August 21st was a big day for new releases, and to only review the New Pornographers and Architecture in Helsinki is a shame. Not because those albums are undeserving, they are, that's why they took precedent, but there were plenty of others that, had they been released any other week, would have probably seen some larger blog space. Below you'll find a few blurbs on some of those albums, and with any luck one of us will at least get a Kala review sometime in the near future. Enjoy.
Recommended Album
Caribou - Andorra
Score: 81.7 %
What the Others Think:
Pitchfork Score: 8.3
Tiny Mix Tapes Score: 4 1/2 out of 5
Coke Machine Glow Score: 60%
I have to admit that I'm far from a Caribou/Manitoba aficionado, though with the release of Andorra I may have to work on becoming one. The album is perhaps electro-pop at its near best. At times Andorra is reminiscent of Panda Bear's latest album Person Pitch, in that it does Brian Wilson and the Beatles justice while retaining its own identity. At the very least, give this album a spin or two, if only to hear such standout tracks as "After Hours", "Eli", and the album's closing track, "Niobe" which is an electronic menagerie of sound for the first 6 or so minutes that then shifts into a gentler, comfortable, science fiction movie-esque ending.
Caribou - "After Hours" (mp3)
Travis Morrison Hellfighters - All Y'all
Score: 69.5%
What the Others Think:
Pitchfork Score: N/A
Tiny Mix Tapes Score: N/A
Coke Machine Glow Score: N/A
Solo albums are not always very good, but for fans of the artist's previous endeavors, solo albums are usually, at the very least, interesting to hear. For example, after listening to Thom Yorke's The Eraser, you get a better idea of what styles and sounds he brings to Radiohead. But even The Eraser was far from perfect, and Travis Morrison, who helped take the Dismemberment Plan from Washington D.C. basements and dive bars to the cusp of indie stardom before their self-implosion in 2003, is no Thom Yorke. All Y'all is a marked improvement from Travis' previous solo outing, 2004's Travistian, otherwise known as the album slapped with a 0.0 rating at Pitchfork. Mostly the album picks up where the D-Plan left off on their underrated swan song, Change, but standout tracks like "Just Didn't Turn Me On" and "You Make Me Feel Like a Freak" branch off into a funkier, groovier direction that winds up being both refreshing and nerve racking, as its only a brief reminder of just how wonderfully off kilter D-Plan could be. Trimmed up a bit, this could have been a promising EP, but as it stands the album just a notch below pretty good.
Listen to the whole album here.
Rilo Kiley - Under the Blacklight
Score: 42.1%
What the Others Think:
Pitchfork Score: 5.1
Tiny Mix Tapes Score: N/A
Coke Machine Glow Score: N/A
Two years ago, Rilo Kiley jumped ship to a major label and released the sleeper single "Portions For Foxes", a guilty pleasure of mine I have to admit. Their not entirely alt-country, not quite indie-rock, not quite emo sound wasn't exactly thrilling, no more so than the new Wilco record, but pop songs don't necessarily have to take risks in order to work. In fact, taking risks is probably the biggest reason why this album feels like an underachiever. Rather than coming across as more adventurous, Rilo Kiley instead sound like they're struggling with their identity, trying to force songs to sound more exciting than they actually are. Granted, putting Jenny Lewis' cowpoke vocals over disco beats, which you'll hear several times on this album with varying degrees of success, does make for an interesting concept, but mostly winds up sounding more forced than fun. If you must, go ahead and call it a transitional record or a growing pain for a band that's still relatively new to the world of major labels, just don't expect to see it on too many "Best Of" lists come December.
Rilo Kiley - "The Moneymaker" (mp3)
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Little Blurbs
Has Anyone Heard of This Little Band Called Neutral Milk Hotel?
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Leaving the classroom yesterday I picked up a wayward copy of last week's Jayplay, the entertainment section included in each Thursday's edition of The University Daily Kansan. After flipping past articles on adult acne and synchronized swimming (I'm NOT making this up), I came across a section called "Music That Moves You," a man-on-the street-style interview that asks headphone wearers what they are listening to at that precise moment. (The idea is an intriguing one, not unlike a feature SonicRyan is cooking up that asks musicians to list their current musical obsessions.)
