Racket Scan

Review: Belle and Sebastian's "The BBC Sessions"

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Schmitt) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 03:12:00 +0000

I've never really gotten into Belle and Sebastian. I know it's a staple of indie rock fans, one of those basic ingredients to a healthy love of the underground. But...they just haven't done it for me. Whether it was just because I hadn't found that song which totally captured me and drew me into the world of Belle and Sebastian, or just because they didn't connect, I didn't much like them. The Delgados on the other hand...but that's for a different post.

The BBC Sessions totally changed all that though. The organic and accessible nature of these songs really drew me in. Tracks like "The State I Am In" and "Judy and the Dream of Horses" are melodically magical and charming. The simple instrumentals and dynamic vocals play well off each other, making for tracks that are addictive but subtle. That, and it doesn't get old. Play the record again, and again, and again...you'll be ready for another go.

And really, the best part of this album is that it can draw in new fans (like me) and offers some new stuff for the tried and true Belle and Sebastian masses. Beyond just the new tracks, the new takes on old favorites are worth looking into The BBC Sessions. It fits both into Belle and Sebastian's time and 2008, into new fans' collections and old. Very, very recommended.

Dirty on Purpose on Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Schmitt) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:27:00 +0000

Dirty on Purpose, one of the best undiscovered acts out there right now, is again on tour. Dates are at the bottom of the post.

Their blending of My Bloody Valentine shoegaze and Smashing Pumpkins alternative is frankly better than either at times. Where similar act Silversun Pickups rely on brilliant guitars and heavily-layered melodies, Dirty on Purpose more often than not remain subtle, charming and forlorn. Their LP Hallelujah Sirens is heart-wrenching in some moments and exhilarating at others. Check out the video for "Light Pollution" below.

Tour Dates:

September 29 @ Turf Club (St. Paul, Minnesota)*
September 30 @ High Noon Saloon (Madison, Wisconsin)*
October 1 @ Empty Bottle (Chicago, Illinois)*
October 2 @ Pike Room (Pontiac, Michigan)*
October 3 @ Lee's Palace (Toronto, Ontario)*
October 5 @ La Sala Rossa (Pop Montreal Festival w/ Liam Finn & The Veils; Montreal)
October 9 @ Johnny Brenda's (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)#
October 10 @ Music Hall of Williamsburg (Brooklyn, New York)#
October 11 @ Middle East (Boston, Massachusetts)#
October 12 @ Living Room (Providence, Rhode Island)#

*w/The Wedding Present
#w/The New Year

Dirty on Purpose - "Light Pollution"

Belle and Sebastian: "The BBC Sessions" Out in November

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Schmitt) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:55:00 +0000

The BBC Sessions, a collection of recordings by Belle and Sebastian from 1996 through 2001, will be released on November 18th through Matador records. The 2-disc album will feature tracks from live radio recordings for Mark Radcliffe, Steve Lamacg, and John Peel.

Four songs for Peel, recorded in 2001, have never been released on CD or vinyl--though they've been constantly bootlegged and are infamous for being the last studio recordings with Isobel Campbell. "The Magic of a Kind Word," "Nothing in the Silence," Shoot the Sexual Athlete," and "(My Girl's Got) Miraculous Technique" will all be officially released for the first time on The BBC Sessions.

Additionally, the compilation contains a live 2001 Belfast Christmas show which features covers such as The Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun," The Velvets' "I'm Waiting for the Man," and Thin Lizzy's "Boys Are Back in Town." Other highlights of the album include alternate versions of "The Wrong Girl" and "Lazy Line Painter Jane."

All in all, "the album tracks the group's development" from 1996 to 2001, and frankly showcases the sheer talent contained within Belle and Sebastian. I'll try to have a review up soon. In the mean time, I will say this: Don't write this off as another manufactured collection of songs the band is trying to sell to you again--this is worth your money. This is big.

