Top 10 songs from last week’s new releases.
“I Don’t Mind” Screaming Females
This New Jersey underground band will continue to pick up steam until they’ve played in every basement in the world. *Marissa Paternoster*’s bloody picking fingers, *Jarret Dougherty*’s rhythmic precision and *King Mike*’s funkier-than-thou bass playing make this my favorite new band from the last couple years. Avoid pigeon-holing this gang as riot grrrl on first listen, and you’ll receive a funk-inclusive thrash.
“Appetites” Les Savy Fav
Les Savy Fav’s gradual move toward more traditional song structures continues on their newest release Root for Ruin. Some LSF traditionalists may be disappointed by the less anarchistic method, but Tim Harrington & Co. aren’t afraid to display that they’ve honed their chops (still holding intact their distinct abandon). “We’ve no shame/We’ve no pride/We still got our appetites!” sings Harrington. “Appetite” is a favorite of mine off the new album because if the direct reference to the *Silver Jews*’ “Punks in the Beerlight” at the end: “I love you to the max.” Plus lyrics like this are always welcomed: “Show us your teeth/Show us your tits/Show us your scars from the shit that you did.” Though revered elder statesmen in the indie game, LSF release Root for Ruin as their most accomplished album, and a sign that their willing evolution will keep them around for a long time.
“Stranded” The Walkmen
Off of Lisbon, “Stranded” is carried by anthemic horns through an otherwise sparse landscape, highlighting *Hamilton Leithauser*’s voice. Weirdly (and shamefully), it reminds me of *Sting*’s “Fields of Gold.” And also Christmas.
“Sex Karma” of Montreal
“You look like a playground to me.” From their newest release False Priest, “Sex Karma” is just a sample of the R&B infused sound, highlighted by collaborations with Solange and Janelle Monae. This chamber-funk addition to the pantheon of sexy is going to be responsible for a lot of babies.
“Mickey Mouse and the Grinderman” Grinderman
Nick Cave and Warren Ellis continue their diverse sonic relationship, this time with a psychedelic twist. Always stimulating, always dark, always badass. Lots of howling at the moon on this one.
“Sleep Forever” Crocodiles
If washed out jeans, white t-shirts and black sunglasses could form a band, they would sound like this.
“I Don’t Believe You” The Thermals
What Weezer might’ve sounded like if they continued to release color-themed albums.
“Jerry” The Clientele
A tidy addition to the usually reverb-heavy Londoners. If Buddy Holly ever tackled dreampop…
“Innundir Skinni” Olof Arnalds
Icelandic folk, duh.
“Digging for Something” Superchunk
Nine years ago we had no idea Here’s to Shutting Up would be the last new song we’d hear from Mac, Laura, Jon and Jim. Now we welcome Majesty Shredding and apparently, even after 20-plus years, they can’t lose touch.
