Brian James's Blog, page 52

Weekend Music Roundup

The weekend has arrived and as promised, this edition of the Roundup features mostly new stuff. There are really so many new releases coming out these days that I'm fairly swamped listening to stuff that I've been waiting for. It's a situation that I don't mind being in. There's also some recent vinyl purchases that I picked up at a fair over the long weekend a few weeks back. I'm digesting them in pieces in order to keep my spending down. There's a lot of rock on here, and some folk. Most are bands that I've followed for a long time. Definitely a lot to check out. Enjoy.

The Kills - Ash & Ice: It's been five years since the Trans-Atlantic duo released their last album, time during which Alison Mossheart focused on her Dead Weather project with Jack White. The time away was good for the band. Their last album was a letdown for me, but this is a return to form. Though not as gritty and raw as their early work, it's still great rock music. It goes back and forth from blues to dance rock in nice way, and Alison sounds fantastic. "Black Tar," "Bitter Fruit," "Echo Home," and wonderful "Hum for Your Buzz" are standouts. Definitely worth checking out.
The Claypool Lennon Delirium - Monolith of Phobos: The pairing of Les Claypool and Sean Lennon is one I couldn't have imagined a few years back when Ghost of the Sabre Tooth Tiger was just beginning, but after they last two strong psychedelic releases, it makes much more sense to me. It opens with the Floyd / Sgt. Pepper inspired title track and continues the vibe, with a slight deviation into slap bass intrigue, as is to be expected with Les involved. A very interesting and consistent psychedelic album with "Breath of a Salesman," "Boomerang Baby," and the title track being standouts. 
Jethro Tull - Heavy Horses: Tull made some of my all time favorite albums in the late '60s and early '70s and remained pretty fantastic throughout the decade. Released in '78, ten years after their debut, this record is classic Tull. They are still daring and creating some of the best prog blues ever recorded. This album feels more Zeppelin than any of their other albums. Not as epic as Aqualung or Thick as a Brick, and more prog than Stand Up, this falls in line with Minstrel in the Gallery. "Acres Wild," "Journeyman," and the title track are my personal favorites.

Melvins - Basses Loaded: The sludge metal pioneers are not as young as they used to be, and not nearly as heavy as they used to be. That said, they still know how to make solid riffs and interesting grooves. This album was a bit uneven for me. At moments they were they their classic selves, and at others, well, not so much. It's never bad, just more interesting at times than others. "Captain Come Down," "Beer Hippie," "War Pussy," and the cover of the Beatles "I Want To Tell You" are among my favorites.
Robert Ellis - Robert Ellis: Two years, the Nashville based singer/songwriter released one of my favorite albums of the year. The follow-up finally came out last week and it's another country folk record featuring tales of suffering in the modern age with interesting arrangements. It hasn't struck me with quite the same force as the last album, but perhaps that's just because it's very similar, and therefore no longer feels brand-new to me. Still, this is strong record and worth checking out, just ignore the oddly weak opening track "Perfect Strangers" and pay attention to "California," "Drivin'" and "The High Road."

Blue Oyster Cult - Spectres: The New York hard rock band's fifth album from 1977 was a recent vinyl pick-up for me. I was given their '74 album Secret Treaties as a gift a few years back and loved it. While not quite as perfect as that album, this one is still pretty fantastic rock. This band never over does anything and manages to deliver. In that way, they remind me of Deep Purple. They are America's brand of '70s rock, which differs from the British giants like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. I will certainly continue to pick up their records as I come across them.

Mark Kozelek - Mark Kozelek Sings Favorites: The Red House Painters and Sun Kil Moon frontman released this album of covers last month. I've been a fan of Mark's work for over two decades and was certainly interested in this. The most surprising thing about this album is the remarkable straight-forwardness of the songs. It is the most traditional music he's made in years. I love the direction he's been taking his songs in over the past few years, but this album reminded me of what a great singer he truly is. Some interesting choices on here too, ones you wouldn't expect to match his voice, but somehow do. The cover of 10cc's "I'm Not in Love" is simply brilliant.

