Valley Lodge "Fog Machine (RTP)"
Hey Dave Hill, who said you can put your pop into the rock? I thought we left that to the masters such as Cheap Trick or The Raspberries. Huh, guess you didn’t get the memo! Or maybe we didn’t get the memo, because Valley Lodge is certainly sounding like the pop-rock masters here on Fog Machine. From the crashing album opener (and best use of sleigh bells) “The Stars Won’t Fall” to the full-on cowbell boogie of “Please Come To Bed” Fog Machine is 70’s power hits-top to bottom. Need something a little more sensitive? Go with “I’m Gone”, but why not break out that air guitar and crank out “Stand”.
Shida Shahabi "Homes (Fat Cat)"
If Erik Satie would have listened to more indie rock, his compositions would have likely sounded a lot like those of Iranian pianist/composer Shida Shahabi. Homes, her debut on FatCat’s classical imprint 130701 is absolutely stunning. Primarily piano with ethereal keyboard hints, each one of these emotive compositions sounds practically written for peak cable TV. Which makes sense, as she sites film composition as her main influence (that and all the My Bloody Valentine and Yo La Tengo she grew up listening to.) Check out the albums first song “Abisme.”
José González & The String Theory "Live In Europe (Mute)"
Oh, Jose Gonzalez! I didn’t know your songs could sound any more gorgeous! But sure, add a string section and you will find stunning versions of some of your best songs include “Every Age” and “Heartbeats”. Jose, you are a miracle worker and I want you focusing on such important projects as making chocolate and peanut butter better, and beer having even fewer calories. Doable? I guess in the meantime I will be basking in your masterstroke of genius with “Live In Europe”. Dig into “Down The Lone” today!
Upper Wilds "Mars (Thrill Jockey)"
Building on the sonic landscape they forged with their 2017 debut, Upper Wilds are back with Mars (Thrill Jockey). The trio, made up of Dan Friel, Zach Lehroff, and Jeff Ottenbacher, are pushing the boundaries they set last time. Guitar Mudyle 2017 was very synth heavy, but this time around Dan is instead sending vocals through a pile of guitar effects to create a noisy, otherworldly sound. Check out the space exploration noise-pop of “Mars.”