Spoon have recorded a classic with "They Want My Soul"

I was worried Spoon would lose it's sound after the 4 year break and Britt Daniel's other side project. Nothing to worry about here Spoon fans, this album is awesome. I literally have not stopped playing it all day and night. It's been following me around from the car to the house and back.  Thanks guys for bringing back hope for the future of music.   They Want My Soul is a must own if you remotely like music.

The entire album is classic Spoon from front to back. I have nothing remotely negative to say.  It has an aged feeling to it.  All the tracks feel lived in and well thought out. The entire set of songs flows in and out so perfectly with a cohesive message.  Because of that cohesive nature, it's really tough to pick out favorites.  All other musicians releasing music today should take note.  This is how you make a full album and not one with scattered mess of singles.

"New York Kiss" is the albums most toe tapping moment.  It's the only song on the album that doesn't sound like their music from the previous decades.  Somehow, Spoon still manage to make this song fit in perfectly with the rest.  That's the real magic of this album.

"Rainy Taxi" and "They Want My Soul" bring back memories of A Series of Sneaks era Spoon.   Spoon give you a brief walk through their discography with all the songs on this album.  You can find sprinkles of each of their previous albums on They Want My Soul and that's what makes this possibly their best complete album to date.   Girls Can Tell was my previous favorite but I might have found a new one to champion.

"Inside Out" is the Spoon's latest video from They Want My Soul.   It's got a lush dream like vibe.  The song creates a very introspective mood, "I don't got time for holly rollers, but then they wash my feet, and I won't be their soldier."   Preach on Britt, preach on!

Best album of 2014 so far in my book.

Zulu Winter we will miss you and thanks for the parting gift in Stutter

Zulu Winter announced their end on June 5th of this year and in late July gave us an album Stutter with previously unreleased tracks as a parting gift.  It's truly sad for music lovers that a band like this calls it quits so early in the game.  I really hope we see more from them as separate entities in the near future.

There's so much talent and potential in Zulu Winter.   It's really a sad event as a music fan and a huge supporter of this band. I've literally been telling anyone I can about their album Language over the last 2 years.  I think I might have annoyed some friends by constantly dropping that album title.  I do what I can do expose people to good music.

Language is a breakthrough album with little flaws. It's easily one of my favorite full albums to be released in the last decade.  Yes, it's that good.  Some of my friends want to compare them to the original Police albums. I could hear a little similarity there especially with Stings voice but I definitely think these guys had their own sound.   Just check out "Silver Tongue" and you can't help but get sucked in.

Stutter technically is their last album to be released after their break and it's just another reminder of what we will be missing in the future.  "Heavy Rain" was the song picked out to be the single off the album and it's a wise choice.  The song has a brooding and somber backbone with a dream like quality.  If you don't own any Zulu Winter, pick up Language first but then after you're hooked buy this album.  

We will miss you Zulu Winter.  I'm really disappointed I never caught the band live.  Hope to see you all create amazing music in the near future.  Thanks for such a fantastic album in Language.  It's in my top 100 favorite albums of all time. Yeah, I like it that much.    

Wolf Alice have a cool alternative guitar rock vibe of the late 90's

I was just talking about Throwback Thursday and then I realized there's been nothing written about Wolf Alice on this blog.   With the release of their new EP Creature Songs, I've become even more interested to hear a full length album from the band.  Just think of them as a band very similar to Veruca Salt from the late 90's.  The same sort of guitar rock with a female lead but of course a bit more 2014.

"Moaning Lisa Smile" is Wolf Alice's first release from the Creature Songs EP.  A nice quick and catchy guitar rock sound.  Their music is pure guitar alternative rock.  I enjoy that about the band. Sometimes a little less gimmick and a bit more to the point music is greatly appreciated by my ears.

I also recommend checking out the band's earlier EP Blush.  Their song "She" really caught my ear.  I listened to that song a good dozen times the first few days I picked that up.  The drums and the fuzzy guitar hooked me from the first 10 seconds.  I think this band has a lot of potential for a fun full length album.

And because I brought up Veruca Salt, I might as well post a song of theirs.  The era when MTV Total Request Live existed.  Actually, the era when MTV played music videos and was Music Television.  Yeah, kids, MTV actually played a ton of music videos back then.  The memorable bungee cord video.  Must've been fun playing their guitars when they were flying up in the air.

A little Throwback Thursday with Mercury Rev

I was listening to Polyphonic Spree and then suddenly was in the mood for Mercury Rev. They fall in that same unique dreamlike category.  I miss Mercury Rev actually.  It's been a good six years since their last album Snowflake Midnight but their music still sounds new and noteworthy.

