itself. The songs are short and concise without a single weak point- even at its slower and more melodically focused moments (which there are many of) Stoned & Alone plows forward with an energy and confidence that leaves you so immensely enthralled and completely wanting more. The restraint and range serves the band well and makes this one of the strongest, most refreshing, and most enjoyable listens of 2012.
Check Out: "Baby Be," an energetic, poppy, and driving track that encapsulates a bit of surf and a bit of psychedelia in a pleasant, urgent indie pop burst.
Stream | Spotify | Rdio
Download | iTunes | Amazon | Google Play
Vinyl | Insound | Amazon
CD | Amazon | Best Buy
Connect | Twitter | Facebook | Site
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Click "Read More" to find out what else we're listening to this week!
The Evens- The Odds [Dischord]
Quick Take: After essentially pioneering hardcore and kicking off several related movements (as well as fundamentally shaping the entire sound and attitude of a geographic area) with Minor Threat, then basically inventing post-hardcore with Fugazi, Ian MacKaye's latest band, The Evens, have had a markedly less-impactful run (we don't think we're going to see a post-post-hardcore movement spring out of this one). However, The Evens have still very faithfully carried on a quality and attitude worthy of their frontman's legacy throughout their decade-long existence. As just a duo, comprised of MacKaye on vocals and baritone guitar along with partner (both personal and musical) Amy Farina (formerly of The Warmers) on drums and vocals, the band's latest release The Odds marks their first in six years. The Odds is also their best. Now 50, MacKaye isn't exactly unpredictable but he's always dependable, still flexing that DC/Dischord sound he helped pioneer and possessing the same attitude, bite, and focus in his lyrical and musical delivery that he's retained throughout his whole career. Farina is a nice counterbalance; her lyrical style is more generalized and interweaves with MacKaye's quite fittingly. Her rhythmic style is well-matched too; MacKaye's guitar tendencies still retain the structure of his faster, heaver days while Farina's drumming provides a nice relaxed, yet still driving backbone. It's very clear that the two are more than just musical partners; they play together with such confidence and closeness that few duos can muster, as if they're reading one-another's minds. While The Odds has its faster, spazzier, more intense moments, it's definitely the next evolution of MacKaye's artistic sensibilities and reflects the aesthetic pacing of his evolutionary career (don't expect any full-on Fugazi jams here). Strict fans of MacKaye's heavier work might be disappointed (maybe that's part of why The Evens fly much more under the radar than his previous endeavors), but would it even make sense for him to attempt to recreate a sound that was so much a reflection of its time and his personal state at that moment? The Evens have really found their voice over the past decade and have settled into a strong and relevant band in their own right. Perhaps this is the sound of hardcore growing up- and a welcome sound it is.
Check Out: "Wanted Criminals," which is probably the most ferocious Ian MacKaye gets on The Odds. Opening with a harmonically dissonant and high-energy build it sounds for a moment like the MacKaye of old is about to make an appearance, then dissolves into a hypnotizing, unpredictable urgency that is by far one of the records' strongest moments.
Quick Take: Sex isn't just the title of the new EP from Manchester indie synth rockers The 1975; it could also be the records' thesis statement. In both lyrical voice and musical tone the album permeates sexuality, sexiness, emotional and physical desire, and sexual infatuation. Its focus enhanced by a flawless tonal and lyrical parity, Sex is a stunning, effective, and gorgeously-crafted EP. It's the band's second EP this year and The 1975 are exploding strong onto an already crowded scene by asserting an unparalleled quality and confidence. Sex is a focused, more controlled leap forward from their previous EP Facedown; grounding the bands' sound firmly in the British danceable indie pop territory with a vintage post-punk flair. Imagine if M83 and Foals hooked up at an '80s theme party and you've got something of an idea of the The 1975. Over the course of its 4 songs, Sex does a remarkable job of flexing the band's range while more cohesively settling into a very unified voice. With such a fantastic effort from such a new band, we'd be shocked if The 1975 doesn't explode within the next few years.
Check Out: "Sex," the EP's title track and also its most grounded. It's a straightforward, dancy post-punk jam about sexual frustration and complicated relationships. It's melodically fantastic and thematically sets the tone around which the rest of the record is crafted.
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Aspiga- Every Last Piece [EP] [Paper + Plastick]
Quick Take: Aspiga lists Jawbreaker and The Weakerthans among their influences and they most definitely wear their affinity for both of those artists on their sleeve. Hailing from New Jersey, the trio plays a focused and angsty flavor of punk rock with melodic sensibilities and a huge nod to '90s underground emo/punk. Every Last Piece is a near-flawless balance of those influences adapted in a very modern, relevant context. At a time when pop punk has become an abstract, meaningless concept, bands like Aspiga exist to attest to the fact that real, honest punk rock music can legitimately be crafted with true pop sensibilities without going soft or losing its edge. Though it directly bears significant influence from artists and movements past, never does the record feel like a ripoff or dated piece of art. The band is strong enough to create something very refreshing and original within the parameters of something very recognizable. Structurally and melodically, Every Last Piece has a lot of moments that also remind us heavily of Sunny Day Real Estate. Though it's overall a great record, the EP's final 3 tracks lose some of the steam and intensity of its first 4. They're not bad, they just break the flow the record for us ever so slightly enough to keep it grounded in the realm of "great" rather than "near-perfect." Nonetheless, it's an enjoyable and fantastic listen which we recommend to all fans of punk rock (especially those looking for a bit of '90s nostalgia).
Check Out: "Users," where Aspiga's '90s emo influence is in full swing. It's angsty, melodic, and heartfelt and frontman Kevin Day's delivery is perhaps the strongest of any point on the record here.
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Bad Brains- Into the Future [Megaforce]
Quick Take: It's fitting that new releases from Bad Brains and an Ian MacKaye project would drop on the same day. The two couldn't be more different albums, and provide us with a glimpse into the end result of opposite approaches for the continuation and maturation of a musical legacy. Bad Brains arguably invented hardcore, which MacKaye, in the same city with Minor Threat, helped simultaneously refine and added personal agenda to the movement. As we mentioned earlier, MacKaye went on to pioneer post-hardcore (while running a label facilitating the health of his scene) and has since settled into an older, more evolved project in The Evens. Bad Brains, though they had some lineup changes and turmoil over the years (and are now back to their legacy lineup), have more or less stayed the same. They still play their signature hardcore infused with reggae, metal, and funk. They still champion the same ideals, still claim the same city, and still deliver high-energy, over the top emotionally and politically charged performances. It's not a bad thing; they've stayed true to their formula and have consistently refined and distilled their strong sound that they laid the roadmap for long ago. But with their 9th album, Into the Future, it starts to feel like we've heard it all before. That's not to say it's a bad record- Into the Future is on par with 2007's Adam Yauch-produced Build a Nation as perhaps the group's best of the past two decades. It's just that it might not be necessary. Hardcore, at its essence, is a sonic and visceral reflection of the attitudes and ideals of youth culture at its time. For a legacy act like Bad Brains, even though they're still high-caliber and accomplished musicians, it might be time to pass the torch to the next generation and allow their legacy to exist as it stands (or, take a cue from MacKaye and reinvent). Either Way, Into the Future is still a fantastic listen.
Check Out: "Into the Future," the in-your-face opener and title track that really showcases the band's most punk sensibilities and proves, definitively, that Bad Brains have still got it. It does a great job setting the pace for the rest of the record as well.
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BONUS: Kate Nash- Death Proof [EP] [Have 10p]
Why: She's always been edgy and a bit unconventional, but previous Kate Nash releases at least somewhat existed within the realm of radio pop predictability (granted the more talented, artistically relevant part of that realm). Death Proof finds the singer for the first time really producing no holds barred, aesthetically unchained collection of songs that musically match the attitude and lyrical delivery she's always possessed. Check out intro and title track "Death Proof" which, whether or not its an intentional Quentin Tarentino reference, would fit perfectly into one of his movies. You can also stream the entire album on Spotify.
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BONUS: Tight Phantomz- Silk Prison [Forge Again]
Why: Silk Prison is the first Tight Phantomz release since their debut in 2005, but don't worry- at 36 tracks the double album should more than make up for it. Frontman Mike Lust spent several years crafting and recording the record and even with its massive track-listing it never falters. It's more introspective and heartfelt than their debut and truly cements the fact that Tight Phantomz are one of the most talented and under-appreciated bands making music today. Check out moody, driving, alt rock jam "Waiting For" and stream the entire album on Spotify.
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BONUS: Wild Yaks- Million Years [Ernest Jenning]
Why: Hailing from Brooklyn, Wild Yaks play a sloppy, folky, punk-tinged and wholly unique flavor of indie rock. Bouncing between layered and thoughtful traditional rock songs and drunk-chant-singalong ready anthems, Million Years is a fun, energetic, and amazingly satisfying album. The band hasn't made a huge splash yet outside of their native New York, but at evolutionary pace they're going, it's only a matter of time- check 'em out now or you'll be late to the party. Check out title track, singalong ready, and perfectly chosen album opener "A Million Years" and stream the entire album on Spotify.
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BONUS: Worried Well- She's Got Something to Say [EP] [self-released]
Why: Upon initial listen, Worried Well might come off a bit like a pop punk band (perhaps due to singer Daniel James' vocal inflection), but as you dive into their music, the duo is unmistakably indie. She's Got Something to Say is comprised of 3 very strong, poignantly emotional, layered, and very well recorded songs. It's both a huge leap in production value from self-titled previous release and is much more refined in sound and focus. Check out strong, personal opener and title track "She's Got Something to Say" and stream the entire album on Spotify.
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BONUS: Code Orange Kids- Love Is Love//Return to Dust [Deathwish]
Why: We've already spoken about releases from two pioneers of hardcore: Ian MacKaye/The Evens and Bad Brains. The former having moved on from the genere while the latter continues within the style they established several decades ago. If those bands represent the current product of the evolution of something from the past, Code Orange Kids represent their influence as felt in the hardcore of present. Love Is Love//Return to Dust is more intense and unchained than anything Minor Threat and Bad Brains ever released (and of course it is, things get more intense by evolving and in hindsight the true impact of classic hardcore will never resound as heavy as it did at the time), but couldn't exist without them. Whether or not Code Orange Kids will grew to obtain such a legacy is still up in the air, they're young. Their album is nonetheless an intense, sonic romp and an exploration of the current legacy and tone of a genre that always benefited the most from the energy of youth. Check out intense, raging, and powerfully concise opening track "Flowermouth (The Leech)" and stream the entire album on Spotify.
