The Jersey Shore is the backdrop for the new self-titled release from Real Estate. But don’t let the song titles fool you into thinking that this is a soundtrack for the hot, sandy, folly of youth. Yes, the album does work on that level, but it’s also very considered music that will lilt effortlessly with a chilly autumn wind. Chocked full of reverb, their hazy, lo-fi sound feels off-the-cuff, but buttoned up–like a band that really understands their sound.
The Flaming Lips have ditched the affable jam band aesthetic they’ve worked so hard to create and put out a challenging listen that exhumes their weird, experimental roots. It’s worth the effort. On my first run-through, I was tempted to dismiss the over-modulated production as so-very-now gimmickry. But given a little time, the album sinks its meat hooks into you and drags you into its beguiling world.
(Tracks removed by request)
I admit I’m a fan. And strangely enough, I have a on a BHP tee this very moment. Of course I’ve been eager for the new release, especially given the label problems that have held things up for so long.
So any good you ask? Well the mood is still black as sackcloth, and much of the instrumentation and tempos are things we’ve heard before—but it’s good, almost great I say. As with most of their albums, there are a few throwaways, but at least half is gothic bliss, and that’s really all I need.
Cheers to The Clean for a welcome return after eight years! The new album is quite good, and hangs on to the Kiwi Pop sensibilities that made the band so influential to begin with. It sounds, at once, both old and new. And when it’s The Clean, that’s kinda, exactly what you want.
Two words really sum up my thoughts about Two Dancers…strange and wonderful. On paper this album shouldn’t really work for me—what with the falsetto, the over-the-topness, and the sheer gayness of it all. But this strange brew comes together, and finds me coming back for more.
We Still Got The Taste Dancin' On Our Tongues
El Que Siembra Su Maíz by Trio Matamoros
Los Tamalitos de Olga by Orquesta Aragon
I consider Tom Waits one of my music heros, so I thought I’d post ten amazing songs that rank among my favorites. Little Trip to Heaven was actually the first dance song at my wedding—so if you’ve never heard it, you’re in for a treat.
Tweet I say. I'm finally caving in to social media pressure and using Twitter. Still experimenting with it, but thought it would be a nice addition to the blog. Won't bore you with a lot of nonsense, but have been posting a song of the day, which is fun 'cause it's a great excuse to dig into the deep music recesses of my mind. 
Enjoy ten great tracks that have made the rounds on my iPod the last couple months.
Elvis Costello - The Crooked Line
The Handsome Family - Wild Wood
God Help the Girl - If You Could Speak
Malcolm Middleton - Subset of the World
Iggy Pop - Je Sais Que Tu Sais
Crocodiles – I Wanna Kill
Telekinesis! - Coast Of Carolina
Modest Mouse – Satellite Skin
Dark Night of the Soul – Daddy’s Gone
Papercuts - A Dictator's Lament
