Monthly Roundup May 2018
So the month of May was an interesting one, for some reason, outside of the albums below, this month seemed a little lackluster in terms of quantity of great releases. Below I have picked out some of the gems and right below I picked out the gems of the gems.
Highlights of the highlights:
DJ Koze came back after what I thought was a disappointing last album with a very imaginative and exploratory new record that rewarded many repeat listens.
Iceage released their most mature release to date. I feel like this is the perfect combination of Iceage's sheer brutality and coldness with their singer's Marching Church's project's warmth. They took a big step forward with this one!
The lead singer of a great band(The Drones) borrowed his last album's record label name(Tropical Fuck Storm) and formed a brand new band to give us more of his great songwriting but this time around everything is a bit less abrasive(don't worry it's still plenty abrasive) and more spaced out making for a wider sound palette that is a welcome respite to his previous work yet a great continuation of his excellent songwriting.
The Arctic Monkeys really impressed me this time around(they hadn't reaaallly impressed me much up to this point) and released what I feel is their best album. They ditched any and all rock cliches this time around and instead went with a kind of creepy lounge feel. This is more akin to the creepier slower songs on Roxy Music's "For Your Pleasure" than anything remotely resembling any modern trends. The lyrics this time around are both alienating and hilarious. This is highly recommended late night take a seat music to enjoy with your finest cocktail.
Courtney Barnett returned with a new album since her last one in 2015. While it doesnt quite retain all the super highs of that album this one is more nuanced. Her slower songs are better than her slower songs on all the other albums(especially the opener) and the harder faster songs seem to have a layer of maturity(for better and worse) this time around. I feel it's a step in a slightly more subdued yet nonetheless impressive direction for her.
Frog Eyes released their final album. This is sad. This album is a nice high note to go out on. Real glad I saw them live a year and change ago. Go listen to this. It's the end.
Parquet Courts released one of the best party time political albums I have heard in a long time. Not since !!!'s Louden Up Now has a band sounded so happy about being pissed off at our government. You can scream along to this while your feet are movin'. Good shit! Highly recommended.
May 4th:
Black Moth Super Rainbow-Panic Blooms(Rad Cult)
Genre: Neo Psychedelia, Indietronica, Psychedelic Pop, Hypnagogic Pop
Gaz Coombes-World's Strongest Man(Hot Fruit)
Genre: Indie Rock, Art Rock, Indie Pop
Cut Worms-Hollow Ground(Jagjaguwar)
Genre: Indie Pop
DJ Koze-Knock Knock(Pampa)
Genre: House, Deep House, Nu Disco, Downtempo, Microhouse, Instrumental Hip Hop
Eureka California-Roadrunners(Happy Happy Birthday To Me)
Genre: Alternative Rock, Indie Rock, Noise Pop
FAN-Barton's Den(Polyvinyl)
Genre: Indie Rock
High Sunn-Missed Connections(Pnk Slm)
Genre: Indie Pop, Indie Rock, LO-FI
Iceage-Beyondless(Matador)
Genre: Post Punk, Art Punk, Punk Blues, Art Rock
Daniel Lanois/Venetian Snares-Venetian Snares x Daniel Lanois(Timesig)
Genre: Breakcore, Ambient, Glitch
Tropical Fuck Storm-A Laughing Death In Meat Storm(Mistletone/Tropical Fuck Storm)
Genre: Punk Blues, Art Punk, Noise Rock, Experimental Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Post-Punk
May 11th:
Arctic Monkeys-Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino(Domino)
Genre: Psychedelic Pop, Art Rock, Piano Rock, Lounge, Neo Psychedelia
The Body-I Have Fought Against It, But I Can't Any Longer(Thrill Jockey)
Genre: Death Industrial, Drone Metal, Post-Industrial, Neo Classical Darkwave, Power Electronics
Boys-Rest In Peace(Pnk Slm)
Genre: Indie Rock
Carla Bozulich-Quieter(Constellation)
Genre: Singer/Songwriter, Avant Folk, Experimental, Drone, Modern Classical
Sarah Mary Chadwick-Sugar Still Melts In The Rain(Sinderlyn)
Genre: Singer/Songwriter, Indie Folk, Indie Rock
Brent Cobb-Providence Canyon(Elektra/Low Country Sound)
Genre: Singer/Songwriter, Americana, Contemporary Country, Country Rock
Domenico Lancellotti-The Good Is A Big God(Luaka Bop)
Genre: MPB, Electronic, Bossa Nova
