The Shins - Port of Morrow (Columbia, 2012)

The Shins

Port of Morrow

Columbia

2012

Rating: 6 water beds out of 10

This new record by The Shins mostly just makes me miss the old Shins.  That first record, "Oh, Inverted World," felt so intimate - like it was written just for you.  It was the "handmade blanket knitted by grandma" of music.  I actually just listened to that first record a few weeks ago, and it still feels as warm and comfortable as ever.  

Additionally - and I know this isn't exactly a new phenomenon in music - but does anyone even really consider this to be the same band?  The Shins now equal James Mercer and hired hands as near as I can tell.  Sure, Mercer's voice is one the most important parts of the Shins' signature sound, but it's not everything - and you can tell with this record.

All that said, this is still a listenable pop album.  It feels a little over-produced and shiny like it's stretching it's arms attempting to embrace mainstream radio, but I think the bones are good.  You could certainly do worse.  Mostly, though, it just makes me want to go listen to the Shins early material.

Mind Spiders - Meltdown (Dirtnap, 2012)

Mind Spiders

Meltdown

Dirtnap

2012

Rating: 6 double angles out of 10

Mind Spiders = Texas-based catchy, driving punk with a pop sheen.  There is also a catchy kraut/psyche vibe to a handful of the songs, "Fall In Line" being the track of this ilk that stands out the most.  The band is headed by Mark Ryan, one of those dudes who is in a thousand bands (Marked Men, High Tension Wires, and surely some others) at once that all sound kind of the same but different enough for fans to need to listen to them all.  This definitely sounds like a Dirtnap record; and a decent one at that, though not groundbreaking by any means.  I think I probably prefer Ryan's High Tension Wires more, but it's a close race. 

Fucked Up - Year of the Tiger (Matador, 2012)

Fucked Up

Year of the Tiger

Matador

2012

Rating: 8 boat anchors out of 10

Fucked Up have been releasing these zodiac-inspired singles for a few years now, though as a recent convert this was the first one I really spent much time with.  And I put "single" in quotes because while this might only be two songs, the running time is just a couple of minutes short of forty minutes.  For my money, it feels like these guys are getting closer and closer to putting out a Les Savy Fav album with each passing release, and I'm completely ok with that.  In fact, that is probably why I'm so drawn to their more recent material, being a huge fan of the Fav and all.  They manage to combine melody with heavy, dense rock, a mix that is almost always cheesy and awful - but that very small percentage of the time when it comes out right it's damn near pure gold. 

Bear in mind, everything I said just then was for the title song, side A if you will.  The flip track, "ONNO," sounds like an Oval song performed by a live band.  Not terrible or anything, it just sort of a background jam, and inevitably you will space out thinking about something awesome like boobs or skateboards and then snap back a little while later and the song is still going cause it's over twenty minutes long and feels like it may never end.

 
But that first song - man, it fucking kills all who approach it.

Blasted Canyons - 2nd Place EP (Castle Face, 2012)

Blasted Canyons

2nd Place EP

Castle Face

2012

Rating: 6 down comforters out of 10

I guess you'd call Blasted Canyons synth-punk or something like that.  You'd probably also call them Joy Division fans, surely a damn near useless description at this point for any band, but still...fitting.  There are probably other bands out there that do it better, but this is still pretty enjoyable - especially the first half of the EP, and super especially the song "Liquid Fiend", which is the closest they come to a straight-forward classic punk sound.  "Holy Geometry" is incredibly catchy as well.  The second half is just decent, nothing to get your panties in a bunch (or unbunch them in the event they were already bunched).  Worth the price of admission though for the two songs I mentioned, two great songs out of six is pretty damn okay these days. 

Islands - A Sleep & A Forgetting (Anti, 2012)

Islands

A Sleep & A Forgetting

Anti

2012

Rating: 7 lonely crabs out of 10

I quite enjoyed the previous group Islands founders Nicholas Thorburn and Jaime Thompson played in called Unicorns, but after they broke up I sorta forget about all things involved with that band.  Here it is four albums later and I'm just now getting around to listening to their "new band" Islands.  Too much good music in the world, too little time I guess.

I almost need to give two scores for this record - there's the second track "This Is Not A Song," and there is the rest of the album.  The album as a whole is very enjoyable - if you thought Unicorns were pretty much ripping off the pop sound and revelry of the Elephant 6 collective, Islands sounds like a band who grew up on those same sounds but have grown into a more mature pop sound.  You might even describe it as "slick," similar to the hooks and sheen of a Nada Surf record or a band of that ilk.  

But "This Is Not A Song" - well, it's a fabulous song.  It might sound like a polished rip-off of Sparklehorse, but I don't even care.  It worms into your head in the best possible way, and without a doubt will be one of my favorite songs of the year.  Every time I hear it I'm singing it for the next couple of days.  It's this song that is going to keep me coming back to this record, and luckily the rest of the album pairs nicely. 

