If you haven't already picked up the latest from the Morning Benders you are sadly missing out on some of the BEST mood music of the summer.
I've been listening to BIG ECHO off and on since March, so at this point it's going to clearly define a good chunk of my existence in 2010; we'll call it a "nostalgicinvestment".
Lately, with the intensity of the summer weighing in, (air conditioner-less) it seems that this album becomes more of a fresh breeze, and a splash of cold water, just like the cover art.
Anyways...
Pitckfork.tv brings you a beautifully pieced live-to-tape set for the first track of Big Echo, "Excuses"
"Down, down, baby, down by the roller coaster. Sweet, sweet baby, I'll never let you go."
As their Summertime! EP [SEP 09] fell only one month short of summer last year, The Drums are back with their first full length just in time for the hot months of 2010.
Their self-titled album was released back in May, but as the weather gets warmer by the day, and the sun sets slower every night The Drums become the theme to one of this summer's hottest flings.
"Forever", being the frequent term of the album, days and days, forever and evers, carrying the way every summer can feel infinite so long as you spread yourself as thin as you can over best friends, lovers, drugs, booze, beaches, parties etc. Because in the summer, somehow every day is your day off; At least it feels like it with this album playing in the back of my mind. If there's one album that reminds me of all the best amenities of summer, it's this one.
Bringing it down a notch from my springtime pick of the week, Surfer Blood's Astro Coast ['surfer sounds' from the 90's], The Drums carry an intimate, and more romantic 'summer fun' appeal. Kind of like the Beach Boys [but not at all]. All I can say is it's been a while since I've had the urge to go on picnic dates, hold hands, lay on the beach and fall asleep down by the water. I can only hope that come winter time that a full listen of this album brings all of these happy thoughts turned to memories.
I'm nearly ashamed to say I didn't know about this band until a couple weeks ago. After watching a series of their music videos, front man, Jonathon Pierce has already stolen my heart with his fancy footwork [in "Best Friend"] and his reserved dance moves [in "Forever and Ever Amen"] tricking me into thinking "he's going to kiss me...oh wait, he's just dancing." ;)
If you're not digging the sounds right away, check out some of the videos they've made.
Forgive me but this is just a 'visual' response: Vampire Weekend meets Psychedelic Furs. Once they have a chance to represent their sense of style, and their fun-fancy-free summertime in the city by the beach boys, you'll be hooked.
Montreal's Plants and Animals sharpen their skills, but will it help the Hab's?
If Montreal's Plants and Animals made it a goal to up the rock and roll ante with their latest release, LA LA Land - mission accomplished.
The album is full of surprises and wonder, starting with unfamiliar, up tempo guitar riffs on Tom Cruz, which pull back melodically into Swinging Bells.
This pattern of hitting you hard with accessible, singable and very danceable three-piece rock, followed by 'come-downs' continues throughout LA LA Land. This pattern makes the work unpredictable and emotional - something I know I will continue to reach for, especially when people stop in for din din. Track three, American Idol, which I hope Warren C. Spicer is serious about reveals that he wants to be '... your American Idol'. I'd watch. Warren would stick it to those sheep. Question though, who would he cover? Himself?
There's something special about Warren's voice. He transforms ordinary words into bright episodes full of open doors, which he kicks down to take his game that much further. This was also true for the bands live performance. He seemed to be barely opening is mouth, yet the enter venue was filled with this sweet sonic sounds. This was cool cause you could really be anywhere in the venue and hear them well.
Our BDM team travelled to Toronto to see P&A play a free show at the Horseshoe for the launch of LA LA Land.
Remember the first season of London Calling? Me neither... but what I do know is that the Old Prince was a big part of it, kicking off each episode with a freestyle on a London rooftop. [We'll have that one dug up for you later]
SHADK is getting ready to release his third LP:TSOLand you can preview it today at Spinner.ca all 13 tracks.
I just previewed the entire thing myself and it meets all expectations [good Ol' Prince]. Whatever you're doing right now, surfing the net, chillin' with some homies, or hula hooping on the back deck... do it to this.
Personal Picks: Rose Garden, We, Myself, and I, At the Same Time
