Hurry "Every Little Thought (Lame-O)"
Who has the best record collection of the BRM/RTP roster? Is it Matt Scottoline from Hurry? Is it his love of Aztec Camera, Nada Surf, and Teenage Fanclub make him the man i most want to go record shopping with? Actually, Every Little Thought (Lame-O Records) really reminds me of the Martin Rushent produced Go Go’s album “Talk Show”, and that is really big compliment (can i say that is my 2nd favorite Go Go’s album?). Really. Check it out. Meanwhile between “Every Little Thing” and “Heatwave” who is writing catchier pop/punk? WHO WHO? Betcha can’t name anyone…. Check out “Waiting For You” and help me get Jane Wiedlan to play second guitar!
Ought "Room Inside The World (Merge)"
Ought is back with their third LP, but their first for Merge Records. Which means that Room Inside The World is our (meaning BRM’s) first real introduction to the band. Had we heard the buzz? Yes. Had we heard tunes we liked by them? Yes. Had we listened to an entire album before? No. Did we now? Yes. Do we love it? We sure do! What’s it sound like? Hmm… imagine if Antony and the Johnsons, Radiohead, Grizzly Bear, and Panda Bear (sorry, that’s all the bear bands allowed in this blurb) all formed a supergroup in an attempt to cover only tunes by The Jam. Yeah, it’s a heady mix of influences. The result is a beguilingly current look at indie rock of the ‘90s. It’s deadly serious and silly at the same time, which is a rare, but welcome, combo. Check out the bouncy distress of “Disgraced In America.”
Superchunk "What A Time To Be Alive (Merge)"
Q: Who is mad? A: Everyone. Q: Fair point, but who is specifically mad? A: Superchunk are mad. And like all the best artists they are channeling their anger in the best possible way via the jams. First a limited edition single of “Break The Glass” that raised money for SPLC. Now a full length of music that is unfortunately the soundtrack of 2018. Don’t believe me?? FAKE NEWS? Listen to the title track “What A Time To Alive” and if you aren’t either slam dancing around your house, calling a senator, running for office, or at LEAST singing along you are not ready to fight. And you should be.
Tal National "Tantabra (FatCat)"
When people ask me what I think the next big thing is gonna be in rock music, I like to say “who knows? But chances are it isn’t gonna be American.” When I say such things (besides thinking about how lovely my voice sounds) I’m always thinking in a very World Music/David Byrne sort of way. That dude knows what’s up. So does Tal National. The latest from the Nigerian rock band Tantabra (FatCat) finds them further stretching what us in the west would consider “rock” music. African grooves and key signatures, mixed with guitarist Almeida’s super hot licks, and a rotating carousel of vocalists (8 to be found on this record, one for each of the tracks). I would not be surprised if the “next big thing” sounds a lot like Tal National. So get ahead of the curve and start grooving to the joyous “Akokas.”