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Sharon Van Etten – Tramp (Jagjaguwar)
Please see my full review here.
Cloud Nothings – Attack on Memory (Carpark)
A huge leap forward from Dylan Baldi‘s previous work, this is almost like the logical follow-up to Nirvana‘s In Utero and I’m not just saying that because Steve Albini recorded it (and boy does it sound like it). Instead of punky lo-fi noise-pop, early ’90s style indie rock with ambition (the second track is over 8 minutes long) is what’s found here.
The Raveonettes – B-Sides and Rarities (Columbia/Vice)
Aside from 2003’s Chain Gang of Love, I think that this is the best Raveonettes album and it consists of songs that didn’t even make it on their albums. It’s incredible that some of these were left off and apparently, the band agrees.
Pete Donnelly – World Cafe Live (Philadelphia) – February 3, 2012
Playing a mix of songs by his long-running band The Figgs and gems like “Can’t Talk at All” and “Break Through Silence” and “When You Come Home” from his new solo record (and even an NRBQ song from their latest record), Pete Donnelly played a highly enjoyable Free at Noon set yesterday at World Cafe Live. I like the new solo album a lot, but I prefer the more rock and roll sounding live versions of those tracks.
Frankie Rose – Interstellar (Slumberland)
On her second solo effort (this one interestingly is just billed to her and not Frankie Rose and the Outs like the first album), Frankie Rose throws a curveball. This is less ’60s girl-group inspired fuzz-pop and much more ’80s inspired but in the sense of bands on Captured Tracks (think Wild Nothing or Beach Fossils or especially The Wake) or her Slumberland labelmates (most notably The Drums and their latest record Portamento). In any case, I really like it and “Know Me” is one of my favorite songs of the year so far.
The Fall – Ersatz GB (Cherry Red)
After a one-album stint on Domino, the Fall are back on another label (Cherry Red this time) for Ersatz GB, released late last year. While I can’t imagine they’ll make too many new fans with this, this is another solid effort (after 2010’s also solid Your Future Our Clutter for Domino) and that’s welcome news after the mediocre albums they put out directly before Your Future Our Clutter. Fans know what to expect here and Mark E. Smith doesn’t deviate from the formula. There’s lots of ranting by Smith (though thankfully the mock voice that borders on self-parody that he’s used extensively on some recent albums has almost disappeared), a song sung by his wife, keyboardist Elena Poulou and obscure or unexpected lyrical references galore. For instance, “Nate Will Not Return” was allegedly inspired by an episode of the TV show Gossip Girl.
Northwest Passage: The Birth of Portland’s D.I.Y. Culture (Not Rated)
This 2007 documentary isn’t akin to Portlandia, but rather this documents the original late ’70s and early ’80s Portland, OR punk rock scene. Included are interviews with and amazing footage of bands ranging from greats like Wipers and Poison Idea to lesser-known outfits like Neo Boys, Styphnoids, The Rats (precursors to Dead Moon, not the ’60s garage band), LoTek and others. It also includes early footage of Dead Kennedys with an amazing performance of “Holiday in Cambodia”, though other out-of-town bands who performed are also mentioned. This is highly recommended for fans of the above bands and of the late ’70s punk explosion in general.
Code of Honor – Complete Studio Recordings 1982-1984 (Subterranean)
Issued in 2005, this is currently out of print but well worth tracking down. It includes their 7” and split Lp with Sick Pleasure from 1982 along with 1984’s more experimental Beware the Savage Jaw. The earlier stuff stands alongside stalwarts like M.I.A., JFA and perhaps even The Big Boys (one of my all-time favorites) as some of the greatest often overlooked melodic hardcore punk ever while Beware the Savage Jaw expanded their sonic range considerably to include classic rock and post-punk influences without comprising their politically-fueled anger one iota.
The War on Drugs – Slave Ambient (Secretly Canadian)
Though I’ve been enjoying this well-received 2011 breakthrough album from this Philadelphia band, this is the first time I’ve mentioned them on this list. Yes, “Baby Missiles” sounds A LOT like an outtake from Dire Straits‘ Brothers in Arms or Bruce Springsteen‘s Born in the USA, but beyond that these jams have way more in common with former member Kurt Vile‘s last album Smoke Ring for My Halo (also a nice companion piece to this record).
Damien Jurado – Live at Landlocked (Secretly Canadian)
Here’s an example of a record I didn’t even know existed until my wife found it on Spotify. Released in 2011, this one almost slipped right by me. I’ve been enjoying it since then as its warm, intimate yet sad feel captures the feel of his recent live shows quite well.
