Nada Surf – Lucky (Barsuk)
While not a departure at all, really, from their last album (2005’s The Weight is a Gift), more of the same is a good thing in this case. Check out the first two tracks, the supremely catchy “Whose Authority” and “See These Bones”.
Times New Viking – Rip It Off (Matador)
A great mixture of lo-fi indie-rock, noise and slightly poppy sensibilities, this Columbus, Ohio band jokingly lists MARK E. SMITH and HAMESH KILGOUR of THE CLEAN (who they recently toured with) as band members, so it’s no surprise that I like them. Given how unhinged and barely together this sounds, one could easily see glue sniffing being a hobby of theirs and I mean that in a good way.
Beach House – Devotion (Carpark)
I missed this much-hyped Baltimore band’s first album as well as their performance at last year’s Pitchfork festival on the small side stage (not to mention when they played here in Philadelphia with THE CLIENTELE last May) and now I regret it because this album is fantastic. An absolutely perfect tonic for a sleepy Sunday morning or a dreary, rainy afternoon, this will please fans of the aforementioned Clientele as well as GALAXIE 500, LOW, CODEINE and other lazy, hazy greats. This is a natural for Big Takeover readers.
The Sleepover Disaster “Funnel Cloud”
Although I really like their 2006 EP The Oceanographer, their upcoming full-length (due out in the summer) may be even better if this song (which you can listen to here) is any indication.
Elvis Costello and The Attractions – The Land of Hope and Anchor (no label)
One of my favorite Elvis Costello rarities, this often bootlegged cd-r contains a show from 1980 that’s notable for the presence of THE RUMOUR’s MARTIN BELMONT on guitar, filling in to replace regular Attractions keyboardsist STEVE NIEVE who had earlier been injured in a car accident. Needless to say, given that it’s Costello in his prime with even more firepower, this smokes! The material includes stuff from his first four albums, one B-side (“Girls Talk”, which that year was a big UK hit for DAVE EDMUNDS) and some choice covers (ELVIS PRESLEY’s “Little Sister” and THE TEMPTATIONS’ “Don’t Look Back” among them). This version also tacks on some performances from The Tomorrow Show with Tom Snyder in 1981 as well as BBC sessions from 1978 and 1980. respectively. In addition, a live version of IAN DURY AND THE BLOCKHEADS’ “Roadette Song” from 1977 is included as well.
Film School – Hideout (Beggars Banquet)
California’s other great shoegazer/dream-pop band (in addition to Fresno’s The Sleepover Disaster) is this San Francisco outfit. After their rhythm section left, it’s impressive that they were able to come up with something almost as good as their previous, self-titled album. I initially ignored this, thinking it a bit of a sophomore slump, but listening again with fresh ears leads me to reevaluate my initial position. The songs aren’t as immediately memorable or catchy, but they have grown on me.
Times New Viking with Pony Pants and Shooting Spires – Danger Danger Gallery (Philadelphia, PA) – February 27, 2008
This was my first time at this brand new space and though the sound and the lack of a stage left a bit to be desired, it’s still cool to see a band who just played Bowery Ballroom a few nights earlier at a gallery in front of less than 50 people.
Dean and Britta with Keren Ann – Johnny Brenda’s (Philadelphia, PA) – February 28, 2008
Two great acts, excellent sound and great food and beer downstairs. What a great night! Dean and Britta were considerably more rockin’ and energetic than they were last year at World Cafe Live, despite being tired at the end of their three-week tour, which concludes this weekend in New York. Keren Ann was a terrific opener and so unassuming for someone who’s such a big star in France and elsewhere in Europe.
Vivien Goldman – “Private Armies” (dub)
One of the heaviest and deepest dub remixes I’ve ever heard, this appeared on the “Dirty Washing” 12” in 1981. It’s out-of-print and difficult to track down, but thankfully the incredible Egg City Radio blog has it for download here.
Augustus Pablo – King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown (Shanachie)
