Have we all recovered from last week’s New Music Tuesday posts? I think I have, thanks in large part to what I think was a great discussion in the comments. Of course, it’s also thanks in large part to my top pick for this week’s releases as well as Ane Brun’s cover of Arcade Fire, “Neighbourhood #1.”
There is only one fault I can find with Boys & Girls: 36 minutes and 18 seconds is quite simply just not enough. I want — nay — I need more. Holy good lawd, this album is spectacular. Singer Brittany Howard commands your attention with her vocal presence as though she were about to school you on all of life’s hard lessons. I’ve actually caught myself shaking my head in disbelief at how much Southern rock ‘n soul they can pack into one song. Howard can throw out a guttural yell and somehow instantly hook and reel you in to the story she’s telling. I haven’t been able to see the group live yet, but I have it on good authority that they are just as great in concert as they sound on this album, if not better. You can stream the album, easily one of this years best, in its entirety over at NPR. Check out their live rendition of the album’s first single, “Hold On.”
(Song below contains lots of f-bombs, d-bags and is NSFW)
And now for something completely different! When I think of Icelandic bands that I know of, they either fall into the minimalist electronic category, like Múm or Sigur Ros, or the “You never know what you’re going to get but it will most likely be a full on electronic circus or a sweeping wall of orchestral sound” from Bjork. Of Monsters and Men pair better with the sweet folky tunes of Mumford and Sons. The six-piece is young but they are well-seasoned musicians. I’m expecting a lot from them in the next few years.
Barber’s ability to embody a very young chanteuse of the ’50s and ’60s is pretty remarkable. From her backup singers to each instrument played in accompaniment behind her, she doesn’t step out of character for even a second. There’s something pretty romantic about Mischievous Moon, so I’d throw it on if you were having a date night in or a small dinner party with a Mad Men
theme. (I’m assuming on the Mad Men. I don’t actually watch it unless staring at pictures of Joan counts.) You can stream the album in its entirety over at Spinner.
Honorable Mentions: Obie Trice, The Lumineers, Ravens & Chimes, Candlebox (what!!), Tyler Hilton, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, The Futureheads, De La Soul, The Dean’s List, Rascal Flatts, Wilson Phillips (cover songs).That’s all for this week’s post but feel free to hit me up on the Tweets, on Facebook and if you’re in Chicago and looking for shows to go to, I just launched a new podcast that you can check out and keep close to your heart!
