The 4th Movement "The 4th Movement (Drag City)"
By now, you all know the story of the band called Death (especially if you watched the documentary A Band Called Death). The Detroit proto-punk band has had their rightful place in rock history reassessed over the last few years. But did you know that in 1980, the band pivoted to become a Christian Rock band called The 4th Movement? (Again, if you watched the doc then your answer is “yes”). Thankfully, the crew at Drag City knows all about this, as they are reissuing this lost gem. If all Christian Rock sounded like this, people would not scoff at the genre. Sounding a little like the funky rock of Jesus Christ Superstar, a little like KISS, and a little like-you guessed it-Death. Save your soul and check out “Always At Your Door.”
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.”
Ume "Other Nature (Modern Outsider)"
Ume is back! The Texas based-rockers, as led my frontwoman Lauren Larson, have returned with Other Nature (Modern Outsider). These songs were written not because Lauren wanted to, but because she “had to.” Showcasing her at times hauntingly beautiful, and at times Joan Jett-esque power scratch of a voice, with the band sounding a bit like the Pixies if the Pixies were catchier (I know, right?) and also sounding like a modern band cutting out a space for themselves in DIY-esque, indie rock. All the while Lauren making every “top 100 guitarists” list that doesn’t include her name incomplete. Check out the dramatic shifts of “Fire In Your Hands.”