In With The New

What say we get out of this horrible rut and try to make something of this weary blog? How's about taking a look at some new releases to the world of Rhapsody? Sound good? Yeah, I thought so.

First up, we've got The New Pornographers' long-awaited release Twin Cinema. Some mp3's from this record have been posted at many a blog for several months now, and the full album lives up to its promise. Plus, Neko Case! The title track is outstanding and the album is full of all the hooks you'd expect. Click to hear Twin Cinema.



Yes, I'll admit that I am a BRMC noob. I hesitated listening to them at first because not having heard of them at all, I assumed they were some kind of metal/thrash/hardcore/type whatever. Ah, but no. Not at all, doofus. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club is a group of Americans with a decidedly British sound (oohh, my favorite!). Their new release Howl is a full, mature, almost spiritual album. The track "Complicated Situation" is just killer, man. Killer. They remind me of someone I just can't put my finger on. Click to hear Howl.


John Vanderslice releases his fifth solo album in Pixel Revolt (Nice, eh? Love that title). More an album of short stories than anything else, Vanderslice delicately weaves tales of deep emotion. I love this album. On the excellent Barsuk Records (as recently featured on Rhapsody Radish), this release is a great introduction to John Vanderslice for the newly acquainted. Click to hear Pixel Revolt.



Finally, a little something from Chin Up Chin Up. I'm not even sure where I first heard about this band but their self-titled August 9th release is worth checking out. They've been buzzing around the blogs since last year and have a hazy, Cure-ish sound that I find quite pleasing to the ear. Besides, with song titles like "For All the Tanning Salons in Texas," how can you not listen? Click to hear Chin Up Chin Up.



And now for something completely different. We'll wrap it up with the new record from New York singer-songwriter Bill Ricchini. Tonight I Burn Brightly showcases a delicate, light sound with lovely pop sweetness. Check out the track "She Don't Come Around Here Anymore" for a nearly perfect four-minute masterpiece. Click to hear Tonight I Burn Brightly.



(Thanks to Bruce @ Some Velvet Blog and the amazing people @ Insound for the inspiration to get this post kick-started.)