Best Albums Of June 2008
Here’s The Wheel’s Still In Spin’s favorites new releases for the month of June:
The Cool Kids – The Bake Sale | Amazon CDMP3
| Insound CD
The Cool Kids are rooted in old school rap, calling themselves, “The new black version of the Beastie Boys.” The beats have the distorted low end of the 80’s rap groups and the lyrics are far from the gangsta rap of modern day. These songs are about cereal, the ’88 NBA draft, and BMX bikes. The whole album is a throwback, but masterfully done.
Silver Jews – Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea | Amazon CDLP
MP3
| Insound CD LP
Download “Strange Victory, Strange Defeat” (mp3)The Silver Jews began as a project for David Berman. His friends from Pavement, Stephen Malkmus and Bob Nostanovich, were filled out the original lineup. Nearly two decades later, Berman is still making music without the former Pavement members. Berman’s songs are countrified indie rock with story-like lyrics. On this album, Berman has given some of his best songs. The entire album has the most cohesive production of any Silver Jews album.
Slant – Nothin’ Left But Me
Download “Ba Ba Ba” (mp3)Slant’s debut album, Nothin’ Left But Me, is a mixture of indie guitar rock and alt country. Lead singer Michelle Korn has a voice that sounds like a younger Lucinda Williams, which is impressive considering she is 19 or 20 years old. The production, from guitarist Sean Sullivan, is spot on and gives distinctive nuances to these pop oriented songs.
James Hunter – The Hard Way | Amazon CDLP
MP3
At first, I thought this was a re-issue of a 50’s album. It is drenched in the sound of Bill Haley and Ricky Nelson. The saxophone is just as prominent as the electric guitar for both rhythm and lead. The drums are succinct and acute. The overall production sounds like this album was made on an old analog board with big pot controls.
Baskervilles – Twilight | Amazon CDMP3
Download “A Little More Time” (mp3)
Download “Caught In A Crosswalk” (mp3)Baskervilles is an indie pop band from New York City. On this 14-track album, which was produced by Mitch Easter (R.E.M., Pavement), jangly guitars and horns are layered with the vocals and upbeat songs. The band releases each song as a single with it’s own unique artwork before working all of the songs together as the Twilight album. Preview the songs from project at the band’s website.
Tilly & The Wall – O | Amazon CDMP3
| Insound CD LP
Download “Pot Kettle Black” (mp3)This album opens with an acoustic guitar and vocals. The first track adds piano, then overdriven electric guitar. Slowly, the album grows with each track. Without a drummer, Tilly & The Wall relies on handclaps, foot stomps, and a tap dancer to supply the rhythm. With the production work of Mike Mogis, the songs come across with a powerfully unique energy.
The Wombats – A Guide To Love, Loss & Desperation | Amazon CDMP3
Download – “Let’s Dance To Joy Division” (mp3)This three-piece indie pop band from Liverpool sounds much larger than they are. A Guide To Love, Loss & Desperation is wall of Brit-pop sound with layers of vocals and electric guitars. This album was originally released in the UK in 2007, but was finally released in the US this month.
Wolf Parade – At Mount Zoomer | Amazon CDLP
MP3
| Insound CD LP
Download “Call It A Ritual” (mp3)
Download “Language City” (mp3)After releasing their debut album in 2005, the members of Wolf Parade kept busy with their other bands – Frog Eyes, Handsome Furs, Swan Lake, and Sunset Rubdown. At Mount Zoomer, named for the drummer Arlen Thompson’s recording studio, sounds like accessible prog rock. The guitar-driven songs sound expansive, but still built with pop sensibilities.
The Accidental – There Were Wolves | Amazon CDLP
MP3
| Thrill Jockey
Download “Illuminated Red” (mp3)
Download “Dream For Me” (mp3)This album is eclectic folk. The band consists of members of other English experimental bands Tunng, The Memory Band, and The Bicycle Thieves. The production is sparse, but the melodies are captivating.
Aimee Mann – @#%&*! Smilers | Amazon CDSpecial Edition CD
MP3
| Insound CD Special Edition CD
Download “31 Today” (mp3)Aimee Mann’s impeccable songwriting is as sharp as ever on Smilers, especially on the opening track, “Freeway.” The entire album, produced by her bass player, Paul Bryan, is affably appealing. There are guest spots from Grant Lee Buffalo, Sean Hayes, and author Dave Eggers, who whistles on the song “Little Tornado.”
New Releases – 3 June 2008
New Releases – 10 June 2008
New Releases – 17 June 2008
New Releases – 24 June 2008
The Wheel's Still In Spin's Best Albums Of January 2008
The Wheel's Still In Spin's Best Albums Of February 2008
The Wheel's Still In Spin's Best Albums Of March 2008
The Wheel's Still In Spin's Best Albums Of April 2008
The Wheel's Still In Spin's Best Albums Of May 2008
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