Month: February 2011

Hidden Pictures

Please believe me when I tell you I was not compelled to write about Hidden Pictures simply because of the male part of the duo’s striking resemblance to Elliott Smith. I mean, it certainly helped (and it’s pretty eerie), but their music struck me in a sweet spot as well. It’s simple, pop-infused rock, with… Continue reading Hidden Pictures

[MP3] Sam Owens: “How To Build A Clock”

Sam Owens’ fourth album, How To Build A Clock, is making some serious rounds after his first few albums were only heard by a select few. Which is a shame, really, as Owens knows how to craft head-boppers. Nowhere is that more evident than on the title track off the album, which he’s made available… Continue reading [MP3] Sam Owens: “How To Build A Clock”

Tim Cohen croons odd pop on Magic Trick and Bad Blood EP

There are few things in this world I hate more than bland solo projects that just sound like a weaker version of the full band (I’m looking at you, Joe Perry Project). Just do something DIFFERENT, you know? So you can imagine my relief when I pressed play on the new material from Fresh &… Continue reading Tim Cohen croons odd pop on Magic Trick and Bad Blood EP

Puro Instinct gets sweet, dreamy, Gaussian on Headbangers in Ecstasy

There’s a filter in Photoshop called Gaussian Blur, and it’s basically a one-stop-shop for enshrouding a photo in a dream-like mist. Although it’s mostly used on pictures of galloping horses and glamor poses, the filter looks like it could have been what made the cover of Headbangers in Ecstasy so dreamy. And given the smooth,… Continue reading Puro Instinct gets sweet, dreamy, Gaussian on Headbangers in Ecstasy

Forget chillwave, Toro Y Moi takes us on a unique journey on Underneath the Pine

We all remember Toro Y Moi, don’t we? No need to reintroduce the moniker of South Carolinian Chazwick Bundick? Who last year was one of the handful of artists branded with the now-infamous “chillwave” classification? Who received critical praise for his debut album Causers of This? Ok, great. Bundick’s second album, Underneath the Pine, released… Continue reading Forget chillwave, Toro Y Moi takes us on a unique journey on Underneath the Pine

Radiohead has their cake and eats it too on The King of Limbs

I can’t even fathom the number of Radiohead reviews that start with: “How do I begin to pen a review on a new album from one of the greatest bands of all time?”. Come on, hyperbole! Yet, here I am, laptop in hand, with a keyboard begging to be mashed…and my thoughts escape me. Yep,… Continue reading Radiohead has their cake and eats it too on The King of Limbs

[The Past Presents] R.E.M. – “Monster”

The Past Presents revisits revered albums from the past 20-25 years to ask the question, “Is this album still a classic, or has it lost its edge over the years?”. Was it a great record for that particular time and place, or is it something we’ll be passing on to our kids? It also looks… Continue reading [The Past Presents] R.E.M. – “Monster”