FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2008
≈ The Tale Of Two Scots
Trash Can Sinatras - "Weightlifting" This is a band that has broken my heart in many ways. Not only was their debut album Cake a masterpiece, when I saw them tour for it I can honestly say it was the best live show I ever saw. (that includes the Smiths, New Order, Madness, well, I could be listing things all day...) I was concerned their sophomore effort would be a failure as is so often the case after such a debut, but it wasn't too bad actually. Not as good as the debut, but still quite solid. Since then however whatever magic this band had they lost. Even people who pander to them let that truth slip because reviews for this album always contain disclaimers like "their best work since Cake" or "a retrun to form". Oh really? I thought you all said a Happy Pocket was good? If they are returning to form, then we're admitting that that was in fact shite too? (which it was) Because of all this I had been afraid to try this album, but last year I had the chance to get it used for like 3 bucks so I did. It was three wasted dollars. It is not a return to form, it is not as good as Cake, and in fact all it is is the work of a band who have forgotten who they are and what matters to them. It isn't bad as much as it is wholly un-engaging. Not a single song on it makes me give a damn, not even in the slightest. Bland, plodding, pointless drivel. Guys, stop killing me with this shite. Either hang it up and leave me my memories, or put an album out you CARE about. People, ignore the "other" reviews. This sucks, avoid it like the plague.
Label ~ Spin Art | 
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2008
≈ Scots Part Deux
Twilight Sad - "Fourteen Autumns and Fifteen Winters" The whole "rebound" aspect of human existance is very true. I had just come off the crushing blow of being lied to about the last Trash Can Sinatras album, and like the dumpee on the rebound I tried to find consolation in the first pretender that came along. This Scottish band, with lead singer James Graham who sings in a thick brogue like TCS's Frank Read (they sound quite a bit alike) made me think I might find redemtion here. However, rebound romances never work out, and this was no exception. This band almost has the early magic of the TCS when they are playing it soft and mellow. In fact they are quite good then. But in every case, and on every track, it soon musically goes out of control and becomes a wall of guitar noise to the point that no melody is even discernable. It's a shame too because on some tracks which are going along quite lovely (like That Summer At Home I Had Become The Invisible Boy) the music cranks up to almost metal head proportions which simply destroys the songs. It could have been something special, and instead, it's not. To quote Robert Burns - "Oh wad some power the giftie gie us to see oursel's as others see us! It wad frae monie a blunder free us, and foolish notion."
Label ~ Fat Cat | 
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2008
≈ Wake Me In The Morning
Club 8 - "The Boy Who Couldn't Stop Dreaming" This is now the 6th long player from this band whos'output now spans a decade, and considering the superlatives that went before we might almost allow ourselves to become jaded and expect this to be great. On the other hand we might be inclined to expect it to be bad, because their decent to the ranks of mere mortals is inevitable, isn't it? (and we won't even consider the amount of other brilliant albums he's done as part of AHK or the Legends) After all, they can't just keep doing it forever can they? Apparently they can. Musically this is a return to their roots, with a more mature, almost at times jazz inspired musical line reminiscent of their debut album, while having the playfulness and brilliant melody of the second all wrapped up in a overall sombre tone which brings to mind their third album. In other words, I think they have finally distilled their past and come up with the true brew of what the core sound of this band is, and the result is simply breathtaking. From the get go this album put a cheshire like cat grin on my stupid face that doesn't leave, even when the album ends. At first all one can do is gape at how easily they manage to make music sound so beautiful, and then, you no longer care and simply allow it to engulf you. I sometimes say albums are no brainers and this one is surely one of them. If you are here looking to find something good to buy, and you don't buy this, then no power on Earth can help you. This is quite possibly the best Sweden, and in that regard the World, has to offer, and while all of their albums are sensational, this may indeed be the best of them all.
Label ~ Labrador | 
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2008
≈ I Played This For My Fodder...
