Elizabeth Klisiewicz: June 3, 2012

June 2012

This list includes a mixture of media, including a live concert and some new/old recordings.

1. The Psychedelic Furs – Live at the Iron Horse Music Hall

   I will be reviewing this show, but wanted to put them in at #1. Richard, his brother, and four talented sidekicks put on one heckuva show. They roared through what amounted to their greatest hits in perfect precision, while Mother Nature put on a storm of a different kind outside.

2. Daniel Land and the Modern Painters – The Space Between Us

   Daniel Land’s long awaited album finally saw a release on 5/28 on Britain’s Club AC30 label. Daniel has suppressed his shoegaze side and fertilized his mesmerizing dream pop into full bloom on this release. You can expect honest and heartfelt lyrics, along with shimmering layers strongly reminiscent of The Cocteau Twins. Along for the ride is Jayn Hanna*from *The Steals, whose dulcet tones complement Land’s on “The Silver Medal”. This last song deserves to be a single, and hopefully the band’s new label will get the merch and the word out on this wonderful group.

3. Saint Etienne – Words and Music

   Words and Music is a welcome return from this sophisticated dance ensemble, headed up by the lovely Sarah Cracknell. They aren’t a one note group, easily mixing techno, house, pop, and rock into a pleasurable melange. I do wish they didn’t feel the need to use Auto-tune, but it’s minimal. Sarah’s voice reminds me of the warmth of vintage Supremes mixed with Dominique Durand of Ivy. Very nice, summery music.

4. Garbage – Not Your Kind of People

   A strong return to form for Shirley Manson and company. Manson’s always had a great voice, backed by an equally good band. They have a penchant for mixing rock, techno, and danceable beats. Old fans won’t be surprised by the usual mix of angst, pain, and paranoia that Manson is so good at projecting onto her willing followers.

5. Book of Days – Psychedelic Furs

   I trotted this old release out just before seeing the Furs on Tuesday night. It’s a bit different from their earlier albums, and fringes on the glamorous goth associated with The Cure. “Shine” and “Mother-Son” are particularly good, and not something you can expect to hear live.

6. Kids of 88 – Ribbons of Light

   This song came out last year on this NZ group’s album Sugarpills. I first heard them on a TV show, and was strongly reminded of 80’s synth pop. This song in particular brings me back to Human League and Thompson Twin days, and even a bit of Goldfrapp thrown in. Fun stuff for people with limited attention spans (like me).

7. Exitmusic – Passage

   This Brooklyn duo creates widescreen, cinematic music that defies categorization. Layers of reverb and slightly warbling vocals are painted with gossamer soundscapes that float through you like a zephyr. “Sparks of Light” is especially compelling.

8. Yagya – Rigning

   This Iceland ambient dub artist is unlike anything on this list, and this release is not new. But I only discovered it in the last month, and deem it wonderful. Themes of nature, especially water and rain, splash the senses throughout, and its marvelous textures are a balm for the senses of this always anxious writer. Highly recommended.

9. Orcas – Orcas

   Thanks to Joseph Kyle to turning me onto this marvelous collaboration between Benoit Pioulard and Rafael Anton Irisarri, both names well known to followers of ambient and electronic music. Both artists bring their collective strengths to the table, supplying vocals, lush soundscapes, and off kilter soundscapes to the mix. Wonderful and unique.

10. Airiel – Kid Games

    It’s good to see Airiel recording again, and this EP is as good an introduction to their lovely shoegaze as anything else by them. So go ahead and listen, and bug Jack to play them on his show ; )