Cougar Microbes

Conor Oberst returns to the familiar surroundings of Bright Eyes with the release of ‘The People’s Key‘ in what, if the frontman is to be believed ,may well be the band’s final chapter. having expressed his Americana compulsion first with the 2007 album ‘Cassadega‘ and subsequently with the likes of the Mystic Valley Band and Monsters Of Folk a change in direction was in the air.

As such this new album blend the distinct electro-pop and folk feeling that the twin 2005 releases ‘I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning‘ and ‘Digital Ash in a Digital Urn‘ offered to produce what is, potentially, the bands most accessible release to date.

In the past it felt like certain tracks were deliberately twisted to hide their underlying pop appeal from immediate view whereas this time round ideas see their full potential explored and given time under the spotlight. It is quite a departure from the band’s earlier efforts and offers a more concise outcome framing the vague lyrical content with a necessary song structure.

I get the feeling that a young Conor Oberst from the early 00′s may have stuck up his nose at the direction his music has taken for this latest release. Truth be told we all mature, we all grow old, and we all develop a taste for the finer things in life.

Without taking anything away from past Bright Eyes work ‘The People’s Key‘ is a fine release

Last month we posted about Tim Kasher‘s new album and single. He’s since gone and directed his own funny/revolting video to go with it starring Molly Parker from Deadwood.

As a treat here is another taste of the new album.

TRACKS:

Tim Kasher – I’m Afraid I’m Going To Die Here (rcrdlbl)

It is pretty clear that Tim Kasher can do very little wrong in my eyes. Regardless of whether he is throwing his all into a live performance or releasing brilliant records I’m always dazzled by the end product.

It is therefore great news to find out that, whilst Cursive take a deserved but hopefully temporary break, the singer will be releasing his first solo album, ‘The Game Of Monogamy‘, at the start of October.

By the sounds of that title this album is going to explore some of the themes seen in his previous output. Indeed, the release of ’Cold Love‘ as a taster track is not a million miles away from the amazing work displayed with his The Good Life project. Lyrically the track deals with boring sex, couples going through the motions and unsurprisingly relationships that have run their course. Textbook Tim Kasher.

‘The Game Of Monogamy’ is released on Saddle Creek on the 5th of October.

TRACKS:

I genuinely get excited and eagerly await any new release by either of Tim Kasher‘s bands, after all he is responsible for writing and venting on some of my favourite albums. Over the years I think I have spun Cursive‘s ‘The Ugly Organ‘ and The Good Life‘s ‘Album Of The Year’ billions of times.

Obviously it was good news when i found out Cursive will be releasing their 6th studio album titled ‘Mama, I’m Swollen‘ on the 10th of March. To make things even sweeter the good folk at Saddle Creek are selling the digital version for just 1$ on the 1st of March, 2$ on the 2nd, 3$ on the 3rd etc. until the release date. As far as cool marketing ideas go this one rates highly and rewards the fans who buy early.

At the time of writing Saddle Creek‘s website is slow or unresponsive, I assume due to the sheer amount of requests this deal has attracted. I have managed to get through and listened to the album this morning. I’m really impressed with the tracks on display so far and if it is as good as the band’s other recorded output I may well also chip in for the $15 double vinyl version.

TRACKS:

Cursive – Mama, I’m Swollen