You can also find this list at No Country for New Nashville.
It's a busy fall packed with a ton of great new movie releases. We know it can be hard to keep track of everything coming out, much less figure out what's worth seeing. Fortunately, we've got you covered. Every weekend, we'll recap our picks for the best and most interesting new movies and tell you why we think they're worth checking out!
Release schedules are a little bit weird around the holidays, and since Lincoln was the only wide release (well, the only one that wasn't about sparkly vampires) on Friday (11/16), with several other big films coming out Wednesday (11/21) instead, we decided to delay our coverage. There are some great new films in limited release as well, in case you've got a lot of holiday downtime and live in a bigger city where they're screening.
Here are our recommendations to cure that turkey hangover, or to sneak away and catch for a little pre-Thanksgiving fun:
Life of Pi
Drama/Action & Adventure
20th Century Fox
Directed by Ang Lee
Starring Suraj Sharma, Gerard Depardieu, Irrfan Khan
...a groundbreaking movie event about a young man who survives a disaster at sea and is hurtled into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. While cast away, he forms an amazing and unexpected connection with another survivor... a fearsome Bengal tiger. (from Rotten Tomatoes via Official Site)
Based on a beloved children's book and directed by a man who is both visually masterful and skilled at intimate character studies, Life of Pi looks not only thrilling but like a true event movie. A lot of really amazing films are out this week and you can't go wrong with most of them, but this film in particular looks like it will be the most gratifying, entertaining, and resounding. We're not very familiar with the book, but from the looks of the film the majority of it takes place at sea, on a boat, with just a boy and a tiger. The fact that with those ramifications it appears to not only stay interesting, but enthralling, is enough to pique our curiosity and with a director like Ang Lee at the helm, this is one not to miss!
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Hit "Read More" to see what else is on our Thanksgiving week radar!
Lincoln
Drama
Dreamworks Pictures
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
...a revealing drama that focuses on the 16th President's tumultuous final months in office. In a nation divided by war and the strong winds of change, Lincoln pursues a course of action designed to end the war, unite the country and abolish slavery. With the moral courage and fierce determination to succeed, his choices during this critical moment will change the fate of generations to come. (from Rotten Tomatoes via Walt Disney)
The combination of Spielberg (who isn't always solid gold anymore, but manages to tackle history/period pieces extremely well at this point in his career) and Day-Lewis, who is literally one of the greatest actors in the history of cinema, is enough to make this a MUST-SEE film. Coupled with the fact that it tackles a narrow, focused chapter is the president's life (rather than attempt the scope of a biopic) and seems incredibly committed to accurately portraying the character while further humanizing and exploring his thought-process and struggles makes it one of the most compelling historical portrayals to come out of Hollywood in awhile. It's a sure-thing for awards nominations come winter.
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Silver Linings Playbook
Comedy/Drama
The Weinstein Company
Directed by David O. Russell
Starring Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert DeNiro
Life doesn't always go accoring to plan. Pat Solatano (Cooper) jhas love everything- his house, his job, and his wife. Now he finds himself living back with his mother (Jacki Waver) and father (Robert DiNiro) after spending eight months in a state institution on a plea bargain. Pat is determined to rebuild his life, remain positive and reunite with his wife, despite the challenging circumstances of their separation. All Pat's parents want is for him to get back on his feet... When Pat meets Tiffany (Lawrence), a mysterious girl with problems of her own, things get complicated. Tiffany offers to help Pat reconnect with his wife, but only if he'll do something very important for her in return. As their deal plays out, an unexpected bon begins to form between them, and silver linings appear in both of their lives. (from Rotten Tomatoes via Weinstein)
Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper are on fire (the former, literally, in The Hunger Games, we know). Lawrence has exploded onto the scene as a formidable and vertile leading lady that can carry popular franchises yet also has the acting chops to take on more substantial, smaller roles. Cooper has fallen into something of a career renaissance, suddenly the face of both comedies and action films. It's fitting, then, that the two should find themselves together in a quirky, dramatic comedy helmed by polarizing but lauded indie director David O. Russell. The film looks both touching and dark, funny yet heartfelt and, given the talent involved, it's sure to be a smart and fun (if not slightly quirky) story-driven jaunt. Silver Linings Playbook, along with Lincoln and Life of Pi, looks phenomenal and you really can't go wrong with any of those choices in this above-average holiday release bunch.
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Red Dawn
Action/Adventure
Film District
Directed by Dan Bradley
Starring Chris Hemsworth, Josh Peck, Josh Hutcherson
...a city in Washington state awakens to the surreal sight of foreign paratroopers dropping form the sky - shockingly, the U.S. has been invaded and their hometown is the initial target. Quickly and without warning, the citizens find themselves prisoners and their town under enemy occupation. Determined to fight back, a group of young patriots seek refuge in the surrounding woods, training and reorganizing themselves into a guerrilla group of fighters. Taking inspiration from their high school mascot, they call themselves the Wolverines, banding together to protect one another, liberate their town from its captors, and take back their freedom. (from Rotten Tomatoes via Official Site)
Continuing the remakes no one asked for trend, and finally seeing release after MGM's financial troubles (and some late-stage changes to the film's antagonists), Red Dawn appears to be a mixed bag at best. If a mindless action movie is what you're looking for over the substance of our other recommendations, however, this film should serve you well. We loved the original, but from the looks of it a lot has been compromised in the remake. While the original featured a somewhat far-fetched plot involving Cubans and Soviets, at least those were nations we legitimately were at odds with in the 1980's. The remake was set to feature China, a politically relevant and ballsy choice, but was later altered to feature North Korea for financial fear- topical, but safe. We're betting this version won't be as hyper-violent as the original cult classic either. Though the cast is quite solid, featuring a pre-Thor Hemsworth and a pre-Hunger Games Hutcherson (and Adrianne Palicki, who can't seem to catch a career break post-Friday Night Lights), it's the first time director who was formerly a stunt coordinator that has us worried. It looks fun, but don't expect this flick to live up to the original.
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Price Check [in limited release and available on iTunes]
Comedy
IFC Films
Directed by Michael Walker
Starring Parker Posey, Eric Mabius, Annie Parisse
Pete Cozy does his best juggling family life, rising debt and a dead end job, but when his new boss, Susan, a sexy, powerful, human dynamo shows up, Pete is pulled into the maelstorm that is her life and made to work harder than he ever has before. Suddenly, money and opportunities come his way, but at what price? (from Rotten Tomatoes via Official Site)
If you don't live in one of the few cities Price Check is playing, or you'd like to catch a new movie but you're too full on Thanksgiving leftovers to make the trek to the theater, this one's available on iTunes (a recent and welcome trend for many limited-release indies). Starring the always fantastic Parker Posey, Price Check is the portrayal of climbing out of the mundane of the middle working class lifestyle and the pitfalls the excitement of a new lifestyle can sometimes bring. It's a comedy, but looks to be a dramatic one- a story of personal and social struggle, relationships, and the battle to balance the hurdles of ordinary life with the temptations of a life invigorated. This is our first-choice if you're look for a film less tentpole and more intimate.
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Anna Karenina [in limited release]
Drama/Romance
Focus Features
Directed by Joe Wright
Starring Keira Knightly, Jude Law, Aaron Taylor-Johnson
...a bold, theatrical new vision of the epic story of love, adapted from Leo Tolstoy's timeless novel... The story powerfully explores the capacity for love that surges through the human heart. As Anna (Knightley) questions her happiness and marriage, change comes to all around her. (from Rotten Tomatoes via Focus)
Anna Karenina is director Joe Wright's third collaboration with Keira Knightly and he certainly has a knack for bringing out the best in the actress- the other two, Atonement and Pride & Prejudice, were some of her career best. Based on the classic Russian novel by Leo Tolsty, the film explores relationship dynamics, questions of family and happiness, dealing with adultery, and the strength of the human heart with a 19th century political Russian backdrop. Wright's film appears to be a somewhat adapted reimagining of the original work, and is in no way a remake of the various previous films. Though the work has been adapted many times and no one definitive version exists, Wright's feels adequate and looks stunningly acted and well-designed, albeit somewhat unnecessary. It doesn't bear the reinvigorated spark of other literary adaptions, like the forthcoming Great Gatsby film. This is perhaps not "the" Anna Karenina film for the ages, but with the talent involved it'll be entertaining and worthwhile nonetheless.
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Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God [in limited release]
Documentary
HBO Documentary Films
Directed by Alex Gibney
Starring Jamey Sheridan, John Slattery, Chris Cooper
...Alex Gibney examines the abuse of power in the Catholic Church through the story of four courageous deaf mean, who in the first known case of public protest, set out to expose the priest who abused them. Through their case the film follows a cover-up that winds its way from the row houses of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, through the bare ruined choirs of Ireland's churches, all the way to the highest office of the Vatican. (from Rotten Tomatoes via HBO)
The description for this one pretty much gives you the gist of it. Whether or not you're familiar with the public backlash to the coverups and mishandling of sexual abuse throughout the Catholic, including the first public instance chronicled in this documentary, it appears to be an objective and charged look behind the curtain of corruption and unmanageable power structure that plagues the organization. From prolific and accredited documentation Alex Gibney, this shocking and appalling look at the bravery and personal struggles of the four individuals involved, and the ramifications it had on victims years later, might not be the must fun holiday watch, but informative and important regardless.
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Funeral Kings [in limited release]
Comedy/Drama
Freestyle Releasing
Directed by Kevin & Matthew McManus
Starring Dylan Hartigan, Alex Maizus, Jordan Puzzo
It's always a good day for a funeral at St. Mark's Middle School. Andy and Charlie, two altar servers, don't just get to miss class anytime a parishioner kicks the bucket, they cut out early and play hooky as soon as the service is over. Eventually their irreverent personalities will put them in situations that are too big for them to handle. When Bobby, a 16 year-old dropout and former altar boy, hides a padlocked trunk in Andy's bedroom, he explicitly tells Andy not to open it. In spite of the warning, Andy and Charlie... find just what they had hoped for- fireworks, cigarettes, even dirty magazines... [and] a... .38-caiber revolver enticing the boys to get in over their heads. (from Rotten Tomatoes via Official Site)
The debut film from brothers Kevin and Matthew McManus, Funeral Kings looks like an interesting character study on rebellious youth. Though it's played out as a comedy, it seems to be styled much closer to the chest than say, a goofy teen movie like Superbad. The characters aren't cartoons or caricatures they're realistic and misguided (and the actors cast look incredibly young, adding a lot of fantastic realism to the film's character perception) to an extreme point of fault. We don't know much about the film from the trailer and we like it that way- it could either go in the direction of an adventure/drama situation based off the items they discover, or could literally just be a linear snapshot at a spiral of bad decisions with no real central conflict other than the characters themselves. We're certainly curious to find out.