Asobi Seksu on Tour, New LP in 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Schmitt) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:10:00 +0000

Asobi Seksu, the lovable shoegaze-touting Japanese infused New York outfit, has announced both new tour dates and that a new LP is coming in early 2009. The group has been abroad more often-than-not for the past two years, so it's nice to have them back on home turf for some U.S. shows. Tour dates below:

10/17 Annandale-on-Hudson, NY @ Bard College - Smog
10/18 Boston, MA @ T.T. the Bear’s
10/19 Montreal, QC @ tba
10/20 Toronto, ON @ Horseshoe
10/21 Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop
10/22 Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle
10/24 Denver, CO @ Hi Dive
10/25 Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
10/27 Seattle, WA @ Nectar
10/28 Vancouver, BC @ Media Club
10/29 Portland, OR @ Holocene
10/30 San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop
10/31 Los Angeles, CA @ tba

The new album, the group's third to date, has been produced by Chris Zane (The Walkmen, Les Savy Fav) who also assisted in the making of the glorious Citrus. To hold us over until 2009, Asobi Seksu will be releasing the first single "Me & Mary" on November 18th here in the U.S. through Polyvinyl. In Europe, the single will be available a day earlier. Reportedly, the song "rolls forth on a bed of drums and glistening guitars, and features a soaring vocal performance from Yuki Chikudate." Sounds decent to me. Check out the video for "Thursday" from their last album Citrus below.

Theresa Andersson: New Video, New Album, New Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Schmitt) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 02:51:00 +0000

Theresa Andersson, the kitchen-diva who rocketed to YouTube fame with her multitasking track "Na Na Na" (YouTube video here) has released a new video following on the heels of the release of her album Hummingbird, Go!. The track, titled "Birds Fly Away," is again a kitchen-centered piece with Andersson handling all of the instruments with "functional choreography." Looks like she's accumulated about 200 additional foot-pedals and some higher production techniques, but the track is the same sunshine-washed synth-pop smile-fest that "Na Na Na" was. If you liked the first, you'll love the second. Find it here:

Theresa Andersson - "Birds Fly Away"

FIttingly, her new album Hummingbird, Go! was recorded entirely in her kitchen. "The kitchen sounds amazing, it has wonderful, natural reverb," Andersson explained. “Even the room itself is audible." It tickles me that artists pay thousands of dollars escaping the noises of anything other than their instruments, and here's Andersson willingly seeking out the noises her fridge reverbs back at her. The album was released on September 2 through Basin Street Records and from the looks of things, it's picked up some flattering acclaim. Both "Na Na Na" and "Birds Fly Away" can be found on the album. Mp3 files of both tracks are linked below.

Theresa Andersson - "Na Na Na"
Theresa Andersson - "Birds Fly Away"

Finally, Andersson -- a Sweden resident herself -- has embarked on a U.S. (and Canadian) tour through November. Joining her are fellow Scandinavians Tobias Fromberg and Ane Brun. Tour dates below:

09/23 - Cincinnati, OH @ 20th Century Theatre
09/25 - Baltimore, MD @ 8 x 10
09/26 - Philadelphia, PA @ World Cafe Live
09/27 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
09/30 - Washington, DC @ DC9
10/02 - New Orleans, LA @ Howlin' Wolf
10/04 - Gretna, LA @ Gretna Heritage Festival
10/21 - Washington, DC @ The Swedish Embassy
10/22 - New York, NY @ Living Room (CMJ)
10/23 - Philadelphia, PA @ Tin Angel
10/24 - Arlington, VA @ IOTA Club & Cafe
10/25 - Norfolk, VA @ Attucks Theatre
10/28 - Nashville, TN @ The Basement
10/29 - Dayton, OH @ Canal Street Tavern
10/30 - Indianapolis, IN @ Rathskeller Restaurant
11/01 - Chicago, IL @ Schubas
11/08 - Montreal, QUE. @ Petit Campus
11/10 - Allston, MA @ Great Scott

Kevin Ayers Releases Track From "What More Can I Say"

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Schmitt) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 19:35:00 +0000

Kevin Ayers will release What More Can I Say, an LP of unreleased tracks from the '70s, will be released on November 4th through Reel Recordings. The collection of tunes was found in poet Lady June's London apartment on a set of cassette tapes and features performances from bassists Mike Oldfield and Archie Legget, organist David Bedford, and drummer Robert Wyatt. Download "Crystal Clear" from What More Can I Say below.

