It’s been two weeks since my last confession… well, since I last blogged about new music releases, anyway!
This week, I do have a confession, though. I quite like Pop music. Sorry if that offends you, but not *that* sorry. I’m the girl who was brought up listening to Prog Rock and derivatives thereof, so it was a bit of a shock to my parents when I became a fan of Take That when I was about 12 years of age. I couldn’t help it – the catchy tunes got to me good and proper. I’m not ashamed, although it’s fair to say I’m not keen on what they’ve produced lately! However, if you played A Million Love Songs to me, I’d have a good old sing!
I do have a point to this – my first recommendation this week is quite “Pop”. He’s called Dustin Kensrue, and has a new album out entitled “Carry the Fire“. Now, I don’t want to put you off, or annoy a musician at all, so let me show you a definition: “commercial popular music, in particular accessible, tuneful music of a kind popular since the 1950s and sometimes contrasted with rock, soul, or other forms of popular music”. See, that’s not so bad, right? Kensrue‘s music is easy to listen to, there are good melodies, and a pleasing folk rock element. I like it, particularly its simplicity. Vocally, he reminds me everso slightly of Glen Hansard, who I adore! So there you have it – listen for yourselves here:
Next up is the band whose song “Swirl” I chose as my Song of the Week this week. Swedish band Westkust are on the verge of releasing their debut album, “Last Forever“, and it’s one I’m happily parting with my hard earned money for! This band draws influence from indie, punk & shoegaze, and I think I detect a little bit of electronica influence too. The music is frantic and the vocals are effortlessly bright and smooth, with a touch of echo which brings a certain edge to these songs. You could do a lot worse than spending some time listening to this album!
The last band to have worked their way into my mind this week are Brooklyn’s own Miniboone, and they’re about to release their album “Bad Sports“. From the very first notes of the title track, I was hooked. I LOVE that feeling when I hear music! There’s nothing like it, is there?! Beatles-esque harmonies, witty lyrics, and full of energy, this has the makings of an album from a band who I really hope will go places! Miniboone have already played on the same bill as the B-52s and Art Brut, and for this album they worked with the same producer as Built to Spill favour, Travis Harrison. I love them – do you?!
Thanks for reading – I hope you’ve heard something you like! There are, of course, other musical releases next week – here’s a list for your perusal:
Speedy Ortiz – Foil Deer
Wire – Wire
Girl Band – The Early Years (EP)
Tom DeLonge – To the Stars… Demos, Odds and Ends
Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers – Loved Wild Lost
Built to Spill – Untethered Moon
San Fermin – Jackrabbit
Turbo Fruits – No Control
Passion Pit – Kindred
In Tall Buildings – Driver
Squarepusher – Damogen Furies
Great Lake Swimmers – A Forest of Arms
