The latest from a couple of not so old favorites

[Davey]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51GDsEvhL4L._SL500_AA300_.jpg

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61crJ9zTvfL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Nina Nastasia Outlaster and Wovenhand The Threshingfloor. Just got them both and only have a whisper of a listen so far, much left to explore. Nina again with Steve Albini for the recording, very nice sound as always. Great acoustic sound, especially on the strings. Got the new one by Broken Social Scene awhile back, and that's been probably my favorite so far this year, along with The National's High Violet. Completely different from each other in most regards, fun to switch back and forth.

So what have you been exploring lately? I've been kind of fixated on Yo La Tengo's still charming "I Can Hear the Heart Beating As One" lately too, along with the "Devotion + Doubt" mentioned in the Buckner thread, and Laika's always fresh sounding "Sounds of the Satellites". All from 1997, hmm, wonder if that means anything? Good time. Remember those Retro comps we did way back, that was fun. I worked on one from 1997 (it was a bit of a collaboration), but just checked and, in Retrospect, it was a pretty strange mix, looks like I messed up bad by leaving off something from D+D. Hehe, there were some pretty strange mixes passing around, and I'm not just talking about the ones from my postmark.

[3LB]

I have High Violet and like it. Its a little more accessible than Boxer to me, though Boxer was a grower. I've listened to, but do not own, The Gaslight Anthem's American Slang, which I alluded to in another thread - kinda roots rock with a penchant for well, anthemic bar band rock, similar to The Killers minus the sythns.

I've heard that new Wovenhand and lyrically speaking, it is perhaps their strongest statement with regards to religious beliefs. No, not suggesting they've made a Christian based album, but they are rather bold. Musically speaking, its more dramatic than Ten Stone, but kinda samey.

Zeus- Say Us is a great album thats got some good run here and elsewhere. The thread is still on the front page. The Broken Bells is also a good one from early this year.

I was eyeballing that Broken Social Scene the other day, prolly shoulda pulled the trigger, but I ordered the new one from Mystery Jets instead.

[Rae]

I really dig that Nina Nastasia cover. Kind of a Boris Karloff look. Let us know how it is-- You Follow Me was one of my favorites of the 00s and still one of the most re-played.

~Rae

[Swish]

I've been digging the aforementioned Devotion + Doubt and High Violet, along with the latest from Richmond Fontaine, but when I played their Post to Wire, I have to agree with Uncut; it is a masterpiece.

Also digging Transference, the latest from Spoon, and have Arcade Fire's Funeral and Neon Bible ready to go since I'm going to see them in a month or so. With Spoon opening, that should be one fine show.

[Mr MidFi]

Like 3LB, I've been liking that Broken Bells thing more each time I've heard it. I like this more than the Shins, I guess is I'm saying.

The Besnard Lakes Are the Roaring Night keeps find its way onto the player. Interesting, layered sound that combines artsy indie and prog influences sort of like Arcade Fire does... except completely different. A lot of power and beauty.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41t-bUQ7kmL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

I still need to pick up High Violet before I see them again in August.

[Slosh]

Hey Dave, what'cha think of All You Need To Sleep? I knew at first it would be a grower and it has lived up to my self-fulfilling expectations. It may not quite reach the level of The Lonesome Sea, but damn, it's still pretty goddamn good!

[tentoze]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b33/mcaputo/515rIhtetL_SS500_.jpg

http://gazetteonline.com/files/2010/02/0225_art_trampled_palomino-300x297.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ghXJjwvQzFI/S0fYohEk-xI/AAAAAAAADhE/X9Ny__PTNDA/s320/sollee

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TgmiW08Rp4c/SzwtSwvYdeI/AAAAAAAAAEU/-78KUAmUQEM/s320/edward-sharpe-up-from-below-cover-1139x1024.jpg

http://rarface.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/carolina-chocolate-drops-genuine-negro-jig.jpg

...and more.

[tentoze]

O...and runaway record of the year:

http://backstage.ebandlive.com/system/artworks/37/medium/SRTWA.Album.jpg

[Stone]

I really dig that Nina Nastasia cover.

It still reminds me of this:


http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drn100/n165/n16503kkuu7.jpg

[Davey]

O...and runaway record of the year:

http://backstage.ebandlive.com/system/artworks/37/medium/SRTWA.Album.jpg

Man, I need to get me one of those. Anyone heard the new Phosphorescent "Here's to Taking It Easy" yet? That's another one I kinda need.