Perfume Genius - Put Your Back N 2 It (Matador, 2012)

Perfume Genius

Put Your Back N 2 It

Matador

2012

Rating: 8 broken needles out of 10

Having never heard of him before, I saw Perfume Genius aka Mike Hadreas open for Beirut a few months back.  It was sensitive and a little whiny and not at all what I usually like in music.  And then I saw he put out a new record on Matador with a stupid name, and I continued to be unimpressed.  Then I listened to the record, and despite all of my previous feelings, I found myself quite taken with the album after only the first spin.  I don't generally partake in this sort of music, but there is a haunting, powerful quality to this record.  My limited vocabulary in this arena is forcing a comparison to Antony and the Johnsons, though to be honest I think Perfume Genius writes stronger songs.  You could also draw a comparison to Elliott Smith's earlier material, though replace the acoustic guitar with a piano or keyboard...same level of honesty and introspection really, the music so delicate it seems like a light breeze could blow it away. 

Now I kinda want to see him live again, now that I know the music, and give him another shot.  

Wild Wild Geese - Sorry, Earth (Odessa, 2010)

Wild Wild Geese

Sorry, Earth

Odessa

2010

Rating: 7.5 rock mosaics out of 10

I kinda napped on this Wild Wild Geese record but it's kicking my ass right now.  It sounds like it was dug straight out of an archive of unsigned local triangle bands that Merge recently found in their basement.  If you told me I saw this band play on a bill at the 506 between Small 23 and Tractor Hips I'd probably believe you if I didn't know it was just a bunch of young kids making music today.   There is a HEAVY Polvo vibe to their music, early Polvo at that, and it makes me so happy that those musical heroes of mine are finally exuding some local influence, even if it is a couple of decades later.  You could also draw up comparisons to another local band, Capsize 7, though I have no idea if these kids were ever hip to them or if the similarities are just a happy coincidence.  These seemed to fly under the radar even here in their home area, or maybe that is just me, but "Sorry, Earth" is well worth seeking out.

Lilac Shadows - Shallow Madness EP (Diggup Tapes, 2012)

Lilac Shadows

Shallow Madness EP

Diggup Tapes

2012

Rating: 7 silent Japanese films out of 10

The Triangle seems to be churning out quality pop bands lately as if it was Athens in the mid-nineties, and Lilac Shadows are one of the newest top contenders.  I specifically mention Athens because I've gotten it stuck in my head that they remind me a lot of Apples in Stereo - not so much that the songs sound exactly the same, but the construction and vibe the tracks get off won't let me shake the comparison.  The music is a little dark, a little swirly, a little shoegaze, and even a little spacy, but all of that is just the window dressing for what are at their heart pure, catchy pop songs.  At times the vocal delivery reminds me of the Rosebuds, even if the voices themselves are pretty different.  The title track "A Shallow Madness" wormed it's way into my head after only a couple of listens, and there isn't a bad song in the bunch.  I could have probably done without the short between song instrumental bits, but it's a minor gripe. 

This is a hell of a debut, strong from start to finish and hopefully just the tip of the iceberg for what is to come. 

Damien Jurado - Maraqopa (Secretly Canadian, 2012)

Damien Jurado

Maraqopa

Secretly Canadian

2012

Rating: 7 broken backs out of 10

I've listened to Damien Jurado for a number of years now, absolutely loving some of his records and liking all of them.  This one seems a little...different.  It has a strong western vibe to it, as if the boys from Calexico helped produce it.  I feel like I should be wandering amongst giant cacti while listening.  I often get bothered when favorite artists tweak or change their sounds, but I was taken with this record right away, and not just because it's different.  It's still largely the same Jurado you expect - mellow, somber folk songs with occasional rock moments, only this time out there is a little bit of fancy decoration on the package.  Certainly, long time fans like myself will find plenty to love here.  

As a side note, this man is responsible for one of my all-time favorite songs by any artist, ever: "Ohio" from the album "Rehearsals For Departure."  If you don't know it, seek it out.  Your life will be better for it.  

Allo Darlin' - Capricornia 7'' (Slumberland, 2012)

Allo Darlin'

Capricornia 7''

Slumberland

2012

Rating: 7.5 whale teeth out of 10

I did not "literally" burn a hole in my copy of the self-titled debut album by Allo Darlin' that came out in 2010, but I very much wanted to work that stupid descriptor in my opening line.  That is to say, I listened to it a whole whole lot, in case you didn't get what I was pushing towards.  This 7'' represents the first single from their forthcoming new album "Europe," and man what a great foot to step forward with - the song is incredibly catchy and so cute it's almost insufferable.  Think of Allo Darlin' as a little more upbeat, less dour version of Camera Obscura and you'll be on the right track.  Great single, and I'm immensely excited for the new record. 

