Top 4 of February 16-22, 2014

By: Nadia Kurtz, Managing Editor

1. Modern Baseball – You're Gonna Miss It All
By Garrett Bower

A day may come when I stop ranting about Modern Baseball, but today is not that day. So I’m back to say just a little bit more about the gang’s bomb-ass sophomore album, You’re Gonna Miss It All, which was a fun and funky-fresh take on emo pop-punk. In hindsight, the record has gained a great deal of traction, reaching number one on the Billboard vinyl charts and premiering at number 84 on the top 200, which is even more awesome when you consider these guys are still in college and almost turned down a tour with The Wonder Years because of that. Great things are afoot for Modern Baseball and it’s thrilling to think this is just the start for them. So go listen to Modern Baseball right now.

2. Lobsterfest Lineup Is Here

It's finally here, everyone--we now know who is playing Lobsterfest this year! And luckily, it looks like a pretty great lineup. Along with some really awesome Athens staples such as Method Air and Small Steps, we are welcoming some great bands from the East Coast and Midwest states. Our headliner is the fabulous Deerhoof, an amazing pop/rock band from San Francisco. Based on what I've heard, they're pretty great, so don't you dare skip out on this one. I sure as hell can't wait to enjoy Lobsterfest with all you awesome music-lovers, so get pumped!

3. Lana Del Rey's New Album is Actually Happening

Lana Del Rey is one of my favorite recent stars, and I have been waiting for her to release a new album for a long, long time. Although news of the album was hinted back in December, it is finally evident that a new Lana gem is in the works--and along with none other than Dan Auerbach from The Black Keys! I'm not going to lie, that band holds a special place in my heart, mostly because they are from my home city, Akron. Besides, they make pretty great music. Anyway, Auerbach is evidently going to produce Del Rey's news album, Ultraviolence, and I am all sorts of excited.

4. Arctic Monkeys Add More Tour Dates

I was pretty bummed when I missed Arctic Monkeys' concert a couple weeks ago in Columbus. I was really looking forward to seeing them, but missed the boat when I tried to buy my ticket after they were already sold out. Luckily for me and all other AM fanatics, the band just released additional tour dates in Europe and North America. Even luckier is the fact they booked a show in Cleveland at Jacob's Pavillion. Now that is almost too convenient since it is really close to where I live. But, hey, I'll take it. Oh yeah, I guess I better go buy those tickets now.

March 26 Releases, 2013

By: Nadia Kurtz, News Editor

To be honest, when I looked at last week's list of album releases, nothing jumped out at me. Sure, The Strokes are a familiar name, but I just figured that the band probably couldn't top "Under Cover of Darkness." My first thought when I saw Depeche Mode was that I wasn't interested in revisiting the eighties. And other than that, everything else just looked meh.

But nevertheless, I decided to play some albums. The Strokes really took me by surprise. I've never been a huge fan, and I can't even begin to pretend that I've listened to all their music, and maybe I'm just garnering a greater appreciation for different music, but the very first guitar riff of the album just captured me. The rest of the first song, "Tap Out," is catchy, and the funky guitar riffs made me really want to listen to the whole album. And it turned out my desires were not in vain, as Comedown Machine proved me wrong in assuming that The Strokes were over.

Okay, so I don't know if "machines" are trending, but Depeche Mode's album is called Delta Machine. Does anyone else find this amusing? No? Okay, well I guess I'll talk about the album then. So I was wrong again in assuming that Depeche Mode is beyond its heyday. I still admit that some of Depeche's '80s stuff is much better than it is today, partly because then it was innovative and now it just sounds kind of like any average electronic album. But what does make Depeche Mode stand out is Dave Gahan's grisly vocals.

And finally, I decided to close my eyes and spin my finger and see which album it landed on. The fortunate contester happened to be Phosphorescent's new album, Muchacho. After I said the album name aloud to myself a few too many times and got over it (except I actually didn't because I'm still saying it), I decided to give it a listen. And boy was I lucky I chose this album because I just found some of my new go-to jams. I've never been a huge fan of country, but I wouldn't categorize Muchacho as that. The eclectic mix of melodic piano, electronics and the singer's subtle twang give the music a soft and pleasant folksy sound.

So I lucked out with albums this week, and I learned a valuable lesson in the process: never judge an album until you listen to it! So next week I might actually listen to the new Lil Wayne album. Or I won't. I'll get back to you on that.

