Lovestreams - "Shock Corridor"

Lovestreams, a new project from rocker Will Sheff (of Okkervil River fame), has released a preview track of his impending release. Will Sheff created Lovestreams after finally being able to obtain a "dedicated recording space." Like most Will Sheff creations, "Shock Corridor" is an epic track, almost like a story, but unlike more Will Sheff creations, "Shock Corridor" seems to drift away from the folk-rock feel. I'm greatly anticipating the release of other Lovestreams tracks. Here is track two from Will Sheff's new release, one of many more to come.

"Shock Corridor"

Swirlies - They Spent Their Wild Youthful Days in the Glittering World of the Salons

Some may say they are a My Bloody Valentine rip-off, and some may say they are just another act of the "shoegaze" movement. But their 1996 release They Spent Their Wild Youthful Days in the Glittering World of the Salons proves to listeners that their style is not definitive. Their usage of radio to create effects emits a new-age feel through the distortion. Chill, yet enticing, this release has tracks that will relate with any listener. But, as the Swirlies say, "You can't be told it, you must behold it," and so I will leave you with this album for your pleasure so that you may create your own opinion of this act.

protect yourself from aliens

The Softies S/T

The Softies, twee-superstar Rose Melberg's collaboration with Jen Sbraiga is a defining act in the "cutesy, lovey" genre of twee. Depending solely on their sweet voices and some electric guitars, Melberg and Sbraiga describe the pains and joys of love. In this 1996 release, the softness of their voices almost lulls one into a sleep. The opening track, "Snow Like This" (my personal favorite), describes the yearning for love through the coldness and loneliness of winter. While at times The Softies may sound like the performance of a teen girl's journal, they are an act that defined not only the twee movement, but an act that has helped define female musicianship.


ROSE MELBERG MARRY ME

The Nighty Nite- Dimples

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The Paper Chase's John Congleton recently released this new EP as a part of his up-and-coming band, The Nighty Nite. Infused with elements familiar with The Paper Chase, new listeners may not easily find comfort in the eerie noise. This EP also features a cover of "Meaningless", a tune associated with Stephin Merritt and his infamous 69 Love Songs. Dimples does not cover any new territory for listeners, especially those acquainted with The Paper Chase, but it is a release that should be in the library of any adoring fan of Congleton.

Holy Shit- Stranded At Two Harbors

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Holy Shit, a project of Matt Fishbeck and Ariel Pink (famous for his various ventures as Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti), combines new-age vocals with lo-fi noise to produce a new genre which can only be labeled as "new weird america." With Holy Shit, one can feel the many stylistic approaches that Pink often pursues, from the more mellow, almost "salsa-esque" track, "Written All Over Your Face," to a more synth-based track such as "I Don't Need Enemies." While the album almost fails by ending with "When You Came Around To Me," instead of the drawn-out, drug-induced fest, "Let's Get Straight," Stranded At Two Harbors succeeds in artistically achieves in being a well-rounded, and well-thought-out album suitable for any fan of lo-fi music.

Uncorked Understandings- A Wonderful

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When A Wonderful (Tim Wilson) released this album, I highly doubt it was released to foster strong emotions of melancholy and hope, but with the presentation of this work, he did exactly that. Sweet and succinct (only about 12 minutes long), Uncorked Understandings has an ever present theme of the once-were theres, the never-were theres, and the still-arounds in relationships. With melodious drum beats and heartbreaking lyrics, Tim Wilson is a deity among the depressed, indie rockers of the 21st century. Although things end on a high note, it leaves you yearning for more, and sadly enough, no other release has been assembled to surpass the greatness of Uncorked Understandings. Give it a listen and experience it for yourself, I guess.

New EP & Olmec Sings the Blues- Kirk Fogg's African Adventure

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Traditional LI grindcore band, but there is nothing to hate with this group. From obscene lyrics to raw riffs, this band defines the genre. They have been pretty inactive for awhile, but the few tracks that they have released are priceless. Take a listen to their limited discography and embrace the greatness that is KIRK FOGG.