Terry Malts - Killing Time (Slumberland, 2012)

Terry Malts

Killing Time

Slumberland

2012

Rating: 7.5. free kicks out of 10

San Francisco's Terry Malts, while fitting in with the current crop of hot shit garage/punk/pop/psyche bands, seem to have wandered down a different path at some point.   Those pop punk hooks are still buried in there, but there is a heavy late eighties/early nineties indie vibe ala the Jesus & Mary Chain and the Pixies and maybe even some XTC, making it quite fitting they are on Slumberland given the label's history.  I'm also hearing the cold, detached punk vibe that the A-Frames perfected, a sound I've always loved that very few bands get right.  There is also a simple perfection to the songs that will remind most anyone of the Ramones, but then again what band working in this genre doesn't remind you of the Ramones.  If you had zero knowledge of the Terry Malts and someone told you it was an unearthed gem from 1984, it would be completely believable.  I was instantly taken with "Not Far From It" and "Waiting Room" (the latter having no relation to the classic Fugazi song).  This is going to receive a lot of plays in my house.  Between the new Hunx record and this one, the Bay Area has a strong start on putting out the best music of 2012.

Hunx - Hairdresser Blues (Hardly Art, 2012)

Hunx

Hairdresser Blues

Hardly Art

2012

Rating: 8 madonna arms out of 10

The first album was credited to Hunx & His Punx, but this sophomore release "Hairdresser Blues" is just under the name Hunx.  I'm not sure if this is supposed to be received as a solo effort, but it sounds very much in line with the debut output - catchy glam-garage pop with hooks galore.  Really, it's almost unfair how catchy this album is.  "Private Room" and "Hairdresser Blues" were instant standouts, eliciting replays right away.  There might be lyrical differences between this record and the first one with the full band, but I'll leave that differentiation up to the actual music critics that pay attention to shit like that.  All I really do is give it a listen, and if the record catches my ear, I'm sold.  And pretty much every goddamn song on this album not only catches my ear, but it gives it a wet willy.  This record makes me want to eat cupcakes, it's so sugary and sweet.  And now I've made myself hungry. 

Dirty Three - Toward the Low Sun (Drag City, 2012)

Dirty Three

Toward the Low Sun

Drag City

2012

Rating: 6.5 small airplanes out of 10

There was a time in the mid-to-late nineties that I would have listed the Dirty Three as one of my favorite groups.  But somewhere after their fourth album, "Ocean Songs," my interests drifted away.  Let's be honest, the band has a great sound, but all of the records sound kinda the same to me and I'm guessing most other folks.  Violin, drums and guitar playing sad, instrumental free-jazz influenced dirges...there's only so many directions you can take that.  This new album "Toward the Low Sun" is, as expected, more of the same...pretty enjoyable, or as enjoyable as this sort of depressing music can be.  Any Dirty Three fans should be happy with this record. 

Day Creeper - Blah 7'' (Tic Tac Totally, 2011)

Day Creeper

Blah 7''

Tic Tac Totally

2011

Rating: 7.5 orange mints out of 10

Day Creeper are from Ohio, play sloppy, jangly punk pop, and are very enjoyable live.  For some reason I keep thinking about them opening for the Dead Milkmen, cause it would somehow be a good fit.  I haven't listened to the Dead Milkmen in forever but I could probably still sing "Bitchin' Camaro" from heart.  If anyone still gave a shit about the Strokes you could kinda make a comparison, not a strong comparison mind you, but something about these creeps reminds me of those creeps.  Day Creeper are a lot more fun though, and I excitedly anticipate their full-length that will be released at some point in the future.  You know, just like every other album that hasn't come out yet. 

Busdriver - Beaus$Eros (Fake Four, 2012)

Busdriver

Beaus$Eros

Fake Four

2012

Rating: 7 window transfers out of 10

It's probably both my old age and the changing of the scene, but I just haven't kept up much with hip hop over the last decade.  Busdriver is one of the few exceptions,and I'm guessing this is  largely driven by the fact that it sounds almost nothing like the typical hip hop being released these days.  There is a heavy electro-pop vibe, maybe a little indie rock flavor, and his rapping style is pretty different...and much faster than normal, though I'm not talking Fu-Schnickens fast, that would just be silly.  It kinda doesn't sound like anything else to be honest, and everythingall at once at times.  There are a lot of odd or different tracks on this record, but in a just world "Kiss Me Back to Life" would be a hit song  We all know radio airplay ain't anything close to just though, and Busdriver will continue plying his wares to the underground. 

Fans of Why? or Subtle should really check this dude out, though I'm guessing most folks who are into those groups are already well aware of Busdriver.  So how about this - folks who used to love hip hop but have become disenchanted by it's boring sameness should make a point to seek out this or one of Busdriver's earlier records, it will be worth your time.