My friend sent me an album to which I had not previously listened. It was Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s American X: Baby 81 Sessions. The 2007 EP from the now-based Los Angeles indie rock band did not receive much attention when released. American X: Baby 81 Sessions was at first only released at indie record shops in the U.S.
One of the songs that stuck out for me was “Last Chance for Love”. For an overall dark sounding album, this song is quite nice and has the neo-psychedelia mood that is often present in Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s music.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - American X Baby 81 Sessions
For those interested in buying the American X album you can purchase it here.
Filed under: Indie Rock Bands | album review, black rebel motorcycle club, Indie Rock Bands|No Comments
Earlier today I heard the song “Backed Out on the…” by Canadian indie rock band Broken Social Scene’s co-founder Kevin Drew. The song is off the album Spirt If…, the first installment in the series entitled Broken Social Scene Presents: that highlights albums by member’s solo projects. So far, only Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning have contributed to the Broken Social Scene Presents series.
Kevin Drew - Spirit If...
Released in fall of 2007, Broken Social Scene Presents: Kevin Drew Spirit If landed at #113 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on Top Heatseekers. The song “Backed Out on the…” hit #33 on Rolling Stones list of 100 best songs of 2007.
| Download Spirit If album and songs at Amazon.com |
Filed under: Indie Rock Bands | album review, broken social scene, canadian indie rock|No Comments
Just the other day I was going through my CD collection and came across an album I hadn’t played in about a year – Planet of Ice by Minus the Bear. I am quite certain it grabbed my attention for two simple reasons: for one, it has a sweet album cover of snowy mountains. I think I’ve started missing this time of year back east when the snow begins to fall in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. Second, Minus the Bear is playing in a few days down the block from me at Bimbos 365 Club on November 19, 2008.
The Seattle band released the album in August of 2007. In my opinion Planet of Ice is stronger and simply better than the indie band’s previous album, Menos el Oso. This is apparent through the maturity and depth the band is able to achieve. I was very impressed with the unique and distinguishable melodies of “White Mystery” and “Ice Monster”. “White Mystery”, my favorite song on Planet of Ice is a slower track, and easily assumed as a sex jam of sorts. I encourage you to listen.
Minus the Bear album Planet of Ice
For those of you who did not know, this was Minus the Bear’s first album with keyboardist Alex Rose. Rose replaced Matt Bayles, and did so brilliantly, giving the keyboard a much stronger and effective presence.
If you don’t own a copy of Planet of Ice I highly suggest you buy the CD (where do you get CDs anymore?) or download it off iTunes or some other music download site.
| Download or buy Planet of Ice album or tracks at Amazon.com |
Filed under: Indie Rock Bands | album review, minus the bear, planet of ice|1 Comment
