In a lot of ways, the 1980s were a strange decade. Speaking specifically to the musical output there was a lot to like, but it was dominated by fads and failed experiments. As someone who had limited access to music other than what my parents played or what popular radio had to offer, the 80s… Continue reading [The Past Presents] Joe Jackson – Body and Soul (1984)
Author: Jesse
[The Past Presents] Catherine Wheel – Adam and Eve (1997)
At this point in history I think it would be difficult to find many people who would exclude Radioheadâs OK Computer from a list of the best albums of 1997. Iâd also wager that more than 70 percent of those lists would have OK Computer in the number 1 position. Few will argue that OK… Continue reading [The Past Presents] Catherine Wheel – Adam and Eve (1997)
[The Past Presents] The Modern Lovers – The Modern Lovers (1976)
The Past Presents is typically where I take a fresh look at an older album, either because itâs regarded as a classic album and Iâd like to see if it still holds up, or because itâs an album I feel is special and it never really got the love it deserves. For me, this column… Continue reading [The Past Presents] The Modern Lovers – The Modern Lovers (1976)
Callahan
When the deep chill of winter settles in completely, I find myself drawn to spare, beautiful music that requires dedicated time for listening. Callahanâs delicate acoustic songs are perfect for time spent in your own version of frozen tundra. Callahan is the alter ego of Michigan native Malcolm Cumming, who manages to bring the quiet… Continue reading Callahan
Andrew McHenry
When I listen to Andrew McHenryâs latest — and, to my knowledge, first — EP, I canât help but notice the similarities to Elliott Smith. Itâs not just a hint of Smith I hear in these songs, itâs a very strong resemblance. McHenry plays delicately layered guitar melodies and adds crisp, sing-a-long vocals on top,… Continue reading Andrew McHenry
Prissy Clerks
Itâs time for music fans to sit up and take notice: thereâs something special going on in Minneapolis. A solid stream of excellent music is coming out of the twin cities these days, and the latest to add to the list is Prissy Clerks. The bandâs debut album, Bruise or Be Bruised, is out on… Continue reading Prissy Clerks
Old Earth
I donât know if you noticed but itâs getting cold out there. As autumn starts to sink its teeth into the world for another year, Old Earth is here to complete the picture for you. âLess Words,â a fantastic song from Old Earthâs latest release, a low place at The Old Place, sounds like a walk… Continue reading Old Earth
Passenger Peru demonstrates their adventurous side on self-titled debut album
Largely the vision of former Antlers bassist Justin Stivers, Passenger Peru rides Stivers bass into more experimental areas than Antlers usual fare. Stivers teamed up with Justin Gonzalez to bring Passenger Peruâs self-titled album into existence. From the start of the album, you get the impression that Stivers attempted to bring the experimental side of… Continue reading Passenger Peru demonstrates their adventurous side on self-titled debut album
[The Past Presents] Slint – “Spiderland”
The Past Presents revisits revered albums from the past 20-25 years to ask the question, âIs this album still a classic, or has it lost its edge over the years?â. Was it a great record for that particular time and place, or is it something weâll be passing on to our kids? It also looks at… Continue reading [The Past Presents] Slint – “Spiderland”
The genre of Plankton Wat’s Spirits? Who cares.
When not sharing the stage with Nick Bindeman in Eternal Tapestry, Dewey Mahood creates his own sonic adventures as Plankton Wat. The arrival of fresh sounds from Plankton Wat is always cause for anticipation. Typically a Plankton Wat album is delivered on cassette, or sometimes CD-R, so having an LP release is even more special. Plankton Wat rides a thin… Continue reading The genre of Plankton Wat’s Spirits? Who cares.