Due to catastrophic weather conditions band’s travelling down to London for a gig I was involved in were forced to cancel. Having already hired a large-ish space in EastLondon and confirmed a couple of local bands it seemed a shame to cancel the event entirely.
As a solution we found a place that did furniture hire in London and turned our room into a cosy lounge like space with band’s and DJ’s alternating between lampshades and sofas. The superb Kick Up The Fire, fresh from an appearance on BBC Radio 6, played an intimate acoustic set. Meanwhile, I did a little DJ set and also managed to drop in The XX‘s new demo “Open Eyes“ which has been doing the rounds lately.
It was an eye opening moment when Radiohead released ‘In Rainbows‘ and gave their fans the choice of at what price to purchase it at. The moral implications of this were far greater than one might think in this disposable era.
Jonathan Dagan aka J. Viewz decided his latest project would be as modern and intelligent as the music of that he produces. In the early stages of this mini masterpiece, fans would pay for an album in advance and release a song a month, sent digitally, before culminating the album and producing a twenty six page booklet with beautifully thoughtful artwork. This would leave fans with a full package, yet by giving them small chunks of a whole, leaves fans desperate for the next song and in turn, a sense of longing for the finished piece.
Musically it is a very exprerimental yet expressive album, lying somewhere between Neon Indian, Passion Pit and Zero 7, up beat electro pop backdrop sometimes submerging beneath a watery haze of chillout lounge, and minimalist soul.
‘Meantime‘ is a great example of these two themes melting together, with Japanese house synths and soft vocals rolling like two colours of smoke above a solid lanscape of straight beats.
As time goes on, genres will get harder and harder to define and redefine, and J. Viewz is no exception. The trip-hop meets go-go dance funk of ‘This City Means No Love‘ and the Peter Bjorn and John meets late eighties LA hip-hop of ‘Salty Air‘ both don’t feel out of place, and even compliment each other. They are as unpredictable as the times of music ahead.
‘Building A Home‘ is a beautiful slab of creative layers, energetic and bold, yet thoughtful and stark. What follows it is in my opinion the strongest song on the album and keeps these themes alive. ‘Far Too Close‘ is as pop as it is creative.
While straying far from each other, each track on ‘Rivers And Homes‘ is undeniably J.Viewz.
Nada Surf‘s new album’The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy‘ shows the NYC band haven’t lost any of their melodic charm. Featuring guest appearances by musician Doug Gillard (Guided by Voices) and produced by Chris Shaw (Wilco) the band show an exceptional ability for remaining evergreen.
Take the excellent ‘When I Was Young‘ for example; it builds classically, starting with a simple jangly acoustic intro until it delivers you into a beautiful rock crescendo of crashing drums and striking guitars.
The nostalgic lyrics stay much in sync with the concept presented in the title, sweet listless thoughts concerning previous states of mind are front and center as Matthew Caws sings. As the chorus repeats “what was that world I was dreaming of“, and the music swells it is hard to ignore ones own youthful misgivings. The tones of the rock ensemble are spot on. The track is masterfully mixed, showcasing each instrument appropriately and without bombast.
The band will be beginning there latest national tour March 20th in Los Angeles, CA. The album . ‘The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy‘ is out now.
Chairlift seem to do what most electro pop bands cannot, and that’s edit themselves. The critically acclaimed ‘Does You Inspire You‘ along with its heavily promoted single ‘Bruises‘ was subtle in it’s use of synthesizers and reverberated sound.
The Latest album ‘Something‘ is comprised of much lusher and moving arrangements with a backdrop of retro midi synths and themes of uncertainty and human greed. The eighties reverberation only reinforces the darker shades from this era from the unshakable motivational moods of the times, to the corporate greed and oppression.
This album is in no way claustrophobic though, it is exceptionally wide and poignant, evidence of a band at the top of their game and brimming with confidence. The warmth of this this record is what shines through and I’m sure Ghandi would’ve have something irritatingly wise to say here.
Singles ‘Sidewalk Safari’ and ‘Met Before’ are fantastic examples of this production along with the modern chic indie pop, lying somewhere between Cocteau Twins ethereal ripples and Blonde Redhead‘s stylish cooing. ‘I Belong In Your Arms’ is bold and concise and, much like the whole album, is unbelievably catchy.
The addictive bass lines from ‘Amanaemonesia’ and ‘Wrong Opinion’ should back the single pillars from this album perfectly, offering not only a record that would suit a cult 1980’s B-Movie, but also a dose of dream pop to shake your arse to wildly.
A household name in their native Norway and a fair section of Europe, sassy 4-piece Katzenjammer hit the UK festival circuit earlier this year at Glastonbury, Cambridge Folk Festival and Bestival, becoming Steve Lamacq favourites and enticing a whole new horde of admirers along the way.
Word must have gotten out, because fans squashed into their gig at the LondonMonto Water Rats until they were packed in like a tin of sardines. Yet when Turid, Anne-Marit, Solveig and Marianne squeezed onto the rather tiny stage, the irritation of being jostled around soon gave way to something a lot more pleasant.
