Thursday, May 26, 2011

New Music Thursday

     Here are some of the latest releases in music, new videos, upcoming shows for Salt Lake and most importantly the line-up for 2011 Twilight Concert series. One of these, I'll make a music post on Monday when most of the streams come out.
My Morning Jacket-Circuital
    This Kentucky band follow-ups 2008's "Evil Urges". Singer Jim James did a solo album of George Harrison covers, which benefited Woodstock Animal Sanctuary. Circuital finds MMJ continuing to have fun with different sounds. Opening track "Circuital" starts with a walloping whooping that wouldn't be out of place for a medieval battle. "Holdin On To Black Metal" expands their experiment, not with black metal but with a 60's/70's revival complete with female harmonies with the opening sounds and this low voice "you've Got To Blow" that sounds like The Count from Seaseme Street or the Dracula voice from Forgetting Sara Marshall. I feel like I'm setting on a bean bags chair staring at black lights posters illuminated by a lava lamp. I saw these guys do a solo set in Philly many years ago at AKA music, so it's good to watch their success and their growth. Check it out HERE.
Death Cab For Cutie-Codes and Keys
     "Codes and Keys" is the 7th album from this Washington based band. It's been three years since their last release and it contiues the direct of 2008's "Narrow Stairs". Long gone are the emotional lyrics. Instead, the band tries to brighten things up, but their music still sounds like a dreary week-long Seattle rainstorm. I wasn't blown away on first listen, but maybe a new spin is in order. Check out the stream HERE.
Thurston Moore-Demolished Thoughts
    Not sure how this bassist from Sonic Youth has the time, but here is a new album. I really haven't followed his solo work since "Psychic Hearts", but this release is more introspective. The opening track just features Thurston singing over a strummed acoustic guitar with the occasional violin flourishes. Maybe I'm just a sucker for his voice, but I'm really digging this. Playing a free show in Salt Lake with Kurt Vile on August 4th. Check the stream HERE.
Eddie Vedder-Ukulele Songs
     The second solo release from the Pearl Jam frontman. The "Into The Wild" soundtrack give the first glimpse of a stripped down Vedder. This album continues with a twist, all of the songs feature the ukulele. The vocals are good, but the music kinda sounds like a novelty. Check out the stream HERE.

David Bazan-Strange Negotiations 
     The former frontman behind Pedro The Lion and Headlights releases another solo album. This time he has the support of a full band. He still keeps that restrained moody feeling that is his trademark ala Damien Jurado. The song "People" starts up similary, but then starts to rock out a bit. Honestly, this might be the best release this week. I'm stoked to see him play Kilby Court on Wednesday, June 6th. Check out the stream HERE.
Also Notable...
     Streams from the latest buzz band Foster To The People "Torches", the fourth album from Austin's White Denim, and a reissue of Superchuck's "Here Where The Strings Come From". Stream the new track from Bon Iver's upcoming release or steal out the leaked album HERE.Also, check out Bon Iver's cover of Bonnie Ratt's "I Can't Make You Love Me" HERE.
Sole and the Skyrider Band
     I'll be honest. I wasn't the biggest fan of sole, but three albums ago he began collaborating with the Skyrider Band. I've been a fan ever since. In fact, I think Sole and the Skyrider Band are one of the most slept on hip-hop band out there. Get on board. "Cruel World" takes a shift from past releases with a synth filled beat, complete with a sung reframe of the song title and an almost minute long solo from the skyriders. I'm looking forward to the new album.Check out the rest of his tunes HERE.
Twilight Concert Series
     One of the coolest thing about Salt Lake in the summer is the Twilight Concert series. The last couple years, they have really out done themselves. Bringing Black Keys, Bon Iver, Jenny Lewis, Modest Mouse, Sonic Youth,the Roots and more. This year is no exception. All shows are free and take place on Thursdays. Here is the released line-up:

July 14: Explosions in the Sky w/ No Age
July 21st: Decemberists w/Typhoon
July 28th: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros w/TBA
August 4th: Thurston Moore w/Kurt Vile
August 11: Bright Eyes w/TBA
August 18th: Ghostland Obsevatory w/TBA
August 25th: Lupe Fiasco w/TBA
Other Upcoming Shows for Salt Lakers












      6/1-David Bazan (from Pedro The Lion and Headphones) plays Kilby Court ($13)
      6/1-Iron and Wine playing In The Venue ($25 tickets here)
      6/4-Young Widows playing Burt's Tiki Lounge ($?, sorry I can't find a price)
      6/15-Thursday and Taking Back Sunday at In the Venue ($27 tickets here)
6/16-Okkervil River plays Urban Lounge with the awesome poppy punk Titus  Andronicus($15)
      6/18-Ray Lamontagne plays Library Square ($36) 
      6/18-Black Lips   Urban    $14.00
      6/25-Meat Puppets Urban  $14.00
      7/19-Blitzen Trapper   Urban   $14.00




Tickets prices are mostly listed if bought from Slowtrain, which is the cheapest way to get them. Plus, it helps support an awesome record store.

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