The Lobster

Last night I saw The Lobster, a movie that felt really original and bizarrely funny. It takes the absurdities of our dating/ mating culture and deconstructs them into a dystopian world full of cruelty, and does so in such a way that we are able to laugh at them, while also being appalled by them. 
This is the kind of film that is rarely made today. It reminded me of indie cinema of the '90s, where directors were willing to experiment with odd storytelling and anti-conventions. It also harkened back to films from the '70s, particularly A Clockwork Orange comes to mind in the brand of unsettling humor. 
It's not exactly a profound movie, and doesn't try to be. It just tries to look at culture in an abstract way and succeeds in making it very entertaining. It's the kind of film that once seen, one will not forget it. Twenty or forty years from now, I will still remember what this movie was about and probably smile and chuckle to myself. That alone is worth the price of admission.

Weekend Music Roundup

The weekend has come as it always does. This week brought me many more new releases that I'd been looking forward to, as well as some that were kind of a surprise. It might be the most impressive week of new release listening of the year so far, not individually, but in total. Though next week I already have a bunch more lined up which may threaten to take over the title. I also went to a record sale last weekend and picked up some missing classics which I will mix in over the coming weeks. There is one on this week's list, one that is terrible overlooked. Enjoy.
Wolf Parade - EP 4: The first release in six years from the collaborative Canadian indie band from Spencer Krug (Sunset Rubdown, Moonface) and Dan Boeckner (Handsome Furs). I'm so glad these guys have returned, they've never let me down and these four songs are no exception. As with previous releases, the two frontmen trade off, two Spencer songs sandwiched between two of Dan's songs. All are classic Wolf Parade which is refreshing to hear after so long. A must for fans.
The Duke Spirit - KIN: It's been five years since the London band's last album and there's definitely an evolution here. As have many bands in the past several years, Duke Spirit has mellowed a bit in their sound, choosing to go in the direction of dreampop on many of the songs included here. And as with most dreampop, it's very nice to listen to. I've listened to this in the car twice, and it's good driving music. Nothing particularly spectacular or innovative, but quality nonetheless. Oddly though, it's the two rockers, "Hands" and "Side-By-Side" that are standouts for me.
The Strokes - Future Present Past EP: The NYC band's new release is their first new music in three years and it's quite brilliant. This is what radiohead should sound like instead of the sleepy bore that they've become. The Strokes continue to evolve and experiment. These songs are like knotted balls of twine that threaten to unravel, but just as they are pulled the breaking point, they snap back into something wonderful. In some ways, this reminds me of some of Bowie's most daring and creative work. Not for everyone, but if it's for you, it don't get much better.
Band of Skulls - By Default: Released this week is the new album from the London indie band, their fourth, and easily their best since their debut. The funny thing about listening to this during the course of the week is that I found myself thinking, this is very 00's. That's the first time I ever thought that, and it actually made me happy. This is classic '00s indie rock, with garage influences. There are some great songs on here, including "Bodies" which is their best song to date. While I enjoyed their last album, this one is great because it doesn't try to be anything that it's not. Well worth checking out.
Black Pistol Fire - Don't Wake the Riot: The Austin rock band's fourth album is their best yet. Their early garage rock has blossomed into a mixture of garage rock and southern rock, moving them beyond a band that sounded a little like The White Stripes and into a band that sounds original and exceptional. This is one of those records that the more I listen to it, the more I hear and the more I appreciate. Definitely one to check out if you like southern blues rock with an updated feel.
Elton John - Blue Moves: Released a year after Captain Fantastic, this 1976 double album marks the end of Elton's prolific and wonderful '70s heyday in partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin. Strangely enough, there are no hits on this record, no songs that are known by all, but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable than the albums that came before it. The glam era is winding down on here, but there are still some moments where you hear that classic Elton sound. Definitely a nice addition to the catalog. Perhaps not essential, but definitely worthwhile.

Turning Points

I've reached one of those moments in my new manuscript, the kind that writers encounter several times in the course of a story. It's a moment where the direction of the story must choose one path or the other. I like to think of it as a "Choose Your Own Adventure" moment. If this happens, then proceed to page so-and-so...but if this happens, then go here instead. 
These moments are potentially momentum killers because you can take so long considering the possibilities rather than just plowing through. Luckily, I reached this moment just before the long weekend where I knew I wasn't going to have time to write. Which is good, because it gave me time to think. Thinking through a situation is something I never did in my early career. Sometimes I think that was a positive thing, but I know it wasn't really. Without thinking it through, I've gone down the wrong road enough times that I know it's better to get directions first. 
I have a road map now....at least until the next "Choose Your Own Adventure" moment.

