Beach Slang "Everything Matters But No One Is Listening [Quiet Slang] (Polyvinyl)"
You remember MTV Unplugged don’t you? Actually if you are the age I think you are then let me step that back: Do you remember when MTV used to play videos? Well, on top of that they’d have bands play acoustic versions/more intimate versions of their jams in front of a bunch of candles and drapes. Obviously Nirvana’s “Unplugged” was legendary (Hey, I was there for the taping!), and its influence is still felt today in such releases by Beach Slang. Yup, break out the acoustic guitars, ask your friend who plays piano to bring his friend who plays the violin to show up and well, in this case, tell the drummer to go buy beers since he isn’t needed (What, no Hot Rods™ were available?). Regardless, these versions of your favorite Beach Slang jams will have you holding hands, burning patchouli oil and singing along (quietly). Check out “Bad Art & Weirdo Ideas.”
The Body "I Have Fought Against It, But I Can’t Any Longer (Thrill Jockey)"
Come for the title (taken from Virginia Woolf’s suicide note), but of course stay for the music. The Body’s I Have Fought Against It, But I Can’t Any Longer (Thrill Jockey) is at times the most terrifying thing they’ve ever released and the most beautiful. IHFAIBICAL is like Diamanda Galas–fronting the Swans, with a good measure of Earth, The Exorcist, and every one of your worst nightmares in ten songs. Like a hurricane The Body lull you into thinking the storm is over but then, sure enough, the winds return and you are trapped in a basement and it is starting to flood and it looks like the floor is covered with cockroaches with fangs that can swim (did I mention worst nightmares). Load up on the Xanax and crank “Nothing Stirs.”
The Sea And Cake "Any Day (Thrill Jockey)"
For a certain sort of music fan (present company included), news of a new album from The Sea And Cake is cause for much celebration. TSAC have been brandishing their unique form of jazzy, post-rock for nearly 25 years now and are showing no signs of stopping. In fact, Any Day (Thrill Jockey) finds the band operating as a trio for the first time as a trio after the departure of original bassist Eric Claridge since the release of their last album, 2012’s Runner. This time around, they have left most of the synthesizers at home in favor of a more organic sound comprised of guitars and organs. Also along for the ride is long-time Brian Wilson collaborator Paul Von Mertens on various instruments that you blow into (sorry if my technical musical knowledge went over anyone’s head there). Check out the jangly shimmer of “Any Day.”
Aidan Moffat & RM Hubbert "Here Lies The Body (Rock Action)"
There is very little info on the website for the debut album from Aidan Moffat and RM Hubbert. But what few words that are there speak volumes more than some 100,000 word Wikipedia entries. Wanna know what it says there? Good, because I’m about to copy and paste the hell out of it. “Sex and death. Love and life. Family, fortune, faith, and fear. Guitar, voices, cello, sax, Roland, wolves. Leggings and jeggings, the multiverse and marshmallows. The debut album by Aidan Moffat & RM Hubbert.” Right? Honestly, what more do you need to know about Here Lies The Body (Rock Action). Oh fine, I’ll let you know a little more. Aidan, you might know from his many days with Arab Strap. RM is better known in Scotland as Hubby, the guitarist and singer in his post-rock band El Hombre Trajeado. The result of their pairing is a little like if Phil Spector produced El Vy. Check out the rollicking brogue of “Party On.”