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With hurricane Irene beating down upon us here on the east coast, a list involving songs that allude to storms and rain and hurricanes seems oh so topical but a glance on Facebook would show you that this idea has effectively been done to death already. So instead, why not stick to the mandate of this feature and simply call attention to top-shelf music?
Idaho The Forbidden EP – Alas: Special Edition (Halfpipe)
This and the group’s latest, “You Were a Dick,” are my favorite releases by Idaho/Jeff Martin. Quiet, delicate, subtle, complex and warm, this record is a real treasure (both the LP and EP). However, as with most of Idaho’s work, these songs gain weight and resonance with repeated plays. The lyrics are often not clear but that in no way is a problem. Like most of this band’s work, the vocals act more as texture. Patience is required but the rewards are immense.
Idaho You Were a Dick (PID)
Stylistically similar to “the Forbidden EP – Alas,” “Dick,” released this year, is perfect for late night listening. The title track, “Impaler” and especially “Weigh it Down” (the part from 3:07 to the end is intoxicatingly good) are all winners. Don’t give up on these guys if at first you don’t get much from them.
Idaho The Lone Gunman (Halfpipe)
Another great outing but this time with more signs of visible life. While I was slow to like this as much as most of the group’s other work, it is steadily working its charms. That said, when Idaho “livens up” things, I don’t find the same appeal as when they stay on a more consistent quiet level. Case in point: The more upbeat “Three Sheets to the Wind” is often considered the band’s best work but I prefer the aforementioned albums.
Meeting Places Find Yourself Along the Way (Words on Music)
While I found the band’s 2006 effort “Numbered Days,” to be slightly bombastic, with vocals that sometimes were too prominent and melodies and moods that left something to be desired, the group’s 2003 debut was flat out great shoegaze music. Highly evocative of Slowdive, this album has terrific songs and is produced sympathetically.
Should Feed Like Fishes (Words on Music)
A winning shoegaze/dreampop effort. Also, check out the group’s latest, “Like a Fire Without Sound,” which still has hooks but is rounder on the edges. Words on Music is a great label that consistently serves up appealing releases, many of which are cut from this cloth. Be sure to take advantage of their ridiculously generous sale that ends this month (all CDs are just $5).
The Residents Icky Flix DVD (MVD Visual)
Wow. Well, there’s a lot one can say (mainly good) about this bunch of mysterious/obscure/bizarre/viciously original musicians/visual artists. But suffice it to say that this DVD has some of the most singular and memorable music videos ever created. See “Perfect Love” and “Constantinople.”
Whipping Boy Heartworm (Sony)
A staggeringly GREAT record. This album has essentially everything that one could want. The band is currently touring overseas and is reportedly playing “Heartworm” in its entirety. If only the group could ever make it here. If only…..
Ringo Deathstarr Colour Trip (Sonic Unyon)
I have heard BT founder/publisher Jack Rabid play this group, with the oh so memorable name, on Rabid in the Kennel more than once and decided it was high time to pick this up. Yes, a My Bloody Valentine/Jesus and Mary Chain comparison is inevitable but the group very much has its own identity. Highly recommended!
E.L.O. Eldorado (Epic/Legacy)
I’ve been on a small ELO kick lately, with this, “Face the Music,” and “A New World Record,” being my faves. Though a bit inconsistent, the template for future successes was established on this 1974 release. Jeff Lynne’s songwriting prowess, orchestral flourishes and appetite for epic, dramatic songs are in full bloom (see “Laredo Tornado”). Some tunes lag a bit and in some he mixes together bits and pieces that are inspired on their own but lose impact by being part of a grander whole. But on balance, this record, while generally respected, is perhaps a tad underrated.
The Joy Formidable My Own Mix…not a proper release but rather a seven song compilation that I carefully compiled (Canvasback/Atlantic)
One of the hottest bands around, The Joy Formidable’s star is rapidly rising, in some part due to the group touring later this year with the Foo Fighters. But even before that tour was announced the group was playing ALL its cards right. From Lollapalooza to Conan O’Brien, this oh so likeable and indeed formidable band was clearly going places. Ok, so about the music….My recommended mix is as follows: 1) A Heavy Abacus 2) Greyhounds in Slips 3) The Greatest Light is the Greatest Shade 4) Whirring 5) Cradle 6) Austere 7) The Everchanging Spectrum of a Lie.