October 9 Releases, 2012

By: Rachel Haas, Features Editor

Wow, kids! Can you believe it’s already the second week of October? Pretty soon it’ll be Halloween, Thanksgiving and then *gasp* Christmas! But for now, let’s focus on the tracks released this week before we get too ahead of ourselves as there are a few exciting releases worth a shout-out.

First up, the release I am MOST stoked about for this week is II from the Bad Books, which is comprised of Manchester Orchestra's Andy Hull and lovely singer-songwriter/personal favorite Kevin Devine. Their self-titled debut was a delightful mix of soft acoustic and alternative rock tracks--or a blend of the in-between--with Hull and Devine's voices complimenting each other to near perfection. This album is more of the same, but in the absolute best way possible. The songs are just as enjoyable and both artists shine. It's so cool to listen to them meld into one insane, super musical identity instead of just being those two dudes from those two bands. Also, the song "Forest Whitaker" is so infectious you won't be able to pass up listening to the entire album. Yeah, that's a challenge.

Tame Impala released their second album Lonerism and, if this recommendation isn’t enough, maybe Pitchfork’s 9/10 review will convince you to take a listen. The band has kept up with the psychedelic sounds featured on their debut Innerspeaker, but have seemed to cultivate a fuller, more developed atmosphere. Enjoy this richly layered time machine, break out those groovy bell bottom pants and get ready to dance around a little when you put it on.

Jakob Dylan—yep, son of harmonica-wielder Bob—is back. The Wallflowers haven’t released an album since 2005 (that’s 7 years ago for those of you, like me, that are mathematically impaired). But finally, Wallflowers fans can get their fix with Glad All Over, the sometimes funky, usually catchy sixth studio release. It doesn’t sound like a bad album per se but, let’s be honest, we really all just want to go listen to “One Headlight” (or maybe that’s just me). However, former Clash guitarist Mike Jones appears on two of the tracks, which is pretty damn cool.  

Also, Ellie Goulding, the girl who sings that “Lights” song and is dating Skrillex, dropped Halcyon this week. The first track, “Don’t Say A Word,” softly opens the album, slowly building and building until reaching a predictable burst of peppy beats and high-pitched girlish vocals. The song teeters between dance-y and epic Robyn-meets-Florence ballad—kind of weird, I know, but it works. Actually, that pretty much sums up the album. I don’t think it’ll disappoint for those searching for that sort of thing. Plus she is super adorbs.

Fitz & the Tantrums, Freelance Whales, The Script and KISS (yes, Gene-Simmons-face-paint-I-wanna-rock-n-roll-all-night KISS) also dropped some tunes this week. Want to know who else dropped an album? Rick Springfield. RICK SPRINGFIELD. His album Songs for the End of the World is now out if you’re so inclined to have a Springfield listening party.

Speaking of which, brb, going to listen to “Jessie’s Girl” now.

May 8 Releases, 2012

By: Cassie Whitt, Blogs Editor

It has all come full-circle, folks. This is my final "Drop It Like It's Hot" post as Blogs Editor for my beloved ACRN. I would get all sentimental, but there's a coincidence here cooler than anything mopey I could say to make you guys cry.

The first time I wrote an entry for this blog, I  gushed about the then latest release from Amanda Palmer. Much like that first time, I am writing about Palmer again because I can, for continuity's sake and for the sake of bringing finality to this segment of my life.

Of course, the record doesn't actually come out until September and, as (former) Blogs Editor, I know that's not the point of this blog, but--well--the Kickstarter project for it debuted last week, and it's pretty revolutionary. Seriously, check it out:

This is the future of music. Brilliant, AFP.

Now, onto the albums that are actually coming out on May 8, 2012.

Also a beautiful coincidence for my final entry: one of my favorite artists (second only to My Chemical Romance), Matt Skiba debuts his newest project Matt Skiba and the Sekrets with Babylon.

In my head, Skiba, 1/3 of Alkaline Trio and an outstanding solo artist, can do no wrong (see my ACRN review of his rough-cut 2010 Demos for evidence.) His Sekrets project does not change my mind about that, at least not from what I have heard, and considering 4 of the tracks are refined Demos songs ("Haven't You," "Olivia" [Formerly "Nausea (Cruel and Unusual)"], "How The Hell Did We Get Here?" and "Angel of Deaf"), I have complete faith in the album.

Check out track 1, "Voices," below.




All the more reason to expect great things: Matt Skiba and the Sekrets also includes Hunter Burgan from AFI and Jarrod Alexander formerly of A Static Lullaby (though he's often credited as being a member of MCR--that's just not true. MCR does not currently have a permanent drummer and have said many times that they do not see themselves acquiring one any time soon, funfact kthnx and get it straight, please.)

