thus spake drake: Now Downloading: New Releases 04.26.11

It's the last release week in this month of April that's turning out to be the coldest on record here in Seattle. In fitting fashion, two chilly releases headline the weekly drop -- Times New Viking and Cass McCombs. Also, look for new releases from funk legend Bootsy Collins, Steve Earle, Explosions in the Sky, Thao & Mirah, An Horse, Emmylou Harris, Prefuse 73 along with EPs from They Might Be Giants, The Fresh & Onlys and Of Montreal.

Playlist: New Releases 04.26.11

Times New Viking - Dancer Equired
Stream / Purchase [mp3]

For the past six years, Times New Viking has been serving up some of the noisiest pop out there, delivered behind a wall of hiss and distortion thanks to the lowest of lo-fi recording techniques. Not for the faint of ear, their first four albums dragged their pop knuckles down through barbed wire and steel wool. For their first album on Merge Records, the Ohio trio recorded in an actual studio, upping the fidelity tenfold the minute they pressed record. Now you can actually make out chord progressions, the delivery of lyrics and even entertain with harmonies. There's still an endearing sloppiness in the playing and lo-fi still works as a genre even with said studio, so TNV purists shouldn't protest too much. All told Dancer Equired is a fine example in how a band can expand their audience while keeping their existing fans.

Download: "Ever Falling In Love" [mp3]

Cass McCombs - Wit's End
Stream / Purchase [mp3]

Cass McCombs lets us peer into the blackest reaches of his soul, and, if you can make it out the other side, reaffirms that our lives are not so bad. Past the stunning opener, "County Line," McCombs' relentless darkness can begin to wear thin if you're not prepared -- those not wearing black need to make sure you have an anti-depressant nearby and some access to sunshine.

Free AOL Album Stream

thus spake drake

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Now Downloading: New Releases 04.26.11

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