As we mentioned yesterday, there was just way too much great new music to condense into one post this week. Here's Part 2 of our essential picks for the best new record releases.
Quick Take: This is our other essential pick for the week. Their third album without a title (most commonly being referred to as III), Crystal Castles' new outing is darker, more atmospheric and more focused than either of the group's previous releases. With their debut, the band crafted a solid and exciting album, but it was largely reactionary; a very chiptunes-infused, buzzy album for the internet age. The duo's followup showed a logical evolution, shedding many of the previous gimmicks and flexing a newfound knack for pop songs with a nontraditional presentation. III takes things a step further: the once reactionary band has found and firmly rooted its voice and style. The tracks feel like more confident, fully formed songs than experiments. III is dark and rife with a greater sense of timelessness, yet still firmly rooted in the electronic art-rock foundation fans of the band have come to expect. We can't get enough of it!
Check Out: "Affection," the abrasive, textured single that exemplifies III's harmony between the best of what Crystal Castles have done and how they've evolved as artists.
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Click "Read More" to find out what we're listening to this week!
The New Lows- I Couldn't Sleep [self-released]
Quick Take: It must be something in that Florida water, because not only does the state of so much election night stress churn out a ton of good bands in general, it has an especially unlikely knack for quality punk bands. Hot Water Music, Against Me!, and Fake Problems have all come out of Florida in recent years. Orlando's The New Lows should also be counted among that list. I Couldn't Sleep is the band's third release after over a decade of lineup changes and moving around the country. The record is a fantastic collection of no-frills, unpretentious melodic punk in the vein of Jawbreaker (or, perhaps, not a far shoot from contemporary peers The Menzingers). With the longest track clocking in at 3:18 and half the songs barely topping 2 minutes, The New Lows have perfected their songwriting craft in a concise, powerful, and tremendously effective way. Melodic yet aggressive and flexing a surprisingly wide range of influences, I Couldn't Sleep is an incredibly enjoyable listen and a reminder that punk, the real stuff, isn't quite dead yet.
Check Out: "Stove," the heartfelt and melodic single that shows off the group's dynamic sensibilities (and even wavers a bit on the indie rock side). Production-wise it borrows a lot from the new '90s emo scene, and that's more than alright with us.
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Deftones- Koi No Yokan [Reprise]
Quick Take: At this point in the Deftones' two-decade spanning career we're not really expecting another White Pony. As a group that has stayed evolutionary (hey, they survived nu-metal) and continuously more expansive (listen to how much bigger 2006's Saturday Night Wrist sounds in comparison to 1995's Adrenaline), Deftones have become a band of consistent quality yet seemingly one past their peak of inspiration. We're a bit blown away by just how good Koi No Yokan is. It's not White Pony 2, but it's damn-near close. Frontman Chino Moreno lashes and writhes with an intensity and inspiration not seen in years, atop sludgy and slow-building riffs. It's not as heavy as previous releases and that's a good thing: the Deftones traditional brand of heavy sounds dated in the current musical context and they've distilled their strengths to a heaviness from structure, rather than in-your-face intensity. Koi No Yokan is a pleasant surprise and it's definitely safe to say the Deftones are back!
Check Out: "Tempest," the slow building and intensely melodic that captures the spirit of classic Deftones without sounding dated.
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Travis Barker & Yelawolf- Psycho White [EP] [LaSalle]
Quick Take: Though he's best known for his main gig as the drummer for pop punk superstars Blink-182, Travis Barker has been no stranger to hip hop over the years. With collaborations ranging from N.E.R.D. to T.I. to Warren G to Lil' Wayne (not to mention Barker's own hip hop-infused solo outing last year), it seemed only a matter of time before he'd release a proper hip hop collaboration album. Though Yelawolf and Barker have previously collaborated, the rapper wouldn't necessarily have been our first choice for a whole collaboration album. However, once it all comes together it immediately makes sense: the MC's fast clip delivery is a perfect match for Barker's drum style, which alternates between slow east coast rap grooves and super fast, machinal drum corps beats. We'd normally call live drums underneath hip hop production a bit superfluous, or at least not worthy of special attention (or a big name), but Barker's unparalleled technical skill and approach to mapping out rhythms turns his instrument into something more than it deserves to be. Barker plays drums with a voice, and the results are always breathtaking to hear. The fact that this record is just an EP probably serves it well; it's a lean, sonic assault of above-average hip hop with mind-blowing rhythmic structure that doesn't reach any particular heights of innovation but squarely and wholly hits its mark and makes for a fantastic listen.
Check Out: "Push 'Em," the in-your-face, spastic, punk-tinged intro track featuring high energy chants and Barker's Transplants bandmate (and Rancid frontman) Tim Armstrong.
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Soundgarden- King Animal [Seven Four/Republic]
Quick Take: Alright, we'll level with you: It's been over a decade and a half since Soundgarden's last album Down on the Upside. Audioslave was not that great (and thank god Rage Against the Machine is back). Chris Cornell's solo work was passable at best. It's been long enough since that late '90s post-grunge reactionary movement of uninspired douche rock aped the real alt-rock movement that it's finally alright to like the old stuff again; people have forgotten how lame the movement became. Also, '90s nostalgia is all the rage these days. So, what better time than now for Soundgarden to finally make a comeback? With their exact same '90s lineup, King Animal literally picks up where the band left off without missing a beat. It's almost unbelievable, after all these years, that Soundgarden still sounds exactly like Soundgarden. It's not their best album, not their worst, but a really refreshing nostalgic trip that reminds us of why we loved the band so much to begin with. And Cornell's voice is as huge and strong as ever. If you're a fan, or just looking for some real-deal '90s nostalgia, you'll probably love it.
Check Out: "Been Away Too Long," the intro track and first single. When Chris Cornell shrieks "I've been away for too long," we wholeheartedly agree.
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BONUS: Guided by Voices- The Bears for Lunch [Fire]
Why: Indie rockers Guided by Voices really seem to be attempting to make up for lost time this year. After breaking up in 2004 and reuniting in 2010, when the band finally started releasing new music earlier this year they apparently meant business. The Bears for Lunch is Guided by Voices' third album of 2012, which seems a bit much, but they've all been great and this one's no exception- it might even be the best. Check out fun, straightforward indie jam "Shes Lives in an Airport" streaming at Rolling Stone.
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BONUS: Major League- Hard Feelings [No Sleep]
Why: Pop punk, as a genre, has basically split into two camps: the radio-tailored inauthentic pop groups copping a sound that was popular a few years ago and the sincere, albeit lesser-known, crop of bands that drew honest influence from the pop punk movement on the late '90s and early '00s. Major League falls into the latter category. Deliciously poppy, heartfelt, and biting, Hard Feelings is a smart and well-crafted piece of fun, honest pop punk. Check out the driven, hook-laden, melodically dense single "Final Thoughts" and stream the entire album on Spotify.
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BONUS: Storm the Beaches- Hemisphere [Apparition]
Why: Storm the Beaches are an example of another possible result of a generation of musicians raised on pop punk: the incorporation of that influence into a more expansive and inhibited style. A bit indie pop and a bit rock and roll, Hemisphere is a very strong debut. It's layered, it's lyrically sharp, and tastefully constructed with fine-tuned melodic sensibilities. Expect big things from these guys! Check out the impossibly catchy and sensitive "Someday Came Suddenly" and stream the entire album on BandCamp.
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BONUS: Green Day- Dos! [Reprise]
Why: After a somewhat underwhelming release in Uno!, the first a trilogy of new albums from pop punk godfathers Green Day, it's a bit disappointing to find its followup, Dos!, flounders even more. It's not bad, per se, it's just uninspired. At its best, Dos! rehashes motifs from American Idiot to lesser success. At its worst, it overreaches and falls flat. We think it's worth a listen just because we know what Green Day are capable of at their best and even at their worst they write entertaining, if not memorable, pop songs. Here's hoping, with Tre!, they're saving the best for last. Check out the American Idiot-outtake sounding "Stray Heart" and stream the entire album on Spotify.
Don't forget to check out yesterday's New Music, Part 1.
You can also find a slightly different version of this list at No Country for New Nashville.
We might have to start making this a regular Wednesday/Thursday feature, just because a lot of the music we cover isn't available to us until it's too late to give it a fair shot before Tuesday. We're doing some brainstorming and some retooling of the site, so we'll get it figured out soon. Feel free to shoot suggestions to [email protected].
Also, for the time being, content might slow down a bit. We'll strive to keep giving you the regular recap of new music, new film releases, music on tv, and, hopefully, one film review, one record review, and one concert review each week starting soon. I'm also writing or No Country for New Nashville now, so things will undergo some tinkering while I get a better system worked out to balance my writing and work some new writers into the mix.
This week we had a kind of nice problem: way too many awesome new record releases to cut down. We're trying something different this week and picking the top 10, plus some bonus picks, and splitting them over two days. Because of that, I'll also be keeping the descriptions more brief and let the music speak for itself. Here's our first round of new records we think you should be listening to:
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From Indian Lakes- Able Bodies [self-released]
Quick Take: This is our essential pick for the week. It's perhaps not our hands-down favorite new album (but it's pretty close, there's just a TON of competition), but it's the one we want to highlight the most. Since their fantastic debut, The Man with Wooden Legs, in 2009, From Indian Lakes have toured and worked tirelessly to grow their fans in a very organic, DIY fashion (both albums are self-released). Able Bodies takes the templete of their debut record and perfects it. The band plays a lush, sometimes agressive, brand of indie rock and with their new album they further broaden their attention to detail and melodic sensibilities, with intelligent lyrical versatility from frontman Joey Vannucchi. Able Bodies is a huge leap forward for the already talented band and we sincerely hope it earns them the broader attention they deserve!
Check Out: "Stay Outside," a layered, driving track that serves as a great demonstration of the groups's fantastic aesthetic choices on Able Bodies, as well as tasteful instrumentation and dynamic range.