Jens Lekman - "Night Falls Over Kortedala" In the early stages of his career I felt Jens mirrored the Smiths quite a bit. (mirrored, didn't sound like) He came out of nowhere, had mystique (the Rocky Dennis thing) and torpedoed us with a series of absolutely brilliant singles. When the debut album came out however it was mostly a rehash of what went before with a few filler tracks, not many of which were overly noteworthy. To his credit I think he realized what happened and the singles dried up mostly since then. Still, I was not sure what this would be like and in fact I didn't even order it right away when it came out as I wasn't in much of a rush about it. Poor, poor, pitifull me. This is a work of epoch proportions. I'd like to say the man is an ecclectic genius, but ecclecticism ought to come off as wrong to the rest of us, yet this man manages to mix such a variety of styles, musical genres and musical instruments that common sense would tell us it can't work, it shouldn't work, and the fact that nobody else has done it before proves it. Well, that's just because we didn't have him before because when he does it, it makes as perfect sense as anything in this world does. 50's do wop, calypso, zydeco accordian, dub, trance, flamenco clapping, torrents of strings and in fact just about anything you can think of, it's on here. Yet as if he were the mass of a great moutain, he has compressed this mixture into a diamond that glitters and shines from start to finish as a masterpiece of modern pop. That album cover is no lie, and it's as accurate as it too is brilliant. On this album you can find peace in the hands of heavenly comfort. Leave your cares on the roadside wearly traveller and come inside, set you hat and coat down and be at ease. You are among friends, and while you rest let me regale you with tales of beauty, love and irony. Were that it was as easy as all that... we can only thank Providence that Jens agreed to share his dementia with us so we too could see the world as he does. A magnificent accomplishment and a massive talent.
Label ~ Secretly Canadian | 
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2008
≈ I LOVE this guy
A friend sent me a link to this and I had to pass it along. It's a little you tube vid with everyones favorite director David Lynch expressing his (and my) feelings about the "I" apparatus.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2007
≈ I know you didn't believe me....
My final act of 2008 is 4 new reviews, one of which is available only in our Popsicle shop. I meant what I said below, and like Scrooge I will be better than my word and will try to keep the Spinzone near my heart thruout the year. Again my apologies to all of you for defaulting for so long.
≈ New South Wales....
Hepburns - "Something Worth Stealing" Well, we waited long enough for this, didn't we? This is the third and a half long player (second in the modern age) from everyones favourite Welsh band. It was a wait we performed not in vain. There is a stripped down beauty and innocence to this bands music which when teamed to it's insighful and well thought out lyrics leaves one simply spellbound. It's hard to categorize exactly what the driving force is, as there are elements of classic pop, the 60's, even folk music, and when they do a "single" like Fire Red Car one can only pity the unwashed masses who will never get to hear and revel in it's engaging pop beauty. There is no other way to say it other than this is another pop masterpiece. I can't say whether it's better than the last or not, not that it much matters, although I do think that one was more cohesive as an album than this one is, although the wandering of styles on here does work. Even better, they did a little mini tour for it here in the US and I got to see and meet them (and Alexander the RK head honcho). Live they were incredible, and I was astounded at the sounds Matt Jones got out of his guitar, and he was playing it without a pick! On the last rush of the finale, I could see the pain on his face from playing it. I asked him about it afterwards and in the spirit of the coal mining heritage we both share he said - "If you don't suffer for your art, what's the point?" I can only stand dumbstruck in awe: genuine awe. Without question one of the best musical acts on this planet bar none, and this album is one you simply have to own.
Label ~ Radio Khartoum | 
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≈ Did he just @$#& say what I thought he %&*$#! said?
