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Stephen Hummel - MELD (Self-Released)
The mastermind behind SubtractiveLAD delivers his hinted-at solo debut album, and it’s a stunning departure from the ambient and neoclassical work of the past.
14 May 2012Orcas: A Rainy-Day Haze
Haze-loving minimalist pop songwriter Benoit Pioulard discusses his latest project, a collaborative duo that finds him expanding and developing on his distinctive songwriting.
2 May 2012Orange Cake Mix - silver wind and stars (Self-Released)
After a decade of silence,the once highly prolific Jim Rao breaks his silence with a dozen—yes, a dozen—new albums released over the past few weeks; this one is merely a microcosm for the Orange Cake Mix scene, and a great introduction to a long-thought-lost artist.
30 April 2012Father John Misty - Fear Fun (Sub Pop)
J. Tillmann leaves Fleet Foxes and his solo sound behind, in favor of a rollicking, straightforward style that is, simply, a delight for the listener.
23 April 2012Wooden Wand - Briarwood [Deluxe Edition] (Fire Records)
James Jackson Toth reissues last year’s surprising Southern Rock genre jump, with a second disc that contains the album in demo form. Surprisingly, these rough takes only make the case of this album’s strengths.
20 April 2012Preteen Zenith - Rubble Guts and BB Eye (Good Records Recordings)
Preteen Zenith is the new project from The Polyphonic Spree’s mastermind Tim DeLaughter; the resulting record is a prog-pop delight and his heaviest, most psychedelic record to date.
18 April 2012Sandy Bull & The Rhythm Ace - Live 1976 (Drag City/Galactic Zoo)
A recently unearthed live performance by string mastermind Sandy Bull highlights the late composers’ skill, as well as his humorous side.
16 April 2012Fan Modine: On Time, Friends, and Technology
Fan Modine’s Gordon Zacharias talks about his third album, the creative process, and the life and times of the one-man studio wizard.
13 April 2012THEESatisfaction - awE naturalE (Sub Pop)
Sub Pop has issued a bold, compelling experimental hip-hop album that is as unique as anything you’ll hear this year.
11 April 2012Cuddle Magic -- Info Nympho (FYO Records)
East Coast indiepop orchestra Cuddle Magic’s third album is their most nuanced and colorful.
9 April 2012Anton Newcombe and Brian Jonestown Massacre: A Statement on Today's Music
Mr. Newcombe drops some knowledge. We should all heed his words.
5 March 2012Windy and Carl - We Will Always Be (Kranky)
Long-running Michigan ambient duo Windy and Carl’s latest album, We Will Always Be, is an absolutely unsurprising album of unhurried, unfettered beauty.
24 February 2012Dustin Wong - Dreams Say, View, Create, Shadows Lead (Thrill Jockey)
Dustin Wong’s latest album isn’t so much a collection of sixteen songs as much as it is an intricate, delicate sixty-minute musical experience.
22 February 2012Andre Williams - Hoods and Shades (Bloodshot)
Don’t let the pimped-out cover fool you; Andre Williams’ latest is a stripped-down affair that pairs down the braggadocio and highlights the man’s greatest ability: storytelling.
20 February 2012Release the Sunbird - Imaginary Summer (Brushfire)
A half-dozen songs on this digital EP find that Zach Rogue’s “side project” Release the Sunbird is growing comfortably into a very fine band.
17 February 2012Dirty Three-Toward the Low Sun (Drag City)
Australian instrumental rock trio return after several years, and though not an overwhelming return to form, it’s still a welcome return.
15 February 2012Field Music - Plumb (Memphis Industries)
Hot on the heels of their comeback, the brothers Brewis release a wonderful album. Their music still sounds like XTC, but not necessarily in the way you expect…
14 February 2012Rosie Thomas "With Love" (Sing-A-Long)
Some artists can’t describe the complexities of love with less than 69 songs. Rosie Thomas only needs ten songs to do the same.
8 February 2012Shearwater - Animal Joy (Sub Pop) / Winged Life (Misra)
Shearwater’s eighth album Animal Joy is a sonic departure from their previous work, while a reissue of their third album, Winged Life, is a highlight from whence they came.
