Now Downloading: New Releases 10.07.08

It's a deep field of releases this week, topped off by the latest Bob Dylan Bootleg series release (Tell Tale Signs: the Bootleg Series Vol. 8.) Of course, in this economy, you'd be hard pressed to get the deluxe version retailing at over $100. In fact, with the state of the economy, there probably isn't a worse time for physical sales of albums, so it's a tough break for excellent new releases from Deerhoof, Department of Eagles, Vivian Girls, Lambchop, Antony & the Johnsons, Jolie Holland, Marnie Stern, Land of Talk, Women, The Spinto Band, Annuals, Oasis, a singles collection from Jay Reatard, a live album from The Clash, and the latest from longtime Drake fave New Radiant Storm King. Reissue of note: MF Doom's Operation Doomsday.

I'm hard pressed this week to do my usual full post -- it's just the time it takes to set up the post with links to albums, etc, that's so daunting a task, especially given how deep the list is this week. I'll update this post if and when I have time to.

Playlist: New Releases 10.07.08

---

Deerhoof - Offend Maggie
Stream / Purchase [mp3]

There's nothing really new to Deerhoof's latest, but Offend Maggie still works it's magic like a collection of greatest moments from their quirky back catalogue. Their version of 'twee prog' is so delightfully weird and melodic that even without forging new ground, these songs still sound fresh. From the sizzling opener "The Tears and Music of Love" to the joyful (and funky) "Snoopy Waves," one wonders who this Maggie is and how she could be offended by such wonderful noise.

Free album stream from AOL
Download: "Offend Maggie" [mp3]

Ear on TV: Week of March 12

Is the train wreck gonnna make it into the station? UK singer and accident-waiting-to-happen Amy Winehouse is due to make her network television debut tonight on Letterman, but there are some doubts as to whether she'll pull it off. She cancelled two shows last week, and then cancelled her SXSW appearances coming later this week, all in the wake of a booze binge followering her break-up with boyfriend chef Alex Jones-Donnelly. The brash yet soulful singer's appearance tonight and concert in NYC tomorrow night are both still penciled in, so it will be interesting to see if she can pull it together (perhaps more interesting if she can't.) Her new album Back to Black finally makes it to our shores tomorrow (listen to free album stream via AOL,) so there's definitely some pressure on her from her label to pull it together. However, her father came out today begging for her to slow down, or face rehab, adds further to the irony of the lyrics to her first single "Rehab:"

And if my daddy thinks I'm fine
They's tryin' to make me go to rehab--I won't go, go, go

Later in the week, be sure to set your Tivo/DVR to record Last Call With Carson Daly, as a trio of great performers make their way to Carson's lair. Sweden's Peter Bjorn and John will whistle their hit "Young Folks" on Wednesday, then freak folk outfit Grizzly Bear will amaze on Thursday night with their four-part harmony on the track "Knife." Finally, be sure to check out San Francisco's Deerhoof, as they take their frenetic pop to the network masses. Deerhoof and Grizzly Bear, in particular, are both acts you don't normally get to see make appearances like this, so it's a real treat.

Monday, March 12
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Amy Winehouse
NBC: Late Night With Conan O'Brien: Dr. Dog
SYNDICATION: The Ellen Degeneres Show: KT Tunstall
Tuesday, March 13
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: The Good, the Bad & the Queen
Wednesday, March 14
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Aqualung
NBC: Late Night With Conan O'Brien: The Shins
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Peter Bjorn and John
Thursday, March 15
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Grizzly Bear
Friday, March 16
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Deerhoof
Saturday, March 17
NBC: Saturday Night Live: Snow Patrol

tags: music, television, soundtrack, talk shows, amy winehouse, grizzly bear, deerhoof, peter, bjorn and john, indie rock, rhapsody

Deerhoof in the headlights

It seems like every year, the third week in January is targeted with great indie rock releases, and this year is certainly no different. I've already mentioned The Shins (as that's the date of their explosion,) but another January 23rd release I'd like to get the jump on is the ninth long player from Deerhoof, entitled Friend Opportunity (on Kill Rock Stars.)


Play: +81 EP
Download: "+81"

Last week, their advance single/ep +81 was released in a digital only format (Rhapsody, eMusic, iTunes, etc,) and features the lead single from Friend Opportunity and four other Deerhoof freakout jams. "+81" starts out like a marching band from the Midvale School for the Gifted, and then pushes into the cuddly n' chaotic pop that Deerhoof has drifted towards on their past couple releases. Listening to Friend Opportunity it's apparent that if you liked the direction they were headed with on 2005's The Runners Four, then you're in for a treat. Those that were disappointed should check their old expectations of Deerhoof at the door, as this is a more mature effort. That's not to say it's not a challenging release, as there's still plenty of the exciting weirdness of the old DH to be had. The closer for instance is awash with a dissonance that refuses resolution, like some lost Scott Walker track from last year's Drift. There's also a Buffalo Daughter-like track which imagines oneself a dog for you to throw a stick for. One track that's stuck with me the most is the song "The Galaxist" which seems to challenge the best of Chavez (which you already know, is an all-time fave of mine.)

I'm not going to give away anything more... you'll have to sit and wait until January 23. Stay.... good boy.

Apparently, Friend Opportunity is already available on iTunes (two weeks early.) So... go... fetch. Good boy.

tags: music, indie rock, deerhoof, kill rock stars, rhapsody