And like Slosh says, that Wayne Robbins & the Hellsayers CD is pretty nice too. Maybe a little too soft and sweet at times, but very good. Still not sure exactly how I feel about it, but I do love the rowdy endings on a couple songs. Wish they would let go like that just a bit more.

[Davey]

I was eyeballing that Broken Social Scene the other day, prolly shoulda pulled the trigger, but I ordered the new one from Mystery Jets instead.
Ya know, the BSS is all over the place, from 70's disco to rambling 90's indie rock, but they still kinda pull it all together. Not the modern classic like I view "You Forgot It In People", and not for everyone, but lots of fun. No, it probably won't be album of the year for me, but it will get a lot of listens. Nice job on the producing/recording end by Tortoise’s John McEntire to bring out the colors, and especially texture in the music. Keeps it from getting all in your face like most new stuff, and keeps me coming back to hear all of the sweet little details.

Very good writeup at http://www.blurt-online.com/features/view/617/, especially in regard to the McEntire influence.

[bobsticks]

This thread prompted me to revisit "Run to Ruin"...so that was good.

Things have been a bit "up-in-the-air" 'round these parts lately...problems with the bones and all (lol)...haven't had the time nor inclination to check out a lot of new stuff though it seems that some of my faves are putting product out. Maty have to change my habits...

As far as the Sticksean playlists, any new stuff stuff is new to only me, generally before the turn of the century, and the kind of stuff that goes over like a lead balloon in these here type threads...except of course for Finchy's crush on Etta James.

"Lush, relaxing, and reflective" have been th eorder of the day. Of the things I've been revisting aside from Nina the notables are Sparklehorse's It's a Wonderful Life, Roxy Music's Avalon, and Archer Prewitt's White Sky.

Peace

[Jim Clark]

I like the variety on the BSS disc. Every time it rolls around to the instrumental I could swear they stuck a Transiberian Orchestra track in there. Need to check out Wovenhand still. Ten Stones left me utterly uninspired as a whole but if this one has the Davey seal of approval I'll have to make sure I have a copy soon.

jc

[Davey]

I like the variety on the BSS disc. Every time it rolls around to the instrumental I could swear they stuck a Transiberian Orchestra track in there. Need to check out Wovenhand still. Ten Stones left me utterly uninspired as a whole but if this one has the Davey seal of approval I'll have to make sure I have a copy soon.

jc

Hey Jimbo!

The new Wovenhand didn't have my SOE at the time I posted this, but it does now. I know what you mean about 10 Stones, it seemed to be a collection of 10 songs that just didn't come together as a whole, but this one is fantastic. Very dark and well integrated with a nice mix of the southern Gothic and European folk sound, got a more cohesive feel. He's back recording with Ferbrache in Colorado, and it sounds good. Lots of vocal processing at times, so not always obvious, but it isn't compressed to death like most stuff so does have a little breathing room for dynamics (at least in the modern context). Ordy Garrison on drums and 16Hp buddy Pascal Humbert on bass. Great cover of New Order's "Truth" in the second half kinda makes up for the oddly placed Jobim bossa nova cover on the last one (though taken on its own, I liked the cover). This time, the New Order cover is preceded (fittingly) by one of the more dark and goth sounding songs, big swirls of guitar feedback and Native American chanting behind the vocals, pretty cool. And followed by a rousing rhythmic workout led by a Hungarian shepherd's flute (according to the credits - not sure what make it Hungarian or for shepherds).

Anyway, don't miss it... http://www.blurt-online.com/news/view/3846/

[Jim Clark]

Naturally it's not available for sale anywhere near me so it'll have to be an order but it's coming. Thanks for the nice write up, it's obvious that you haven't lost your touch.

I just found out that Wovenhand recently opened up at the Sprint Center in Kansas City for Tool. I'd have bought tickets if I'd known that! I'd have left after their set but I definitely would have gone. Seems like a bit of an odd marriage there so I doubt I'm the only one who missed out.

jc

[Davey]

I just found out that Wovenhand recently opened up at the Sprint Center in Kansas City for Tool.
Yea, I saw they were touring with Tool, does seem kind of an odd match at first thought. Good exposure, and I bet a lot of Tool fans would probably jump all over Woven Hand, and 16HP too, especially if they unleash all the passion and fury the are known to sometimes bring to concert.

If nothing else, people should at least hear the title track, one of the best and most unusual things he has done. Really sounds like no one else I can think of. Like a band of possessed gypsies, frenetic drumming, Edwards speaking in tongues, like he can no longer contain himself. Only lasts for 3 minutes, then gone.

