Music Snitch

I’m not quite sure what to say about Titus Andronicus’ latest album, ‘The Monitor’, but I do know it deserves a nod.  I was introduced to Titus Andronicus by way of their album ‘The Airing of Grievances’ in 2008, and while I wasn’t crazy about it, I was intrigued enough to check them out live.  Seeing them live significantly increased my appreciation for their music, but the urge to revisit ‘Grievances’ after the show just wasn’t there.

My first impression of ‘The Monitor’: this is much more palatable than its predecessor, my second thought: man, some of these tracks are freakin long.  Without liner notes and the inability to make out 60% of the lyrics, I only recently found out ‘The Monitor’ was a Civil War concept album… perhaps the track “Four Score And Seven” should have tipped me off.  While I don’t have the attention span to listen to the album from start to finish, I’ve been enjoying it in small bits and pieces.

‘The Monitor’ hits stores tomorrow (March 9th) via XL.

Take A Listen: A More Perfect Union from Titus Andronicus

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Download: A More Perfect Union (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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Download: Sun Hands (Right click on link and select “Save Target As” in IE or “Save Link As” in Firefox)

I love how These New Puritans start off ‘Hidden’ with, “Time Xone”, a track probably intended to slow down your heart rate and send you into a brief state of relaxation before pulling the rug out from you with, “We Want War”.   Heavy drum cadences and echoes run amuck on ‘Hidden’, but in a controlled, coherent manner.  For an album built so heavily on the combination of sounds and countless instruments, both traditional and nontraditional, the outcome is surprisingly clean and sharp.

These New Puritans have a reputation for being somewhat clever, and there are definitely moments on ‘Hidden’ where it shows, even if ambiguously.   For instance, the track “Three Thousand” starts off with the resonance of a sword being drawn, or a knife being sharpened, and is quickly followed by Barnett’s utterance of, “Three thousand thoughts in our minds / That’s when we’re slicing through time”.  This sound will appear yet again on the rousing track, “Attack Music”, where it seems appropriately placed between hard hits and a haunting groan.

‘Hidden’ comes across as a well thought out album, with articulate execution.  I think that the album’s industrial and ominous nature works in great compliment to the reoccurring theme of battle and altercation, as does the sparing use of lyrics.

The album has already been released in the UK, but expect ‘Hidden’ to officially be stateside on March 2nd via Domino.

Take A Listen: Orion from These New Puritans

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

Beach House’s latest album, ‘Teen Dream’, was released a few weeks ago, and since then (even before then) countless blogs have dissected the nooks and crannies of it, so I guess that makes me somewhat late to this posting party.   But, better late than never…I will keep it short.
If you were familiar with Beach House prior to ‘Teen Dream’, than the album probably sounds how you expected it to sound; there are no big surprises.   The minimalistic and haunting nature of the organ/piano is still present, as are the old school drum machine beats.  Although, their music does seem more accessible on this album, easier to spend time with.  While ‘Teen Dream’ is by no means the most jubilant collection of songs, Legrand and Scally appear to have slightly lightened the mood on this album (compared to their debut).  Victoria Legrand’s voice, whether pure or splashed with reverb, smoothly connects lyrics like, “The face that you saw in the door / Isn’t looking anymore / The name that you call in its place / Isn’t waiting for your embrace,” with Beach House’s signature, atmospheric sound.

Because Beach House sits in a noticeably defined comfort zone, their music can sound a bit redundant when listened to in large doses, which is why I tend to listen to them one or two tracks at a time.   However, this time around song distinctions are much more obvious and most of the tracks on ‘Teen Dream’ have a clear personality.   Currently my song of preference is “Real Love”; I’m drawn to the way it simply rests on Legrand’s voice and an organic piano…although it could have been a tad shorter in length.  Some other standouts are: “Norway”, “Used To Be” (it deviates from the rest of the album), “Lover of Mine” and “10 Mile Stereo”.

On a side note, I was listening to ‘Teen Dream’ in my car while driving my nana to her canasta night, and she was totally tapping her fingers along to the music! The ability to garner appreciation across generations has to be a sign of  quality music.

After hearing the first single, “Ambling Amp”, and watching the accompanying video, I began impatiently awaiting the release of Yeasayer’s sophomore album, ‘Odd Blood’.  Now, having finally heard the album in its full glory, I’m thinking, ” Glad I didn’t hastily write this after the first listen, because my thoughts have changed (for the better)”.  It seems as if ‘Odd Blood’ is a bit of a grower, although, not all of the tracks rooted themselves to my headphones.

Out of the 10 tracks, I can see myself actively seeking out, “Madder Red”, “Ambling Amp” (yes, still), and “O.N.E”, while being satisfied if my ipod unintentionally shuffled onto,”The Children”, “Love Me Girl” and “Rome”.   On the other hand, “Strange Reunions”, “Mondegreen” and “Grizelda”, currently invoke a strong, ’skip track’ urge.  For those of you mathematicians (or people who can count to ten), yes, I only mentioned nine tracks above, and it’s because I’m still unsure about the track, “I Remember”.  Keating’s rising and falling falsetto meshes really well with the slow moving tempo and the change of pace is more than welcome, but I get sort of bored with the repetition after two minutes.

All in all, ‘Odd Blood’ is a good pop album with some impressive standalone tracks that pleads a case for Yeasayer’s versatility.   Whether you think Yeasayer has successfully evolved or gone down the crapper since ‘All Hour Cymbals’ , there is a clear shift in sound/style from their debut.

We gave a heads up on our Tuesday release list last week, but I thought The End Of The World’s album French Exit Deserved a little deeper look and a full post spot. The album as a whole has a nice autumn feel, Stefan Marolachakis vocals have a reserved style on most of the tracks, but the shining points for me ended up being the tracks where the vocals felt more emotionally driven on the more upbeat songs such as Section House or I Don’t Want To Lose. The musical arangement is well put together minimalistic set of guitar, pedal steel guitar, drums and bass. I particularly liked the the guitar diddling, more bass driven sound on Someone Else’s Dollar. There is definitely no song on the album that gets the skip button when they come up on shuffle. I look forward to hearing more from this band and will be keeping my eye on them. You should give them an ear, you won’t regret it.

Check out their MySpace to listen to some tracks

Or their Website (which has some interesting factoids about prophecies for, well what else, the end of the world)

Although we do not have any music to share with you on the site, I still had to give you guys a heads up about my newest musical obsession. This gritty rock band goes by the name of Pela.

Their first full-length album Anytown Graffiti is like a bag of Sweet & Sour Patch Kids. The vocals are grimy and raw but the music is melodious and tidy. Pela is definitely a band you want to check out if you are in the mood for some infectious tunes.

Head over to their MySpace page and turn up the volume.