Chris Farren "Born Hot (Polyvinyl)"
Few artists have equally keen ears for melodies and humor-Chris Farren definitely belongs in this category. No, his Polyvinyl debut isn’t a comedy album or anything-but with a name like Born Hot you have to expect at least a little humor. Well, if you do you won’t be disappointed. But if you are only expecting jokey songs then you will be disappointed as Chris is a gifted songwriter/performer and Born Hot is the record he was born to record. Quirky arrangements, pop punk attitude, singable choruses, this is a feel-good record about feeling bad about yourself. A tricky balancing act to be sure, but he does it with aplomb. Check out the positively danceable “Search 4 Me.” This really harkens back to a time (the 80s) when taking yourself too seriously was a no-no. So have some fun and dig in!
Carla dal Forna "Look Us Sharp"
The hazy spot between home-recorded lo-fi pop, experimental electronic excursions, and the ambient and noise music that lies on the periphery of vaporware music can be found Look Us Sharp, the latest album by Carla dal Forna. Like a nervous, jittery Portishead album played at the wrong speed mixed with chamber pop-this is a heady, wondrous collection that speaks volumes to Carla’s musical tastes (after all, the best musicians have the best record collections, right?). You’ll hear swathes of The Cure, ‘90s indie, ‘70s experimental, and all the other great things that makeup music collections. Check out the haunting “I’m Conscious” or the mysterious “So Much Better” and see what I mean.
Bec Sandridge "Try + Save Me (Gaga)"
Woah. Is there anything more fun than discovering a new artist on their fully formed debut? Going from not existing in your mind to new favorite. It’s the best. Well let the debut from Bec Sandridge Try + Save Me (Gaga) wash over you and turn you into an instant fan. Synth-heavy, bass pounding electro-pop, accompanied by her theatrical, singular vocal style. For a little idea on what is in store, think Kate Bush meets B-52s meets modern pop music. Yeah, this is a total blast-full of perfect production, epic builds, and… you know what? Just check out the driving “EYES WIDE” and learn for yourself.
Minor Pieces "The Heavy Steps Of Dreaming (Fat Cat)"
If you are the kind of person that says things like “I wonder what the mega-talented singer/composer Ian William Craig is up to right now?” have I got some news for you! First off, may I suggest the internet for such queries. Nonetheless, I have news from the music fronts for you! The debut of Minor Pieces is here! The Heavy Steps Of Dreaming (FatCat) finds Ian teaming up with singer/multi-instrumentalist Missy Donaldson to create what I am calling “otherworldly, experimental ambient folk.” Taking cues from bands like Mazzy Star, Portisehead, and My Bloody Valentine, and mixing it with post-rock and modern classical music-the result is a simultaneously beautiful and chilling collection. Check out the crackling majesty of “This House.”