Out today: Mystical Weapons, Yo La Tengo, Rice Cultivation Society, and more
Every Tuesday is album release day (as well as video games, movies, etc.), but on a day so far from the weekend, it's a good feeling to wake up to some brand, spankin' new music.
Mystical Weapons - Mystical Weapons (Chimera Music)
Mystical Weapons is an unexpected collaboration between Sean Lennon and Greg Saunier, John Lennon and Yoko Ono's son and frontman of Deerhoof, respectively. Sounds pretty cool. Even better: The record is completely improvised. In the interview with CBC accompanying the album stream, Lennon explained that certain songs were as loose as Lennon saying to Saunier, "All right Greg, you play piano this time and I’ll play drums." And it all sounds heavenly, in a very accessibly abrasive kind of way.Stream it here.
Yo La Tengo - Fade (Matador)
Formed 30 years and 13 albums ago, Yo La Tengo is oft-cited as one of the key forces of "indie music," back when such a label had some semblance of meaning. Fade is the follow up to 2009's Popular Songs, and it's just as satisfying as listening to "Beanbag Chair" in a beanbag chair. If you want to really celebrate the album's release, head over to Exile on Main Street this evening for "Yo La Tengo Day."Stream it here.
Rice Cultivation Society - Sky Burial
I stumbled across this little gem while perusing Spinner's Listening Party. Rice Cultivation Society is Long Island singer-songwriter Derek Smith, unpredictably flourishing guitar riffs, and a generally soothing demeanor occasionally augmented by hints of chamber pop. Built to Spill meets Ugly Cassanova. I'm a happy camper.
Other releases you should check out:
- Holopaw - Academy Songs, Vol.1 (Misra)
- Free Energy - Lovesign (Free People)
- Pantha du Prince & the Bell Laboratory - Elements of Light (Rough Trade)