Mike Moller - "An Album About Sex And Desire" Moi Caprice is one of many great bands that we bring to you in our Popsicle shop that does not get enough press, and this is the first solo album by that groups front man. Musically, it's gorgeous. One would expect that given the work that preceeds it. It is a bit more on the sparse side here, albeit recorded very well and really, it's mood suits the topic chosen. However that's where it goes a little off the rails. This guy was notorious for his rather blunt lyricism in the past, and on this outing he frankly went too far which I feel is an awful shame. Simply put, the lyrics are occasionally blunt to the point of being graphic and frankly inapropriate for anyone. I have always said it's the easiest thing in the world to do, lowering onesself to the lowest common denominator. Anyone can be Chris Rock. It takes real talent to get the point across in a more sublime way. I truly believe he has the talent to do that, so I am a bit saddened that he chose not to. If I hear someone sing "I want you..." I can fill in the blanks. When I hear them sing those blanks.... that's info I didn't need or want. How much that matters is up to you. Musically this album is fantastic and quite possibly his best work, and while lyrically it's mostly solid when you hear the occasional line crosser it does stop you in your tracks while you ask yourself if you heard what you think you did. He had gone too far before, but the songs were on the EP singles so were not commonly heard. I never expected it to find it's way onto album releases, but there we are. If you are a Moi Caprice fan you'll want this, just don't let anyone under 18 hear it, and I'm not kidding.
Label ~ Glorious | 
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≈ Unexpected Fruits
Dawn Dineen - "The Ghostly Apple Tree" This is an artist submitted disc, and poor Dawn probably told me to go #@%* myself some time ago when the review never showed. I don't remember when I got it, but it's been a while. (at least it's still 2007) What makes this worse is I have listened to this quite a bit as it is most excellent. Dawn is a solo chanteuse who played the guitars, bass, drums and keyboards (as well as sung of course) and had friends help out on the tracks. That often leads to variety which is the case here, as the songs while held to the same cloth by dawns most excellent voice have a degree of uniqueness to them. As to her voice and music, she at times reminds me of early Sarah McLaughlin as on Big Emotion with it's great melody line but hard raw edge. Otherwise I'd say she's pretty much her own woman and she has the chops of a star, that's for sure. Expressive, powerful and emotive without all the hand waving diva crap we're subjected to by "stars". They should take a lesson from this woman, because on tracks like Ladybug the magnitude of her talent is laid out plainly to see, and it's quite something. This is not her first album, and that one apparently came out 6 years ago. If she's been honing her self since then all I can say is the razor is sharp. My one exception is she calls it a "lo-fi" affair on the liner notes. It is not, and everyone uses this term wrong. "Fi" is short for fidelity which means "The degree to which an electronic device accurately reproduces sound". This is single miked, which means it's recorded very well, and certainly not lo-fi. My Bloody Valentine is lo-fi. The Radio Department are lo-fi. This is just done about as well as it could be.
Label ~ Yarner | 
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≈ Another Case Of Redemtion
Allens - "The Allens" This is another band that I abandoned after their submission so they too probably think ill thoughts of me. Oh well, it's a long list... Anyway, this is another husband and wife team loaded with talent, but it was the voice of lead singer Cathy Allen that made me accept it even though the album rides along a country vein rather than typical indie. Variety never hurts when it's done well however, and this is certainly done well. It's a nice blend of folk, country, slow rock with a slight southern twist. Normally that last bit is not an ingredient that appeals to me but as I said this is done so well it managed to eclipse any problems I would normally have with such a genre. In fact it's laid back character made it one of my recent faves for late night listening while reading. Plus as I said she has a lovely voice that she uses well without straining or taking places it can't go. (which isn't many) If you're not fixated on genre this is an album I can and do recommend very much and it is recorded very well on top of it. I was going to conclude by calling it one of the years best surprises, but it's from 2006. Well, like I always say it's new if you never heard it before and this is one that may appeal to you.
Label ~ Allensmusic | 
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2007
≈ Oh where, oh where, have I been?
OK, six months without a review except for one I didn't even write. All That is going to change in the new year, or at least that's my resolution. I have lots of new stuff to review, and will be trying to add a minimum of 3 reviews every week in the new year. To start with the radio has finally been updated so you can go listen to some new songs. My best to all of you for a healthy and happy 2008.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2007
≈ Oh where, oh where, has my little dog gone?
