Headlights - Some Racing, Some Stopping
(Polyvinyl; 2008)
Grade: 79% [GOLD SOUNDS]
[mp3]"Cherry Tulips"
Just when I think I'm tired of the whole Indie Rock scene, tired of all the bullshit posturing and posing, the hype, the hyperbole, the hit and miss albums that just won't go away, epic songs, the word "epic" describing nearly every song that's over 6 minutes, and overwrought album reviews that have more semi-colons than references to the actual music, an album like Some Racing, Some Stopping comes along and reminds me of the simple pleasures that only a good pop song can offer.
When you get right down to it, Some Racing is bound to be overlooked and underrated. It's not as if it jumps up and down, screaming "Ooh, ooh, over here! Listen to me!" Yet, the unassuming nature of this album is part of the charm, because it will positively suck you in without you even knowing. Songs that might initially evoke Belle & Sebastian or Camera Obscura take subtle shifts and make all the right moves, often building into blissful bedroom rock for bleeding hearts. Even better is the pairing of the titular track and "So Much For the Afternoon." These two tracks see the band flexing their creative muscle, proving once and for all that they have more to offer than just energetic indie pop. "Afternoon" is especially stunning, as it manages to evoke both Radiohead's excellent, slow burning, infidelity laden "House of Cards," and Broken Social Scene's swirling "Shampoo Suicide," yet Headlights make it sound uniquely their own.
Some Racing, Some Stopping may not be a revelation, but like Tapes 'N Tapes' debut or, yes, Camera Obscura's most recent release, it is unpretentious, refreshing, and enjoyable. Given the chance, this album it should keep you humming for weeks.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Album Review:
Headlights - Some Racing Some Stopping
Friday, February 8, 2008
First Listen Friday:
Monade, Headlights, Why?
Three more songs to make your countdown to the weekend a little more manageable.
Monade - "Regarde"
What started as a bedroom recording project for Stereolab's Laetitia Sadier has turned into full time band. Fans of Stereolab can rejoice, as Cosmic is probably the closest thing to another great Stereolab album as we're ever going to get. Look for Monade's latest album, Cosmic, in stores on February 19.
Headlights - "Cherry Tulips"
Headlights are a pretty three piece from Champaign, Illinois, but their instinctive pop sensibilities make it seem like they could just as easily have come from Scotland
or Canada. "Cherry Tulips" is a great example, as you can hear them borrowing a little bit from both Arcade Fire and Camera Obscura. The song is bouncy, catchy, and eventually, irresistible. Their upcoming album, Some Racing, Some Stopping, is available this coming Tuesday. Headlights are also touring with Evangelicals, and have several Midwestern stops lined up, so be sure to check them out if they're in a city near you.
Why? - "Good Friday"
Today is going to be a good Friday, I can already tell. The sun is shining, my cat is sitting quietly on my lap, and this new Why? track is kicking my ass. I first heard Why? on KJHK some years ago, thought it was pretty cool, then promptly forgot about them. Then I saw them open for Yo La Tengo in October of 2006. Their sound was incredibly unique, blending off kilter rhythms, half spoken rhyming, and a rag-tag, lo-fi frame of mind. I was impressed, and quickly became a fan. Why?'s new album Alopecia is already building hype on message boards, and with good reason. It sounds like Why? is rapping more and singing less, which probably works best as his singing voice was always the most questionable aspect of Why?'s sound. I can't give out "Good Friday" as an mp3, but it is streaming below, and you'd be crazy not to give it a chance. Yes, it is pretty much a hip-hop tune, but it has crossover appeal. Something tells me Why? is going to have a big year.
Before I go, I'd like to get your opinion on something. As you have probably noticed, I've switched from using Project Playlist to Imeem. Lately, Project Playlist has been giving me a headache, with songs crashing, songs not being recognized after I upload them, and the player just not being recognized from time to time. I've been dicking around with Imeem, and so far I haven't had any problems, but I'm curious to know what you think. Does it work better? Worse? Is it pretty much the same? Let us know what you think about the player, the songs, anything, in the comments section. Happy weekend!