Kurt Vile 'Jesus Fever'

The past 2 years seem to have been a whirlwind for Philly's Kurt Vile. His releases on Woodsist, Gulcher, Richie and Mexican Summer sent everyone from record collecting fiends, music lovers and just the down right curious into a frenzy. Through relentless touring and having one New York label as his number on fan Kurt Vile has been propelled from underground treasure to becoming a universally loved musician.

During my three year stay in New York I first saw Mr Vile play a modest show in the most famous kitchen in Brooklyn, Silent Barn. Shortly before I left the big apple this indie-psych-folk wizard was opening for Big Star. I can't say I ever expected him to be opening for such a huge act in such a short space of time, but wasn't all that surprised either.

Kurt Vile recently gave a cracking interview for WFMU giving details on his new album 'Smoking Ring For My Halo'. It's out on March 8th and there's a new song, 'Jesus Fever', available to check out courtesy of Matador.

Gentleman Jesse & His Men 'You've Got the Wrong Man'

I've been thinking recently about Gentleman Jesse & His Men and how only a year prior to their debut release people's love of Power Pop was being rekindled with reissues from Hubble Bubble, The Nerves and Milk 'n' cookies. Their self titled album struck like a bolt from the blue, with its irresistibly glamorous hooks and sing-a-long choruses this record proves somethings you can never tire of.

The Atlanta Power Poppers are due to have a new album out and until then, HoZac has released a single to tie us all over. 'You've Got the Wrong Man' and B Side 'Stubborn Ghost' are consistent with their previous stuff. You could say, Power Pop in general is dependable for striking pleasure centres with a familiar guitar, bass and drums mold. With this simple formula Gentleman Jesse & His Men do something so right with what can easily be done wrong. Unrivaled in their ability make music you can put on whatever mood you're in, and it always manages to hit the right spot (how do they do that?!) it's probably stating the obvious at this point, this blogger is excited for Gentleman Jesse & His Men's new album.

You can here both of the new songs on Strofoam Drone!

Reading Rainbow 'Prism Eyes'

Philadelphia's boy girl duo brought in the New Year with a show in New York celebrating the release of new album 'Prism Eyes'. Following a slew of singles over the last year or so on Chimney Sweep, Zoo Music and Ciseaux it was their debut 'Mystical Participation' and a show at SXSW that made HoZac Reading Rainbow's number one fan, and home.

Reading Rainbow sound like they could have been Slumberland fiends in their formative years and sure, words like 'jangly' 'pop' and 'indie' seem unavoidable at the moment. That said, it would be a real shame to let this band pass you by simply because these adjectives are currently circulating so heavily. What Reading Rainbow bring to the table that makes them stand out is a curious balance of sugary and scuzzy music. The two part vocal harmonies range from unaffected tones not unlike English post punk to infectious angelic pop. These singing parts soar over fuzzed out keyboards, consistent tapping and crashing rhythms with glittery, grinding guitar hooks. The surprising thing is, I would never have guessed this was only a two piece given how rich the songs sound. This record is harmoniously sweet and sour. 'Prism Eyes' proves there are still some bands out there with some tricks up their sleeves for you.

Metal Mountains 'Structures In the Sun'

The imminent release of Metal Mountains debut record 'Golden Trees' couldn't be a better way to start the new year. Boasting three fine folk musicians Helen Rush (Tower Recordings), Samara Lubelski (Tower Recordings, Thurston Moore, Hall of Fame, Metabolisms, Social Registry) and Pat Gubler (Tower Recordings, P.G Six) the trio have aptly found a home at Amish Records. After playing shows in New York for the past year or so, sharing stages with the likes of Yo La Tengo and Kurt Vile the Brooklyn based band have committed their ethereal psychedelic folk songs to wax ready to melt faces and hearts everywhere.

Track 'Structures in the Sun' is available to listen to here.

Husker Du: What's Going On

While I wait to get my hands on a copy of this, thought I'd write a short blog post to share my excitement about it. Andrew Earles, one part of the brilliant Earles and Jensen has written his first book on Husker Du. You can get a taster of it here and get copies here. Earles' blog, where you can view his other writing projects, also mentions he's on WFMU today!

The Zoltars 'The Zoltars'

Sundae Records has treated us all to one more release before 2010 draws to a close. Ending the year on a high note The Zoltar's new self titled 7" is a humdinger. The single was recorded at The Neckbeard Ranch, Dikes of Holland's studio with Chris Anton at the helm and mastering by Aaron Schroeder. The Zoltar's type of garage pop makes them Austin's answer to bands like Fresh & Onlys and Ty Segall. But it you think this means you've heard it all before, think again. Charismatic, heady guitar melodies, jangly rhythms come through an overlay of haze juxtaposed with a lovable cockiness in the idle/laid back tone in the vocals which begs for repeated listens. Before you know it you'll be catching yourself singing 'It's the batcay-ay-ay-ay-ave'! The trio's new single comes with a download and you can listen to it here!


Also available a split tape with Cowabunga Babes on Kill/Hurt

Also available a live tape on Voice Academy Records

RIP Shiny Beast

This short post is simply due to feeling like there isn't anything that can be typed here that hasn't already been said. Captain Beefheart, I love your music, sleep well magic music maker.

Short eulogy from The Guardian