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| Asteroid #4 Going Down |
| Saturday, July 26, 2008 |
Philly-based country-psych rockers Asteroid #4 is a band I've had an affinity ever since I heard their wonderful album Honeyspot. They have an excellent new record coming out in September, but before we get to it, let's talk a bit about their latest single. It's a two-track affair, and it's great. "Going Down" is a mellow rocker that's hazy and a little bit stoned. "My Love" isn't the Wings song, dammit, but it's a slow ballad that got a bit of reverb to it and reminds me of vintage My Morning Jacket, but not in a rip-off kind of way. I love the harmonies on it, too; it's a simply delightful and kind of sad song. You're going to experience my love of their music shortl, as I shall be writing about their two latest records, a singles collection and a new album. But I thought I'd introduce you now, as I recommend these two songs as a little tease. Enjoy!
Listen To: "Going Down"Labels: reviews a, The Asteroid Number Four, The Committee to Keep Music Evil |
posted by joseph kyle @ 9:47 AM  |
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| The Acorn Tin Fist |
| Sunday, June 29, 2008 |
"Quiet." "Gentle." "Serene." "Tranquil."
These are several adjectives I could accurately use to describe the music found on The Acorn's EP Tin Fist. I have heard good things about them, so I approached this EP as an opportunity for an introduction, and I'm kind of glad I did, because this record is excellent. What makes it so good? Sincere, sweet vocals; gorgeously plucked guitars, banjos, and other rustic stringed instruments; harmonies that simply make your heart melt. The track I selected for you, "Brokered Heart," captures this magic, but I wish I could also give you "Heirlooms," so that you could hear the lushness of its sound. I wish I could give you "Dents," so that you could hear the gentle string arrangements. I wish I could give you "Feral Chilie" so that you could hear the beautiful singing. I wish I could give you "Spring Thaw" so that you could see that the band can turn it up and deliver a powerful upbeat song. I wish I could give you "Maplebees" so that I could break your heart with its heartbreak vibe.
Yeah, I'm glad I bought this EP, because it's a wonderfully concise and curiously strong release--and it makes me want to hear their latest LP, Glory Hope Mountain, even more.
Listen To: "Brokered Heart"
Tin Fist is available now on Paper Bag Records.Labels: paper bag records, reviews a, the acorn |
| posted by joseph kyle @ 7:10 AM |
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| Daniel Ahearn Pray For Me By Name |
| Monday, June 16, 2008 |
Daniel Ahearn is the dude behind the folktronic pop band ill lit. Dude has a pretty good way with a melody; he's been compared to Beck, and understandably so. Pray For Me By Name is a solo joint, due apparently to the man having his equipment stolen. As a result, the music found on this brief little EP isn't quite like the trippier moments of ill lit; it's more singer/songwriter fare, with occasional alt.country moments, but those are just lazy descriptive categories that mean absolutely nothing. The songs are kind of melancholy, like "San Vicente" and "Jesus Saves," but when he If I had to compare his voice to anyone, it would be the equally underrated Sean Na Na, especially on the sweet "Down for the Count." Though a brief affair, I really enjoyed the listening experience found here.
Listen To: "Down for the Count"Labels: Daniel Ahearn, reviews a |
| posted by joseph kyle @ 12:30 PM |
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| The Atlas Sound Virtual 7" volume 3 |
| Sunday, May 11, 2008 |
I'm still not sure about Atlas Sound's debut album, but I am fairly certain that Atlas Sound's "latest single" is pretty amazing. For those of us old enough to remember the era when a 7" single wasn't a promotional gimmick or an instant uber-rarity, Mr. Bradford Cox has given us a "virtual 7'," and darned if it isn't a nice little slice of virtual vinyl. The introduction of A-Side, "Bored Dub," had me thinking I was about to be encased in Vini Reilly-esque guitar solo. It didn't happen, but Bradford's singing is just as lovely. It's all a bit somnambulistic, with his voice blending in with the gentle melodies behind him. In a way, it reminds me of 50s-era doo-wop ballads; it doesn't have the harmonies, but it has the atmosphere. I can't really explain it, but tune in to Blues Before Sunrise and you'll hear music that sounds an awful lot like this. "No Longer" is an instrumental number, not unlike his recent album--a quiet, blissful passage, neither overbearing nor disconcerting. If anything, it has me crawling back to that album to give it a second chance...
Listen To: Bored Dub
Listen To: No LongerLabels: Atlas Sound, Kranky Records, reviews a |
| posted by joseph kyle @ 5:04 AM |
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| Auburn Lull Begin Civil Twilight |
| Friday, May 9, 2008 |
So, how do you describe perfection? How do you put into words the indefinable, to describe a sound so wonderfully indescribable? Honestly, I can't tell you-I just told you I can’t describe this record. But that's okay, I think I'll let the music speak for itself.
Listen To: Civil Twilight
If I were in Auburn Lull, I would be proud of Begin Civil Twilight. It is a creative high point; it is easily their best record to date, and it is a seamless trip through aquatic galaxies and celestial seas. The record proves that they truly are the children of Eno and Budd and Guthrie, yet they possess their own identity. It floats by lackadaisically, without pause, without concern. They take their time with the music they make, and the delicate details of this album prove why those of us who know the band, we don’t mind the wait.
If I were with Darla Records, I would be proud to release Begin Civil Twilight. It is no secret that the label is one of my favorites. They have released many records I listen to on a weekly basis, and I will support them and sing their praises as long as I am writing about music, but damn--this record is a total, utter mindblower. I would honor James and Chandra by commending them for their good taste, but they already know that.
As a long-time follower of Auburn Lull, I am extremely proud of Begin Civil Twilight. I remember when this band started out on limited-edition vinyl, and I spent a pretty penny collecting their works, but as I said earlier, I do not complain about the length of time for records to appear; I have yet to be disappointed. And Begin Civil Twilight has played in my overnight playlists for sleepy times ever since I got it.
I wish I could give you all this record in toto, but, alas, I cannot. I want Auburn Lull to get paid. But consider it a gift, my friend, of the song I have posted, because the record is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful things you’ll hear all year. Simple words for simple melodies and simply beautiful sounds...Labels: auburn lull, Darla Records, reviews a |
| posted by joseph kyle @ 8:17 PM |
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