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Monday, August 16, 2010
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Tre Orsi - Devices + Emblems (Comedy Minus One) [upcoming shows] [audio]
Producers have to resist the urge to create mirror images of themselves on the band they are recording (see Jeff Lynne 1987-2007). Tre Orsi's first full length is produced by ex-Silkworm/current The New Year member Bubba Kadane. There are similarities such as the dry, subdued vocals but whereas The New Year start their build up from a whisper and konk out at mid-tempo, Tre Orsi begin at the mid-tempo point and then blast into heavy indie rock. Other reference points include Chavez, Polvo and Bottomless Pit.
- mark
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Released 03.23.2010
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Tuesday, April 27, 2010
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The Tallest Man on Earth - The Wild Hunt (Dead Oceans) [upcoming shows] [audio]
The best thing about The Wild Hunt is that this brand of folk would sound just as sincere and graceful if it were delivered any time in the last fifty years. The best thing about The Tallest Man on Earth is Kristian Matsson's voice. It's a beautiful, gravely mess of a voice that squeezes out each emotional mini-story of a song into a united collection of memoirs.
- cormac
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Monday, March 22, 2010
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Title Tracks - It Was Easy (Ernest Jenning Record Co.) [upcoming shows] [audio]
For anyone who missed Q and Not U, they were an outstanding, experimental, dancey, punk band. For anyone who missed Georgie James, it was a great duo specializing in catchy post-punk pop rock. The common denominator was John Davis: guitarist, drummer, singer, songwriter. As Title Tracks, he's a one man band. The straightforward rock songs may draw Ted Leo comparisons, while songs like "Black Bubblegum", "No, Girl" (featuring Tracyanne Campbell of Camera Obscura), and "At Fifteen" show Mr. Davis treading new grounds of bubblegum and melancholia.
- cormac
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Released 02.09.2010
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Monday, July 13, 2009
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Title Tracks - Every Little Bit Hurts 7" (Dischord) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Back when Q And Not U was seen as "the next Fugazi", it wasn't instantly clear how important drummer John Davis was to the band. Since the breakup, he made the switch to frontman as the singer/guitarist alongside Laura Burhenn in Georgie James, and now with his solo project Title Tracks. Back on Dischord Records, you'd expect a punkier sound, but what you get is concise, rocking indie-pop with a retro sound. If you know what's good for your ears, you'll keep your eyes peeled for this one.
- cormac
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Released 04.07.2009
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Monday, June 22, 2009
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311 - Uplifter (Volcano) [audio] [upcoming shows]
It is unfortunate that the music industry and audience in general tend to balk at music this unapologetically happy. 311 don't have much to complain about in life, and they certainly aren't going to pretend they do for the music's sake. Uplifter moves from mid-90s style rap rock to dubbed out power ballad to pop-rock juggernaut without batting an eyelash. Easily their strongest effort since 1999's Soundsystem, and with impeccable production work from Bob Rock (Metallica), this is exactly the summer soundtrack I was hoping for.
- tom d.
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Released 06.02.2009
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Wednesday, May 13, 2009
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The Thermals - Now We Can See (Kill Rock Stars) [audio] [upcoming shows]
After a few albums of hard rocking, irresistibly quirky, catchy, shout-along indie rock, I figured that there was nowhere else to go but slower and more poppy on this album. I was right. It is slower and poppier, but sticks to the basic formula of their sound and it may be just a bit more catchy with lots of references to "I" and "We" in the song titles. Basically, it's not-as-rocking irresistibly quirky, catchy, shout-along indie rock. Your older brother will be telling you how awesome The Thermals are now.
- mark
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Released 04.07.2009
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Monday, April 13, 2009
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The Travellers - Blue EP (self released) [audio]
The Travellers bring together an exotic potpourri of jazzy rhythms, psychedelic warblings and rich shoegazey guitars and, in the process, turn them all into something that wouldn't sound terribly out of place on the Twin Peaks soundtrack. "Mermaid in May" especially combines all the above elements in the most cohesive way, with Gemma's vocals swirling like smoky wisps above the eerie instrumentation by bandmate Robert P. Still rough around the edges, The Travellers are halfway to somewhere great.
- paul
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Released 12.09.2008
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Wednesday, January 28, 2009
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Thunderheist - Sweet 16 EP (Big Dada) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Canadian duo Thunderheist first made a splash last summer with "Jerk It," an amateurish but extremely enjoyable single that sounds like Missy Elliott run through an indie filter. "Sweet 16" reveals a fuller sound, incorporating more vintage disco elements, and is hopefully an indicator of what their first album will be like when it's released in March. This is the kind of group it's hard to disparage, because their shortcomings take a backseat when the critic hat comes off and the music just plays.
- paul
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Released 02.10.2009
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Monday, January 05, 2009
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Thieves Like Us - Play Music (Sea You) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Comprised of material that's been floating about since 2006, Play Music is the first official LP by the well-traveled Thieves Like Us. So adept at songwriting are Thieves Like Us that they create an impressionistic brand of electronic pop, where what's presented is minimal enough to allow the listener to layer imagined elements as the songs play. "Your Heart Feels" and "Drugs in My Body" are the most fully realized, but all nine others will pull you in when least expected.