Kevin Ayers was the bassist of British psychedelic rock band The Soft Machine during the 1960's, then pursued a solo career after he quit the band in 1968. Known for his somewhat ironic laid-back manner, Ayers became a work-horse of music, releasing a steady stream of albums until the present day. His latest album, Unfairground, hit shelves in 2007 and received high praise (Mojo described the album as "gorgeous").

Kevin Ayers - "Crystal Clear"

Ane Brun Readies U.S. Debut of "Changing of the Seasons," Announces Tour Dates

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Schmitt) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 22:28:00 +0000

Norwegian singer/songwriter Ane Brun will be releasing her sophomore U.S. album Changing of the Seasons on October 21st. She's also announced tour dates with Tobias Froeberg and Theresa Andersson. Brun's first U.S. album A Temporary Dive in 2006 was nearly drowned in praise, whether for her surreal melodies of erotic, Bjork-like vocals. Her voice is polarizing--it has a certain waver that drives people nuts, for better or for worse. It's quite sensual really. In any case, Brun is in no way tackling sophomore-slump issues. Changing of the Seasons is her fifth album altogether and was produced by Valgeir Sigurdsson (Björk, Sigur Ros, Múm, Bonnie Prince Billy, Coco Rosie, Maps, and more). So don't be afraid to set your hopes high. Check out the video for "Don't Leave" from the upcoming album below.

Brun has also announced a set of dates for her fall U.S. tour:

10/22 - The Living Room - New York, NY
10/23 - Tin Angel - Philadelphia PA
10/24 - Iota Club and Café - Arlington, VA
10/25 - Attucks Theatre - Norfolk, VA
10/28 - Café Du Nord - San Fransico, CA
10/30 - Hotel Café - Los Angeles, CA
11/01 - Schubas Tavern - Chicago, IL
11/06 - London Music Club - London, ON
11/07 - El Mocambo - Toronto, ONT
11/08 - Lee Saints - Montreal- QUE
11/11 - Great Scott - Boston, MA

Mason Proper New Album, Tour w/Cloud Cult

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Schmitt) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 20:11:00 +0000

Michigan's half-post-punk, half-emo indie rockers Mason Proper will release their sophomore album Olly Oxen Free on September 23. Produced both by the band and by Chris Coady (TV on the Radio, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Blonde Redhead), the album reportedly "bristles with a ghostly ambience...[it] beams with otherwordliness and reaches towards transcendence." Quite a lofty description, but I expect good things. Their 2006 debut There Is a Moth in Your Chest was worth the flattering feedback it received, though it wasn't exactly my cup of tea. The descriptions of their coming album play up to my gloomy post-rock tastes though, so perhaps they'll win me over yet. Check out the video for "My My (Bad Fruit)" from There Is a Moth in Your Chest below.

Additionally, the band will be on a quick tour this fall--including some dates with Minneapolis experimental outfit Cloud Cult. Dates below.

09/25: Ann Arbor, MI @ The Blind Pig (CD Release Party)
10/21: New York, NY @ Rehab (Dovecote Records CMJ Showcase)
10/31: Mt. Pleasant, MI @ Rubbles Bar
11/01: East Lansing, MI @ Small Planet
11/10: Washington, DC @ Black Cat*
11/11: New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom*
11/12: Danbury, CT @ Herloom Arts Theater*
11/13: Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Downstairs*
11/15: Rochester, NY @ Bug Jar

*Dates with Cloud Cult

Review: My Majestic Star's "Too Late, The Day"

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Schmitt) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:11:00 +0000

Most post-rock you come across nowadays are filled with a certain dramatic gloom that so well lends itself to heavily layered, massive attacks of guitars. Explosions in the Sky, This Will Destroy You, A Place to Bury Strangers, all exude an attitude of negative energy to some extent. Not that their songs are depressing or pessimistic, but it’s characteristically difficult to pull off a “happy” post-rock track.

