Sego "Sego Sucks (Roll Call)"
What do I think of this new Sego record, Sego Sucks? No no no no. I don’t think Sego sucks. And I don’t think Sego Sucks sucks. See, Sego sucks was seen by the band as a comment online and they liked the sound of it, and sort of ran with it. They went so far in their troll sleighing that they named the new record after it. But whatever the opposite of “suck” is, that’s what the new record does. This is an indie rock record in the classic sense of the words. Quirky, punk-y, post-punk-y, post-post-punk-y, post-post (sorry, you get the idea). Bouncy bass parts, angular, experimental guitar parts, deadpan vocals, creative drumming… It’s an early-Beck meets LCD Soundsystem meets the best of ‘90s college radio (this is really hitting some sweet spots for me..) Check out “Heart Attack” (the song, not the cardiac event).
Laura Stevenson "The Big Freeze (Don Giovanni)"
Just surviving February in NYC as it rolls into March (Marchuary), and it snows and snows and it is gray and it is gray, and it is cold, so cold and yes I’m complaining but the upside is records like The Big Freeze by Laura Stevenson. Like Joni Mitchell’s heating blanket by a fire at Sharon Van Etten’s ski lodge is what helps keep the outside world at bay during “Living Room, NYC”. But hey, don’t worry, Laura can still bring out some almost summer-like vibes for “Dermatillomania” (it will get warm again? this year??). Even though Laura has been around for a minute with The Big Freeze Laura will be the next singer-songwriter everyone is talking about. Warm up with “Value Inn.”
Ty Segall "Deforming Lobes (Drag City)"
Ever see a live show and immediately say I WANNA HEAR THAT SHOW AGAIN RIGHT NOW WITHOUT HAVING TO PAY FOR IT AND WITHOUT HAVING TO TYPE ALL CAPS! Well, your PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED as Ty Segall has released a live album of his current live band – as this record was recorded live last Jan. with Mr. Steve Albini handling the mixes. So yeah you get jams from various Ty albums including Twins, Melted, Emotional Mugger, $ingles$ 2, and 2017’s Self-titled record. Not bad for a night out – without the bad beer and the hurting feet (gotta get some new orthopedic kicks for sure). Enjoy “Love Fuzz” and leave your earplugs on the dresser.
8mm "Heart-Shaped Hell EP"
It’s been 7 years since the goth-tinged, orchestral alternative duo 8mm have released new music. Sure, the pair have been busy in the interim: writing and recording music for films, producing other artists music (NIN, Marilyn Manson, Depeche Mode, acting roles, repainting the ceiling for the Sistine Chapel… Ok, you caught me. I made the last one up. But I’m not making up how atmospheric and trailer-ready their “slinky dark pop” is on Heart-Shaped Hell. Check out the EP’s lead-off track, the Massive Attack covering “Heart Shaped Box” sounds of “Self-Inflicted Heartache.”