La Luz-Floating Features(Hardly Art)
Genre: Surf Rock, Garage Rock, Indie Rock
Las Rosas-Shadow By Your Side(Greenway)
Genre: Garage Rock, Psychedelic Rock
Sarah Louise-Deeper Woods(Thrill Jockey)
Genre: Indie Folk
Samara Lubelski-Flickers At The Station(Drawing Room)
Genre: Indie Pop, Neo Psychedelia
Magic Numbers-Outsiders(Role Play)
Genre: Indie Pop, Indie Rock, Garage Rock
Aidan Moffat & RM Hubbert-Here Lies The Body(Rock Action)
Genre: Singer/Songwriter, Spoken Word, Contemporary Folk
Neighbor Lady-Maybe Later(Friendship Forever)
Genre: Indie Rock
Jess Williamson-Cosmic Wink(Mexican Summer)
Genre: Indie Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Psychedelic Folk
May 18th:
Ash-Islands(BMG/Infectious)
Genre: Power Pop, Alternative Rock
Courtney Barnett-Tell Me How You Really Feel(Mom + Pop/Milk/Marathon)
Genre: Indie Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Garage Rock
Frog Eyes-Violet Psalms(Paper Bag)
Genre: Indie Rock, Art Rock
Mary Lattimore-Hundreds Of Days(Ghostly International)
Genre: New Age, Ambient
Low Cut Connie-Dirty Pictures Pt. 2(Contender)
Genre: Rock & Roll, Garage Rock
Stephen Malkmus And The Jicks-Sparkle Hard(Matador)
Genre: Indie Rock, Alternative Rock
John Maus-Addendum(Ribbon)
Genre: Hypnagogic Pop, Synthpop, Minimal Synth, Post-Punk
Nellie McKay-Sister Orchid(Palmetto)
Genre: Vocal Jazz
Parquet Courts-Wide Awake!(Rough Trade)
Genre: Art Punk, Indie Rock, Post-Punk
Michael Rault-It's A New Day Tonight(Wick)
Genre: Power Pop, Folk Rock, Garage Rock
Skee Mask-Compro(Ilian)
Genre: Breakbeat, Ambient Techno, Atmospheric Drum And Bass, IDM
Ryley Walker-Deafman Glance(Dead Oceans)
Genre: Psychedelic Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Jazz Pop, Slowcore
May 25th:
Aisha Burns-Argonauta(Western Vinyl)
Genre:
Deeper-Self Titled(Fire Talk)
Genre: Post-Punk, Indie Rock
Jo Passed-Their Prime(Sub Pop)
Genre: Indie Rock
Ari Roar-Calm Down(Bella Union)
Genre: LO-FI, Indie Pop
Tracyanne & Danny-Self Titled(Merge)
Genre: Indie Pop, Chamber Pop
Wooden Shjips-V(Thrill Jockey)
Genre: Psychedelic Rock, Neo Psychedelia, Space Rock
Highlights of the highlights:
DJ Koze came back after what I thought was a disappointing last album with a very imaginative and exploratory new record that rewarded many repeat listens.
Iceage released their most mature release to date. I feel like this is the perfect combination of Iceage's sheer brutality and coldness with their singer's Marching Church's project's warmth. They took a big step forward with this one!
The lead singer of a great band(The Drones) borrowed his last album's record label name(Tropical Fuck Storm) and formed a brand new band to give us more of his great songwriting but this time around everything is a bit less abrasive(don't worry it's still plenty abrasive) and more spaced out making for a wider sound palette that is a welcome respite to his previous work yet a great continuation of his excellent songwriting.
The Arctic Monkeys really impressed me this time around(they hadn't reaaallly impressed me much up to this point) and released what I feel is their best album. They ditched any and all rock cliches this time around and instead went with a kind of creepy lounge feel. This is more akin to the creepier slower songs on Roxy Music's "For Your Pleasure" than anything remotely resembling any modern trends. The lyrics this time around are both alienating and hilarious. This is highly recommended late night take a seat music to enjoy with your finest cocktail.
Courtney Barnett returned with a new album since her last one in 2015. While it doesnt quite retain all the super highs of that album this one is more nuanced. Her slower songs are better than her slower songs on all the other albums(especially the opener) and the harder faster songs seem to have a layer of maturity(for better and worse) this time around. I feel it's a step in a slightly more subdued yet nonetheless impressive direction for her.
Frog Eyes released their final album. This is sad. This album is a nice high note to go out on. Real glad I saw them live a year and change ago. Go listen to this. It's the end.
Parquet Courts released one of the best party time political albums I have heard in a long time. Not since !!!'s Louden Up Now has a band sounded so happy about being pissed off at our government. You can scream along to this while your feet are movin'. Good shit! Highly recommended.