Three months absent. That's even a record for me. I have been so busy trying to sort this Magnestand stuff out that i have not had time to even listen to music, let alone review it. That is going to change in the new year, I promise. I will try to add reviews in in the meantime this year when I can. For now we have another first: A review not written by me. Luke, from our Popsicle shop, has ventured into starting his own record label (Popsicle Records) and I am allowing him to review that labels first release because if he left it up to me..... well, you know.
≈ Buried Swedish Treasure
Favorita - "Favorita" Hey everyone, this is Luke here (Spinguy’s partner in the Popsicle Webshop) making a rare guest appearance on the Spinzone. As you may have gathered from the name of the Popsicle Recordings label, it’s me who’s behind the release of this Favorita CD. Spinguy asked me to write this review, not just because he's lazy, but he also wanted to see if I could write an impartial review of an album I’m releasing, so here goes. Favorita were formed in Southern Sweden in the mid 90’s by Magnus Borjeson after his much- loved band Beagle split up. The band’s label went bust before the album could come out and the release was shelved indefinitely until this year when I convinced Magnus to let me give it the release it deserves. The first thing you’ll notice about this album is that it does not sound like Beagle. There is still a powerpop sensibility to the songs, but gone are the jangly guitars and harmony-layered backing vocals. There is a raw, frenetic energy to songs like “Seven Comforts” and “Now” which literally burst from the speakers with their tales of end-of-the-century disillusionment. The band slow down for the ballads like the simple love song “Innocence” or the closing lament “Well, It’s Only Pain”, and they flex their considerable musical prowess on numbers like “Slowfox and Waltz” and “Surprisingly Cynical Crossword”, a song which features an astonishing middle-eight breakdown which lasts close to 3 minutes. But it’s Magnus’s honest and understated voice which unifies these songs, not to mention his remarkably lyrical bass playing. This is the complete Favorita experience, including seven bonus tracks and both the band’s videos, and it comes in a beautiful digipack package designed by none other than indie pop guru Dan Bryk. Don’t just take my word for it that this is a great album though...you can preview four tracks on Favorita’s Myspace page and a further two on the sales page over at Popsicle. So Spinguy, how did I do? I give it and you a 7.8
Label ~ Popsicle Recordings | 
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2007
≈ ET Bone Home
In what will be a recurring feature trying to balance both music and the audio equipment we enjoy that music on, we will occasionally examine and parody ads from yesteryear. This one has the honour of going first because it reminds me of the new TV ad my kid keeps seeing for this toothbrush that makes music in your head when you brush. As we can see, our forefathers had already researched this, and much to their credit (the horny buggers) far better if I may say so. I hardly know where to begin with this ad.... Just a cursory glance makes it quite apparent that this bone fone is vibrating on her jubblies. Is this a requirement of getting good intonation, or just getting a "bone"? Will a D cup play better than an A for example? Well, I don't think this device revolutionized music, I can't recall seeing one, but one would think that between the vibrating and the music (and it's unisex nature) it would have supplanted that famous vibrating torpedo shaped friend in every bedroom drawer. I really wonder if you can hear the music no matter what part of you it's touching..... Hmmm... I'm off to ebay gang.....
≈ A Big Hot Wind
Small Sails - "Similar Anniversaries" From what I understand, in "real" life this band is more than music, and their shows are supposed to be a more audio visual experience. However, they have to stand on just one leg now and I'd have to say they do a fairly competent job. Instrumental electronica has been done to death and it's not easy being creative, unique, or even making anyone give a damn. The reasons behind their success may be twofold: One, they write good melodies, and the emphasis is on the melody, not the techno fireworks. Two, while they don't sing, the human voice gets used as an instrument, with lots of ba ba's, la la's, hmmm hmmm's, hi oh, hi oh's etc.. etc.. ad infinitum which keeps the proceedings from embracing the machine too much. Also, while synths are prevelant, the music sounds more organic and natural in a way that's hard to describe other than saying it is very ambient. Another positive about this album is that it is recorded extraordinairily well. Without question this is one of the better albums of it's kind, a "chill out" recording if you will and one which I very much recommend.
