|   Any new rave recordings out there??? | tugmcmartin
Jun 13, 2003 8:11 AM | | Since this is a forum for "rave recordings", i thought i'd try to steer a discussion towards a more accurately topical topic. Seems like there's been an inordinate amount of comp talk lately, but not much discussion actual recordings.
What are some recordings recently purchased that you rave about? Any new ones really get your juices flowing whenever you hear it?
For me, it'd have to be Moe.'s "Wormwood" and Trey Anastasio's self titled solo release. Both of these incorporate different styles/tempos/rythms/etc. in such ways that as soon as you think you've figured out whats gonna come next, they throw you for a loop. Keeps it fresh and exciting for me.
So how 'bout you folks? What are some of your newly acquired rave recordings? |
| Radiohead, Grandaddy, Metallica, Zeppelin live | Darius
Jun 13, 2003 8:21 AM | | A predictable list, I know. All purchased last night. Only listened to the first two so far. So I guess I don't know enough to rave yet. But maybe I'm becoming a progger of some sort, because when I switched from the interesting, complicated first few songs of Radiohead to Grandaddy, I was initially quite bored with the simple 4/4 rhythm of the first few songs of the Grandaddy album, and ended up putting Radiohead back on. But Grandaddy made it back in this morning and won me over with its melodies and Jason Lytle's singing. This weekend I will have some solid listening time. |
| Finally, yes | Troy
Jun 13, 2003 8:59 AM | | This has been a terrible year for new music for me. I just haven't heard anything new (or old, but new to me) that <i>really</i> knocked me out. Sure, thet Moe disc comes to mind as good (if spotty) and the newish Suprgrass is pretty good too, but not "WOW!"
Then last weekend I picked up the new "Starlight Mints" disc. Some of you may remember a couple of tracks off their first album from my "Red Carpet Service" comp and one of dbi's comps last year. They were kinda glammy and very quirky with absurdist lyrics.
Well this new album kicks ass on that release. It's constructed of some very interesting elements, the tough directness of the first B52s album's girl-group new wave, the modern electro-lounge spy goofyness of Combustable Edison and the minor-key sinister "beyoooop-ping!" of recent Tom Waits. It's a delicious mix. I like it more than any of those artists . . . at least for now. Maybe the new will wear off eventually, putting it in some perspective, but for this week, it's been VERY strong.
Comparisons to the Flaming Lips abound, but this band has a more organic, humanist sound. It feels like there are really people maikng these sounds, nit a bunch of samples strung together on a computer.
The thing sounds great, much fatter and Esquivellian than the first disc. Big spooky string sections, marriachi horns, fuzztone guitars, bongos, vibes and theramins make this an epic cinemascope production. This one just has a lot more polish and panache. You can see the band's evolution, plain as day. This is a band that has found it's stride.
Definitely not for everyone, but it's the best, most creative thing I've heard in a very long time.
Cool cover too. |
| Well shite... | tugmcmartin
Jun 13, 2003 9:09 AM | | you put it like that and makes me want to check that out. sounds very interesting... with lots of different sounds. ALmost world music like. Hmmmm..... |
| Not almost "World Music Like" . . . | Troy
Jun 13, 2003 9:12 AM | | . . . in ANY way!
File it under "overproduced new wave pop". |
| Not almost "World Music Like" . . . | tugmcmartin
Jun 13, 2003 9:27 AM | | I wasn't referring to world music in the way of lots of african/aisian influences. I tend to consider anything that uses horns, congos, bongos, and/or other items you wouldn't normally find in rock/pop music "worldly". I know its not by the true definition, but according to me, it sounds like it might be "worldly". :-) |
| I think PPG had a point...rock is dead! | RPM
Jun 13, 2003 9:20 AM | | Just kiddin' (sorta). I've picked up several newer releases over the past few weeks, but nothing which I feel worthy of a true rave. Maybe I'm getting old, but almost all these "new" releases reminded me, in some way, of a pre-existing band (which was the point of PPG's "Is Rock Dead?" post a few weeks back).
Anyhow, here they are followed by who they reminded my of:
<b>Secret Machines - s/t</b> (Pink Floyd...a bad Pink Floyd ;-))
<b>Sleater Kinney - One Beat</b> (B52's..despite the connection, I really like this album. OK, I guess that's a rave :-).)
<b>The Eaves - s/t</b> (nice, happy, poppy, toonage similar to <i>The Sundays</i>, with a female vocalist who sounds like someone but I haven't put my finger on who. I liked this album OK, but not a lot).
