"Panda Bear" Sonically Astounding

"Person Pitch" is the third solo album by Panda Bear(of Animal Collective fame) released in 2007. Very catchy.

If Brian Wilson had grown up in Japan in the mid-80s listening to free-noise interpretations of western pop music, This is what he would be creating today. Sonic ambient soundscapes with lush, layered melodies. Highly recommended!

For a more recent number, by Mr. Bear check out the following link.

Love the Music Hate the Hypocrisy

I was wondering over the world wide web and came across a new post from one of my more well attended musical blogs (Aquarium Drunkard). One of the more recent posts from the aforementioned blog highlighted a great concept by an amazing artist by the name of Bobby Bare Jr.

I've always been a fan of Bobby's music ever since I picked up one of his works with the group Bare Jr. Since then he's been one of the hardest men in the biz rocking shows and putting out new material almost as fast as some men change lady friends.

With that said, Bobby Bare Jr. released his eigth solo album this week. "A STORM - A TREE - MY MOTHER'S HEAD" is some great songwriting and melody intertwined into some of Bobby Bare's best material. Tonight, Bobby Bare Jr. sings his soulful songs to the folks in the Los Angeles area and I'm sure they'll walk away with more than just a few fond memories, but also a kick'in album in hand.

I'd share more of the album, but don't want to ruin all the grandeur of what's inside for you. I'll just recommend you pick it up for yourself and let me know what you think.

Notable Numbers Currently in Play:

Magic Kids - Memphis
Carl Broemel (My Morning Jacket guitarist)- All Birds Say
The Kinks - Face to Face
The Zombies - This Old Heart of Mine

I Think I Just Heard That

I recently came across an artist by the name of Chris Gaffney and fellow collaborator by the name of Dave Alvin. Little did I know this would lead to a sizeable investment for anything I could get my hands on by either artist. I started this investment with Chris Gaffney's 1992 album "Mi Vida Loca" and the rest is consumer history. "Mi Vida Loca" is a great mix of several country elements, but very reminiscent of a enjoyable southwestern sound. This isn't to say Gaffney's work are all one sided. Much of his early solo works is very similar to Gram Parsons sound, post Burritos Brothers stuff. Other sites reference Gaffney's music as an infusion of hard country with elements of Tex-Mex and pure rock & roll, coming off like a cross between Merle Haggard and the Blasters. Regardless if you're a little bit country or a little bit rock Gaffney's music has a little bit of something for everyone.

After listening to some of Gaffney's albums I came across a name on the liner notes by a gentleman named Dave Alvin. Now I don't pretend to know everything about the tunes I listen to, but I had the pleasure of working with some great folks in Bowling Green, KY and a kick ass manager who lead me down the path of a group by the name of the Blasters. Who by the way had a band member by the name of Dave Alvin. Dave was also a member of some notable West Coast acts by the name of X and The Flesh Eaters. While I can't say I don't enjoy his later works, I can say his stuff with X and The Flesh Eaters really makes we wanna go back and learn more about the whole West Coast music scene during the late 70's to early 80's. For those of you who just want a taste of what The Flesh Eaters have to offer just check out this video for "The Wedding Dice".

It's been an interesting journey down the path of each artist and I've learned quite a bit along the way and would encourage anyone interested either the early country, southwest, Tex Mex styles to check out Chris Gaffney or for a more course edge give Dave Alvin's early works a whirl. Enjoy

Notable Numbers Currently in Play:

Josh Rouse - El Turista (stream for free by clicking here)
The City Champs - The Safecracker

Raiding the Musical Gum Ball Machine

I know I've taken a brief sabbatical from the blogosphere, but it's been a worthwhile trip musically since my last post. Since then, I've finished one great book issued by Wax Poetics and worn out enough vinyl to shake a needle at.

It's been my experience that one of the greastest musical styles belongs to the affectionately named power-pop genre. A combination of late 60's British and American pop music infused with rock elements can be both toe tapping and super addictive.

One of the great albums I've been playing the shit out of is a collection titled "Top 30" by Alex Chilton. Alex is best known as a member of the Box Tops or Big Star, but this collection takes nothing from those groups. Individually, the disc samples his solo career from the breakup of Big Star to his album "Cliche". Highlights abound and anyone looking for a great place to start learning about his work, this is the place to start.

