The Love Language

Stuart McLamb is the lone genius behind The Love Language.  Their eponymous debut was actually recorded at home by McLamb, and only after he received numerous offers to go on tour as the opening act did he finally recruit other able-bodied members to support him on stage.  Similarly, McLamb chose to write and record the second album, Libraries, by himself, as well.  Fortunately, he had the help of a studio and some pretty quality session musicians who eventually joined The Love Language as full-time members.

The band began as a lo-fi, guitar-laden factory of jingles but has now morphed into a more '60s sugar pop type of outfit.  It works well, overall.  Have a listen and enjoy, of course!

Albums:  Libraries (2010), The Love Language (2009)

Tracks:  Pedals, Brittany's Back, Summer Dust, Heart to Tell, Horophones, Lalita

Girls

San Francisco duo Girls could generate enough press and intriguing reviews on their music alone, but then again, maybe the highly publicized back story of member Christopher Owens is integral to the band's success, and therefore, too important to ignore.  For those of you who are unaware, Owens spent most of his childhood drifting from country to country, as both his parents were active members in the Children of God cult.  In fact, Owens even got his first singing experience in the Children of God kids' choir.  By the age of 16, he decided that this lifestyle was not for him, and he left his parents and the group.  After a series of moves and menial jobs, Owens found himself in San Francisco where he eventually hooked up with JR White to form Girls.  (The complete story is far more fascinating.  I suggest you read it on AMG.)

Girls' music is warm, nostalgic, and fuzzy due to their lo-fi sound.  Many melodies seem pulled right out of the Beach Boys' catalog, though the content is a bit more dark and depressing at times.  Nonetheless, they are incredibly addicting, and the care-free mood they elicit compliments any outdoor activity or roof party quite well.

Their debut album was released a year and a half ago with a phenomenal follow-up EP released in late 2010.  In fact, I believe that their EP, Broken Dreams Club, has some of their best songs yet.  Supposedly, these guys have close to 70 more songs that have been written and recorded, waiting for future release.  I can't wait!

I've added four videos below for your listening/viewing pleasure.  Yes, I love this group that much.

Albums:  Broken Dreams Club EP (2010), Album (2009)

Tracks:  Thee Oh So Protective One, Heartbreaker, Broken Dreams Club, Carolina, Lust For Life, Laura, Hellhole Ratrace, Summertime

Week 3: Lo-Fi

Low fidelity, or lo-fi, describes a style of music that has far transcended the simple means by which it is made.  Although lo-fi artists record their material on substandard equipment, usually due to cost and time, they are notably different than other rockers who embraced poor audio quality, such as garage rock of the '60s and punk of the '70s.  Lo-fi originally began in the 1980s with a group of underground artists on small, independent labels who were influenced heavily by post-punk and embraced that D.I.Y. spirit so prevalent in the twee pop movement of the 1980s.

Throughout the past 20-30 years, similar artists have continued in this manner, ranging from rock to noise pop to experimental music.  What these artists all shared was their tape distortion (crackles, hisses) and increasingly abstract lyrics, sitting comfortably in the more arty and later postmodern realm.  Over time, the actual recording equipment has improved, and many artists have relocated from the basement to the recording studio.  Nonetheless, the lo-fi spirit has remained and has found itself in a revival of sorts these past two years.

Week 2 Recap: Neo-Surf

Featured:

Nicole Schneit of Air Waves

The Drums
Best Coast
The Babies
Air Waves
TV Girl
Tennis
La Femme
Beach Fossils
Vivian Girls
Seapony
Summer Camp
Eternal Summers
The Soft Pack
Cults

Cults

I cannot think of a band in the past year that has generated so much interest and buzz with such a meager catalog of songs -- Cults has only three.  Most responsible for this was the single, "Go Outside," off their debut EP, released in 2010.  The other tracks on the EP are quite good too.  Madeline Follin and Brian Oblivion specialize in creating 50s-like pop gems with all the usual players -- waltzes, bass melody, Brill Building vocals -- though they add a more novel feel with reverb and electronic arpeggios. 

Interestingly, Cults will be releasing their first full-length album on June 7, 2011.  I waited a few days with this post, hoping that I may obtain a copy and write an informal review of sorts.  Unfortunately, I do not have an advance copy just yet and have only heard a couple tracks off of this upcoming album.  Nonetheless, they are just as retro-minded as their previous collection and rock a bit harder too.  It should be a great album!


