Pitchfork Albums: January 2005
>> Mon:01-31-05
- Bonnie "Prince" Billy and Matt Sweeney: Superwolf
Somewhat lost in the shadow of that other recent Americana release is Superwolf, a collaboration between Will Oldham and his longtime pal, former Chavez and Zwan guitarist Matt Sweeney. Their partnership has resulted in an unnervingly spare, tense and forboding album-- and Oldham's finest work since 1999's I See a Darkness. [Drag City; 8.4]
- Super Furry Animals: Songbook
Singles collection celebrates the playful and frequently wonderful Super Furry Animals' first decade together. [XL/Beggars; 8.9]
- Shearwater: Thieves EP
The Okkervil River principals issue their latest collection of haunted, folksy, story-oriented rock. [Misra; 7.7]
- Mike Ladd: Negrophilia
Mike Ladd's contribution to Thirsty Ear's Blue Series takes its title from and is inspired by the writings of Petrine Archer-Straw. [Thirsty Ear; 7.2]
- Duran Duran Duran: Very Pleasure
Eighties nostalgia, Jason Forrest style. [CockRockDisco/Very Friendly; 6.5]
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>> Fri:01-28-05
- AFX: Analord 1 / Analord 2
Aphex Twin dusts off his Analogue Bubblebath moniker for another series of analog-and-acid-informed EPs. These are the first two installments of a planned 10-LP set, and the first new original material from Richard D. James since 2001's Drukqs. [Rephlex; 5.6 / 6.0]
- Master Musicians of Bukkake: The Visible Sign of the Invisible Order
Seattle freakffolk collective perform ceremony music for a Southeast Asian netherworld. A few Sun City Girls perform a dance. Just don't google their name. [Abduction; 7.2]
- Destroyer: Notorious Lightning and Other Works EP
Daniel Bejar reworks a half-dozen Your Blues tracks with help from Frog Eyes guitarist and vocalist Carey Mercer. [Merge; 6.8]
- Colin Meloy: Sings Morrissey
Decemberists frontman's tour-only EP features six covers of Morrissey songs in an intimate solo setting. [Self-released; 6.6]
- Soundtrack of Our Lives: Origin 1
Another set of retro-rock from these poorly named Swedes. [WEA International; 4.8]
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>> Thu:01-27-05
- Low: Destroyer
For their Dave Fridmann-produced Sub Pop debut, veteran slowcore band Low expand their palette, but achieve varying degrees of success. [Sub Pop; 5.5]
- Cam'ron: Purple Haze
Backed by beats ranging from wistful chipmunk soul to oppressive, bell-rattling NWA jacks and hypnotic electro bounce, Cam'ron bids adieu to Roc-A-Fella. [Roc-A-Fella; 8.7]
- Suicide: A Way of Life
Released more than 10 years after their debut, Suicide's third LP is often cruelly overlooked. A recent Mute reissue aims to redeem its reputation. [Mute; 8.3]
- Double Leopards: Halve Maen
To celebrate its overdue CD reissue, we revisit our 2003 review of the drone rock gem Halve Maen. [Eclipse; 8.2]
- Aqueduct: I Sold Gold
Barsuk's other "O.C."-approved band offers up another round of their fractured push-button pop. [Barusuk; 6.8]
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>> Wed:01-26-05
- M83: Before the Dawn Heals Us
Saying "au revoir" to longtime friend and collaborator Nicolas Fromageau, Anthony Gonzalez goes it alone for M83's third LP, a mammoth collusion of synth gasps and distorted swirls that's darker and more urban than its meadow-bound predecessor, Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts. [Gooom/Mute; 8.6]
- Hem: Eveningland
Hem's cinematic and frequently gorgeous countrypolitan sound was nearly lost in the post-Dreamworks shuffle. [Waveland/Rounder; 8.1]
- Lou Barlow: Emoh
After years of mostly solo projects, the indie legend releases his first LP under his own name. [Merge; 7.9]
- Michael Mayer: Touch / Speicher 2
Kompakt records boss mixes another series of Speicher releases and finally issues his debut studio LP. [Kompakt / Kompakt Extra; 7.4 / 7.9]
- Die Monitr Batss: Girls of War
These Troubleman United punks hurl up chunks of sound, hoping that something sticks. [Troubleman United; 5.2]
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>> Tue:01-25-05
- And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead: Worlds Apart
Austin-based rock heroes And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead follow the glorious noise and epic urgency of Source Tags & Codes with this sadly pompous, overreaching monstrosity. [Interscope; 4.0]
- Optimo: How to Kill the DJ [Part Two]
This eclectic two-disc mix spans multiple decades and includes both the familiar and the underground-- all without being showy or keeping the listener at arm's length. [Kill the DJ; 9.0]
- Sharon Jones: Naturally
Neo-soul's coffeeshop world gets a blast of deep funk grooves. [Daptone; 8.7]
- Dean Roberts / Autistic Daughters: And the Black Moths... / Jealousy...
