2011 has so far been an impressive year of new releases. New records from old favorites Radiohead, R.E.M., The Dears and Elbow have been solid, and I've discovered a few new groups along the way.
Here are some groups I've discovered so far in 2011:
Archers
Their debut 7" is a raucous explosion of energy and sound, and they have the live show to back it up. The group recently recorded a session at OPB, and I had the pleasure of interviewing them. Look for that interview at opbmusic.org in the coming weeks.
Hurricane Bells
While in D.C. in April I decided to check out a random show. I had never heard of Hurricane Bells until that night, and I was truly impressed. (Later I discovered that lead singer Steve Schiltz was also the singer for Longwave, a group I also enjoy very much.) Schlitz uses guitar effects to create an atmosphere of sound, backed by a steady drummer, bass player and female vocalist. He tells me there is a new album on the way, and I am looking forward to it.
Land of Talk
My friend Rian gave me the latest Land of Talk release - Cloak & Cipher - and told me I would dig it. He was right. It is a female-led group with loud guitars and killer melodies. Rian and I both agree the songs could use a liiiittle editing time-wise, but other than that it is a stunning album.
Apex Manor
Earlier in the year I discovered Apex Manor, the new project from The Broken West singer Ross Flournoy. I lucked into catching their set at Mississippi Studios, and the band blasted through the new album while sneaking in a few Broken West tunes along the way. The album plays like a classic good ol' American rock record in the best way possible and is among my favorites of the year so far.
There are always more, but those are the groups that have stood out so far this year. And there are still plenty of new releases to come this year...Fleet Foxes, Beastie Boys, They Might Be Giants, Dawes, Other Lives and on and on.
What are some of your favorites of 2011 so far?
Showing posts with label R.E.M.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label R.E.M.. Show all posts
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
An Open Letter to Warner Bros. Records
Dear Warner Bros Records,
First, I would like to take the time to thank you for some of the artists both on your roster and whom you have distributed over the years: B-52's, Muse, The White Stripes, James Taylor, R.E.M., Everest and many others. Also, it's fantastic that your company, with "Records" in the name, is still selling actual vinyl. I am a recent vinyl convert, and it has been fun to rediscover my record collection on wax.
Some artists I seek out now, including a few of yours - R.E.M. & Everest to name two - I look first to vinyl. From there I hope to enjoy the sonic wonders of my turntable and then convert those songs to digital files so I can listen on the go. (It's a little tough to go jogging with a turntable...) This, for the most part, is fairly easy because most record labels - even the "indie" ones - include a code to download the album online. Makes sense, right? Welllll, not to you, I guess.
Warner Bros Records is the only label I have found (so far) that does NOT include a digital download with the purchase of new vinyl. So, let me get this right: I should pay 15, 20 or 25 bucks for the wax and then go out and purchase a digital version too? I think not.
I realize I am beating a dead horse here, but major labels need to get with the program and at least attempt to keep up. Even a local Portland label like Tender Loving Empire is pressing colored vinyl AND including digital downloads at a reasonable price. It can't be THAT hard. Dave Allen over at North always writes (much more eloquently) about this topic, and you should probably start paying attention. We're 10+ years into the new millennium after all...
Now that you've frustrated me, all I want to do is seek out smaller bands on smaller labels - something I already do - and avoid major labels entirely. Really, I probably just should have found that new R.E.M. album for free online. At least then I would have had a digital copy.
In the end, though, it's the smaller labels that are putting out the best material anyway, so I'm not totally mad at you, Warner Bros. I know my most beloved bands are going to come from your lesser-known rivals, which is a program I will gladly support.
Sincerely,
-matthew-
First, I would like to take the time to thank you for some of the artists both on your roster and whom you have distributed over the years: B-52's, Muse, The White Stripes, James Taylor, R.E.M., Everest and many others. Also, it's fantastic that your company, with "Records" in the name, is still selling actual vinyl. I am a recent vinyl convert, and it has been fun to rediscover my record collection on wax.
Some artists I seek out now, including a few of yours - R.E.M. & Everest to name two - I look first to vinyl. From there I hope to enjoy the sonic wonders of my turntable and then convert those songs to digital files so I can listen on the go. (It's a little tough to go jogging with a turntable...) This, for the most part, is fairly easy because most record labels - even the "indie" ones - include a code to download the album online. Makes sense, right? Welllll, not to you, I guess.
Warner Bros Records is the only label I have found (so far) that does NOT include a digital download with the purchase of new vinyl. So, let me get this right: I should pay 15, 20 or 25 bucks for the wax and then go out and purchase a digital version too? I think not.
I realize I am beating a dead horse here, but major labels need to get with the program and at least attempt to keep up. Even a local Portland label like Tender Loving Empire is pressing colored vinyl AND including digital downloads at a reasonable price. It can't be THAT hard. Dave Allen over at North always writes (much more eloquently) about this topic, and you should probably start paying attention. We're 10+ years into the new millennium after all...
Now that you've frustrated me, all I want to do is seek out smaller bands on smaller labels - something I already do - and avoid major labels entirely. Really, I probably just should have found that new R.E.M. album for free online. At least then I would have had a digital copy.
In the end, though, it's the smaller labels that are putting out the best material anyway, so I'm not totally mad at you, Warner Bros. I know my most beloved bands are going to come from your lesser-known rivals, which is a program I will gladly support.
Sincerely,
-matthew-
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