- paul
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Released 11.11.2008
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Thursday, November 13, 2008
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Tunnels to Holland EP (self released) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Listening to the self-titled EP from New Jersey band Tunnels to Holland is like going on a journey. Their style is like a roadmap of everything that is great about American rock & roll music. This stuff just oozes cool. Comparisons can be made to the music of The Doors, but listen more closely to hear inspiration from Tom Waits, Lou Reed, and more. But don't be fooled into thinking this is some sort of retro trip. This band is taking you somewhere new.
- j.p.
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Released 10.21.2008
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Thursday, November 06, 2008
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Two Cow Garage - Speaking in Cursive (Suburban Home) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Picking up where 2006's III left off, the Ohio band continues their rock n' roll manifesto which includes: writing great songs, putting out great records, and being one of the best live bands working today. The songs on Speaking in Cursive are heavily influenced from 70's rock, while still keeping that Two Cow sound. Stand out tracks include "Bastards and Bridesmaids", "Swing Set Assassin", "Glass City", "Your Humble Narrator", and "Sadie Mae". Unfortunately for TCG, they're the best kept secret in rock.
- kyle j.
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Released 10.21.2008
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Thursday, September 11, 2008
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Tilly and The Wall - O (Team Love) [audio] [upcoming shows]
O is remarkable for so many reasons, perhaps most of all because it is the most compelling, complete album released by Tilly And The Wall to date. It opens with "Tall Tall Grass", an acoustic ballad sounding like a continuation of 2006's Bottoms of Barrels, and quickly shifts to a more aggressive new-wave sound on "Pot Kettle Black". It is this sound that circulates throughout the remainder of the album, shifting from punk to '80s synth to those sing-along, stomp-along songs we've come to expect.
- cormac
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Released 06.17.2008
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Friday, September 05, 2008
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Takka Takka - Migration (Ernest Jenning Record Co.) [audio] [upcoming shows]
There's a palpable danger of getting lost in the crowd these days if your band goes back to Brian Eno and Peter Gabriel for ideas. Takka Takka brave these all-too-familiar waters, and do so ably. Each song on Migration has a creeping intensity, yet they're confident enough to sometimes let these songs go unresolved. It's when they follow through and carry things to conclusion that Migration reaches its highest highs. Not an every day kind of album, but worth revisiting when you're bored with last week's next big thing.
- paul
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Released 07.29.2008
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Thursday, July 10, 2008
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KT Tunstall - Drastic Fantastic (Virgin) [audio] [upcoming shows]
I woke up to an acoustic KT on television. Later, as I sat in a coffee shop, the speakers were broadcasting all KT all the time. The problem isn't her omnipresence, it's that she's not everywhere. She breezes effortlessly through one catchy song after another, showing off her best assets with the pop rockers like "Funnyman" and "Hold On". She gets you hooked in a moment and singing along by the second listen. Radio pop could be better. Radio pop should be this good.
- cormac
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Released 09.18.2007
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Monday, July 07, 2008
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Totimoshi - Milagrosa (Volcom) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Totimoshi is taking a slightly new direction with their latest release Milagrosa. The music is still based on Tony Aguilar's punchy guitar and declaratory vocals, but evolving from their sludge rock roots. Aguilar and partner Meg Castellanos express a discontent that is the fodder for creative growth. To producer Page Hamilton's credit, the minimalistic production highlights the dynamic and the experimental elements of this recording. Milagrosa has quickly become one of my favorite releases of the year so far.
- j.p.
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Released 07.08.2008
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Friday, May 30, 2008
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Terminus - Debut Album (Unchi) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Something never explicitly present in the work of bands like Ladytron and Broadcast is a Kubrick-ian sci-fi component, yet it's always seemed like it was there. French duo Terminus capitalizes on those mistakes with Debut Album, nicking samples for the opening track "Colossus" from the 1970 film of the same name. That sets the tone throughout, as they jump back and forth between spacey instrumentals and rigid-but-human pop songs that are custom made for stylized interstellar travel. It's simply too cool for words.
- paul
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Released 04.01.2008
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Monday, May 12, 2008
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Martina Topley-Bird - The Blue God (Independiente) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Forget the pre-millennium tension of those Tricky records, when Martina Topley-Bird did little more than supply the vocal wallpaper for Tricky's musical exploits. Now she's front and center, working with producer Danger Mouse. Though the sound of The Blue God is still more identifiable by its producer than its artist, it's a much sexier, groovier record than we'll ever hear from Gnarls Barkley. More pop than soul, more contemporary than nostalgic, singles like "Poison" and "Carnies" will anchor a lot of mix cds this summer.
- paul
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Released 05.13.2008
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Monday, March 31, 2008
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Tantric - The End Begins (Silent Majority) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Hugo Ferreira, Tantric's only remaining original member, has assembled a new group to record what may be deemed the band's strongest release to date. The sound is heavier than previous efforts and the addition of violinist Marcus Ratzenboeck gives the band's sound an affecting twist for a hard-rock album. Ferreira's occasional deadpan style of singing and some spotty guitar production can be somewhat deterring, but admittedly after several spins The End Begins has started to grow on me.
- j.p.
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Released 04.22.2008
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Thursday, January 31, 2008
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Times New Viking - Rip it Off (Matador) [audio] [upcoming shows]
"Please Play Loud," the back cover of Rip it Off instructs. In case you can't follow directions, the volume level of the actual album is already set louder than normal. Resistance is futile, and Times New Viking, the rag-tag tape-hiss kids who clearly grew up playing in the parking lot of the Thomas Jefferson Slave Apartments, have delivered a brief, high-impact album that rewards giving in. Sure, lo-fi this lo(w) is borderline gimmicky, but the reason Rip it Off succeeds is that the songs beneath the distortion would sound good at any production level.