<b>White Stripes - Elephant</b> Love it! But extremely derivative of The Kinks, Beatles and Led Zep.
<b>The Coral - s/t</b> Ended up with a cdr copy of this album from Audiobill via PPG. Only one listen so far, so I'll hold off on making a pro/con comment. But again I hear influences of maybe a <i>Yardbirds</i> type sound as well as some of that kooky surf music stuff. But there's lots of variety here, will have to go back for a re-listen.
Well, that's all I can think of right now :-)
Rick |
| re: Any new rave recordings out there??? | nobody
Jun 13, 2003 9:27 AM | | Ditto on the Grandaddy and Radiohead.
Other things I've picked up and enjoyed a lot lately are the latest Tosca, Dehli9 (a really nice electronic CD, disc 1 sounds alot like K&D Sessions while disc 2 is extremely laid back ambient piano with electronic backing)and the new Electric Six (great new rock/dance mish mash with high energy and fun tung in cheek humor).
I also picked up Big Boys: Wreck Collection (excellent if you're a fan, but if you'rew new skinny Elvis or fat Elvis are better introduction discs), Mogwai: EP +2 (great stuff by a band I really need to get more familiar with, and I plan on getting their new one when it comes out), and the Dils: Dils Dils Dils (Old LA punk band, great tracks from their tiny studio catalog of a whole 8 songs along with some energetic but poorly recorded live stuff, Damn I wish these guys would have gotten more time in a studio).
That's the cream of the crop from what I've picked up in the last month or so unless I'm just forgetting something, which happens to me a lot. |
| 2003 has lots of raves (for me) | Slosh
Jun 13, 2003 9:44 AM | | Radiohead - <i>Hail To The Thief</i> ...if you liked past Radiohead albums you'll like this
Grandaddy - <i>Sumday</i> ...no proggy epic songs like on their last album but it's choke full 'o mid-tempo pop tunes that they do so well
Cursive - <i>The Ugly Organ</i> ...just superb. Kinda like AYWKUBTTOTD but better (<i>much</i> better)
The White Stripes - <i>Elephant</i> ...another solid album but doesn't break any new ground
Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks - <i>Pig Lib</i> ...more emphasis on guitar than the s/t. I like it a lot but it's definitely not for a non-Pavement fan
Calexico - <i>Feast Of Wire</i> ...an odd blend of Mexicana, acoustic rock/pop, and jazz that really works
not really a 2003 release (re-released this year on Kill Rock Stars) but gotta mention The Decemberists - <i>Castaways & Cutouts</i> since I've done plenty of raving about it :-)
NP: David Bowie - Heathen ...hey, this is pretty good. Isn't this available on SACD? |
| Radiohead question | Troy
Jun 13, 2003 10:27 AM | | "If you like past albums you'll like it", but which ones? I liked OK Computer and hated the subsequent albums. Does it rock or is it just more atonal synth noodling?
I need to get that new Calexico . . . I picked up the "Spoke" album used over the weekend and it didn't grab me much on the first 2 spins. Too quiet and traditional except for a few songs. Not nearly as good as "Hot Rail". |
| Radiohead question | nobody
Jun 13, 2003 10:35 AM | | I'd say its a combination of both. You do get plenty of the older Radiohead guitar sound, but it's mixed with the electronics. The mixture is a bit fragmented though, not like guitars layed over the synths for the most part, you get a lot og guitar parts interspersed with electronic parts. Some mingling, of course, but overall kinda fragmented a lot of times. Some of the songs are mostly electronic and some heavily lean toward the guitars.
I'd say it depends on just how much you liked OK Computer and how much you hated their next two. If you loved OK Computer and didn't like the next ones, yet still don't mind some electronics creeping into the music and didn't think the last couple were just crap, you'd probably still like this one. If you were OK but not thrilled with OK, and hated their next couple, you may wanna pass.
They do return to some of their guitar sound, but they haven't abandoned the electronics either, if that makes any sense. |
| well said (nt) | Slosh
Jun 13, 2003 10:40 AM | | |
| Wrens, Broken Social Scene, Racebannon, Cat Power are great | Stone
Jun 13, 2003 10:11 AM | | There are many other good recent albums too, and probably a bunch of great or good albums I haven't listened to much or at all yet because I haven't had time (e.g. Grandaddy, Throwing Muses, Ten Grand, Blood Brothers, Hidden Cameras, The Robot Ate Me, !!!).
One so far I'm really disappointed with is the new Fountains of Wayne.
