The Past Presents revisits revered albums from the past 20-25 years to ask the question, āIs this album still a classic, or has it lost its edge over the years?ā. Was it a great record for that particular time and place, or is it something weāll be passing on to our kids? It also looks… Continue reading [The Past Presents] Paul Westerberg – “14 Songs”
Category: Album Reviews
The Skull Defekts’ 2013-3012 is complex and gripping
When former Lungfish front man Daniel Higgs joined Swedish noise-rock juggernaut The Skull Defekts on their Peer Amid album earlier this year, it seemed like a natural fit that played to the strengths of both parties. Now, taking things one step further, The Skull Defekts teamed up with Zomes, the solo moniker of former Lungfish… Continue reading The Skull Defekts’ 2013-3012 is complex and gripping
Luke Roberts needs a moment of your time
One of the greatest qualities of folk music is the story. Thereās always a story in the song somewhere; you might have to search deep down in the lyrics or deep within yourself to find the story, but itās there. The songs on Luke Robertās debut, Big Bells and Dime Songs, have stories too, but… Continue reading Luke Roberts needs a moment of your time
High Places are confident, mature on Original Colors
At some point in a bandās career there is a noticeable shift from a sort of musical adolescence to the comfort and confidence of maturity. High Places have clearly reached their maturity with their latest record, Original Colors. Please note that this level of maturity in no way translates to boring or tired. On the… Continue reading High Places are confident, mature on Original Colors
Future Islands use sounds of 25 years ago for On The Water
On the Water, the latest album from Baltimoreās Future Islands, is the most interesting indie-dance record released this year. Wait, itās not really a dance record, maybe I meant indie-rock record. Well, itās not really rock either. Is it chill-wave? Iām thinking not. Honestly, On the Water doesnāt deserve to be shoved into any one… Continue reading Future Islands use sounds of 25 years ago for On The Water
It is rain in my face’s Wishbone EP
One of my favorite aspects of listening to new music is the ability to discover new approaches to established sounds or genres. On more than one occasion Iāve been treated to an artist who explores a genre that isnāt one of my favorites and takes it in a direction that is unexpected and appealing. Listening… Continue reading It is rain in my face’s Wishbone EP
Wooden Shjips make best record to date with West
San Francisco has a long history with psychedelic music, but no band epitomizes the new psychedelic sound of San Francisco like Wooden Shjips. After releasing some great records on Holy Mountain, Wooden Shjips unleash West, their first record for Thrill Jockey. West finds the band in a proper studio for the first time and the… Continue reading Wooden Shjips make best record to date with West
Glenn Jones’ The Wanting fills us with satisfaction
The Wanting is an intriguing title for Glenn Jonesā fourth solo record, and first for the Thrill Jockey label. You expect to feel a deep yearning of sense of loss pouring from each song; instead, each track is completely satisfying and exudes feelings of contentment. Jones comes from the John Fahey and Robbie Basho school… Continue reading Glenn Jones’ The Wanting fills us with satisfaction
Barn Owl’s psych-doom-folk is hypnotic on Lost in the Glare
Do you remember that forgotten space station marooned in some remote corner of the universe populated by two half-insane astronauts? Youāve probably seen it in a late night movie that blurred in your mind years ago. It seems impossible, but at some point our two lonely and mostly-out-of-their-minds astronauts get it together and figure out… Continue reading Barn Owl’s psych-doom-folk is hypnotic on Lost in the Glare
[The Past Presents] U2 – “Achtung Baby”
The Past PresentsĀ revisits revered albums from the past 20-25 years to ask the question, āIs this album still a classic, or has it lost its edge over the years?ā. Was it a great record for that particular time and place, or is it something weāll be passing on to our kids? It also looks at… Continue reading [The Past Presents] U2 – “Achtung Baby”