There has been a veritable explosion of good new music lately! Here’s some of the highlights.
Whenever Pinback releases a new record, it’s a sure bet that I’m going to be spending some quality time with my mp3 player. I’ve been a fan since their very first self-titled album in 1998. Four full-lengths and three EPs later, they’ve never let me down. How many bands can you say that about? Their newest, Autumn of the Seraphs, is exceptionally strong in the not-letting-me-down department. Older fans will hear many new sounds on this album, but the terrific songwriting hasn’t been altered a single bit. Pinback’s always had a gift for gorgeous vocal harmonies and tasty little guitar lines that weave and twist through each song… but they’ve really outdone themselves on this record. It’s out now on Touch & Go Records, and you need it.
Back in June, I did a post on one my favorite bands, Les Savy Fav. I promised you then that their forthcoming album would be a terrific one. Well, the band delivered, and I’m happy to say I’m no liar. With all four members rapidly approaching their forties, you have to marvel at the power these guys still pour into what they do. They effortlessly manage to sound like a band more spry and vital than most twenty-somethings boring the public with their lame-rock. From the first track to the last, Let’s Stay Friends puts you in the presence of greatness. It rocks with swagger and intensity, but dispenses with the faux-angst that so many contemporary rock bands just can’t seem to shake. You need this too.
On the hip-hop end of things, Aesop Rock has laid true poetry to fat beats in the form of None Shall Pass out now on Def Jux. Many rappers have claimed to be poets. Aesop Rock doesn’t have to because his poetry speaks it for him. He extracts humor and absurdity from this world of ours with a keen eye and a sharp tongue and spins it into some of the tightest, most complex rhymes you’ve ever had the pleasure of hearing. Spend some time with this album. Some of the lines go by so quickly, it can take a few listens to fully grasp just how deep this dude truly is. Highly recommended.
Lastly, I’ve been really enjoying an electronic album from Future Conditional. They are two-fifths of the band Piano Magic (Cedric Pin and Glen Johnson), and they have a new record on LTM Recordings called We Don’t Just Disappear. This side project was intended as an homage of sorts to bands like New Order, Kraftwerk, OMD, and a host of others. But it’s much more than that. As much as this album could have existed in 1982, it’s got an equal amount of futurist appeal. It’s an icy cool record with just the right amount of funk and danceablity. If you’re a fan of Figurine or any of the bands mentioned, you’re in for a treat with Future Conditional.
______________________
I’d like to make an appeal to your generous nature, if I may. The radio station I dj for (and hold very dear to my heart) is having its annual Fundrazor pledge drive this week (9.14 – 9.21). If you’ve ever listened to KXLU 88.9 in Los Angeles, or our live webcast, you know that we really strive to bring you the new and unusual. There are other stations in L.A. that bandy words like “independent” or “eclectic”, but we actually are both. We’re a tiny, listener-supported, 3000-watt baby of a station operating on a shoestring budget. If you can spare $5 or $5000, we’d be eternally grateful. Give us a call this week at 310.338.KXLU or pledge online at kxlu.com. There’s a special place in heaven reserved for people who donate. We’ve got great premiums too!
[display_podcast]
If you enjoy these tunes, tune into my radio show on kxlu 88.9fm 10a-2p every monday. we’re also streaming live at www.kxlu.com.