Chelsea Wolfe "Hiss Spin (Sargent House)"
You better hope that Gene Simmons doesn’t win that trademark on the “devil hand” like he’s trying to. Because it won’t take long listening to Chelsea Wolfe’s 6th LP Hiss Spun (Sargent House) before you are slowly nodding your head along to the goth rock and throwing up devil hands to anyone who’s around (or possibly to an empty room as I am doing right now). Slow, thick metal sounds are the name of the game on this exciting new record. Vicious, buzzing guitars and crisp drums accompany Chelsea’s otherworldly vocals, just out of reach. If you’ve found yourself anxious and quick to anger of late (and frankly, who hasn’t?) this record is going to resonate with you. Get ready to carve Chelsea’s name into your desk during homeroom tomorrow as you check out the excellent “16 Psyche.”
Dead Rider "Crew Licks (Drag City)"
Sometimes the sound of a band is hard to describe. Other times, the band’s had a record premiere on the High Times magazine website. Dead Rider falls into the latter category. Led by former U.S. Maple guitarist Todd Rittmann, Crew Licks (Drag City) is full of experimental rock sounds for those who like their music a little… um… smokey? Todd’s ZZ Top-esque vocals paired up with a band that sometimes sounds as straight ahead as anything on classic rock radio, and other times as experimental as… well, as experimental as most other Drag City releases. Songs are deconstructed and detuned, leaving the whole thing sounding like Liars remixes of the aforementioned ZZ Top. Check out their cover of The Grateful Dead’s “Ramble On Rose.”
Hiss Golden Messenger "Hallelujah, Anyhow (Merge)"
A new record by Hiss Golden Messenger is always a reason to rejoice. Hallelujah, Anyhow (Merge) is even more of a reason to rejoice than normal. To quote head HGMer M.C. Taylor “this music is for hope. That’s the only thing I want to say about it. Love is the only way out.” So we all know who Taylor is subtweeting there, and thank the gods above for this joyous album. A sunny, positive album full of upbeat melodies, but never without artistic merit. Think of it like Dylan’s “Nashville Skyline” but Taylor is digging on the whole world. Check out the Stones-esque honky-tonk single “Domino (Time Will Tell).”
Howard Ivans "Beautiful Tired Bodies (Spacebomb)"
Ivan Howard (of the Rosebuds) is back as his alter ego Howard Ivans with his full-length debut. Beautiful Tired Bodies (Spacebomb) continues on with the soul ideas he first introduced us to on his “magnificent art-funk treasure” (SPIN) 7” Red Face Boy. Where as last time he sounded like a Gloria Estefan/Quincy Jones reimagining, here he sounds like an arthouse version of “Off The Wall” era Michael Jackson, complete with sinisterly chilly production and warm vocals. This is one damn sexy album, and somehow defies description all the while being almost a straight ahead disco/r&b record. It’s full of tricks, but you’re bound to be in love no matter what. Start your affair with the lead single “Denise.” If you plan on making out with someone later, you’re gonna wanna bring this slow jam with you.