Black Keys: Attack and Release

After I heard Rubber Factory, I didn't really care about hearing anything more from the Black Keys. That's probably why I didn't buy, or even listen to, any of the albums between it and Attack and Release. After seeing the video below at My Old Kentucky Blog, I decided that this album would get at least a full listen. It was worth it. While the Keys early work was nothing but simplistic blues, this new album is developed, layered and multi-instrumental. Changes in tempo and style offer a wider range of sounds and really test what the Keys can do. When this comes out tomorrow (4/1) you should buy it, or at least give it a good listen. For now, check these out.

MP3: The Black Keys - Strange Times

MP3: The Black Keys - Psychotic Girl

Video: The Black Keys - Strange Times

The Breeders: Mountain Battles

The Breeders have released "We're Gonna Rise", the first single from Mountain Battles due out April 8. Their first full-length album since Title TK, it doesn't have the same youthful angst as Last Splash and I don't think there is another "Cannonball" waiting anywhere on Mountain Battles, but it is still Kim Deal cooing over melodic guitar and great drums. I was listening to my iPod today and I heard The Breeders and Stephen Malkmus back to back and I was suddenly 15 again. I guess my review of this album would be that it's The Breeders, and I like The Breeders.

MP3: The Breeders - We're Gonna Rise

Gnarls Barkley: The Odd Couple

I never expected there to be another "Crazy" from Gnarls Barkley, but I did expect something at least close to St. Elsewhere. The Odd Couple is a mix of bubble-gum beats with dark organ and CeeLo's soulful pipes. While CeeLo bears his soul more, the album just doesn't pop....ever. I keep waiting for something to happen, and it never does. It has a few redeeming tracks. One of which I will give you below.

MP3: Gnarls Barkley - Going On

MORE DODOS!!

I can't get enough Visiter, so here's some more for you.

MP3: The Dodos - Ashley

Sun Kil Moon: April

Mark Kozelek has put out another album with Sun Kil Moon called April. Its not anything revolutionary, but if you were already a fan, you'll like this addition to the series. 11 tracks of radio-unfriendly acoustic, and haunting electric guitar with Kozelek's signature drone. Simple, beautiful and slightly depressing.

MP3: Sun Kil Moon - Heron Blue

The Raconteurs: Consolers of The Lonley

Whether or not the quick-release formula will work sales wonders for the Raconteurs is yet to be seen, but it did keep critics from over analyzing it before anyone had a chance to hear it. Now that I've heard it all the way through a few times, I have found it far superior to Broken Boy Soldiers. With that album, even though I enjoyed it, I kept wishing it was the White Stripes. Not the case with Consolers of the Lonley. Tracks like "Old Enough" and "Top Yourself" have no problem carrying the Jack White energy in a unique package. Check it out. Thanks to You Ain't No Picasso for bringing the video to my attention.

MP3: The Raconteurs - Old Enough

Radiohead Rarities

I've fallen in love with Radiohead again. I was rooting through the music I had been listening to for the past few months and ran across the bonus disc to In Rainbows. It reminded me of all the great Radiohead songs that are released on EPs, 7", and bonus discs. In honor of all of this, here are my favorite Radiohead Rarities.... Or at least semi-rarities.

MP3: Radiohead - Lozenge of Love (My Iron Lung EP)

MP3: Radiohead - Polyethylene (Parts 1&2) (Airbag/How Am I Driving EP)

MP3: Radiohead - Last Flowers (In Rainbows Bonus Disc)

The Whigs: Mission Control

Among all the hype about the Beach House record and Ghostland Observatory's Robotique Majestique this week, and the recent releases from Vampire Weekend and Nada Surf, it would be easy to miss the release of The Whigs' Mission Control. I am here to ensure that doesn't happen. This Athens, GA band is a rock and roll ride with a California feel and catchy melodies that shouldn't be overlooked. Check out "I Never Wanna Go Home" below, watch the "Right Hand On My Heart" performance, and check out their website for some more free MP3s.

MP3: The Whigs - I Never Wanna Go Home

Stephen Malkmus

I'm a sucker for drums, and drummers. I've also been rocking Pavement since middle school, so when I head Janet Weiss (of Sleater-Kinney) was playing said drums for Malkmus now, I couldn't resist checking it out.

Malkmus and James Mercer (of the Shins) recently played a benefit show in their Hometown of Portland. All proceeds from the show went to the Buckman Elementary School Arts Program.

Stephen Malkmus' new album Real Emotional Trash hits shelves March 4, but until then enjoy this little gem called "Baltimore" and listen for Weiss. You can also grab a copy of "Cold Son" from the aforementioned album at Pitchforkmedia.com

Atmosphere

Another quick hip-hop note for you. Atmosphere are touring (no stops near KY of course) in anticipation of their new album When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold on April 22. Their last "album" Strictly Leakage is available for download here. Check out some key tracks below.

Mike Doughty

My main man Mike. Doughty, that is. Alliteration aside, Grand Turismo fans will remember him "taking the elevator to the mezzanine" with his former band Soul Coughing, but his new solo album Golden Delicious is a little slower and more acoustically based. His trademark voice and circular melodies, however, are ever present.

Bjork Wanderlust Ratatat Remix

Ratatat lends their distinctive style to Bjork's Wanderlust. This plus 3 other remixes will be out on CD and 12" EP on April 18.

The Dodos Fools Video

I have decided to stop blogging about politics entirely and focus on music. This will probably change soon, as it is my whim, but for now, all rock.

The California duo the Dodos (formerly Dodo Bird) are a rhythm-based psycho-folk explosion in your mouth. The combination of blues fingerpicking and heavy drums make the music driving and addictive. The new album VISITER is out March 18, but for now you can check out a couple of tracks from it, and download some older work, at their MySpace page.

I recommend Trades and Tarriffs for downloading and be sure to check out the video (for a high def version go here) to Fools from the new album VISITER below.

The Dodos

fools - dir. by Matt Amato

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