na: manu chao, biz markie
Super late new arrivals post — and apologies for that lag. We got releases releases releases, so let’s get to it:
Biz Markie, Goin’ Off
Another hip-hop classic, blown-out and expanded to include remixes and full 12″ versions of some of the more popular cuts. I’ve long opined that the Biz was the forerunner to ODB — knowingly goofy, playful, a little bit unhinged, and always entertaining. “Nobody Beats the Biz” and “Something for the Radio” are straight classics. A must!
Manu Chao, La Radiolina
Lots of good press for the latest from Manu; sounds like the same winning synthesis of US electropop with rock and Latin flourishes. It reminds me a bit of a more reined-in Tom Ze , with more than a few opportunities for Chao to show off his guitar proficiency.
Baroness, Red Album
Georgia metal band Baroness alternates long, doomy passages with high-flying harmonies and lyric guitar work. There’s a lot of knotty riffing whipping around John Baizley’s hoarse-throat yelling. I’ve got a soft spot for this band, but concede it’s not for everyone. If you got into Queen of the Stone Age, this will suit you better-than-fine.
Marla Hansen, Wedding Day
Sometime Sufjan Stevens compatriot delivers this collection of bright and breezy acoustic songs, falling somewhere near Regina Spektor or a more linear Joanna Newsom. Her voice is tiny and delicate, a perfect match for the spare arrangements (mostly just banjo and piano and acoustic guitar). Speaking of which…
Clare & the Reasons, The Movie
Another F.O.S. (Friend of Sufjan. Surely we can make this designation stick?) Turns in a stately, ghostly little pop record. It’s a lot more languid and luxurious than Marla Hansen’s record — this one’s got lush strings and warmer, brighter arrangements. Clare’s voice is tiny, too, but this is the smoky jazz lounge to Marla Hansen’s log cabin. I should probably have my fingers cut off for that analogy.
We Are Wolves, Total Magique
So I am kinda feeling this. Super-spazzy organ-based post-punk (I guess? Are we post-post-punk, though? Can we work out a new designation? Rubberband rock, maybe?) The vocals are distorted into next week, and the whizzing organs and Theremins play the role usually assumed by spastic guitars. It’s not going change anyone’s world, but if you’re looking for a spry little late-summer rock record, this might be it. Some might even call it the “Tiger Woods of spazzy little rock records.”
Heavy Trash, Going Way Out With…
Jon Spencer’s ears must have been burning. He returns here for a record of traditional rock and rockabilly. He’s still working the same “Good God!” vocal style, but the music is a little cleaner than it was with JSBX and Pussy Galore. Can’t say I’m really into this, but those with a hankering for an update of the old-timey rock&roll& sound should Download Immediately.
Just Jack, Overtones.
Just Jack is kind of UK spoken word with loops and samples. The sixth track features Kylie Minogue which is worth mentioning; the rest of it is of a very particular piece. Check out the first track to see if it’s for you.
The new Mathew Jonson mini-disc, “Stop,” was also made available on eMusic today. It’s on the Wagon Repair label, which is becoming a sure sign of quality to me.
I don’t hear as much jazzy improvisation on this two-song EP. But the bassline thumps on the A-Side, “Stop,” and it’s interesting to hear Jonson put so much emphasis on the (heavily-processed) vocals in the mix. Nice 80s-feel, too.
thanks for the tips. i added more 3 albums to my saved for later list.
My pals Jana Hunter and Matt Brownlee just released the first record from their new label, and it’s also newly released on Emusic. Deer Tick’s War Elephant isn’t quite as adventurous as Jana’s stuff, but it’s superbly crafted singer-songwriter fare and lushly produced pop that fans of Neutral Milk Hotel and Mountain Goats will really dig. It’s more country-ish than either, but close enough in spirit. I’ve been listening for months to my advance copy, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
I admit I’m about as close to a street team as I can be without actually being one. But I’m not prone to such promotion, and I’m not wrong about this one.
the name Jana Hunter is super-familiar to me, but I cant place it. what were some of her other records?
Didn’t Jana do something with Devandra? I have one song in my collection (A Bright-Ass Light) that I love.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jana_Hunter
Thanks for listing the Manu album! I just got it, and I love it! If you don’t have it yet (and you should!) listen to it here http://www.mtv.com/music/the_leak/manu_chao/la_radiolina/ and read this review from LA Times: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-ca-chao2sep02,1,5316536.story?ctrack=1&cset=true
Okay, I like the Manu Chao disc very much so far. But many of the songs sound a lot — and I mean A LOT — like the songs from Amadou and Mariam’s 2004 album Dimanche à Bamako (Sunday in Bamako), which Chao produced.
Maybe this is by design?
Don’t forget about the girl from velocity girl, Sarah Shannon doing her best Irving Berlin and Cole Porter.. check it out its called City Morning Song.
t-a-p-e-c-o-l-l-e-c-t-o-r-2-0-0-0
wow, I love that amadou & marian record; I’ll have to spin the manu tomorrow
ugh, should read mariaM; thanks for nothing, auto-spell
In retrospect, it’s only a couple of songs that sound like they were directly lifted from the A & M disc. Zone in on Track Nos. 3 and 8 to hear what I mean. It’s got to be by design (Chao making a homage to himself, I guess). I’m only able to give the whole disc very spotty attention at the moment, but it sounds energetic and good overall.