Stream | Currently streaming here
Download | iTunes | Amazon | Google Play
Vinyl | 81 Twenty Three
CD | 81 Twenty Three
Connect | Tumblr | Twitter | Facebook | Site
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Click "Read More" to find out what we're listening to this week!
Lana Del Rey- Paradise [EP] [Interscope]
Quick Take: Available as both a standalone EP and as a rerelease expansion to her 2011 debut (well, debut under this name anyway) Born to Die, Paradise proves that, love her or hate her, Lana Del Rey has more tricks up her sleeve than just "Video Games." At 8 songs, Paradise feels like the album Born to Die should have been. It's not a stylistic departure, it's more of a refocussing. Present still are the orchestral sweeps, the thematic juxtaposition of street attitude and privileged upbringing, and Del Rey's gorgeous, drawn out vocal style. If there was any doubt to her technical skill, Paradise should put it to rest. The singer's delivery is infinitely more confident, perhaps a result of honing in on what worked on her debut and ditching what didn't. Some of the same flaws exist, such as lyrics at times coming across as pretentious or overindulgent, but the quality of this outing overshadows them. Fans will love it and Paradise might just be strong enough to win over listeners who wrote off Lana Del Rey the first time around.
Check Out: "Cola," though it comes across as taking itself a bit too seriously in some of its lyrical delivery, proves Del Rey can aesthetically co-opt what worked on "Video Games" but delivery it a different and equally as enjoyable package. Her vocal delivery is much, much stronger here too.
Stream | Spotify | Rdio
Download | iTunes | Amazon | Google Play
Vinyl | Insound | Amazon
CD | Amazon
Connect | Twitter | Facebook | Site
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forgetters- forgetters [Too Small to Fail]
Quick Take: Blake Schwarzenbach is back you guys. Blake. Schwarzenbach. Is. Back. Though the founding father of emo has spent the last 10 years occasionally dabbling in music, his time has primarily been occupied by teaching, bartending, activism, literary writing, and, randomly, going by the pseudonym Christopher Lager. If Lager is the man Schwarzenbach spent the last 10 years as, however, Lager has finally given way to the return of the Schwarzenbach we once knew. With their debut full length (following a brief and under-supported EP in 2010) from his new band forgetters, here's the awesome news: it's more Jawbreaker than Jets to Brazil. The angst is back, the songs lean heavier, and Schwarzenbach growls with an intensity he hasn't shown in years. That's not to say forgetters is the second coming of Jawbreaker, the pacing and tonality of Jets to Brazil is definitely present and the frontman has evolved a lot in his approach (especially in his attention to lyrical detail). However, the raw, earnest intensity and seriously old school production choices will make you want to bust out that old Promise Ring t-shirt, dance in a basement with all your friends, and pretend like the golden age of emo never ended.
Check Out: "I'm Not Immune" and, if you're a Jawbreaker fan, we dare you not to get chills.
Stream | Spotify
Download | iTunes | Amazon
Vinyl | Insound | Amazon
CD | Amazon | Best Buy
Connect | Site
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How to Destroy Angels- An Omen [EP] [Columbia]
Quick Take: Let's take a trip way, way back to the year 2007: the music industry was in shambles, monetized streaming was still largely a pipe dream, a little band called Radiohead tested out, to huge success, a "pay want you want" model for a self-release, and disenfranchised major label artist named Trent Reznor, sick of the label system and lashing out against the old industry model, finally became a musical free agent. Reznor then proceeded to perfect a direct-to-fan sales model for his band Nine Inch Nails to huge success and proved (provided you already have the fanbase to sustain it), a global touring entity could exist as a completely independent band. Fast-forward to now: Nine Inch Nails is on hiatus, Reznor is now an Oscar winner for his work on The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo soundtrack, and, perhaps most shockingly of all, Trent Reznor has a new major label release out. The second EP from his new project How to Destroy Angels (which includes Reznor's wife and vocalist Mariqueen Maandig and Dragon Tattoo collaborator Atticus Ross) is everything you'd expect from Reznor: industrial, brooding, rhythmic, and a slow burn. It's also the best thing he's been involved in in years.
Check Out: "Keep It Together," the angst-ridden, pulsing, and slightly creepy intro which features great back and forth vocals between Reznor and Maandig.
Quick Take: Given the fact the Clinic have reliably released an album every two years since 2000, you'd think that by now they'd be easier to pin down. They're a little bit art-rock, a little bit pop, and a little bit psychedelic with a 70's aesthetic and a distinctly modern experimental backbone thrown in for good measure. You'd also think that they'd have lost some artistic traction, or at least would sound a bit tired by now; they haven't and they don't. Free Reign is a very sold and enjoyable outing that is both instantly listenable and pleasant while remaining dense and adventerous. We particularly enjoy the blend of vintage instruments with very modern textures and structure. The band has fallen into a pattern of advancing their songwriting without much venturing past their established stylistic realm, which keeps their releases enjoyable, if not predictable. Our one gripe, perhaps, is we'd like to see a slightly more adventerous side of Clinic at this point in their career. But, on the other hand, if it ain't broke...
Check Out: "Miss You," a very lush and groove-laden track with great, layered instrumentation smart, catchy hooks. It's definitely one of the record's finest moments.
Stream | Spotify | Rdio
Download | iTunes | Amazon | Google Play
Vinyl | Insound | Amazon
CD | Amazon | Best Buy
Connect | Twitter | Facebook | Site
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BONUS: Gifts from Enola- A Healthy Fear [The Mylene Sheath]
Why: Disclosure: these guys came of out our hometown scene so we witnessed their journey from basement band to nationally buzzed-about post-rock heavyweights. firsthand. Nonetheless, they're still a fantastic, visceral, and experimental foce to be reckoned with. A Healthy Fear is their most adventerous release yet. Check out heavy, mathy track "Robespierre" and stream the entire album on Spotify.
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BONUS: Our Lost Infantry - The New Art History [Deep Elm]
Why: The debut album from this poppy English post-rock band has no business being SO good. Intelligently written, melodically brilliant, laden with soaring hooks, and powerful yet sensible, if this is what they're capable of on a debut, we can't wait to see how amazing their followup is going to be. Check out the synthy, edgy, earnest jam "All of the Streets of My Hometown" and stream the entire album on Spotify.
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BONUS: Never Shout Never- Indigo [Loveway/Sire]
Why: Never Shout Never are an example of a band driven by a singular vision of a songwriter than was never quite content existing in the confines of the music he became known for. Indigo is songwriter Christofer Drew's further musical departure and though it stumbles at times, it proves just how versatile and eclectic his range is. Check out dreamy, flamboyant and deliciously poppy opener "Magic" and stream the entire album on Spotify.
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BONUS: Army of Freshmen- Happy to Be Alive [Arkive]
Why: Army of Freshmen are like that old pair of jeans you'll never throw out. You might have found newer, cooler ones since but you know they're reliable and they'll always fit just right. Happy to Be Alive is a wonderful, high energy pop punk record that reminds of of how magical the scene was a decade ago. It's also the best thing the band has done in years. Check out infectiously catchy, driving, singalong opening track "America, You're Breaking My Heart" and stream the entire album on Spotify.
You can find a slightly different version of this list at No Country for New Nashville.
The amount of great music on television each week can be hard to keep track of. Every Monday, we'll post a recap of the best and most interesting performances coming up. We'll give you our essential pick for each night, as well as some other great options that might pique your interest.
Here are the performances we think you should set your DVR for:
M- Meek Mill on Fallon
Tu- Youngblood Hawke on Kimmel
W- Divine Fits on Carson Daly
Th- JEFF the Brotherhood on Conan
Fr- The Jezabels on Carson Daly
Click "Read More" for descriptions, links, channel listings, a Spotify playlist of our picks, and a schedule of even more television performances for the week!
MONDAY (11/12)
Our pick: Meek Mill on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon [NBC; 12:35AMe]: We've already told you about his awesome new album. Relative hip hop newcomer (and member of Rick Ross's Maybach Music Group) Meek Mill is a lyrically sharp and skillful MC who, at this point, hasn't had a lot of television exposure. We're excited to see what he's got!
The Walkmen on Last Call with Carson Daly [NBC; 1:35AMe]: We love The Walkmen and their fantastic newest album Heaven. It seems like over the past few years they've gotten a bit lost in the indie rock shuffle, so if hip hop's not your thing, give their sure-to-be great performance a shot!
Walk the Moon on Conan [TBS; 11PMe]: Indie rockers Walk the Moon have been getting a ton of attention since the recent release of their new self-titled album, and with good reason. Their poppy, infectious blend of indie rock is fantastic and their stop on Conan is sure to be a lot of fun!
Soundgarden on Late Show with David Letterman [CBS; 11:35PMe]: We really feel like we should be more excited about this one. We love Soundgarden, but something about their reunion just doesn't seem that inspired or exciting. Their new album, King Animal, drops tomorrow and will perhaps give us a better take on it though. Nonetheless, it's Soundgarden and they're back!
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TUESDAY (11/13)
Our pick: Youngblood Hawke on Jimmy Kimmel Live! [ABC; 12AMe]: With only a self-titled EP under their belts, it's quite impressive how quickly Youngblood Hawke have exploded onto the indie rock scene. We recommend you tune in and see how much of their recent time on the road with Passion Pit has rubbed off on their performance!
Ceremony on Last Call with Carson Daly [NBC; 1:35AMe]: Ceremony are one of the best hardcore bands of the current generation. Hardcore is a genre doesn't get NEARLY enough attention on national television. Therefore, you should watch Ceremony on Carson Daly.
Mumford & Sons on Late Show with David Letterman [CBS; 11:35PMe]: A few weeks ago we talked about the insane sales records set by Mumford & Sons' new record Babel. Although a certain Miss Taylor Swift has overshadowed their sales, the English folk rockers put out a great album and never give anything less than a stellar performance.
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WEDNESDAY (11/14)
Our pick: Divine Fits on Last Call with Carson Daly [NBC; 1:35AMe]: Divine Fits were our pick to watch on Letterman last week. That performance got bumped to this week, however now we recommend you just catch them earlier and more intimate on Carson Daly. Can't go wrong with a Spoon/Wolf Parade supergroup!
Electric Guest on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon [NBC; 12:35AMe]: The hypnotic indie poppers put out a fantastic album called Mondo earlier this year. We just dare you to listen without singing along! They're the perfect compliment to Divine Fits; get those DVRs ready.
