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Pernice Brothers- Who Will You Believe (New West)

It’s been five long years since the last Pernice Brothers album. I had the pleasure of hearing some of these songs performed at Kiki’s House of Righteous Music in Madison last November. I’m still amazed I was finally able to check off another artist on my bucket list, especially in such an intimate venue. But back to the new album. Joe wrote and produced all of the songs on the album. He’s joined by Michael McKenzie, Liam Jaeger, Patrick Berkley, Michale Belitsky, Peyton Pinkerton, and we can’t forget brother Bob Pernice. The album kicks off with the title track, “Who Will You Believe.” Jangling guitars, beautiful harmonies, and soaring guitar solos that seem like a track right out of early REM’s songbook. “So, don’t cash out ‘cause some rumor says it’s over. Look here, I stagger, but I swear to God I’m sober. Who will you believe? Who will you believe?” Next up is “Look Alive,” my favorite on the album. It’s a beautiful, upbeat piano-driven, indie-rocker complete with strings and horns! ”At best a shaky maybe. Strumming the old banjo, baby. Snuffing out a torch that was held for me. I wish I could sing that song... The one that makes the ordinary extraordinaire.“ Track 3, “Not This Pig,” is a short foot-tapping number complete with dreamy keyboards and howling guitar solos. Next is “What We Had.” A slower, sad acoustic guitar number with trickles of echo-laden guitar bits. And the lyrics add an extra punch to the sorrow. “I can see the way it’s playing out. It’s a comedy of errors, but it’s sad. I think of what we had. It’s hard to watch good love go bad.” In comes more explosive guitar jams that eventually leave as the song drifts off. Track 5, “December in Her Eyes,” if I recall, Joe introduced as a 60s Motown song that he said to imagine strings and horns. It’s a beautiful, sad song, and yes, those gorgeous strings and horns are way upfront on this one. “We’ve been friends for so long, I would tell you that I might break down and cry. I hope you can find her and find out ‘cause I swear I don’t know why she’s got December in her eyes.” “A Song for Sir Robert Helpmann” is a short, highly orchestrated instrumental dedicated to the Australian ballet legend. “Hey, Guitar” is the fastest rocker on the album. Searing guitar solos and a bopping rhythm section highlight this one. Next up, “A Man of Means,” is a flashback to Revolver-era Beatles. I’m thinking “Taxman” with its heavy bassline and chiming guitars. Track 9, “I Don't Need That Anymore,” features another Dagger favorite, Neko Case. When I first heard this performed at Kiki’s, Joe, strapped only with an acoustic guitar, did a hilarious version by tilting his head when he sang “the Neko part.” Couldn’t wait to hear the full-blown version with Neko, and it surely doesn’t disappoint. Next up, “Ordinary Goldmine,” also captures the vibe I felt at Kiki’s. Not sure if he sang this at our set. Love the repetitive ending. “Tell me where. I swear I’d be on-time.” Track 11, another acoustic beauty, “How Will We Sleep” is one to move any listener to tears. It’s not just the beauty of his acoustic guitar, the lyrics really grab you, especially me. “Growing old seemed like death to me when I was young. Now I want to grow old. And I want to belong. Oh, how will we sleep to the crash and the clang, as the hell-bent hell fires burn on in our names? How will we live: By the dove or the blade? Will we keep our eyes closed as the dream slips away?” The album ends with “The Purple Rain.” Dedicated to the loss of his cousin to cancer. The emotional lyrics say it all, “Here’s a man one heartbeat from a ghost. Here’s a vein, it spiders coast to coast. One thousand quiet cuts, and I do believe we’re close. Been bleeding out for years and years and years.” Dedicated to one of the many people close to Joe that left this earth recently. Joe’s heartfelt vocals, acoustic guitar, swelling strings, and gorgeous choir truly add to the sorrow of this piece. ERIC EGGLESON

https://www.pernicebrothers.com/

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Club 8- “Sucker” single (Golden Islands/Labrador)

I know what you’re thinking, this Hinely character is reviewing another Club 8 single?! What’s his problem? Well, I wouldn’t have to if the band didn’t keep releasing terrific singles.

As I mentioned previously, this band, the Swedish duo of Johan and Karolina, has been at it for three decades. The interesting thing about this song is that it could have been on their debut (1996’s Nouvelle) or their most recent LP (2018’s Golden Island), that is how consistently excellent this band is.