Also releasing this week: Neck of the Woods by Silversun Pickups. I chose to look into this album particularly because I wanted to rip on mediocrity.

My disdain radar for the complacency with unremarkable music of late beeped wildly when I saw the name "Silversun Pickups;" as, I leveled them with that Kings of Leon crowd who have been putting out the same song for the past few years, getting huge from it and consequently pissing off the hip kids who used to be their fans.

However, I was pleasantly surprised by the album and even revisited their "Lazy Eye" song that bothered me senseless a few years ago.

Neck of the Woods has the rising intensity and vague creepiness I crave in music. You win this round, Silversun Pickups. I was wrong.

For a change of pace: OFF!'s OFF! --- Ooohhh, yes. The longest song on this throwback hardcore-punk album is 1:36, which translates to: "it's perfect." Plus, it sounds like it was recorded in 1979. Black Flag fans, Keith Morris' latest will not disappoint you.

Not bad, May 8. Not bad at all...

And, with that, I conclude my final "Drop It Like It's Hot" post.
Never let them take you alive,
c.

April 24 Releases, 2012

By: Scott Smith, Reviews Editor

Well, I guess this is it--my last contribution to Drop It Like It's Hot. I’d take some time to reflect on my time as an ACRN editor, but this is not time for sentimentality and nostalgia. No, I’d rather stick to what this blog is about: new music, because it’s something I’m truly passionate about.

I’m also an avid film fan, in particular documentaries, and in this week’s music releases those two worlds are colliding for me. Two of the bigger releases this week were artists I discovered through two of my absolute favorite music documentaries.

The first would be the manic-depressive, schizophrenic singer-songwriter from Austin, Texas known as Daniel Johnston. The film The Devil and Daniel Johnston documents the artist's early life and career and also serves as an incredible insight into both. It’s hard not to be charmed and astonished by his whimsical lyrics, simple yet effective song structures and boyish vocals. His talent is undeniable and to see him perform, even on a movie screen, is captivating.

His newest album (I’ve lost count how many he has; dude is prolific) is titled Space Ducks: Soundtrack, and as usual, Johnston designed the album cover himself. The album features contributions from a number of new and emerging artists. I’d start listing off some of those bands, because some of them I quite like, but I fear if I do that I’ll be condoning this abomination of a collaboration.

You see, Daniel Johnston is at his most effective when he’s making bare-boned melodies at the piano or on an acoustic guitar. He’s a classic example of less is more (and I’m not the only one who thinks so). So all these bands working with Johnston, while coming at the project with the best intentions, can only harm the final product.

The Dandy Warhols, on the other hand, are a band of little consequence to me. They were a group that got big in Europe for a little while in the ‘90s and have been able to somehow continue making music today. The band was the subject of half of the documentary Dig!, which featured both them and the exponentially more bat-shit crazy band The Brian Jonestown Massacre.

The Dandys served to show the dark side of success as it relates to big record labels and their treatment of bands while BJM was the “musical genius who can’t get over heroin to take his band to new and exciting heights” side of the story. Over seven years of documentation, we see The Dandys go from unknown to overnight success to a washed-up, burnt-out, over-worked band on the verge of completely falling apart. That was eight years ago, so to see The Dandy Warhols still pumping out music is nothing short of remarkable, and a little terrifying to think about.

Diamond Rugs do not have a film about them, mostly because they are a newly-constructed “supergroup.” Compiled of two members of Deer Tick and one member of the Black Lips, this is one of the more peculiar and inexplicable supergroups in recent memory. I’ve seen both Deer Tick and the Black Lips live and I don’t really find much that relates the two. I also feel like the kind of music the other band makes will make the fans of one put off by the idea of the two groups working together; folkies aren’t much for punk and punks think folk is too slow and soft. I guess that’s part of a supergroup; it doesn’t have to make sense to work.

Last, but never, ever least, I always try to include some hip-hop in these entries. This week we get the newest entry from Sacramento noise rap group Death Grips. The Money Store is the first release on L.A. Reid's record label Epic Records. L.A. Reid is that guy on Simon Cowell’s "The Voice."  So I’m supposed to believe that in between judging the vocal range of 16-year-old teeny boppers, he’s bumping the group’s 2011 mixtape Exmilitary and decides that these guys were perfect for his label? Confused doesn’t begin to describe where my head's at right now.