Weekend Music Roundup

Summer has arrived! With the sweltering heat, it feels more like July than May. I hate the heat, but at least it's a good excuse to lounge around and listen to music. Continuing with the trend of the last few weeks, this list consists of pretty much all new releases. Next week is likely to also include many new releases, because like I said, it's summer and with the heat comes an explosion of new tunes. This was a good week with lots of great stuff and a few contenders for my best of the year list so far. So sit back, find some music, and above all, enjoy!
Guided By Voices - Please Be Honest: The Ohio lo-fi indie band's first proper album in two years is unsurprisingly similar to any of their previous albums. By that, I mean these are more flashes of brilliance in brief song sketches that hint at some horrible and interesting mythology that lies just around the corner. Some people get easily frustrated by the nature of GBV's albums, but the sketches are what I love about them. This is a great addition to their catalog. Some favorites of mine are "I Think of Telescope," "The Quickers Arrive," "The Caterpillar Workforce," and "Eye Shop Heaven."
The Red Krayola - Baby and Child Care: Just released is this recently unearthed, unheard 1984 recording from the experimental band. The band takes words from Dr. Spock books on child care and reads them over their usual brand of quirky experimental psych pop. More interesting than actually good, though it's not as hard to listen to as it might seem on the surface. One of those albums that is really a one-listen kind of thing. A curiosity for those familiar with the band. "Make Believe in Moderation" is probably the best on here.

The Fucking Champs - IV: Released in 2000, this is the fourth album from the Santa Cruz metal/ math rock band which features the former guitarist from Nation of Ulysses. In a lot of ways, this is prog rock, mixed with indie rock, but with metal elements. The entire album is instrumental and as with all math rock, features intriguing arrangements. It reminds in a lot of ways of a more structured Mars Volta. I was unfamiliar with these guys until this album was given to me, which is surprising considering they are on Drag City records and in the '90s and early 00's, I was well-versed with that label's catalog. Great stuff and I will definitely be checking out more of their offerings.

PJ Harvey - The Hope Six Demolition Project: It's been five years since PJ's landmark "Let England Shake" and last month this long awaited follow-up record was finally released. As with that album, this is a bit of political protest record. Also like it's predecessor, it's more art rock than anything she did earlier in her career. A solid album, though a little less earthy than LES, which was one of the things I loved about that album.

Woodpigeon - Trouble: The Calgary indie folk band's seventh album came out last month, their first in three years. I loved their last record, but this one is even more spectacular. There's a eerie darkness shrouded in beauty, which is the kind of album that always grabs me. Similar to Cocoon, this catchy enough to appeal to indie pop fans, but deep enough to thrill folk fans. There is not a bad song on this album, which is shaping up to be one of my favorites of the year.

The Rise of Ignorance

The other day, there was a parade of pick-up trucks that drove by, flying both American and Confederate flags in honor of a 16 year old who died in a car accident nearby. According to the mother, her son was "proud to be a redneck", a reference to a slogan on the bumper stickers of other local teens who fly Confederate flags. THIS IS IN UPSTATE NEW YORK, not even ten miles from Woodstock, a place that stands for the complete opposite of this attitude!
On some level, I can understand Southerners' attachment to the flag of their rebellion. I don't necessarily agree with their argument, but for better or worse, there is a heritage issue. There is no heritage defense in New York State. Up here, a Confederate flag is nothing but ignorance at best, and racism at worst. And the fact that people are proud of their ignorance is absurd. 
This is the whole Trump anti-PC argument. It's a celebration of ignorance and stupidity. I see it all around and I can't help but feel there is a large part of this country that is reverting to standards we abandoned decades ago in favor of progress and enlightenment. This anti-PC nonsense is simply a ploy to be able to say racist shit and not be called out for it. Disgusting.

My Father's Day

Today would've been my Dad's 60th Birthday. It's hard to believe that three birthdays have now passed without him here to celebrate. At times it feels like I just spoke with him, but the more time that goes by, the less it feels that way. I find myself not only missing the good times and the laughs, but now that I have a daughter, I miss all the parenting advice he would've given. If there is one thing I could've changed about his passing, it would've been that he had the chance to meet my daughter. Wherever he is...I'm sure he's throwing a big party today. Have a blast, Dad! We miss you.