[Davey]

BTW, here's the Truth cover from Wovenhand, def leans toward the Joy Division side ... also bonus of some new fluffy (and I do like fluffy) Blonde Redhead.

http://rocksdemilo.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/wovenhand_-_the_truth.mp3

http://rocksdemilo.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/blonde-redhead-not-getting-there.mp3

[tentoze]

The new Alejandro Escovedo release, Street Songs Of Love, is muy bueno, if anyone here is a fan. Or even if no one here is a fan, for that matter.

[ForeverAutumn]

O...and runaway record of the year:

http://backstage.ebandlive.com/system/artworks/37/medium/SRTWA.Album.jpg

I was disappointed in this one. It doesn't hold the same charm, IMO, of his previous releases. I need to listen to it again to really pinpoint what it was that I didn't like about it. But it was a little too polished and produced for my taste IIRC, and the song writing just wasn't very good. All just my own opinion, of course.

I gave it a half dozen spins to see if it would grow on me and then filed it away when it didn't.

[tentoze]

I was disappointed in this one. It doesn't hold the same charm, IMO, of his previous releases. I need to listen to it again to really pinpoint what it was that I didn't like about it. But it was a little too polished and produced for my taste IIRC, and the song writing just wasn't very good. All just my own opinion, of course.

I gave it a half dozen spins to see if it would grow on me and then filed it away when it didn't.

Oy. Are you sure someone didn't stuff a Rush CD in that digipack when you weren't looking?

:p

But seriously, with each new release, I think he's topped out, and then he completely proves me wrong with the next one. Here, he takes the dark edges that have always been around his songs, and pushes them to the front of the stage, most notably in "The Curse"- the video, created by his drummer, found here:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=127133774

To my ears, he so totally outruns the rest of the field that he may as well be in his own category, competing against himself, because no one else is even in the same race, let alone on the same lap.

[ForeverAutumn]

I have a 45 minute drive (each way) to meet a friend for lunch today. I'm planning on playing this again on the drive...maybe I need to give it another chance. I'll let you know if I change my mind.

[Davey]

To my ears, he so totally outruns the rest of the field that he may as well be in his own category, competing against himself, because no one else is even in the same race, let alone on the same lap.

I've only got a couple listens so far, but I'm starting to like this one quite a bit. The guy never seems to repeat himself, so takes a while to catch up with each new record. My download is mastered way too loud with lots of distortion, so doesn't sound very good, kind of like the last one. Do you have the CD or vinyl? Does it sound OK?

[tentoze]

I've only got a couple listens so far, but I'm starting to like this one quite a bit. The guy never seems to repeat himself, so takes a while to catch up with each new record. My download is mastered way too loud with lots of distortion, so doesn't sound very good, kind of like the last one. Do you have the CD or vinyl? Does it sound OK?

I have a 320 d/l'ed rip that's a little dodgy, and the cd, which might be a bit hot, but not objectionably so, at least to my ears.

[Slosh]

My download is mastered way too loud with lots of distortion, so doesn't sound very good, kind of like the last one.What you have sounds exactly like the CD. Don't have the vinyl but I doubt it's much better. Don't think they'd use different masters.

It still amazes me that most artists don't seem to care what their albums sound like.

I recently put together a little one-hit wonder type comp where nearly all the songs were from the 70s or early 80s and virtually every track was better recorded than most new albums. Recording technology is better (and cheaper) than ever yet very few take advantage of it.

[Davey]

I have a 320 d/l'ed rip that's a little dodgy, and the cd, which might be a bit hot, but not objectionably so, at least to my ears.


What you have sounds exactly like the CD.
Thanks, that's kinda what I suspected. You barely have to turn the volume knob and it's already loud. Shame that some artists and engineers can't get out of this rut and start making CDs sound more musical and natural again (especially the indies). That latest Wovenhand isn't too bad loudness-wise, and the new Broken Social Scene is surprisingly good as well (though with John McEntire producing, I would've been surprised if it didn't have pretty decent sound). But the huge majority sounds like crap.

[tentoze]

I suspect that either my expectations have lowered, or my hearing has deteriorated to the point I can't tell the difference, or a combination of both. I should probably get rid of my equipment and get a Waveradio.