It’s not like Death Grips couldn’t get signed anywhere. In fact, there was a time when their Zach Hill-produced, grimy, borderline frightening beats and punch-you-in-the-mouth lyrical spit was the going trend in hip-hop. But it’s not 1990 anymore and Flava Flav and Ice Cube are too busy contradicting everything they stood for back then to make a comeback for this genre to seem feasible.

But here we are, with Death Grips signed to Epic. I don’t think this is the massive revival of gangsta rap. Death Grips is making music unlike anyone else within a culture that is relying on 3D gimmicks to make their shows enjoyable at this point.

February 15 Releases, 2012

By: Kevin Rutherford, Editorial Director

After a relatively slow start, we're finally starting to get some buzzworthy album releases for the new year. Let us waste no time in discussing this week's.

Worth first mention is a Texas band that has roots in our area.

Heartless Bastards are headed by Erika Wennerstrom, who formed the band in Cincinnati. The bluesy, garage-y rock quartet releases their fourth studio album on Tuesday, giving it the title Arrow. Spoon drummer Jim Eno is the album's producer, and given his own band's recent stab at mainstream success, it isn't much of a stretch to see the Bastards do the same. That said, this will be the band's first release on indie label Partisan Records. It's tough, therefore, to predict what kind of success Arrow might achieve.

English rockers Band of Skulls return this week with Sweet Sour, the band's first LP since 2009's acclaimed Baby Darling Doll Face Honey. The album's lead single, "The Devil Takes Care of His Own," has already reached No. 20 on the Canadian charts, and seems poised to break in both native England and in America.

Montreal's Islands return for the band's third release on ANTI- Records, and its first since 2009. A Sleep & a Forgetting is its name, and bandleader Nick Thorburn calls it "far more personal than any I’ve made before.” Exciting! Keep an eye out on ACRN.com for an interview with Islands, to be posted this weekend.

Punch Brothers are a progressive bluegrass act that I love very, very much. The band's style is not specifically bluegrass, having roots in classical music, which accentuates the quintet's quirkiness. Also setting the act apart from more conventional bluegrass bands is the vocal from mandolin player Chris Thile, whose voice is far departed from what one might expect from the genre. Check out the band's new record Who's Feeling Young Now? and enjoy the five-piece's unconventional take on rootsy Americana.

Last, but certainly not least, let's mention The Explorers Club. The six-man South Carolina band releases its second album, Grand Hotel, which is its first LP since 2008. Check out this band if you're into pop-rock and surf rock slightly in the vein of The Beach Boys -- which, I promise you, is not a poor comparison. At least, frequent Beach Boys collaborator Mark Linett doesn't think so -- he mixed Grand Hotel.

There's plenty more dropping next week, including new releases from Sleigh Bells, Cheap Girls, the Chieftains and more. Keep it locked to ACRN.com's Drop It Like It's Hot, and perhaps we'll talk a bit about them next week.

October 25 Releases, 2011

By: Chris Dobstaff, News Editor

It’s almost time for Halloween; so, let’s see what’s in the goodie bag of new releases this week. There’s definitely a mixture of tricks, as well as some stellar treats.

Let’s start with one of the tastiest of treats of the year. Justice, an electronic duo from France, just released its second studio album Audio, Video, Disco. I’ve only tasted a brief sample of the album, but even I, more a fan of straight rock, cannot deny that this album has some serious kick. Everyone get ready to hear Audio, Video, Disco at house parties for the remainder of the year.

We also saw the release of the new Coldplay album, Mylo Xyloto. Is it true that Coldplay is one of the lamest bands on Earth? Probably. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some “Clocks” every now and then.

How will the band’s fifth album stand up? The first single, “Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall,” not only is home to a classic cheesy Coldplay title, but is also utterly unexciting. Overall, reviews have been a mixed bag, but we should all indulge ourselves in “Princess of China,” just to hear Coldplay and Rihanna together at last. Cause that’s really what we’ve always wanted, right?

The legendary Tom Waits also returned with his first batch of studio material since 2004 with Bad As Me. The 61-year-old singer-songwriter has backed up his 2011 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction with another great album. Just go listen to “Get Lost” and try to fight the urge to listen to the rest of the album. Stay on the look out for Amanda Norris’ upcoming review of the record. That girl loves her some Tom Waits.

Our very own Editorial Director Kevin Rutherford reviewed My Brightest Diamond’s All Things Will Unwind this week. The guy generally picks everything to pieces, but he actually gave the disc a positive review. I’d say that just about gives me reason to check it out.