Albums:  Cults (2011), Cults 7" EP (2010)

Tracks:  Go Outside, The Curse, You Know What I Mean, Abducted

The Soft Pack

Formed in San Diego, it seems rather obvious that The Soft Pack would have a knack for surf melodies, but they actually prefer the crunchy sounds of garage rock and punk usually.  Their most recent LP features a bit more reverb and more lightheaded lyricism that fits with this week's theme of neo-surf.  Enjoy!

Albums:  The Soft Pack (2010), Extinction (2009)

Tracks:  Down on Loving, C'mon, Answer to Yourself

Eternal Summers

Roanoke-based duo, Eternal Summers, consists of Nicole Yun (guitar, vocals) and Daniel Cundiff (drums).  They're songs are fast, upbeat, and feature extremely simple melodies, perhaps even cute.  For this reason, you'll notice obvious mid-'80s twee-pop influences in their songs, most notably from the likes of Heavenly and Talulah Gosh.  It's essentially K Records meets Matador.

Albums:  Silver (2010)

Tracks: Eternal, Bully in Dispute, Safe at Home, Pogo

Summer Camp

Another one-hit band, right?  Well, although most people will only recognize "Ghost Train" among their other works, Summer Camp's debut EP is quite impressive.  It's not exactly neo-surf, but it fits the overall spirit pretty well.  Other songs are a bit more electronic, maybe even synth pop, but there's still a relaxed no-frills business in their music.  Couple this with some retro-minded producing and it's a good band for a short walk.

Albums:  Young EP (2010)

Tracks:  Round the Moon, Veronica Sawyer, Why Don't You Stay, Ghost Train

Seapony

Seapony's style is really hard to pigeon-hole, which is a good thing.  They came out with their first EP in late 2010 and soon made plans for a full album.  This album, Go With Me, is set to be released on May 31, 2011.  Despite the more jangly guitars used on their EP, the band seems to have mellowed and produced a more polished noise-pop/shoegaze set of tunes.  Regardless, their EP represents a good set of mellow tracks that may trigger waves of nostalgia for past vacations to the tropics.  Until I hear more tracks from the new album, this is all I can say.  I'm pretty eager, though.  Stay tuned for updates!

Albums:  Go With Me (2011), Dreaming EP (2010)

Tracks:  Dreaming, With You, So Low, Blue Star

Vivian Girls

Formerly more noise-pop and punk, Vivian Girls have changed their sound/style a good deal since their eponymous debut in 2008.  This well-received LP featured fast-paced rock songs, clearly influenced by several C86 and post-punk groups such as Black Tambourine and Sonic Youth, respectively.  Perhaps through necessary experimentation on their rather mediocre sophomore attempt, Everything Goes Wrong, the Vivian Girls arrived at the more polished and fun, Share the Joy, released in April of this year.  This album is more upbeat and lighthearted, with melodies that you will inevitably hum after one or two listens.  Enjoy!


Albums:  Share the Joy (2011), Vivian Girls (2008)

Tracks:  I Heard You Say, Dance (If You Wanna), Take It As It Comes, Where Do You Run To

 Name that film...

Beach Fossils

This band's most notable hit, "Daydream," is certainly a great representation of neo-surf, though Beach Fossils is a little bit more unique in their approach within this style.  Although the band uses the characteristic lo-fi vocals and jangly guitars, the melodies and rhythmic patterns are more in line with the post-punk and college rock groups of the '80s, such as Joy Division.  This is a bit subtle on their debut album, but becomes more obvious on their recently released EP, What a Pleasure.  I'm a bit wary of their new sound, but we'll have to wait and see what their next attempt yields.  Their eponymous debut is quite good, though.  

Albums:  What a Pleasure EP (2011), Beach Fossils (2010)

Tracks:  Sometimes, Youth, Daydream, The Horse

La Femme

La Femme is a French pop outfit that puts a whole new spin on surf music.  In addition to reverb-laden guitar shimmer, there are frenetic synth bass lines, syncopated high-pitched pings, and assorted psychedelic clutter through added effects.  Their songs are really catchy though, and it's a matter of time before they become noticed.  Their first EP was released in late 2010, and I believe they have a proper album due for release this calendar year.  

Interestingly, in a less than symbolic attempt at cover art, the CD shows a woman lying on her back with exposed lady parts.  It's been done before (John and Yoko...), so I'd like to think that there's to more to this photo than just La Femme = the woman = let's show this mysterious woman's vulva.  Oh well.  I urge you to check them out.  This may be difficult though, as only 500 copies were made of their EP.  Yay, bittorrent!

Albums:  Le Podium #1 EP (2010)

Tracks:  Sur la Planche, Anti Taxi, Amours dans le Motu

Tennis

Tennis consists of married duo Patrick Riley and Alaina Moore, who originally met each other at college in Colorado before embarking on a sailing expedition for an entire 7 months following graduation.  Supposedly, this voyage provided the inspiration for their sound and all the tracks they have recorded to date.

