Weekend Music Roundup

 

It's the weekend, and another long holiday weekend thanks to euro-centric history. This week's ramblings features a new releases from a favorite artist of mine, and some recent pick-ups of bands that I've been into for a while, or wanted to hear for a while. This is a rock heavy list and features some interesting stuff. Take some time this long weekend and find something new to listen to. Enjoy.

James Dean Bradfield - Even in Exile: The second solo album from the Manic Street Preachers front man, it comes 14 years after "The Great Western".  After over 30 years in the business, this is probably what you'd come to expect. It doesn't really branch out into new areas, but covers the areas he's covered before with maturity and insight. As always, his guitar playing is fantastic, and now more akin to David Gilmore than the heavier sound of his youth. "Thirty Thousand Milk Bottles," "Under the Mimosa Tree," "Without Knowing the End," "The Last Song," and "Santiago Sunrise" are my personal favorites on a good album by one of my favorite musical artists.

 

Aqua Nebula Oscillator - Aqua Nebula Oscillator: The 2008 debut the Paris psych rock band was one I'd been on the look out for, having heard good things about this band. A used copy showed up at the local shop and I snatched it up. This is psychedelic space rock in the vein of early Floyd and early Hawkwind, but with elements of stoner rock mixed in. Basically, it's the kind of record that fits right into my vibe and I truly love it. 

 

The Go-Betweens - Liberty Belle and the Black Diamond Express: Released in 1986, the fifth album from the Australian indie band was a bit of a break-out album for them. They have a style that uses elements that would be the foundation for jangle pop, but infuse it with an Americana feel, making them one of the unique pioneers of the decade. Perhaps the reason this is one of their most beloved albums is due to the fact that they had perfected their sound on this one. "Spring Rain," "Twin Layers of Lightning," and "In the Core of the Flame" are standouts for me.

 

Boris - Akuma no Uta: This 2003 release was my first introduction to the Japanese stoner metal band, which I first heard back in '04. It was instant love on my part and I finally got around to picking up the vinyl re-issue on Third Man Records. It starts off with the ten minute drone introduction before erupting into guitar frenzied bliss of "Ibitsu" and never lets up from there. The hype sticker reads "Buy if you dig: Sabath worship. Comets on Fire. acid. leading children astray." signed Boris.  

Lee Hazlewood and Ann Margret - The Cowboy and the Lady: Released in '69, this is one of those pet projects of Lee's. After his partnership with Nancy Sinatra catapulted her to fame, he'd gotten it into his head that he was going to make Ann Margret his new partner, possibly to boost his popularity. Toegher, they recorded this album of country duet with her. The dynamic differences between their voices is what makes this album work. Her almost shrill Hollywood musical style and his Johnny Cash drunkard style play wonderfully together, making this campy album a joy to listen to, even it's not his best work.