The Dirty Projectors with yMusic on Late Show with David Letterman [CBS; 11:35PMe]: The Dirty Projectors are nothing if not dependable. You know they're going to be entertaining, artsy, weird, and put on a solid show. Every single time. Performing with ambient, avant garde band yMusic and supporting their new EP, you can't go wrong with this one.
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THURSDAY (11/15)
Our pick: JEFF the Brotherhood on Conan [TBS; 11PMe]: Nashville natives JEFF the Brotherhood are all you need to know about for Thursday night. And you're in for a treat. The indie garage rock duo's magnetic presence and amazing new album Hypnotic Nights are enough to make this a must-see performance.
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FRIDAY (11/16)
Our pick: The Jezabels on Last Call with Carson Daly [NBC; 1:35AMe]: We adore the Jezebels. The Australian guy/girl group's intelligent, complex, layered, and heartfelt take on pop and indie rock is unparalleled. They connect on a personal level while at the same time sounding like they should fill arenas with their gorgeous anthems. Don't miss out!
Divine Fits on Late Show with David Letterman [CBS; 11:35PMe]: Originally scheduled (and our essential pick) for last week, Divine Fits finally make their debut on Letterman. If you don't catch the band on Wednesday's Last Call with Carson Daly, or you're just hungry for a second helping, here's your shot!
The MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) concluded a short while ago in Frankfurt, Germany.
Taylor Swift, who recently released one of our favorite albums of the year, took home three awards: Best Female, Best Look, and Best Live. Swift also delivered an especially edgy (and red-themed) performance in the style of a circus show, complete with fire and all kinds of background dancer theatrics.
Today also marks the four-year anniversary of the release of Swift's groundbreaking second album Fearless.
You can catch Swift's performance below:
Other big winners included Carly Rae Jepsen, Justin Bieber, Lana Del Rey, and One Direction.
Click "Read More" for a full list of winners.
From Mirror, here's a full list of the winners:
Best Female - Taylor Swift
Best Male - Justin Bieber
Best New Act - One Direction
Best Song - "Call Me Maybe"- Carly Rae Jepson
Best World Stage - Justin Beiber
Best Video- "Gangnam Style"- PSY
Best Rock - Linkin Park
Best Pop - Justin Beiber
Best Look - Taylor Swift
Best Alternative - Lana Del Rey
Best Hip Hop - Nicki Minaj
Best Live - Taylor Swift
Biggest Fans - One Direction
Best Push - Carly Rae Jepson
Global Icon - Whitney Houston
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It's a busy fall packed with a ton of great new movie releases. We know it can be hard to keep track of everything coming out, much less figure out what's worth seeing. Fortunately, we've got you covered. Every weekend, we'll recap our picks for the best and most interesting new movies and tell you why we think they're worth checking out!
As far as wide-releases go, this week is all about a little character you just might have heard of: James Bond. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the franchise with 23rd Bond release, Skyfall is our pick for must-see movie of the weekend:
Skyfall
Action/Adventure
MGM/Sony Pictures
Directed by Sam Mendes
Starring Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Naomie Harris, Ralph Fiennes
In Skyfall, Bond's loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter the personal cost. (from Rotten Tomatoes via Official Site)
Bond is back and he's better than ever. We had a chance to catch Skyfall a few days ago and not only is it one of our favorite movies of the year, it's one of the best Bond films of all-time. It's a thematic struggle between the old and new, but as a film it finds that balance perfectly. Skyfall is a very conscious love letter to fans of the franchise, in many ways taking Bond back to his roots while continuing to broaden and modernize the appeal of the character and further updating the style of filmmaking for modern audiences. Craig delivers his strongest performance yet, enhanced by incredible performances from Bond newcomers Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Berenice Marlohe, and Ben Whishaw. Skyfall is thrilling, smart, a bit funnier than previous Craig outings (though at times for the sake of the return of some groan-worthy one-liners), full of twists that will win over the most diehard old school Bond fans, and by far the best looking film of the franchise (thanks to the unique vision of director Sam Mendes and aesthetic of cinematographer Roger Deakins). We can't recommend this film enough: Bond fan or newcomer, you won't be disappointed.
Click "Read More" to find out what else we recommend checking this week!
The Comedy [in limited release and available on iTunes]
Drama/Dark Comedy
Tribeca Film
Directed by Rick Alverson
Starring Tim Heidecker, Eric Wareheim, James Murphy
On the cusp of inheriting his father's estate, Swanson (Heidecker) is a man with unlimited options. An aging hipster in Brooklyn, he spends his days in aimless recreation with like-minded friends (Wareheim, James Murphy, Gregg Turkington), in games of comic irreverence and mock sincerity. As Swanson grows restless of the safety a sheltered life offers him, he tests the limits of acceptable behavior, pushing the envelope in every way he can. (from Rotten Tomatoes)
The Comedy is perhaps not the film you would expect from the minds behind Tim & Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! That's not to say it's surprising a duo of such clear imaginative potential has the chops to branch out, they're clearly very talented and capable. It's just that The Comedy seems so brutally introspective and reflective of an aspect so in the moment (and far from the avant garde nature of their show), an awareness of a piece of modern culture so often hard to classify, yet so beautifully encapsulated here. It's the culture of "hipster," of trust fund entitlement, of a greater desire to exist in some meaningful way while falling into patterns of consumption and ironic existence against the backdrop of true relevance. With the aide of LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy (an excellent choice, because many of the themes of the film probably hit close to home for Murphy- as they do for us as well), The Comedy appears to be a profound and poignant character study and exploration of modern life in a way no other film has been so earnest about. Its tone, perhaps, could be off-putting for some as could the very specific nature of its themes (though striving for a more meaningful existence is universal- grounding it in an urban, hipster environment could prove alienating to audiences not as close to the context). The Comedy is one of our single most anticipated films of the entire year, however, and if you live in one of the few markets its screening, we urge you to give it a shot. If you don't, it's currently available for rental on iTunes.
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Chasing Ice [in limited release]
Documentary
Submarine Deluxe
Directed by Jeff Orlowski
Starring James Balog, Svavar Jonatansson, Adam LeWinter
National Geographic photographer James Balog was once a skeptic about climate change. But through his Extreme Ice Survey, he discoveres undeniable evidence of our changing planet. In Chasing Ice, Balog deploys revolutionary time-lapse cameras to capture a multi-year record of the world's changing glaciers. His hauntingly beautiful videos compress years into seconds and caputre ancient mountains of ice in motion as they disappear at a breathtaking rate. Traveling with a team of young adventurers across the brutal Arctic, Balog risks his career and his well-being in pursuit of the biggest story facing humanity. As the debate polarizes America, and the intensity of natural disasters ramps up globally, Chasing Ice depicts a heroic photojournalist on a mission to deliver fragile hope to our carbon-powered planet. (from Rotten Tomatoes via Submarine Deluxe)
Like The Revisionaries, which we mentioned a few weeks ago, Chasing Ice is a documentary that we think should be required viewing for better public examination and understanding of an important topic that affects society as a whole now and for future generations. In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, this documentary couldn't have landed at a more pertinent time. Though science has proven it fact, global warming is, for some reason, still a point of debate in society and isn't being treated with the sense of urgency it so desperately warrants. We hope the beautiful and shocking imagery captured in Chasing Ice will do its part to rally public response to this global inevitability.
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28 Hotel Rooms [in limited release and available on iTunes]
Drama
Oscilloscope Pictures
Directed by Matt Ross
Starring Marin Ireland, Chris Messina
Unfolding as a collage of moments- some sexy, some innocent, some profound, some silly- 28 Hotel Rooms is an intimate portrait of an affair in which two people wrestle with the intoxication of sex and the confusion of loving more than one person. (from Rotten Tomatoes via Oscilloscope)
The debut feature from writer/director Matt Ross, 28 Hotel Rooms is a bit hard to pin down from the synopsis and trailer alone, but appears to be a very layered and evenhanded look at the slow build and emotional ramifications of infidelity. What's unique, aside from the apparently fantastic performances from its two principal actors, is how instead of flatly vilifying the actions, the film looks the emotional complications and helplessness, entanglement, resentment, and confusion associated. We don't have a cohesive grasp of just how well it manages to execute this character study, but nonetheless it looks interesting. Call this our wildcard pick. If it's not playing in a market near you, you can find it now on iTunes.
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Citadel [in limited release]
Horror/Thriller
Cinedigm Entertainment
Directed by Ciaran Foy
Starring Aneurin Barnard, James Cosmo, Wunmi Mosaku
Tommy Cowley lives a quiet life in a decaying apartment complex with his highly pregnant wife. The couple is attacked one day by a group of hooded young thugs, and after a shocking act of violence, Tommy is left to raise his newborn daughter alone. So shaken by the events that he's developed extreme agoraphobia, Tommy alternates days hiding out indoors in his new flat from imagined threats and intense therapy sessions aimed at bringing him back to normalcy. When the same hooded gang, seemingly intent on kidnapping his daughter, begins terrorizing his life again, he's torn between his paralyzing fear and protective parental instinct. With the help of a vigilante priest who has uncovered the genesis of the ruthless, potentially supernatural gang, Tommy must overcome his fears and venture into the heart of the abandoned tower block known as Citadel to save his family. (from Rotten Tomatoes)
Another feature from a first-time director (Ciaran Foy), Citadel seemingly blends a realistic, psychological thriller with a supernatural horror story in a way that blurs the lines between what's real and what's perceived. From the trailer and synopsis alone, Citadel is grounded in what seems to be a violent yet typical dark thriller but morphs into something more resembling Attack the Block (which we adored). This fall has been solid for horror (Sinister, V/H/S, The Bay), and Citadel seems to continue the trend. The mystery of the true nature of the antagonists (and, perhaps, whether the protagonist's inability to cope with fear is the true antagonist) is enough to pique our curiosity and we're more than game for another good, original horror film while Halloween is still fresh in our memory.
This was a bit of a slow release week (election day isn't exactly the most exciting day for pushing new music). Just like last week, we didn't have 5 records that immediately jumped out at us, so we spent some extra time digging and came up with some exciting picks! Three of our recommendations this week are actually self-released, and that's something we're really excited about. We hope you'll give them all a shot. Click "Read More" to find out what we're listening to this week.