- troy
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Released 01.22.2008
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Monday, December 24, 2007
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Frank Turner - Campfire Punkrock EP (Xtra Mile Recordings) [audio] [upcoming shows]
If you like Billy Bragg, you will like Frank Turner... he even has a song
called "Thatcher Fucked the Kids." Nothing about the miners' strike, though.
Actually, most of the tracks address mid-20s ennui: waking up with a hangover, being
"bored of this town... bored of this scene... bored of these people." I especially
liked track 2's description of touring with naught but a guitar: "I was raised in
middle England, not in Nashville, Tennessee, and the only person in my band is me."
NOTE: The EP seems to be import only at the moment, but you can buy mp3s on Amazon.
- meredith
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Released 06.27.2006
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Friday, October 26, 2007
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Terror Visions - World of Shit (FDH Music) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Usually when the sticker on the case says "electro punk," it is heavy on the electro and less on the punk. Not so here. When you combine the short synth-driven songs, distorted screaming and low production values with images of a mirror with a pile of cocaine on it, a naked ass in the reflection, along with a bruised, puffy Ray Ban-wearing face and a bloated shirtless torso, you know what to expect and you get it. If this story doesn't end face down and full of yellow-green foam, I've been bullshitted.
- mark
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Released 10.02.2007
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Monday, September 03, 2007
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Time of Orchids - Namesake Caution (Cuneiform) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Toss away all of your preconceptions regarding conventional song structure elements such as time, melody, rhythm and key. This collection of chaotic compositions is extraordinarily compelling. The often contradictory blend of dissonance and harmony creates an unsettling soundscape that sometimes leaves you with a feeling of wonderment. When you think you understand how a song may progress, it takes a mind-boggling twist, and then contorts again into a knot before you have time to comprehend what transpired. Brilliant.
- j.p.
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Released 09.18.2007
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Friday, May 25, 2007
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Throbbing Gristle - Part Two. The Endless Not (Mute) [audio] [upcoming shows]
The 25-year wait for the new Throbbing Gristle album is over. Part Two. The Endless Not isn't nearly as subversive or confrontational as earlier recordings, and it seems the godparents of industrial music have mellowed with age. They do retain a signature sound; a pulsating, dark dirge spiked with noisy loops and saturated with murky ambiance. The music is at times complex and almost pretty, but absent is the challenging aural assault that once earned Throbbing Gristle the title "Wreckers of Civilization."
- j. daltry
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Released 04.03.2007
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Wednesday, May 09, 2007
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Two Cow Garage - III (Suburban Home) [audio] [upcoming shows]
III is the record that should put Two Cow Garage on the map—the Ohio power trio's best work to date. The band has a thing for classic rock and it's heard plenty on III, but they put their own whiskey-soaked stamp over it. The pristine production by Matt Pence (Centro-Matic) helps Two Cow become an amazing studio band, while already being a phenomenal live act. "The Great Gravitron Massacre", "Mediocre", "Should've California" and "Gape & Shudder" are instant standouts.
- kyle j.
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Released 04.24.2007
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Monday, March 19, 2007
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The Tallest Man on Earth EP (self released) [audio] [upcoming shows]
The Tallest Man on Earth is one (potentially) tall man from Sweden with an acoustic guitar and a voice reminiscent of Dylan or Waits. Sounding like a young, lo-fi-loving, acoustic troubadour channeling an ol' blues hound with bilateral vocal fold nodules, The Tallest Man on Earth will pluck and twang his way into your heart with only 5 songs. This is a great way to spend 15 minutes.
- cormac
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Released 11.07.2006
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Friday, February 09, 2007
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TIMZ - Open For Business (self released) [audio/video] [upcoming shows]
TIMZ has a unique stage to stand on, as an Iraqi-American rapper coming of age in today's political environment. This album starts strong with lightly Middle Eastern beats covered by some insightful lyrics born from TIMZ's unique cultural point of view. Unfortunately, the solid momentum he picks up drags to a crawl by the end of the disc, relapsing into tired themes regarding my money and yo titties, balanced on uninspired beats.
- bob d.
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Released 05.09.2006
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Friday, January 12, 2007
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Tieweb - Setting the Sun (self released) [audio] [upcoming shows]
A throwback to left-of-the-dial staples from the '80s like R.E.M., the Church, and Three O'Clock, Tieweb conjures pleasant memories of the dazed and confused of the Paisley Underground with their jangling, ringing guitars and Summer of Love harmonies. "Exit Man" feeds into the same hazy '60s nostalgia that their heroes from two decades ago did, and it tastes even better now given how largely boring alternative rock has become.
- michael s.
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Released 06.13.2006
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Wednesday, January 10, 2007
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Triclops! - Cafeteria Brutalia EP (Sickroom) [audio/video] [upcoming shows]
Whatever weird Twilight Zone-type place these guys are stuck in, we all should want in. Now. Hitting you with the force of an angry cop's tazer, this four-song EP of wild noise rock is a real treat. Vocalist Johnny screams, coos, woo-hoos and generally freaks out on the chaotic-then-sweet "Mi Plisboy," the 10 minute "Bug Bomb," and "Jewel of Oakland," which is littered with vocal effects. Compared to the other three tracks, "Salton" is fairly normal, but no less inventive or tasty. In the end, ears will be ringing. Oh, and that exclamation point? Totally necessary.
