This title was provided by a talented young man named Bruce Springsteen.
Well this week was odd, I either liked or dislike the selections. Normally I try to find some redeeming quality in an album, after all this is someones masterpiece, but this week it was difficult. I have also been having an annoying week at work, so that may have influenced some of initial thoughts.
Ownerless by Everest. Consisting of members of Folk Implossion and Sebadoh, I figured there was no way I wouldn't enjoy this release. Now, that's a bit of pressure. I really dug this album. I would love to see them at one of our outdoor music festivals someday. Anyone who has a soft spot for Alt-Country/Folk/Stoner Rock will like this release. I am actually quite surprised they aren't more well known. They get consistently better with each release. Do yourself a favour - go buy this disc. http://everestband.com/
Still Wanna Fight by Mic Harrison + the High Score. The description said they sounded like a cross between Tom Petty and Wilco, interesting. But after listening to the CD I don't think that was too accurate especially lyrically. I was not blown away by any means. I think the next time someone says they sound like Tom Petty or Wilco it should be Tom Petty or Wilco. http://www.micharrison.com/MicHarrison/Home.html
(I can't get no) Stevie Jackson by Stevie Jackson. I don't like no Stevie Jackson, is more to the point.I was actually relieved when some songs ended. It was stylistically all over the map and it was distracting, but not in a good way. http://www.steviejackson.net/
National Health by Maximo Park. Start to finish I really liked this album, I really dug the simple intro track of just voice and piano it was a great way to start an album from there that would be all tempo and fun. They are not a group that surprise me from release to release, they are quite consistent and I like that about them. I do sometimes think "Oh, cheer up" with some of the heavier subject matter, but regardless it's the guitar driven hooks that always keep me coming back. http://maximopark.com/
Freak Out! by Teenage Bottlerocket. Great punk record from Wyoming based band. They have been around a while, but this is the first I am hearing of theirs. Great catchy hooks but lyrically a bit odd. Mosh pit etiquette addressed in a song and then another one about a Sensei. Seriously? http://teenagebottlerocket.com/
Where the Mountain Meets the Valley by Joshua Hyslop. Wow what a gem, I really like this new Canadian artist out of Abbotsford. I especially like the duet What Have I Done with Anna Scouten. His vocals are quiet but there are glimpses of a full sing out in the odd song, so he clearly has the chops and can rise to the challenge and sing beyond the key of mellow. I think he's an artist to watch, and hopefully we'll see him in these parts soon. http://www.joshuahyslop.com/
Gold Motel by Gold Motel. Sometimes a record sounds like a season, and this one to me sounds like summer. Maybe it's the breezy tempo, maybe it's the boy/girl harmonies, or perhaps the vintage reverb pop whatever the the case it's summer. Well paced record from start to finish. Check them out. http://goldmotel.com/
Space Between the Words by Dan le Sac. The opening track Long Night of Life immediately grabbed my attention. The album shifts from influence to influence, I was not surprised to hear that his main gig is as a producer. At first listen it seems to be a rather erratic flow, but I came to appreciate it. I would suggest anyone who digs UNKLE, Portishead, Arab Strap or Trip Hop in general should check this out. http://www.danlesac.co.uk/
That's all/enough for this week.
PS: Go buy music in a store.
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