Clint Michigan "Centuries (Kiam)"
Oh my, poor Clint Michigan, I had no idea…..What a traumatic life he has led, and none of that “oh my subway was late”, “why is this guy yelling at me while I’m eating a slice” stuff, real-life problems, which has lead to him being sober for 5 years and also producing this beautiful album Centuries. Imagine Elliott Smith and Sufjan Stevens hanging out – maybe not the most fun hang, but maybe they would come out with some beautiful sounding songs. Clint uses the term “trauma core” to describe his music, but nothing this beautiful could sound that traumatic. Check out “Knickerbocker Street”.
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!