The Casket Lottery- Real Fear [No Sleep]
Quick Take: This is our essential pick for the week. It's also a bit of a surprise; an album we never really asked for from a band we mostly forgot about. That's not to say The Casket Lottery weren't a great band; they absolutely were. It's just that at this point almost twice as much time has passed between their breakup and now as they ever spent actually being a band in the first place. Also, with 2/3 of the original trio taking part in the recent Coalesce reunion, a new album from The Casket Lottery seemed ever more unlikely a scenario. But a new album we got nonetheless, and it's really, really good. No longer limited to the confines of being a three-piece, The Casket Lottery has added 2nd guitarist Brend Windler and keyboardist Nick Siegel to the lineup. The band greatly benefits from that added musical dimension. Real Fear is heavy without being overbearing, catchy without being cliche, powerful yet earnest, and a total maturation of their established sound while staying within their expected framework. It's a lyricially-biting, pseudo-nostalgic glance at the Kansas City rockers 10 years later, with all of the best elements of their past releases in a fresh context and no filler to suggest this reunion was anything but honest. Don't let it pass you by!
Check Out: "The Door," perhaps the example of how The Casket Lottery built on their old framework and expanded upon it with additional band members to make something that's familiar, fresh, and a lot of fun.
Stream | Spotify | Rdio
Download | iTunes | Amazon | Google Play
Vinyl | No Sleep Records
CD | Amazon | Best Buy
Connect | Facebook | Site
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Candy Hearts- The Best Ways to Disappear [EP] [Violently Happy/Bridge Nine]
Quick Take: Confession: we were a bit late the the Candy Hearts party. And holy shit were we missing out. Their 2011 album Everything's Amazing & Nobody's Happy (we dig the Louis C.K. refrencing title) somehow slipped by us. It's a great little piece of good old-fashioned, unpretentious pop punk. We're in an era of the genre when it feels like every established female-fronted pop punk band is either a knee-jerk reaction to Paramore or the setup for a future televised singing competition waiting to happen. Candy Hearts are an immensely refreshing dose of a band that plays pop punk because they clearly love it, not because it's a fad (though, at this point that fad is definitely on the decline anyway) and their singer just happens to be female. The Best Ways to Disappear takes the best elements of Everything's Amazing and intensifies them, while shedding the parts that didn't work. Much to their advantage, New Found Glory's Chad Gilbert handled the production duties (and released the album through his new Bridge Nine imprint label Violently Happy, which we imagine will be the pop punk wing of the legendary hardcore label). Gilbert's pop sensibilities and pop punk versatility really helped focus the band's sound and his fingerprints can be heart all over it, especially in regards to guitar tone. If their debut was more about happiness and state of mind, Best Ways focuses more on falling in love and the various states of relationships. Mostly uptempo, save for one obligatory acoustic track, the band still manages to show an impressive amount of range given the parameters of the style. If you're looking for an energetic and emotionally well-crafted jaunt to remind you of why pop punk is so much fun in the first place, The Best Ways to Disappear is a must listen.
Check Out: "Bad Idea," the driving, lyrically honest, powerful, and downright fun opening track.
Stream | Spotify | Rdio
Download | iTunes | Amazon | Google Play
Vinyl | Amazon
CD | Amazon | Best Buy
Connect | Tumbr | Twitter | Facebook | Site
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The New Enemy- Darkness, She Was the Universe [self-released]
Quick Take: Canada isn't typically the first place that comes to mind when we think about hardcore, yet just liked Fucked Up before them, The New Enemy have proven Toronto knows a think or two about bringing it. Unlike Fucked Up, however, The New Enemy are firmly and wholly rooted in the D.I.Y. ethic that was once a defining characteristic of the genre. Unsigned, seemingly unrepresented for the most part, and leveraging BandCamp as their only means of distribution to give away their album for free (with a "name your own price" option where all proceeds go to benefit a homeless shelter), it's impressive to note just how high a level of artistry at which The New Enemy are operating. Darkness, She Was the Universe packs a big punch with mosh-ready, no-BS jams that are at all at once heavy, driving, thick, and visceral. Sonically, it's pretty inline with your standard hardcore fare, but even though it's a D.I.Y. effort, it doesn't sound homemade (and it's not- Simon Head and Enormous Door handled the production and mastering, respectively). It's powerful and a true testament to what a band can accomplish without making compromises, and if you're a fan of hardcore we suggest donating for a download to benefit a good cause.
Check Out: "The Culling Season," a concise, sonic-assult distillation of mosh-ready hardcore (with a momentarily deceptive, brief intro).
Stream | BandCamp
Download | BandCamp
Connect | Twitter | Facebook
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IAMWE- Run Wild [self-released]
Quick Take: Another example of D.I.Y. in action, Arizona rockers IAMWE recorded their new album Run Wild through a successful fan-funded Kickstarter campaign then proceeded to self-release it digitally. Run Wild is a lush, textured synth-infused ambient piece of indie rock. It actually reminds us a bit of the new HalfNoise EP (which we talked about a few weeks ago). Their Kickstarter campaign was for $8k (to subsidize an estimated budget of $20k), and if that's truly what they spent, the band really utilized every resource at their disposal because Run Wild is a sweeping, layered, thoughtful piece of art. There's a lot going on here, but beneath the horns, percussion, tasteful harmonies, and layers of keyboards, these songs have a very defined indie rock core that provides a solid technical foundation. Lyrically, the record explores a broad range of themes that bounce between introspective and very broad and ambiguous (and was apparently inspired and affected by the death of a 100-year-old elderly woman who the band had befriended). Vocalist Tim Maiden is perhaps the strongest piece of an already remarkably talented band- he projects a vocal resonance that really sells the weight and emotion of each song, and at his highest points reminds us a bit of Thom Yorke and Chris Martin. Run Wild is an atmospheric treat and another wonderful example of what can be accomplished through the power of determination.
Check Out: "So They Say," a percussive, layered indie romp with some powerful vocal flourishes and well matched brass.
Stream | Spotify | Rdio
Download | iTunes | Amazon | Google Play
Connect | Twitter | Facebook | Site
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Move Out West- All's Well on the Eastern Front [EP] [self-released]
Quick Take: Move Out West are yet another artist on our list that opted to go the fully independent route. Their new EP All's Well on the Eastern Front is self-released through iTunes but just take one listen to the clean, quality production and huge pop hooks and you'd never guess that. After apparently going through a lineup change and a retooling of their sound, the Connecticut quintet have crafted a pop rock masterpiece deliciously dripping in big, stadium-ready singalongs and more musical and lyrical sensibility than many of their stylistic peers. Their sound lives somewhere between the honest, driving pop rock elements of Jimmy Eat World and the more radio-crafted, crowd-friendly tightness of All Time Low, though it's hard to pigeonhole because All's Well flexes an impressive amount of range over the course of its five tracks. Move Out West show that they're capable of writing interesting, smart pop songs while still grabbing for mainstream viability and we're excited to see where this talented new band goes from here.
Check Out: "God Damn," the anthematic, pulsing sing-along track (and first single) that just screams for radio play.
Stream | PureVolume
Download | iTunes
Connect | Tumblr | Twitter | Facebook | Site
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BONUS: Various Artists- Punk Goes Pop Volume 5 [Fearless]
Why: Our single bonus pick this week is the fifth installment of the Pop flavor of label Fearless Record's popular Punk Goes... series. It's pretty standard fare at this point: "punk" bands (it feels like the quality of the bands being featured has diminished over the years, but we might just be getting old) covering popular radio hits. As much as we wanted The Maine (featuring Taking Back Sunday's Adam Lazzara) to have the album's standout track with their cover of Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," their rendition turned out a bit uninspiring so instead we recommend that you check out Mayday Parade (featuring Pierce the Veil's Vic Fuentes)'s cover of Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know" and stream the entire album on Spotify.
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<a href="http://thenewenemy.bandcamp.com/track/the-culling-season" data-mce-href="http://thenewenemy.bandcamp.com/track/the-culling-season">The Culling Season by The New Enemy</a>
Sorry we keep having to make excuses guys. We'll work out the kinks in the timeliness soon, promise. This was a pretty solid weekend for film releases, so even though the weekend has ended we still wanted to go ahead and cover what came out.
It's a busy fall full of great movie releases. Fortunately, we've got you covered on the best of the best. Click "Read More" to find out what's worth seeing this week!
As far as wide-releases go, you really can't go wrong this week:
Wreck It-Ralph
Animated Comedy/Family
Walt Disney Pictures
Directed by Rich Moore
Starring John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch
Ralph (Reilly) is tired of being overshadowed by Fix-It Felix (McBrayer), the "good guy" star of their game... But after decades of doing the same thing and seeing all of the glory go to Felix, Ralph decides he's tired of playing the role of a bad guy. He takes matters into his own massive hands and sets off on a game-hopping journey across the arcade... to prove he's got what it takes to be a hero. On his quest, he meets the tough-as-nails Sergeant Calhoun ( Lynch)... But it's the feisty misfit Vanellope von Schweetz (Silverman)... whose world is threatened when Ralph accidentally unleashes a deadly enemy that threatens the entire arcade. Will Ralph realize his dream and save the day before it's too late? (from Rotten Tomatoes via Disney)
Wreck-It Ralph is our must-see pick of the week. Not only does it ring reminiscent of the typically more prestigious Pixar output (though released by Disney proper), but it also truly offers something for everyone: comedy, entertainment, well-developed characters, and video game familiarity for kids and a nostalgic and fun love letter to classic video games for adults. With themes of heroism and overcoming notions of who you're supposed to be vs. who you are inside, Wreck-It Ralph is a fun and surprisingly substantive treat for audiences of all ages. We had a chance to screen it over the weekend and we can't recommend it enough!
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Flight
Drama
Paramount Pictures
Directed by Robert Zemeckis
Starring Denzel Washington, John Goodman, Don Cheadle, Melissa Leo
In this action-packed mystery thriller... Denzel Washington stars as Whip Whitaker, a seasoned airline pilot, who miraculously crash lands his plane after a mid-air catastrophe, saving nearly every soul on board. After the crash, Whip is hailed as a hero, but as more is learned, more questions than answers arise as to who or what was really at fault and what really happened on that plane? (Rotten Tomatoes via Official Site)
The highly-anticpated live-action return of Robert Zemeckis (after spending 12 years making animated features), Flight has all of the elements and powerful casting to make for yet another Zemeckis classic. With a compelling and intense story, a powerful and complicated lead role for Denzel Washington, and what appear to be stunning visuals, Flight it not only sure to be an engaging film, but a very likely awards contender.
