Briefer discussions are there about records without set release dates, including new ones on the horizon from Arcade Fire, Morrissey, Muse, Portishead, Raconteurs (Jack White and Brendan Benson), Scissor Sisters (due 'late spring'), The Stills, Spiritualized, Scott Walker, Walkmen, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Zutons.
I heard a four track ep yesterday from the yeah yeah yeahs in a record store that included the lead-off single from the new album. I've never been a big fan of the band, but the new songs were maybe the least interesting I've heard from them yet. I think they are really gunning for the mainstream, as all the rough edges were taken off there previous sound. Really not that far from Kelly Clarkson (although I think I like SYBG better than the YYYs songs._
Originally posted by Karen: I heard something about an Elliott Smith tribute record that will come out this year. I'd like to learn more about that.
To: Elliot, From: Portland is scheduled to be released Feb 7. Here's a description of it I found at Miles of Music:
"A tribute to the late Elliott Smith featuring indie-rock notables including The Decemberists, Helio Sequence, The Thermals, Dolorean and many more. Ten percent of the net proceeds will be donated to the Elliott Smith Foundation`s charity, "Free Arts for Abused Children". The Thermals` version of "Ballad of Big Nothing" was recorded and mixed by Smith`s ex-girlfriend, Joanna Bolme, at Jackpot Studios, a studio that Smith helped founder Larry Crane start. Many of the artists knew Elliott personally, and played with Elliott at various times. The album features liner notes from those who knew and loved Elliott Smith. It was mastered by Tony Lash, Elliott`s former Heatmiser bandmate. Track Listings: The Decemberists - Clementine, Helio Sequence - Satellite, The Thermals - Ballad of Big Nothing, Crosstide - Angeles, Amelia - Between the Bars, Dolorean - The Biggest Lie, Sexton Blake - Rose Parade, Swords - I Didnt Understand,Sean Croghan - High Times (previously unreleased track), Lifesavas - Happiness, Jeff Trott Wouldnt Mama Be Proud, Society of People of Ambiance and Elegance - Speed Trials, To Live and Die in LA - Kings Crossing, We Are Telephone - Division Days, Eric Matthews - Needle in the Hay. (Expunged Records)"
Another tribute I'm also looking forward to arrives the following week- I Am The Resurrection: Tribute To John Fahey. This one features Sufjan Stevens, M.Ward, Fruit Bats, Devendra Banhart, Peter Case, Howe Gelb, etc.
Speaking of Peter Case, he recieves a tribute album the same day the Elliot Smith trib is released. Some tribute albums are hit and miss but these three do look interesting, I hope they sound more so.
Speaking of tributes, those who care (not me!) will be happy that the Jeff/Tim Buckley tribute Dream Brother which has been out in the UK for a little while is getting a US release this month. It has tracks by Sufjan, Magic Numbers, Engineers, Micah P. Hinson, Adem and more.
Posts: 3875 | Location: ATL, GA | Registered: 25 May 2004
Speaking of tributes, those who care (not me!) will be happy that the Jeff/Tim Buckley tribute Dream Brother which has been out in the UK for a little while is getting a US release this month. It has tracks by Sufjan, Magic Numbers, Engineers, Micah P. Hinson, Adem and more.
Found a used copy of this online last month. The covers that worked best for me were performed by the lesser known (to me) artists: Kathryn Williams "Buzzin' Fly", King Creosote "Grace", and Matthew Herbert & Dani Siciliano "Everybody Here Wants You". Not a bad tribute collection, maybe the artists shouldn't have tried to be so faithful to the original versions.
Posts: 8741 | Location: State of Insanity | Registered: 22 September 2005
I heard a four track ep yesterday from the yeah yeah yeahs in a record store that included the lead-off single from the new album. I've never been a big fan of the band, but the new songs were maybe the least interesting I've heard from them yet. I think they are really gunning for the mainstream, as all the rough edges were taken off there previous sound. Really not that far from Kelly Clarkson (although I think I like SYBG better than the YYYs songs._
Well, that pretty much sucks. I guess it's not surprising since their last album was a mix of their original style (as evidenced by their EP) and a more accessible version, sort of a Diet Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Well, which blew up commercially?