The four multi instrumentalists vigorously delivered a set that scoped from the tinselled folk of ‘Rock, Paper, Scissors’, through the gypsy, Gogol Bordello-esque crowd favourite ‘A Bar in Amsterdam’, to a hugely entertaining honky tonk cover of Genesis’ ‘Land of Confusion’.
It is a rare band who can pull off such a dizzying swap of instruments without seeming pretentious, yet Katzenjammer take it all in their stride. They also prove to have four very competent lead singers, but Marianne’s earth-shattering vocals, at times angelic and at others reminiscent of a Deep South soul diva with a 40-a-day habit, deserve special mention.
Soon enough they have the entire crowd singing along to their contagiously fun camp ditties – infused with a jumble of influences from Balkan Gypsy Folk to Cowboy Blues to Burlesque and everything else in between. Very obvious musical talents underpin their flair for colourful showmanship, preventing them from sounding like a novelty act.
Closing the set with sing-to-the-rafters, 4-piece a cappela ‘God’s Great Dust Storm’, they demonstrate how to shift from a lighthearted pop romp to blowing the roof off a cathedral in one move, leaving many a dropped jaw in their wake. Those searching for live entertainment of the highest caliber need look no further.
Made the Cougar Microbes Top Albums of 2011 list here
The Decemberists – The King Is Dead
Made the Cougar Microbes Top Albums of 2011 list here
Ryan Adams – Ashes & Fire
As a die-hard Ryan Adams fan – hello! – I have nothing bad to say about his latest creation. He can do no wrong. He’s always had the ability to defy genre, and his forte is in crafting timeless classics. And by classic I mean, modern day Neil Young – there I said it.
This time around, on ‘Ashes & Fire‘, he discards all pretense, offering up a series of stripped down ballads and a few crystallized pop songs (see: “Lucky Now”, “Invisible Riverside”, “Chains of Love”).
If you’re a sucker, like I am, for his folk-Americana roots, then be sure to give the title track a few spins. There’s nothing like those few opening verses. I don’t know what’s more thrilling – that or the laid-back love song, “Dirty Rain“.
If his “Wonderwall” cover taught us anything it’s that Ryan Adam‘s can be at his best when he pulls back, and for the most part ‘Ashes & Fire‘ is one of those albums: it’s strength is in its subtleties.
Bon Iver – Bon Iver
Made the Cougar Microbes Top Albums of 2011 list here
Little Dragon – Ritual Union
Yukimi Nagano’s vocals give major soul to this otherwise electro outfit, and the resulting combination is thoroughly modern. This Swedish band’s recent collaborations with the Gorillaz and SBTRKT are only bringing more attention to their own releases – and rightfully so. Nagano delivers a current take on R&B that’s outside the mainstream.
Must hear: “Little Man”, “Please Turn”, “Nightlight”.
My Morning Jacket – Circuital
Rich and free-wheeling rock n’ roll with masterful arrangements. “Circuital” is an overall solid album, full of peaks and valleys, providing the listener with a complete experience.
Key Tracks: “Victory Dance” “Circuital” “Wonderful” “Holding On To Black Metal”
Smith Westerns – Dye It Blonde
The Smith Westerns self-titled debut album came as a breath of fresh air in all its fuzzed-out, adolescent glory. So with the release of the more fully realized ‘Dye It Blonde‘ there was a bit of an adjustment. Though the sound got cleaned up all the flirtatious lyrics and wonky guitar remain.
Yuck – Yuck
Wilco – The Whole Love
How do you begin to review a new Wilco album? This is a band that’s tended to the hearts and minds of listeners everywhere for 17-freakin’ years! They’re in a class of their own.
What stands out is how inventive they are. This album in particular explores some ambient noise moments that would be space-age if not leveled by Jeff Tweedy’s down-to-earth vocals. ‘The Whole Love‘ is a rhythmic dreamscape that covers a lot of turf. It’s masterfully refined pop and melancholia sandwiched between two starkly different 10 minute tracks, beginning with a wicked melt-your-face guitar solo and ending gently with a lullaby. Delicious!
The Kills – Blood Pressures
Made the Cougar Microbes Top Albums of 2011 list here
Made the Cougar Microbes Top Albums of 2011 list here
2. M83- Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming
Made the Cougar Microbes Top Albums of 2011 list here
3. The Strokes – Angeles
On their latest album, The Strokes never promised to be anything other than themselves. Although rarely wandering from their earnest and melodic rock and roll, ‘Angles‘ is another visceral slice of slick indie.
4. Lykke li – Wounded Rhymes
Made the Cougar Microbes Top Albums of 2011 list here
5. Gil Scott-Heron & Jamie xx – We’re New Here
Made the Cougar Microbes Top Albums of 2011 list here
6.Tieranniesaur - Tieranniesaur!
Tieranniesaur have the perfect mix of dirty dance riffs and pop melodies, ‘rockblocker‘ off their debut album was the perfect summer drunken night, and one of the coolest songs of the year.
