I know these people! We even had a live performance right in our living room. Am I biased? Of course, everyone is. But this really is good music. I’ve been playing Sense of Wonder’s Open the Gate every day since I got it last week. It’s not at all typical of the music I usually listen to, but even I know it’s awesome. I bet even my Joni-Mitchell-loving brother will like some of these tunes.
Read more about them at their site or their MySpace page.
The Whigs -- Give 'Em All a Big Fat Lip
Give ‘Em All a Big Fat Lip by The Whigs starts off by sounding like the Beach Boys, at their best, and goes all over the place from there. I didn’t really like this record the first few times I heard it, and with me that’s usually a sign of quality music. Now though, the tunes are sticking with me. Rolling Stone uses some adjectives that I don’t really agree with, but the magazine also has them on the “10 Artists to Watch” list. I do agree with that.
My favorite song is the perfectly brief “Can’t Hear You Coming.” I’m a sucker for the horns, every time. Find out more about The Whigs at their site.
Thanks to Jeff for the tip on this one.
Thanks to Andrew for turning me on to this new single from Deftones. (Feels like there should be a “The” there…) “Hole in the Earth” has a more free, loose sound than some of their earlier work, but somehow at the same time it sounds more refined. I’m sure long-time Deftones fans will dig it. The big layered sound, Chino Moreno’s breathy vocals, and the usual Deftones vibe of melancholy are all in there. But that “Hole” groove feels bigger, and attracts. I’m guessing it will attract a lot of new fans.
The full album, Saturday Night Wrist, comes out October, 31.
Wolfmother -- Wolfmother
These guys have been everywhere in the last few months. Letterman, Leno, movie soundtracks, and I even heard their first single “Woman” used in a recap of the women’s tennis competition one evening during the US Open. Cleverrrrr.
When I first heard Wolfmother’s self-titled album I thought it was the rock and roll equivalent of macaroni and cheese. By that I mean at a glance it was cheesy and familiar, but damn tasty! And of course you just want more and more. Now that we’ve had the disc for a while I can say that it’s much more than that. In fact, it’s a well-rounded meal of music with everything from heavy Sabbathy riffs to pretty pop pieces. Despite some obvious old-school influences and sounds, overall it’s still very modern.
I’ve seen a lot of stuff comparing them to the White Stripes, complaining about it even, but I think that is mostly because of singer Andrew Stockdale’s voice. That said, even my 10 year old son said “this sounds like the White Stripes” on hearing the frantic song “Apple Tree.”
This is a great album that I think will appeal to a lot of folks, even those oblivious to the older influences. And that album cover art in pure genius, hilarious. I was just about to call it “Frazetta-style” when I read the liner notes to see that it is in fact the real deal, a Frank Frazetta original.
Amazon recommended this CD for me, but they also recommended Hilary Duff once. I didn’t buy Hilary’s CD but I did buy the Artic Monkeys and I’m so glad I did.
The tittle of this CD, for me, was reason enough to purchase it.”Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not” is a clue to the band’s attitude and keen observations. The lyrics are brillant. (There are a few explicit lyrics, but the singer’s accent is so thick my kids havn’t noticed them yet). How do people write like that? I’m amazed when song writers can tell a story, to music, (I know that’s obvious, but still impressive) that is witty, smart, down to earth, and makes you want to sing along.
The music is familar, yet not like any band out there. Maybe a little Franz Ferdinand, but tougher. Maybe a little Kaiser Chiefs, but more substantial. They also remind me of Sham 69, and the Ruts. I never get the feeling these guys are trying to be, or sound like something they aren’t.
The track Mardy Bum is what I hear, not often enough, on XM. It’s a slower song and it’s good but the entire CD is packed with great songs: “When the Sun Goes Down”, “Red Light Indicates Doors Are Secured”, and “The View From the Afternoon.” A little something for everyone. Check out their web site to view some videos off this CD at ArcticMonkeys.com.
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