Stone |
| I thought you didn't really care for <b>!!!</b>? (nt) | Slosh
Jun 13, 2003 10:19 AM | | |
| I like their debut okay... | Stone
Jun 13, 2003 11:39 AM | | but by the end of it, I'm ready to turn it off. It's good in small doses. Their latest release is an 18- or 19-minute, 2-song single. One of the songs is an extended version of "Intensify," which is my favorite song on their debut. I've only listened to it once, which was in the car, so I really don't know what to think yet.
If you're asking why I bought it, my response is twofold: (1) it's less than 20 minutes long, and (2) it's getting rave reviews.
It's available on 10" vinyl, as well as CD, if you're interested.
Stone |
| I'd like to see them live but their debut is enough for me (nt) | Slosh
Jun 13, 2003 2:35 PM | | |
| and the new New Pornographers is a really good album too | Stone
Jun 13, 2003 1:58 PM | | Although I think I still like Mass Romantic better. |
| Any new rave recordings out there??? Darn Tootin! | Dave_G
Jun 13, 2003 11:22 AM | | Dood,
My latest rave rec is Camels' A Nod and a Wink.
Not for everyone, but I like it a LOT.
It's kind of a mellow, adult, sit back and listen to the music and words by yourself and think kind of music.
(or with a partner who likes music)
The sonics are to die for and so is the music.
It takes balls to play this kind of music these days for sure. They won't sell a million copies but those who do own it know what a gem they have on their hands.
I can't really say what it sounds like in comparing them to another band, but the closest might be like a David Gilmore kind of music.
Basically it's Andy Latimer and his superb guitar work and great vocals, flute, and lyrics, backed with a crack band.
Also I have been enjoying a lot that clepsydra "alone" cd, which is totally different than the Camel music, very straight ahead prog.
Dave |
| For me it has to be . . . | Demetrio
Jun 13, 2003 11:24 AM | | The new <b>PORCUPINE TREE</b> "Coma Divine" 2-CD Remaster. The normal edition of this release always sounded to me as one of the best live albums I have ever heard, and the new remaster is even better. Not to mention the extra cd, it's just awesome too.
I must also mention the several <b>THE TEA PARTY</b> cd's I got recently, must admit I became a huge fan of this Canadian group at first listening.
Another recent pleasant surprise for me has been the Spanish folk/celtic group <b>LUAR NA LUBRE</b>, especially the album "Cabo do Mundo".
Demetrio. |
| Coma Divine. | DarrenH
Jun 13, 2003 7:32 PM | | Excellent remaster. For fans of Porcupine Tree this is a must have. Sounds even better than ever. |
| I think this's turned into the "2003 at the midpoint" thread... | Rae
Jun 13, 2003 11:27 AM | | ...so I'll go with that theme.
Some of my favorites have already been mentioned like Cat Power, Cursive, the White Stripes, Steve Malko... I also just bought a few that haven't quite sunk in but could place high on my year end list like Radiohead and Ten Grand. Other than those, some early faves are:
<b>The Black Eyes - s/t</b> [Dischord]
Bouncy, spazzy postpunk that fits comfortably alongside the Liars or Erase Errata while still retaining the "DC sound" (read:Fugaziworship) of its labelmates. Recommended for anyone on this board who freaked out over <i>They Threw Us in a Trench and Stuck a Monument on Top</i> or <i>And We Washed Our Weapons in the Sea</i>.
<b>Yo La Tengo - <i>Summer Sun</i></b> [Matador]
I've heard some mixed reviews of YLT's newest, but it's good to these ears. The jazzy element in their sound gets center stage in this one, to good effect. These songs were great live, too, when they could really open them up.
<b>Schneider TM - <i>6 Peace</i> EP</b> [Mute/City Slang]
A must for any fan of the Notwist, I stumbled upon this likeminded German group through their cover of the Smiths' "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out." Aside from a throwaway remix, the other songs on the EP are solid too. I think they also dropped a full-length this year but I don't have it.
<b>Eleni Mandell - <i>Country for True Lovers</i></b> [Zedtone]
This is Eleni's newest record, a mix of standards, obscure covers, and a few originals. This is Eleni in a smoky dive, or at home in her living room. This is Eleni's music, tough as nails and fragile and vulnerable. This is the record Eleni was meant to make.