- jason m.
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Released 02.06.2007
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Thursday, January 04, 2007
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The Twilight Sad EP (Fat Cat) [audio and upcoming shows]
The Twilight Sad are moving within familiar circles. As the latest adopters of the sepia-toned carnival qualities recently re-popularized by The Walkmen and The Arcade Fire, this Glasgow-based quartet build their songs slowly from the ground up, gradually adding layer upon layer of earnest intensity until they become too top-heavy to sustain the weight and crash back to earth in the most spectacular way. Damaged, but beautiful.
- paul
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Released 11.14.2006
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Friday, December 15, 2006
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Thunderbirds Are Now! - Make History (French Kiss) [audio]
Thunderbirds Are Now! lay off the Ritalin for the surprisingly subdued Make History. Luckily, the album still retains the 'birds' signature electrifying, energetic and exciting persona, thanks to frenzied guitar riffs and super-fast drums. And, of course, Ryan Allan's voice, always threatening, yet delicately failing to become a shriek. Listen to the mournful lyrics and occasional slower pace and realize, "Hey, the band sounds like they've finally grown up." But, thankfully, only a little.
- miriam
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Released 10.03.2006
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Wednesday, October 04, 2006
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The Thermals - The Body The Blood The Machine (Sub Pop) [audio] [upcoming shows]
The Thermals are getting religious on your ass, but not in a bad way. The Body, The Blood, The Machine is a concept record about Christianity and our government. It's a call-out to America to start making things right before it's too late. It has an end of the world type feel, but the upbeat tempo of the songs won't get you down. The band adds keyboard and organ to create another layer of sound and the songs come out crystal clear with Fugazi's Brendan Canty producing.
- kyle j.
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Released 08.22.2006
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Tuesday, October 03, 2006
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TV on the Radio - Return to Cookie Mountain (Interscope) [audio and upcoming shows]
Do you remember the Beta Band? Yeah, me too. When was the last time you put one of their records on? Yeah, me too. That is my only reservation about this record. I put this on, and two paper dolls in my brain clink glasses and yell "Brilliant!", and yet the fat loser at the party in my mind keeps whining, "You know you'll be over this record completely in a year." Here is to hoping they can approximate this level of genius for long enough to stick permanently in our musical consciousness.
- tom d.
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Released 09.12.2006
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Wednesday, September 20, 2006
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The Tanks - Summon Creature (Floodwater) [audio] [upcoming shows]
A few songs on Summon Creature mention a basement, which is perfect, because
The Tanks sound like the monster you swore lived in the basement when you were a young ‘un. Without a single note of guitar, The Tanks rely on a grim, rigid and always revving bass and Kevin Koppes’ baritone, goofball vocals, which he delivers like a drunk announcer. “Where We Call Home,” with its androgynous back-up singing, sticks out like a sore thumb because it’s the only song that breaks the album’s fairly innovative, 100% entertaining mold.
- jason m.
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Released 06.16.2006
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Thursday, September 07, 2006
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Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players - Off and On Broadway DVD (Sarathan) [audio] [upcoming shows]
This 40-minute film takes a look at the Trachtenburg family, specifically focused on 11-year-old drummer Rachel, who despite endorsements from both John Waters and David Cross, remains stonefaced throughout. Taking slides out of context and forming musical madlibs around the people is an original concept executed flawlessly, but since they are a highly visual act, attending a live performance is recommended. Without the slides, you basically have some goofy songs sung by a lounge lizard, child labor laws be damned.
- mark
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Released 08.31.2006
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Thursday, August 24, 2006
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Tom Thumb and the Latter Day Saints - Kindermusik (Three Ring Records) [audio] [more audio][upcoming shows]
It's ironic that the Space Needle reissues, and this EP from the band that has come closest to carrying on their musical legacy, have been released within a few weeks of each other. Although much of the album is driven by organ and crystal clear production, the gritty, stirring reworking of Bruce Springsteen's "Atlantic City" lets you know that they are capable of stripping it down without losing any intensity, similar to John Vanderslice, Anders Parker, and Okkervil River. This EP is a much too short 26 minutes.
- mark
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Released 06.13.2006
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Friday, July 07, 2006
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Twilight Singers - Powder Burns (One Little Indian US) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Greg Dulli lays down more of his rock/soul trademark sounds on all 12 tracks of Powder Burns. You aren't hearing anything new on this record, but that's not a big deal since Dulli's been writing great songs since his Afghan Whigs days. There's no shortage of good writing on his latest effort. "There's Been An Accident" is haunting and beautiful, while "Bonnie Brae" is hands down one of the best songs Dulli has ever written. Guest spots are filled in by Ani Difranco, Joseph Arthur, and John Curly.
- kyle j.
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Released 05.16.2006
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Friday, June 30, 2006
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Tunng - Comments of the Inner Chorus (Full Time Hobby) [audio] [more audio]
[upcoming shows]
Tunng follow up their excellent debut album “Mothers Daughter and other Songs” with another slice of spellbinding contemporary folk.
“Comments of the Inner Chorus” is a surreal folk-pop adventure, which consists of calm yet beautiful vocals, imaginative yet almost unsettling lyrics, glitchy electronics, film samples and sweet acoustic textures that are reminiscent of Fourtet. This album is certainly one of best releases this year, and further cements Tunng’s place at the top of the folktronica tree. Superb.