To my shock, right there next to devotees of Michael Jackson and some band that "sounds like My Chemical Romance" (sigh), we have sophomore Kari Cozad listening to "Oh Comely" by Neutral Milk Hotel. My heart fluttered. Then I read her comment: "It's a pretty indie sound. I had some friends that like it so I said I'd give it a look." This is the best you can come up with to explain why you are listening to one of the most incredible, heart-wrenching ballads ever penned?
I think I'm going to plagiarize Miss Cozad's phrase "indie sound" whenever I'm pontificating about my music (which is, like always). "Hey, have you heard Of Montreal's latest? It has a real indie sound." "The Knife? A real indie sound." "Panda Bear..."
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Album Review: Feist - The Reminder
**There is no guarantee that you will like or agree with what is said in the following review. Read at your own discretion and after drinking at least two alcoholic beverages.**
October 31st 2005, trying desperately to regain warmth, I stood in anticipation of a band I had not yet heard, Broken Social Scene. My new love interest had enjoyed what he had heard of their music and I went along for the ride. We were both in for a surprise that fateful Halloween as the opening act took its place on the stage. Dorothy, with Toto in tow, the Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion walked gracefully onto the stage and picked up their instruments. When Ms. Dorothy opened her mouth I forgot about the chill in the air and melted in awe of Feist’s most beautiful instrument, her voice. I’ll never forget that first encounter and while there is no need for a reminder, I’ll take one when its coming from Leslie Feist. Her latest album, The Reminder, is not only a reminder of Feist’s love woes and foes but also a reminder of her cosmic talent. Now I should remind all of you that this is a highly biased entry. I not only love, I covet. I know it may be considered a sin, but come on, who wouldn’t want to have a voice like Feist? Now that I’ve been washed clean of my sins its time for the album review.
Not unlike her previous album, The Reminder starts with a soft melody that leaves me wanting more. “So Sorry” with its simple and honest lyrics falls short and instead of making me melt it succeeds in only slightly defrosting my surface. Fortuately, Feist manages to thoroughly de-thaw with the second track “I Feel It All.” Upbeat, car-friendly and sing-a-long ready “I Feel It All” makes me forget about the laggard introduction and leaves me singing, “I love you more. I don’t know what I knew before…” I often “spoon” with the next track “My Moon My Man.” (Yes, that is a reference to the track being reminiscent of many a Spoon song.) Tracks four and five aim at reflection and recognition with a jaunt through “The Park” and an immersion in “The Water.” One of the album’s highlights “Sea Lion Woman” is an all around joy. High energy and packed with fanciful lyrics “Sea Lion Woman” makes me want to get up from the couch and shake my groove thang! Yea! Yea!
Versatile is a word that comes to mind when describing Feist’s third album. The second half of the album mimics the first with its many changes in tempo and tone. Note worthy songs include, “Past in Present,” “One Two Three Four” and “Honey Honey.” Mixing past with present, Donny and Marie Osmond say it best when describing “Past in Present” as “a little bit country and a little bit rock n’ roll.” “One Two Three Four,” is catchy and charismatic, perfect for the radio and my ears. The second to last song of the album, “Honey Honey,” is hypnotic with its rhythmic simulation of bees trudging along hard at work.
The Reminder with its ever-changing faces is an album that is adaptable to many situations. I find myself listening to it in the shower, during naps, in the car…the list could go on indefinitely. In short, Feist is the warbling wonder of the world! I sometimes wonder why I’m still living in the United States when there is less pollution, less crime, and a musical goddess like Feist roaming around in Canada. Hmmm…. I’ll leave you on that note and with the challenge (aka wonderous endeavor) of giving Feist’s The Reminder a thorough appraisal.
--Girlfriend
8/21/2007
This Just In!
Some new additions to the Upcoming Concerts list that I thought you, dear reader, might like to know about.