1 February 2012The Lemonheads - Hotel Sessions (Hall of Records)
A collection of on-the-road demos for The Lemonheads’ underrated Come On Feel The Lemonheads highlights the magic that is Evan Dando.
27 January 2012Dr. Dog - Be The Void (Anti-)
Philadelphia-based Dr. Dog’s sixth album finds the band at their most mature-sounding, leaping far beyond their previous work.
25 January 2012The Strange Boys - Live Music (Matador Records)
Austin, Texas rockers The Strange Boys tone down the garage, turn up the piano, and make a wonderful little retro-pop record.
23 January 2012Cardinal: The Legend Returns!
Hot on the heels of the release of their first record in eighteen years, we are pleased to sit down with Eric Matthews and Richard Davies, who discuss the band’s past, their collaborative method, and music in general.
20 January 2012Zun Zun Egui - Katang (Bella Union)
Bristol-based band’s debut album is something out of this world. No, really.
18 January 2012Neverever - Shake-A-Baby (Slumberland Records)
Neverever’s new EP will come into your life for a brief moment, then fly away, leaving you heartbroken but all the richer for having experienced it.
16 January 2012Still Corners: A Brief Chat with Greg Hughes
In a spare moment post-conquering America, we speak to British-based Still Corners’ Greg Hughes about his band and their notable debut, Creatures of an Hour.
13 January 2012Moholy-Nagy - Like Mirage (Temporary Residence)
Three founding members of space-rockers Tarentel reform and release a satisfying collection of mellow, tranquil music.
11 January 2012The Silent League - Of Stars and Other Somebodys (File 13)
This jazz-minded Mercury Rev side project’s second album finally sees a domestic release. Better late than never…
6 January 2012Gregory Scott Slay - Horsethief Beats (Communicating Vessels)
Gregory Scott Slay—the former drummer of Remy Zero—did not let Cystic Fibrosis stand in the way of his final musical statement.
4 January 2012Kieran Hebden/Steve Reid/Mats Gustafsson -- Live at the South Bank (Smalltown Superjazz)
The Hebden/Reid collaboration came to an end with the death of Steve Reid, but this two-disc document excellently serves its purpose as final testament.
2 January 2012Lydia Loveless: The Undefinable Machine
Up-and-coming country-rocker Lydia Loveless takes a moment while resting in Music City to reflect upon the classifications and inspirations that have graced her over the past year.
16 November 2011Sam Rosenthal - The Passage (Projekt)
Projekt mastermind takes listeners on an expanded journey into the vast unknown. Do not operate heavy machinery while under its influence.
14 November 2011Bill Ryder-Jones: A Novel Soundtracker
We have a lovely little chat with The Coral‘s former lead guitarist, Bill Ryder-Jones, on the occasion of his debut album, If….
11 November 2011The Bandana Splits - Mr. Sam Presents the Bandana Splits (Boy Scout)
I know you’ve been burned by the initial debuts of modern-day “girl groups,” but The Bandana Splits have a few things to show you with their debut album.
9 November 2011Carlos Paredes - Guitarra Portuguesa/Movimento Perpétuo (Drag City)
The music-loving experts at Drag City have reissued the first two records by Portuguese guitarra maestro Carlos Paredes, and these two records are an interesting introduction to the late guitar innovator.
7 November 2011JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound: Soul Love If You Want More
Chicago’s JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound have come out of nowhere and want to do nothing more than win you over with their exciting, respectful soul music. A friendly conversation with guitarist Billy Bungeroth finds him reflective on his album’s release day.
4 November 2011Coma Recovery - Goddverb (Deep Elm)
Comparisons to another band be damned, Albuquerque’s Coma Recovery has produced a very fine collection of heavy instrumental rock music.
2 November 2011Pallers - The Sea of Memories (Labrador)
Prolific Swede indie-popper Johan Angergård’s project Pallers have produced a debut of wonderfully dour 80s new wave.
28 October 2011Lanterns on the Lake - Gracious Tide, Take Me Home (Bella Union)
The band’s name and debut album’s title may make you think that the music within is dark, folky, and somewhat wet. Guess what—it is!
