Suzanne Baran’s Top Ten — July 15

by Suzanne Baran
15 July 2007

Not just indie all the time…

1. Interpol- Our Love to Admire (Capitol)

   I ‘Admire’ this effort, the band’s third release, however slightly more commercial-ized from their previous LPs. The band’s balance has shifted. It’s not as smooth as a melded, fused work/band/team; more of a solo effort by each member which doesn’t mesh as well as I would like. But the rhythms are strong, so are the new instruments…lyrically, it’s not as precise as “Antics”—which read like Victorian poetry at times. Still, the best release this week. “The soul can take three stowaways”—is creative writing at best on “Pioneer to the Falls.” Anyone out there care to comment?

2. Spoon – Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga (Merge)

   My favorite modern-day frontman is back with his band’s sixth record. It’s certainly more experimental, clever and quick-witted. I think they’re just ahead of their time.

3. Burn Notice – (USA)

   Clever and witty dialogue, great casting and plot lines.

4. The clientele – God Save The Clientele (Merge)

   “Bookshop Casanova” is quite possibly the strongest track.

5. Digitalism- Idealism (Flameshovel)

   Quality beats, grooves and tunes from this German dance band.

6. Under Byen – AMME STOF SOM STOF (Morningside)

   This band from Denmark is simply genius. Check them out on Myspace.

7. hellogoodbye – Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs! (Drive Thru Records)

   This pop indie experimental band has some dope beats and hot photos of geeky band members, in my humble opinion.

8. The Veils – Nux Vomica (Rough Trade Recordings)

   Pop noir spliced with JEFF BUCKLEY and NICK CAVE-esque vocals, doused with a piercing sensibility of love lost, confusion, and emotional turmoil done with class and sophistication. Pure genius. It’s no wonder this is a hidden gem: Frontman FINN ANDREWS’ father was the founding member of XTC! “Calliope!” and “House Where We All Live” are Buckley-sounding pop. “Jesus for the Jugular” is reminiscent of GUN CLUB, and “Night Thoughts of a Tired Surgeon” sounds like vintage MORRISSEY. The title track, “Nux Vomica” is a powerful tour-de-force with MURDER BY DEATH stylings.

9. Rilo Kiley – Under the Blacklight (Warner Bros.)

   Check out retro 80s track, “The Moneymaker.” SO good.

10. All Smiles – Ten Readings of a Warning (Dangerbird)

    Former GRANDADDY member JIM FAIRCHILD’s debut solo with contributors JANET WEISSof SLEATER KINNEY, JOE PLUMMER of MODEST MOUSE, DANNY SEIM of MENOMENA, and SOLON BIXLER of GREAT NORTHERN.