Spins
Blessed By A Broken Heart reviewed
Blessed By A Broken Heart Pedal To The Metal (Century Media) Pedal To The Metal might be the year’s oddest record. Camaro-gunnin’ ’80s hard rock (check out album cover) combined with breakdown-adoring metalcore and and synthesizer-lovin’, er, sythnesizers.
High Places reviewed
High Places High Places (Thrill Jockey) If you thought esteemed local label Thrill Jockey has been paying too much attention to outre performers in he last three years, consider High Places the sort of band you could take home to an indie rock mom.
Fucked Up reviewed
Fucked Up The Chemistry Of Common Life (Matador) Fucked Up’s only album for Jade Tree, 2006’s Hidden World, wasn’t all that fucked up compared to the band’s trajectory on a score of singles and EPs. The Chemistry Of Common Life (Matador, 2008) doesn’t match the bar set by their name, either, and gives varying signals […]
The Little Ones review
The Little Ones Morning Tide (Chop Shop/Atlantic) On a 2006 EP, Los Angeles-based quintet The Little Ones reminisced “Way back when, we were the latest around.” Through protracted label twists and turns their sell-by date drew ever near, and finally here’s the happiest of happy debuts. Appearing: Tuesday, October 21st at Schubas in Chicago.
Blue Mountain reviewed
Blue Mountain Midnight In Mississippi/Omnibus (Broadmoor) Reunited and reconstituted with a new drummer, Blue Mountain double dips with a fresh album and a re-recorded mix of old “hits.” Appearing: Thursday, October 9th at Schubas in Chicago.
Land Of Talk reviewed
Land Of Talk Some Are Lakes (Saddle Creek) After changing some members, this Montreal-based quartet takes its foot off the pedal following a caustic debut EP — and its eyes off the road. Appearing: Thursday, October 9th at Vic Theatre in Chicago.
Gemma Hayes reviewed
Gemma Hayes The Hollow Of Morning (Second Motion) Former Mercury Prize nominee Gemma Hayes remains scared of her own voice, though she can’t hide from a number of flaws on her third album. Appearing: Monday, September 29th at Schubas in Chicago.
Jessica Lea Mayfield reviewed
Jessica Lea Mayfield With Blasphemy So Heartfelt (Polymer) It’s easy to imagine Jessica Lea Mayfield standing at a party and watching a date whom she hates or a boyfriend she’s about to break up with — and penning her debut in her head. Appearing: Tuesday, October 28th at Abbey Pub in Chicago.
The Suicide Kings reviewed
The Suicide Kings The Suicide Kings (Blue Plate) If one thing is made abundantly clear by the cover art of The Suicide Kings’ self-titled album, it’s not for kids.
Josh Rouse compiled
Josh Rouse The Best Of The Rykodisc Years (Rhino) In an age of iTunes hyper-selectivity and inescapable Essential and 20th Century Masters compilations, the music-buying public has nearly unlimited access to the dark corners of any artist’s career, regardless of record label. But Rykodisc and Rhino have a screwy little game they’d like to play.
Slipknot reviewed
Slipknot All Hope Is Gone (Roadrunner) Certain pockets of heavy metal fandom insist Slipknot are nothing more than goons in expensive Halloween masks whose over-the-top image, not the music, sells their records. If costumes sell CDs, though, why don’t Gwar go platinum? Why aren’t Mushroomhead playing arenas? Looking forward to the new Lordi record? Still […]
Young@Heart Chorus reviewed
Young@Heart Chorus Mostly Live (Rhino) Though technically not the Young@Heart soundtrack, without the visuals, this companion to the retirement-age music documentary still gets by, occasionally offering some contender-esque interpretations of modern rock and R&B.
Death Vessel reviewed
Death Vessel Nothing Is Precious Enough For Us (Sub Pop) Death Vessel’s Joel Thibodeau is a) an insect, b) female, or c) a bluegrass artist. At varying points one and none are true. Appearing: Saturday, August 30th at Schubas in Chicago.
Bigelf reviewed
Bigelf Cheat The Gallows (Custard) Bigelf’s cup runneth over with bombast. Their overzealous ode to big-top rock might not be very original, but it’ll overpower you in the end.
Pas/Cal reviewed
Pas/Cal I Was Raised On Matthew, Mark, Luke & Laura (Le Grand Magistery) After years of teasing indie pop enthusiasts with lip-smacking EPs, Pas/Cal manage a full-length that survives as a 12-track spread.
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