Earlier this week I was at a party and a friend of mine who I hadn't spoken to in a while asked me what I had been listening to lately...and I sorta drew a blank. I mean I've still always have music on...at work, when I'm home. But lately I've been resorting to some old 2005 standbys rather than trying to keep up with what's new. I used to go onto soulseek every weekend and check out albums from bands I had been reading about, etc. Haven't done that in a while. This weekend I'm gonna buckle down and try and find some new shit. Top of the list right now is getting a hold of The Knife's new album, which I've heard amazing things about. Also wanna check out Destroyer's Rubies. Hopefully I'll have a full report on my diggings up next Tuesday.
For now, since It's been on my mind, here's what I've been listening to lately...
Slowlands - Never There was a Town
This thing has owned me since I got it in the mail earlier this week. Seeing them at Movable Hype last Wednesday opened my eyes. These guys are very good. I hear a lot of CYHSY in there...but far more mellower and less abrasive. I'm sorry I missed them last night and am really excited for the next chance to see them play.
Ghostland Observatory - Paparazzi Lightning
Their last one was great summer fun. This one is better. It has hits popping from the seams. For a band on their own label, they're already getting a ton of exposure...Piano man was featured during the opening video at the Plug Awards and Sad Sad City is getting a daily spin on KEXP these days. Rumor has it they are tentatively in place to play the SWSWist show (Details to come.) They are like nothing else live.
She Wants Revenge - S/T
I know, I know...but I saw them live last weekend at Bowery and walked away generally impressed. There are 5 or 6 songs on here that are really really excellent...but the rest are just beyond forgettable. The Interpol comparisons are overplayed. We get it. Thing is, aside from the monotone baritone vocals and the general "Goth" aura, the songs don't have nearly as many parallels as one may think at first listen. These guys don't hang on the minimalist sounds...they're much nosier and complex. While I admit I jumped on the similarities at first too, it's a rather lazy stance to take if you listen to them for a little bit.
Rainer Maria - Look Now Look Again/Anyone in Love With You (Already Knows)
Another band playing the SXSWist show in Austin next month. It (obviously) took me a long time to get around to these guys, but I really haven't stopped listening to them since I went to their last show at Northsix. It's just fun, beautifully uncoordinated emotional rock. Their new album will be out later this year and everything I've heard off it so far has been pretty good.
Also...
Mylo - Destroy Rock and Roll
Forward Russia - Assorted Demos and Singles
Two Gallants - What the Toll Tells
The Strokes - First Impressions of Earth (Yes, still. It's quite the grower...)
Thank you, finally someone not being all "ooh look at me mr. music elitist" about She Wants Revenge. No they aren't going to change my life, but they are fun to listen to and (god forbit) dance to while you are out and about. I am seeing them tonight and am looking forward to it...thank you very much...maybe I will listen to some ryan adam's afterwards just to escalate the "i don't live anywhere NEAR brooklyn" factor....thank god
not sure who that is directed to...but god i am sick of these pretentious i-know-everything-about-music asses...music is meant to entertain...get over yourself already (not you CV, the music critics in general)
Posted by: Ryan97ou | February 17, 2006 at 04:54 PM
I think it's SWR who are the souls guilty of "sloth" in this case. Why be innovative when you can cannibalize with banality... (Putting aside the rehashed washed up genre-schizophreniac bio.)
Posted by: | February 17, 2006 at 05:40 PM