“Memory Drawings” by The Drift (Temporary Residence) – Out now
Bubble-gum pop enthusiasts, look not on The Drift’s “Memory Drawings” for succor. Might as well pass up their first full-length album, 2005’s “Noumena,” as well.
The San Francisco instrumental group draws from numerous sources—jazz, dub, electronica, funk—but the one thing it did not inherit is [...]
"Pershing" by Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin (Polyvinyl) - Out now
There’s definitely music for every season. The downbeat baroque that fits New England’s colder months just isn’t cutting it now that we’ve finally tasted 80 degrees again. And while summer calls for wide-open rock grandeur (think Bruce Springsteen’s "Thunder Road"), spring begs for something [...]
Worldwide by TheDeathSet (Counter Records)- Out now
Punk music has always been a vibrant and energetic scene, since the early days of the Ramones, the Sex Pistols, the Dead Kennedys. It’s a mainstay of the genre. Punk bands generally are made up of (sometimes) angry youth. Youth symbolizes resistance to the norm, so it would make [...]
Good news: Record stores still exist, apparently. In recognition of that — and also in hopes of keeping them in existence — today, April 19, 2008, is Record Store Day. What does all this mean? Basically it’s a chance to listen to some tunes, get some free stuff and give your local music store a [...]
"Transnormal Skiperoo" by Jim White (Luaka Bop) - March 4, 2008
On “Transnormal Skiperoo,” Southern troubadour Jim White continues his maturity as a musician, but it’s his ability to tell a story his lyrics that stands out above all else.
On the intensely personal “Plywood Superman,” White sings about his father, who “used to beat on [...]
"Colin Meloy Sings Live!" by Colin Meloy (Kill Rock Stars) - Out now
When a band’s singer does the semi-required solo tour, it can go down one of a few ways: 1. He or she plays acoustic versions of the bands’ hits before adoring crowds; or 2. He or she plays some of their own tripe [...]
The Breeders: Mountain Battles (4AD) - Out now
Kim Deal and The Breeders are back after a six-year hiatus. The time spent between releases must have paid off, because they’re having a lot of fun with “Mountain Battles.”
The lineup now consists of Kim Deal on vocals and guitar, sister Kelly Deal on the same, Jose Medeles [...]
"Drawn to Dust" by Camphor (Friendly Fire Recordings) - Out now
Perhaps “album” is not the right word for chamber-pop group Camphor’s “Drawn to Dust.” The debut CD, brainchild of singer/songwriter Max Avery Lichtenstein, has such hypnotizing continuity it can better be termed a collection of short stories set to [...]
"For Emma, Forever Ago" by Bon Iver (Jagjaguwar) - Out now
The falsetto is a strange animal, especially when it comes to folk music. It’s unnatural and can be a bit jarring, but it can be beautiful, acting as another instrument. Lots of singers use it - and use it well - but few use [...]
Radiohead is teaming with iTunes and GarageBand to let fans remix "Nude," Thom York’s creepy/beautiful ballad off "In Rainbows." This coincides with the release of the single in the UK, which apparently they actually still do.
And to make things a little more interesting, they’re making a contest out of it.
Here’s how it works: You can [...]