While perhaps My Majestic Star don’t achieve “happy,” their songs in Too Late, The Day are certainly more sunny and optimistic than some of their instrumental brethren. The follow-up to 2006’s Ideas Are the Answer, Too Late uses the theme of a quickly passing day well. The title track, which leads off the album, is short-lived and dramatic like most days—if albeit in a slowly developing sort of way. Unlike most days however, “Too Late, The Day” is enjoyably atmospheric and worthy of being repeated.

The most-used musical theme however, is that found within “On Afternoons.” Cheerful instrumentals hold back any darkly-layered guitars, spiraling into enjoyable sonic chaos before giving way to a daydreamy Sonic Youth guitar riff. The track, as well as others such as “Defects in Sunsets” and “Forget Idaho,” is filled with distracted attentions, perhaps trying to capture an afternoon spent on your back, watching clouds dance across the sky.

My Majestic Star exudes warmth in its instrumentation where others deliver only frigidity. In fact, the biggest drawback of Too Late, The Day is that My Majestic Star relaxes you into forgetting that you’re listening to music. Concentration is difficult on this lazy summer afternoon of an album. My Majestic Star craft a graceful collection of delicate melodies that move at a natural pace—seemingly no faster than the pace of a flower growing, or the sun moving across the sky. A wonderful find for all fans of post-rock, shoegaze, or beautiful music.

My Majestic Star - "Defects in Sunsets"

(Published at MusicEmissions.com)

The Juan Maclean - "Find a Way"

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Schmitt) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:18:00 +0000

Hello! Been a while. The Juan Maclean -- the electro-infused persona of John Maclean -- is embarking on a U.S. tour this fall. To kick off the tour, the New Hampshire resident has released "Find a Way" available as a free download at RCRD LBL.

First off, if you haven't heard of RCRD LBL, it's truly one of the best things to happen to music and one of the best uses of the Internet (and of course, this crazy record label-less world it has created). Bands as diverse as Tokyo Police Club, The Chemical Brothers, Foals and Caribou have published singles, remixes, or B-side tracks to the site where you can download them all for free! It's a pretty cool operation, and definitely worth some of your time.

Anyways, "Find a Way" is a groovy dance-floor/trance/electronica/whatever cut that throws in some jazzy influences (the piano part in the intro is one of my favorite elements). Fans of Cut Copy (who Maclean recently toured with) should take to The Juan Maclean instantly. Watch for the act's new album The Future Will Come early next year. Tour dates below.

The Juan Maclean - "Find a Way" (via RCRD LBL)

The Juan Maclean will be joined by Nick Millhiser (!!!), Gerry Fuchs (Turing Machine) and Nancy Whang (LCD Soundsystem) on tour.

09/17: Scottsdale, AZ @ Martini Ranch
09/18: Tucson, AZ @ Club Congress
09/19: Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad
09/20: Ciudad, Juarez @The Hard Pop
09/22: Austin, TX @ The Mohawk
09/23: Dallas, TX @ Palladium Loft
09/24: New Orleans, LA @ One Eyed Jacks
09/25: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade, with Ratatat
09/26: Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
09/27: Greensboro, NC @ Guilford College
09/28: Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar
09/29: Washington, DC @ Black Cat
09/30: Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brendas
10/18: New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom, with Chairlift
10/31: Los Angeles, CA @ Lot 613

RedEye ChiTunes: Bully in the Hallway

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Schmitt) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:11:00 +0000

A new article of mine on Chicago punk-rock act Bully in the Hallway was published in the Chicago Tribune's RedEye. The quintet pours a variety of styles into their music, which helps them stand out from the ridiculously crowded field of semi-punk bands in Chicago. They have a debut album coming out soon, nine months in the making, while they already have enough songs penned for a second release. Serious songwriting machine. Find the article -- and their song "The Bored" -- at the link below.

ChiTunes: Bully in the Hallway

Racket Scan Podcast #6

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Schmitt) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:59:00 +0000

Racket Scan Podcast #4 is up and ready for download.