<b>Lightning Bolt - <i>Wonderful Rainbow</i></b> [Load]
xxxXxxXXXxXXXXXXxXXXxxXXXxxxXXXXXXXXxxxxxxXxxxxxxxXXxXx xXxXxXxxXXXXXxxxXXxxXxxXXXXXXxxxXXXxXxxxxxxxXXXXXXxxxxx xxXxXXxXxXXxxxXxXxXxxXXXXXXxxxxxxxxxxXXxxxxxxxXXXxxxxxX XxXXXXXXxxXXXXXXXXXxxxxxxxXXXxxxxXxXxXXxXXXXXXxxxxxxxx!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There're more, especially the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Songs:Ohia, but I gotta get back to work.
~Rae |
| Yo La Sucko dropped a real winner to these ears | Darius
Jun 13, 2003 12:35 PM | | I think their new platter is excellent. Gorgeous rich music. They were suweet live too when I saw them back in April (played with some members of Sun Ra's Arkestra; I don't know if they did that for you guys too). |
| Note to self: remember the Black Eyes, dammit | Slosh
Jun 13, 2003 2:33 PM | | That ought to do it :-)
Also should have mentioned Dave's discoveries:
Fruit Bats - <i>Mouthfuls</i> and Tracker - <i>Polk</i>
Both have been getting mucho spino en casa de lo Slosho
NP: Grandaddy - Sumday |
| I also like the Yo La Tengo and I'm waiting for Eleni's cd to... | Swish
Jun 13, 2003 4:31 PM | | arrive in my mailbox, along with the latest from Gillian Welsh and Annie Lennox. My wife is a real alt country fan, and loves Annie to death. She also digs "Summer Sun", so it's all good with us right now. |
| A few... | Mr MidFi
Jun 13, 2003 12:04 PM | | Mentioned the new Mellencamp in an earlier thread.
Like the new Radiohead a lot, but it doesn't have that one track of heart-rending gorgeousness that their earlier releases all seem to have (Fake Plastic Trees, Letdown, How to Disappear Completely, etc.). Still a very strong effort.
The new Annie Lennox is good Sunday morning coffee-sipping music. Excellent sonics, as usual.
Wish I could comment on the new Zeppelin DVD, but my mother-in-law is visiting. As much as I would like to drive her out of the house with near-clipping volume, I'm being on my "good behavior" for now.
Overall, your point is well-taken, Tug. This type of thread should appear more often than just Tuesdays. |
| must be mother-in-law week :-) | RPM
Jun 13, 2003 12:14 PM | | My wifes mom is staying with us 'till next week. No complaints, she's cool, but needless to say, the main rig has been subdued. Last night I popped a Billie Holiday disc in over dinner. Now that's a win-win. :-)
Rick |
| The new Steely Dan | PwrPopGuy
Jun 13, 2003 12:19 PM | | No, haven't got it yet but I may swing by the store after I leave work and pick it up. From what I've read so far, Geezer, this one's quite better than TAN (let's hope so). I may even pick up something else for my two tracks on the upcoming... (no comp talk, please) :-) |
| as long as we're not talking about ----- | RPM
Jun 13, 2003 12:25 PM | | I have the tracks selected and burned for your "2-shot ----", however I'm finishing up a ---- of my own (hopefully it'll be done this weekend). I Also have a mystery disc candidate. When all this stuff is complete, I'll mail it out to you in one package.
I'm shooting for early next week (with fingers crossed).
Rick |
| as long as we're not talking about ----- | PwrPopGuy
Jun 13, 2003 12:58 PM | | "Mystery disc candidate"? Are we doing another group mystery ____? |
| as long as we're not talking about ----- | RPM
Jun 13, 2003 1:01 PM | | My mystery disc is a regular album, not a ----, so it should be OK to discuss. But I do have a non-mystery ---- in the works too. |
| Oh, okay | PwrPopGuy
Jun 13, 2003 1:13 PM | | Just making sure I wasn't going crazy. Cool, looking forward to your package of tunes next week. |
| Rick, I think RPM just flipped you the finger | JDaniel
Jun 13, 2003 12:29 PM | | in that last sentence (LOL).
I'm probably going to get the new SDan and JMellencamp this weekend. Was going to go to BB at lunch, but it is still the monsoon season here in the south.
I too have a mystery disc candidate in mind for late July. Just waiting on the release about the middle of the month.
JDaniel |
| I'd <i>never</i> do that! | RPM
Jun 13, 2003 12:52 PM | | ;-) |
| someone help me find my indie cred.. | Jar
Jun 13, 2003 12:25 PM | | ok, the two albums I have to talk about are by two big-selling bands.. Radiohead and Deftones. If Mason of 10 years ago met me he'd kick my ass for being such a sellout.
interesting contrast between these two albums though.
