thus spake drake: Now Downloading: New Releases 07.19.11

It's another slightly meager Summer week of new releases, and since kids are in school, They Might Be Giants are able to sneak a non-kids album out -- not that it's fooled my kids at all. Elsewhere there's the latest from Portugal. The Man, Crystal Antlers, Big Talk, Shonen Knife, Theophilius London, Jenny O., Willie Evans Jr. and the return of 311.

Playlist: New Releases 07.19.11

They Might Be Giants - Join Us
Stream / Purchase [mp3]

The two Johns, Flansburgh and Linnell, never seem to age, as they've tapped into that childish wonder (and random goofiness) that many of us lose into our 40s. Whether it's the discovery that they're songwriting lends itself to smart kids music or there is some painting in an attic somewhere of their aging faces, the duo continue to be able to put out timeless quirky pop for the kids and the kids that never quite grew up. This was supposed to be an adult album, and they almost had me believing it, opening album with the line "All of the dicks in this dick town" (from "Can't Keep Johnny Down"). But really, my kids refuse to be fooled. This is still their music, as far as they're concerned, but it's nice to have lyrics that aren't concerned with early education (although, we do get a little education with the Cephalophore in "You Probably Get That a Lot" and metalworks with "Cloisonné").

Free AOL Album Stream

Portugal. The Man - In the Mountain In the Cloud
Stream / Purchase [mp3]

Portugal. The Man have been releasing an album a year since their lukewarm debut back in 2006, and it's been interesting to see their progression from a band trying to figure themselves out to the confidant neo-psych outfit they've become. In the Mountain in the Cloud marks their major label debut, and while it seems like the perfect opportunity to expand their audience, PtM see no need to change anything, other than perhaps a bit more glam rock in their already classic/psych rock style. It's not the step forward that most had hoped for, but it's also not the blatant brass ring grab that others might have feared. Instead, it's another in a recent string of fine Portugal. The Man releases.

thus spake drake

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Now Downloading: New Releases 07.19.11

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