Out Today: October 16, 2012
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.
Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend! (Constellation)Godspeed You! Black Emperor's fourth LP Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend! is possibly the most anticipated released of 2012, as it marks the Canadian post-rock staple's first release in ten years. If it's not the most expected, it's definitely a top contender for most anticipated album of 2012 with three exclamation points in the title. As expected, the album has received enormous critical acclaim, including "Best New Music" from Pitchfork and a whole mess of high ratings from Spin, Pop Matters, and Drowned in Sound. Come to your own conclusion by streaming the full album of a bunch of artsy, really long songs courtesy of The Guardian.Stream it here.
Pinback - Information Retrieved (Temporary Residence Ltd.)Pinback is another group who just hasn't really put out a record for a few years. It might not have been a decade (as seems to be the trend lately), but it's been a good five years, and the band is still pumping out its signature blend of low-key math-y (but not quite) rock with a slight glimmer of tasteful pop punk influence. I'm sure you'll find a hook or two that you'll really dig, dawg.
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The Luyas - Animator (Dead Oceans)The Luyas caused quite the stir at Pygmalion Music Festival 2011 when they opened for The Dodos and played one of the best sets of the whole weekend. The fact that most people in the room had, most likely, were just expecting a typical opener contributed to their high praise. But it's pretty clear that the band has an admirable spunk about it. Animator is the band's third LP (and second on Dead Oceans), and overall, it's a tightened-up presentation of high-caliber art pop.Stream it here.
Times New Viking - Over & Over EP (Wichita)While focusing on band names is entirely lame, I believe it's important to note what I think is one of the cleverest I've ever come across. Lo-fi noise pop for everyone from pets to the great uncle of your third cousin, only available as an mp3 download from Wichita's website, for now. Listen to the single, below:
Santah - You're Still a Lover EPWe've been talking a lot about Santah, but that's because they're so relevant right now, steadily building up a fanbase, not just in Champaign-Urbana and Chicago, but all across the US. The day has finally come where the band releases its follow-up to 2010/2011's White Noise Bed. Who knows? Maybe this'll get 'em signed to Island Def Jam, where they'll make lots of money and save the World, which I think is entirely possible.Stream it here.