IIn this episode: Tokyo Police Club, Lykke Li, Butterfly Explosion, Union of Knives, The People’s Revolutionary Choir.

Tracklist:
1. Tokyo Police Club – “Sixties Remake”
2. Lykke Li – “Little Bit”
3. Butterfly Explosion – “Next Year”
4. Union of Knives – “Operated On”
5. The People’s Revolutionary Choir – “Do You Feel Like I Do?”

Download here. Stream online here.

As always, subscribe to the Racket Scan podcast though iTunes here.

Podcast #4

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Schmitt) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 16:25:00 +0000

Racket Scan Podcast #4 is up and ready for download.

In this episode: Colin Meloy, Candie Payne, Ghost of the Russian Empire, Shearwater, I Was A Cub Scout.

Tracklist:
1. Colin Meloy – “Barbara Allen”
2. Candie Payne – “I Wish I Could Have Loved You More”
3. Ghost of the Russian Empire – “Decade Without Death”
4. Shearwater – “Rooks”
5. I Was A Cub Scout – “P’s and Q’s”

Download here. Stream online here.

As always, subscribe to the Racket Scan podcast though iTunes here.

Podcast #3

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Schmitt) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 16:21:00 +0000

Racket Scan Podcast #3 is up and ready for download.

In this episode: The Hourly Radio, Great Northern, Ghostwood, The Duke Spirit, and Nada Surf.

Tracklist:
1. The Hourly Radio – “Deaf Ear” (Shiny Toy Guns Remix)
2. Great Northern – “This is a Problem”
3. Ghostwood – “Red Version”
4. The Duke Spirit – “You Really Wake Up The Love In Me”
5. Nada Surf – “Weightless”

Download here. Stream online here.

As always, subscribe to the Racket Scan podcast though iTunes here.

Podcast #2

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Schmitt) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 16:13:00 +0000

Racket Scan Podcast #2 is up and ready for download.

In this episode: The Bird and the Bee, Foals, The Soldier Thread, Computer Club, and Bear Colony.

Tracklist:

1. The Bird and the Bee - "Come as You Were"

2. Foals - "Balloons"

3. The Soldier Thread - "Fevers and Fireworks"

4. Computer Club - "Snobs"

5. Bear Colony - "Hospital Rooms"

Download here. Stream online here.

As always, subscribe to the Racket Scan podcast though iTunes here.

Racket Scan Podcast Now on iTunes

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Schmitt) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 03:40:00 +0000

You may now subscribe to the Racket Scan podcast through iTunes:

Subscribe!

Every episode is 5 songs of the latest and greatest indie rock (post-rock, indie-pop, folk, anti-folk, shoegaze, electro, singer/songwriter, punk, Brit-rock, and even Bjork). I hope to have one for you every week, with minimal talk and maximum music. Subscribe today!

Podcast!

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Schmitt) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 02:12:00 +0000

This is the first of what I hope will be many podcasts here at Racket Scan. Hopefully find them soon on iTunes as well:

Racket Scan Podcast #1

Shutting Down...

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Schmitt) — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 01:13:00 +0000

So, as you may have noticed from the complete lack of posts, I'm done posting on Racket Scan. The publications I'm writing for nowadays would not appreciate me reposting articles and reviews here, and I simply do not have the time to post independent material here. Sorry!

For the future, you can find my writing in the ChiTunes section of the Chicago Tribune's RedEye every Thursday, Soundcheck Magazine, 80108's IndieRock and AllAges Chicago channels, and Gapers Block's Transmission music blog.

My contact information is in the "About Me" section and remains the same. Thanks for your ongoing support!

