Tag Archives: cults

(31) Days of Good//12.4.17

If there’s a theme for 2017, I guess it could be “surprise returns.” The return of Mister Heavenly was easily one of the most unexpected. I loved their debut, but I was always under the impression that it was a one-time offer from the indie-alternative supergroup. Obviously I was wrong…so i’ll continue to hold out hope that Discovery will drop a second album one of these days.

Mister Heavenly – Beat Down [from Boxing the Moonlight]
[misterheavenlyband.com]

 

On her long overdue, sophomore release, Fever Ray (aka Karin Dreijer of The Knife) creates a dynamic, unhinged, and fascinating sound. It’s hard to believe this is only her second solo album in eight years.

Fever Ray – Wanna Sip [from Plunge]
[feverray.com]

 

Super happy to have new Cults back in my life this year. I really wasn’t expecting new material from the duo this year (or ever for that matter), so when they started teasing studio sessions and then dropping singles, I revisited their older material and remembered why they’re one of my favorite acts.

Cults – Offering [from Offering]
[cultscultscults.com]

 

I was lucky enough to see LCD Soundsystem live during their farewell tour in 2012. Easily one of the best shows i’ve had the pleasure to experience. I supported the band’s decision to go out on their terms, but part of me never really accepted it. So when word began creeping out that the band was preparing a return, I couldn’t have been happier and once again supported the band’s decision. Here’s a group of artists that thought they were done, but really just needed some time off. And during that time off they realized they wanted back. They had more music to share. More memories to create. This entire album is a fantastic return to form with numerous standout tracks. But nobody croons like James Murphy and I’m a sucker for his eloquent slow jams.

LCD Soundsystem – american dream [from american dream]
[lcdsoundsystem.com]

 

#31days2017

[new music roundup] 10.6.17

 

A few of my favorite new releases this week…

 

Alex Lahey//I Love You Like a Brother

[alexlahey.com.au]

 

Blue Hawaii//Tenderness

[bluehawaii.bandcamp.com]

 

Cults//Offering

[cultscultscults.com]

 

Mister Heavenly//Boxing the Moonlight

[misterheavenlyband.com]

 

Weaves//Wide Open

[weavesband.com]

 

What are your favorite new releases this week?

[mix] (31) Days of Good: 2011

31-days-2011-icon-darker-blue

As I prep #31days2016, I find myself exploring the tunes from past (31) Days of Good. It seems counter productive when i’m writing about the best new music of the year, but listening to old favorites seems to motivate me more. Last month, Brendan and I revisited the early blogspot days of Concrete Opinions and 35mmBeats on Revolutions Per Minute and had a blast. So, as we approach the “best of season”, i thought it would be nice to share my old (31) Days of Good playlists. 

Enjoy.

(31) Days of Good: 12.7.13

modern vampires of the city

“There’s a line in that song that just slays me. It says, “Wisdom’s a gift but you trade it for youth. Age is an honor, but it’s still not the truth.” I just love that. I don’t know where you were when you wrote that line, but good lord.” via Bob Boilen, NPR: All Songs Considered

♩ Vampire Weekend – Step [from Modern Vampires of the City]
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sleigh_bells_bitter_rivals

I’ve been gushing about Sleigh Bells since I started this here blog back in 2009. Since then, the NY noise-pop duo have released 3 full-length albums, and i’ve loved them all. Bitter Rivals was released this year (not even a year after 2012’s Reign of Terror) and packed full of the duo’s signature pop hooks and epic guitar riffs I love so much. I’m not sure if Sleigh Bells will ever be able to top their debut album, Treats, but if they keep releasing tracks like “Sugarcane”, I won’t complain one bit.

♩ Sleigh Bells – Sugarcane [from Bitter Rivals]
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The National - Trouble Will Find Me

“’Don’t Swallow the Cap’ (maybe a reference to Tennessee Williams’ unfortunate demise) slowly builds into an anthemic ending, combining lush string arrangements with eery distortion and Bryan Davendorf’s cyclical drum work. It’s an odd melding of styles – Davendorf drums like he’s in Can; the Dessner brothers play delicate, sly melodies; Matt sings with an intimate intensity – but it works, and I’m not sure it ever won’t.” via Pretty Much Amazing

♩ The National – Don’t Swallow the Cap [from Trouble Will Find Me]
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cults_static

Cults’ self-titled debut was my favorite album of 2011, so needless to say, I was super excited for their sophomore effort. Like Sleigh Bells above, I don’t think Cults will top their debut, but Static did not disappoint one bit. There are a handful of worthwhile tracks, but “We’ve Got It” really showcases the duo’s signature sound of experimental pop and doo-wop vocals.

♩ Cults – We’ve Got It [from Static]
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[new music roundup] 10.15.13

cults_static

 

A few of my favorite new releases this week…

 

The Avett Brothers//Magpie and the Dandelion

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Cults//Static

web//facebook//twitter//instagram//soundcloud//shows//iTunes

 

Four Tet//Beautiful Rewind

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The Head and the Heart//Let’s Be Still

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Lucius//Wildewoman

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Paul McCartney//New

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Tristen//Caves

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A few more worth a listen
Barton Carroll//Avery County
Bloc Party//Tapes
Crystal Antlers//Nothing Is Real
Depeche Mode//Should Be Higher
Diane Birch//Speak A Little Louder
The Dismemberment Plan//Uncanney Valley
kwes.//ilp.
Luke Temple//Good Mood Fool
Modern Kin//Modern Kin
Pearl Jam//Lightning Bolt

 

More new music at Largehearted Boy