Tennis has actually been quite prolific since their formation, releasing two EPs in 2010 before their debut LP, Cape Dory, which was released this past January.  Alaina provides the vocals and plays synthesizer, whereas Patrick plays guitar (A drummer will fill in for their gigs).  The band pretty much epitomizes surf music, and Alaina's voice captures that 1950s pop sweetness so well.

I promised that I would remain measured in my praise for entire albums, but this LP is yet another work of perfection.  The weather is warming up, the sun is shining, and although the beaches have needles and the water may be toxic, Tennis will provide the appropriate backtrack to all your outdoor excursions this upcoming summer.

Albums:  Cape Dory (2011)

Tracks:  Long Boat Pass, Cape Dory, Marathon, South Carolina, Baltimore

TV Girl

This San Diego duo released their self-titled EP in the fall of 2010, and saw considerable airplay on stations such as Sirius XMU and Pitchfork's The Playlist.  Their breakthrough track "If You Want It" is the most recognizable, though I personally prefer "On Land" and it's frequent falsetto "oo's."  I don't know where this band stands currently, but I hope a full-length debut is in the works.

Albums:  TV Girl EP (2010)

Tracks:  On Land, If You Want It

Air Waves

My adoration for Air Waves had its beginning a couple months ago, in February.  At the time, I was dating this girl named Sally.  She was an alt-chick paragon (My friend, Tom, will agree to this), and this was likely the very reason she was so intriguing and attractive to me.  She had a pixie cut and a few tats, lived in Bushwick, and used to work at Am Appy.  Also, Sally was from the Midwest, like myself.  Better yet, both her and I had an affinity for Pabst and rooftops. 

I really liked her, or at least, I liked what she represented.  This may seem vain, and the truth is that it most definitely is.  But, despite my long-standing aversion to trust fund hipster kids, I couldn't temper my curiosity for this now-mythical creature, boosted up to god-like status by years of pseudo-stereotypes and occasional misdirected vitriol.

One Tuesday night, we met up at The Gutter for drinks and bowling.  Earlier, I had learned that a newly discovered band, Air Waves, was having a record release show that night at The Glasslands in Billyburg.  I had scored some $5 tics in the hopes that Sally might be interested in going later in the night.  Well, as it turned out, Sally goes to bed earlier than I do (Like, before 10 pm) and doesn't exactly share my love for indie bands.  Dealbreaker?  Possibly.  Not that my smitten self cared at the moment.  See, the interesting thing is, once we parted ways that evening, I went to that Air Waves show anyway.

Perhaps she had amphetamines on her lips or maybe I was just a bit sore from the rebuked invitation attempt, but I felt energized and eager enough to add to my sleep dept and venture deep into the depths of hipster-ville without my guide.  This was one of the best decisions I have ever made.  In the end, Sally and I would last a few more dates before she came to the conclusion that I'm not all that interesting.  As an overworked third-year medical student, I'd have to agree with her.  Regardless, that one night remains the best I've had so far in 2011, because Air Waves gave me a refreshing dose of authenticity right when (and where) I needed it most.  Also, they fucking rock!

Air Waves is essentially the solo work of Brooklyn-based musician, Nicole Schneit.  She enlists the help of other musicians for her gigs, but she remains the brains and creative force behind the band.  Her songs sit comfortably in the jangly shuffle of a reverb-laced guitar, accompanied by relaxed beats and almost-raspy vocals.  The instrumentation is so simple that it would all be boring if not for Schneit's skill at crafting infectious melodies (Dare I say, jingles?) and evoking inescapable emotions through meticulous production technique.

It's quite unfortunate that Air Waves remains relatively obscure and unnoticed following their commendable debut, Dungeon Dots.  I have no idea how the buzz machine works, but it definitely needs a tune up.  Thankfully, a few other artists have recognized Schneit's exceptional talent -- Sharon Van Etten even provides vocal harmonies on "Waters."

There are very few albums that are worth playing straight through.  Although I try to listen to all albums in their entirety, very few are designed so perfectly from start to finish.  This is one of them.  Undoubtedly, Air Waves has become the new standard in neo-surf.  Enjoy!

Albums:  Dungeon Dots (2010)

Tracks:  Knock Out, Radio, Force Fed, Lightning, Waters

The Babies

The Babies is the product of collaboration between Kevin Morby (Woods) and Cassie Ramone (Vivian Girls).  It's logically derivative of these two groups' sound, and overall, it works.  The songs are fuzz-filled but not too cautious or sweet, and the group sure knows how to rock with uptempo beats and jangly guitars.  There's nothing groundbreaking here, but the debut album is worth a listen.

