Wednesday July 29th

8 PM THE SHADES LIVE PERFORMANCE

Cymbals Eat Guitars “Why There Are Mountains”
2.5 out of 5

When I saw CEG play at Pitchfork Music Festival last weekend, frontman Joseph D’Agostino’s first words were “Wow, there are a lot of you” as he gazed out into the crowd. The sentiment was appropriate, as the quartet has earned the attention of indie fans very suddenly, primarily behind the tag of “Best New Music” from the aforementioned Pitchfork.

While attending high school in New Jersey (they all graduated in 2006) it seems they listened to a good amount of guitar-driven indie rock; Built to Spill, Modest Mouse, and Stephen Malkmus have all left their imprints on this LP. It all works out to a 9-song debut that goes through its share of twists and turns. “And the Hazy Sea” and “Share” go on for over six minutes with plenty of noisy explosions and quieter stretches, the former serving as an appropriate (if long-winded) introduction to the album. “Some Trees” and “The Living North” work as two-and-a-half-minute bursts of energy at opposite ends of the duration. The melodic highlight comes at track 3, as “Indiana” breezes along for perhaps the record’s most appealing 3 minutes and 34 seconds.

“Mountains” makes it clear that CEG aren’t out to reinvent indie rock; at this early juncture in their careers, these Jersey boys are content in adding their own touches to some of the genre’s most recognizable sounds.

Key Track: “Indiana”

YACHT “See Mystery Lights”
3 out of 5

2009 could be the start of big things for the electronic outfit known as YACHT. Jona Bechtolt’s longtime project signed to DFA in 2008, and introduced Claire Evans as a prominent member. “See Mystery Lights” is an eclectic journey whose mission seems to be to make the listener want to dance… and think, preferably at the same time.

The idea of an afterlife serves as a recurring muse for Bechtolt, who attempts to tear down traditional ideas of “heaven”, “hell” and “Earthly possessions” through looped electronic blips and synthesized drumbeats. The record’s first three tracks: “Ring the Bell,” “The Afterlife,” and “In Love With a Ripper” all work along that formula as potential singles. “It’s Boring/You Can Live Anywhere” is an oddball 8-minute track that bridges the album to “Psychic City”, Evans’ greatest vocal contribution and the album’s true standout (more on it in a future “Songs of the Month post?) Track 6, “Summer Song” is a sturdy dance-punk number, but sadly marks the end of the record’s succession of notable tracks. Tracks 7 and 8 are throw-aways, track 9 is a remix, and track 10 is an odd reprise of “Psychic City.” The good part? Tracks 1-6 are good enough to make this record worthwhile, side two failures notwithstanding.

On a side note, the duo worships triangles and passes around pamphlets on the topic at their shows. Out of their minds? Quite possibly. Breakout record? Definitely.

Key Tracks: “Psychic City,” “The Afterlife”

Click on one of the boxes/selections in the widget to navigate Woodstock Content as we draw closer to celebrating its Anniversary.

This Wednesday July 15 on RANDY NOW’S CAPITAL GARAGE PROGRAM, a phone interview with The Queen Of Rock And Roll and a Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Member – Miss WANDA JACKSON. Wanda will be calling in to the show anytime between 7 and 8 pm. Listen to a living legend, Wanda Jackson, and then stayed tuned for the chance to call in to win tickets to see Wanda Jackson live at The Record Collector Store Saturday July 18th. More information is at WWW.THE-RECORD-COLLECTOR.COM.

Bowerbirds
“Upper Air”
3.5 out of 5

The story of how Bowerbirds came to be is one that involves girlfriends, boyfriends, birds and probably a lot of ‘aww’s if you were to hear it straight from them. With songs inspired by the rustic nature surrounding Phil Moore and his cabin as he bird-watched in the woods, Bowerbirds sound is, if nothing else, hard to pin down. Many have tried and failed to describe their sound, claiming it as everything from beard rock (whatever that is) to acid folk. Most people land somewhere in between and dub it freak folk, but I don’t think that’d exactly it either.

All failed attempts at genre pigeonholing aside, Bowerbirds take acoustic guitars, pianos, accordions and lovely he/she harmonizing vocals and turn it into something (literally) indescribable. Unlike their last release, Hymns for a Dark Horse, Upper Air is more personal with a handful of straight up love songs which, unlike most, actually have love behind the strumming and singing.

Don’t let Bowerbirds love fool you though, because as they proved with their last record, they’ve got some serious talent and a knack for relaxing you immediately upon first gorgeous harmony.

Key Tracks: “Teeth,” “Northern Lights,” “Beneath Your Tree”

-MV

___________________________________________________

Magnolia Electric Co.“Josephine”
3 out of 5

Magnolia Electric Co. is essentially a vehicle for songwriter Jason Molina, much the way Sam Beam operates under Iron and Wine, or Conor Oberst as Bright Eyes. Molina has been releasing music under various monikers since 1997 (as Songs: Ohia) before switching to his current guise in 2003. Though he’s flown under the radar for much of his career, Josephine may finally bring this prolific songwriter the praise he deserves.

Much of the inspiration for the record comes from the 2007 death of Evan Farrell, Molina’s touring bassist. Aside from this loss, the topic of loneliness often appears as a theme in the songwriting. Josephine is a heartfelt, emotionally dense record that draws numerous parallels to the output of like-minded songwriter Will Oldham. In a historical sense, Molina draws inspiration from the muses of Willie Nelson and Warren Zevon. An ode is written to the former on track 6, “Song For Willie.”

While the Electric Company’s sound is often too varied to pigeonhole as ‘alt-country,’ Molina uses his steel guitar and horn section as the instruments of choice on the record’s strongest songs. What ultimately prevents Josephine from reaching its full potential, however, is a sequence of 5 or 6 unmemorable tracks in the record’s second half. Still, fans of the twangy side of indie rock should enjoy this underrated songwriter’s latest offering.

Key Tracks: “O! Grace”

-CP