Angels of Light Sing 'Other People'

I recently heard Michael Gira had reformed the Swans and with his solo Record (read: handmade fund raiser/cd/art book/dvd) sold out (and I missed out) I thought I would just have to bust out this Lp. Featuring Akron/Family as his backing band and wait for the latest helping from the Swans... Tasty, Tasty.

Midlake "The Courage of Others"

Another highly anticipated record. While not necessarily a let down, this has only one tempo or mood. Even so, it is painfully beautiful. A delight to listen to. Just don't expect The trials of van occupanther.

Neutral Milk Hotel "In The Aeroplane Over The Sea"

Many people debate the merits of this record... You will either love it or hate it. That said I must confess I think it may be the pinacle of "alternative" music. I was first told of Neutral Milk Hotel by a coworker named Amy. I thought she was yanking my chain with some made up band name like "raisin on a stick" until she dropped a beat up taped copy from a friend of a friend in my lap. I was amazed. Since then I have purchased 2 copies on CD and finaly found a copy on vinyl. And yes I feel it is worth every bit of searching. Musical saw. Horn section. Voice about to crack while being pushed to its limits. Really makes me smile.

Animal Collective "Fall Be KInd" EP

More Audio experiments From Animal Collective..

Apollo Ghosts "Forgotten Triangle" Limited Edition Lathe cut 7"

Lathe cut Low-Fi coolness from Catbird Records and the Apollo Ghosts. This extremely limited special edition of 25 copies sold out in about an hour I hear. Lathe-cutting is a process where records are cut one-at-a-time by hand with a rotary lathe machine. Sweet Huh? This five song ep is still available on CD as well as their full length "Hastings Suprise."

Fulton Lights "Healing Waters"

Check out the great new recording (maxi ep?) from Fulton Lights. 6 songs in 27 minutes including a David Byrne cover. this is a great disc even if it is a little short...

Tom Waits "Swordfishtrombones" lp

Recently I returned to this Waits classic to immerse myself in the brilliance of his songwriting and the freedom with which he began to express himself. Filled with classics, this is a wonderful recording.

Handsome Furs "Face Control" lp

I love this Electro Punk record.

Yo La Tengo "I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One" 2xlp

Laying around in the evening still being punished by summers heat made me want to listen to the reissue of this Yo La Tengo Classic from 1997.

Grinderman "Grinderman" lp

Unrefined, immature, raw and unrelenting. I love this record.

In Nick Caves own words

"Grinderman was like a bomb going off within the Bad Seeds. It was like going back to the wife and telling her that you'd taken a mistress."

Akron/Family "Love is Simple" lp

Tribal chaos folk rock experimenters Akron/Family let this joint fly in 2007 and it still contains some of my favorite tracks. Ed is a Portal, Dont be Afraid Your Already Dead, Lake Song/New Ceremonial Music for Moms, There's So Many Colors and Phenomena are all outstanding. Aw, who am I kidding? They are all great.

Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions "Through the Devil Softly"

The much anticipated return (by me at least) of Hope Sandoval (of Opal and Mazzy Star fame for those who don't know) Will Be released September 15, 2009. Look for it.
Blanchard

Cat Power "The Greatest" lp

Haunted and beautiful. Just buy it

R.L. Burnside "A Ass Pocket Of Whiskey" lp

Probably the best description I have ever heard is "lo-fi storytelling garage punk-blues rock with explicit lyrics" and I am not sure I have the ability to expand on that statement very well. What I can tell you is the main reason I love this record is its rawness. It has a rebellious, in your face sort of hell-raisin' quality that I am rather fond of. I guess it is not really for fans of the cleaned up sort of blues. This recording has all the grit I could want.