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The Man with the Iron Fists
Action/Martial Arts
Universal Pictures
Directed by RZA
Starring Russell Crowe, RZA, Lucy Liu, Cung Le
...The epic story of warriors, assassins, and a lone outsider hero in the nineteenth-century China who must unite to destroy the clan traitor who would destroy them all. Since his arrival in China's Jungle Village, the town's blacksmith (RZA) has been forced by radical tribal factions to create elaborate tools of destruction. When the clans' brewing war boils over, the stranger channels an ancient energy to transform himself into a human weapon. As he flights alongside iconic heroes and against soulless villains, one man must harness the power to become savior of his adopted people. (Rotten Tomatoes via Universal)
This is the first directorial outing of RZA (of Wu-Tang Clan fame) and it's clearly a huge project of passion for a multi-facted artist who, time and time again, has expressed a huge love and influence of martial artists. With the production help of Eli Roth and the guidance of Quentin Tarantino himself, as well as a spectacular cast, Iron Fists is worth a viewing just to see the years of RZA's filmmaking dreams finally unchecked and realized on the big screen. Though it seems a bit rough around the edges, we'll chalk it up to a learning curve and sincerely hope the response is great enough that we get to see RZA's followup in the medium.
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This Must Be the Place [limited release]
Comedy/Drama
The Weinstein Company
Directed by Paolo Sorrentino
Starring Sean Penn, Francis McDormand
Cheyenne (Penn) is a former rock star. At 50, he still dresses 'Goth' and lives in Dublin off his royalties. The death of his father, with whom he wasn't on speaking terms, brings him back to New York. He discovers his father had an obsession: to seek revenge for a humiliation he had suffered. Cheyenne decides to pick up where his father left off, and starts a journey, at his own pace, across America. (Rotten Tomatoes via Weinstein)
It's a shame that this film is currently only playing in limited release, because otherwise it would be our must-see pick this week. With a wonderfully bizarre premise and themes ranging from estrangement (and the struggles to reconnect even posthumously) to vengeance to social acceptance to growing old, This Must Be the Place looks like a weird and thoroughly entertaining ride. On the surface, Penn's Cheyenne looks a bit more Twisted Sister than The Cure (which is more in-line with what they seem to be implying), but that surreal exaggeration seems to be a central aspect of the entire film (along with exaggerated plot devices involving Nazi crimes, oddball encounters, and what seems to be at least half a larger-than-life road movie). If this film is playing near you, we highly recommend it!
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A Late Quartet [in limited release]
Drama
Entertainment One
Directed by Yaron Zilberman
Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Christopher Walken, Imogen Poots, Wallace Shawn
...this is the story of four musicians, bound together by their passion for music and long years of working together. But when their patriarch Peter is diagnosed with a terminal illness, the repercussions hit the group deeper than they could imagine. First and second violinists Robert and Daniel row over first chair, Robert and violist Juliette's marriage hits the rocks when he has an affair, and their headstrong daughter embarks on her own explosive affair- with Daniel. As their 25th anniversary performance looms, the musicians must either find a way to overcome their troubles... -or part ways forever. (Rotten Tomatoes via Official Site)
Beautiful, well-shot, dramatic, and culturally affluent, it's no surprise that A Late Quartet has been getting amazing reception in the festival circuit. The refreshingly original (yet grounded in reality) premise about the struggles of preservation (both in legacy and in relationships) in the face of challenges both controllable and non, this film is sure to be an emotionally provoking treat. We're also really looking forward to seeing Christopher Walken act off of Philip Seymour Hoffman.
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Bones Brigade: An Autobiography [in limited release and available on iTunes]
Documentary
Bones Brigade
Directed by Stacy Peralta
Starring Tony Hawk, Tony Alva, Steve Caballero
Today skateboarding is omnipresent. Take a walk down any street in any town, and you are destined to see someone riding a skateboard. Well, it wasn't always like that. In the early '80s, skateboarding was fading away until Stacy Peralta brought a profoundly talented group of outsiders together and dubbed them the Bones Brigade. This documentary chronicles their epic rise, using awesome archival footage and moving first-person accounts from Brigade members Steve Caballero, Tommy Guerrero, Tony Hawk, Mike McGill, Lance Mountain, and Rodney Mullen, among others. Through passion, drive, creativity, and a surprising sense of teamwork, they revitalized the sport and influenced generations to come. Bones Brigade will blow the minds of anyone who grew up emulating these guys, but it also resonates for anyone who ever found a family or purpose in an unexpected place. (Rotten Tomatoes)
If that description doesn't get you excited, than perhaps this documentary isn't for you. We personally can't wait to check out this rare and enlightening view into a cultural movement that was wholly and painstakingly underground, and often taken for granted. Bones Brigade: An Autobiography doesn't just chronicle how a talented and outcast group saved and revolutionized skating, but how a few passionate and persistent individuals became the catalyst for an entire cultural paradigm shift that created an outlet for unifying and inspiring misfits everywhere. It's playing in limited release, but you can rent or purchase it now on iTunes.
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The Bay [in limited release and available on iTunes]
Horror
Roadside Attractions/Lionsgate
Directed by Barry Levinson
Starring Kristen Connolly, Christopher Denham
Two million fish washed ashore. One thousand blackbirds dropped from the sky. On July 4, 2009 a deadly menace swept through the quaint seaside town of Claridge, Maryland, but the harrowing story of what happened that Independance Day has never been told - until now. The authorities believed they had buried the truth about the tragedy that claimed over 700 human lives. Now, three years later, a reporter has emerged with footage revealing the cover-up and an unimaginable killer: a mysterious parasitic outbreak. Told from the perspective of those who were there and saw what happened, The Bay unfolds over 24 hours through people's iPhones, Androids, 911 calls, web cams, and whatever else could be used to document the nightmare in Claridge. (Rotten Tomatoes via Official Site)
While we're a bit tired of the "found footage film claiming to be a true story from recovered tapes" thing, The Bay puts a nice spin on at least attempting to account for why so much footage would have been taken in the face of horror (a compilation of camera phones, computers, calls, etc). Beyond that, though, it might not be the most original of stories (it seems the genesis of the idea stemmed from the mysterious bird death of a few years ago), but the execution does seem genuinely quite scary. If it's playing near you and you're looking for another worthwhile horror fix, we would definitely recommend giving it a shot. The Bay is also currently available for rental on iTunes.
The amount of great music on television each week can be hard to keep track of. Every Monday, we'll post a recap of the best and most interesting performances coming up. We'll give you our essential pick for each night, as well as some other great options that might pique your interest.
Here are the performances we think you should set your DVR for:
M- Ty Segall on Letterman
Tu- ELECTION DAY- GO VOTE!
W- Now, Now on Fallon
Th- Grimes on Carson Daly
Fr- Divine Fits on Letterman
Click "Read More" for descriptions, links, channel listings, a Spotify playlist of our picks, and a schedule of even more television performances for the week!
MONDAY (11/5)
Our pick: Ty Segall on Late Show with David Letterman [CBS; 11:35PMe]: We've already raved about how good his new album is. Ty Segall is prolific, unpredictable, genre-deying, and consistently just plain good. We have no clue what he'll be performing and that's exactly what we like about him.
RNDM on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon [NBC; 12:35AMe]: RNDM is a collaboration of Pearl Jam's bassist and singer Joseph Arthur, but don't let that scare you. They're just plain good, fresh rock and roll and the seasoned performers involved guarantee a great performance.
Ben Folds Five on Jimmy Kimmel Live! [ABC; 12AMe]: Even though their new album didn't exactly blow us away, '90s nostalgia alone is enough to make us want to check out the newly-reunited Ben Folds Five.
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TUESDAY (11/6)
Presidential election night in America. Don't forget to vote!
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WEDNESDAY (11/7)
Our pick: Now, Now on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon [NBC; 12:35AMe]: We can't stress how good a band Now, Now is. This is their television debut and we hope it'll give the haunting and amazing flavor of indie pop the national attention it so greatly deserves. This is definitely a performance not to miss!
Cat Power on Conan [TBS; 11PMe]: Her newest album Sun is really great and Cat Power always puts on really incredible and artistic performances. If avant garde is more your thing, this is your best bet.
Shiny Toy Guns on Last Call with Carson Daly [NBC; 1:35AMe]: We already mentioned just how much we love their new album III. Shiny Toy Guns are a band recently reenergized and that new energy is almost sure to translate to their performance.
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THURSDAY (11/8)
Our pick: Grimes on Last Call with Carson Daly [NBC; 1:35AMe]: It's no secret that we LOVE Grimes. If her television performance is half and engaging and enigmatic as her recent performance we attended, it should be required viewing! Even if you're not a fan, the visuals and general weirdness should be enough to keep you entertained.
Lord Huron on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno [NBC; 11:35PMe]: We honestly don't know much about Lord Hurson. He/they appear to be a sort of urban cowboy, mountain man, ambient folk band though, and they remind us a bit of Fleet Foxes. That's enough to make us curious.
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FRIDAY (11/9)
Our pick: Divine Fits on Late Show with David Letterman [CBS; 11:35PMe]: Somehow Divine Fits (and their fantastic new album A Thing Called Divine Fits) managed to completely slide under our radar until now. So we're just now discovering that they're a SPOON/ WOLF PARADE SUPERBAND. Consider us sold.
White Arrows on Last Call with Carson Daly [NBC; 1:35AMe]: White Arrows are an up-and-coming band we have our eye on. A little bit indie, a little bit dancey, and a lot of fun, they're definitely our under the radar pick of the week.
We apologize for yet another delay. We're still working out some of the scheduling ins and outs on dividing up content while we work a few new contributors into the mix. This was also an odd week for releases; not a single one immediately stood out as an essential pick. We wanted to spend some extra time listening to releases from artists we weren't as familiar with, and in doing so we came out with a really solid group of recommendations for the week. We strongly encourage you to spend some time with these records! Click "Read More" to find out our picks (released on 10/30).