I would characterize the Deftones album as being a 'sound' album.. while I would characterize the Radiohead as being a 'song' album. What's the difference you say? Hell if I know.. it's just that.. Deftones are expanding their sonic pallet on their new one just as Radiohead did with KID A. I don't really hear a lot of progress in the songwriting department on DEFTONES, but they are doing some really cool things with their guitars, mainly just banging riffs into submission and crafting what I would call a "heavy shoegazer" sound (though Katatonia has already been doing this for a while now, they'll never reach the audience that the Deftones enjoy).
While on HAIL TO THE THIEF, Radiohead seem to be over (at least for now) trying to come up with new sounds, they used what they already had to create some stellar songs. There's enough KID A in this though that I'm sure Troy wouldn't like it. :-)
-jar |
| I'm still not sure if I should go for Deftones | Slosh
Jun 13, 2003 3:34 PM | | Let me set the stage: I was blown away the first time I heard <i>Adrenaline</i> back in '95, and still am to this day. I like <i>Around The Fur</i> and <i>White Pony</i> well enough, but to these ears it seems like they blew their song-writing wad on the debut.
Which previous album does it remind you of most, song-writing wise?
I tend to think there isn't anything left to do with metal, then I hear an album like Mastodon's Remission and suddenly it's clear; it's all about the song-writing, isn't it? |
| Libertines! | PDK
Jun 13, 2003 1:04 PM | | I really like the Libertines disc: Up the Bracket. Its been my favorite of a pretty weak 2003. They often get lumped in with the Strokes or the White Stripes but are the best in my book...kind of remind me of the Buzzcocks. |
| Also, not a rave rec, but a 2003 guilty pleasure! | PDK
Jun 13, 2003 1:21 PM | | OK, its dreadfully laddish and I felt a little embarassed ordering it (even though I did it online!), but I have a guilty pleasure for Ashley Hamilton's "Wimmin'". I haven't actually received the single yet (apparently there isn't yet an LP) but have no doubt that this will be my Most Shameless Purchase of 2003. Um, it is pretty disposable and my wife absolutely hates it- think Robbie Williams' cheeky hetero swagger and throw in a football chant- but it is a little too catchy. I know, I know, I should have resisted... |
| Steely Dan, Chip B... | allears
Jun 13, 2003 3:11 PM | | I recently acquired the new Steely Dan "Everything Must Go" which I like quite a bit, and it keeps getting better. I've haven't been a fan for many years but thought I'd drop in on these two and I'm very glad I did. Very bluesy, well arranged, and well recorded music. Some very catchy tunes will probably propel them onto the radio quite a bit.
Also bought Robbie Wiliiams "Escapology" which is starting to grow on me. Nothing especially new and he tends to swear quite a bit as well.
Annie Lennox "Bare" has gotten one spin and what I like about her is that she sings with such emotion that I can't help but get sucked in.
Maroon 5 "Songs About Jane" is what many around here would call musical pap. It reminds me of mildly edgy Justin Trousersnake tunes. Sometimes you here a Stevie Wonder influence as well. I bought this disc on sale, never having heard them. I spun it a few times then heard my son's top 40 radio playing one of their songs. Figures this would get airplay.
By far and away, the best RR for me is Chip B's "Unsolicited." If you don't have it, solicit it! "A Different Kind of Blue" - how could this possibly be Nick Lowe? I was floored and loved it at the same time!! Great comp Chip
Steve |
| I liked Vic Chestnut offa Unsolicited | BryanE
Jun 13, 2003 4:28 PM | | Very very atmospheric and sweaty cool.
Gotta check this cat out.
YECHy |
| Jayhawks - Rainy Day Music... | Grblgrbl
Jun 16, 2003 11:50 AM | | ...another stellar release from a great, under-appreciated band. A return to their simpler, rootsier sound after the more overtly Beatlesque (and magnificent) album, Smile
Richard Thompson - Old Kit Bag. RT is incapable of a bad album. Another instant classic
Richard Thompson - More Guitar. Live cd chronicling his 1988 tour. Available on his website only. Excellent.
Steely Dan - Everything Must Go. Only one listen so far, but seems to be a keeper. They may never again hit their '70's highs, but they don't have to to put out a solid effort.
That's all I got. Pretty slim pickins. No really new artists. It's true, rock pretty much is dead.
Radiohead - Hail to the Thief. Only one listen, but promising.
King Crimson - The Power to Believe. The only prog dinosaur that isn't one. Still pushing the envelope and making truly unique and innovative music.
Led Zeppelin - The Way the West Was Won. The power of a great live band at the height of its powers. |
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