Bury the Sound--Autumn Magnet

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Schmitt) — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 23:11:00 +0000

God help me, I love swirling guitars. If all music had to somehow be wiped from the face of the Earth, keeping shoegaze with me would be enough to last a lifetime. There’s enough complexity beneath the vibrant sonic waves, hiding new pieces of songs yet unheard, to keep me fixated for years. Such is the case with Bury The Sound. A new face on Hidden Shoals Records, Autumn Magnets is the Australian group’s debut release—featuring three tracks totaling near 25 minutes of cataclysmic instrumental work. From the haunting piano-scorched landscapes of “Gemini Unbound” – where the guitars glimmer and sizzle behind a driving pulse of bass and piano twirls – to the more traditional shoegaze of “Saratoga” – similar to an earlier Explosions in the Sky or Butterfly Explosion – Autumn Magnets is a glorious snapshot at the enormous potential with Bury The Sound. More friendly to the ear than My Bloody Valentine and perhaps quieter than Explosions in the Sky, Bury The Sound achieve a special niche in the instrumental shoegaze spectrum—one that will surely be gobbled up by music fans waiting for just such a conglomerate. “What Would One Become” settles the matter by achieving that sort of multi-emotional musical composition that Explosions in the Sky does so well. The eerie, irrepressible piano soars above a grounded guitar carefully strumming along to create a mural that could be sorrowful or inspirational—or both at once. That feeling, whatever emotional response is garnered from your ears, is built upon slowly but surely through the song’s near 9 minutes, until finally opening the flood gates and letting all hell through in a massive climax. This is instrumental shoegaze at its best, the kind that makes my mouth water. I beg and plead to the good people of Hidden Shoal Records and Bury The Sound—give me more! The first taste was free, and now I’m hooked.

(Published at MusicEmissions.com)

Manic--Floor Boards

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Schmitt) — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 01:09:00 +0000

These major-label EP releases from up-until-now unknown acts always intrigue me. How good do you have to be to nab a place on a big label, before you even have recorded music out? I would say damn good, which most always sets my ears up for a disappointment. I’m very unfair in this way, and quite prejudice. Would I expect this much out of a self-released, or indie label band? No, but because they’re not entering my CD player with the preconceived notion of better-than-you rockness. Well, Manic is a good case of this as any. Their five-song EP Floor Boards, released on Suretone Records (a part of Interscope) starts off impressively and strong. “Chemicals for Criminals” is a catchy alternative track, with mildly emo themes of shaking off a hang-over planted over razor-edged guitar instrumentals. From there though, it’s mainly downhill. “Café Barcelona” is a uninteresting alt-rock track, and “Leaving Araby” – while it may be the second best track on the release and blisteringly emotional – still produced a yawn. “In A Room On Fire” hardly sounds like there’s a fire raging somewhere, and “Mr Evans” sounds too much like a Thom Yorke track. In fact, most of Floor Boards could be labeled as a Radiohead rip-off…but not in any seriousness. Radiohead sounds much better. Granted, this is Manic’s first EP and debut release, so it is to be expected that they are still finding their feet musically—my only question is why they deserve to be nestled in Interscope Records’ bosom.

(Published at MusicEmissions.com)

The Ladybug Transistor--Can't Wait Another Day

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Schmitt) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 14:11:00 +0000

As mellow as it comes. The guitars feel like crashing waves upon a murky beach, the drums a steady yet distant pulse of a heartbeat, the saxophone a vibrant bird of prey claiming its dominancy, and the vocals your own mind chanting away in a glazed manner. This is The Ladybug Transistor, back from their self-titled 2003 release with a few less familiar faces onboard for Can’t Wait Another Day. Sasha Bell (keyboards, vocals, songwriting) has departed since 2003, and Jeff Baron’s (guitar) influence is hardly felt. In lieu of these losses, frontman Gary Olson has brought in vocalists Alicia Vanden Heuvel of the Aislers Set and Frida Eklund of Alma—in addition to Kyle Forester (keyboards) and Ben Crum (guitar), both from Great Lakes. The result is a slight shift from the sonic landscapes of The Ladybug Transistor. Instead, songs off Can’t Wait Another Day feel tight, as if little compact units moving about. Bringing the best of folky indie-pop to the game, Olson has moved closer to his earlier records, especially in tracks “This Old Chase” and “I’m Not Mad Enough.” A strong ‘70s influence is felt throughout every song, whether by the Beach Boys-like melodies in “Always On The Telephone” or vintage organs in “Terry.” Most of all though, Can’t Wait Another Day is jam-packed with well-crafted, mellow, summery indie-pop tracks in the spirit of Fleetwood Mac and Belle & Sebastian. Olson proves once again strong, despite the shifting number of musician support, in The Ladybug Transistor’s sixth studio album.

