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.”
Fintan "Then We Fall EP"
The hushed modern pop of Fintan has never been in greater focus than on the 6 songs that make up the Then We Fall EP. Mixing smooth beats with his tranquil, soulful vocals, and emotive lyrical prowess, this EP is the culmination of his songwriting work. He decided to combine his singer-songwriter roots with the pop music he loves. The result are these meticulously crafted pop gems. Check out the laid back groove of “Say It Again.”
Ibibio Sound Machine "Doko Mien (Merge)"
I can only assume that you’ve been a fan of the infectious combination of influences Ibibio Sound Machine has been swirling together for the past few years whilst perfecting their sound. Well, get ready to add some absolutely filthy funk flexing to their mixture. Doko Mien (Merge) finds vocalist Eno Williams and the rest of the band combining ‘80s club and pop music, ‘70s funk, and West African blues and pop music into a wholly new sound that somehow sounds vintage and like its from the future at the same time. Neat trick, right? It’s like your Miami Sound Machine records melted into your Bettie Davis reissues and then that newly formed record melted into your best of Fela Kuti record and somehow this record made out of three melted records still plays, and sounds amazing! Check out the lead off track “Need You To Be Sweet Like Sugar” and ask yourself “why aren’t more bands getting greasy with funky basslines like this anymore?”
Lambchop "This (is what I wanted to tell you) (Merge)"
There is no getting around the fact that the career of Lambchop has been unexpected. It was easy to call them something like alternative country in their first few years, but if in 1998 while I couldn’t stop listening to “What Another Man Spills” you told me that in 20 years Lambchop would be an esoteric autotuned vocals and synth project I don’t know what I would have said. Probably something like “what’s autotune?” But if you really listen to what Kurt Wagner is doing lately, with Mr. M and FLOTUS, and here on This (is what I wanted to tell you) (Merge) he’s doing what he’s always been doing. Subverting expectations all while delivering lyrical mastery that’s nearly unsurpassed. This time we find him paired up with Hiss Golden Messenger and Bon Iver drummer Matthew McCaughan. They formed something of a musical pen-pal relationship. Kurt would send Matt acapella vocal performances, and Matt would arrange something for them using his newly-found love of rack synths. The results are as unexpected and lovely as anything Lambchop has done in their career. Expect the unexpected and you will get exactly what you are looking for here. Check out the subtly groovy “Everything For You.”