Tunesday Toones

[3-LockBox]

Throw Me The Statue - Moonbeams // A Seattle act; this one being a one man band of sorts. The pop sensibilities of Grandaddy and a voice/singing style like the guy from Dismemberment Plan, and a penchant for off kilter writing and lyrics that recalls Andrew Bird (sorta) on a few songs. Then for something completely different, track 7, Yuchan Gold is a jumpy, quirky synth driven number in which he channels Adrian Belew. I likey.

Fleet Foxes - selftitled // Yet another Seattle act, these guys seem to have an afinity for old-timey vocalizations and harmonies, for a few songs anyway, but for the most part, they remind me of older My Morning Jacket. I like their approach, but I'm not drinking the 'album of the year' cool-aid the media is pushing.

The Morning Benders - Talking Through Tin Cans // and speaking of band names with double entendre, here is another indy-ish jangle pop quartet that is at least fun to listen to. They'd be all the buzz if they had released this album a few years ago. The lead singer sings through his own, layered vocals and writes bouncy pop that verges on clever. The production is intentionally lo-fi, as if to suggest we're listening through tin cans (har har). This is a short ablum, just a little over 30min long, but its a fun listen the way the first Hot Hot Heat album was (not making a comparison though).

The Notwist - The Devil, You Plus Me // Can't accuse these guys of making the same album over and over again. This is a good listen if you can listen to it in a relaxed environment, but as background music or for a drive, nothing stands out. I love the production of this album, as they go from wall of sound to sedate and back again, all the while mixing various sound effects, but to good effect, not unlike older Porcupine Tree or Pink Floyd (no they don't sound like PT or PF). I likey.