New and Noteworthy: The Strokes, Bright Eyes, The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart, The Kills, Fleet Foxes, James Blake
Well there is a new Radiohead album coming out this Saturday, that is worth mentioning, though I've yet to hear anything from it. I'm also excited about the new PJ Harvey "Let England Shake" from what I've listened to, it's in the que for things to pick up. Looking for some other music as well? New material below from some artists that have been at awhile and some looking to keep momentum swinging from their last releases. Listen, enjoy.
The Strokes-"Under Cover Of Darkness"
It seems like the Strokes have been gone forever hasn't it? Or was it just because their last album "First Impressions Of Earth" was so underwhelming compared to the band's first stellar albums. That would make an eight year wait then (although, technically it's only been five). From the sounds of "Under Cover Of Darkness" the first single from their March 22nd release "Angles" is purely what the band does best. Simple, smart hooks and melody. And Mr Casablancas sounds like he's actually singing more nowadays (apologies, didn't check out his solo album). Also, look for these guys on SNL on March 5th....it'll be like 2001 all over again, sort of. The Strokes - Under Cover Of Darkness by contz
Bright Eyes-"Shell Games"
The new album "The People's Key" was released Tuesday. Front man Conor Oberst said he was over the whole Americana and folk sound that Bright Eyes have become most known for and wanted to go with something more rocking and contemporary. "Shell Games" contains a keyboard line that drives the song along with some passion and a neat little chorus "Here it come that heavy load". Not sure if this new direction will turn off fans from before or not, I personally liked "Cassadaga" a lot, so this new sound may take some time to set in for an honest opinion. Bright Eyes - Shell Games by acid stag
The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart-"Belong"
New York indie pop band The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart are releasing their sophomore release "Belong" on March 29th. From a few listens to the self titled song featured here and "Heart In Your Heartbreak", I have to say I'm kind of excited. It's obvious the influences here range from the Smashing Pumpkins to Catherine Wheel to My Bloody Valentine. Their new album has Flood and Alan Moulder at the control table so that probably has a lot to do with the music sounding a bit ethereal but accessible. Great song, don't hear a sophomore slump here. The Pains of Being Pure At Heart - Belong by Slumberland Records
The Kills-"Satellite"
Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince are back with the Kills fourth album, "Blood Pressures", due out on April 5th. From the first few listens of their first single "Satellite", it sounds like their garage blues they have become known for may be a bit smoothed out but after a few more listens, it still growls with the same intensity I've been accustomed to since I first heard the wonderful "No Wow" five years ago. We'll see how their new release fares in about six weeks. In the meantime enjoy their first offering. The Kills - Satellite by DominoRecordCo
Fleet Foxes-"Helplessness Blues"
Well, if you loved the Appalachian folk pop of the Fleet Foxes debut album from three years ago like my brother Adzilla did, you're probably going to be absolutely thrilled with the sudden rush of guitars, the same harmonizing vocals and superb build to the title song from their upcoming release "Helplessness Blues". It's like they picked up right where they left off in 2008. If the rumors were true about front man Robin Peckhold having writer's block for this album, it sounds like he simply didn't over think it too much and laid down what he was comfortable with from this offering. We'll see if it holds for a whole long player as the album's proper release is due out May 3rd. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues by subpop
James Blake-"Limit To Your Love"
Sparse and haunting with a voice totally indebted to classic R & B, James Blake is an early "buzz" word in 2011 with his first full length album released last Tuesday receiving quite a bit of praise. A good example of what Mr. Blake does best can be found here on the single "Limit To Your Love". His vocals become the center stage as everything else behind him just becomes an accompaniment. It may take some repeated listens for his whole album to sink in, so I'm putting it on the back burner and taking things one song at a time to decide if I want to digest the whole thing. "Limit To Your Love" is a good start, something in that voice vaguely reminds me of Jeff Buckley. James Blake, "Limit To Your Love" by blatanti
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