Seeing Kings of Convenience last night was not to be. Thanks to equal parts of me running late and the club's malevolent ticket policies, I arrived to find that the show had already sold out. And I knew I'd have to get there early to get stamped—it just didn't come together. Yes, another notch in my belt for shows missed due to this shitty venue. Thanks again, Iota Club and Cafe. I hate you more than ever. Ya know, the $16 cover was a bit steep anyway. Not to mention all the goofy couples likely to be inside, swaying to the gentle folky sounds of these S & G wannabes. Eff 'em. I walked back home the long way and listened to bands I like better.
What's the consenus on the new M83 record, Before the Dawn Heals Us? I, for one, am not feeling it, Frenchy. No sir, monsieur. I really enjoyed M83's 2nd album, the critically acclaimed Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts, but even that record already had the band teetering on the edge of retro cheese. In fact, it came so dangerously close to cornball, I was almost afraid of where they'd go next. Now that the new album is out, my fears have been confirmed as it now seems that maybe Nicolas Fromageau (formerly half of the duo, which is now just uno) was keeping them from falling into this vat of fondue. All the heavy synth leads and those phony 80's toms, which in the context of Dead Cities often made me smile, now make my ears angry. To be fair, I'll give it a few more listens. I suppose the first single, “Don't Save Us From the Flames,” isn't actually that bad.
The new Prefuse 73 album, Surrounded By Silence (due out in March), sounds pretty good so far. Pitchfork has the tracklist. As you can see, it's almost all collaborations with guest MCs and other bands. First impressions: I tend to like the non-MC collaborations better. Maybe I'm just too white, but “Hideyaface” which features El-P and Ghostface Killah (posted on Monday at Music For Robots) falls a little flat to these ears. On the other hand, “Now You're Leaving” (with Camu) is pretty wicked. The Books(!) remix/collab “Pagina Dos” and the closer “And I'm Gone” (which has something to do with Broadcast and upcoming Prefuse side project Piano Overlord) hit my sweet spot just like that. This is another one to grow on, however, and I'm sure my thoughts on this album will settle a bit with repeated listening.
Song of the week (file under nostalgia): Ride “Decay” [go there]
Next up: A post about podcasting will appear here soon. Plus, a little something about what I've been reading lately.
3 comments:
Hmm, I had no idea KoC were touring in the area. I really like the new album, Riot on an Empty Street, although there are two songs that have almost completely identical beginnings. I'll also have to check out the new Prefuse 73. I just downloaded a band called Ambulance Ltd--have you ever heard of them?
Yeah, I had no idea they were playing here until I read about the show online last week. Wonder if they have played or are playing Baltimore?
The new Prefuse 73 gets better with every listen. This track “It's Crowded” cropped up when I was checking it out last night. Sooo good.
I have heard of Ambulance Ltd. but have not yet heard 'em. Good stuff?
Thanks again, Iota Club. I hate you more than ever.Hee hee, that's awesome. I hate malevolent ticket policies!
Sounds like some good bands being discussed here... this is good because I so rarely know what's going on these days with new music.
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