Dylan Carlson "Conquistador (Sargent House)"
The mighty Dylan Carlson of the oh so mighty band Earth has given us a solo electric guitar album in its purest form. One guitar (ok… at times two) – distorted – loud, with no other accompaniment – just guitars. A wall of sound that would make Phil Spector’s wig cry as all it takes is one man slowly playing his way around the frets with chords that ring out as slowly as the tumbleweeds blow across the desert. This record is a study in zen – just focus on the guitar and let Dylan take you to an awesome place. Check out “When the Horses Were Shorn of Their Hooves” and don’t forget to turn it up even louder then you know you should.
Cold Fronts "Fantasy Du Jour (RTP)"
There they were, just another indie rock band playing a showcase at SXSW like so many before them, when a man walked up and showed interest. Who was the band? New Rough Trade Publishing signing Cold Fronts! Who was the man? None other than Sire Record’s legendary co-founder and band signer extraordinaire Seymour Stein. So SS went from signing The Ramones, Talking Heads, Pretenders, Depeche Mode, and the Cure, to Cold Fronts. If that doesn’t get you excited to hear Fantasy Du Jour (Sire/RTP), then let my words do the trick. This Philly band has everything! Hooks! Melodies! An energy (and guitar sound) not unlike the heyday of The Strokes, lyrical emotionalism a la The Modern Lovers, and a sound that is ALL Cold Fronts. This is the kind of rock that augments anything you are doing, from fast drives in cars to partying in basements, or just staying home and eating takeout and smoking some of God’s green herb like they do in “Staying In.”
Mike Donovan "How To Get Your Record Played In Shops (Drag City)"
As is evidenced by the title of his latest solo record, Mike Donovan is living in a dream world. How To Get Your Record Played In Shops (Drag City) is the follow-up to the former member of Sic Alps 2013 solo debut, Wot. The title of this record supposed many fantasies. That there are still record shops, let alone that they play “records” in said shops. What’s that you say? Vinyl is back? So does that mean this near endless stack of Chicago IX: Chicago’s Greatest Hits I have that… fell off of a truck… is finally worth something? They’re all mint! The cellophane is sealed I tell ya! Well, while I check eBay for the latest prices on these, you should check out the sounds Mike has laid down here. Lament-y, indie folk freak rock that spans the gambit from The Beatles at their most rocking to The Monkees on the OST for Head to current sounds like Ty Segall and White Fence. Check out what is either the worst name for a James Bond villain, or the best name for a Badfinger cover band “Sadfinger.”
Post Animal "When I Think Of You In A Castle (Polyvinyl)"
Yes yes this band has Joe Keery star of Stranger Things. No no you won’t see him in the band when they tour (he is kinda busy), but that doesn’t make or break Post Animal-this is no actor/rock star vanity project (Oh those John Travola records-they can’t STOP playing them in the Upside Down)! Post Animal have been around for a few years but When I Think of You In A Castleis their Polyvinyl debut! Check out “Ralphie.” Enjoy!