26 October 2011Tim Hecker - Dropped Pianos (Kranky)
Candian-based Tim Hecker concludes his year by releasing an album of stark, basic sketches of songs used as the basis for the album he released at the beginning of the year. Surprisingly essential.
24 October 2011Memoryhouse: Jazz Hand Flailing in the Bitter Wind
We have a nice talk with Canadian dream-pop band Memoryhouse, on their growth from a bedroom band to a fully-operational group, and the reasons why they rerecorded their critically acclaimed debut EP.
21 October 2011The Darcys -- S/T (Arts & Crafts)
Canadian-based The Darcys issue the first in a trilogy of vinyl-only releases; the novelty does not detract in any way from the quality.
19 October 2011Tunabunny - Minima Moralia (Happy Happy Birthday to Me Records)
Oh, OK, I understand why this Athens, Georgia band has been piling on the accolades.
19 October 2011The Besnard Lakes - You Lived In The City EP (Jagjaguwar)
The Besnard Lakes impress yet again, this time with a gorgeous, dreamy 4-song 12” single.
14 October 2011Richard Swift - Walt Wolfman EP (Secretly Canadian)
Enigmatic producer and musician Richard Swift offers up another confounding record.
12 October 2011Tobias Lilja - Delirium Portraits (n5md)
A beguiling collection of pop music, for those darker moments of your life.
10 October 2011Pomegranates: A Friendly Collaboration
We have a quick chat with Ohio-based Pomegranates about their new, experimental EP.
7 October 2011The Revival Hour "Hold Back" b/w "Run Away" (Self Released)
Holy impressive soft-rock super-group, Batman!
6 October 2011Niki and the Dove - The Drummer (Sub Pop)
Swedish electronica duo Niki and the Dove tease the listener with a seven-song EP of utterly compelling, beguiling experimental pop music.
28 September 2011The Duke & The King - The Duke & The King (Silva Screen America)
Once a side project for The Felice Brothers’ Simon Felice, this collection compiles selections from the band’s two European releases, highlighting the band’s overall talents and strengths.
26 September 2011Jason Lytle: A Grandaddy's Reminiscence
We discuss the past, the present, and the future with former Grandaddy leader, upon the release of the deluxe reissue of the band’s The Sophtware Slump.
23 September 2011Hong Kong in the 60s: Modern Dreamy Nostalgia
London-based trio Hong Kong in the 60s has made a little record that is worthy of your time.
21 September 2011Sundress - Sundress EP (Self Released)
Veteran Denton, Texas-based Sundress comes on strong with a six-song EP of atmospheric psychedelic rock influenced heavily by 90s era Britpop.
19 September 2011Big Troubles: On Making the Perfect Romantic Comedy
New Jersey-based indie-pop band Big Troubles discusses their great leap forward and the making of their impressive new album, Romantic Comedy.
14 September 2011Jens Lekman - An Argument With Myself (Secretly Canadian)
The once-prolific Swedish popster Jens Lekman returns with his first record of new material since 2007, and it’s a keeper!
11 September 2011Mercury Rev: A Conversation with Jonathan Donahue, Part II
In the conclusion of our chat with Mercury Rev leader Jonathan Donahue, we discuss the infamous day All Is Dream was released, the future of his band, and the philosophy that goes into being a middle-aged musician.
9 September 2011Release the Sunbird: A Rogue Arises
Rogue Wave leader Zach Schwartz talks about his latest project, the stripped-down band Release the Sunbird.
5 September 2011Mercury Rev: A Conversation with Jonathan Donahue, Part I
In this first installment, we have a nice chat with Mercury Rev’s lead singer, Jonathan Donahue, on the occasion of the deluxe reissue of the band’s groundbreaking album, Deserter’s Songs, and we discuss the bleak environment that produced an album of stunning beauty.
31 August 2011The Brian Jonestown Massacre - The Singles Collection (1992-2011) (a records)
California modern psychedelic rock legends Brian Jonestown Massacre have compiled the band’s uber-rare vinyl sides, and this collection of rare gems wonderfully highlights the songwriting talent of Anton Newcombe.
29 August 2011Stephin Merritt - Obscurities (Merge Records)
What, no “I Die, You Die?” No “Crowd of Drifters” (Dr. Death version)? No “If I Were a Rich Man?”