Albums:  The Babies (2011)

Tracks:  Run Me Over, All Things Come to Pass, Meet Me in the City, Caroline

Best Coast

Best Coast is a lo-fi/surf act comprised of Bethany Cosentino, Bobb Bruno, and recent addition, Ali Koehler (Vivian Girls).  Interestingly, the most famous member of the group may actually be Cosentino's cat, Snacks.  The obsession by the public with her furry feline companion may seem a bit weird (I still love Carles despite this), but it is Cosentino who trumps all in this department (http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/2010/jul/29/best-coast-inspiration-cats).  She absolutely loves cats.  A lot.  So much, in fact, that she had Snacks featured on the cover of debut album, Crazy for You. Thankfully, this crazy cat lady has some damn fine music to her credibility.

Best Coast's music is really a mix of many influences:  garage rock, '60s girl groups, alt-rock, and punk.  The combination of these creates a very chill (not chillwave), lo-fi product fit for the streets and beaches of LA.  Cosentino's vocals are heavy with reverb and over-dubbed with distant harmonies, though her voice is genuine, authentic, and quite enchanting.  The finished product clearly took much effort, and the result they've achieved is worth all the praise they've received.  Relax, sit in the sun, and put this album on repeat.  Do it for Snacks the Cat.

Albums:  Crazy for You (2010)

Tracks:  Boyfriend, Crazy for You, When I'm with You, Summer Mood

The Drums

Despite being on the scene for a couple years now since their much-raved about EP, Summertime, The Drums have continued to generate much buzz following their self-titled LP, released in 2010.  Their songs are all pop and relatively simple, which fits with their overall goal of providing nostalgic melodies to accompany the summer spirit.  The tracks are all based on heavy guitar reverb, with quick drum beats that keep the party interesting and fun.  At times they deviate from their day-at-the-beach vibe, with some new wave and college rock thrown in -- shimmering synth and jangly guitars may remind you of The Smiths and Joy Division.  There's nothing too crazy about these guys, but that's okay.  They provide a good hour's worth of short, consequence-free nuggets of fun to accompany your walk outside or picnic with friends that next sunny day.


Albums: The Drums (2010), Summertime! (2009)

Tracks:  Let's Go Surfing, I Felt Stupid, Best Friend, Me and the Moon, Forever and Ever Amen

Week 2: Neo-Surf

One of the most talked about styles in 2010, neo-surf continues to produce a plethora of new buzzworthy artists in early 2011.  Since I have fears that these artists may disappear soon along with the fad (I don't use this word to cheapen the style of music, but instead to highlight it's rapid rise to popularity), let's jump right into it before this all becomes old news.

Some of you may be a bit skeptical or at least confused over this week's genre, "neo-surf."  That's because I made it up.  Yes, "surf rock/pop" is the more widely recognized term, though I hesitate to use it here.  Why?  Well, it originates from early American rock & roll of the 1960s, where artists employed prominent guitar riffs and heavy reverb in an attempt to mimic the entire beach experience -- crashing waves, sandy beaches, and sunny skies.  The most famous pioneers of the style include the Chantays, Surfaris, Beach Boys, and Dick Dale.  So, to add temporal separation between then and now while also highlighting obvious musical differences, "neo-surf" will see its debut with the sole aim of providing a more accurate label to contemporary surf acts.

(Surf Revival, another term used previously, refers to those artists from the late '80s and early '90s who attempted to replicated that surf rock sound.  Surf Revival artists also sound substantially different than surf acts today.)

Since that's out of the way, let's begin...

Week 1 Recap: Female Singer-Songwriter

Larissa Maestro and Tristen Gaspadarek

Featured Artists:

Tristen
Sharon Van Etten
Laura Marling
Kathryn Calder
Sea of Bees
Jessica Lea Mayfield
Lia Ices
Laura Nyro
Laura Gibson
Sarah Jaffe
Alessi's Ark
Priscilla Ahn
Tegan & Sara
Zee Avi


Honorable Mention:

Joan Baez*
Judy Collins*
Feist
Hannah Georgas
Jenn Grant
Emily Haines
Sarah Harmer
Janis Ian*
Carole King*
Jenny Lewis
Joni Mitchell*
Regina Spektor

*These artists represent some of the best female singer-songwriters of all time, though their most notable contributions occurred several decades ago.  As a result, they were not featured this week.  I suggest you check them out, regardless.