Lace Curtains

A Signed Piece Of Paper

Female Fantasy Records

Lace Curtains is the band of ex-Harlem member Michael Coomer. Whereas Harlem was modern garage rock, Lace’s album is much more pop, almost lounge-like, and absolutely made for late nights.  Lyrics, nice and terse, are about relationships, romantic and otherwise. The title comes from an old warning to girls being scouted at talent shows by Hollywood types who would encourage them to come to Hollywood to be a star. At the time, actors were contract players for studios. If the girls weren’t signed by a studio, they had very few options.

This easy listening pop is a good debut.  It goes down nice and easy, and is always sincere, never ironic. Let’s hope there is more to come from Coomer. 

https://www.facebook.com/LaceCurtains1

Andrea Weiss

Swearing At Motorists

While Laughing The Joker Tells The Truth

A Recordings

This is the first album since 2006’s Last Night Becomes This Morning, and the first for Anton Newcombe’s A Recordings.  Like that album and the ones before it, the Dayton, Ohio duo produced another good one, with the same minimalist instrumentation and droll lyrics about life and love.  Frontman Dave Doughman sounds as good as ever, his deep voice adding emphasis to the lyrics.

SAM have elements in them of other Dayton bands like The Breeders and Guided By Voices, but they always occupy their own space.  And what a space it is. This band is a lot of fun to listen to, especially on “I Likes Your Style,” the album’s best track.  Perfect for late night, early mornings, and quiet times at any time of the day.  https://www.facebook.com/swearingatmotorists

Andrea Weiss

Electronica

Ultramarine

Every Man and Woman Is A Star

Rough Trade

Lovely, beautiful, relaxing, calming and smooth sailing. These are some of the words that come to mind while listening to this album.  Made in the early 90s, before electronica was a genre, this reissue pointed toward fusion jazz and progressive rock and used both for its own sound. 

The original album came out in 1991 on Brainiak Records and then in expanded form in 1992 on Rough Trade.  This reissue adds four tracks that originally were a 1992 Peel Session, where the energy of the band shines through, and caps a fine debut.  This is a must hear for electronica fans and for those who want good music to chill to or to think. 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ultramarine/356138807807022

And for a a very good short film using thew band's music, it's here:

http://everymanandwomanisastar.com

Andrea Weiss