Archive for February 2010
Episode 1310 is up
February 22, 2010Joel’s Hit Show, Episode 57, February 21 2010 Playlist
February 21, 2010Charlotte Gainsbourg, Heaven Can Wait
Jolie Holland, Darlin Ukelele
Psychology of Genocide, Human Regret
Hot Lava, O Retorno da Lovefoxxx
Willowz, Everyone
Lauren Hoffman, Blood
Fan Death, Reunited
Hindi Guns, Loaded Gun
Gigi, I Can’t Bring Myself to Smile
The Hissyfits, Bloodsugarsister
Meshell Nedgeocello, Slaughter
His Name Is Alive, Up Your Legs Forever
Brooke Waggoner, Find Her Floods
Hey Young Believer, Grand Design
Laura Gibson and Ethan Rose, Glocken
Kristin Hersh, Garoux des Larmes
Kristina Morland, Echo Charting
Helium, Lucky Charm
Gladys Knight, It’s a Better Than Good Time
Thee Headliners, Whatchagonnado?
Soft Cotton County, On a Roll
Heavenly, Skipjack
Shayna Zaid & the Catch, Blow
Imogen Heap, Swoon
Norah Jones, Chasing Pirates
Hannah Georgas, The Deep End
Rollerball, Camera’d
Hawnay Troof, Like Her
Emily Rodgers, The Dead Don’t Heal
Juliana Hatfield, The Lights
PJ Harvey, Sheela-na-gig
Gemma Hayes, Don’t Forget
The Hush Now “Constellations”
February 19, 2010This is a record that leaves me starstruck. The Boston sound impresses me every time I hear it, even today. The creativity musically reminds me of Talking Heads, but there is no David Byrne to distract me. If this band has an ego, they do a remarkable job keeping it under wraps.
“Fireflies” has a Northwest power pop feel to it. I guess that’s what they mean by a very accessible sound.
“Misanthrope” has a solid harmony and I guess a clarinet. I am not so good with my instruments. You should listen to this one and tell me how dumb I am. Someone has to. “I Saw You First” has the same accompaniment as a lot of Lush’s greatest. It works well with Noel Kelly’s lyrics here.
“Constellations” is the best track on an album full of great efforts. It’s time to clear off a space on the mantel for whatever goodies you want to toss their way, because The Hush Now deserve it — and how.
Bettie Serveert “Pharmacy of Love”
February 19, 2010Bettie Serveert have definitely tried to keep up with the times. This presentation is almost completely modern and sounds little like the efforts that made them famous during the Clinton administration. However, it’s unforced and provides a natural transition, and that makes sense. As the band has matured, surely so has its fans. We could do well with more of these cradle-to-grave rock bands.
“Love Lee” has smart guitar and holds my hand, as if to say, “Don’t worry about those newfangled bands like Vampire Weekend and Hot Chip. The only thing you need is the new Bettie Serveert and a bottle of Zima.” We all need this kind of reassurance from time to time. I’ll admit it, at least.
“Calling” is ridiculously long but provides some entertaining psychedelic environs. This one has to be played loud; don’t argue with me. The keyboard in “Change4Me” sets it apart from the rest. Someone out there is going to hear this and think they’ve discovered some hot new band. No joke. It’s that’s fresh.
“Deny All” is good, too, as is the last track, “What They Call Love.” The songs have a distinct style to them, and if this is the direction the band is going in, then I hope they spend another 24 years together.
Episode 1309 is up
February 19, 2010Episode 1308 is up
February 18, 2010Balbec “Rise and Fall of a Decade”
February 17, 2010I found it hard to believe that I had never heard of Balbec until I realized they were from France. That explains a lot. But I won’t hold it against them; the sound is that good.
The album’s title makes me think that the decade to which they are referring is the ’90s, because this sound is straight outta Matador Records. It doesn’t try to overpower you. The unassuming nature just makes you want it that much more. “How to Achieve God-Like Status” is very approachable in this fashion. I also want to vote for “Pedro Bonita” for Song of the Year. It has everything you could want from a Velocity Girl-era track.
“Drifting” sounds like a refined Eve’s Plum track. I knew somebody would be able to do it eventually, and I am glad that it was Balbec.
This album does a lot of things for me, and I look forward to being in the loop about upcoming releases.
Quasi “American Gong”
February 17, 2010Joanna Blome has joined the duo, but don’t expect that to mean more female singing. Sam Coomes rocks the mic on “American Gong.” The results are quite nice, although the melody is a lot less cheerful. The band has evolved plenty, even since albums such as “Hot Shit.”
We have a song with French in it, “Laissez les Bon Temps Rouller,” which makes me want to play Mille Borne. The soft organ keeps it going, and you’re no worse for the wear listening to this one.
“Bye Bye Blackbird” is less psychedelic than the others and gives you six minutes of pop sensibility. “The Jig Is Up” isn’t a jig at all, but it doesn’t make it any less fun.
Nothing too groundbreaking here, but it’s a fine example of the Portland sound. Quasi is still cool after all these years.
Today's featured shit 