New Spins

White Fence Cyclops Reap 
(Castleface)

Tim Presley's exercise in destruction continues to know no bounds. Not quite as ambitious as last year's WF//FP, this new album Cyclops Reap is, however, equally challenging. 

Starts with a weird title, but also called "b/w Pink Gorilla" on the cover. Comes with 7 inch that has "Pink Gorilla" as the A side, b/w the title track, "Cyclops Reap," which isn't actually even on the album. Yikes. This record gives new meaning to making your listeners work to find meaning to make. 

Cyclops Reap is the lo-fi pop mixtape on the floor of your uncle's '92 Taurus. 

Jacco Gardner Cabinet of Curiosities
(1-2-3-4-GO!)

Jacco Gardner's strange dream of a river through a jungle inside an armoire. Dense and meandering experimental songs recall a Syd Barrett sense of humor and a smoky Carnaby Street sideshow. Basically, 60's studio pop. 

This album came recommended by Todd, of the infamous Basement Bell Ringers. 

I've listened to the new Strokes record 20 times

So, how does this ad for RCA disguised as a record measure up? It's complicated. 

If you liked Angles, you will probably like this. Maybe not, though. If you didn't like Angles, you might like this, but I somehow doubt it. 

Comedown Machine is a good deal stranger than anything the Strokes have done. It's very interesting, some of the songs sound like they were culled from some B movie soundtrack. It felt a little schizophrenic the first, I don't know, five times I listened. After that, it started to take on hypnotic qualities (combined with 10+ hours staring a computer monitor probably didn't help). "Call it Fate Call It Karma" on repeat and another cup of tea. 

The New Strokes all but kill the Old Strokes with this one. What really matters is, what do you think? How could they, right?!

Listen to it here. 

New Spins.

Atoms for Peace AMOK 
(XL)

Thom Yorke digs out another pulsing rabbit hole. Headphone music. Fans of The Eraser will enjoy this record. The deluxe version has some beautiful artwork. Claims to employ live musicians but hardly sounds like it. 

Son Volt Honky Tonk
(Rounder)

Jay Farrar and Co. have always injected some traditional country elements into their records. Hell, Jay's voice was made for it. But with this new LP, they plunge all the way in, and give us a relaxed, mature, and well-mixed country record. And it's just right. (Also, don't miss them later this year at the Pageant.)