Music Snitch

Video: Dumb Dadadum from Quail Lungs

Download: Dumb Dadadum (Right click on link and select “Save Target As” in IE or “Save Link As” in Firefox)

From what I’ve seen on the interwebs, it looks like Local Natives are prone to an introduction that includes, “They sound like/are reminiscent of (insert Grizzly Bear, Fleet Foxes, etc.)”, and yes, there are definitely some obvious and immediate similarities, it’s true.  That being said, I still think Local Natives’ debut album, ‘Gorilla Manor’, is genuinely fresh with unique appeal; they’re doing their own thing, and it works!  Although, I’m sure they don’t mind references to the amazing bands mentioned above.

‘Gorilla Manor’ has its fair share of standout tracks but it also works marvelously as a compilation.  While the melodies and three-part harmonies had me at hello, I think it’s the multiple frontmen set up that keeps Local Natives sounding versatile and effervescent throughout the album.  The percussions, whether subtle or blatant, also play a vital role in the alluring nature of the bands’ ethereal sound, as do the sporadic chants and howls.

“Wide Eyes” is a perfect introduction to ‘Gorilla Manor’ because it displays Local Natives‘ ability to work together as a band. You can clearly hear the separate elements building up and seamlessly melding together into one melodious arrangement.  The track, “Sun Hands”, which was released as a single last year, is one of my favorite songs on the album, and according to Taylor Rice, the lyrics describe “that all too familiar feeling of wanting what you can’t have – especially when you once had it.”

Midway through ‘Gorilla Manor’ you’ll find the track, “Camera Talk”, which sounds a bit different than the rest of the album. During the initial moments I was fixated on the violin’s participation, then the chorus hit and the Local Natives drop into a ska-ish like rhythm, which was not expected but certainly welcomed.   A couple tracks later and you end up at the Talking Heads’ cover, “Warning Sign”.  “We’ve basically flipped the song on its head,” said Matt Frazier while explaining how they switched David Byrne’s original yelped vocals into a three-part harmony.

The album concludes on a strong note with the piano backed, hand clap invaded, “Stranger Things”.   After repeated listens, I can safely say that ‘Gorilla Manor’ is one of my favorite albums this year, and that Frenchkiss Records has one of the best rosters around.

Take A Listen: Sun Hands from Local Natives

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Looks like the folkish delight, Phosphorescent, will be releasing a new album entitled, ‘Here’s to Taking it Easy’, on May 11th via Dead Oceans.

Here’s a little bit of album insight (Dead Oceans):
Featuring the current live incarnation of Phosphorescent (Scott Stapleton, piano; Jeff Bailey, bass; Chris Marine, drums; Jesse Anderson Ainslie, guitar; Ricky Ray Jackson, pedal steel), ‘Here’s to Taking It Easy’ is the new Cosmic American Music.  Recorded in the band’s hometown of Brooklyn with outside mixing assistance from Stuart Sikes (White Stripes, Cat Power, Loretta Lynn, the Walkmen), this album breathes with life like nothing Phosphorescent has ever done before.  “We’ll Be Here Soon” and “Hej, Me I’m Light” hint at the narcotic haze of Pride, while anthems like “The Mermaid Parade” and “It’s Hard to Be Humble (When You’re From Alabama)” sound perfect pumped out of the car stereo with the windows rolled down. “Heaven, Sittin’ Down” recalls the country rock of To Willie, while the stark album closer, “Los Angeles” sounds as if it was lifted from the grooves of Neil Young’s On the Beach.

Take A Listen: It’s Hard To Be Humble (When You’re From Alabama) from Phosphorescent

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Download: It’s Hard To Be Humble (When You’re From Alabama) (Right click on link and select “Save Target As” in IE or “Save Link As” in Firefox)

I’m so happy that Pitchfork posted all of these links in one place, I mean someone had to.  With new music coming out from Broken Bells, The Besnard Lakes, Titus Andronicus and The Morning Benders (to name a few), next week’s ‘New Release Tuesday’ is going to be a doozy!

- Broken Bells: Broken Bells
- Gorillaz: Plastic Beach
- Titus Andronicus: The Monitor
- Liars: Sisterworld
- Frightened Rabbit: The Winter of Mixed Drinks
- Free Energy: Stuck on Nothing
- The Morning Benders: Big Echo
- The Besnard Lakes: The Besnard Lakes Are the Roaring Night

Tuesday, March 2nd:
The Ruby Suns: Fight Softly [Sub Pop]
These New Puritans: Hidden [Domino]
Rogue Wave: Permalight [Brushfire]
Portugal. The Man: American Ghetto [Equal Vision]
Groove Armada: Black Light [Om]
Shy Child: Liquid Love [Wall of Sound]

Take A Listen: Cranberry from The Ruby Suns

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Video: Scissor from Liars

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It has certainly been awhile, but here’s a new track from Rah Digga produced by Nottz.  “Warning Shots” is a welcome change of pace from the hip-hop floating around radio waves these days.  Wonder Years anyone?

Take A Listen: Warning Shots

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I’ve only known about the existence of Psychobuildings for three days now, but I must say, I’m really enjoying their style…musically and physically (see picture above; that beard alone is marvelous).  This Brooklyn dwelling three-piece started as Peter LaBier’s solo project but expanded to include Peter Schuette (Silk Flowers) and Juan Pieczanski (Small Black).  Their debut 7″, ‘Birds of Prey’, which consists of the b-side, “Paradise”, is currently available in limited edition over at All Hands Electric.

Take A Listen: Dirty Rainbows from Psychobuildings

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Psychobuildings – MySpace