Basement- Colourmeinkindness [Run for Cover]
Quick Take: This is our essential pick for the (last) week. There was a bit of confusion over the release date for this one. It seems it was originally slated for this week (and that's what we had it marked as), but in preparing this list we discovered that it actually appears to have been released last week (and debuted at #8 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart at that). It's an amazing record and would have easily made our top five last week. Perhaps letting it slip through the cracks in such a busy release week was a good thing though, because it deserves your attention. We decided to go ahead and make it our top recommendation in a markedly less busy week. It's also an important record because it's the very last release from UK band Basement, as they've decided to call it quits. It's easily the best, strongest, most refined distillation of the sound they've spent the last several years crafting. Colourmeinkindness is a blast of raw emotion; emo at is essence (this is one of those bands where you can use the 'e' word in unironic praise- they call back to the mid/late '90s golden age of the movement). It's also tastefully grungy, angsty, and dynamic (they bounce from thick, echo-y alternative riffs to crunchy, powerful metal riffs with organic effortlessness). Basement is known for their lyrical honesty and it's here in full force; again in line with the emo matra, the record is sad, sensitive, self-aware, and pissed in a way that begs for a sincere and honest connection. It's also downright mean at times, but out of earnestness. This is perhaps the most excited about a punk record we've been since The Menzingers' On the Impossible Past earlier this year, and we can't recommend it enough.
Check Out: "Pine," one of the least heavy tracks on the record, yet one of the most bitingly honest. It also really lets the band's '90s influences fly.
Stream | Spotify
Download | iTunes | Amazon | Google Play
Vinyl | Amazon
CD | Amazon | Best Buy
Connect | Tumblr | Twitter | Facebook | Site
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Chad Valley- Young Hunger [Cascine]
Quick Take: On his debut full-length, Chad Valley (real name Hugo Manuel) has crafted an unabashed love letter to pop music. He takes a bit of ambient '80s synth and melodic sensibility (think George Michael), a bit of '90s radio pop and DJ grooves, and fuses them with a very current and fresh array of stylistic and production choices. At first listen, the older dance pop influences might seem predominant, but as you dive into Young Hunger the more intricate layers appear. The blending of sounds and textures old and new, the tasteful use of auto-tune (as an effect choice, not a crutch- Manuel is, in fact, an immensely talented vocalist), and the modern pacing and production choices make this a truly balanced and enjoyable experience. To some degree, Chad Valley's layering and ability to balance influences reminds us of Bon Iver, though their overall styles are quite different (imagine an album of livelier, more embellished tracks like "Beth/Rest" and you've got an idea of Young Hunger). Many of Chad Valley's stylistic peers, such as Neon Indian, channel similar influences and textures but in a more contained (and, dare we say, pretentious) fashion, as they strive to create something more "unique" in overall sound. This uniqueness unfortunately often stifles aesthetic appeal in favor of artistry. The strength of Chad Valley is instead of forcing these influences into something different for the sake of being different, he lets the pop elements of his songs really flourish in a catchy, unrelenting way. In doing so, he has created an album full of true pop songs that not only have substance, but are also immediately fun and interesting to listen to. The record is also full of talented guests who never seem shoehorned in. They're all very well-chosen and complimentary with their respective songs and in blending with Manuel's voice. Chad Valley is an artist we weren't previously very familiar with and of the new releases this week, Young Hunger is the one we can't stop listening to on repeat.
Check Out: "Tell All Your Friends," an ambient, catchy, flamboyant and downright fun mid-tempo dance track with '80s flair and a hook that will be stuck in your head all day.
Stream | Spotify | Rdio
Download | iTunes | Amazon | Google Play
Vinyl | Insound | Amazon
Quick Take: Originally scheduled for summer, the debut album from Meek Mill is not only worth the wait, but an impressive and worthy addition to a really strong fall for hip hop releases. As part of Rick Ross's imprint Maybach Music (and featured on the label's fantastic compilation releases), Meek Mill comes out of the gate with an impressive stable of producers (Boi-1da, Lee Major) and guests (Nas, Drake, John Legend) on Dreams & Nightmares. It's not as uncompromising as the new Kendrick Lamar, not fresh and alternative like any of the new releases from Odd Future affiliates, not as real and grounded as the new P.O.S., but what Dreams & Nightmares is is a very, very well-crafted, strong, and balanced straightforward hip hop record. Thematically, it's a pretty standard reflection (especially for debuts) of balancing street roots with fame and a desire to flaunt success and wealth. It's when Meek Mill occasionally strays away from this theme and gets more personal and reflective that the record shines the most. Often, when rappers rise from mixtape culture (the route Meek Mill and many others have chosen to take in recent years), there's a bit of an awkward transition in retaining their mixtape style embraced by fans and incorporating it into a bigger budget format with broader appeal. Though the end result is fairly standard fare, Meek Mill does a very admirable job of taking his core musicality and adapting it to a broader, grander format. It could have been just another imprint label featured artist find finally getting a solo outing, but instead Meek Mill proves he's got the chops and lyrical sharpness to really carry a strong and enjoyable album that should appeal to his established fanbase while throwing him into the larger musical community spotlight.
Check Out: "Amen," the single that's already gotten a fair amount of attention and radio play. It's a great introduction to Meek Mill's stylistic delivery and features a great guest spot from Drake, who actually delivers one of his best guest verses to date.
Stream | Spotify
Download | iTunes | Amazon | Google Play
CD | Amazon | Best Buy
Connect | Twitter | Facebook | Site
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Andrew Bird- Hands of Glory [Mom + Pop]
Quick Take: Andrew Bird has been very busy in 2012. Hands of Glory is his second release of the year (and meant to be a companion to his spring release Break It Yourself). He's also been on tour quite a bit and launched an art exhibit. Stylistically, it carries over a lot of what Bird established with Break It Yourself, but Hands of Glory lands in a more intimate and stripped-down place. It also includes several fitting cover tunes as well as a different take on "Orpheo Looks Back" from his previous album. Glory is unmistakably an Andrew Bird album, but much of the atmosphere and flourish he's become known for piling onto his songs is absent here. It's not an acoustic album (but it is very violin heavy, even for Andrew Bird), the songs still contain a full array of instrumentation, but there's a refreshing amount of breathing room that really allows Bird's voice to shine. Hands of Glory is great departure for an artist that has firmly rooted his sound with letting it become stale. Andrew Bird has yet to make a bad record, and Glory provides a pleasant and calm addition to his catalogue. Perhaps not his absolute best, but it's perfectly matched for fall and a great compliment to Break It Yourself.
Check Out: "If I Needed You" a folky, Appalachian-tinged cover/reworking of Townes Van Zandt's classic tune of longing.
Stream | Spotify | Rdio
Download | iTunes | Amazon | Google Play
CD | Amazon | Best Buy
Connect | Tumblr | Twitter | Facebook | Site
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Sam Russo- Storm [Red Scare]
Quick Take: Storm is admittedly our very first introduction to Sam Russo. Hailing from the UK, Russo plays a powerful flavor of emotionally-charged, folky, acoustic punk (in the vein of Chuck Ragan, Frank Turner, Tim Barry, and Brian Fallon). Though it's his first proper release, Storm is rife with a confidence and assuredness of very seasoned songwriter. The punked-out emotional angst juxtaposed over acoustic guitar has certainly been done plenty, especially over the past few years, but Russo does it with such an honesty and earnestness that it's hard to imagine him sounding any other way. The record is simple and understated yet enormously powerful; emotional and sensitive but never remotely sappy. Russo has a unique knack for being very analytical and emotionally aware, yet framing those complex feelings in very straightforward and relatable context. He also has a voice that perfectly captures, compliments, and projects the intricacies of the emotion behind every word he sings. If this campfire-folk-songs-about-heartbreak-for-tattooed-working-class-kids-who-never-quite-fit-in thing is going to continue becoming a trend (as evidenced by Frank Turner's recent large-scale success), Sam Russo is destined to go down as one of its champions. We're eagerly anticipating his followup.
Check Out: "Letting Go," the one song from last year's split with Chuck Ragan (among others) that made its way onto Storm. It's a near-perfect summation of the refined and powerful sound Russo has crafted.
Stream | Spotify | Rdio
Download | iTunes | Amazon | Google Play
CD | Red Scare
Connect | Tumblr | Twitter | Facebook | Site
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BONUS: Thrice- Anthology [Staple/Workhorse]
Why: When Thrice announced earlier this year that they would be going on a hiatus, they made a point to not leave fans hanging and embarked on a lengthy farewell tour. Their new live album, Anthology, is a product of that tour. We wouldn't normally include live albums on the list, but since we love Thrice and it could be a long while before we get any new music from them, this well-produced and lengthy live album is a nice reflection of just how great they are. Check out: still one of our all-time favorites "The Artist in the Ambulance" and stream the entire album on Spotify.
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BONUS: Indian Handcrafts- Civil Disobedience for Losers [Sargent House]
Why: Indian Handcrafts is yet another artist we knew nothing about previously (and still don't know much, as they're fairly underground). Peppered with '80s metal callbacks, riffs so thick they could poke your eye out, and all the violence, sci-fi imagery, and ballsy unchecked rock and roll you could ask for, Civil Disobedience for Losers is one of the most fun records we've heard all fall. Start practicing your headbanging. Check out: the explosive, psychedelic, grungy opener "Bruce Lee" and stream the entire album on Spotify.
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BONUS: Punks on Mars- Bad Expectations [Zoo Music]
Why: Punks on Mars would like you to forget what year it is. Everything about Bad Expectations, from the instrumentation, the imagery, and the production screams early '80s new wave. True to their name however, there's a a definite punk influence, atmospheric vibe and, more surprisingly, a distinct baroque pop undertone. Another artist we weren't familiar with, this is a thoroughly fun and enjoyable find. Check out: fun, funky, '80s channeling jam "She's a Glitterpunk" and stream the entire album on Spotify.
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BONUS: Sean Price- Mic Tyson [Duck Down]
Why: Sean Price has been in the game for awhile, but Mic Tyson is only his third proper album. He's Brooklyn-raised and honed his skills during a time when New York was arguably the best and most vibrant hip hop scene there was. As a result, his style and delivery is focused and refined, but it's also old school. That doesn't mean Mic Tyson isn't fresh, it just manages to be free of the gimmicks and expectations that crowd mainstream rap nowadays. If you're a fan of straight-up hip hop, this will be right up your alley. Check out: the straight-up no BS east coast jam "STFU Part 2" and stream the entire album on Spotify.
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BONUS: Neil Young & Crazy Horse- Psychedelic Pill [Reprise]
Why: Neil Young is nothing if not prolific. His second album of 2012 and 35th as a solo artist (here with long-time backing band Crazy Horse), Psychedelic Pill doesn't exactly bring anything new or especially unexpected to the table, but as far as Neil Young albums go it's one of the better ones. It's particularly long and inspired, pulling influence from some of his best career moments, and it's sure to please long-time fans. Check out: spaced-out and, unsurprisingly, psychedelic title track "Psychedelic Pill" and stream the entire album on Spotify.