(Published at ComfortComes.com)

Empire! Empire! (I Was A Lonely Estate)--When The Sea Became A Giant

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Schmitt) — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 21:39:00 +0000

Formally of The Lonely Estates (and a few dozen previous acts), singer/songwriter Keith Latinen is pretty fed up with people. I can sympathize--people always just get in the way and slow everything down. Such was the case with The Lonely Estates, prompting Latinen to stake it on his own (plus his wife and occasional help from pals) as Empire! Empire! (I Was A Lonely Estate). When The Sea Became A Giant is his first venture out into the terrifying world of solo songwriting. With his extended-solo-inclined guitar and slightly-whiney voice (similar to most bands more than three of your friends liked in high school) alongside, Latinen crafts a lengthy five-track release. Filled with delicious straight-edged indie guitar solos, songs like "Our Love Has Made Us Pariahs" and "K.O. K.O. (The Most of My Worries Are The Least Of Yours)" are pushed beyond their natural limit, both in title and time. Latinen's yearning voice may at first feel out-of-place in such an Explosions-in-the-Sky-minus-the-distortion environment (perhaps being better suited for my-life-sucks mega-selling sob-fest acts), but after a while his soft-spoken vocals feel comfortable amongst their instrumental surroundings. For fans of Mineral, Appleseed Cast, American Football, Explosions in the Sky, Fields, or any sort of soft-spoken noise-pop (if there is such a thing), Empire! Empire! is a gem of a find. Good move Latinen, keep up this sort of quality!

(Published at MusicEmissions.com)

Fields--Everything Last Winter

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Schmitt) — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 21:06:00 +0000

One of the ultimate goals I’ve set up for myself in life is to find the perfect blend of shoegaze and alternative rock, as exemplified in a single band (which perhaps shows how trivial my life goals are). While few bands have auditioned for this most sacred role – Silversun Pickups, Dirty on Purpose, Butterfly Explosion, and even The Smashing Pumpkins to an extent – all have fallen short of my ever demanding expectations. Enter Fields.

Their debut full-length, Everything Last Winter, is a novella of rich musical works, clearly bearing the marks of a group obsessed with every last second of their art. Each song rounds out to five minutes, each like a mini-drama—carefully crafted to unravel like some proverbial Fruit-By-The-Foot. Only, instead of artificially injected flavors, Fields is an all-natural blend of alternative, indie, folk, and shoegaze roots. May sound like the makings for distasteful sonic gruel, but (for the most part) Everything Last Winter is exquisitely well-blended.

Like a Silversun Pickups injected with the somber emotions of Iron & Wine, or perhaps Belle & Sebastian mixed well with Ride (and a necessary voice-deepening), Fields delivers modest folk melodies on top of dramatic sonic landscapes that a good footwear-staring. “If You Fail We All Fail” and “Song for the Fields” show this off brilliantly…but unfortunately are the only peak-topping climaxes within Everything Last Winter. Other tracks like the wistful “Charming the Flames” and the brutally haunting “The Death” (“Not all men get buried alive / They fall apart before our eyes”) come close, but the remainders of the album do not live up to the expectations set by the scorching My Bloody Valentine guitars in “If You Fail We All Fail.”

Fields relies a little too heavily on their folk sensibilities rather than twirling experimentalism for my tastes—leaving my eternal quest for the perfected shoegaze/alternative band unfulfilled. That said, Everything Last Winter has still consumed my life—and I love it. It will envelope your life as well, just as surely as you too will love being surrounded by the modest folk and blistering shoegaze of Fields. Go. Buy. Now.

