Filed under: mp3s, music | Tags: Antony & the Johnsons, Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Brightblack Morning Light, Destroyer, Devendra Banhart, Jamie Lidell, King Khan, Megapuss, No Age, TV on the Radio
A few weeks ago I picked up the newest from King Khan, this time backed by The Shrines. While my favorite record of his to date is his more garagey “duet” with BBQ Show, this latest effort, The Supreme Genius of King Khan & The Shrines, is a spectacular diversion that features a backing horn section and organ. Several songs from King Khan’s 2007 import release as well as even older tunes are given new treatment here, including my current personal anthem, “Welfare Bread.” It’s a cool idea for the Indian-French-Canadian singer to just re-record the songs instead of re-releasing them straight up for this domestic “greatest hits” offering on Vice. Fans of the Dap-Kings take note; this sound is equally legit.
King Khan & The Shrines — “Welfare Bread”
The new Jamie Lidell record, Jim, is a blast. This one’s definitely going on PIANOS!.
Jamie Lidell — “Where D’You Go?”
Bonnie “Prince” Billy’s new album is his most accessible cross-over attempt in a long while. It’s also quite enjoyable, and comes packaged in a Periwinkle blue jewel case. Here’s his duet with Ashley Webber (of The Organ).
Bonnie “Prince” Billy — “You Want That Picture”
On the hole I don’t enjoy Destroyer’s new album, Trouble in Dreams, more than his previous release, Destroyer’s Rubies. But this particular song is just fucking awesome. It begins with a classic Yo La Tengo-styled vamp before building to an amazing atmospheric bridge. What a great tune.
Destroyer — “My Favourite Year”
I’ve only listened to the new Brightblack Morning Light album a couple times, and so far it hasn’t grabbed hold of me quite in the same way their Matador debut of two year’s ago did. But this song encapsulates their hippie-psych-soul sound to a T. The dreamy piano and organ melding together with sax and high hat. And the dual vocals of Nathan Shineywater and Rachael Hughes backed by accompanying singers. Delicious.
Brightblack Morning Light — “Oppressions Each”
The new No Age record, Nouns, is more song-oriented and generally less caustic than their debut. It’s also considerably rooted in the ’90s, to my ears at least. While their noisy debut had hints of pre-Slanted and Enchanted Pavement, this record reminds me much more of British band Boyracer. This song, however, is total My Bloody Valentine bombast, and I love it.
No Age — “Sleeper Hold”
TV on the Radio’s new record is so good and so approachable, which surprised me. For example, I found myself taken aback by the funk guitar on this track. So. So. Good.
TV on the Radio — “Crying”
I leave you with a couple forthcoming releases due to drop a week from today. I doubt I’ll buy Megapuss’ debut on Vapor (Neil Young’s label). The duo of Devendra Banhart and Greg Rogove have provided some comic relief with their live performances, and the two songs I’ve heard from Surfing are enjoyable enough, but hardly necessary.
Megapuss — “A Gun On His Hip and a Rose On His Chest”
Like Devendra, Antony and the Johnsons is an artist that doesn’t leave much room for gray area; you either love him or hate him. I loved his 2005 debut, such a strange and moving piece of music, for the Secretly Canadian label. His new record seems to be in line with his last, as the other song I’ve heard from it is an emotive piano ballad. This song, however, is a lot different. The first half is essentially acapella, before Antony is joined by drums and skronking sax. Interesting.
Antony and the Johnsons — “Shake That Devil”
Bonus: On the off chance that you haven’t heard Fleet Foxes yet, here you go. They remind me of My Morning Jacket, if Jim James were more into Fairport Convention.
Filed under: music, stupid stuff, things at home, work | Tags: Homies, TV on the Radio
First, my new desk in the loft. Hopefully it will inspire me to, uh, get a job. Or at least look more professional while attempting to do so.
My homies have a new home. Strength in numbers.
Second, the new TV on the Radio album, Dear Science, which I listened to while putting together my new desk. This is the most pop oriented of their records to date, but the group does not sacrifice the David Byrne and Brian Eno influences that have made their music strange in the past. This is the first album I purchased on a Pitchfork recommendation in some time. They got it right.