This might have been posted before, but it's Jack White and Brendan Benson's side project. They have two tracks up for your listening pleasure on the site, both of which sound great. I'm really excited for this album.
The Raconteurs' website is one of the best band sites I've ever been to. I'm so effing tired of the competition to pack the most shiny moving objects and cute sound effects into your website.
I posted about it just a little bit up on this page. The tracks I heard were just ok. A step down from the last album I'd say. I thought they were really boring.
Based on projected releases, '06 could be one of the best years for new music in recent memory. Built to Spill, The Flaming Lips, The Shins, The Walkmen, Grandaddy (their last btw), Radiohead, Wilco, and The Arcade Fire (and many other notable bands) have probable releases this year (according to Metacritic). Their are also rumors of reunion albums by The Pixies and The Smashing Pumpkins potentially by the end of the year(though they could be disastrous). I'm not sure of the accuracy of this list, but it looks impressive. If you haven't seen it, here it is: http://www.metacritic.com/music/upcomingreleases.shtml Even if only half of these see the light of day in '06, it should be a great year (not to mention all the new bands that we're likely to discover).
I'm pretty sure a few people here have heard Arctic Monkeys. I've heard one track, once, and it was enough to get me to buy the album. But for those of you who've heard the whole album and had time to reflect on it, what's the verdict:
Great new Brit-pop phenomonon
Or
UK hype band #659?
Posts: 1783 | Location: Around Boston. | Registered: 24 February 2005
Originally posted by Bobthespirit: I'm pretty sure a few people here have heard Arctic Monkeys. I've heard one track, once, and it was enough to get me to buy the album. But for those of you who've heard the whole album and had time to reflect on it, what's the verdict:
Great new Brit-pop phenomonon
Or
UK hype band #659?
I've downloaded a few tracks, and I think the Arctic Monkeys have a fantastic sound. It's kind of a shame they've recieved so much press, because there seems to be a bit of a backlash now, but from what I've heard, they're a strong contender for best new band of the year.
----- Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold.
Posts: 5355 | Location: Michigan | Registered: 19 June 2005
Originally posted by Bobthespirit: Great new Brit-pop phenomonon
Or
UK hype band #659?
Both? I've got the whole album and it's pretty good. It's not exactly one-of-a-kind, but the songs are consistent, catchy, and mostly pretty fun. Within the confines of their genre (disclaimer: this is one of my favorite genres) they do some pretty interesting things to separate themselves from the pack the same way that Franz and Art Brut do, and the Kaiser Chiefs and Hard-Fi do not. Also, like Franz and Art Brut, they come off as likable and funny in their songs, unlike, say, Bloc Party. They don't come close to living up to the hype, but then the Beatles couldn't have either (after all, NME ranked this above any Beatles album).
Eric is right. Try to take them at face value. I'd hate for them to sink under the weight of enormous backlash (which almost seems inevitable) because I think they are already a good band with a ton of potential.
I listened to the new Arctic Monkey album yesterday and I found it underwhelming. I think all the hype killed it for me. In time, I think I'd like it a bit more, but I'll probably never going to revisit their CD again. It wasn't anything special.
As far as Britpop goes, I'll take Supergrass by a mile.
Originally posted by purple: I think all the hype killed it for me.
See what I'm saying?! It really is too bad. I mean, if you don't like it, you don't like it, but these poor kids never had a chance (though they've probably gone multi-platinum UK style by now). I guess in the long run, if they had to choose between indie cred and fame and riches....
I know what you're saying, dubs. But it's impossible, I think, to listen to an album that's already been hyped and not feel swayed one way or the other. Would you agree?
