This list of April favorites stands in stark contrast to what I was listening to last year around this time. If I remember correctly, it was all about The Field, Gui Boratto, Pantha du Prince, and other electronic acts keeping me company as I packed for my move to Philadelphia. A year later and the songs below show a turn toward more organic sounds, mostly psychedelia, folk, and some blues. Maybe it’s the change of scenery, with New York representing the minimal electronic sounds that fit its cold, stark landscape and the fact that Philly feels more in touch with the natural world. This city has its fair share of greenery and I don’t have to climb to my roof or traverse to the bikepath along the Hudson to catch a glimpse of the sun and sky.
FLEET FOXES
Fleet Foxes, Subpop; 2008
[MP3]: “White Winter Hymnal”
This record was the perfect listen on Saturday morning as I pulled myself together from the previous night’s haze. I sat on my bed soaking up the sun that poured into the room sipping on a coffee and kicking back some much needed Advil, this, of course, after spacing on Radiohead tickets.
THE WAR ON DRUGS
Wagonwheel Blues, Secretly Canadian; 2008
[MP3]: “Taking the Farm”
The War on Drugs were one of the first bands that I was introduced to after moving to the City of Brotherly love. I wasn’t initially thrilled on the first few spins of their Barrel of Batteries EP, as it took a few listens to adjust to Adam Granduciel’s Dylan-esque vocals. Eventually, the band won me over and the impressive
Wagonwheel Blues further cements them as one of my favorite bands in Philly.
DOMINIQUE LEONE
Dominique Leone EP, Feedelity; 2007
[MP3]: “Duyen”
Dominique Leone was the first act to be signed to Strømland Records, the imprint started by the people behind Norway’s Smalltown Supersound and Lindstrøm. On his genre spanning self-titled EP, the San Francisco-based Leone pulls together the best of both April’s for me with minimal beats stacked against sunny psychedelic pop, oddball samples, and classical arrangements. Stunning.
THEE OH SEES
The Master’s Bedroom Is Worth Spending A Night In, Tomlab; 2008
[MP3]: “Ghost in the Trees”
Another San Francisco-based act, Thee Oh Sees, follow 2007’s
Sucks Blood with
The Master’s Bedroom Is Worth Spending A Night In. The LP treds somewhere between the band’s supposed goo-rock and garage rock. John Dwyer (Coachwhips) is now supported by a three piece who pack catchy driving melodies, catchy background harmonies, heavy feedback, and pounding drums into this fifteen track LP.
CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
TBA; 2008
[MP3]: “Tiny Concerts”
Circulatory System are back with three new songs after a seven year hiatus. No one’s really sure if these hazy, lo-fi, jazz-infused psychedelic numbers are the beginnings of the new record, slated for a fall release. Here’s to hoping.
