old week, new records
I thought I’d recap last weeks music findings, because I found some nice things that I would like to share with you. I made an effort this week to stay in touch with the times, since I tend to look to the 80’s and 90’s for new music quite often. These records are not that fresh, but at least they were released in 2008.
The Daysleepers – Drowned In a Sea of Sound
I was so happy when I found this record by New York shoegazers The Daysleepers. it’s absolutely one of my favourite records this year. They have mastered the method of creating a dreamy atmosphere and sending your head off to space. This is basically what shoegaze does and I for one am in love with it. I like being able to listen to a record and get washed away from reality. It has been difficult not to detect a shoegaze revival in recent years, just the fact that there was room for a My Bloody Valentine reunion should give you a hint. When you have bands like The Daysleepers, M83 or Glasvegas relasing excellent post shoegaze albums in 2008 it really shows that this “revival” is only growing stronger. The Daysleepers have gotten the thumbs up from such greats as Robin Guthrie of Cocteau Twins and Rachel Goswell and Neil Halstead of Slowdive, which should convince you to see what they are about.
Lisa Hannigan – Sea Sew
You may recognize Lisa Hannigan’s voice from her work with Damien Rice. Now you don’t have to listen to Damien Rice records in order to hear her beautiful voice because she has released her debut album; “Sea Sew”. It’s very folky and mellow and her voice just puts you to ease. The whole album is so warm and fuzzy. There is, however, a risk that your patience will run out midway if you don’t pay attention. But the thing that will make you return to this record is her compashionate and haunting voice.
(I don’t like how the cover looks like a record for a kindergarten nap session, though)
Kings of Leon – Only By The Night
I was completely surprised by my own excitement over a Kings of Leon-record. Every now and then I get these weird music cravings. I start to ache for really strong and simple melodies and polished vocals. I’m like a pregnant woman that gets violent cravings for random stuff.
The single “Sex on Fire” left me unmoved but slightly curious. Slowly it creeped up on me and then I couldn’t get it out of my head. I had to listen to the entire album and then I was completely absorbed by it. I listened to it on repeat five days in a row, some days nothing else. I’m still not that fond of their southern rock style but they’ve made a record filled with very polished melodies! Their melodies are absolutely infectious and combined with an gifted singer with an amazing sense of rhythm you get nothing less than ear candy. And sometimes that’s all you need.
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