My Morning Jacket – Z (ATO Records) Losing two founding members is usually the funeral call for even the best bands. That said, it’s amazing what this line-up shift, an outside producer and a trip to a new studio away from the familiar setting of their farm studio has done for Kentucky’s My Morning Jacket. […]
1. Caspian – You Are the Conductor (Dopamine/Amalagate Records) – This Massachusetts Post-Rock quartet has completely taken over my brain and broken my heart with their debut E.P. Reverb drenched guitars, intricate instrumentals, and a pulverizing rhythm section create fresh, intoxicating music. Warning: you will not want to listen to anything else. Check them out […]
It’s tempting to call 2004 The Comeback of Indie Rock, but the reality is that Indie has never been more here than now. With the triumphant return of The Pixies, the extended reissue of Pavement’s Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain, and excellent new albums by Modest Mouse, Death Cab for Cutie, The Shins, etc., the past and […]
11. “Somewhere Only We Know”– Keane from Hopes & Fears– I do not want to like Keane. I am tired of sensitive Brit Rock. Nevertheless, I cannot resist this majestic ode to privacy, with its soaring melody, righteous pianos, and subtle synths. 10. “The Life and Death of Mr. Badmouth” – PJ Harvey from Uh Huh Her– A […]