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Brian Eno – Small Craft on a Milk Sea (Warp)
This is Eno’s Warp debut and at certain points one could swear that it’s a late ’90s Aphex Twin or Squarepusher record or something else akin to the label’s usual fare. Despite that, it doesn’t sound dated as the harder tracks here towards the beginning of the album blend in nicely with the more traditional-sounding stuff that leans heavily towards some of Eno’s ambient records. Overall, I like this quite a bit.
John Cale – Paris 1919 (Island)
Up until very recently, I’d never listened to any of Cale’s solo stuff aside from Church of Anthrax, his wonderful 1971 collaboration with minimalist composer Terry Riley. Now I regret waiting so long to check out his other stuff because this album is amazing. Here he’s backed by Little Feat, yet on most of the tracks producer Chris Thomas (Roxy Music, Sex Pistols, Pretenders, INXS) makes them sound a bit Roxy Music-ish.
For Against – “Black Soap” EP (Words on Music)
The newest For Against release is actually comprised of 3 songs originally recorded on 4-track in 1984, even predating the material found on the 1990 release In the Marshes (also recently reissued on Words on Music along with most of the rest of For Against’s ’80s catalog). There’s an early version of “Amen Yves” as well as two previously unheard songs (the title track and “Dark Good Friday”) which are honestly as good as anything on In the Marshes or their debut Lp Echelons.
Scumbag Philosopher – It Means Nothing Because It Means Nothing (Words on Music)
This band is to the post-punk of The Fall, early Wire and Gang of Four as Len Price 3 are to mid ’60s UK freakbeat. In other words, after two singles, this UK band’s debut Lp breaks absolutely no new ground here musically, but you absolutely won’t find a better band playing this style and the energy, sincerity and contemporary lyrics (dealing with subjects like social networking and those who are sanctimonious about music) show that this is not merely another nostalgia trip or cash-in attempt after the success of other UK bands who have tried this style. With only 9 songs in 27 minutes, it’s an exhilarating ride, too!
Office of Future Plans – “Harden Your Heart” EP (self-released)
Although the record has been streaming for several weeks for those who helped fund it, I got the 7” in the mail the other day and it’s a beauty. It’s on black vinyl and a lyric sheet is included. The B-side is a cover of “Everybody Loves You When You’re Dead” by The Stranglers, but frankly I prefer the original on the A-side.
Bastards of Melody – Hurry Up and Wait (FDR)
Although I’ve been a fan of Bastards of Melody since I used to see singer/guitarist Paul Crane play open mic shows in Hoboken bars over a decade ago, I lost track of them at some point along the way. That’s why it’s great to hear this, their most recent release. Simply put, this is less Replacements and Wilco-ish than the previous release I’ve heard (1999’s Keep It Down) and much more straight-up power-pop in the vein of Sloan with lyrics that concern the drudgery of everyday life and memories of youthful days gone by. There’s even a song called “Exit 10” here that solidifies their NJ cred. In any case, this one is definitely deserving of its high placement on our own Jack Rabid‘s Top 40 list in the last issue.
Lemmy (Not Rated)
This is a fantastic documentary that every Motörhead fan needs to see. Comprised mostly of interviews with fellow musicians ranging from former bandmates like Hawkwind‘s Dave Brock to adoring fans like Scott Ian, Slash and James Hetfield along with footage and interviews with the man himself, this documentary captures several years in the life of an unrepentant, hard living rock and roller with a surprisingly tender side as well.
Sharon Van Etten with Julianna Barwick and Strand of Oaks – Johnny Brenda’s (Philadelphia) – January 20, 2011
Please see my full review here.
School of Independent Rock with Peter Cortner – Circle of Hope (Philadelphia) – January 28, 2011
Please see my full review here.
Gang of Four with Hollerado and Moon Women – TLA (Philadelphia) – February 5, 2011
Please see my full review here.
