na: alex’s leftovers edition
Tuesday came with a torrent of notable new records; it was all I could do to come up for air after listening to it all. That said, I thought I’d sprinkle on an (extremely random) group of recent arrivals that may otherwise slip through the cracks.
Twi the Humble Feather, Music for Spaceships and Forests: I thought some more eMusic folk would be into this, but I think I’m alone here. Swirling, campfire-y layered acoustics n’ chanting. Will be very hard for these guys to avoid Animal Collective comparisons, but the more I listen, the more I recognize this record as its own thing. At one point I described this to Patrick as “Animal Collective without the teeth,” which, of course, didn’t inspire much enthusiasm. But I didn’t mean it in a bad way! Swear!
Gentlemen Jesse, Introducing Gentlemen Jesse: On Atlanta garage fave (and awesomely-named) Douchemaster Records. Basic RIYL: Exploding Hearts, jangle, stylized/”retro” powerpop. Not as exciting as I wanted to be (read: songs aren’t that memorable), but if you’re a sucker for that 20/20-style wimpy powerpop (I AM), definitely check it out.
Izza Kizza, Millionaire: Single from this Timbaland-associated, FADER-pimped, Georgia-reppin’ rapper. Very much in that Dungeon Family/Andre 3000 lineage of “eccentric,” drawly-but-fast rappers. The production (on “Millionaire” and the free Kizzaland mixtape) rides the current vogue of electro-almost-house tempos with squishy and booming synths. It can be a bit head-spinning to gulp down all at once, but Izz and co. manage some truly thrilling moments.
Alex–Well, now you’re not alone on the Twi the Humble Feather bandwagon. Thanks for the rec…just downloaded it!
Oh cool! Glad you’re likin’ it!
Odd problem with track 3 though…it’s listed on the site and in my Itunes with a 10:46 length but it’s actually almost 12. It seems to play in full (although it still sounds like it’s cut off at the end) when the track is played by itself, but when listening to the whole album it cuts off right at 10:46. I’ve had this same problem with tracks before…any clue how to fix that?
Eek that’s an odd one. I will ask around…thanks for the heads up!
Age of Atlas, funky psychedelic rock. Check out Track #3.
http://www.emusic.com/album/Age-of-the-Atlas-Running-From-The-Carcass-Of-The-Lion-MP3-Download/11270402.html
A few words in defense of Gentleman Jesse: I would recommend the album not only to fans of the Exploding Hearts, but also fans of the first wave powerpop bands that were championed by the likes of Bomp and Trouser Press, e.g., the Shoes, the Records, the Nerves, Paul Collins’ Beat, the Flamin’ Groovies and (agreed) 20/20. It’s CLEAN SOUNDING (not wimpy) powerpop, with Rickenbackers chiming and harmony vocals soaring, just like the Beatles used to make before they discovered Dylan, acid, and the sitar. It’s not punk-pop or bubblegrunge, either.
Jesse may have put his best songs on his first single, but I disagree that the new songs are not memorable. My favorite right now is “Rest of My Days”. I don’t know Jesse personally, but I am a fellow Atlantan. If Greg Shaw were still alive, I think he would feel vindicated by the Black Lips’ success but positively tickled by Gentleman Jesse.
Thanks for the considered words, Jon – believe me, I have not just filed this record away. I will be listening a bunch more in the next few days.