7. Beastie Boys – Hot Sauce Committee Part II
Made the Cougar Microbes Top Albums of 2011 list here
8. Alexander – Alexander
Made the Cougar Microbes Top Albums of 2011 list here
9. The Whip – Wired Together
The Whip really nailed their sound on wired together. It saunters with unshakable confidence, delivering atmospheric and avante garde synth pop whilst never getting above it’s station.
10. White Lies – Rituals
Even without the atmospheric density and grit that covers ‘Ritual‘s outer punk rock layers, it is an album of solid songwriting. Its fog only creates a more complex and moving second album.
Made the Cougar Microbes Top Albums of 2011 list here
2. Beirut- The Rip Tide
Made the Cougar Microbes Top Albums of 2011 list here
3. Death Cab for Cutie- Codes and Keys
I have been a Death Cab super fan since about 2001. ‘We Have the Facts and We’re Voting Yes’ is one of those albums that stopped me in my tracks, and ‘The Photo Album’ will always be one of my favourite albums of all time. However, whilst Death Cab’s quirky under the radar indie sensibilities may have been what won me over in the first place, I am unashamed in saying that indie rock pop songs (such as 2005’s ‘Plans’) are often when they’re at their strongest. Which is exactly why ‘Codes and Keys’ is so fantastic- tracks such as ‘Stay young, go dancing’ and ‘Portable Television’ are perfect indie pop for the Portland generation.‘Codes and Keys’ basically solidified it for me: Death Cab For Cutie are most definitely the band that I will never fall out of love with.
4. Bon Iver- Bon Iver
Made the Cougar Microbes Top Albums of 2011 list here
5. Braid- Closer to Closed
Okay, so it was only an EP, but if 2011 can be remembered for only one thing, it has to be the welcome return of Braid and their melodic pop accompanied by Bob Nanna’s distinctive vocals. This 4 track EP is hopefully the shape of what’s to come from a full length in 2012- Kinsella-core style tunes with heartbreaking lyrics. Roll on that 2001-era emo comeback..
6. Surfer Blood- Tarot Classics
Another EP, but one that is too good not to mention. Surfer Blood’s follow up to their 2010 debut ‘Astro Coast’, is all kinds of wonderful. ‘Tarot Classics’ is 4 brilliantly upbeat Beach Boys-esque tracks- the kind of songs that make you want to do spontaneous handclaps as you listen along. Main single ‘Miranda’ is Surfer Blood showing they can take the sound they encapsulated on their debut to the next level- polished hyperactivity if you will. With their second full length due next year, Surfer Blood well and truly remain ones to watch.
6. The Horrible Crowes- Elsie
Filling this year’s Hold Steady/Gaslight Anthem void in my life, The Horrible Crowes debut album oozes Jersey and Springsteen sensibilities. This is the kind of record that is made for dive bar jukeboxes, soundtracking ill advised all night whiskey drinking (the above may or may not have been based on personal experience). Brian Fallon’s vocals sound just as affecting as they do on Gaslight Anthem records, but yet benefit from the stripped down simplicity of The Horrible Crowes’ recording style. It’s a rare thing when side projects contain enough good songs to stand along, but ‘Elsie’ most definitely slots into that elusive category
7. Fleet Foxes- Helplessness Blues
Made the Cougar Microbes Top Albums of 2011 list here
8. Bright Eyes- The People’s Key
Made the Cougar Microbes Top Albums of 2011 list here
9. Mister Heavenly- Out of Love
An indie-rock supergroup comprising of members of Modest Mouse, Unicorns, Man Man with Michael Cera on touring bass, Mister Heavenly had pretty good odds in producing one of the albums of 2011. Bursting full of upbeat style indie-pop, accompanied by 1950s influences, ‘Out of Love’ is a must listen for anyone who has a remote leaning towards catchy indie rock that doesn’t take itself too seriously. And if that’s not enough, their biography states that Mister Heavenly are ‘very excited by the prospect of their music being used in a big-screen, teen romantic comedy’, which is pretty much all I could ever want from a band’s press release. Instant scene points? Yeah, I think so.
10. Alex Turner – Submarine (Original Movie Soundtrack)
Movie soundtracks aren’t often strong contenders for albums of the year, but Alex Turner’s self composed soundtrack to Richard Ayoade’s ‘Submarine’ is more than worthy of a place in the list. As a huge fan of the book, the songs that Turner produced for the film managed to perfectly encapsulate the melancholy and quirkiness of the story, whilst also showing that there is more to his musical repertoire than just the Arctic Monkeys. All haunting vocals, slow beats and acoustic guitars,especially on stand out track ‘Stuck On The Puzzle’, this a mini album that is most definitely one of the best things to emerge in 2011.
to feature an array of amazing releases and artists (past, present, old and new) with the goal of promoting them to anyone interested and anyone who stumbles across this site.
If you like any of the tracks, please go buy the albums and help finance the artists producing this great music.
If there are any issues with the tracks featured do not hesitate to contact: "team (AT) Cougar Microbes (DOT) com and we will happily oblige.