Label ~ Other Electricities | 
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≈ Rocks Beneath The Waters
Bright Eyes - "Cassadaga" This is the 7th album from this US band who's driving force is lead singer Conor Oberst. The title is taken from the Floridian city known for attracting spiritual people and mediums and as that might suggest there is a religious and perhaps anti religous overtone to the proceedings. The disc doesn't start well as the song Clairaudients is OK but you have to sit thru 2 minutes of an annoying phone call of someone telling someone how to clean their spirit by driving around the country the correct way. Now 20 seconds of this as an intro would have been tolerable, but 2 minutes? No thanks. Sadly my mood didn't improve much over all after this and that's a shame. I did quite like the single Four Winds and on If The Brakeman Turns My Way Obersts delivery is a lot like Arlo Guthrie which I like. However, being american I suppose, he can't help letting his melodies keep falling back to southern bluegrass classic rock. Now, that's great for those of you who like that, but I don't and never have. So it's quite possible if you are partial to 70's music then I could easily see how this album would appeal to you far more than it does to me. I found one gem, one or two rays of sunshine, and the rest was pretty ordinairy or less so. Even the cover, (that's the ENTIRE cover) which requires a special (and included) "spectral decoder" to read was very cool at first, but soon became a pain in the ass. It does include a real lyric booklet, and no decoder is required to read that.
Label ~ Saddle Creek | 
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2007
≈ A Whisper To A Scream
Magic Whispers - "Carousels & Music Boxes" Having liked the debut album by this band so much I was very eager for their follow up to come out. Sadly, it pales in comparison and that's as hard to take as say because I really think there is some talent here. I don't know if it was the choice of trying to write songs around their title theme that did it (how much carousel and music box thematics can anyone take?) or if they just fell flat. Maybe the first one was a fluke. Sure, there are some nice tracks, Time To Grow probably being my favorite, but sadly there are too many let downs. Their cover of Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow is frankly uninspired and I know they could have done this better. Track ten, Carousel is like audible chinese water torture and by the time we get to Two Mothers, a song about breast feeding, (well, OK, it's more of a commentary than a song) I'm looking for the exit ramp. This thing isn't even average, it's actually bordering on crap and the pittance of worthwhile cuts on it don't justify its price. (the packaging is very nice however) Oh well, such is life, and in to each life some rain must fall.... umbrellas out gang and mind the puddles, I think there's doody in some of them.
Label ~ Siesta | 
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≈ Paging Tim Burton...
Pierces - "Thirteen Tales Of Love And Regret" What a strange pair of birds these Pierce sisters are, Catherine and Allison. I got this on a whim because it seemed like it just might be quirky enough to pay off. Quirky it is, that is if Portishead singing a James Bond soundtrack in a Tim Burton film is quirky. The minute I heard one of them doing a trumpet imitation on the intro to Boring they pretty much had me. They do take the piss on a lot of the tracks here, (both musically and lyrically) but they do it so well all you can do is let out a chuckle, applaud and sit back and enjoy it. That said there are some really nice and powerful ballad type songs on this as well. I get the impression they are twins, however it doesn't really say which one of them sings and many songs are kind of duet-ish anyway and they probably sound alike to begin with. There's is just enough difference between their voices that when they harmonize it comes off really well. They also explore a variety of genres which all manage to tie together due to the ecclectic treatment they give everything. For the people who still own stereos I can also say that this album is recorded very well. Chances can be dicey, but this is definetly an album you should check out as it might very well wind up being one of your surprise favorites of the year, and nothing is sweeter than that. My wife and daughter especially like it.
