This is an unusual wee beastie, akin to indie pop with an alternative country vibe and occasional injections of the experimental. It's pleasant to sit back and listen to, with themes revolving around hitting the turps and trying to win on (not always successfully). There are some unusual musical arrangements which make the CD stand out from the crowd, though not all of them add to the material. For Melinda is easily the CD highlight.
Easy Star All-Stars - Easy Star’s Lonely Hearts Dub Band [Easy Star Records]:
The Easy Star All-Stars are a present-day dub band whose musical versatility, instrumental prowess, fine vocal harmonies and superb rhythm section have seen them become a top international reggae act since debuting in 2003. Formed originally as the studio band for Easy Star Records in 1997, they remained a studio entity until releasing their first concept album in 2003. This was the complete dubbed-up versioning of Pink Floyd's masterwork, Dark Side of the Moon. Easy Star's Lonely Hearts Dub Band is their latest LP and like it's Beatles' template, it is a stroke of genius. With guest vocalists like Luciano, Frankie Paul, Max Romeo, Ranking Roger and the legendary U Roy contributing to the 13 tracks, Lonely Hearts will sit well amid your music collection, whether you're a Beatles tragic, a Rasta or simply a reggae enthusiast.
Atlas Sounds is the side project of Deerhunter's Bradford Cox and Logos is his fifth release in the last 18 months. Ryan Adams, you have nothing on this man. Cox has an unerring ability to deliver skewered, wonky dream pop epics that gobble up motorik, indie noise, alt-rock and shoegaze without a trace of parody or cliché. Make no mistake, his influences are obvious but where others fail, Cox transcends his mental sketchpad to create utterly stunning modern hazy dream nuggets. And despite its side project status, Logos is no throwaway. Guest spots from Stereolab's Laetitia Sadier and Animal Collective's Panda Bear fit well - but it's Cox who demands all the attention. Last years Microcastle was universally and rightfully hailed as one of the year's best and Logos is up there. Again. Wonder if he has anything ready for February.
There are many ways to review music. I'm adopting the sounds-like method here. Call me lazy.OK, here goes. Sex Prayer is John Densmore via Tortoise. Which is as awful in actuality as it is on paper. Paint Yourself is part CSNY and part Royal Trux. In fact there's a lot of Royal Trux on this album. Not literally, though. Idiot. Everybody Somebody sounds like someone punched the fuck out of Cheap Trick and made them record on a one-track. Massive point and joy deductions for reminding me of Eagles of Death Metal afterwards however. I am unable to listen to this song again. Fuck it. This album's a mess. I love it and hate it at the same time and at thoroughly different times. I'm confused. These are confusing times.
I like these guys for several reasons. Firstly, Ira Kaplan looks like a pre-pokevolved Kramer, or maybe Ray Romano if his mother boozed while pregnant. His scrunched up face is a treat to see live, especially framed by his electrified curls. Second, they're consistently good and don't waste time releasing albums. With 12 studio albums alongside a generous slew of EP's; there's a tonne of material for the keen to sift through. Popular Songs again shows off their ability to pen great pop tunes. Here to Fall being one of my favourite tracks of the year, is layered with strings, romantic lyrics and motown influence. While the first half is relaxed, the second half powers with crunchy guitars. Avalon or Someone Very Similar glows with vague optimism - a song to get you humming. The last three tracks are an epic trilogy (typical Yo La Tengo), with More Stars Than There Are In Heaven standing out, with repeating lyrics "We'll walk hand in hand" providing a sweetly haunted feel. A treat for fans indeed, and I for one am glad they haven't gone ass-up after all this time like so many of their peers. Buy it you clowns.