The guitars do their bouncy two-step while the rhythm (drum machine) is keeping up and Karolina’s vocals are the icing on top. Don’t miss this new one or you’ll feel like a ….yup, sucker (everyone reading just walked away in disgust after that last line).

www.club8band.bandcamp.com

www.facebook.com/club8

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The Haircuts- Words To Remember Me By (self-released)

This is a digital-only release from Ryan Marquez and his friend Teresa Daniels. If you follow the indie pop scene, you’ll know Marquez’s resume being in The Apple Orchard, Umbrella Puzzles, etc. Daniels was apparently in Seashells and Two if by Sea (which I was unaware of).

These are old bedroom recordings from 2005-2006 where both of them sing, play guitar and drums (Ryan adds some casio, too).  It was a long distance collaboration with tapes being swapped back and forth. Most of these tracks appeared on small-run CDRs and such so it’s all new to me.  The songwriting is pretty much split 50/50 and there’s a few covers, too (Belle & Sebastian, Oklahoma Scramble, and Eric’s Trip).

It’s mostly jangly indie pop though some of the tunes add liberal amounts of haze and fuzz. A few of my faves here include “It’s In The Stars,” “5 MPH,” “Summer,"  “Umbrella Day,” “My Favorite Shadow,” “Good Times,” and plenty more (plus I loved all three covers).

20 songs in all and it’s a "name your price" purchase so you really can’t go wrong! Buy and buy again!

www.thehaircuts2005.bandcamp.com

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Postal Blue- Hiding to Nothing (self-released)

Brazilian Adriano do Couto has released a few singles in the past few months, all very good.  This new one, “Hiding to Nothing” is a thoroughly pleasant mid-tempo cut with jangly guitars, whirring synth, and do Couto’s pleasing vocals.

If you like any of the stuff that labels like Sarah, Sunday or Creation released, then you’ll be ok with this.

I’m not sure if he’s gearing up for a full-length or is more just releasing stuff when the mood and inspiration strikes him. Regardless, this is music to fly kites or perhaps to crank at your local park while you’re having a picnic (for one). Solo is better.

www.postalblue.bandcamp.com

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Mythical Motors- Upside Down World  (Repeating Cloud)

Mythical Motors’ Matt Addison seems like a restless sort who is always locked away in his studio creating. And yes, of course I mean creating songs. Lots of them (probably at all hours of the night). The guy’s had a motherlode of releases since he started releasing records as M.M. and he doesn’t seem to be keen stopping anytime soon (good, don’t!).

This new record, Upside Down World (with the cover art drawn by his young daughter) might be Addison’s most consistent set yet. At 14 songs in 27 minutes, he doesn’t waste a precious second and hammers home one cut after the other. Some glisten, some soar, some float away, and a few end like there might be a little too much dust on your record needle (hey, that’s a compliment).

Cuts like “Take A Trip,” “Kick the Waves,” “Over Titan River,” and the brilliant title track and drive it home like a Ken Griffey Jr.  home run straight over center field (or Dave Kingman if you will, when he used to knock ‘em out of Wrigley Field and down Waveland Ave).

You get my point here, Addison is on a real roll here. Longtime fans are already on their 10th play and it’s a perfect place for M.M. newbies to start as well!

www.mythicalmotors.bandcamp.com

www.repeatingcloud.bandcamp.com

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10 favorite records from the 80's (non punk/HC, one release by each band....this was off the top of my head... I know there's LOTS more)

The Chills- brave words

Go-Betweens- tallulah

The Bats- daddy's highway

Galaxie 500- today

Shop Assistants- s/t

The Smiths- the queen is dead

American Music Club- engine

The Feelies- the good earth

The Vulgar Boatmen- you and your sister

Primal Scream- sonic flower groove

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Michael Feuerstack- “No Such Thing” single (Forward Music Group)

A pal sent me this song and I hadn’t heard of this Canadian gent before; but looking at his Bandcamp page, he’s got plenty of stuff out dating back a little over a decade ago so I was asleep at the wheel.

This song is from a forthcoming album, Eternity Mongers, which is out this Friday (April 19th). This song sounds like a good bit of slacker rock that’s catchy as hell and with lots of stuff going on (he and his band play it all including adding flute, sax, clarinet organ, and more plus cool backing vocals). The chorus goes something like this- “They used to call it growing up…but now we know there’s no such thing…..”

It also reminds me a little of the current crop of loopy, fun Aussie bands out there doing this kind of oddball pop.