New Zealand's Roberts apes Talk Talk's Mark Hollis on both a reissued solo record and with his band, the Kranky label's Autistic Daughters. [Staubgold / Kranky; 8.1 / 7.7]
- Tegan and Sara: So Jealous
Canadian indie pop twins trade in power chords and 80s retro. [Sanctuary; 3.4]
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>> Mon:01-24-05
- Bright Eyes: I'm Wide Awake... / Digital Ash...
Once the textbook definition of adolescent "emocore," Omaha singer/songwriter Conor Oberst redefines himself with two new albums-- one an Americana masterpiece with a guest spot from Emmylou Harris, the other an awkward electro-pop experiment featuring Jimmy Tamborello (Dntel, The Postal Service) and Yeah Yeah Yeahs guitarist Nick Zinner. [Saddle Creek; 8.7 / 7.2]
- Marianne Faithfull: Before the Poison
The legendary singer's new set of grim, gothic songs features collaborations with PJ Harvey, Nick Cave, Jon Brion, and Blur frontman Damon Albarn, among others. [Anti-; 7.9]
- Pedestrian: Volume One: unIndian songs
Anticon's Pedestrian conflates the histories of hip-hop and social violence on this strange, fractured record. [Anticon; 7.4]
- Buck 65: This Right Here Is Buck 65
Buck 65-- the Tom Waits of indie hip-hop-- makes his V2 debut. [V2; 7.0]
- Early Day Miners: All Harm Ends Here
Secretly Canadian slowcore group Early Day Miners rise and occasionally shine on their fourth album. [Secretly Canadian; 6.3]
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>> Fri:01-21-05
- Hood: Outside Closer
England's Hood-- who create dense, echoing arrangements that are reminiscent of the drifting sound-paintings of Bark Psychosis, Disco Inferno, or late-period Slowdive-- unveil their first LP of new music since 2001's Cold House. [Domino; 8.6]
- Morgan Geist: Unclassics
Metro Area's Morgan Geist unearths a collection of lost italo-disco gems. [Environ; 8.4]
- Tim Sweeney: Rvng Prsnts Mx3
Tim Sweeney-- who expertly mixed the third disc of DFA Compilation #2-- presents an eclectic electro-techno-house blend that features appearances from Kraftwerk, Aphex Twin, Radiohead, and Can, among many others. [Rvng Intl.; 7.5]
- Pete Rock: The Surviving Elements...
Ace hip-hop producer Pete Rock offers instrumentals that didn't make it on his Soul Survivor II joint. Makes great wallpaper. [BBE; 6.8]
- Adam Green: Gemstones
The former Moldy Peach is back with another platter of anti-folk bathroom humor. [Rough Trade; 5.5]
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>> Thu:01-20-05
- Various Artists: Sunday Nights: The Songs of Junior Kimbrough
The late Junior Kimbrough's unique and trancelike boogie blues is given the tribute album treatment by Fat Possum. The collection is book-ended by a pair of tracks by former Kimbrough tourmates Iggy and the Stooges, and it also includes contributions from Cat Power, Spiritualized, the Black Keys, and the Ponys, among others. [Fat Possum; 7.0]
- Naked City: The Complete Studio Recordings
Just like it says on the tin: Tzadik packages all seven albums by John Zorn's legendary Naked City-- and adds one unreleased track. [Tzadik; 8.5]
- Outrageous Cherry: Our Love Will...