Label ~ Lizard King | 
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FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2007
≈ I'll Have A Carlberg...
Pelle Carlberg - "In A Nutshell" This is, well counting Edson releases I'm not sure how many albums, but it's his second proper solo release and it would appear the ghosts of Rydells past have been fully laid to rest. I have often gotten the impression our Pelle has felt an onus put on him by everyone to be more "happy", and failing that, to at least write more poppy songs. I'm always for that, but at the same time one has to be true to their inner selves. I think on this outing, deliberately or not, he has found a bouyancy between his wistful irony and pop catchiness. Oh, there's no question it's him all right and the lyrics are as wry and coy as we've come to expect but from the outset this album is much more lets say exhuberant than even his last album. (which I thought was pretty exhuberant for him) It also displays a nice variety of styles and emotions and it even includes a nod to the Smiths and their drummer Mike Joyce in the tribute song I Touched You At The Soundcheck which of course comes from Paint A Vulgar Picture a song which for me stamped the end of the Smiths as finally as Hand In Glove started it and it's a brilliant choice. This is a delight from start to finish and the only thing bad I can say is it perhaps could have been recorded a tad better. I would love to hear this guy do something minimal and pure like the recent Whitest Boy album because Pelle has the goods. Still, most of you will compress and shove this on an mp3 player so you won't even know what the hell I'm talking about so no worries. I didn't want to give it a 10+ like the last but it really deserves it....it even has a hidden song at the end which seems like a dig at Labrador records, so OK, you pushed it over the hump Pelle. 10+ It's in our Popsicle shop now so go get it kiddies.
Label ~ 27 Records | 
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THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2007
≈ Ooops, They Did It Again!
Ronderlin - "The Great Investigation" Without question, there is no tougher act in music than trying to follow up a really good debut album. Ronderlin didn't have a good debut album, they had an album so stunning it was one of the literal best albums of all time, where they managed to mix passion with beautiful, genuine and tender emotion to music that seemed to breathe life into those feelings. It rarely gets better, if it even ever did, and it left me truly astounded. So it was with both trepidation and anxiousness that I awaited this follow up, and I can say after wiping away the beads of perspiration that, while no, it's not as good as that, it is damn close which alone is quite startling. Musically it is quintessentially them, however they do broaden their musical sound without sacrificing any of it, which allows for it to be familiar and new at the same time. Kalle sounds as good as ever, however on just a few tracks his voice is mixed to be a little different, and while I wasn't sure I liked that at first in time I came around. What's more this may actually be a little more "upbeat" over all than the debut was, not that it was slow, lets say at times this is just a tad more agressive musically. So that's that, the proof is in the pudding and this band has proven it has the goods and the first time was no fluke. Without question they are one of the best traditional rock bands in the world right now, if not the best. I can't give it a spouting 10 because I have to make a distinction between it and their first, but this is a gem and it (and their debut) can be had in our Popsicle shop.
Label ~ Tomt | 
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≈ Return Of The White Boy
Whitest Boy Alive - "Dreams" This is the most recent effort from Erlend Öye of KOC fame, who is assisted by German DJ Marcin Öz and Sebastian Maschat. This came out later last year but I hesitated on getting it because I never bought any of his previous offshoot work as the cuts I heard didn't inspire me, but when I finally heard a few samples from this they appealed to me so I took a chance and boy, did it pay off. Apparently this entire album was recorded live in session with no effects, layering or any other tampering. It is simply drums, bass, guitar and voice. I don't know if we should be surprised or not, but the depth of the recording and the visceral sound quality are immediately stunning. I can (and do) put this on just to float away on the sheer beauty of it, and the better your stereo the more you will get out of this record for sure. It starts out pretty uptempo and poppy (I always thought he was the one between them that favoured that more) and it does change slowly thru but I would not say it gets slower, rather it gets more intelligent, more thought out, more complex as the melodies and rhythms if slower become more entwined, more brilliantly phased and executed. Simply put, it's music for people who LOVE music, and who LOVE to listen to music. This is nothing more and nothing less than a sublime juggernaut, and yes, I play it loud. This is different, but easily as good or better than any KOC album, truly. Avoid it at your own loss and peril.
