Fact: “The Dream is Over” is a direct quote from lead singer Stefan Babcock’s doctor. After Stefan basically destroyed his vocal chords due to the band’s insane touring schedule of about 250 shows a year, he was rewarded with this crushing diagnosis. But if the story sounds a little ridiculous or overly serious to you, you’re… Read More
Artist: The Growlers Album: Gilded Pleasures Label: Everlong Release Date: November 12th, 2013 Genre: Neo-Psychedelic Grade: A- RIYL: Dr. Dog, Ty Segall, 1958 Chevy convertibles, rollies, Endless Summer, and The Cramps As SoCal as they come, garage rockers The Growlers stay true to their “beach goth” roots on their latest EP, Gilded Pleasures. Drenched in… Read More
Two summers ago, amidst my internship with Universal Records, I was told to go downstairs to the lobby and bring up the three tall and hip-looking girls that were due to arrive at any moment. In the elevator ride up to the Universal offices I naively asked the three very-L.A. girls with me why there… Read More
Artist: Kurt Vile Album: Wakin On A Pretty Daze Label: Matador Release Date: Tuesday April 9, 2013 Genre: Lo-Fi Folk/Rock Grade: A RIYL: Mac Demarco, Pavement, Cass McCombs The latest from Philly psychedelic songwriter Kurt Vile sounds as fresh as these first tastes of spring, and is just as long awaited. Wakin On A Pretty… Read More
On March 5th, New York City group The Men released their third album under the Sacred Bones Label, New Moon. Sacred Bones was responsible for a good number of my favorite releases of last year and their catalogue is full of diversity. They currently house/ tour Cult of Youth, Moon Duo, Psychic… Read More
Artist: Devendra Banhart Album: Mala Record Label: Nonesuch Release Date: March 12, 2013 Genre: Freak Folk Grade: B+ RIYL: Joanna Newsom, Ariel Pink, Full-bearded men with a lot of soul On his latest release, the one-time “Long Haired Child” sheds his crazy curls along with his affinity for the extreme. With snappy, silly love songs… Read More