Detroit-based OC ditch the bloated track lengths and conceptual themes of their recent releases and return to sugary retropop. [Rainbow Quartz; 7.7]
- Jeff Parker: Relatives
The Chicago-based jazz guitarist and Tortoise member heads a loose-limbed quartet that also includes Sam Barsheshet, Chris Lopes, and Chad Taylor. [Thrill Jockey; 7.4]
- Terrestrial Tones: Blasted
Roomies Dave Porter (aka Animal Collective's Avey Tare) and Eric Copeland (Black Dice) pull from a sonic palette that evokes their nom de feedback. [Pysch-o-Path; 5.7]
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>> Wed:01-19-05
- The Game: The Documentary
Dr. Dre's latest prot?g? boasts not only an impressive set of producers (Dre, Kanye, Timbaland, Just Blaze, Scott Storch, Hi-Tek) and guests (Eminem, 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes) for this highly anticipated throwback to early 90s West Coast gangsta rap, but also a hoarse, guttural vocal style that commands more presence than precedessor 50 Cent. [Interscope; 8.3]
- Archer Prewitt: Wilderness
The Sea and Cake leader confidently experiments with spiraling song structures and adventurous instrumental adornments. [Thrill Jockey; 8.5]
- Apostle of Hustle: Folkloric Feel
Broken Social Scene's Andrew Whiteman marries his more well known project's style distortion and striated atmosphere with a tactful use of the tres, a Cuban guitar-like instrument. [Arts & Crafts; 7.7]
- Wolf Eyes: Fuck Pete Larsen
Wabana gives a wide release to this charmingly titled record, which was originally issued as a 600-count, vinyl-only release in 2002. [Wabana; 7.4]
- The Blow: Everyday Examples...
The latest K release from Microphones vocalist Khaela Maricich. [K; 6.0]
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>> Tue:01-18-05
- Mission of Burma: Snapshot EP
Post-punk legends follow last year's triumphant OnOffOn with a new eight-song EP recorded at Boston's Q Division Studios and originally broadcast on WFNX. Though it's only available via iTunes, it's strong enough to see wider commercial release. Snapshot captures these elder statesmen in what has always been their rawest and most primal state: live. [Matador; 8.2]
- Manic Street Preachers: The Holy Bible
This 10-year anniversary edition of these Brits' career peak adds the long-lost U.S. mix of the album, as well as live tracks, demos, a DVD, and more. [Epic; 8.4]
- Jennifer Gentle: Valende
The bandname's misleading: This new Sub Pop signing isn't a delicate female singer/songwriter; it's two Italian dudes heavy into Pink Floyd. [Sub Pop; 7.9]
- Bardo Pond: Cypher Documents I
Philly-based space-rockers inaugurate their new reissue series of odd and ends. File under the DEA's Schedule I of controlled substances. [3 Lobed; 7.8]
- Embrace: Out of Nothing
Oh, those Brits and their bathetic balladry. SWOOON. [Independiente/Epic; 7.3]
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>> Mon:01-17-05
- Black Mountain: Black Mountain
Vancouver singer/songwriter Stephen McBean (Pink Mountaintops, Jerk With a Bomb) unveils his best project to date: Black Mountain, a rollicking, wildly adventurous reconfiguring of 1960s and 70s nostalgia that's as duty-bound to the present as it is sympathetic to the past. [Jagjaguwar; 8.3]
- Build an Ark: Peace With Every Step
This L.A. collective boasting 20 notable Latin-folk and Afro-groove musicians and vocalists constructs a monster antiwar opus. [Plug Research; 8.7]
- Greg Weeks: Blood Is Trouble
Latest solo LP from Espers leader Greg Weeks takes him toward the downcast, progressive art-rock vein of Robert Wyatt. [Bada Da Bing!; 8.0]
- Bola: Gnayse
More pastoral electronica on Skam Records from this IDM mainstay. [Skam; 7.5]
- Climax Golden Twins: Highly Bred and...