Label ~ Service | 
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TUESDAY, JULY 10, 2007
≈ The Weatherman Is Wrong Again
OK, I lie more than a politician. But I got caught up finishing some business that was late getting resolved because customers were a little tardy sending me stuff. That's all done now, and I am set to review. This is not a promise, it WILL happen. You will see at least 1 new review a day (excluding weekends) for the next month. I'd like to power thru 30-40 titles, so we'll see how it goes....
≈ I Think I'm In Love With You, (oh no)
Mocca - "Colors" I feel really bad having taken so long to get to reviewing this, the third album from this simply delicious band. Not only because I really dig them, but they even thanked me in the liner notes. The first thing to grab you as usual is the packaging. I don't know who keeps thinking this stuff up, or who pays for it, but this is another gem. It is actually packaged like a box of colored pencils, for all the good and bad that implies. It is a royal pain in the ass to open as it splits in half and makes a stand, which also makes it a pain to put away. (you'll be cursing and marvelling over it at the same time) However, it's so good you may not want to ever put it away. It picks up right where the last left off, with the most heartfelt ballads, quirky uptempo numbers, a little jazz, a little swing, a little honkey tonk and all around fantastic orchestration. Arina sounds as lovely as ever, the playing is spot on and they continue their swedish connection as this time there is a superb lounge duet with Pelle Carlberg called Let Me Go which is just to die for. This is a record made by a band that is all grown up but which still has fun like kids, and it's as special as that would seem to imply. Why didn't I give it a spouting 10 then? Two complaints, one petty, one minor. The petty complaint is the tracks are listed wrong as the first track is called "INTRO" but it's not numbered on the sleeve. However your player doesn't know that so every track is off by one and requires thinking if you want to play a certain one. Also, track 14 is a rehash of the intro for a few seconds, and then we're treated to dead air until almost the 12 minute mark when a lo-fi 1940's radio sounding cover of The Object Of My Affection (heard earlier on in the album) comes on. It's nice having the cut, but not waiting 12 minutes for it. (no, I'm not fond of this practice) So the sleeve says 13 tracks, your player says 14 and there's actually 15. My minor complain is the over all recording quality of the album could have been a little better. I've heard a lot worse, but their last was much better so this is a step back, and I'm not sure why as they are better than this, unless they wanted a more retro sound. Aside from these quibbles this is just a great album, and one I very much recommend. It would be very fair to say they are one of the best bands in the world right now, and possibly the best at what they do, and it deserves to be said. Like their others, this album can be had only in our Popsicle shop.
Label ~ FFWD | 
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TUESDAY, JUNE 5, 2007
≈ The Flood Begins
Again, my apologies for the layoff, but I should be doing a lot of reviewing over the summer as my kid being off kills my real work time. It's my goal to do at least 5 per week all summer. Today we review a new and much anticipated arrival to the Popsicle shop and we'll be adding more in a day or so including new albums by Mocca, Ronderlin and the Ferns.
≈ Back From Florida Alive!
Lovekevins - "The LK's Vs The Snow" I had been looking forward to this album for a long time, never quite knowing what to expect from it. Their debut EP was simply stunning but often bands falter or change course by the time the LP strikes. That isn't the case here. While Max Leon struck me as witty and perhaps a bit eccentric those traits did not stand out glaringly so, and I was a bit surprised at first to find that they do when trying to hear and absorb this LP on the first few spins. In fact I went back to the debut EP to see how similar or not it was and to my surprise I did find that any of those songs could be dropped into the mix of this album and fit right in. What makes this band special are the disjointed beats and melodies they use, and the earnest, pinning yet strangely gripping vocals of lead singer "Blak". Together these elements make for an album that is a joy ride of pop craftsmanship, but it is a very chic, very upscale affair despite the occasional profanity and /or sexual reference. While the lyrics often don't make sense either when looked at and read coldly, like New Order it all seems to make sense in the context of the song, as it weaves your brain into a pop psychosis. On top of all this it's recorded very well. What else needs be said? This is damn special and if you don't get a copy, more's the pity for you. It's available in our Popsicle shop now.