May 4th:
Black Moth Super Rainbow-Panic Blooms(Rad Cult)
Genre: Neo Psychedelia, Indietronica, Psychedelic Pop, Hypnagogic Pop
Gaz Coombes-World's Strongest Man(Hot Fruit)
Genre: Indie Rock, Art Rock, Indie Pop
Cut Worms-Hollow Ground(Jagjaguwar)
Genre: Indie Pop
DJ Koze-Knock Knock(Pampa)
Genre: House, Deep House, Nu Disco, Downtempo, Microhouse, Instrumental Hip Hop
Eureka California-Roadrunners(Happy Happy Birthday To Me)
Genre: Alternative Rock, Indie Rock, Noise Pop
FAN-Barton's Den(Polyvinyl)
Genre: Indie Rock
High Sunn-Missed Connections(Pnk Slm)
Genre: Indie Pop, Indie Rock, LO-FI
Iceage-Beyondless(Matador)
Genre: Post Punk, Art Punk, Punk Blues, Art Rock
Daniel Lanois/Venetian Snares-Venetian Snares x Daniel Lanois(Timesig)
Genre: Breakcore, Ambient, Glitch
Tropical Fuck Storm-A Laughing Death In Meat Storm(Mistletone/Tropical Fuck Storm)
Genre: Punk Blues, Art Punk, Noise Rock, Experimental Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Post-Punk
May 11th:
Arctic Monkeys-Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino(Domino)
Genre: Psychedelic Pop, Art Rock, Piano Rock, Lounge, Neo Psychedelia
The Body-I Have Fought Against It, But I Can't Any Longer(Thrill Jockey)
Genre: Death Industrial, Drone Metal, Post-Industrial, Neo Classical Darkwave, Power Electronics
Boys-Rest In Peace(Pnk Slm)
Genre: Indie Rock
Carla Bozulich-Quieter(Constellation)
Genre: Singer/Songwriter, Avant Folk, Experimental, Drone, Modern Classical
Sarah Mary Chadwick-Sugar Still Melts In The Rain(Sinderlyn)
Genre: Singer/Songwriter, Indie Folk, Indie Rock
Brent Cobb-Providence Canyon(Elektra/Low Country Sound)
Genre: Singer/Songwriter, Americana, Contemporary Country, Country Rock
Domenico Lancellotti-The Good Is A Big God(Luaka Bop)
Genre: MPB, Electronic, Bossa Nova
La Luz-Floating Features(Hardly Art)
Genre: Surf Rock, Garage Rock, Indie Rock
Las Rosas-Shadow By Your Side(Greenway)
Genre: Garage Rock, Psychedelic Rock
Sarah Louise-Deeper Woods(Thrill Jockey)
Genre: Indie Folk
Samara Lubelski-Flickers At The Station(Drawing Room)
Genre: Indie Pop, Neo Psychedelia
Magic Numbers-Outsiders(Role Play)
Genre: Indie Pop, Indie Rock, Garage Rock
Aidan Moffat & RM Hubbert-Here Lies The Body(Rock Action)
Genre: Singer/Songwriter, Spoken Word, Contemporary Folk
Neighbor Lady-Maybe Later(Friendship Forever)
Genre: Indie Rock
Jess Williamson-Cosmic Wink(Mexican Summer)
Genre: Indie Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Psychedelic Folk
May 18th:
Ash-Islands(BMG/Infectious)
Genre: Power Pop, Alternative Rock
Courtney Barnett-Tell Me How You Really Feel(Mom + Pop/Milk/Marathon)
Genre: Indie Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Garage Rock
Frog Eyes-Violet Psalms(Paper Bag)
Genre: Indie Rock, Art Rock
Mary Lattimore-Hundreds Of Days(Ghostly International)
Genre: New Age, Ambient
Low Cut Connie-Dirty Pictures Pt. 2(Contender)
Genre: Rock & Roll, Garage Rock
Stephen Malkmus And The Jicks-Sparkle Hard(Matador)
Genre: Indie Rock, Alternative Rock
John Maus-Addendum(Ribbon)
Genre: Hypnagogic Pop, Synthpop, Minimal Synth, Post-Punk
Nellie McKay-Sister Orchid(Palmetto)
Genre: Vocal Jazz
Parquet Courts-Wide Awake!(Rough Trade)
Genre: Art Punk, Indie Rock, Post-Punk
Michael Rault-It's A New Day Tonight(Wick)
Genre: Power Pop, Folk Rock, Garage Rock
Skee Mask-Compro(Ilian)
Genre: Breakbeat, Ambient Techno, Atmospheric Drum And Bass, IDM
Ryley Walker-Deafman Glance(Dead Oceans)
Genre: Psychedelic Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Jazz Pop, Slowcore
May 25th:
Aisha Burns-Argonauta(Western Vinyl)
Genre:
Deeper-Self Titled(Fire Talk)
Genre: Post-Punk, Indie Rock
Jo Passed-Their Prime(Sub Pop)
Genre: Indie Rock
Ari Roar-Calm Down(Bella Union)
Genre: LO-FI, Indie Pop
Tracyanne & Danny-Self Titled(Merge)
Genre: Indie Pop, Chamber Pop
Wooden Shjips-V(Thrill Jockey)
Genre: Psychedelic Rock, Neo Psychedelia, Space Rock
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