Before I attempt resuming something akin to regular posting, I’m easing back into blog-world by simply updating you on what has been the soundtrack to my life over the past couple few months. Here goes!
Andrew Bird – Fitz and the Dizzyspells EP
This one has been on such heavy rotation at the house that I’ve made everyone sick of it… including myself. But it is just that good. It is a collection of songs that eventually ended up on his latest full-length Noble Beast, but these are snapshots of those songs in earlier development. And in my opinion, these versions are the better ones.
Andrew Bird – See the Enemy
Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
I was first introduced to Phoenix a couple years ago by a friend. I think they had some songs on the Napoleon Dynamite soundtrack. I liked it, but thought it was a little quirky… both the movie and the band. Anyway, with the release of Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, this French band manages to retain some quirkiness, while producing interesting music. I don’t watch TV, but I hear that they have had a good bit of exposure there.
Phoenix – Armistice
The Welcome Wagon – Welcome to the Welcome Wagon
On first listen, I thought it was Sufjan Stevens playing a trick by releasing a new album under a different moniker. And yet no… the wait for another release from the indie music poster child continues. While not sharing the same voice, they do share the same label. Religious messages conveyed in music that doesn’t sound churchy? I’m in.
The Welcome Wagon – He Never Said a Mumblin’ Word
We Were Promised Jetpacks – These Four Walls
Judging from the thick brogue, these folks hail from the land of bagpipes and kilts. I’m guessing they employ neither.
We Were Promised Jetpacks – It’s Thunder and It’s Lightning
Passion Pit – Manners
Their meteoric rise to popularity is problematic for me, because it makes me look like every other musical fad following wannabe. But it is good, so they make the cut.
Passion Pit – The Reeling
Blitzen Trapper – Black River Killer
This is the most recent addition to my fall line-up. I was first turned on to this band when I heard their song, Furr. I liked them enough to include on last year’s “Best of.” And the more I find out, the more I have reason to like. They’re from the Pacific Northwest… Portland to be exact. And like all great indie band/musicians from that area, they are on SubPop’s label. You are getting to sample the title track here.
Blitzen Trapper – Black River Killer
Ok, there are others that could be mentioned, but these are the highlights. Let the listening enjoyment begin!