Here is The Wheel’s Still In Spin’s list of favorite releases for the month of November:
Anathallo – Canopy Glow | Amazon CDMP3
| Insound CD MP3
Download “The River” (mp3)
This lush album could have been a messy mistake, but it is a mellifluous piece of magic. There are layers of music – horns, strings, keyboards, guitars – stacked with layers of percussion and harmonies. All 7 members of this band sing and bang or tap on something. With so many aural stimuli on each song, the band has a focused and selective sound. The end result is an album that is melodiously stunning.
Los Campesinos! – We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed | Amazon CD/DVDMP3
| Insound CD Vinyl MP3
Download “Miserabilia” (mp3)
Los Campesinos! originally set out to record songs to be b-sides to the singles from their full length debut, this year’s Hold On Now, Youngster…. When they finished the recording, they realized they had a damn good album on their hands. As they proclaimed, “This is no post-album cash in. It’s no B-Sides and rarities or ‘songs that weren’t good enough to be on the album cobbled together with some remixes and field recordings of Cardiff’s indie scene.’” This album is full of the bombastic indie pop the band has become known for in their short time – it’s been less than a year and a half since their first EP was released in the States. Los Campesinos! continue to prove they are the most impressive and productive bands. There will be no singles or additional printing of this album. Get it all and the goodies (comes with a documentary DVD, poster, and 30 page ‘zine) while you can.
The Bronx – The Bronx III | Amazon CDMP3
| Insound CD
Download “Knifeman” (mp3)
This is the third eponymously titled album by the L.A. punk band The Bronx. This band takes it roots from the original hardcore punk bands like Black Flag and Minor Threat, but The Bronx sound more mainstream rock. This isn’t a post-punk or hardcore emo band. The sound mixes punk with straight ahead rock ‘n’ roll and more aggressive vocals.
The (International) Noise Conspiracy – The Cross Of My Calling | Amazon CDMP3
| Insound CD
Download “I Am The Dynamite” (mp3)
Produced by Rick Rubin, this album is anthemic garage punk. The band’s sound has the guitar-fronted sound associated with garage rock. The band’s socialist and protest views add the punk qualities. These songs are catchy and aggressive with a ‘60s psychedelic garage rock sound.
Mavis Staples – Live: Hope At The Hideout [Live] | Amazon CDMP3
| Insound CD MP3
Download “We Shall Not Be Moved” (mp3)
This live album is full of symbols of the civil rights movement and personal stories from Staples herself. She sounds electrified and triumphant. With a mature grit to her voice, the lower register of “Eyes On The Prize” creates one of the powerful performances. The fact that this album was released on the same day that America elected its first African American president helps to solidify the strength and the struggle in Staples’ performance.
Surf City – Surf City [EP] | Amazon CDVinyl
| Insound CD Vinyl
Download “Headin’ Inside” (mp3)
Download “Dickshakers Union” (mp3)
Originally named Kill Surf City, this New Zealand band truncated it since there was already a band from UK with that name. On their self-titled debut EP, Surf City offer songs that are short and sweet. In 20 total minutes, more than have of the 6 songs are under 3 minutes. The four-piece band plays some blistering psychedelic pop with a lo-fi production quality.
Keyboard Rebel – Pop Grenade | CD
FREE download of entire album
Download “Northern Sherpa” (mp3)
This album is the debut album from a group of progressive minded musicians from Manchester, UK. This DIY album is full of catchy, pop songs that border on chamber pop with the diverse level of instrumentation. Pop Grenade is released creative commons license by aaahh records, so you can download the album for free. If you want to purchase the album, Keyboard Rebel donates all of the band’s income to Amnesty International, so you’ll be supporting a good cause at the same time.
Longwave – Secrets Are Sinister | Amazon CDMP3
| Insound CD
Download “No Direction” (mp3)
Longwave is an indie band with post-punk influences. On their first album in three years, the lead guitar drives the tracks. But it’s the ethereal tone of the lead guitar, not an abrasive distortion, which pushes this album. This is an energetic album full of rich tones and cascading musical layers.
Travis – Ode To J. Smith | Amazon CDMP3
| Insound CD
Download “J. Smith” (mp3)
On their sixth album, Travis returns to making the electric guitar the prominent instrument. While the album has occasion moments of high energy rock, this album is still a pop record. It is a combination of Britpop and psychedelic, with lavish vocals and musical accompaniments that veer towards classic rock.
Matt Pond PA – The Freeep [EP] | FREE download of entire EP
Download “Our Braided Lives” (mp3)
As the title of this album describes, it is a free EP. Download it from the band here. It’s really 9 tracks, 3 of them instrumentals, and clocks in over 30 minutes long. It continues the malleable indie pop that the band is known for.
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