10/25 - Architecture in Helsinki @ TBA (Lawrence, KS)
10/30 - Anti MC w/ Busdriver, Daedelus @ the Gaslight Tavern (Lawrence, KS)
11/11 - Regina Spektor @ the Uptown Theater (Kansas City, MO)
11/13 - The Hold Steady w/ Art Brut @ the Granada (Lawrence, KS)
11/13 - Old Time Relijun w/ Madhappy @ the Record Bar (Kansas City, MO)
11/20 - Annuals w/ Manchester Orchestra @ the Bottleneck (Lawrence, KS)
Hell yes.
Random Musings
Awwwww Shit, Beck's Got a New iSingle.
Beck just pooped out a new one-off iTunes exclusive single, "Nah Nah Nah Nah," nah, just kidding, its called "Timebomb". Sadly, its not a cover of, or nearly as good as, the Dismemberment Plan song of the same name. Instead, it sounds a lot like LCD Soundsystem's "Us V Them" from this Spring's pretty dang good Sound of Silver. But just so you don't have to take my word for it, head over to Pitchfork and give it a listen. 
Still Smokin'
Devendra Banhart, the man who puts the hippie in "hipster", is set to release his latest album, Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon, on September 25th. For you impatient types, you can head over to his MySpace page to stream two songs, and over to our comrades and fellow Blogspot users at I Guess I'm Floating, where they have the incredible "Seahorse" available for download.
Round One. Fight!
Finding similarities in Sonic Youth and Broken Social Scene is like catching recycled Simpsons ideas in Family Guy or South Park: They're almost unavoidable. Not that I'm complaining, its just something I've noticed. Another thing I've also noticed is that both Sonic Youth and Broken Social Scene's respective frontmen are releasing solo records on the same day! Now, while I don't suppose that Thurston Moore and Kevin Drew have any beef towards each other, I think it would be a wonderful selling tool if they would just fake a feud for the next couple of weeks. Perhaps they could join the WWE, and in typical pro-wrestling fashion really draw the feud out for several episodes in lengthy, saliva spewing diatribes. Then, the Sunday before their records are released (September 18th on Ecstatic Peace and Arts & Crafts respectively) the two indie-superstars would finally meet in an epic no-holds-barred cage match - only on Pay Per View! - with J Mascis as the impartial referee (he does play on both their records, after all).
Think about it.
Seriously.
Album Review: Architecture in Helsinki - Places Like This
Official Score: 75%
What the Others Say
Pitchfork: N/A
Tiny Mix Tapes: N/A
Coke Machine Glow: N/A
From the gentle tinnitus of Fingers Crossed to the attention-deficit-darling In Case We Die, emerges Places Like This, Architecture in Helsinki's most confident and, at times, annoying album to date.
From the opening track it’s clear this isn’t your 2005-era Architecture. “Red Turned White” is a no-holds-barred fun house ride. Followed by bongo-beat single “Heart It Races” and equally effervescent “Hold Music,” Places blasts off. I never thought I could compare the band to the B-52s, but somehow they sound like a dead ringer on the latter track. Thankfully the insanity doesn’t last much longer. “Feather in a Baseball Cap” is a trippy, funky turn that serves as a welcome transition from the exuberance of the album’s opening, and signals a decidedly less bombastic final three-quarters.
Aussies Cameron Bird and Kellie Sutherland are more in character on Places than ever before, a perfect complement to the theatrics of the band’s overall sound. Imagine a cracked-out Isaac Brock and Regine Chassagne racing ice cream trucks through your neighborhood.
This brings up my biggest criticism of the album, which is strangely its biggest strength. Its undeniable, balls-to-the-wall approach may mean it receives less time in this listener’s rotation than previous Architecture albums. Places is not the distant hum of “The Price is Right” in your grandmother’s living room – it commands your attention, for the first three tracks anyhow. Maybe that's why mid-album sagger "Underwater" feels like such a downer, like someone letting the air out of your tires while you're still on the racetrack.
The album concludes with “Same Old Innocence,” which features feedback-laced piano evoking album opener “Red Turned White.” Meanwhile Bird delivers his trademark quaver, singing, “It’s the Same Old Innocence.” He suggests that despite the new sound, they’re still the same Architecture. It’s a fitting final track for a band that has staked its career on sunny beats and happy singalongs. After all, it’s that same old innocence that gives Architecture its charm.
