Now Downloading: New Releases 08.18.09

I was camping the past few days, ready to skip this week's post, but there's just too much here to ignore, even if too busy. I poached the latest from both Brendan Benson and The Cave Singers in previous posts, but that still leaves new ones from Jay Reatard and Pissed Jeans. Since time is limited, I'm doing some cut-n-paste w/ the Benson poach and I'll give a little love to one more.

Playlist: New Releases 08.18.09

---

Brendan Benson - My Old Familiar Friend
Stream / Purchase [mp3]

When Benson formed The Raconteurs with Jack White, it was assumed more folks would find out who the power pop songsmith was. While that assumption is mostly true, White still dominated the press for the band. I liked The Raconteurs' modern take on classic rock well enough, but if it was going to keep Benson from releasing more solo releases, The Raconteurs indeed needed a break. The title of Benson's 4th solo release, My Old, Familiar Friend, sounds like Benson reconnecting with his solo career, and much of the songwriting reflects the old Benson we know and love. But this time, he's got some new tricks up his sleeves, namely a bigger studio budget, and why the hell not. After years of toiling in obscurity, there's bound to be more attention on him this time and what a better time to clean up and put on a pretty face. And there's plenty to be excited about here, between the infectious opener "A Whole Lot Better,", the soulful "Garbage Day" and the strong "Feel Like Taking You Home." The only fault here is the songs don't much relate to each other, a strength of previous releases.

Free AOL Album Stream

---

Pissed Jeans - King of Jeans
Stream / Purchase [mp3]

When Sub Pop signed Pissed Jeans for their debut, I understood the attraction, given their history and all. I didn't much care for their debut, that is until I saw them live last year at the Sub Pop 20 festival -- then it all made more sense. And this second release (King of Jeans) reinforces that feeling, that Pissed Jeans are like a more marketable version of former Sub Pop giant Tad. One listen to "She Is Science Fiction" and the lumberjack roars... without all the flannel and... um... mass.

Free AOL Album Stream
Download: "False Jesli Part 2" [mp3]

---

More on the radar (and in the mp3 player) this week:
Jay Reatard - Watch Me Fall / "Wounded" [mp3] / "It Ain't Gonna Save Me" [mp3]
The Cave Singers - Welcome Joy / "At the Cut" [mp3]
Inglourioius Basterds Original Motion Picture Soundtrack / Free AOL Album Stream
Choir of Young Believers - This For the White in Your Eyes / "Action/Reaction" [mp3]
Joe Henry - Blood From Stars
Loudon Wainwright III - High Wide & Handsome: The Charlie Poole Project
65daysofstatic - Escape From New York
Colin Hay - American Sunshine / Free AOL Album Stream
As Tall As Lions - You Can't Take It With You / Free AOL Album Stream
Mute Math - Armistice
REISSUES
Flaming Lips - The Soft Bulletin
The Antlers - Hospice

tags: music, album review, Brendan Benson, Pissed Jeans, Jay Reatard, indie rock, new releases, rhapsody