Time for some music recommendations. I'm enjoying some good stuff right now. I'm not going to explain them in much detail, but I hope you will go hear some clips on iTunes or Amazon.
The Concretes - layourbattleaxedown: Really liking this b-sides and rarities CD. Their cover of the Rolling Stones' "Miss You" is phenomenal, and I'm no Stones fan.
Dusted (I picked this quote because I'm not sure I understand it, but it sounds cool): Their arrangements for brass and strings etch their more flashy pop numbers with extra energy, but the diluted pearl-drop textures of their slower songs hint at the glories of swooning near-immobilization. These are suggestive songs, strung out along the horizon.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Howl: An eclectic mix. Bluesy soul and acoustic rock, even Gospel. Fun, thoughtful, and never dull.
Neumu: ...it seems that BRMC's aim here is a realignment of ideals, replacing the full-throttle roar of underground rock with a more contemplative, soulful canon of songs. And even if what is ultimately revealed is one set of self-conscious rock shapes being superseded by another, it still sounds pretty good.
Silversun Pickups - Pikul: This EP was released to combat the poor bootleg music from this albumless LA band. It's one of my most consistent listens right now. It contains a Smashing Pumpkins vibe, but it so much more than that.
Static Multimedia: The blandness of today’s indie rock is in dire need of a blowout the likes of which Silversun Pickups provide bountifully. With Pikul, the band has emerged as one of the potential leaders of the form’s future and not a moment too soon. Tired of the lilting orchestrations of today’s indie music scene? If so, Silversun Pickups is your cure all.
The Doves - Some Cities: It took a little bit for me to get used to their sound, but now I love it. I found it worth the effort. This CD isn't for everyone (that spot is saved for William Hung), but where it fits it fits well.
Drowned in Sound: All the time...there’s mournfulness, a gravitas that offers recourse to glib coffee table CD adjustment. Doves require an emotional investment. Doubtless to say, it’s a rewarding, if draining one. Songs like the sparse, gentle ‘Someday Soon’ and the ghostly lullaby of ‘Shadows of Salford’ are remorseless yet engrossing offerings; a hard shell with a damaged centre.
"I'm no Stones fan."
Well you should be. If not, I'm not sure I can remain a faithful reader.
Posted by: Matt Stokes | 03/30/2006 at 04:27 PM
I would gladly lose all my readers than be subjected to an entire Stones CD.
Posted by: Steve McCoy | 03/30/2006 at 04:34 PM
Unbelievable. Is that what Southern Seminary has become?
Posted by: Matt Stokes | 03/30/2006 at 05:43 PM
I've evolved beyond SBTS. I'm at this whole other level bro. And, by the way, most at SBTS think differently about "sympathy for the devil" than you do Matt. Join the revolution.
Posted by: Steve McCoy | 03/30/2006 at 06:02 PM
Steve, you should be commended for your excellent music tastes. I picked up the most recent Sigur Ros on your recommendation and I'm thankful I did. The new BRMC is great. I love bands that successfully reinvent themselves and they did that on Howl.
Posted by: Chad | 03/31/2006 at 12:58 PM
As a long time BRMC fan, I do hope you have the opportunity to see them live on this tour (very good- 2 hours of spirituality where an alter call would not seem out of place- more Jesus name calling than most "Christian" bands).
A friend of mine is their manager and also the manager of the bass player's dad (The Call's Michael Been).
I don't know how one of last year's best albums was so overlooked.
Posted by: Rick Bennett | 03/31/2006 at 01:31 PM
Rick, I had never heard of them before a couple of months ago. I haven't been able to figure out if they are using Christian forms or if they are Christian. What do you know?
Posted by: Steve McCoy | 03/31/2006 at 02:01 PM
From all I understand they are not Christians. From past interviews they had typically negative or evasive comments on faith, but even their first album has a song asking Jesus when he is coming back.
However, this album deals with such matters so much more than past albums. Actually the guy that seems to write and sing the faith related songs is the guitarist who I know little about.
I have met the bass player a few times and he writes and sings the moddier pieces. His dad is Michael Been, the leader of the band The Call (they were big in the 80s). If you don't know them, check them out (big anthems, like a US U2, led by the bass). The Call dealt honestly and powerfully with Christian themes (and Been's former wife/ The bass player's mom- is a Pres Pastor).
The manager of BRMC is a friend of mine in Boston. He is a Christian and puts on a great Christian Music Fest in August in New hampshire (2nd only to Cornerstone). Dan (the manager) is close friends and manager for Michael Been, Sam Phillips, formerly the manager of VOL. Dan first brought U2 to the USA in 80 and still hangs with them (never invited me).
I think these guys are searchers with Christian language and baggage, along with Christians in their lives they trust (and probably don't trust).
Complicated Situation, huh?
Their ealier albums are much more in the Jesus and Mary Chain vein.
Posted by: Rick Bennett | 04/01/2006 at 04:12 PM