I like it and will be looking for this full-length (you will too).

www.michaelfeuerstack.bandcamp.com

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Chanel Beads- Your Day Will Come (Jagjaguwar)

Chanel Beads is New York’s up-and-coming experimental artist Shane Lavers. His music is all over the place, which is probably why I like it. He’s been around since 2018, but he released a few singles in 2022 that really took off.  He’s new to my ears so I looked up his earlier stuff, and, well, he’s definitely experimental. It’s mostly him performing everything (acoustic guitar, electric guitars, bass, drums, drum programming, synths, keyboards, lead vocals) with additional musicians Maya McGrory (acoustic guitar, vocals) and Zachary Schwartz (violin) who also serve as part of his live band. He began this project quarantined in his Brooklyn apartment back in 2022. First up, “Dedicated To The World, ” is a beautiful introduction to the album. Imagine starting with Genesis' "Watcher Of The Skies" and then Alex G pops in. It’s filled with soaring strings, jamming acoustic guitars, and echoing vocals. Second is “Police Scanner,” another gem. This one comes with a booming bass line, a rockin’ beat, and an occasional “Yeah!” Maya shares the lead vocals here on a song with razor-sharp synths. I love the gradual mixing in of beautiful acoustic guitars. “Good people out of view. Soul to bare. Changes come. Something strange yeah something new. Police scanner.” Here’s the video:

On track 3, “Idea June,” Maya takes over with soft, gentle, whispered lead vocals. An acoustic song that actually finishes before it starts. It's just too short. Next is “Embarrassed Dog.” A strong hip-hop beatbox with beautiful synths and violin makes me think somebody is going to jump on this to remix it. Shane’s emotional vocals lash out about death again. “I was just a child. Peace symbol on your grave. Reckoning the past moves closer every day. Every day. I was just shouting out. Scratch it on your grave. It takes all of the meaning out your mouth.” Track 5, “Unifying Thought,” is another short, but upbeat song with synths resembling horns. However; the lyrics reveal more heartbreak. “Man up on the cross. Write up from your boss. Listen. Focus on the love in your heart. I had a unifying thought. But I missed.” Track 6, “Your Day Will Come, ” is the first instrumental on the album. It’s a beautiful, ambient track with a beat that gradually fades out and then the synths and strings take flight. It could easily fit on any movie soundtrack, just not a slasher film. “Urn” is a moving piece about the deceased. It’s filled with a frantic acoustic guitar, upbeat rhythms, and sorrowful lyrics. “Sometimes I wish that we buried you now. Assigned a location to my grief somehow. But I know that you would think the cemetery is silly. It’s dust to me. Yeah your birthday that kinda hurts me now. Like the day you died, the day you drank all that honey.” The song takes a complete turnaround with an all-out instrumental attack until it ends. This part definitely falls into the experimental side of his music. “Coffee Culture” is another instrumental and, by far, the longest track. Very spacy, dreamy strings, synths, and angelic choral vocals that build to an anxious finale. The album ends with “I Think I Saw.” Quickly bowing violins begin this beautiful song that builds and builds. Kind of reminds me of a long-lost Scarlet's Well track. More crazy lyrics dealing with death again. “Black dog coming. He won’t disobey. Show you something. I'm not really brave. Creeping feeling. Flowers on the grave. Do it for the state, now I visit when it’s grave.” So there you have it. Nine songs covering a wide variety in about 36 minutes. Was I right? I wonder if Shane will take these songs on the road. ERIC EGGLESON

Hey! If you want more, the vinyl version has this bonus track: “Idea June (alt version).”

https://jagjaguwar.com/artist/chanel-beads/

https://chanelbeads.bandcamp.com/

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Throwback Thursday #61!- The Tyde- Twice (Rough Trade)

The Tyde (ie: Darren Rademaker and whoever he feels like playing with, on this record it is brother Brent on bass, Ben Knight on guitar, Ann Do on keys, and Ric Menck on drums) has been around since about the turn of the century- their debut LP, Once, came out in 2000. They/he has released a bunch of terrific LPs in these past few decades (including a brand new one called Season 5)  but this one is still my go-to.

Rademaker and his brother Brent were both in the noisier further (among other bands), but both went in more melodic directions. Brent with the countrified Beachwood Sparks and Darren with the more melodic, 60’s jangle pop of The Tyde.

