French producer/drummer Emmanuel Mario’s debut solo project includes special guests, most notably, Laetitia Sadier. RIYL: Stereolab completists, Francophiles, early 2000s indietronica, Morr Records, Moon Safaris, New Age Kama Sutra, rom-prog Favorite Track: Ma Recontre
Melbourne, Australia’s band family tree is more of a skyward beanstalk situation between Total Control, Dicker Diver, and UV Race to name just a few. RIYL: Thunder from down under, indie RnR royalty, percussive vocals that shadow guitar lines, monotone melodies, controlled angst, those who know the “C” word carries a different meaning outside of the United States, saxophones that don’t wear out their welcome, and Television Personalities – now with more estrogen! Favorite Track: Moscow on the Thames
Angry Angles – S/T - Goner Records
Angry Angles – S/T - Goner Records
In the early 2000s Alix Brown was Jay Reatard’s better half in and out of the band during a period of time most fans consider Jay’s musical golden age (Lost Sounds – Blood Visions). This 17-song collection of singles and rarities is a melancholy reminder that what once was will never be again but damn it was great while they lasted. RIYL: Couples who rock(ed), Southern gothic Devo, miniature guitar solos, one of the best screams in the business, a lot of fucking attitude, proactive Oblivions fans, a Memphis barbequed Georgia peach, Dixie Pink Flag. Favorite Track: You Fell In
Foxtails Brigade – S/T - OIM Records
Foxtails Brigade – S/T - OIM Records
Orchestrated Grimm’s fairy tales steer us clear of the California beaches proving there is fun without sun. RIYL: Wars Without Frontiers, dreams of Kate Bush, bloodlines crossed with comedy and horror, strings on tippy toe, Lashes with bats, sunglasses at night, and Newsom understudies Favorite Track: No Fate
This isn’t your Mom’s shoegaze! Oh wait, yes it is. If you tell me you love the music made by the “super-group” featuring Mogwai, Slowdive, and Editors, I will assume you have a heart condition that does not allow you to enjoy anything too wild or overstimulating. The creative community also needs to build a support group for musicians who are interested in collaborating with Mark Kozelek in an effort to talk them off that ledge. DON’T DO IT! RIYL: Long naps under warm blankets, tamed animals, mild cheeses, the shallow end of the pool, speed limits, bare feet on plush carpets, 120 Minutes, David Lynch mediations, new releases with an old fashioned big budget recording budget, those later period Jesus and Mary Chain records you have been meaning to revisit, the 50 fans who still look forward to the musings of Mark Kozelek, and compression socks. Favorite Song: Cogs
Melancholy pop made by members of Shopping, Dog Legs, and Wachi Wachi that maybe have just perfected the art of slacker post-punk. RIYL: Slow jog tempos, minimalism, español, those who follow the repetition is the key philosophy, twee temperaments, Teen Beat Records adjacent, and a Factory Records 45 played on 33. Favorite Track: Natural