Climax Golden Twins' fifth album mixes field recordings with the ramshackle sound of ancient acoustic blues. [North East Indie; 7.2]
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>> Fri:01-14-05
- Various Artists: KCRW Sounds Eclectic 3
Revered Santa Monica college station's latest collection of live in-studio recordings boasts contributions from Radiohead, Franz Ferdinand, The Flaming Lips, Interpol, Iron & Wine, The Polyphonic Spree, My Morning Jacket, and others. [Palm; 8.0]
- Ministry: Early Trax / Side Trax
Rykodisc offers two new compilations from Ministry, collecting the duo's early pre-industrial/pro-synthpop years. [Rykodisc; 5.0 / 7.6]
- The Society of Rockets: Sunset Homes
Once they were a blissfully poppy psych outfit called Shimmer Kids Underpop Association; now they're...very much something else. [Underpop; 7.8]
- The '89 Cubs: There Are Giants in the Earth
Omaha-based power trio comprised of members of Bright Eyes' backing band, Desaparecidos, and The Good Life turn in a surprisingly not-terrible debut. [Slowdance; 7.3]
- The Late BP Helium: Amok
Former Elf Power bassist Bryan "Helium" Poole strikes out with this hit-or-miss solo debut. [Orange Twin; 6.5]
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>> Thu:01-13-05
- Ol' Dirty Bastard: Osirus: The Official Mixtape
Whoever's handling the craziest Wu-Tang motherfucker's estate has wasted no time in getting out this posthumous "official mixtape," a teaser for his Rocafella finale, due later this yea. [JC/Sure Shot; 6.4]
- Augie March: Strange Bird
Originally released to thunderous acclaim in their homeland two years ago, the debut from this Aussie indie pop combo hits the states to build steam for the anticipated follow-up. [SpinArt; 8.2]
- On Fillmore: Sleeps With Fishes
Wilco drummer Glenn Kotche and bassist Darin Gray offer their latest experimental collaboration. [Quakebasket; 7.7]
- Thomas Fehlmann: Lowflow
Berlin-based veteran of electronic music offers a new full-length via Los Angeles' Plug Research label. [Plug Research; 7.4]
- The Organ: Grab That Gun
Hope you like Pat Benatar. [Mint; 6.6]
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>> Wed:01-12-05
- Fiery Furnaces: EP
The band we love but you love to hate skip the multipart song cycles on this immediately accessible collection of singles, b-sides, and other rarities. OK, so this 10-track EP has an uninspiring title; instead, the Friedberger sibs saved their best ideas for their songs. [Rough Trade/Sanctuary; 8.9]
- Ricardo Villalobos: Th? au Harem d'Archim?de
Chilean tech-house star Villalobos follows his fantastic and varied Alcachofa LP with a record that displays a monkish, almost classical degree of top-down restraint. [Perlon; 8.2]
- Blanket Music: Cultural Norms
Hush Records owner Chad Crouch has a frail voice but he still creates powerful indie pop. [Hush; 7.8]
- Jason Anderson: The Wreath
Hope and bereavement collide on Jason Anderson's latest K Records release. [K; 7.3]
- Bunnybrains: Box the Bunny
Four discs and one DVD from...Bunnybrains? [Narnack; 2.1]
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>> Tue:01-11-05
- Various Artists: The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou OST
Director Wes Anderson offers yet another of his signature soundtracks for his latest film, to which Mark Mothersbaugh produces another charming score, with help from flautist Sven Libaek. Also present is the usual smattering of 1960s and 70s folk pop songs-- this time from Joan Baez, Scott Walker, and The Zombies-- and a series of acoustic samba covers of David Bowie songs by Life Aquatic co-star Seu Jorge. [Hollywood; 7.1]
- Snow Patrol: When It's All Over We Still Have to Clear Up
Before the Coldplay-lite Snow Patrol, there was the twee-pop Snow Patrol. Jeepster reissues the 2001 album that bridged the two. [Jeepster; 7.6]
- Richard Youngs: Advent
Privately issued in a batch of 300 copies in 1988, the debut album from minimalist Richard Youngs is now given a wide release by Jagjaguwar. [Jagjaguwar; 7.6]
- Various Artists: ZE Xmas Record Reloaded 2004
Mutant disco label ZE offers this Christmas hangover cure as underground funk and new wave luminaries like Suicide's Alan Vega, James White, Cristina, and the Waitresses celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. [ZE; 7.0]
- Cul de Sac/Damo Suzuki: Abhayamaudra
Former Can leader Damo Suzuki collects 11 tracks recorded on tour with experimental post-rockers Cul de Sac. [Candle/Matinee; 6.3]
- Bonnie "Prince" Billy and Matt Sweeney: Superwolf