(Published at MusicEmissions.com)

The Pigeon Detectives--Wait For Me

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Schmitt) — Mon, 28 May 2007 21:46:00 +0000

Yet another face in the growingly crowded pack of English post-punk, The Pigeon Detectives’ debut full-length effort Wait For Me features the stereotypical Futureheads-esque guitar riffs and playfully brash British vocals. Formed in 2002 and made up of five near-life-long school mates, The Pigeon Detectives started their recorded career in 2005 with their 7” I’m Not Sorry. Wait For Me is their first LP, and comes in the wake of Maximo Park’s Our Earthly Pleasures, Razorlight’s self-titled sophomore effort, and The Futureheads’ News & Tributes. As all of those releases were (generally) well-received, so too will The Pigeon Detectives, who offer minimal variations on the British indie post-punk method. Achieving pop-pleasure along with antagonistic aggression, tracks like “Caught In Your Trap” are enjoyably fast-paced packages of English accents and distorted guitars. Matt Bowmans’ vocals are more easily digested than The Futureheads’ Barry Hyde’s razor-edged singing, which adds to the catchy atmosphere found within Wait For Me. Nowhere is this clearer than in their original single, “I’m Not Sorry.” A damnably catchy melody composed of whirlpool guitars and rhythmically repetitious vocals create an effect similar to that of The Arctic Monkeys, and one that could just as easily be applied to a dance floor. While like any album there are pockets of humdrumity in Wait For Me, the majority of tracks could be featured on any Apple commercial (“Stop And Go” and “You Better Not Look My Way” in particular inspired this thought). A melodious composure of pop, punk, and indie, The Pigeon Detectives’ Wait For Me is an light-hearted collage of the current British indie scene, picking and choosing influences like ingredients to some delicious stew. To any fan of the Arctic Monkeys, Razorlight, Maximo Park, The Futureheads, or even The Sunshine Underground—give The Pigeon Detectives’ Wait For Me a taste. It’s a stew that won’t disappoint.

(Published at ComfortComes.com)

Fireflies

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Schmitt) — Thu, 24 May 2007 00:35:00 +0000

Meet Lisle. He plays music. Good music. In his Portastudio. I fucking adore Lisle and his Portastudio. It’s as simple as that.

Under the moniker Fireflies, Lisle has produced some of the best lo-fi ‘80s inspired indie rock I’ve heard—like Belle and Sebastian on some marvelous ear-drug. This is the sort of wonderful MySpace find that comes along once a year, and I’m letting you in on my one big find. Born and raised in New England, Lisle played classical piano before moving to California where he began to record. Since then, he has moved to Chicago where he remains the premier best-band-you’ve-never-heard.

In every song Fireflies (interchangeable for Lisle himself since he is the lone member) crafts “a tiny snow-globe-sized universe” combined with influence from his classical days. Tracks like “Your Secret Code” are a perfect example, melding ethereal piano instrumentals with classical instruments like flute, all blended into a catchy yet haunting indie melody. I could be overflowing with joyous adjectives over the instrumentals alone, but the real capper is Lisle’s vocals. His graceful, soothing, introspective, whispered singing style could not be better suited to his tracks. These really are tiny snow-globes of sonic landscapes, lazily drifting below your dangling feet as you recklessly sail above the tundra below.

Touching, heart-breaking, and chilling all at the same moment, Fireflies’ lullaby “Les Belles Étoiles” could make you weep, quietly reflect, or simply cry out in joy—a quality most of his songs convey. These are the songs of lovers, deep dreamers, and escapists. Other tracks like the quiet love-story “Cherry Blossom Girl” travel through fascinating sonic landscapes while remaining humbly introspective, as if journeying throughout your own body. Fireflies is thus a very personal experience. Not a choice for dance-floors or get-togethers (unless your get-togethers compile sitting quietly and pondering the mysteries of the universe), this is the soundtrack of lonely nights, when rain and stars patter against your windows.

Beyond the tracks he has posted on his MySpace page, Lisle has a 7” single in the works. He has several previous releases of which he has limited copies, and carefully guards them until you ask nicely. Eternally modest and blisteringly amazing, Lisle and Fireflies will be your next lo-fi dream band. It’s as simple as that.

(Published at Shut Up Magazine)