26 August 2011Screaming Trees - Last Words: The Final Recordings (Sunyata Records)
Screaming Trees’ final recordings have been unearthed and given a proper release, highlighting the final statements of a once-fine band.
24 August 2011Bill Baird--Goodbye Vibrations (Self-Released)
Love hurts. Love scars. Love wounds and marks any heart not tough or strong enough to take a lot of pain.
22 August 2011Big Talk: A Killer Takes The Lead
We talk with Ronnie Vannucci, drummer for the Grammy award-winning band The Killers, about his new solo project, Big Talk.
7 August 2011William Elliott Whitmore: Giving Thanks to the Working Man
Iowa-based folk musician William Elliott Whitmore has something he wants to say to you, the working-man, as he discusses his latest album, the critically-acclaimed conceptual Field Songs.
3 August 2011Seapony: Setting the Mood For A Melancholy Day
Seattle-based indie-pop band Seapony may not have a lot to say, but that’s perfectly okay, as leader Danny Rowland discusses the motivation behind his band and their debut Go With Me.
25 July 2011The People's Temple: Givin' it Back!
We talk with young Michigan-based garage-rock band The Peoples Temple about their music, and the obvious comparison one may make with them.
22 July 2011Nicholas Szczepanik--Please Stop Loving Me (Streamline/Drag City)
One piece. Forty-seven minutes. The latest album by young minimalist composer Nicholas Szczepanik isn’t as monotonous as it might seem.
20 July 2011A Polite Conversation with The Wooden Birds' Andrew Kenny
We have a pleasant, interesting chat with Andrew Kenny, mastermind behind The Wooden Birds, and former leader of acclaimed Texas psych band American Analog Set.
18 July 2011Everything Dead is Alive Again: A Chat with The Nighty Nite's John Congleton
We have a chat with John Congleton, about the demise of his former band, The Paper Chase, and his new project, The Nighty Nite.
11 July 2011Kyle Bobby Dunn -- Ways of Meaning (Desire Path Recordings)
Prolific Canadian minimalist Kyle Bobby Dunn presents his latest album, a meditative work that serves as a soothing balm against restlessness and heat.
19 June 2011Kids On A Crime Spree: Channeling The Inner Thirteen Year Old
We talk to Mario Hernandez, indie-pop veteran, about his new project, Kids On A Crime Spree.
13 June 2011Menomena - i am the fun blame monster! (Deluxe Reissue) (FILMguerrero/Barsuk)
The Portland, Oregon psych-pop trio’s debut album is expanded with nine additional songs and a DVD of geeky, awkward public access appearances, all of which adds up to a charming, fun release.
22 May 2011Man Man: Life's Fantastic!
We have an exciting talk with the enigmatic Man Man frontman Honus Honus as he discusses his new album, Life Fantastic, and his upcoming work with his new band, Mister Heavenly.
16 May 2011The Globes: Looking Back to the Future Self
We talk with Spokane, Washington’s The Globes, about their debut album, Future Self, and the power of influences.
8 May 2011The Elected: Time Off Will Be Worth It
We talk with Rilo Kiley and The Elected mastermind Blake Sennett on the heels of the release of his third album, Bury Me In My Rings, a record made after a nearly three year hiatus from making music.
5 May 2011Explode Into Colors - Quilts (Kill Rock Stars)
Portland, Oregon trio Explode Into Colors existed for a brief time, and this collection documents why their split was and is unfortunate.
2 May 2011The Warming Sounds of Maggie Bjorklund
We chat with Maggie Bjorklund, Danish pedal steel maestro, who discusses her attraction to the instrument—and the difficulties of learning said instrument in a remote Northern European location.
20 April 2011Various Artists - Sing For Your Meat: A Tribute to Guided by Voices (No More Fake Labels)
A recent Record Store Day release, this tribute to Guided by Voices is a surprisingly strong, cohesive tribute to the Dayton, Ohio wizards.
18 April 2011Chubby Wolf - The Darker Sex 7" (Low Point)
Two hauntingly beautiful compositions by the late ambient composer Dani Long, under her moniker Chubby Wolf.
