new releases, mid Nov 2011
Atlas Sound – Parallax (4ad)
Third solo record from Bradford Cox, unless of course you’re counting his handmade CD-R’s, vinyl singles or his virtual EP’s. In that case, we’re up to at least nine or twelve. Cox has been recording as Atlas Sound since at least 1998, when he recorded demos of “Spring Hall Convert”, which would appear nine years later on Deerhunter‘s Cryptograms. How Bradford went from that detuned guitar and untamed condensor-microphone-in-the-shower vocals to this is unknown. Undoubtedly it’s his dedication to touring and recording independently and as frontman for Deerhunter. There are also several vocal breakthroughs for Cox on this record, starting with “Amplifiers”.
Bjork – Biophilia (Nonesuch)
I can get behind this. And will continue to do so next week.
Sea Lions – Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sea Lions But Were Afraid to Ask (Slumberland)
The Field Mice meets The Sea Urchins, with the malaise replaced by an unbeat sense of wonder. The allure of all the Sara Records bands is the two and a half minute fragile pop song, but in this case Sea Lions are better than most of the bands they are supposedly imitating.
Darkness Falls – Alive In Us (HFN)
Pristine and well-conceived Danish indie rock with female vocals. Musically all over the map; jangley guitars, texture pieces, post punk drums, 60’s proto-pop. I am a sucker for this formula and am powerless against it.
King Krule – s/t EP (True Panther Sounds)
Crazed new wave / dub from an earnest British 17-year old who croons and slurs his way through five thought provoking, highly original songs.
Cover Art of Studio One Records book (Soul Jazz)
200 page, 12 × 12 coffee table book filled to the brim with sleeve covers from the classic reggae record label Studio One. More info and a few photos here.
Blouse – s/t (Captured Tracks)
Experimental electronic pieces with sound effects, super slow drums and all kinds of weird vocals. Unfolds as the soundtrack to a lost John Carpenter movie, even though it was apparently made in a warehouse in Portland.
Government Issue – s/t (Dr. Strange)
Reissue of their self titled 1986 LP, this was recorded during GI’s middle period – after the Dischord years, but before J. Robbins and Pete Moffet had joined. John Stabb was joined by Brian Baker and Steve Hansgen from Minor Threat on this record, with the later playing bass and the former engineering and producing. At best, this era of punk is remembered somewhat begrudgingly by many of us: 7 Seconds were writing ballads, Henry Rollins had long hair, the Beastie Boys were on MTV. Most of the early American hardcore bands broke up before they had the technical ability (or the desire) to progress musically, but GI was way ahead of the pack. Back on vinyl after 20 years and remastered by Tom Lyle.
Chris Hedges – Death of the Liberal Class (Nation Books)
Read this last Sunday. Probably the most depressing thing I’ve read all year, although at times it was worth it. Highly recommended, even if you just want a break from rhetoric.
NYC Mayhem – The Metal Days / The Crossover Days (Hells Headbangers)
Exhaustive two disc set with tons of liner notes. Has rehearsal tapes, demos and other unreleased sessions from this New York metal band that would later turn into Straight Ahead. I still can’t believe how much effort went into this reissue, it looks and sounds incredible. When will Straight Ahead get this kind of reissue? When pigs fly. Detailed info and free samples here.