Weekend Music Roundup

I know I've been saying it for a while now, but this week I finally got around to listening to new releases from old favorites that I'd been looking forward to.  It was a lucky break that none of them disappointed, and thus contributed to what is shaping up to be yet another great year in music (the 67th consecutive year in a row). I also have a few vinyl pick-ups from the past weekend. Who know that stores still took trade in on CDs? Well, I did, and traded a stack of CDs that I had on vinyl for some shiny new wax. All in all, a good week of listening. Enjoy.
Richard Ashcroft - These People: One of the most anticipated albums of the year for me has been the new solo record from The Verve frontman. This is his first solo album in ten years, and in many ways it's a return to form. It's more in tune with his early solo efforts and abandons the adult-contempo/ soul vibe of the previous two albums. There's a lot to love on here and very little hate. I have to admit that some of the songs weren't really my cup of tea, but even when they weren't, I could get into them. The great songs though are great. They include "Black Lines," "They Don't Own Me," "This is How it Feels," and "Out of My Body."
Holly Miranda - Party Trick: After the success of her self-titled second solo record last year, this new EP was released, though it's not exactly new. It is an abridged EP of a self-released album of covers put out in 2012. As always, Holly's voice and mellow style bring something beautiful to every choice on here. Worth picking up even if only for "Love Came Here." Another great release from one of my favorite singer songwriters.
The Jayhawks - Paging Mr. Proust: The legendary alt country band's first album in five years is a true return to their 90's glory sound. It opens with two wonderful songs and from there just keeps going. While it stands alongside their classic albums, it's not simply a revisit of their Americana Elton John vibe, this delves deeper in midwest psychedelic ala Wilco or even Flaming Lips, especially on the amazing track "Ace." There isn't a bad song on here. I just love it when an album surprises you in such a positive way. 
Jess and the Ancient Ones - Second Psychedelic Coming (The Aquarius Tapes): The second album from the Finnish heavy psych band came out at the end of last year and is the follow up to their 2012 debut. It's refreshing to hear a female lead vocal in this genre, something that is still rare in rock after decades and decades. Her voice is Grace Slick like, making this sound like a heavier Jefferson Starship. There's a real '70s hard rock vibe to this record which is enjoyable, if not terribly original. Definitely worth checking out if you like the genre. 
Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin III: This is a band that I go through phases with, but currently I'm really into them again and have been for about a year. I never had this 1970 classic before, but picked up a vinyl copy last weekend. This blues rock at it's finest. It's easily their most blues influenced record and hearing it not, I can hear it's influence on bands like White Stripes, especially on tracks like "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp" and "Hats Off to (Roy) Harper." Then there's the amazing "Since I've Been Loving You" that blows me away. Fantastic stuff.

M - New York-London-Paris-Munich: Best known of the synth-pop hit "Pop Muzik" that is the first song on this, their 1979 debut album. I found this for $1 and it's quite good. Along with Gary Numan's Pleasure Principle album, released the same year, this is the beginnings of New Wave and a classic of the genre. I've been into New Wave a lot these days, finding it very fun and reminiscent of music from my early elementary school years. Definitely worth a dollar. 

Mötley Crüe - Theatre of Pain: Two years after their glam rock landmark Shout At The Devil the L.A. band released this album in 1985. On their third album, we see them moving away from glam and into pure hard rock. I had this on cassette when it came out, and later on CD as part of the Music to Crash Your Car To box set. It's never been quite as good the as the two albums that came before it, but I still picked it up on vinyl last weekend as part of a CD trade-in. There's lots of quality tunes on here, in addition to "Home, Sweet, Home," especially "Louder than Hell" and "City Boy Blues."

Finding the Groove

A few weeks back, I posted about starting a new project, the first completely new project I've attempted in far too long. As expected, it took a bit of time to get back into the swing of things. The first chapter was a lot of feeling my way around, not only with the story and characters, but also with the style in which I wanted to present them. Time being a commodity that is hard to come by these days, that process took a while. 
This week I had a string of breakthroughs. It started with a solid day of being able to write, which quickly allowed the story to begin taking shape. Once that happened, I was able to piece together some notes I'd taken and actually outlined the next thirty pages or so. I'm determined not to fall into some of the same traps that have blocked me in the past, and so far, I think taking my time has aided in that quest. It feels good to feel productive once again.

