Dr. Dog - Fate

There was a time in the past decade where suddenly it was cool to sound like bands from the 60s and 70s. I don't know if it was Wolfmother or someone realized that the music coming from those decades is still relevant and really good. Either way, this resurgence brought a lot of bands to the forefront of the indie scene. Dr. Dog takes cues from The Beach Boys, The Beatles and just about any rock band from the 70s. Obviously, these dudes add their own little modern touch to the sound. They've released a couple of albums so far, but my favorite is their latest effort, Fate. Great stuff here folks.


Sorry for the lack of posts. I tried to post the latest Devendra album, but didn't feel like uploading it and couldn't find a link. It'll come soon, don't you worry. Love you.

1. "The Breeze" – 3:59
2. "Hang On" – 4:01
3. "The Old Days" – 3:42
4. "Army of Ancients" – 4:05
5. "The Rabbit, the Bat, and the Reindeer" – 3:29
6. "The Ark" – 3:38
7. "From" – 4:39
8. "100 Years" – 4:06
9. "Uncovering the Old" – 3:22
10. "The Beach" – 3:42
11. "My Friend" – 5:36

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Devendra Banhart - What Will We Be

I have not put up an album in a century. This one is a new release from the freak-folk bard of indie music, Devendra Banhart. His sixth studio album just dropped on Tuesday and is titled What Will We Be. The album picks up where the dynamics of Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon. Electric guitars and live drums and keyboards and reverb and louder vocals. Songs like "16th & Valencia, Roxy Music" and "Rats" are great tracks that show an upbeat side to the record that has songs like "Goin' Back," "First Song for B," and "Last Song on B." The classic rock influence is increasingly noticeable on songs like "Rats" and "Baby." This album didn't get that hyped from Pitchfork so it probably won't be on many end of the year lists. But just cause this is a different type of album from Devendra doesn't mean it's not quality. I highly recommend this record to you fine folks.

Devendra Banhart - What Will We Be

1. Can't Help But Smiling

2. Angelika

3. Baby

4. Goin' Back

5. First Song For B

6. Last Song For B

7. Chin Chin & Muck Muck

8. 16th & Valencia Roxy Music

9. Rats

10. Maria Lionza

11. Brindo

12. Meet Me At Lookout Point

13. Walilamdzi

14. Foolin'

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Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

Occasionally I hear the genre doo-wop to be a very interesting genre to listen to and that there are many great bands to choose from. The way the genre has influenced music of the 21st century and the past is subtle. But the way vocal melodies are catchy and interesting are because of doo-wop vocal stylings. Whether or not you agree with that, the idea of doo-wop harmonization and vocal ethics have been stapled securely on to the backs of Brookyln-based band, Grizzly Bear.

The group has been together since around 2004 and have made three records, counting their latest release Veckatimest. Each record has had new members and new influences on them. Their latest effort is the collected ideas from those influences and creates something uniquely fresh and irrestible. The voice of Ed Droste is soothing, yet attractive. It's mysterious, while being approachable. And as noted before, his vocal melodies are lined with the debris of doo-wop ideals.

The actual compositions are reserved, but still very intricate and meticulously crafted. Multi-instrumentalist band member, Chris Taylor produced the album beautifully. The reverbs and space created inside the songs are masterfully sculpted. The sounds are warm and inviting and the music is sophisticated and adventourous.

Songs like "Two Weeks" and "While You Wait for the Others" are perfect examples of what makes Grizzly Bear so interesting to me. I highly recommend you download or BUY Veckatimest. Its contents are clearly in the top echelon of LP's released this year.

And by that I mean, this record is probably on par with Merriweather Post Pavilion.

Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

1. Southern Point
2. Two Weeks
3. All We Ask
4. Fine for Now
5. Cheerleader
6. Dory
7. Ready, Able
8. About Face
9. Hold Still
10. While You Wait for the Others
11. I Live with You
12. Foreground

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Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

A friend of mine named Gabriel particularly fancies the musical endeavors of a band named Wilco. They come from some town in America and play what I would call frantic American music. Their compositions always have that backwood feel while still feeling modern and experimental. The band is led by inevitably cool man, Jeff Tweedy. His ideas and the way he expresses his thoughts are both equally impressive.

This is widely known as their best album. The album starts with a mysterious song called, "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart." Easily the most 'progressive' song on the record, it stands as one of the most intriguing album openers I have heard in my music listening career. Yankee Hotle Foxtrot is an interesting record. It courageously tries to balance the fine line between alternative rock and psychedelic rock. But ultimately it does not stay balanced as it consistently falls on to the psychedilia side. They also just put out a record called Wilco (The Album), so go check that out as well.

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Here We Go Magic - Self-Titled

Here We Go Magic remind me of Fleet Foxes. But that doesn't mean they're bad. I personally don't care for Fleet Foxes. To me they are indulging in a tired genre that never really took off since the late 60s. Sure it's nice and pretty, but there's more to music than carefully constructed harmonies.

Here We Go Magic have the harmonies (sometimes). And they have the cool electronics and synth-flutters that sound like alien technology. They have the songwriting too. The lead singer, whose name escapes me at the moment was a folk/singer/songwriter type guy for awhile before starting this new project. This record is short, but sweet. The first song kicks it off very nicely with electronics intricately weaving in and out of innocently plucked acoustic guitars and quiet drums. The vocals are lush but also very noisy and lo-fi. Don't get too worried, they're perfect audible. The song quickly gets louder and as layers are subtley added on; the song becomes a very entrancing movement.

This album seems simple upon first listen. But after repeated listens, I have become enthralled in the deep textures and soundscapes that the band creates behind the seemingly ordinary folk structure.

Download this album if you're looking for something out of the ordinary.

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