His 'n Hers

For any Austin/San Antonio readers, my pals have just begun a new britpop/indie night in Austin. These folks were past partners/co-founders of the AEC, so they obviously get the vote of confidence. The next event is this Saturday, so make sure you check them out. Should be a gas.

His 'N Hers

Chairlift

Chairlift is another band that I am somewhat reluctant to like/approve of/recommend. I am not head over heels for their debut, Does You Inspire You?, but I do find it somehow captivating. Or at least worth a few listens.

I first heard of them due to the lead singer's involvement in a Mountain Dew sponsored release collab with Flosstradamus (a duo I do not particularly endorse/like). I didn't particularly enjoy the track, but I found her intriguing. So, yes, it prob has plenty to do with Caroline Polachek's looks. Sue me.

So when I finally heard a song from her real band, "Evident Utensil," I was set to dislike it as well. When I didn't find myself automatically turned off by it, I decided to give Chairlift another chance. So then I heard "Bruises." Again, not bad.

Now, there are areas of the record that are less than stellar, but there are things about it that do ask for repeat listens. It's simple lyricism sometimes swings from child like curiosity to obvious rhyming dictonary stabs. The music can at times be a bit too twee for it's own good, but at times the vocal cadences and electronic odddities make it more interesting most. At times they lean a bit too MGMT, which I find atrocious, but lots of folks love it, so that's anoher reason I figured it worth mentioning.

I will recommend that you give them a few listens, and you'll probably hear it around, so this way I just beat you to the "who sings that song...?" question you were probably going to ask in a month or two.

the morning after girls- alone

So the time has finally come... the first full LP release by the morning after girls has finally hit the virtual shelves. I ask that you buy it. Not just for me, not just for the band, but really, for yourself. It's worth it. It's cheap. And it's terrific.

Buy it now:
the morning after girls- alone

Lily Allen

I do love me some videos. And I do love me some Lily Allen. As much as I love Lily Allen, I have found the last record a bit drab, good but not great. But her newest videos are killing it. Please to enjoy:

Lily Allen- 22


And also check out:
Lily Allen- Fuck You

Oasis, Webley, July 11, 2009

So here's what I did on Saturday...

The Noisettes

I am torn about the new Noisettes single/video. When I saw them a few years ago, one of the things that excited me about them, was their punk edge. They were a bit noisy and in-your-face, and really demanded attention. With this new single, the sound has totally changed.

I don't want to be the kind of fan who requires that a band stand in place and rehash the same sound over and over again. But I do fear that this new direction is calculated, and maybe even "suggested," more than organic. In the post Winehouse/Duffy/Adele world, this might have been the big reach for the brass ring.

Luckily, the song is pretty good, and it's definitely catchy. So, it's not a total loss. But I reserve the right to give it a jaundiced eye. See what you think...

Blonde Acid Cult/Calypso

This is an American band. I know what the hell am I thinking?!? But, as I am going to London next week to see Oasis at Wembley (jealous much??), I should hopefully come back with a gaggle of new UK bands to chat about, so why not try to give you some NYC fun before that.

Honestly, I have been meaning to post about this band since the fall. And honestly, I totally avoided listening to this band. I had assumed lots of stuff about them because of who is in the band and things that were associated with that. I was wrong. Once I finally listened I was smitten. I think a listen will explain it all:

SHAKE IT LOOSE / BLONDE ACID CULT / DIR. LANCE DRAKE from LLOYD'S SECRET PARTY on Vimeo.

There have been line-up changes, and it sounds like they have a new name/project (Calypso), but I will still keep an eye on these guys. Of all of the NYC bands, these are about the only ones I give 100% approval.

The 1990s

Before I even get to this band, realize that there is another band that might confuse things. Here, I'm lauding The 1990s, not the 1900s. The 1900s are from Chicago, the 1990s are from Glasgow (so obviously, they are better).

Now, I won't say this band is going to change the world or even change your life. But honestly, like many of the bands I dig, the thing they do best, is be British (Scottish to be exact). What's particularly good about that in The 1990s case, is that they run the gamut of UK genres and eras and still kinda nail them all. It's a fun record with highly enjoyable moments, and had this band come out in the 1990s, they would have been total mixtape staples in my book. They can pull off Blur, T. Rex, the Dandy Warhols, latter day Suede and even a dash of The Strokes. Pretty nice mixture.

What I particularly like about their new record, Kicks are the glam moments. I would love it if there were some glam revival and everyone starting churning out T Rex stomp-alongs.