Tourist

Tourist

Patterns EP

Monday Records

This EP, featuring contributions from Lianne La Havas and Will Heard, has a very good sense of melody. This is more than just pounding beats.  These rhythms skip along very nicely, since whenever there is a good melody, or melodies, everything -- rhythms, lyrics -- falls into line, at least for me.  So, if you want to dance to something very melodic, and fun to listen to, this EP is for you.

https://www.facebook.com/musicbytourist

Andrea Weiss

IA

Incan Abraham

Tolerance

White Iris Records

This is very pleasant, dreamy synth pop, musically and lyrically, but I must respectfully disagree with those who liken this band to Beach House and Grizzly Bear. What I hear is a debut album with a sound all its own that may use the Bear and the Beach sparingly as starting points but that doesn't prevent the band from trying new things on it’s own.  Its sound is sturdy and the framework is strong, allowing it to roam free.  The lyrics reflect the music.  Try it.  I think you'll like it.

https://www.facebook.com/incanabraham

Andrea Weiss

FI

Future Islands

Triumphant

4AD

The best way to think about this album is that it’s thoughtful, musically and lyrically.  The cerebral quality of the music, which is quiet with something of a dance beat to it, is very appealing.  Rarely does music so perfectly complement almost every mood. 

The vocalist for this Baltimore trio has an equally appealing rasp to his voice, even a growl at times, and it lends the lyrics and music an even more thoughtful quality.  In short, a good album that's more than worthwhile for dancing and listening.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Future-Islands/161555136568

Andrea Weiss

World of Joy

Howler

World Of Joy

Rough Trade

The band backs up the promise of their lead single, “Don’t Wanna,” with an album that is heavier, darker, funnier, more mature, and rocking than their debut America Give Up. In short, a great album about places, states of mind and people in their hometown of Minneapolis, with a pop/rock/punk crunch that is very appealing and a lot of fun to listen to.

A couple of the songs are about their guitarist Ian.  The poor man gets sick all the time, but he's a swell guy and a great guitar player.  Jordan Gatesmith’s deep voice provides more balance than on the debut and he's even better here.  The rhythm section is cool, laying down a driving beat that is also very catchy.  “Don’t Wanna,” deserves a retraction from me.  It’s not about a woman.  It’s about Goldsmith, his friends who cling to local rock mythology, and "a culture that might be more damning than freeing," to quote a bit from his liner notes I received with this review copy.  He might even be saying that if you Wanna, then Don’t Wanna, it’s okay.

We’re only three months into the year, and already there are some great albums for “best of the year” consideration, World of Joy being one of them. If you want to hear some joyful, mordantly humored, wonderful, and truly modern rock, this album is for you.  https://www.facebook.com/howlerband

Andrea Weiss

DWNTWN

Till Tomorrow Video

This is easy listening synth pop, with a good message: get out of your head. You don’t need it and it’s time to move on. The clip, consisting of moving line drawings, is good, simple animation, and lends the song even more emotion than it already has. There’s a sweetness to it that makes the lyrics even sadder.  It’s a good pick-me-up, and a gently fun clip to view more than once, just to see the animation.

http://www.metrolyrics.com/news-story-premiere-dwntwn-unveil-til-tomorrow-lyric-video.html 

https://www.facebook.com/dwntwnmusic

Andrea Weiss

Escape From Chicago 2

Loose Squares

This is a comp of post-footwork artists outside of Chicago, including Slick Shoota, Sinistarr,  Calculonm, and Leatherface.  I like this comp because it’s very meditative, good for thinking while walking around or just relaxing.  No matter the tempo, these tracks are all good.   You can also use them for working out and, of course, on the dance floor.  So if you want to check out some great music, and what is the best techno outside of Chicago, this comp is for you.

https://www.facebook.com/loosesquareschicago

Andrea Weiss

Elternal Lips

Eternal Lips

s/t

New Mirage Records

Nice, dreamy pop.  This project from Brooklyn musician Grey Gersten, was conceived as an imaginary band.  It really does sound like a band, especially the lovely songs “Mercy” featuring Kyp Malone of TV on the Radio, and “Dream Hesitate,” featuring Sharon Van Etten.

However, I have two criticisms of this project.  First, on the spoken word track, it does not serve anyone’s purpose to make sick jokes about Charles Manson and cutting your fingers.  I was not amused.  Second, please drop the outsider tag.  That label has always been applied to disabled artists who have been shut out of the system for ablest reasons. Even though Gersten may not have meant this, it still annoys me because I have a learning disability and I want that tag eliminated.

I liked this EP a lot; this is dream pop at its best, very imaginative, and very well done. I would like to hear more, and I hope there is an album in the works.  This type of music really sticks in your mind, and makes for a wonderful, and memorable listening experience.  

 https://www.facebook.com/EternalLips

Andrea Weiss