- colin
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Released 05.22.2006
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Wednesday, June 07, 2006
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The Thinking Reeds - A Sailor Me (self released) [audio]
Ah, the melodrama. Perhaps because I'm in the middle of reading a book set in Victorian London, the first half of this album brings me to the banks of the Thames, among the gin-soaked whores and stevedores. Then "Runaway Brain" mentions television, and the spell
breaks to the riotous sound of snare and harmonica imitating a locomotive. With a voice like Gene's Martin Rossiter and a piano-driven sound reminiscent of The Beautiful South, Iain Kelly "deal[s] in affairs of the heart and deliver[s] bare knuckle love for forlorn melancholics."
- meredith
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Released 04.04.2006
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Monday, May 15, 2006
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Track a Tiger - Woke Up Early the Day I Died (Futureappletree) [audio]
Do not listen to this album if, indeed, you need to wake up early. Because you'll just lay there, drowsy, floating back to sleep on a sea of acoustic guitar, cello, and the occasional "blips and bleeps." Not to mention a host of female vocalists taking turns accompaying Jim Vallet, who began the record as a solo project three years ago. This is, however, the perfect pick for moping around and staring at the ceiling: "I've taken hold of your misery." Pour a drink and sulk to the lazy alt-country/folk.
- meredith
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Released 02.28.2006
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Monday, March 20, 2006
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Thanksgiving - Cave Days and Moments (Marriage Records) [upcoming shows]
Dear Adrian Orange, How come you're singing so soft and high? It's your strong and low voice that sets you apart from the rest of those boys, that makes everyone hang onto your every word. Either way, your songs are still enchanting and I'm encouraging everyone I know to listen and carve another notch in the door frame where we've been charting your height as we've been watching you grow.
- s. finch
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Released 02.10.2006
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Wednesday, February 15, 2006
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13 Ghosts - Cicada (Skybucket Records) [audio] [more audio] [upcoming shows]
I was a slack-jawed idiot after I first bathed in the astral delight that is Cicada, and I’m still catching flies. Every note—whether plucked on an earthy acoustic guitar, chunked up with fat, fuzzy distortion, sung in either a rugged sigh or a spacey warble— is sweet. The whole time you’re listening, there’s a lump in your throat. With a serious-but-not-all-there vibe, Cicada is like a more indie Springsteen mixed with latter day Ween (no shit). Made me say, “Goddammit, I’m so lucky to be hearing this” twice out loud.
- jason m.
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Released 11.29.2005
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Monday, February 13, 2006
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Transamerica Soundtrack - Various Artists (Nettwerk Records) [audio]
It speaks volumes about the confidence of this album's producers in its quality that they buried its two most well-known performers (Dolly Parton, Lucinda Williams) at the very end of a 21 track epic. In fact, by the time you get through the folky fun of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Old Crow Medicine Show and Larry Sparks, you will probably forget that they are on the album. This playful romp through the heartland may even be superior to the oft-lauded "O Brother..." soundtrack.
- tom d.
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Released 02.07.2006
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Friday, January 20, 2006
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Two Year Touqe – The Midi West (CDB Records)
This is the first submission I’ve heard that includes songs about peeing, pooping, abusing insomnia medication, and dogs eating ferrets. At the same time, it also includes adorable love songs with lines like "He is my one and only/ She loves to have and hold me ... He has eyes/ She loves biscotti." Overall, the lo-fi, exuberant sound gives the album the feel of a late-night family party when the tipsy uncles and sugar-mad cousins grab random instruments and laugh themselves silly.
- meredith
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Monday, January 16, 2006
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Tender Trap - Language Lessons EP (Matinee Recordings) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Mainstream radio would have you believe that Hilary Duff defines pop music. They are wrong. Tender Trap IS quintessential pop. Infectious sing-song melodies, sweet girl-on-girl harmonies and an ounce of synthesizer for good measure. Twinges of Belle and Sebastian, hints of Velocity Girl and a whole lot of Heavenly (understandably so – Amelia Fletcher and Rob Pursey were members). Lyrics like, "writing his name in bold, italic, underline is making me fall about with laughter in my mind" make me swoon and bop. Pop-a-licious!
- stacie d.
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Released 11.07.2005
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Wednesday, November 23, 2005
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Tiny Amps - Trill & Swagger
(Redder) [mp3] [upcoming shows]
If there's a lesson to be learned from reading press kits, it's to
ignore any and all mentions of other more well-known and well-loved
bands. Had my experience listening to this album not been tainted by
strategic placements of "Archers of Loaf" and "Pavement" in the
propaganda, I might never have realized they sound like little more
than the sorcerer's apprentice and could have grown to appreciate it
on its own merits. Now it just reminds me of hundreds of bargain bin
b-class indie cds that gathered dust in 1995.
- paul
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Released 10.25.2005
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Wednesday, September 28, 2005
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Turbonegro - Party Animals (Abacus) [audio] [upcoming shows]
The Oslo party rockers tone down the gay schtick somewhat on their fourth release, and with it some of their heavier riffs, coming off more like a bisexual Ramones than a totally queer Darkness. The lyrics have all the intelligence of a sixth-grader's horny jokes (typical song title: "Blow Me (Like the Wind)"), but the songs are so catchy you'll sing along anyway.
- karen m.