Albums Unleashed!
Looking Ahead:
Liars - Liars
Normally I try to feature an album I'm slightly familiar with, but this time I'm stumped. But with a band that has flirted with witch themed concept albums and pioneering dance-punk alike, the only you can expect is the unexpected, and maybe that the album's release date will be pushed back yet again. Yes, that's right, it now appears that Liars will be released on September 4th instead of its initial scheduled date of, well, today, which is still the date listed on their official web page. Far be it from me to call them...ah forget it. You already know where I'm taking that one. Just read the list.
August 21, 2007
Animal Collective - Peacebone (Domino) Cdsingle/12"/7"
Architecture in Helsinki - Places Like This (Polyvinyl) CD/LP
Caribou - Andorra (Merge) CD/LP
Coalesce - There Is Nothing New Under the Sun (Hydrahead)
Earlimart - Mentor Tormentor (Shout! Factory)
Engik, Jeremy - The Missing Link (567)
Imperial Teen - Hair, The TV, The Baby & The Band (Merge)
Kinski - Down Below It's Chaos (Sub Pop)
Love - Greatest Hits (Rhino)
The Mekons - Natural (Quarterstick)
Mendoza Line - 30 Year Low (Glurp)
M.I.A. - Kala (Interscope) CD
Minus the Bear - Planet of Ice (Suicide Squeeze) CD/LP
Travis Morrison Hellfighters - All Y'all (Barsuk)
New Pornographers - Challengers (Matador) CD/LP
Numbers - Now You Are This (Kill Rock Stars)
Rilo Kiley - Under the Blacklight (Warners) CD
Stereo Total - Paris Berlin (Kill Rock Stars)
Sun Ra - The Night of the Purple Moon (Atavistic)
Talib Kweli - Ear Drum (Warner)
West, Kanye - Graduation (Def Jam) CD
Read the whole list here.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Album Review: New Pornographers - Challengers
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Official Score: 87%
What the Others Say
Pitchfork: 6.0
Tiny Mix Tapes: 3.5/5
Coke Machine Glow: N/A
Early in my parents' marriage my stepfather bought my mother a shirt that featured a giant heart with the words "Leftover Lover" scrawled in sleazy script. She had been livid about the purchase, though perhaps still reeling from the last divorce, let the aberration slide.
On the New Pornographers' latest, you could call frontman AC Newman somewhat of a leftover lover. In an interview earlier this year, Newman said that after letting Dan Bejar and Neko Case take their pick of his newly written songs, he cheerfully resigned himself to the scrappings. Does this shameless placating signal that the New Pornos may be on shaky ground? I hope not, as Challengers is yet another confident and sophisticated addition to the New Pornos' impressive catalogue.
No, I'm not one of those AC-Newman-crazed fan girls that I keep hearing about. That signature lisp just doesn't do it for me, sexually anyhow. I am a big fan of his power-pop, or "power-folk" as he proclaimed in a recent PF interview. AC Newman is the brains behind the band, and the man shouldn't have to beg for his own scraps from anyone, not even Neko Case. Neko snags the titular track here, a slow-burner as restrained as the affair she croons about. Admittedly Neko's tracks on this album, though good, don't stand up to "The Jessica Numbers" or "These Are the Fables." I know Neko's a country chantreuse, but does she have to sing all the slow ones? On a side note, I should point out that Neko's duties as backup singer have been passed on to apparently permanent new member Kathryn Calder -- perhaps another sign the New Pornos are on the decline?
Strangely, odd-man-out Dan Bejar outshines his fellow band members on Challengers. I've always suspected Bejar would be the first to renege on the whole New Pornos arrangement --damn you, Destroyer! Perhaps part of that shameless placating I mentioned earlier involved Bejar saying, "I'll do some songs, if I can have 'Myriad Harbour.'" Or maybe Newman simply recognized Bejar would be the best vocalist for what is easily the most ground-breaking track on the album, which I heard another blogger say reminded him of the way he felt when he first heard the Pixies. "Myriad Harbour" has everything a good power-pop/folk/rock song demands: jangly guitars, a catchy beat, the ramblings of an apparent mad-man (maybe that's where the Pixies' analogy comes in?)
