Now Downloading: New Releases 06.05.07

This week sees the much anticipated coffee-house-marketed release from Macca, as well as great debuts from The Long Blondes and the Mark E. Smith/Mouse On Mars project Von Südenfed.

Playlist: New Releases 06.05.07

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Album: Paul McCartney - Memory Almost Full

If you walked into a Starbucks anytime today, you've already heard Macca's latest, as they're conducting a nationwide listening party, putting Memory Almost Full on repeat throughout the day. Macca's the first artist signed to Starbucks' Hear Music label, but oddly enough, it may just be the least coffee house-friendly album that Macca has ever released. Mostly written prior to 2005's Chaos & Creation In The Backyard, Memory is Macca's most personal recordings since the death of his wife Linda (in particular the suite of songs that starts with "Vintage Clothes" bleeding into each other ala Abbey Road. ) Meanwhile, the songs "Only Mama Knows" and "Nod Your Head" have Macca on full throttle, rocking harder then he has since Wings. The digital release has three extra so-so songs, but also has an album commentary from Macca that's nearly a half-hour, giving some background on all the songs.

Back to the subject of leaving EMI, Macca tells the NY Times:

The major record labels are having major problems. They’re a little puzzled as to what’s happening. And I sympathize with them. But as [producer] David Kahne said to me about a year ago, the major labels these days are like the dinosaurs sitting around discussing the asteroid.

An asteroid that's already hit, one might add. While Memory can't hold a candle to his best in Wings and his first couple solo releases (or anything obviously prior to that,) it might just be his most interesting work since that time.

Free album stream from AOL

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Album: The Long Blondes - Someone to Drive You Home

Holy post-punk candy, Batman! The Long Blondes deliver on the promise of their singles with this debut, and lead singer Kate Jackson might just be a superstar in the making. Pulling from classic post-punk acts like Au Pairs, Gang of Four, Mekons, and early Blondie, Someone to Drive You Home is the kind of revelation that Art Brut already drove home with Bang Bang Rock & Roll. The difference here is Kate Jackson's driving sexuality and moral ambivalence, when she's a)cheating on you. b)stealing you're boyfriend. c)stealing your girlfriend(?) They could be the female-fronted answer to Pulp (both are from Sheffield, and Pulp bass player Steve Mackey produces this album.) Regardless, it's an intoxicating blend of guitars and attitude that demands repeated play.

Free album stream from AOL

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Album: Von Südenfed - Tromatic Reflexxions

Mouse On Mars + Mark E. Smith =
LCD Mumblesystem

Mark E. Smith has an issue with James Murphy's homage to The Fall on the first LCD Soundsystem album, and the opening song "Fledermaus Can't Get It" seems to be direct challenge to Murphy, turning "Losing My Edge" on it's ear, with the help of the Germany's Mouse On Mars. It's a delicious beginning to a noisy but fun album. You still can't understand a word Smith says (except in the song "Duckrog" where he spits out succinctly "I wanna hear the words. And. Not. Any. Mumbling" and then falls back into his indecipherable smatterings. Thankfully, the music brings you back for repeat listenings... I think I'll be able to understand what he's saying one day.

Free album stream from AOL

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More going (or already in) the Sansa
Dizzee Rascal - Maths + English
Matthew Dear - Asa Breed (Free album stream from AOL)
The Cinematic Orchestra, Ma Fleur (Free album stream from AOL)
The Pipettes - Your Kisses Are Wasted On Me (Single)
Architecture in Helsinki - Heart it Races (Single)
Moviola - Dead Knowledge
Pelican - City of Echoes
Chris Cornell - Carry On
Bonde Do Role - With Lasers
They Shoot Horses Don't They - Pick Up Sticks
Dappled Cities - Grandance
Matt Pond PA - If You Want Blood
Dappled Cities - Grandance

tags: music, album review, paul mccartney, macca, the long blondes, von sudenfed, dizzee rascal, indie rock, new releases, rhapsody