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Released 08.23.2005
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Friday, September 23, 2005
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Torche (Robotic Empire) [mp3] [upcoming shows]
Loss of breath. Washes of chills. Ecstasy-induced headaches. These are the recurring symptoms caused by the ginormous and so-heavy-they're-distorted riffs, brilliant Quicksand-esque melodies, and rich vocals (with harmonies!) that Torche - who probably sold their souls to make this - drown you in. Calling it "pure fucking bliss" is both the truth and a gross understatement. You can drink bad coffee, smoke bad weed or have bad sex, but you can't have bad Torche - it'll get you high every time.
- jason m.
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Released 05.10.2005
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Monday, August 15, 2005
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Tree By Leaf - Of the Black and the Blue (Long Ago Light)
[audio/more audio]
[upcoming shows]
Folk/pop/country minor-key melodies wrapped around lyrics that could generate an English class discussion; religious imagery, internal rhyming... all kinds of good stuff. The first few tracks remind me of the Cowboy Junkies' Trinity Sessions... the slight sleepiness, a touch of Margo Timmins in Siiri Soucy's voice. Then Garrett Soucy chimes in, sounding a little like Evan Dando. After so many listens, I chime in too, especially during the revival-ish chorus to "Regardless of the Cost": Like a probably, and a possibly, and a not ever in your dreams.
- meredith
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Released 05.01.2005
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Tuesday, June 07, 2005
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Turn Around – Self-Titled EP (Order it on their site) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Listening to this EP, I kept looking up at my computer screen to double-check who was playing, wondering if somehow Uncle Tupelo and The Levellers had teamed up without my knowing and suddenly taken over the CD drive. But then the organ and piano would jump into the fray and I'd wonder what the Charlatans were doing on the record. Then it was all over and I'd wonder how long I'd have to wait for Turn Around's next set of songs to come out.
- meredith
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Released 05.17.2005
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Friday, May 20, 2005
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Tonedeff - Archetype (QN5) [upcoming shows]
Hip-hop takes me out of my comfort zone. As an unabashed rock fan,
only the occasional hip-hop album will demand my attention. Even
fewer inspire me to write about them. Archetype does. The beats and arrangements are full of life; not needlessly busy, yet not stark or cold. Paired with a vocal flow that would make your favorite MC jealous, Tonedeff's missive is virtually flawless from front to back. Not as avant as the backpackers nor as elementary as Billboard's Hot 100, Archetype is a fitting title.
- paul
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Released 04.05.2005
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Wednesday, February 16, 2005
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Turpentine Brothers - We Don't Care About Your Good Times
(Alive)
[mp3s]
[upcoming shows]
Boston's Turpentine Brothers are brazen liars. One listen to the
album and it's pretty obvious that they do care about your good times. This stockpile of disorderly garage r&b is highlighted by the thundering organ work of Zack Brines, but band founders Justin Hubbard and Tara McManus round things out with such admiration for the genre they've chosen. In addition, Hubbard's versatile cords deliver either a menacing growl or a self-confident baritone precisely when called for. Best served with whiskey and cigarettes.
- paul
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Released 01.18.2005
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Tuesday, January 25, 2005
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TTC - Bâtards Sensibles (Big Dada) [audio] [upcoming shows]
The French excel in a number of areas, especially flaky pastries. But
I'll bet you didn't think hip-hop would be one the others, did you?
TTC, a Parisian crew of six, push the boundaries of grime and crunk by
rhyming atop pre-futuristic, almost Kraftwerkian synth loops and
beats. The vocal delivery is both smooth and expressive, but
simultaneously cold and robotic (and almost 97% in their native
tongue). The fact that I can't understand what they're saying may
even add to their appeal. Unquestionably cool and bizarre.
- paul
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Released 02.08.2005
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Monday, October 04, 2004
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Trouble Everyday - Days vs. Nights (Turnstile)
[mp3s] [upcoming shows]
Dear Lord, hasn't this post-punk disco-funk thing been done to death
already? You'd better have a pretty damn good reason for creating
Trouble Everyday. What's that? Just listen to Days vs. Nights and your motives shall reveal themselves? Oh, hey, you're onto something here, Yaweh. This kind of sounds like the first couple of Fugazi records; a different beast entirely from that overworked revival fad of '02. Thanks, Chief. While you're dabbling around with music at the moment, could you possibly smite Sammy Hagar?
- paul
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Friday, September 10, 2004
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Twilight Singers - She Loves You (One Little Indian) [mp3s] [upcoming shows]
I never appreciated the Afghan Whigs until I moved away from Cincinnati and their incessant white-trash-soul whining, but now I miss them, and now Greg Dulli's singing covers (Björk!?) with Mark Lanegan. It's more romantic and less sexy than the Whigs, but there's the nagging feeling I've been conned into listening to adult contemporary music. If Dulli's looking for a love/hate relationship, he's found it.
- bryan b.
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Tuesday, September 07, 2004
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The Tough & Lovely
Okay, so I didn't explain AT ALL in this review what this CD sounds
like BUT, between you and me, it sounds like Janis Joplin/Cher fronting an early '60s garage rock band inspired by the Shangri-La's. Ha! It's really good if you're into that type of music which, prior to hearing this CD, I didn't think I was.
- chip
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Tuesday, July 20, 2004
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Thanksgiving - Nothing (Marriage Records) [mp3] [upcoming shows]
While living in Portland, OR, Thanksgiving was the only band that could get me out of the house. Adrian Orange posesses a singular, extraordinary talent that fades in and out throughout the album. A new sound emerging from the bedroom shows and unfinished songs of the Pacific Northwest. It's simplicity without medioctity. It's solemn, without being melancholy. Adrian Orange displays the rare gift of intensity, without drama. Enjoy this release and await the spectacular that is sure to follow.