Deserter's Songs was my first introduction to the band back in 1998 and that album is a rare one from that era that has none of that 90's stank.   At the time, they sounded completely alien but a good 16 years after the album release they sound much more at home.  Funny, how some music that does well in it's own era tires quickly.  Other albums that may have been out of synch with the time of release find new legs 20 years later.  That's where I put this album.

If you haven't listened to Mercury Rev before, I highly recommend picking up Deserter's Songs LP.   "Opus 40" was my personal favorite song from the album and it got a nice remastering not long ago.

The Wind and The Wave a band to keep an ear out for

I caught The Wind and The Wave opening for Jamestown Revival last Thursday at the Troubadour in West Hollywood.  I didn't know anything about this band and was pleasantly surprised.  An Austin based band with a nice mix of southern-soul-rock and country vibes.  I was most impressed by Patricia Lynn. I think this band has potential because of her amazing voice.

Their performance was a lot of fun and they played a nice variety of songs.   I think the lack of a drummer really hurt their sound and show to be honest.  They played with a taped drum track and it took away from their sound.  I wish they would've just played stripped down acoustic instead and just dumped the backing track.  They are good enough not to need it till they find a touring drummer.

Here's "My Mama Said Be Careful Where Lay Your Head" by The Wind and The Wave.  This is one infectious soulful tune and has me excited to hear a full album from them.  Just wanted to post this song and then the acoustic version.  I just want to say, I think they would be great on tour without the drum track.  You be the judge.

Here's the same song but acoustic.  Would you enjoy this song just as much without the drum track?  Check them out on tour with Jamestown Revival.  Patricia Lynn is talented and wish the band great success.

NO with their album El Prado pay homage to my favorite LA wine bar

I had a good laugh when I saw the name El Prado as the band No's album title.  I honestly didn't know they had anything to do with Echo Park and thus the name paying homage to a local wine bar.  I love going to this place pre shows at the Echo. I'm betting the guys from the band have spent many a nights pre show at the same establishment.  El Prado is fun little wine bar hidden away on Sunset Blvd. in Echo Park and the album isn't too shabby either.

So, let's chat about the album a little.  It's a damn good debut from these guys.   I can see the comparison to bands like The National and Editors.  I also hear a touch of Interpol in there at times with  certain chords on a few tracks.  All great comparisons in my book. There's nothing purely original out there and being compared to good preexisting bands is a good start.  When people online want to bitch about a band being too much like The National or Editors, I hate to brake it to them but those bands aren't all that original either.  Guess no one remembers Joy Division and Echo and The Bunnymen.

"Leave The Door Open" was actually the first video I caught from El Prado.  Most of the video atakes place in El Prado wine bar for those unfamiliar with Echo Park.  It's a nice moody track and probably sounding the most like The National on this album.

"Monday" is my favorite tracks from the album.  I think it's the Interpol vibe that really gets my ear on this track.  The upbeat tempo and the throwback guitar riff to the 80's is fantastic.  This song made me a fan of El Prado.  Hope they make a point of releasing this song as a single with a video.

Spring Offensive's cover of Drake's "Hold On, We're Going Home" is fantastic

Spring Offensive put out a fun cover for Drake's "Hold On, We're Going Home" song a month back on YouTube and I have to say it's great.  I'm going to sound crazy ignorant for a moment here but I had never come across the original prior to hearing the Spring Offensive version(yes, I live under a rock it seems).  I had to backtrack and then listen to Drake's original version after that listen.

Honestly, I think the original song is just ok by Drake and the video is extremely violent for no reason.   Anyhow, Spring Offensive have invented a fresh sounding song from a rather ordinary pop R&B song.  I think it's pretty cool when an indie band takes a crack at a pop hit and actually makes the song their own.

And for those not familiar with Spring Offensive, I highly recommend you picking up their album Young Animal Hearts.  If you like Zulu Winter and The Maccabees, you will most definitely want to check out this album. I think it's one of the year's best so far. "The River" is one of my personal favorite songs from this album.  It's the darkest track but I love the imagery.   This is a must buy for any guitar-brit-rock fan.

Embrace comeback with a familiar sound on their new album

I have a soft spot for Britpop and Embrace was one of the better bands in that genre in the early 2000s.  They had an easy sound with plenty of positivity and charm to make them likable.  I wondered what they would sound like after taking a long break.  I don't have to wonder any longer because their self-titled new album dropped last week and it's Embrace as I remembered them with a bit of electro-pop mixed in.

