While the city of Toledo is preparing for the weekend’s festivities at the Old West End festival, we’re being inundated with some absolutely phenomenal new releases! Some great summer jams with the new King Tuff and Lemonade as well as some great late night listening with the new Sigur Ros!
1) King Tuff – Bad Thing (off their new album, King Tuff)
King Tuff took us by surprise years ago with their debut, Is Dead, and they haven’t slowed down since. Fantastic pop hooks that catch you immediately and some of that noisy garage rock that we all love around here. For fans of Ty Segall, Mikal Cronin and Jay Reatard!
2) Fran Capitanelli – My Favorite Jeans (off his album, Kave Talk)
While including this title does go a bit against the title new release playlist, this album has been played non-stop in here for the last six or so months. An absolutely fantastic rock album that brings to mind 70′s power pop and even newer bands like the Secret Machines. Incredibly strong songwriting and guitar chops that are undeniable. Absolutely essential Summer listening!
3) Sun Kil Moon – Sunshine in Chicago (off his album, Among the Leaves)
Mark Kozelek is back again with a new album. Gone are the eight minute long songs and he’s now tapping into a more light-hearted side of songwriting, with even a mix of humor in some of the songs. This album does follow in the footsteps of his last album, Admiral Fell Promises, in that it’s a solo effort with no backing musicians. Wonderful rainy day album.
4) Lemonade – Neptune (off their new album, Diver)
Not only do we have a band with quite possibly the most refreshing name, we also have some top notch Summer tunes! Bringing to mind El Guincho, Toro Y Moi, and Washed Out, Lemonade’s songs bring forth more of a throwback R&B feel.
5) Broken Water – Underground (off their new album, Tempest)
Admittedly, we knew nothing of Broken Water until this album. We hadn’t read much press, hadn’t heard a tune, and went into it with completely fresh ears. That combination made for one of the most pleasant surprises in awhile. Their noisy nature will certainly bring comparisons to My Bloody Valentine but fans of Sonic Youth are the ones that should take note.
6) Marissa Nadler – The Wrecking Ball Company (off her new album, The Sister)
Marissa has been a store favorite ever since her album, Ballads of Living and Dying, got the reissue treatment by Mexican Summer. That album completely floored us and she hasn’t slowed down since. As a matter of fact, this might be her best album since Ballads… came out in 2004. Hushed folk that will be in right up your alley if you got the last Meg Baird album.
7) The Walkmen – Heaven (off their new album, Heaven)
Here’s the thing: So long as you aren’t buying an album of the Walkmen covering Harry Nilsson’s Pussy Cats, you aren’t going to be disappointed. That doesn’t change with the new album Heaven. Absolute indie-rock bliss.
8) Sigur Rós – Ekki Múkk (off their new album, Valtari)
Sigur Rós are a whole different sort of bliss. If you aren’t familiar with this Icelandic four piece, it might be next to impossible to describe their sound without listening. Their stretch of albums from 2000 – 2005 are still considered some of the best albums of this young century. Their concerts have been compared to religious experiences. Their new album does nothing to dispel the notion that they have been one of the best bands of the past 15 years.