She & Him took on some classic holiday tunes with A Very She & Him Christmas. I have to be honest with you guys, though. I’m about fed up with Zooey Deschanel’s cuteness. I just can’t take it anymore! Am I the only one here? Also, Christmas albums are generally boring, and seeing as the band’s second studio album bored me to tears, I can’t imagine this little collection of songs to be much different.

Michael Bublé also released a Christmas album! Skip that one too.

In fact, here’s a little piece of advice: Unless the Christmas album is by Elvis or Fats Domino, steer clear of it. (Fats Domino has the greatest holiday collection of all time. Real talk, you guys.)

Brian Wilson released In The Key of Disney, an album of the Beach-Boys-legend's singing songs from “You Got a Friend in Me” to “Heigh-Ho.” I haven’t heard any of Wilson’s newer material, but I’m a sucker for some Disney classics. Count me in.

Lastly, Deer Tick released Divine Providence. Though they sound like a dirty southern band, the group actually hails from Rhode Island. Lead singer John McCauley’s raspy-yet-powerful voice is just what one want at the head of one's rock band. Deer Tick gives you the southern rock the Kings of Leon did prior to recording “Use Somebody.” It’s nothing you haven’t heard before, but it’s still a lot of fun to get down and dirty with some root-sy rock.

That’s about it. No real spooktacular albums coming out, but for the love of God can we stop releasing Christmas albums before we trick-or-treat?

October 4 Album Releases, 2011

By: Carolyn Menyes, Interviews and Live Reviews Editor

We're back again dropping it like it's hot here at ACRN. New school year, new season, new music. So, let's see what Rocktober 4 has to offer in terms of album releases!

First up is Feist's fourth studio album, Metals. Homegirl has had a few hits in her day, including "1234" (as seen in all those commercials circa 2007) and "Mushaboom," which I think has been covered by just about every other indie musician out there. Metals' first single, "How Come You Never Go There," is a typical lady singer-songwriter jam with a sleepy feel. If October continues to be as gray as it has been thus far, and this single indicates the rest of the album's sound, I feel like it's a good fit for fall.

Now, I'm not of the punky persuasion and consequently not the most qualified to discuss these next three albums. But! those who are will be quite pleased with what this week has to offer.

Mayday Parade are releasing their eponymous third album, New Found Glory are performing some Radiosurgery and The Misfits are coming out with their seventh record, The Devil's Rain. (That last one has such a delightful pun; let's just appreciate that for a moment.)

I listened to the lead single, "Oh Well, Oh Well," off of Mayday Parade, and it seems like a technically solid pop-punk record. Bands and songs like these always remind me of those dudes who wore Etnies and carried around their skateboards when I was in the seventh grade, and I bet this album will please their demographic. Let's shred, guys! (And make fun of that grunge girl. Sigh, middle school is rough.)

According to an impressively thorough Wikipedia article on Radiosurgery, the latest New Found Glory took a page from Adele's success book and wrote a record based on "lyrics [that] were directly inspired by events in the bands personal lives, after one member suffered a long-term relationship break-up." But, I guess maybe that's just music in general. Heart break = best inspiration.

And like I said, I'm not the biggest fan of this genre, but all this music sounds the same to me. I honestly thought New Found Glory sang "Sugar, We're Going Down," and when I started playing the title track off Radiosurgery, my dear roommate swore it was Simple Plan. Am I being offensive? Probably. But, whatever. This is nothing we haven't heard before. Let's be creative and original for once, pop-punkers of the world!

Even though I tend to lump them in the same category as Mayday Parade and NFG, The Misfits single "Land of the Dead" off The Devil's Rain is refreshingly different from the last two bands I discussed. And I know fans of this band are intense and won't care about what some Bright Eyes fan has to say about it. But, it's spooky and hardcore and it makes me want to hide in a corner. So, it seems like it's effective.

Mutemath is also releasing their third record, Odd Soul, this week. I listened to the title track (there's a trend to my research, if you can't tell), and it's little bluesy, a teeny electo and even a smidge sexy. I am more comfortable with this music. I'll most likely check this disc out more in depth here soon.

For all those socially-conscious girls (who may or may not dig girls) out there, Indigo Girls are releasing their fourteenth studio album, Beauty Queen Sister. Let's go to Lilith Fair, ladies! We can make a difference.

Finally, and most comedic, Erasure are releasing an album, Tomorrow's World. They did that song that's in Robot Unicorn Attack, and that's all you need to know.

So, sorry to punk fans out there, but you wounded my spirit when I was 12, and I will not forgive you (or your music).

Until next time, if they let me do this again, it's been real.