"Follow You Home" is their newest single and it's probably the song that most reminds me of my favorite Embrace album "Out Of Nothing."  It's the pure positive anthem I can see being played in the next Premier League TV intro.  It's arena ready with a catchy chanting chorus.  Not sure why Danny McNamara got a Steve Perry haircut.  Am I alone in thinking that?  Or is it more late 90's Bon Jovi haircut?

"Refugees" was the first single from the new LP.  I like the mix of electronica at the beginning colliding with their traditional Brit-pop rock sound.  This is the best hybrid in sound from this album showcasing both their more synth electronic sound with their traditional rock roots.

My verdict for this album is positive.  If you like Brit-pop, then put this one in your rotation.  I'm not a  fan of Coldplay and for some reason Embrace have always been a bit more likable.  Maybe, it's because they seem less pretentious.  Just my personal taste.  For old Embrace fans, songs like "In The End" and "The Devil Looks After His Own" will keep you happy.  Good to hear the band back and recording new music for fans.

And for those not familiar with Embrace, here's "Ashes" from their album "Out Of Nothing."  These guys know how to create some good anthem pop rock.   This is probably their biggest hit to date.

Kishi Bashi shows range and growth with his new album Lighght

Kishi Bashi's first album 151a set a rather high benchmark for us fans.  It was gorgeous and emotional in it's approach and yet stripped back and personal.  Hard to achieve all that on one album but Kishi Bashi made it happen.  I personally played that album till the wheels came off.  I still listen to it at least once a month.  It's in that official rotation list for life I imagine.

Anyhow, let's get to Lighght.  It's at times a bit more poppy than the first album.  Maybe it's the use of a  bit more electronica in his compositions.  It's a fantastic album.  I know I'm a bit biased because I loved his first album so much. He would have to really drive that train off the rails for me to jump off the Kishi Bashi bandwagon and he most definitely doesn't here.

Lighght is more lush in sound than 151a.  I think there's definite growth and some good range on this album.  "Hahaha Pt. 1" and "Pt.2" have such great soundscapes you can really get lost in all the layers.  

The song that kicked off this album a year ago is "Philosophize In It! Chemicalize With It." I had a previous post about the song as a original single created for an advertisement.  I'm sure every ad company would be thrilled to have a talent like Kishi Bashi composing an original piece for their product.  This is so damn happy, you can't help but have a massive smile when you listen to it.  Certified ear-crack twice over.

I know I made the claim he's a bit more electronica on this album.  That was a bit of an overstatement. There are only a few tracks that have that vibe and his newest single "The Ballad of Mr. Streak" happens to be one of them.  It's a great attempt to make something more electronica and thumping.  It has a bit of a Passion Pit vibe but with a good amount of violins layered in.  This album is perfectly timed for that great summer fun vibe.  A must buy to start the summer.

The Faint are seriously back with "Help In The Head"

The Faint are at their best when they just punch you in the face with their fusion of electronica and guitar fuzz.   "Help In The Head" is their newest single from their upcoming album and it delivers the bum-rush with room to spare.   It brings back vibes of Dance Macabre era The Faint.

My level of excitement to get a hold of this album is extremely high.   The band had taken a long break and good to see them come back like this. Picking it up better and louder than before.  Look for the band's tour dates because they are insanely fun live.  The Faint will be at the Roxy in Hollywood June 6 for those of you in the area.

Eagulls might be the coolest new band to look for at SXSW 2014

I want to give props to all bands that decide to name themselves using an odd spelling a place or thing.  Eagulls are one of those bands.  Thanks for making it easy to search YouTube and Google, fellas.  I greatly appreciate your choice in spelling.

Now, let's talk about this new album from Eagulls.  I really dig their stripped down post wave sort of sound. I think that's how you would describe it.  As much as I like synth and electronica, it's always nice to get back to garage rock.  Eagulls deliver some catchy fuzzed out rock.  Their self-titled album comes out in a few weeks and I'm pretty pumped.

"Never Endings" is one kickass track.  Seriously, I can not stop playing this song.  I remember all the hype behind The Hives way back when.  I think these guys might be better and have even more energy.   If they deliver this same energy live, SXSW is in for a mind blowing treat.  Let's get more bands like Eagulls in 2014.  And make your way to Los Angeles after your stop in Austin, Eagulls.

My favorite Devo song in tribute to the passing of Bob Casale

Devo was one of the first synth alternative bands that I remember listening to.  They were way ahead of their time and honestly don't get the recognition they deserve.  I think mass populous dismiss them due to their costumes and crazy hats but they had some great songs during the 80's.   Sad to see artist of my youth passing away.  Brings to mind our own mortality.

