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Here in Kentucky, we had what was probably our last, great warm weekend. It hit in the 70’s with some perfect sunshine, and as the weatherman declared how awesome it was to have this nice October warmth in November, I couldn’t help but think of the Postal Service line over and over:
"Where concerns about the world getting warmer The people thought they were just being rewarded
Now we can swim any day in November"
I wasn’t showing any signs of complaining though. It was great to walk with everyone around streets and sidewalks that were blanketed in the burnt oranges and deep yellows from fallen leaves. Though, musically, its starting to feel like all of the bands out there are doing the same thing, too. As we ease into the final stretch of ’09, fewer songs are popping up, but the ones that are, are firing on all cylinders. But, as LaVar Burton would say, you don’t have to take my word for it.
Just push play.
Yeasayer – Ambling Alp
The blog dominator for the week by a long-shot. It’s walking some rather worn ground, but you can file this in the ol’ “a great/fun song is a great/fun song.” It’s catchy, it’s soaked in sing-along, and moves just enough to stay interesting. It’s also a monster already with listeners, following the same success we’ve seen this year with bands like Phoenix and Grizzly Bear. Resistance is futile.
Sleigh Bells – Infinity Guitars
We’re told this is a demo that the NYC duo plan on re-recording in the near future, but I really hope that it doesn’t loose its awesomeness. It reminds me a bit of The Kills, and it’s DIY garage feel only add to the overall crunch, instead of making it sound like typical DIY. Stomp, clap, stomp, stomp, clap.
Freelance Whales – Generator: Second Floor
This is one of my favorite new finds. They’ve an album called Weathervane, which also features the “First Floor,” which we’ve played here previously. With what looks like a near dozen players, they’re able to pull off the layers that build these songs like a good baklava – bells, keys, guitar, banjo, and multiple harmonies. Its pretty perfect.
Spoon – Mystery Zone
Welcome back, sirs! So, with this, you get Spoon. You get everything you’ve always liked about Spoon. My only complaint is that, while only having this song to judge by, I can kind of tell that it’s a self produced type of thing, if only that this song could have benefited from an edit. It’s not too much of a complaint though. I guess the glass-half-full version would be to say that we get extra minutes of the Spoon formula. It’ll be fun to hear what the full, Transference, sounds like. It’s due in January and also features the song “Got Nuffin” that we heard from the recent EP of the same name.
Charlotte Hatherly – Full Circle
The former Ash guitarist continues to lay down the rock on her third solo disc, New Worlds. It benefits from a few odd time changes and interesting riffs that would have otherwise left this as a by-the-books rocker. We benefit from her experience and are doubly rewarded since she’ll also be a full time touring member Bat For Lashes, keeping her out on the road twice as much.
The Whigs – Hundred / Million
The kids, they like The Whigs. Last week we played the title track to their forthcoming disc, In the Dark, and the band was cool enough to throw another up for enticement. It really feels like they’re trying to define themselves this time around. It isn’t just good songs, but interesting effects and production, all the while keeping the chorus in mind. Both sides of the fence, one of the rare times that it works.
Chromeo – Night By Night (Siriusmo Remix)
Yeah, I know two other incarnations have already been played on here in the past month or so. I can’t help it. This tune has grown on me so much, and each remix has been able to out remix the last. I especially enjoyed the direction change all together with this one. Instead of the obvious dance floor / 80’s late night anthem, Siriusmo gives it in a slow groove that’s playful right into the hook. Imagine the verses being the flirting and the chorus is the half-drunken stare that says how serious you are about taking this to the next level, even though you don’t quite remember what they just said their name was.
Small Black – Despicable Dogs
A little bit Jesus & Mary Chain and a whole lot of the current Bedroom Pop trend… which might be a redundant comparison all together. This track recently got a BIG leg up after Washed Out provided a remix, found on their current offering, so the duo decided to put the original out on it’s own 7” that you can grab on 11/23.
Them Crooked Vultures – Mind Eraser, No Chaser
Sure, “New Fang” was a great introduction to the super-trio’s upcoming debut, but I personally feel like this one puts it to shame, and features Josh Holmme’s signature style lyrics. What’s great is that no one takes a backseat in this band. You can concentrate on any three of them and get a fantastic show just the same, but it definitely feels like a band. Well played.
The Soft Pack – Answer to Yourself
Cold Cave – Theme From Tomorrowland
Micachu & The Shapes – Golden Phone
One of those that have been floating around for a bit but just starting to find it critical audience. It’s an easy groove to be a part of pretty quick-like, and while it doesn’t build to any big climax that you might be expecting, it doesn’t flutter out either. I’m told it’s a pretty great album, too.
Shwayze – Get You Home (Alan Wilkis Remix)
I was so impressed with Wilkis’s remix of The Very Best’s “Warm Heart of Africa” that this one stood a fair chance of making the show just based on what he had done previously. Fortunately, he does it again on what’s more or less become as guilty of a pleasure as the Chromeo song. I suppose we all need some unabashed pop in our lives from time to time.
Saint Etienne – Spring (Air France Remix)
It doesn’t get much cooler than this. As the story goes, Richard X took the original 90’s album and have it a new look and shine, and then Air France, who were also big fans, were invited in to give it a second coating, which will be available on its own upcoming EP. It’s a great version of an already great song, but is ultimately the perfect set up for Air France’s own upcoming disc do out next year. You can expect there will be a lot of blog attention right off the bat.
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The Weekly Feed is distributed by WFPK and Louisville Public Media. The executive producer is Stacy Owen, with additional help from WFPK’s Laura Shine. Produced and hosted by Kyle Meredith. Make sure to say hi, yeah?
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