Somewhat lost in the shadow of that other recent Americana release is Superwolf, a collaboration between Will Oldham and his longtime pal, former Chavez and Zwan guitarist Matt Sweeney. Their partnership has resulted in an unnervingly spare, tense and forboding album-- and Oldham's finest work since 1999's I See a Darkness. [Drag City; 8.4]
- Super Furry Animals: Songbook
Singles collection celebrates the playful and frequently wonderful Super Furry Animals' first decade together. [XL/Beggars; 8.9]
- Shearwater: Thieves EP
The Okkervil River principals issue their latest collection of haunted, folksy, story-oriented rock. [Misra; 7.7]
- Mike Ladd: Negrophilia
Mike Ladd's contribution to Thirsty Ear's Blue Series takes its title from and is inspired by the writings of Petrine Archer-Straw. [Thirsty Ear; 7.2]
- Duran Duran Duran: Very Pleasure
Eighties nostalgia, Jason Forrest style. [CockRockDisco/Very Friendly; 6.5]
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>> Fri:01-28-05
- AFX: Analord 1 / Analord 2
Aphex Twin dusts off his Analogue Bubblebath moniker for another series of analog-and-acid-informed EPs. These are the first two installments of a planned 10-LP set, and the first new original material from Richard D. James since 2001's Drukqs. [Rephlex; 5.6 / 6.0]
- Master Musicians of Bukkake: The Visible Sign of the Invisible Order
Seattle freakffolk collective perform ceremony music for a Southeast Asian netherworld. A few Sun City Girls perform a dance. Just don't google their name. [Abduction; 7.2]
- Destroyer: Notorious Lightning and Other Works EP
Daniel Bejar reworks a half-dozen Your Blues tracks with help from Frog Eyes guitarist and vocalist Carey Mercer. [Merge; 6.8]
- Colin Meloy: Sings Morrissey
Decemberists frontman's tour-only EP features six covers of Morrissey songs in an intimate solo setting. [Self-released; 6.6]
- Soundtrack of Our Lives: Origin 1
Another set of retro-rock from these poorly named Swedes. [WEA International; 4.8]
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>> Thu:01-27-05
- Low: Destroyer
For their Dave Fridmann-produced Sub Pop debut, veteran slowcore band Low expand their palette, but achieve varying degrees of success. [Sub Pop; 5.5]
- Cam'ron: Purple Haze
Backed by beats ranging from wistful chipmunk soul to oppressive, bell-rattling NWA jacks and hypnotic electro bounce, Cam'ron bids adieu to Roc-A-Fella. [Roc-A-Fella; 8.7]
- Suicide: A Way of Life
Released more than 10 years after their debut, Suicide's third LP is often cruelly overlooked. A recent Mute reissue aims to redeem its reputation. [Mute; 8.3]
- Double Leopards: Halve Maen
To celebrate its overdue CD reissue, we revisit our 2003 review of the drone rock gem Halve Maen. [Eclipse; 8.2]
- Aqueduct: I Sold Gold
Barsuk's other "O.C."-approved band offers up another round of their fractured push-button pop. [Barusuk; 6.8]
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>> Wed:01-26-05
- M83: Before the Dawn Heals Us
Saying "au revoir" to longtime friend and collaborator Nicolas Fromageau, Anthony Gonzalez goes it alone for M83's third LP, a mammoth collusion of synth gasps and distorted swirls that's darker and more urban than its meadow-bound predecessor, Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts. [Gooom/Mute; 8.6]
- Hem: Eveningland
Hem's cinematic and frequently gorgeous countrypolitan sound was nearly lost in the post-Dreamworks shuffle. [Waveland/Rounder; 8.1]
- Lou Barlow: Emoh
After years of mostly solo projects, the indie legend releases his first LP under his own name. [Merge; 7.9]
- Michael Mayer: Touch / Speicher 2
Kompakt records boss mixes another series of Speicher releases and finally issues his debut studio LP. [Kompakt / Kompakt Extra; 7.4 / 7.9]
- Die Monitr Batss: Girls of War
These Troubleman United punks hurl up chunks of sound, hoping that something sticks. [Troubleman United; 5.2]
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>> Tue:01-25-05
- And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead: Worlds Apart
Austin-based rock heroes And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead follow the glorious noise and epic urgency of Source Tags & Codes with this sadly pompous, overreaching monstrosity. [Interscope; 4.0]
- Optimo: How to Kill the DJ [Part Two]
This eclectic two-disc mix spans multiple decades and includes both the familiar and the underground-- all without being showy or keeping the listener at arm's length. [Kill the DJ; 9.0]
- Sharon Jones: Naturally
Neo-soul's coffeeshop world gets a blast of deep funk grooves. [Daptone; 8.7]
- Dean Roberts / Autistic Daughters: And the Black Moths... / Jealousy...