- s. finch
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Tuesday, June 01, 2004
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Two Lone Swordsmen - From the Double Gone Chapel (Warp) [audio/more audio] [upcoming shows]
Andrew Weatherall and Keith Tenniswood unite once again as Two Lone Swordsmen, but approach the project from an entirely different angle. Where earlier albums were artful displays of glitchy house, the duo go back in time to experiment with a mix of electronics and live instruments first associated with Throbbing Gristle, Cabaret Voltaire and even PiL. This is definitely dark material and, by comparison, makes modern contemporaries Out Hud or !!! sound like inessential fluff.
- paul
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Thursday, April 29, 2004
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TimTim - Let's Pretend We're Going (Bpitch Control) [audio]
Drawing on his experience as a multi-instrumentalist rock musician, TimTim approaches the electronic genre with enough historical sensibility of form to keep all the bleeps and squelched noises from escaping the confines of individual songs. Undoubtedly influenced by late-era Notwist and Lali Puna, TimTim still doesn't outwardly betray the genre he's chosen, consciously keeping every bit of this recording electronic (with the exception of an occasional acoustic guitar). Don't overlook this one.
- paul
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Tuesday, November 25, 2003
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Tiara - The Summer of the Lion, The Summer of the Lamb (We Want Action) [mp3s] [upcoming shows]
This is an album that you instantly fall desperately in love with, wanting to make sure everyone you come in contact with is aware of how special it is. You'll want to evangelize it to the point of obsession, thinking that if you can't covert 10 people into fans of the record you've failed yourself. On their fourth release, Tiara have found their sound, an interesting blend of Death Cab, Built to Spill and Elliott Smith put through a Midwestern blender. It's an album you'll become attached to quickly, wanting to spread it to others like some sort of rock and roll virus.
- robert
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Friday, September 05, 2003
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Tora Tora Torrance - A Cynics Nightmare (The Militia Group)
Despite a trebly recording, underneath is a solid rhythm section that's equal parts slow and heavy Jesus Lizard-ish bass grooves and clockwork-like drums. The songs, which are littered with Modest Mouse-type guitar licks, speed up and slow down but consistantly remain abrasive. Also popping up are bits of piano, cowbells, bursts of trumpets, backwards tracked drums, synths and annoying as a compliment vocals (think the Peechees). Perfect if you're in the mood, don't expect to make many friends by claiming to be a fan.
- mark
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Monday, July 07, 2003
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The Tyde - Twice (Rough Trade) [audio] [upcoming shows]
What better way to kick off the summer than a gorgeously fun homage to bicoastal 60's psychedelia? Retro-pop luminaries (Beachwood Sparks, Brian Jonestown Massacre, et al) collaborate on this sunny, hazy gem of a disc, which proves that it's still OK for dudes in bands to wear flares and silly-ass scarves as long as they've got the songs to back that corny shit up.
- nick
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Thursday, June 26, 2003
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The Thermals - More Parts Per Million (SubPop) [mp3] [upcoming shows]
Recorded for $60 in someone's house, this is 27 minutes of very raw, fuzzed-out, high-energy pop punk. They've been compared to GBV, but that must be due to the lo-fi thing 'cause I don't hear it. The nasally singer actually sounds like that Placebo guy. The songs are catchy as hell (just try not singing along to "No Culture Icons"), and the whole thing displays an endearingly messy charm. Some might wish for a bit more production, but there's no need for gloss if the tunes are there.
- catherine
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Thursday, June 19, 2003
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Turbonegro - Scandanavian Leather (Epitaph) [mp3s] [upcoming shows]
First off, Turbonegro : The Swedish garagerock scene :: The Melvins : Seattle's grunge scene. Like some weird gay version of AC/DC mixed with the Stooges and dressed like the Village People, Turbonegro is well practiced on making their audience pump their fists in the air and feel really uncomfortable while doing it. They return with a new record that's sure to be a hit in the right circles, cranking up the amps and shouting their trademark ambiguously gay lyrics. My Swedish friend Johan Åberg says "There's nothing I like more than smoking a fat bowl and throwing on some Turbonegro."
- brian
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Friday, October 18, 2002
![The Blasters - Trouble Bound [live]](/media/covers/blasterstrouble.jpg)
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The Blasters - Trouble Bound [live] (Hightone) [mp3, audio]
In their prime, The Blasters were lumped in with the punk movement almost by default and never cashed in, despite being forebearers of the L.A. blues/punk movement. While bands like the Fabulous Thunderbirds simplified the blues formula and parlayed it into mainstream success, The Blasters feuded, broke up and stayed apart for over 17 years. This original lineup only reunited for a quick tour in 2002 and live they hardly sound dated - textured and tight with lots of harmonica, piano and guitar solos.
- mark
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Monday, October 14, 2002
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Teenage Girls - The Initial Assault LP: The Art of Friendship [audio]
Teenage Girls are about as original as tribal tattoos on a beefy gay man. This quartet from Philadelphia try to play up the "we sound like Weezer but not really" thing, but end up sounding more like a slowed down version of Creed. Highly derivative of anything ever dubbed "alternative," the record annoys far more than it entertains. From the horrible artwork to the crap-tacular band name and Bob's overly pleading vocals (he moonlights as a spoken word artist, go figure), The Initial Assault LP makes me cringe all over.