In addition, I can't say enough about this great little label straight out of the Windy City called Numero Group. Since picking up their homage to the Titan Label titled "Titan: It's All Pop!", I've had the pleasure of reintroducing myself to a lost generation of power-pop artists that have my ears ringing. With the help of this 2 disc collection, Kansas City's Titan Records finally returns to record bins and has helped yours truly get back to his bubble gum roots.

Notable Number Currently In Play:

1. Mayer Hawthorne -"Your Easy Lovin' (Ain't Pleasin Nothing)"
2. Lucero - "The Devil and Maggie Chascarillo"

Click the above links to hear each tune.

Never A Dulli Moment

It's been a while since my last post, but well worth the wait. Between the first and last of the month I've absorbed more music than humanly possible and don't look to slow down anytime soon. Starting things off is lead singer of the Sub Pop wonder Afghan Whigs, Greg Dulli. I recently picked up his solo album "Amber HeadLights" and have been enjoying his tobbaco fueled vocals and whimsical instrumentation. The album kick starts off with great guitar riffs and keeps you entranced till the very last note of the last song. This album is nothing like his Gutter Twins album with Screaming Trees member Mark Lanegan, but in all truthfulness the Gutter Twins album is a great album in itself and highly recommended.

Notable Numbers Currently In Play:

My Jerusalem - My Feathers
Joseph Arthur and the Lonely Astronauts - Temporary People
Jeff Klein -The Hustler

Tunes in June

It's been a rough month so far and I can't imagine a better way to get through the rest of the month with a series of great releases. Starting things off right is that time tested group Sonic Youth with another side winding album called, "The Eternal". After tuning into Pitchfork.com for a little background on the album its good to know Sonic Youth still has the drive and desire to produce some of the most avante gard rock out their. Plan on rocking out, "Sonic Trixster" should do the trick.

Next on the musical agenda is the fifth release from Mars Volta, "Octahedron". After only a year since the last Mars Volta release it seems like Omar and Cedric have seemed to produce another rockus electric filled majesty of tunes. If the cover is any testament of what is in store for fans I have no doubt what we have alot to look (or listen forward) to.

Last and certainly not least is Wilco's, "Wilco (the album)". Personally, I'm kinda torn between what to think or hear. A album full of self absorbed references back to the band in the form of a title and lead song can only leave me a little hesitant. But, after listening to the entire album via the WilcoWorld.net website I'm happy to say that just isn't the case. The album is reminiscent of some of the earlier studio albums like "SummerTeeth" and "Being There". Needless to say, this could possibly be a great sunny day album to kick start listeners to the end of summer.

Enjoy the tunes and here are a list of Notable Numbers currently in play:

Jesse Winchester -Jesse Winchester

Titus Andronicus - The Airing of Grievances

Justin Townes Earle - Midnight at the Movies

The Best Album No One Ever Heard...

Some collaborations seem like they should never come to be, but the teaming up of Sparklehorse, Danger Mouse, and David Lynch are a match made in heaven. The album I am alluding to the above collaboration called, "Dark Night of the Soul". I first heard about this album from a friend and listen via the NPR website, but was astounded to hear it would never see the light of day.

Originally, the album was to be released as part of a book of over 100 images from material by David Lynch with a the companion c.d. packaged with the collection. Unfortunately, due to legal issues with the boys from EMI, however a blank recordable CD-R with copies clearly labeled: "For Legal Reasons, enclosed CD-R contains no music. Use it as you will."

Featuring A-list contributors like Iggy Pop, Frank Black, and the Flaming Lips the album moves from harmonic melodies to rock-ous choruses. An album that could have easily been a great release of the season is shelved for the time being, but the year is not quite over.

For those of you wishing to listen to the entire album I highly suggest going to the NPR site, just click on the image above and you'll be whisked away to the album site. Which by the way, I've worn out the NPR site and can only wish this album will be released for many people to enjoy.

In the meantime, here is a list of notable numbers currently in play:

• DADDY - "Live at the Women's Club" , as well as, the new album to be released next week
• Pearl Jam - "Ten" reissue
• Dark Night of the Soul - Self Titled