New Zealand's Roberts apes Talk Talk's Mark Hollis on both a reissued solo record and with his band, the Kranky label's Autistic Daughters. [Staubgold / Kranky; 8.1 / 7.7]
- Tegan and Sara: So Jealous
Canadian indie pop twins trade in power chords and 80s retro. [Sanctuary; 3.4]
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>> Mon:01-24-05
- Bright Eyes: I'm Wide Awake... / Digital Ash...
Once the textbook definition of adolescent "emocore," Omaha singer/songwriter Conor Oberst redefines himself with two new albums-- one an Americana masterpiece with a guest spot from Emmylou Harris, the other an awkward electro-pop experiment featuring Jimmy Tamborello (Dntel, The Postal Service) and Yeah Yeah Yeahs guitarist Nick Zinner. [Saddle Creek; 8.7 / 7.2]
- Marianne Faithfull: Before the Poison
The legendary singer's new set of grim, gothic songs features collaborations with PJ Harvey, Nick Cave, Jon Brion, and Blur frontman Damon Albarn, among others. [Anti-; 7.9]
- Pedestrian: Volume One: unIndian songs
Anticon's Pedestrian conflates the histories of hip-hop and social violence on this strange, fractured record. [Anticon; 7.4]
- Buck 65: This Right Here Is Buck 65
Buck 65-- the Tom Waits of indie hip-hop-- makes his V2 debut. [V2; 7.0]
- Early Day Miners: All Harm Ends Here
Secretly Canadian slowcore group Early Day Miners rise and occasionally shine on their fourth album. [Secretly Canadian; 6.3]
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>> Fri:01-21-05
- Hood: Outside Closer
England's Hood-- who create dense, echoing arrangements that are reminiscent of the drifting sound-paintings of Bark Psychosis, Disco Inferno, or late-period Slowdive-- unveil their first LP of new music since 2001's Cold House. [Domino; 8.6]
- Morgan Geist: Unclassics
Metro Area's Morgan Geist unearths a collection of lost italo-disco gems. [Environ; 8.4]
- Tim Sweeney: Rvng Prsnts Mx3
Tim Sweeney-- who expertly mixed the third disc of DFA Compilation #2-- presents an eclectic electro-techno-house blend that features appearances from Kraftwerk, Aphex Twin, Radiohead, and Can, among many others. [Rvng Intl.; 7.5]
- Pete Rock: The Surviving Elements...
Ace hip-hop producer Pete Rock offers instrumentals that didn't make it on his Soul Survivor II joint. Makes great wallpaper. [BBE; 6.8]
- Adam Green: Gemstones
The former Moldy Peach is back with another platter of anti-folk bathroom humor. [Rough Trade; 5.5]
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>> Thu:01-20-05
- Various Artists: Sunday Nights: The Songs of Junior Kimbrough
The late Junior Kimbrough's unique and trancelike boogie blues is given the tribute album treatment by Fat Possum. The collection is book-ended by a pair of tracks by former Kimbrough tourmates Iggy and the Stooges, and it also includes contributions from Cat Power, Spiritualized, the Black Keys, and the Ponys, among others. [Fat Possum; 7.0]
- Naked City: The Complete Studio Recordings
Just like it says on the tin: Tzadik packages all seven albums by John Zorn's legendary Naked City-- and adds one unreleased track. [Tzadik; 8.5]
- Outrageous Cherry: Our Love Will...