Label ~ Songs I Wish... | 
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≈ Summer Came, And I'm Not Ready Yet Either...
Irene - "Apple Bay" I know I'm a bit late getting to this, but I had a reason. When their debut single Baby I Love Your Way came out last year it generated a lot of emotion, mostly positive, but some negative. In fact I had been having a conversation at the time with a "major player" in the indie scene who mentioned it and told me he DESPISED it. (The same way John Cleese despised Commies in the old Python skit) I was a bit taken aback by that. Well, I know people who feel the same way about the Postal Service too believe it or not. (the band I mean) So when the album came out I wasn't sure what to think and perhaps it effected my expectations because at first, while I wasn't sure, I didn't think I liked this. It was recorded a little flat and compressed and it struck me as pained warbling which prompted the indecision which delayed the review. Well, I'm here to now report that nothing could be further from the truth. This is actually a fairly brilliant album, and what I mistook for warbling was genuine passion and heartfelt playing. It's also not a one trick pony where the single is the only stand out track, as the entire affair is most excellent with nary a clunker to be found. While the lead vocal may be a voice you either love or hate, I think if you give it some time you'll find it warm, dark and fuzzier than it is gruff or edgy. The songs as well are very pop friendly and finely and uniquely orchestrated. This is a very solid debut effort, and it comes with our full stamp of approval.
Label ~ Labrador | 
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2007
≈ Back To The Good Ol Days
I know, I said I'd be getting more reviews done and a month slipped away again. In my defense so much of what I have is going to be on sale in the Popsicle shop and I was waiting until Luke had it, however the vendors (mostly swedes) are so busy frollicking in the spring air of Malmo that they forgot to mail them. OK gang, the fika is over, mail our stuff! Since I can't wait any longer, I'll begin reviewing it and will post a notice when it's in the shop.
≈ Holy Hell In A Handbasket
Montt Mardie - "Clocks" I really liked the debut album by this swedish kid, but didn't think he showed all his promise on it. That was reinforced by his recent Science EP which was simply brilliant and showed much in the way of musical growth. That brings us here, and all I can say is did this kid hit one out of the park. This is a double album, the first being the "new" album and the second being quasi covers and redo's with a galaxy of swedish stars from Andreas Mattson, Jens Lekman, Johan Angergärd, Vapnet and more. The "album" is a thing of sublime beauty. Strings, horns, songs of passion and regret sung from the gut and even taking the piss on himself by recovering Highschool Drama as a totally new tune called Birthday Boy. (in fact this is sort of the premise of the second album) What really stands out is his sudden maturity, not only with a ballad, but with retro lounge classics like Let's Get Away From It All. The Velvet Fog would be proud. Honestly, I can't carp enough about this album, from it's delicacy to it's irony it will be without question one of the best releases of the year, and then some. If that was just it that is. However on to that we add the second disc, full of some of the most delightful and witty duets imagineable spanning all sorts of genres. I don't even know what to start gushing about first as it's all so fucking brilliant. I suppose the one that strikes home most is Castle In The Sky which is sung to the tune of A Man Walks Into A Bar with Jens Lekman and is a lament to a girl both of them loved, but neither apparently got. Christ, it's all fucking too good, I really think my heads going to explode over this, and it's all I've been listening to since it arrived, and I have a lot of great new stuff too. I've never been this bluntly urbane before, but if you don't buy this you're an asshole. It's that simple. It will be in our Popsicle shop soon I hope.
Label ~ Hybris | 
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