17 April 2011A Lull's Confetti Obsession
We discuss the making of Chicago-based electronic-folk-pop band A Lull‘s impressive debut album Confetti with vocalist and mastermind Nigel Evan Dennis.
10 April 2011New Fumes: Yesterday's New Sounds For Tomorrow
We talk with Dallas-based Daniel Huffman about his debut record, Bump & Assassination.
4 April 2011Generationals: Spanning Pop Music's Generations
Take a little time to check out New Orleans-based Generationals, who deftly impress with their second album, Actor-Caster.
4 April 2011Eat Sugar: 21st Century Brainiacs!
We have a brief conversation with Cincinnati-based Eat Sugar, who talk about the recording of their latest album, ¡Levántense!, their live show, and their biggest influence.
28 March 2011SubtractiveLAD: The Redemptive Power of Kindred Spirits
Canadian artist Stephen Hummel, better known as subtractiveLAD, talks about his latest album, Kindred, and the inspirational changes behind it.
22 March 2011The Head and The Heart: The Hardest Working Band In Indie Rock?
We sit down with The Head and The Heart‘s Josiah Johnson, who talks about the band’s formation and plans for the future.
20 March 2011A Tiny Chat with All Tiny Creatures
We sit down for a brief chat with Thomas Wincek and Andrew Fitzpatrick of All Tiny Creatures.
3 March 2011FiRES WERE SHOT - Awakened By a Lonely Feud (Quiet Design)
Austin-based experimental guitar duo FiRES WERE SHOT releases only their third record in nearly 15 years, but the beauty found within makes it worth the wait.
3 March 2011Tim Hecker - Ravedeath, 1972 (Kranky)
Canadian composer Tim Hecker delivers an album of quiet drones and gentle meditative moments.
22 February 2011Eisley - The Valley (Equal Vision Records)
While making their third record, Texas based band Eisley experienced label shakeups, divorces, and breakups, and produced an album of beauty, loss, and redemption as a result.
14 February 2011God Bless Phil Wilson
Legendary indie-pop songwriter Phil Wilson discusses his return after two decades, his former band, The June Brides, and his struggles with songwriting.
6 February 2011New Fumes - Bump & Assassination (Good Records Recordings)
A mysterious vinyl-only release from a Texas electronic psych-rocking wizard that proves to be one of 2011’s more compelling releases.
16 January 2011Chubby Wolf: The Legacy of Dani Long
Will Long, the widower of ambient artist Danielle Baquat-Long, sat down to tell us a little bit about the enigmatic Chubby Wolf.
9 January 2011The Sky Life: Wistful Music for Wistful People
Justin Carter, leader of Canadian atmospheric rockers The Sky Life, discusses the motivations and the creation of their second album, Roots and Wings
6 December 2010Fred Thomas: 2011 Looks Good to Me!
Ypsilanti-based musician and studio wizard Fred Thomas takes a few moments to talk about his numerous projects
28 November 2010Small Sins: Surviving Such Great Heights
Small Sins frontman Thomas D’arcy talks about his band’s third album, Pot Calls Kettle Black, working with John McEntire, and how he survived the Postal Service-induced synth-pop explosion.
20 November 2010Robyn "Body Talk" (Konichiwa/Cherrytree)
Former teen pop star Robyn should have been an also-ran, a one-hit wonder from the 1990s, but her talent and abilities prevented her from such a fate, and her new album is evidence that she is one of today’s best artists.
15 November 2010The Moondoggies: They're An American Band
Seattle’s The Moondoggies return with an impressive sophomore album, Tidelands. Guitarist/singer Kevin Murphy talks about the album, and their distinctive yet familiar sound.
9 November 2010Paul McCartney & Wings--Band on the Run (Paul McCartney Archive Collection edition) (MPL/Hear Music/Concord Music Group)
Thirty-six years after its release, Paul McCartney & Wings masterpiece receives the deluxe edition treatment it so rightly deserved, and serves as the beginning of a reissue campaign of his 1970s solo work.
7 November 2010Blissfully Aware: Keith Canisius
This week we look at the work of Copenhagen-based musician Keith Canisius, upon the release of his third album, This Time It’s Our High.
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