The Big Boys – Where’s My Towel (Modern Classics Recordings)
Please see my full review here.
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds with Sharon Van Etten – Keswick Theater (Glenside, PA) – March 19, 2013
This review sums up Nick’s incredible set really well. I’ll add that it was our first time seeing Nick Cave in any capacity and he sure didn’t disappoint. Sharon Van Etten’s short opening set consisted mostly of newer, unrecorded songs but with a few from last year’s Tramp thrown in. I’ll also add that since few knew who she was there, it was in a way the perfect opportunity to play new songs as few would be disappointed! They sounded great, as did Sharon’s voice. Her new one should be excellent based upon what we heard.
The Feelies – Union Transfer (Philadelphia) – March 22, 2013
Look for a review up soon.
Low – Main Street Music (Philadelphia) – March 18, 2013
For their only area appearance following their recently released new Lp The Invisible Way, Main Street Music in Manayunk decided to throw Low an album release party. Playing an hour-long set focusing on the new record but not skimping on older material going all the way back to Trust, Low played a mesmerizing set in front of the full audience (despite the fact that it was dreary and miserable outside that night). We didn’t stick around for the signing, but it was odd, albeit nice, but to see so many Low CDs and Lps flying off the shelves (and in stock in a physical record store, particularly one generally less friendly to indie-rock and more focused on singer-songwriter/folk type stuff) after their set as well!
Billy Bragg – Tooth and Nail (Cooking Vinyl)
Please see my full review here.
Low – The Invisible Way (Sub Pop)
Produced by Wilco‘s Jeff Tweedy, who infuses this with a full, rich sound, the follow-up to 2011’s C’mon continues alongside similar territory. As far as Low albums goes, this one isn’t as aggressive as 2005’s The Great Destroyer or 2007’s Drums and Guns, but nor does it approach the hushed sound of their earlier work. It’s somewhere in between, but rarely have they written a song as catchy and unbelievably aching as the Mimi Parker-sung “Just Make It Stop”.
The Nils – The Title is the Secret Song (Real Big North)
This collection of previously unreleased Nils tunes came out back in 2010 and seems almost impossible to find now (at least the CD/DVD version), but I recently heard it via YouTube and am absolutely blown away by this band’s greatness. Songs like “Buzz,” “Changes” and “When You’re Not Around” prove that the much-missed Alex Soria was Montreal’s answer to Paul Westerberg or even Kurt Cobain at times.
Wipers – Silver Sail (Zeno)
I’m still playing the incredible (and incredible-sounding) 2012 vinyl reissue of this 1993 Wipers classic, one of their most overlooked (and best) albums!
Wire – Change Becomes Us (Pink Flag)
What you’ve heard is true. Yes, these songs date back to 1979 and 1980 and the resemblance to some of the material that ended up on 154 is very strong. That’s a very good thing, of course, but with the current lineup playing these songs, it sounds more like 2011’s Red Barked Tree (their best album since 154 and one that also seemed inspired by 154 if not as explicitly as their new one is).
Deep Heat – New Design EP (self-released)
Hot on the heels of last year’s eight-song EP Low Lights, Melbourne, Australia’s Deep Heat have a new five-song EP that works on the same territory. Less explicitly post-punk inspired than their other band (the great Infinite Void), this is still quite good and recommended. You can listen to it and buy it here.
