Today's featured shit

This album came with no information, so when I saw it had a Rebecca Leigh in it, I figured I would give it a shot. Rebeccas generally rule. The names were listed in the liner notes in alphabetical order, so I had no way of knowing anything. Well, Ms. Leigh does in fact sing, but the fact remained that I still knew nothing about the album.

They’re a rock band. You can hear some R.E.M., but overall it’s only mildly inspiring. “Cage the Lions” reminds me of Lackadaisy. The music is slightly brooding but not threatening, ike Siouxsie and the Banshees in their later days.

Just when you think it’s another trapped in the 1980s band, “Webs” comes along. It has a 1990s feel to it! It’s not bad, although the drum beat is mixed a little too high for its own good.

“The Runout” is another standout track, but overall, this band exists to give goth-rock fans something else to listen to. We can always use more.

Sometimes when you like at an album you have an idea of what to expect. That’s never been more true than it is here. Jenny Owen Youngs is an indie pop artist among indie pop artists.

“Nighty Night” has neat keyboards and reminds some of Dido. It’s very mellow and makes you want to peel oranges, after which you’ll use the rind to make tea. “Start + Stop” has a ukulele going on, which helps call attention to the occasional country references that this album has.

“Led to the Sea” is more contemporary and has a glockenspiel. It also has the same melody as “Do You Think I’m Sexy.” It’s a little subtle, but you can hear it if you try. The best track is “Last Person.” It reminds one of another Jenny, the one named Lewis, and has musical stylings that would make Neko Case blush, especially if she had been drinking.

This album is pretty much a winner front to back. It will be interesting to see what she comes up with next.

Hukkelberg has a beautiful voice and should have no trouble coaxing blood from a stone or water from a turnip for that matter. Mid Night Sun Dream gets things going and provides ethereal vocals and music that is almost ambient.

The title track expands on her vocals and makes one think of the women of the B-52’s. “Seventeen” has vocals reminiscent of Pretty Girls Make Graves, but the music is completely different.

“In Here/Out There” has a Missing Persons feel to it. The musicianship is not overly complicated, but it doesn’t need to be. Even the other songs tend to have a crisp and simple approach. There’s not much that needs embellishment here, so that’s fine.

This album takes a few listens to really get going, but you’ll find it a key component of your collection if you want it to. You could certainly do worse that this album, and it likely would require too much effort to do better, so take that time and spend it on beer instead.

This six-track EP is great for a rainy day. Britt Warner’s voice reminds me of Alannah Myles on leadoff track “You Know You Can.” The sound is very stripped down and basic rock ‘n’ roll. The next track is “Elevator Eyes.” It is faster but still solid rock. They remind me of Picnic here.

“Feel Alive Go Numb” is slower and has Led Zeppelin-inspired guitar. And here Warner sounds like Paula Cole. Luckily it does not feel too slick, which can often be expected with such comparisons. “Slow Down” is a midtempo song, whose accompaniment reminds me of Red Hot Chili Peppers. Sometimes music sounds like nothing. These guys sound like a lot of things.

“This Is It” is another midtempo song. It’s a little better in the muggy afternoon sun with a nice glass of iced tea. Something seems to be missing here, as in maybe it’s too stripped down. Some sort of glue is needed to connected the guitar with the rest of the song.

“Belong Together” finishes it up, and it reminds me of Poe. Johnny would never have been angry if this Jezebel from hell were singing to him.