Newman did wrestle a few gems here, such as the wistful builder "Unguided" or the closest track on Challengers to the incredible chant-inducing "Bleeding Heart Show," "Adventures in Solitude." If only "All Those Old Showstoppers" or "All the Things That Go to Make Heaven and Earth" lived up to their names. And don't even get me started on "Mutiny, I Promise You."
Challengers reflects AC Newman's desire for a more folky, less power-pop sound -- a successful if not seamless transition. Let's hope the shift is merely a new, intriguing addition to the New Pornos' palette, and not the end of an era.
Note: No Neko accompanying the New Pornos at Pitchfork Music Fest 2007. Maybe that guy's big head is covering her.
Area Concerts (Updated August 20th)
August
21 - Pelican w/ Clouds (ex Cave-In), Your Black Star@ the Waiting Room (Omaha, NE)
22 - The Fairer Sex, w/ Endless Mic @ the Jackpot (Lawrence, KS)
23 - Talib Kweli w/ DJ Chaps @ the Granada (Lawrence, KS)
24 - Volunteers s/ Chad Serhal @ Jackpot (Lawrence, KS)
25 - Coalesce w/ This Is My Condition, Rocket Fuel is the Key @ the Bottleneck (Lawrence, KS)
25 - Detroit Cobras w/ the Willowz @ the Record Bar (Kansas City, MO)
26 - Meat Puppets w/ the Hearers, the Only Children @ the Record Bar (Kansas City, MO)
27 - Dark Meat w/ Drakkar Sauna @ the Jackpot (Lawrence, KS)
27 - Magnolia Electric Co. @ the Grand Emporium (Kansas City, MO)
28 - Ladyfinger w/ The Jen Say Kwas, SHHH @ the Jackpot (Lawrence, KS)
28 - Making Movies w/ Oliver Future, Action Figure @ the Record Bar (Kansas City, MO)
29 - 100 Year War w/ Ladyfinger, Counterlife @ the Record Bar (Kansas City, MO)
30 - The Belated w/ Cordelia, Yell Like Hell @ the Record Bar (Kansas City, MO)
30 - Ben Kweller w/ Willie Mason, Old Canes @ the Bottleneck (Lawrence, KS)
31 - The Only Children w/ Saints and Sinners, Telegraph Canyon @ the Jackpot (Lawrence, KS)
See More...
Sunday, August 19, 2007
New Site Launch
Late Sunday night = Ironing Tweaks in the New Site Design. Full functionality is key! Aim for perfection always! Seriously though, we are going to have this baby up and running tomorrow if it kills me.
Top Five CDs to Listen to While Redesigning Your Music Blog: 
1. Califone - Roots & Crowns
Sometimes you just need something you can ignore. This is for those intense sessions when the CSS gods are frowning upon you, and you need a sweet golden voice and experimental acoustics to guide you through the fog.
2. The Field - Here We Go to Sublime
To wake you up from that Califone you just listened to, though it's still suitable background music -- now with beats! What SonicRyan would call, "Techno music on your own terms."
3. Neutral Milk Hotel - On Avery Island
To remind you why you are putting so much time and energy into your music blog. WARNING: Turn off "Pree Sisters Swallowing a Donkey's Eye," or you'll be sucked into the abyss of madness. Which reminds me of a couple good quiz questions, "Tracks That You Turn off on Otherwise Remarkable Albums" and "Tracks Liable to Trigger a Migraine."
4. New Pornographers - Challengers
AC Newman's latest pow-wow of what his site calls "ridiculously talented musicians" (they are). Some good slow ones to bolster your concentration, some good fast ones to snap you awake. Oh and, didn't you promise to review that for tomorrow? First things first.
5. Built to Spill - Perfect from Now On
For irony. And because it fucking rocks.
Stay tuned -- site ready to launch in 5, 4, 3, 2...
