If they sound familiar it’s because there are 20 different bands out there that copy these guys. The Chameleons (some times known as The Chameleons UK) are probably the most influential band you never heard of with three albums in the 80’s ‘Script of the Bridge‘, ‘What Does Anything Mean? Basically‘, and ‘Strange Times‘. They also got back together in 2000 and released a final studio album in 2001 ‘Why Call it Anything‘. From the opening track of their first album 1983’s ‘Script of the Bridge‘ Don’t Fall , two things are clear 1) these guys were years ahead of their time and 2) when they played together these guys were something special.
Note, Don’t Fall is the first track of the album, Here Today is the second track off ‘Script of the Bridge‘. I wanted to post the studio version and this was the best I could find so you get two for the price of one.
Band: Tyvek Release: 11/2010 Label: In The Red Records
1. “4312” – B 2. “Animal” – B- 3. “Potato” – C
4. “Future Junk” – B- 5. “Nothing Fits” – C 6. “Outer Limits” – C- 7. “Underwater 1” – B 8. “Underwater 2” – B
9. “Kid Tut” – C
10. “Pricks In A Car” – C+ 11. “This One – That One” – C-
Comments: Every time I see “Tyvek” I think of Tyvek! The problem is I’ve never listened to any material from the band Tyvek…until now. Obviously, I was expecting some sort of lo-fi garage/punk/pop. In The Red has a reputation for releasing that kind of stuff. Listening to this, for me anyway, is like listening to St. Dad or the Homostupids. Tyvek is better, but they’ve got too much noise and screaming. My little ears can not really handle it. At their lightest (“Underwater 1”), they are like a hardcore Cheap Time. At their heaviest, they are like your average ’80s D.C area high school hardcore punk band.
He is awarded this honor due to his commitment to nullification. Screw national law! Of course, his brand of nullification meant that slavery could be permitted in individual states and so forth, but generally he had a decent idea in mind. Keep in mind, I liked Alexander Hamilton before I actually read his work. Now, I know, Calhoun > Hamilton.
Band: Kurt Vile Release: 11/2010 Label: Matador Records
1. “In My Time” – B+ 2. “Sad Ghost” – B+
3. “Early Dawnin” – B
Comments: This is Vile’s second release of 2010. The first was Square Shells EP, a small collection of mellow tunes. “In My Time” is soft and pretty catchy. It’s not among Vile’s best tunes, but it fits right in line with what he’s done. Same goes for “Sad Ghost” and “Early Dawnin.” Vile is a great musician and a chill fit for most occasions. If you are looking for light acoustics and generally light instrumentation all around, try this out.
Band: The Fresh & Onlys Release: 10/2010 Label: In The Red
1. “Summer of Love” – B+ 2. “Waterfall” – A- 3. “Until the End of Time” – B
4. “Tropical Island Sweet” – B+ 5. “All Shook Up” – A- 6. “Be My Hooker” – B- 7. “Fascinated” – B+ 8. “Plague of Frogs” – B-
9. “Who Needs a Man” – B
10. “Red Light Green Light” – C+
11. “I’m A Thief” – B
Comments: Initially, I’m feeling like I did the first few times I listened to Album. The music itself is fairly pop-sensible, but on the weird side of things. Play It Strange reminds me of The Shins at their most upbeat. Unfortunately, for me, I’m not feeling the psychedelia. This is too creepy of an album. Listening to this is like watching an old Western. There are some fascinating parts, but most of it is like Congratulations minus the pop factor. They are a good fit as opener for MGMT.
Kids Like You & Me (KLYAM) 