- cory
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Friday, August 16, 2002
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This Busy Monster - Fireworks (Barsuk) [mp3s]
This Seattle trio specialize in quirky arrangements and personal-yet-wacky lyrics delivered earnestly by one C. Possanza. A good formula, except that great instrumentation can't save the weak songwriting. It doesn't help that I can totally picture Possanza swinging around in a fluffy white pirate shirt singing a slow, dirgy "Come On Eileen." The record closes with "The Curious Sofa," a lilting tune in 3/4 time that concludes with a high-pitched violin and a beautifully played french horn. A song worth downloading, not a record worth buying.
- cory
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Thursday, June 27, 2002
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Mary Timony - The Golden Dove (Matador) [mp3]
Blessed Be! The Golden Dove further reveals the wind-walking of Ms. Timony. We delight as she waxes and wanes through magickal soundscapes and enchanting themes. While some of the Spells here (Musik and Charming Melodee and Look a Ghost in the Eye) may make you think you're listening to a non-wiccan, she continues to travel where Frodo fears to tread.
- brian r.
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Friday, June 14, 2002
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Techno Animal - The Brotherhood Of The Bomb (Matador) [mp3s and videos]
As if the boundaries between genres hadn't been blurred enough already... It's not quite techno - not quite rap. Imagine mixing your favorite underground hiphop artists with the soundtrack to a violent and terrifying nightmare. Yeah. It's sort of like that. No one distorts a bassline like Techno Animal. The indie-hop cream of the crop: Anti-Pop Consortium, Company Flow, Cannibal Ox, Dälek... they're all here - and they're ready to brutalize your eardrums.
- jon
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Monday, March 25, 2002
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Tullycraft - Fun Beat Surf (Magic Marker Records)
Back and a bit more subdued, they haven't changed much (despite sporting an obvious Imperial-era Unrest influence on the first track) and thats either good or bad, depending on how much you cared for their previous releases. The trademark unmistakable whiny vocals, Casio keyboards with dying batteries, and direct lyrical references to other indie rock subgenres have all remained untouched. Listening to Tullycraft can make anyone believe that writing a great pop song is as easy as inviting friends over and hitting record on your boombox.
- mark
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Monday, March 11, 2002
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The Tyde - Once (Orange Sky Records)
Three-fifths of Beachwood Sparks make up one-half of this one-third psych-pop, one-third experimental keyboard-rock, one-third Americana band. Believe me, it all adds up. Fronted by ex-Further singer (and brother of Beachwood Sparks’ Brent) Darren Rademaker, this little hippy-country-space pop outfit brings to mind early Wilco (before Jeff Tweedy lost touch of his rural roots), Olivia Tremor Control, and even a little bit of Lou Reed, filtered through a hazy northern California afternoon in, say, 1968.
- chip
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Tuesday, January 22, 2002
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Thrice - The Illusion of Safety (Sub City) [mp3]
Heavier hardcore music with vocals alternating between the throat-scratching barking of Hot Water Music and the emo-drenched strains of Jimmy Eat World. There are bits and pieces of each song that I can pull out and enjoy but for the most part this thing is giving me a whopper of a headache. Kids who wear hoodies can describe this much better than a 30-year-old corporate world guy like myself.
- chip
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Monday, January 14, 2002
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Twisted Nerve (Various Artists) - Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Twisted Nerve But Were Afraid To Ask (Twisted Nerve) [mp3s]
Reasons to buy the Twisted Nerve compilation: 1) A rare Badly Drawn Boy song ("Shake the Rollercoaster"); 2) An exclusive Badly Drawn Boy song ("Celebrate"); 3) Two excellent Brit-pop tracks by Alfie ("Montevideo", "You Make No Bones"); 4) A super-snazzy, space-jazz cover of Van Morrison's "Moondance" by Sirconical; 5) Six of the nineteen males on the inner sleeve have moustaches; 6) Can substitute for mix tape that you were going to make for your favorite indie rock chick.
- chip
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Thursday, January 10, 2002
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Tenacious D - Tenacious D (Sony/Epic)
Hey Jack Black! The Bloodhound Gang called, and they want their joke songs back. What's that? You wrote these? I must have been mistaken, I thought my ten year old brother penned these gems. If you're over the age of 12, stay away. Then again if you think penises and butts are hilarious, this one is for you. D's ego-stroking debut album is further proof that people did not learn their lesson with when Keanu Reeve's "Dogstar" was allowed to record.
- cory
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Tuesday, December 18, 2001
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Tristeza - Dream Signals in Full Circles (Tiger Style)
I like Tristeza. Someday in the future, the post-punk instrumental bands that are so common today will be the muzak that is piped into our retirement homes to keep us all sedated and happy, familiar melodies aimed at keeping us agreeable and accepting of our surroundings. If you like one of these bands, chances are you'll like another and after three listens, telling them apart will only be more difficult as not too much distinguishes one from the next. I like Tristeza. I like them all.
- mark
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Tuesday, October 30, 2001
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Tight Bros From Way Back When - Lend you a Hand (Kill Rock Stars)
If Rick Sims was diced up into crouton-sized pieces and devoured by AC/DC while their drummer was hopped up on 300 hits of speed, you might be describing the Tight Bros. In the same vein as Digits, AC/DC and Clawhammer, the formula seems to be simple- loud is good and is only created through a full stack of Marshall amps, anything less is pussyrock. If you ever get sick of labels, sweaters, funny glasses and pretense, releases like this remind you that sometimes straightahead senseless rock is the best bullshit detector.
- mark
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