Detroit-based OC ditch the bloated track lengths and conceptual themes of their recent releases and return to sugary retropop. [Rainbow Quartz; 7.7]
- Jeff Parker: Relatives
The Chicago-based jazz guitarist and Tortoise member heads a loose-limbed quartet that also includes Sam Barsheshet, Chris Lopes, and Chad Taylor. [Thrill Jockey; 7.4]
- Terrestrial Tones: Blasted
Roomies Dave Porter (aka Animal Collective's Avey Tare) and Eric Copeland (Black Dice) pull from a sonic palette that evokes their nom de feedback. [Pysch-o-Path; 5.7]
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>> Wed:01-19-05
- The Game: The Documentary
Dr. Dre's latest prot?g? boasts not only an impressive set of producers (Dre, Kanye, Timbaland, Just Blaze, Scott Storch, Hi-Tek) and guests (Eminem, 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes) for this highly anticipated throwback to early 90s West Coast gangsta rap, but also a hoarse, guttural vocal style that commands more presence than precedessor 50 Cent. [Interscope; 8.3]
- Archer Prewitt: Wilderness
The Sea and Cake leader confidently experiments with spiraling song structures and adventurous instrumental adornments. [Thrill Jockey; 8.5]
- Apostle of Hustle: Folkloric Feel
Broken Social Scene's Andrew Whiteman marries his more well known project's style distortion and striated atmosphere with a tactful use of the tres, a Cuban guitar-like instrument. [Arts & Crafts; 7.7]
- Wolf Eyes: Fuck Pete Larsen
Wabana gives a wide release to this charmingly titled record, which was originally issued as a 600-count, vinyl-only release in 2002. [Wabana; 7.4]
- The Blow: Everyday Examples...
The latest K release from Microphones vocalist Khaela Maricich. [K; 6.0]
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>> Tue:01-18-05
- Mission of Burma: Snapshot EP
Post-punk legends follow last year's triumphant OnOffOn with a new eight-song EP recorded at Boston's Q Division Studios and originally broadcast on WFNX. Though it's only available via iTunes, it's strong enough to see wider commercial release. Snapshot captures these elder statesmen in what has always been their rawest and most primal state: live. [Matador; 8.2]
- Manic Street Preachers: The Holy Bible
This 10-year anniversary edition of these Brits' career peak adds the long-lost U.S. mix of the album, as well as live tracks, demos, a DVD, and more. [Epic; 8.4]
- Jennifer Gentle: Valende
The bandname's misleading: This new Sub Pop signing isn't a delicate female singer/songwriter; it's two Italian dudes heavy into Pink Floyd. [Sub Pop; 7.9]
- Bardo Pond: Cypher Documents I
Philly-based space-rockers inaugurate their new reissue series of odd and ends. File under the DEA's Schedule I of controlled substances. [3 Lobed; 7.8]
- Embrace: Out of Nothing
Oh, those Brits and their bathetic balladry. SWOOON. [Independiente/Epic; 7.3]
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>> Mon:01-17-05
- Black Mountain: Black Mountain
Vancouver singer/songwriter Stephen McBean (Pink Mountaintops, Jerk With a Bomb) unveils his best project to date: Black Mountain, a rollicking, wildly adventurous reconfiguring of 1960s and 70s nostalgia that's as duty-bound to the present as it is sympathetic to the past. [Jagjaguwar; 8.3]
- Build an Ark: Peace With Every Step
This L.A. collective boasting 20 notable Latin-folk and Afro-groove musicians and vocalists constructs a monster antiwar opus. [Plug Research; 8.7]
- Greg Weeks: Blood Is Trouble
Latest solo LP from Espers leader Greg Weeks takes him toward the downcast, progressive art-rock vein of Robert Wyatt. [Bada Da Bing!; 8.0]
- Bola: Gnayse
More pastoral electronica on Skam Records from this IDM mainstay. [Skam; 7.5]
- Climax Golden Twins: Highly Bred and...
