The American Analog Set – “Aaron & Maria”
Know By Heart
This whole album passes by in an instant, and not just because it isn’t particularly long. It’s just so pleasant, and so of a piece. Nothing but tight playing, sweet melodies, and soft singing – yet it isn’t twee, nor pretentious or cloying (though it is arguably innocuous). It’s just plain good.
Labradford – “David”
Fixed::Content
I had a minimalist music phase in college – when I discovered not every song needs to have drums, keyboards, bass, samples, voice, and so on. Labradford and Stars of the Lid are the main finds from that period, and Fixed::Content remains one of my go-to albums for days like today, when “real” songs just grate. Even though there are only four tracks on it, “David” still feels like a last farewell after the epic “Twenty.” Its pleasant synth washes and Labradford’s signature thoughtful plucking give it a sense of finality.
Unwound – “We Invent You”
Leaves Turn Inside You
The primary purpose of this track is to signal that something big is coming. That incredible noise, which, yes, does go on for a full two minutes, is like a priming coat for your ears, preparing them for this incredible and unique album. It’s a sign of a truly great band that they were able to encompass so many sounds and yet stay cohesive. Leaves Turn Inside You is definitely a milestone.
Gang Gang Dance – “Nomad For Love (Cannibal)”
God’s Money
The last “song” (more a movement) on this album, sandwiched between two scary and beautiful instrumental pieces. God’s Money is utterly insane all the way through, and definitely better than their poppier follow-up, Saint Dymphna (excluding that album’s opening one-two). It lives in the same totally self-contained world of early Espers, Oval, Charalambides, and other bands that created a world of their own for the space of an entire album or more. The cover art is fantastic as well.
Chopin – Piano Sonata No.2 (Op. 35) (Grave – Doppio movimento)
Another beautiful, breezy, endlessly surprising piano piece. I don’t know who’s playing, but from the powerful expression I’d guess it’s Horowitz. The variability seems almost improvisational, but it rewards repeated listening with wonderful motifs. But listening too closely to Chopin is like studying butterflies.
Animal Collective – “In The Flowers”
Merriweather Post Pavilion
So the last thing I listened to from Animal Collective was Here Comes The Indian from 2003. Then I keep hearing about this album and the guys’ side projects and think well, what’s the harm in giving it a listen. Why didn’t anybody (other than practically every music blog and magazine) tell me it was this good? I’m very disappointed that I can’t walk down the street without being earpunched by the same goddamn Kesha song for a year straight, but somehow I haven’t accidentally heard a single Animal Collective song since I was in college. Crazy cover art here.
Set Fire To Flames – “Steal Compass/Drive North/Disappear”
Sings Reign Rebuilder
This is one of those albums with a story, which is well worth your looking up. It’s essentially some of the Godspeed crew locked into a house for a week or so playing with instruments and samples of street preachers. It’s a pretty raw affair, but there are lots of great moments and this track is one of the most accessible to the slow-build post-rock style coveted by Godspeed fans.
Laura Gibson – “Shadows On Parade”
Beasts Of Seasons
One part plaintive singer-songwriter, one part… well, no, she’s all plaintive. I think this is a bit like a female M. Ward, perhaps, but it’s not that simple. She has the poetic effect of Tiny Vipers, but a more varied palette of sounds, calling on other instruments, ambient noise, and even the occasional drum. It’s snuggling music, but that doesn’t mean it’s innocuous. (insound)
White Rabbits – “Percussion Gun”
It’s Frightening
While for much of this album, the band attempts unsuccessfully to hit a sort of Spoon vibe, but the guy’s voice is just too overwrought. On this first track, though, they mostly nail it. The up-front drums are tight, and the guitar is very Hail To The Thief. (insound)
Sean McCann – “Star Charge”
The Capital
I think this is what you hear when you go towards the light.
