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.”
Ex Hex "It’s Real (Merge)"
It’s Real (Merge)…What is REAL to EX HEX? Is it the ROCK that is real? Well that would be about right – as It’s Real is a full-fledged ROCK album. I mean sure, some of the punk tempos of RIPS are still in the house (“Crystal Caves”), but It’s Real could sit right next to anyone wearing spandex and fingerless gloves and some really, REALLY big hair. Now don’t get me wrong this isn’t METAL, but more that POP-METAL (?) of the 80’s with such bands as Def Leopard leading the fray. As a matter of fact I’m sure Merge is saving up the budget to get Mutt Lang to produce the next Ex-Hex record. In the meantime can I start the public demand that Ex-Hex cover “Round And Round” by Ratt? Well, until my gofundme gets funded, let’s keep busy by having fun hearing the rock joy being spread by Mary Timony and crew on “Rainbow Shiner.”