Right from the start this wastes no time in diving into an unheralded gem! The opening cut “A Loner” has some gorgeous 12-string guitar that slides right into the just-as-good “Henry VIII’ (again, more of that classic jangle on this one), but this ain’t no twee music (and I love twee).

“Go Ask Yer Dad” opens with a good bit of noise and then offers more of that warm melody and “Crytal Canyons” adds some organ to the proceedings and I hear a bit of a Felt influence on that one.  Keep listening or you’ll miss other classics like “Blood Brothers,” “Memorable Moments” and “Shortboard City.”

Rademaker has delivered on every album but this is the one that holds a special place in my heart. For a different kind of surf music (duck)dive into Twice (and again, do not sleep on the new album either).

www.roughtrade.com

www.thetyde.bandcamp.com

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The Wesleys- “A Lot to Lose” single” (Little Village Records)

This Canadian band (Montreal) just released their debut LP last week as well as this single. I haven’t had a chance to hear the whole LP, but wanted to write about the single so here tis’.

It’s a breezy, pop tune with some folksy elements and a really nice sense of melody all the way around. Plus the vocals are ultrafine as well (sample lyrics“You've got a lot to lose, but for now, you’ve got, time to choooooooose”). There’s also a nice little, low-key lead guitar break in the middle that seals it.

The song is ace and I’m gonna check out the rest of the LP (what I’ve heard so far is a real good….and rocks a little harder). Will report back to you maniacs at a later date.

In the meantime, dig this single.

www.littlevillagerecords.bandcamp.com

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Lame Drivers- “Become an Island” single (Jigsaw/Bleeding Gold)

This NYC trio has been on the scene for nearly two decades, but this is their first LP since 2015. It’s a band of the three Js (Jason, Joe, and Jeff) who were all born in the same hospital at the same time. They’ve got a new LP of the same name coming out at the end of June and this first single sure is a nice way to start things off.

They hit that sweet spot right between rock and pop and the meaty guitar carries the song through. The rhythm section is riding shotgun right alongside of it.

Think of some classic indie/college rock like Dumptruck with the slightest hint of some of that Cleveland/Dayton power pop gunk (The Mice) and you’ll be in the ballpark.

The always reliable Jigsaw will be releasing the CD (while Bleeding Gold will do the vinyl). Catch on now or be lost forever.

www.lamedrivers.bandcamp.com

www.jigsaw-records.com

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Autocamper- “Blanche”/ “Budge” single (Safe Suburban Home Records)

I hadn’t heard of this UK band before until someone had mentioned them on Twitter recently (sorry, I refuse to call it X) and it sounded up my alley. Plus it’s on the Safe Suburban Home label and that is always a mark of quality as well.

Only “Blanche” has been released so far  (“Budge” on May 3rd) and this new single flat-out rules! It’s got that classic indie pop vibe with intoxicating male/female harmonies, jangly guitar, a xylophone, and a taut rhythm section that knows just when to hit.

Jack, Niamh, Arthur and Harry don’t know you and you don’t know them, but after listening to this new song you’ll want to be in their presence (and then you’ll spin the single 10 more times). Go!

www.safesuburbanhomerecords.bandcamp.com

www.autocamper.bandcamp.com

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My Ten Favorite Songs by Codeine

(photo: Laura Larson)

d

loss leader

realize

pickup song

pea

barely real

washed up

sea

gravel song

tom

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The Hungover Gourmet (zine, issue # 12)

Hey hey… now this is a real cause for celebration! This is the first issue of Dan Taylor's Hungover Gourmet fanzine in 15 years. I always enjoyed this zine back in the day, and I was always hoping it would reappear and finally it did!

As it says on the cover, "the journal of food, drink, travel & fun" and this new issue does not disappoint, in fact, it's almost like it never left. They’ve got all the bases covered here. There are a couple of articles on eating and crime and one entitled "Murder they ate (or drank)." There's also a terrific article on cheesesteaks (it wouldn't be an issue of THG if there wasn't at least one article on the almighty cheesesteak). In addition to that, folks chime in with their favorite places that are no longer there. A gentleman named Curt Purcell talks about his personal journey through beer. In addition to all of that, there's plenty more.