Weekend Music Roundup

The weekend is here at last and it couldn't come fast enough. This was one of those weeks where I never seemed to have time to listen to music. Though I always manage to make time, I wasn't able to get to a whole host of albums that I'd planned to throw up here for the Roundup. I didn't get to listen to two that I'd been really excited for, and finally made time to listen to a few remaining Record Store Day purchases. There are three $1 bin records on here, so be prepared for that. I find myself often buying nostalgic albums in the $1 bin, things that I remember from childhood. I feel like you can't go wrong that way. Even if the album ain't all that great, it's worth it for the memories it conjures up. Hope something here will spark your interest. Enjoy!

The Cosmic Dead - Rainbowhead: The new album from the Glasgow heavy psych band came out this past spring. This is their tenth album in their six years of existence, my previous experience with them is based on a compilation that came out in 2011. Unlike most heavy psych bands around these days, Cosmic Dead aren't afraid to vary things up a bit, and mix in space rock and drone elements into traditional stoner metal riffs. Only four songs on here, the last two being extended jams of over ten minutes apiece, of them, the title track and "Skye Burial" are my favorites.
The Legendary Pink Dots - Pages of Aquarius: Released a few weeks ago, this is the newest album from the band that has had the biggest impact on me in the last two years. Though they've been around for nearly 40 years, it's only been a two years since I started to exploring their catalog. This one opens with the amazing "Mirror Mirror", one of my favorite songs that I've heard by them. As it progresses, it drifts into their more soundscape style, producing intriguing and fascinating worlds, though I must admit, not their most intriguing or fascinating. Definitely worthwhile, but a bit of letdown...though it must be stated that my expectations were very high. 
The Bevis Frond - Inner Marshland: Released in 1987, this is the second album from the psychedelic rock band, not counting the extremely limited release Bevis Through the Looking Glass. This was re-released on vinyl for RSD and I was lucky enough to score a copy. They've been a favorite of mine for years, and this was one album I did not yet have on CD or digital. It's a great psychedelic record that contains all genres, from folk and acid rock to indie. At moments, it's part Floyd, then it swings to Hendrix on "Mediaeval Sienese Acid Blues," while all throughout, capturing that unique and little explored world of '80s psychedelic rock.  

Dizzy Mizz Lizzy - Forward in Reverse: The Danish band's third album, and first in twenty years, came out last month. Being unfamiliar with their two mid-90's records, I have no point of reference on which to base their progression or revival. What I can say is that this album feels similar to other emo and post-rock albums that feature heavier guitar. It reminded me a little of The World Is a Beautiful Place..., which is another band that I've never been able to fully embrace. This album sort passed through me and made little impact with the exception of the last song, "Say It To Me Anyway." 
Slim Boyd - Hits Made Famous by Hank Williams: This was a $1 bin find back on Record Store Day. This is a fine record of old time honky tonk country, which is really the only kind of true "country" music. Doing some digging trying to find out more about this album, it seems unclear whether this is simply a tribute album done by Slim Boyd or actual Hank and I'd have to listen to them side by side to know. Either way, it's a good listen and one dollar well spent.

Steve Winwood - Arc of a Diver: Released in December of 1980, this is only the second solo album from the legendary blues rock leader of Traffic. As the '70s are ending, so is the daze that came with it, and the stars of the decades before began to mellow out. This has to be one of the earliest 80s sounding albums, all smooth jazz fusion that reminds me of my early childhood. Certainly not in the same league as something like Traffic or The Spencer Davis Group or Blind Faith, but respectable enough that there's nothing to be ashamed of. "While You See a Chance" is the biggest hit on here, but "Slowdown Sundown" is the real standout.

Dr. Hook - Pleasure & Pain: By the late '70s, the New Jersey band had all but abandoned their country rock roots in favor of more commercial soft rock, something that proved successful with hits on this album like "When You're In Love with a Beautiful Woman" and "Sharing the Night Together." I took a chance on this one for $1 and while you can never go wrong with a one dollar record, this is a far cry from their '71 debut which I have and love. One of those nostalgia records that I'll have to be in the mood for, which definitely happens from time to time, so you need these kind of records around.