4/13 new arrivals

Finally, the Midlake album arrives! And a bunch more goodies…

Midlake, The Trials of Van Occupanther: A revelation in song, “Roscoe,” the first track on Van Occupanther, is as good an album starter as you’ll ever hear, a momentous summation and dissertation on what made Fleetwood Mac so damn good. All of the Mac elements are here, the slightly buzzed, chugging rhythm guitar, a gait that seems to gain speed with each measure, as if the song were going downhill, those soft snare fills, a melody that emphasizes a lot of 7th chords (Is that right? I haven’t paid attention to this kinda thing in forever) and a generally morose, end-of-the-world-but-let’s-get-drunk-anyway feel. For about three months last year I listened to only “Roscoe.” Not even exaggerating here. The song is that good.

The rest of the album is… just okay. It plays it a bit too safe. “Young Bride” is charming and the title track is predictable but still stirring. Maybe it suffers from having to follow “Roscoe,” but regardless, this is still worth owning.

Here’s the “Roscoe” video:

Festland, An euren Fenstern wachsen Blumen: So apparently Zick Zack, the label that released this title, is one of the oldest, oddest and most important indies in Germany. Just a bit of background information for you. Festland, the best of the four Zick Zack titles we got today, is an interesting album. It’s very synth-pop, with elements that at times feel a bit like early Cure. I’m going to give this one more spins.

Snow Patrol, When It’s All Over We Still Have to Clear Up: I don’t think I’ve ever knowingly heard Snow Patrol, but I recognize that people are into them. This is their second record — came out in 2001 — and gets generally high marks.

Labrador: There are many more Labrador additions today, and so I’m gonna throw up Joe’s thoughts on them when he has a chance to listen. (I know nothing of the label.)

G. Rag Y Los Hermanos Patchekos, Lucky Goddamn: This is a really, really odd record. There’s a Tex-mex feel to it, with some mariachi stuff as well as rockabilly, but in a very modern, Rev. Horton Heat manner. (That might be the first time the Rev. has been called modern!) It’s goofy and gimmicky, but I still enjoyed it.

Didier Super, Vaut mieux en rire que s’en foutre II: A very misleading cover — looks like some Pete Seeger disciple — this is some female-fronted French folk-pop. Nothing strikes me as especially exceptional, but it’s cute. Check out Baron’s comment below for info on this one.

Jetscreamer, Starhead: Big, snotty, loud, serious rock. AMG namechecks MBV and Swervedriver, and I think that’s pretty close.

Roger O’Donnell, The Truth in Me: Ex-keyboard player for the Cure.

Formatic, State of Play EP: Electro-house single. Glittery and fun.