Bob Casale's passing reminded me of Devo and their 80's discography.  I won't say much but post my favorite Devo song, "Beautiful World."  I remember loving this when I was a kid and still do.  I  didn't really get the lyrics and the irony of the images in the video when I was a younger.  Now, I feel like the song has grown in weight and meaning.  

Daydream Forever album by The Chain Gang of 1974 has one wide scope

I wasn't sure what to expect from Daydream Forever.  I had heard their song "Sleepwalking" more than I care to admit but not much else.  Now that I've given Daydream Forever a few listens, I'm pleasantly surprised.  It has a wider scope than I imagined.  I really think they've put out a solid effort this time making Daydream Forever one of the month's best albums.

They share a similar sound to a few other California bands like Sir Sly and The Neighbourhood.  It's a nice blend of electronica synth and alternative rock.  They go from pure synthwave on "Death Metal Punk" and "Godless Girl" to a fuzzy drone vibe on "Lola Suzanne."  I'm impressed by their range on this album.  There's a lot to explore when you dig through the 12 tracks plus 2 remixes.

"Miko" was the other official single released by the band prior to Daydream Forever's release.  It's definitely one of their more uptempo energetic tracks.  Who doesn't like the hand claps?  It's the electronica version of the cowbell.  I remember discovering that sound on my first drum machine.  Hours of fun kids. You can spice anything up with a clap sound.

I'd like to hear more songs like "Moksha" and "Ordinary Fools" from the band on their next LP. I enjoyed the tempo and fuzzy guitars on both those tracks.  Throwing some dirt on the electronica is always a good thing.

Augustines start February out right with their self titled album

Thank you Billy McCarthy and Eric Sanderson for continuing to make heartfelt rock music after the breakup of Pela.  I'm still bummed about Pela breaking up and not catching one show during their short lived run.  Their only full length album Anytown Graffiti is still one of my favorites of the past decade. It's a must own for anyone that just loves true rock music with a lot of heart and passion.  They really reminded me of early U2 with their sound and passion.

Now, let's jump forward to my confusion with the release of the new album by Augustines.  Originally, the guys from Pela formed a band named We Are Augustines who got decent amount of exposure with the super popular "Chapel Song"(I hope they made good money from that song).  Then, we get their new self-titled release with the band name Augustines.  They decided to drop the "We Are" from their name.  Good choice in my opinion but it took me a quick minute to realize it was the same band.  Hopefully, I cleared that up.

Augustines in my opinion is more like Pela and less like We Are Augustines.  I felt We Are Augustines' first LP was a little less cohesive of an album and felt like it was recorded in pieces.  Augustines on the other hand is seamless.  The songs just fit together so perfectly.  It's a relentless album full of McCarthy's fire infused lyrics.  

My personal favorite song after a few listens has to be "This Ain't Me."  The melodic start of this song just flies after the first minute.  I love a song that's complete.  It has a definitive beginning and an end. McCarthy is in great form with his singing when he belts out, "I can change, I can change."  We've all been there in a relationship at one point or another.

Their first official release and video for the album is "Nothing To Lose But Your Head."  It's a great taste for what the rest of the album is like but I think it's only scratching the surface.  The minute I watched the video, I knew the heart of Pela was back.  I can't wait to see them perform this album live.

U.S. Royalty's Blue Sunshine is one of the best albums of early 2014

It's been a slow start to the year.  I've been digging through music trying to find something released in January worth talking about.  Finally, thanks to U.S. Royalty, I have their new LP Blue Sunshine to talk about.   This band has really grown and developed a full sound.  It's hard to nail down this album to any genre but just alternative rock.  There's even a touch of southern rock to be honest with "De Profoundis" and "Get On Home."

"Lady In Waiting" is such a killer track from Blue Sunshine.  The first time I heard it, I did a double take.  It sounds like something The Black Keys might have put out.  It clashes with the rest of this album but that's what makes Blue Sunshine so damn good.  You never know what to expect.  One minute folky, then southern rock, and boom, you got some hard riffing blues rock.

"Get On Home" is another fantastic track I can't stop listening to.  The song has a lot of weight and soul.  It shows how much this band has grown since their first LP Mirrors.  If I was to compare it to another band, I'd say it sounds a lot like a Ryan Adams song.

"Blue Sunshine" was the first track U.S. Royalty put out from this album and might as well be the song we talk about last.  Talk about a very lush song.  I remember when I heard this song a few months back for the first time.  All I could think, "U.S Royalty has really upped their production."   Pick up the entire album.   This the one to beat for the month of January in my book.