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There were some good, and not so good, Record Store Day releases last week so my favorites are included. Also, a great week for Chicago artists.
Cool Devices – S/T (Rock Proper)
For those of you haven’t heard of the Rock Proper label, it’s a great site filled with free album downloads of new bands. This release, in particular is flat out amazing. Led by Jason Fredrick, a prolific songwriter in the vein of Jay Reatard, this download (I wish I could get this on wax) shreds.
Do yourself a favor and download it
Boogie Monster – Zechimechi (Needs More Ram)
Nirvana – Hormoaning (DGC)
Back in print for one day, the originally Australia-only EP was in stores for Record Store Day. If you’re picking up Nirvana vinyl re-issues, you might be wondering why you need this when most of these songs are on Incesticide. Well, I’m a huge fan of the b-side “Even In His Youth,” and there is also a good Wipers cover of “D-7,”.
Deerhunter – Memory Boy (4AD)
I’m sure everyone here has mentioned Halcyon Digest ad nauseum but for those of us not in Japan who may have not heard the bonus tracks, this RSD 7” was a special treat. “Nosebleed,” may not have fit in on the album but it is an irresistible tune.
Lower Dens – Deer Knives (Sub Pop)
Another great Record Store Day single, this one from Jana Hunter and company. Dreamy.
Kurt Vile – Smoke Ring For My Halo (Matador)
I have never thought that much of Kurt Vile and I didn’t really dig this album at first either. However, with each listen, it crept into my subconscious. It really does require your full attention and deserves it, especially the phenomenal second side.
This Will Destroy You – Tunnel Blanket (Suicide Squeeze)
This could be soundtrack to the world ending via Nuclear Holocaust. Their previous efforts have been good but this almost literally lays those to waster. They should change the genre to Post-Apocalyptic Rock for these guys.
Weekend – Sports (Slumberland)
Sort of a shoegazey No Age, their debut album is a bit uneven but the middle, the meat, of the album is excellent.
Flame Shark – Farm Life (Scrub Brush)
Certainly not what you would expect from a band called Flame Shark, but they are a nice blend of soul and rock and pleasing to me, someone who isn’t really into that because so many bands do it poorly. The track “Keep On Looking Out For You,” really sticks with me. You can “download”:http://www.flamesharkmusic.com/treasures.cfm the whole album free at their website. It’s definitely worth checking out.
Angel Olsen – Strange Cacti (Bathetic)
I try not to repeat records in these top 10 lists but this one still haunts me, in a good way.
