Now Downloading: New Releases 05.01.07

A subtle week for releases as several low-key greats make their way into the fold. Besides the latest from Dinosaur Jr (referenced yesterday) there's the latest from Fiest, Patrick Wolf, Frog Eyes and a week early look at The Sea and Cake's Everybody.

Playlist: New Releases 05.01.07

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Album: Feist - The Reminder

Feist's latest album The Reminder finds the Canadian now in full control of her artistic talents. This lazy, warm and laid-back affair was recorded just outside Paris should, by all appearances, propel the 31-year old into the means by which she can afford to purchase herself that place in the country she pined for in her last album's hit, "Mushaboom." While there's nothing nearly as beguiling as that wonderful song, the albums highs are continuous, including the first single "My Moon My Man," which marches right into your head and stays for eternity. The second single is slated to be the song "1234," which is also great, but I'm surprised that "I Feel It All" isn't up for the honor, as it seems the one more likely to break her out ("I'll be the one to break my own heart".) The most enchanting song on the album, however, is the song "Limit to Your Love," which features this lyrical turn: "There's a limit to your love / Like a waterfall in slow motion." Positively dreamy.

Free Album stream from AOL

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Album: Patrick Wolf - Dumb Luck

Seems weird that this album is just now seeing it's wide release, given all the drama that's surrounded Patrick Wolf's recent ascention into fame's fickle sphere. Seems that he was straddling that space between ardent cult fan and attaining some mainstream audience and something snapped. First his drummer, then his fans... then he himself. Wolf announced (via a message board) that an upcoming show in November would be his last, sending fans into a frenzy fearing their comments sent him into early (he's only 23) retirement. He's since reigned in that histrionic plea a bit, saying now he'll just be taking a break from music. Hopefully not too long of a break, as the musical leap he achieved from Lycanthropy to Magic Position is quite amazing, and I'm ever so anxious to see what someone his age would do next.

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Album: The Sea and Cake - Everybody (Rhapsody Exclusive)

The latest from the Chicago band The Sea and Cake is a pleasant surprise, only in that it's in Rhapsody a week early. Otherwise Everybody is nearly exactly the sort of release you'd expect from a band that features the sublime artistic virtues of Sam Prekop, Archer Prewitt and producer exraordinaire John McEntire. Seemingly effortless in it's approach, you sometimes forget just how much is going on in a TSAC song. "Exact to Me" is more overt in it's rhythmic complexity, while "Lightning" gently nods to TSAC's pop side. It's still early (just found it today,) but it's already nestled itself into heavy airplay here in drakeland, and I'm sure it will with you as well.

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More going (or already in) the Sansa
Dinosaur Jr - Beyond (Free album stream from AOL)
Frog Eyes - The Future Is Inter-disciplinary Or Not At All
Black Rebel Motorcycle - Baby 81
65daysofstatic - The Destruction of Small Ideas
Rush - Snakes & Arrows
Tori Amos - American Doll Posse
Ne-yo - Because Of You
Spider-Man 3: Music from and Inspired By
Von Iva - Von Iva

tags: music, album review, dinosaur jr, feist, patrick wolf, the sea and cake, frog eyes, indie rock, new releases, rhapsody