Wilco members John Stirratt and Pat Sansone will release their fourth Autumn Defense album “Once Around” on November 2nd via Yep Roc Records. If the single is any indication, this looks to be a very well received album. And the California sound to “Back Of My Mind” is just irresistible. Now get this single as a FREE Download from Yep Roc.
Oh and by the way, Bleu’s new album “Four” has been out for streaming and will be out in the US on November 2nd. Pretty cool, eh?
Washington D.C. musician Edward O’Connell has produced a polished gem of a debut on “Our Little Secret.” O’Connell is very much a power popper in the Richard X. Heyman mold. His sound builds on influences from Nick Lowe, Tom Petty, and Elvis Costello. Starting with “Ace Of Diamonds,” it’s got that vibrant strum to warm the soul and a Wilbury-like hook in the chorus, it’s a real winner of a single. “I Heard It Go” is a wry observational song that follows with similar rhythm and creative guitar lead during the break.
The rooty jangle opens on completely awesome “Partially Awesome” and “Happy Black” is a slow shuffle with Edward’s vocals at it’s most Costello-esque. The charging “With This Ring” is layered with great guitar solos and a driving beat that brings to mind Dave Edmunds. “Pretty Wasted” is a great example of brilliant songwriting and Jill Read’s backing vocals in the chorus just emphasize the love story. The tempo slows down and the subject matter gets a bit heavier on the album’s second half, as “I Need All The Friends That I Can Get” is an ambitious ballad and the slow country flavored “We Will Bury You” is a moving observation at a funeral. The quality and craftsmanship of this album is impeccable and with no filler to be found. It makes the top ten list for sure so don’t miss it!
Edward O’Connell’s site | CD Baby | Amazon
Berlin based Seaside Stars are playing their first shows in the US this September, going from Chicago to the Nebraska Pop Festival. The Stars have a distinct west coast jangle to their sound, like sunshine after a rainy day. The new album is due early 2011. In the meantime, enjoy the FREE single “Summers On My Way”
Nick Vernier Band is an alias for musician Eric Van Den Brink with an all-star line up of collaborators primarily former Wondermints band-member Probyn Gregory. Review for the new album “Sessions” is coming soon!
Julius C “Don’t Want Anybody” EP
A couple of kids from NYU met up in 2003 and kept playing until they formed this tight unit. Fast-paced and fun, the opening title track is as catchy as hell and demands repeat spins. “My Broken Heart” is a funky throwback that is shadowed by a fuzzy bass line and a solid disco orchestral touches. Plenty of energy on “OK, OK” and the marching piano jam of “You & Me.” Overall these are bright, shiny pop songs with hooks-a-plenty. One of the hottest EPs this year, so when is that full release guys? Check out the video here!
My Space | CD Baby
Manatee “s/t”
This band marries the Velvets, The Band and a touch of Codeine to form a indie/slowcore hybrid. The guitars certainly prod along at a weary pace on “Distance To Mars” that seem better suited to Neil Young, and the harmonies feel dry and out of place. Ironically a highlight here is called “Scapegoat,” with it’s slow jam and vocals matching the solid composition, it’s the most compelling track. The pace picks up slightly on “The Unsuccessful Rapist” with some strong drum work by Russ Thompson. The guitars slow building riffs also work well on “Fluorescent Eyes” but the biggest issue here is that the vocals are indistinct and the entire tone of the album is a downer. I hope they cheer up enough for a sophomore release.
MySpace | CDBaby