[Davey]

To my ears, he so totally outruns the rest of the field that he may as well be in his own category, competing against himself, because no one else is even in the same race, let alone on the same lap.
I've only got a couple listens so far, but I'm starting to like this one quite a bit. The guy never seems to repeat himself, so takes a while to catch up with each new record.
Gotta commend you on this one ol' buddy, you called it right. Turning into a big favorite, just makes me feel good. I know most people don't care, but so many albums with a lot of potential for me are hampered by forgettable lyrics (or worse, so bad they aren't forgettable) these days (ie, Arcade Fire could be much better with more thoughtful lyrics), nice to hear one that delivers all around. Still wish his records sounded better.

Wovenhand, Josh Ritter, Broken Social Scene, Phosphorescent, Nina Nastasia, some good ones this year for me.

[tentoze]

Good on ya, Davey. I need to hear that Wovenhand.

[dean_martin]

I really dig that Nina Nastasia cover. Kind of a Boris Karloff look. Let us know how it is-- You Follow Me was one of my favorites of the 00s and still one of the most re-played.

~Rae

Yes, it reminded me of the image used on the most recent dvd cover for Mario Bava's Black Sunday with Barbara Steele. Late in his career, Boris Karloff starred as the narrarator in a Bava film called Black Sabbath. The image used for the most recent dvd cover is similar.

[bobsticks]

I watched the original 1932 version of The Mummy with Karloff just the other night.

As for new stuff, I've been diggin' the Autolux and Admiral Radley.

[Snowbunny]

Hey Davey, how the heck are you? I need to ask a favour of you, but I'll send you a PM.

If there's one thing I've learned over these many years is that I am more of a music follower than music leader.

It's just not as much fun sitting around having a cold beverage and listening to a CD ten times over if you don't have someone who shares your musical taste.

So once again, my main musical influence is coming from commercial radio. :frown5:

Is there at least a snowball's chance in hell that I might get a current Davey's faves comp?

Snowie

Oops, I guess that's two favours I need to ask!

[Davey]

Hey Davey, how the heck are you? I need to ask a favour of you, but I'll send you a PM.

If there's one thing I've learned over these many years is that I am more of a music follower than music leader.

It's just not as much fun sitting around having a cold beverage and listening to a CD ten times over if you don't have someone who shares your musical taste.

So once again, my main musical influence is coming from commercial radio. :frown5:

Is there at least a snowball's chance in hell that I might get a current Davey's faves comp?

Snowie

Oops, I guess that's two favours I need to ask!
Wow, crawling from the wreckage (to recall a good ol' Dave Edmunds tune). Been OK, some good, some not so good. But a cold Bridgeport India Pale Ale and some good music usually makes it alright. I do have a current burn and post favorites comp available, but it isn't really too current in the music. The stuff I like is timeless, so who could complain, eh? Anyway, Buckner, Edwards, Molina, Rutili, you know the rest of the story. Let me know.

Other favour has delivered. Good to see you :)

[Snowbunny]

Wow, crawling from the wreckage (to recall a good ol' Dave Edmunds tune). Been OK, some good, some not so good. But a cold Bridgeport India Pale Ale and some good music usually makes it alright. I do have a current burn and post favorites comp available, but it isn't really too current in the music. The stuff I like is timeless, so who could complain, eh? Anyway, Buckner, Edwards, Molina, Rutili, you know the rest of the story. Let me know.

Other favour has delivered. Good to see you :)

Yah, I've missed you too, Sugarbear. ;)

I've already purchased some Lady Gaga as an antidote to your melancholy tunes! I guess you don't know what you got 'till it's gone.

I'll never again make any scurriulous comments about anything that arrives from Daveyland. Promise.

Thanks,

Snowbuns

[Rae]

Man, that Nina Nastasia record is AWESOME. Not what I was expecting but way good. This probably won't make sense, but it sounds like a farmhouse right as a storm is starting with all the shutters and doors banging in the wind. !!

~Rae

[Snowbunny]

Man, that Nina Nastasia record is AWESOME. Not what I was expecting but way good. This probably won't make sense, but it sounds like a farmhouse right as a storm is starting with all the shutters and doors banging in the wind. !!

~Rae

Hi Rae,

Nice to see ya again!

I LOVE your description of Outlaster! Beautiful words and they completely make sense. You should be writing lyrics.

I've been listening to Outlaster on Last.fm. but haven't completely decided to purchase the album. It always seems that way with NN for me. I love a few songs but am luke warm on the rest. Which tracks hit the spot for you?

Btw, thanks for posting and not letting me feel like the board's resident threadkilla! Hehe...

Snowie