Dan and his staff are dedicated to bringing you the best and greasiest grub that you can find. It’s a digest-size mag and at 48 pages, it’s well worth every penny. So stuff that napkin down the front of your shirt, get your knife and fork ready, and dive in (eating with your hands is perfectly acceptable as well).

www.hungovergourmet.com

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fanclubwallet-  Our Bodies Paint Traffic Lines EP (Cool Online)

Ottawa’s  DIY star Hannah Judge has released an EP, this time will a full band for touring. It’s written/composed by Hannah Judge, along with Michael Watson, Eric Graham, and Nathan Reid. Michael Watson also produced and mixed the release. The opening number and title track, “Our Bodies Paint Traffic Lines, ” is a short echoing, wall of squealing, feedback guitar over Hannah’s muffled vocals. “It’s happening all too fast. Open up the car door. Roll out onto the pavement. Our bodies paint traffic lines.” Next is “Complex Weather.” An acoustic, beautiful bedroom pop number to sing along to. Throw in some eerie keyboards and some crazy, ghostly vocals to boot. “Now I’m rolling sideways. Down the stairs by my place. My future wrapped up inside a rug. Bugs crawl out of my ears. But you're still all that I hear. Headphones on, but there's no cord attached.” Track 3, “Picture Of Her,” gives me an Ivy (Boy, I sure miss them) vibe with its bouncy guitar over Hannah’s vocals. “Bright lights; Shine on my face; Flash eyes; This is the place; I give; It all away; This time; You won't see straight. Picture of her (I see it, I feel it, it takes me back in time).” Here’s the video:

  Next up is “Easy,” a speeded-up dream pop number. Would love to hear this live as well. Jangle guitars, rockin’ rhythm section, twangy solos, and fantastic vocals to match. “Is it easy? For you? I can’t explain how you do. You do.” The EP closes with “Band Like That,” a crazy song about obsessing with her favorite band. “I bought the same guitar. To sound like just how you are. Didn't know took so much more. To create from the core. And in your band. I could sing like that. You could see it right. Me in a band like that.” Watch the video featuring Sorry Snowman:

fanclubwallet is new to me, but here’s hoping more songs are in the works. It’s a great introduction to her full band sound. Hannah is also a cartoonist, so the EP will have an exclusive set of comics, trading cards, and chord charts for you fans out there. ERIC EGGLESON

(photo by Cole Yearwood )

https://www.fanclubwallet.com/

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Throwback Thursday #60!- The Magnetic Fields- Holiday (1994- Feel Good All Over/Merge)

The Magnetic Fields released two albums in 1994,  this one and The Charm of the Highway Strip. Both were unique in their own way and though the band had released two albums prior to this (the late Susan Anway sang on those first two, leader Stephin Merrit took over vocals on these two 1994 albums), these were the two albums where I really got the band (though that “100,000 Fireflies” single was/is a total classic).

The Charm… was Merritt’s country album (I think those were his words) and this was his synth pop record and man, there’s nary a bad song on it. The rest of the band on this record is Johnny Blood on tuba, Sam Davol on cello and Claudia Gonson on toys and management (I’m pretty sure Claudia is still the band’s manager).

The synths pump through the whole record, sometimes with the coolest/oddest sounds, as does the drum machine and Merritt’s droll vocals (lyrics, too). The tuba and cello flourishes are perfect as well.

Some of my absolute favorite Magnetic Fields songs are on this record. Just give a listen to instant classics like the glittery “Desert Island,” the rubbery bounce of “Deep Sea Diving Suit,” the choppy, surreal sound of “Strange Powers,” and the absolutely shimmering “Swinging London” (and don’t miss “Sugar World” which is as sweet as it sounds).

69 Love Songs is the one that gets all the ink (and it should), but this is my personal M.F. favorite. I’m guessing if you read this site, then this album is already part of your collection, but if not, go buy three copies immediately!

www.mergerecords.com

www.themagneticfields.andcamp.com

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Restless Leg- “Sow A Little Seed” single  (Sinister Porpoise Records)

I’m trying to think of the last time I  heard these Aussie maniacs. It might have been their 2021 album Dream Buffet, but I’m not even 100% sure.

They have a new album coming out very soon (Dance Around My Head coming out in June), and this is the first single. They’re doing what they do, creating nimble and jumpy pop music that’s catchy as all get out with some lyrics that I occasionally crack up at (“There’s no explanation, you were a hallucination…” ). Cool backing vocals, too.

…and is that some whistling that I heard? I’m always a bit jealous as I’m a lousy whistler.

Anyway, go to their site and preorder, reorder, and order again; and that’s an order!

www.restlessleg.bandcamp.com