John Parish "Bird Dog Dante (Thrill Jockey)"
Long has John Parish been a bridesmaid, but Bird Dog Dante (Thrill Jockey) is his chance to finally be a bride. The Mercury Prize winning producer of such artists as PJ Harvey (who appears on this album in duet form), Eels, Tracy Chapman, Sparklehorse, Jenny Hval, and many others has decided that now is the time for him to finally release a collection of his own. Quickly, you will hear hints of the many artists I just listed. A little like Sparklehorse’s chamber pop, a little like Eels’ quirk pop, equal in turns of strangeness and beauty. It is not surprising that this is an album made by a producer, as the arrangements are all perfectly suited to each song. Check out his duet with PJ Harvey that is in honor of their late friend Mark Linkous of Sparklehorse, “Sorry for Your Loss.”
Marisa Anderson "Cloud Corner (Thrill Jockey)"
Boy oh boy, Cloud Corner sure sounds comfy, doesn’t it? Like bad kids get sent to time out and little angels who are the best get sent to cloud corner and it’s just like a pile of pillows and it’s the perfect temperature for naps and you love it. Also, Marisa Anderson’s new LP Cloud Corner (Thrill Jockey) is playing over there to help you fall asleep. And it’s doing a great job, because this is one relaxed record. Imagine an even more relaxed William Tyler record, or Glenn Jones playing electric guitar, and you are getting the idea. Check out the bright, melodic, road trip of a song that is the title track “Cloud Corner.”
Laura Jean "Devotion (Chapter Music)"
Oh Australia – when will I ever take the 232 hour flight to taste a real John Dory or hang out with Mel Gibson? Until then, Laura Jean’s Devotion is better then any trip to Outback Steak House. Imagine the XX with the stepchild of Lana Del Rey and Florence (without the machine) and you can start to imagine the downtempo beauty of Laura Jean. If you need a female empowerment jam (sans over the top bravado), check out the winning “Girls On The TV”.