Climax Golden Twins' fifth album mixes field recordings with the ramshackle sound of ancient acoustic blues. [North East Indie; 7.2]
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>> Fri:01-14-05
- Various Artists: KCRW Sounds Eclectic 3
Revered Santa Monica college station's latest collection of live in-studio recordings boasts contributions from Radiohead, Franz Ferdinand, The Flaming Lips, Interpol, Iron & Wine, The Polyphonic Spree, My Morning Jacket, and others. [Palm; 8.0]
- Ministry: Early Trax / Side Trax
Rykodisc offers two new compilations from Ministry, collecting the duo's early pre-industrial/pro-synthpop years. [Rykodisc; 5.0 / 7.6]
- The Society of Rockets: Sunset Homes
Once they were a blissfully poppy psych outfit called Shimmer Kids Underpop Association; now they're...very much something else. [Underpop; 7.8]
- The '89 Cubs: There Are Giants in the Earth
Omaha-based power trio comprised of members of Bright Eyes' backing band, Desaparecidos, and The Good Life turn in a surprisingly not-terrible debut. [Slowdance; 7.3]
- The Late BP Helium: Amok
Former Elf Power bassist Bryan "Helium" Poole strikes out with this hit-or-miss solo debut. [Orange Twin; 6.5]
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>> Thu:01-13-05
- Ol' Dirty Bastard: Osirus: The Official Mixtape
Whoever's handling the craziest Wu-Tang motherfucker's estate has wasted no time in getting out this posthumous "official mixtape," a teaser for his Rocafella finale, due later this yea. [JC/Sure Shot; 6.4]
- Augie March: Strange Bird
Originally released to thunderous acclaim in their homeland two years ago, the debut from this Aussie indie pop combo hits the states to build steam for the anticipated follow-up. [SpinArt; 8.2]
- On Fillmore: Sleeps With Fishes
Wilco drummer Glenn Kotche and bassist Darin Gray offer their latest experimental collaboration. [Quakebasket; 7.7]
- Thomas Fehlmann: Lowflow
Berlin-based veteran of electronic music offers a new full-length via Los Angeles' Plug Research label. [Plug Research; 7.4]
- The Organ: Grab That Gun
Hope you like Pat Benatar. [Mint; 6.6]
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>> Wed:01-12-05
- Fiery Furnaces: EP
The band we love but you love to hate skip the multipart song cycles on this immediately accessible collection of singles, b-sides, and other rarities. OK, so this 10-track EP has an uninspiring title; instead, the Friedberger sibs saved their best ideas for their songs. [Rough Trade/Sanctuary; 8.9]
- Ricardo Villalobos: Th? au Harem d'Archim?de
Chilean tech-house star Villalobos follows his fantastic and varied Alcachofa LP with a record that displays a monkish, almost classical degree of top-down restraint. [Perlon; 8.2]
- Blanket Music: Cultural Norms
Hush Records owner Chad Crouch has a frail voice but he still creates powerful indie pop. [Hush; 7.8]
- Jason Anderson: The Wreath
Hope and bereavement collide on Jason Anderson's latest K Records release. [K; 7.3]
- Bunnybrains: Box the Bunny
Four discs and one DVD from...Bunnybrains? [Narnack; 2.1]
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>> Tue:01-11-05
- Various Artists: The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou OST
Director Wes Anderson offers yet another of his signature soundtracks for his latest film, to which Mark Mothersbaugh produces another charming score, with help from flautist Sven Libaek. Also present is the usual smattering of 1960s and 70s folk pop songs-- this time from Joan Baez, Scott Walker, and The Zombies-- and a series of acoustic samba covers of David Bowie songs by Life Aquatic co-star Seu Jorge. [Hollywood; 7.1]
- Snow Patrol: When It's All Over We Still Have to Clear Up
Before the Coldplay-lite Snow Patrol, there was the twee-pop Snow Patrol. Jeepster reissues the 2001 album that bridged the two. [Jeepster; 7.6]
- Richard Youngs: Advent
Privately issued in a batch of 300 copies in 1988, the debut album from minimalist Richard Youngs is now given a wide release by Jagjaguwar. [Jagjaguwar; 7.6]
- Various Artists: ZE Xmas Record Reloaded 2004
Mutant disco label ZE offers this Christmas hangover cure as underground funk and new wave luminaries like Suicide's Alan Vega, James White, Cristina, and the Waitresses celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. [ZE; 7.0]
- Cul de Sac/Damo Suzuki: Abhayamaudra
Former Can leader Damo Suzuki collects 11 tracks recorded on tour with experimental post-rockers Cul de Sac. [Candle/Matinee; 6.3]
posted by monkey mama at 12:38 PM
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