Citizen Cope/The Rainwater LP:
If you haven't yet heard of this Brooklynite by way of DC/Baltimore, you might have had your head buried in the sand for the last decade or so. Cope is known for his relaxed blend of hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, and folk and often plays here in DC to sold out shows at the 9:30 Club. His latest offering, The Rainwater LP, is somewhat of a breath of fresh air for me. While I enjoyed his last two albums, I find them to be a little overproduced. Especially on Every Waking Moment, I found the production took away from the subtleties of his music. I've always found Cope at his most powerful with just him and a guitar. I had the privilege to see a full show of this acoustic type at the Strathmore in October of 2008. I feel that Rainwater is a return to this more stripped down approach. That isn't to say that I don't like the beefed up versions of his songs, or that this album is lacking those little flourishes here and there, because it has songs like Jericho for instance.
A
Cymbals Eat Guitars/Why There are Mountains:
This loud-as-hell quartet from Staten Island, New York debuted last year with what can only be described as frenetic romp through the different sides of indie scene. CEG is able to deliver hellacious reverb, palate cleansing piano, blaring horns, and machine gun drumming. Singer, Joseph D'Agostino gives us vocals that bounce between grating screams that can only be done justice at a live show to soft ballad-like tones delivered as if he were right next to you. I recently was able to catch CEG open for Los Campesinos! and had a great time. They brought it all on the stage and left it all up there for the crowd to just bask in.
B
Everybody was in the French Resistance...Now!/Fixin' the Charts:
Now, I'm not always a fan of bands borne from people hooking up in their personal lives; but the joining of Dyan Valdes of The Blood Arm and Eddie Argos of Art Brut is a fun pop experiment if nothing else. Conceptually, the album is a response to the pop songs that have been ripping up the charts for the last few decades (Gold Digger/Coal Digger, My Way/My Way (is not always the best way), Scarborough Fair/The Scarborough Affaire). Musically, Eddie speak/sings over bouncy piano provided by Valdes is the basic gist of the album. There is enough musical talent there that makes it fairly enjoyable; but unfortunately because Eddie just speak/sings everything in the same oh-I'm-British-and-it's-very-charming-matter-of-fact way, all the songs just end up sounding the same. In their defense, they still put on a fun show. Good for a mix, but not really something you can just sit and listen to, unless you want to die ofdiabetes.
C
Foxy Shazam/Introducing:
Foxy Shazam is a supersonic soulful punch to the mouth. The band seamlessly blends elements of hardcore, soul, and pop with a dash of glam rock in a unique way that is both catchy and invigorating. Hardcore drums, bass, and guitars provide ridiculous fills to accompany the true highlights: the manic piano of Sky White and the Freddie-Mercurial wailing of vocalist Eric Nally. They're touring with Hole right now, and I have to be honest, if they're live show is anything like they're album, I might consider the $45 cost of admission.
A-
Freelance Whales/Weathervanes:
This quasi-dream pop sound has me thinking of an only slightly folkier Postal Service. This is largely due to the similarities I hear in lead singer voices and use of occasional synth. This five-piece band has a full sound that would make you believe that it was several members larger. They utilize instruments associated more closely with folk like banjo, harmoniums, and tambourines than their synthed-out colleagues scattered all throughout Brooklyn. It's a soft pop scattered with whimsical yet occasionally meaningful lyrics.
B
Frightened Rabbit/The Winter of Mixed Drinks:Those who know me, might recall that Noah and the Whale's Five Year's Time, might be one of my top 5 go to albums of all time. Many would subsequently know that Noah and the Whale's electric follow-up, The First Days of Spring, might be one of my biggest disappointments. I consider The Winter of Mixed Drinks to be in spirit, what The First Days of Spring should have been. Much like Noah and the Whale's first album, Frightened Rabbit is able to take on serious and even depressing themes with a sound that can even be uplifting.
B-
Grizzly Bear/Veckatimest:
Full disclosure here: I'm not really into the dreamy/hazy noise-pop sound that's made Brooklyn its home. I already gave my initial impressions of Grizzly Bear in my ACL review. Truth be told, my first impressions to a certain degree still hold true. I can't quite get into their dreamy meandering music and actually listen to it for extended periods of time or even as part of a mix. I find it best in terms of something to throw on while I'm working or studying.
C-
J. Roddy Walston and the Business/Hail Mega Boys:
I had the pleasure of seeing these gentleman open for Jukebox the Ghost at DC9's 10th Anniversary. They have an insane amount of energy that turns their soulful funky southern type rock into something timeless that speaks to all generations. Hail Mega Boys is great summertime/cookout music that can carry you through burgers, beer pong, into late night dance parties. They have strong party songs like Used to Did and soulful melodies like Go Malachi.
B+
Kidz in the Hall/Land of Make Believe:
Kidz in the Hall has a somewhat catchy album in Land of Make Believe. The earlier tracks on the album are the weakest I feel. The beats get progressively better as it progresses and their pop-culture-reference-laden lyrics are amusing and clever at best. Oddly enough, I find that their best songs are when they collaborate with other artists. I think it strengthens the album but it indicates that the band might not be so great itself.
C+
Miike Snow/Animal:
I have seen this band appear on the Rock and Roll Hotel's schedule a few times and have always been curious but never curious enough to actually check them out until now. I have to admit, I'm actually pretty pissed I didn't pick'em up sooner. These rockin' Swedes have a real good pop sensibility that leads to an enjoyable album all the way through. They've got a bouncy sound that reminds me of Passion Pit although not quite as manic.
B+
Priestess/Prior to the Fire:
Priestess is a band that doesn't usually fall into my normal milieu, although with this (and the death of Ronnie James Dio) I feel like maybe my milieu needs to expand. Anyone who can't get into the shredding that takes place on this album doesn't deserve to hear. Lead singer, Mikey Heppner, delivers vocals that would make James Hetfield or Dave Mustaine proud. Hard rock and metal have been missing from the scene too long and these drums and guitars make that a crime. They are not completely devoid of subtlety, however, and Communicating Via Eyes' opening really proves that.
A-
Rhymefest/Blue Collar:
Everyone knows my love for Midwest rappers, especially from Chicago. Rhymefest does not disappoint in this regard. Where Kidz in the Hall had a somewhat amusing album, Rhymefest has delivered an album that is sure to keep your head nodding for quite some time. Rhymefest is the co-writer of Kanye West's smash, Jesus Walks. He shows on Blue Collar, that this was not a singular act. The production on this album shows influence by Kanye in its use of particular beats and fun samples (including the aforementioned Citizen Cope).
A
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