Tuesday, May 15, 2012

The Gaslight Anthem to Release New Album - July 24, 2012

Handwritten (2012, Mercury)


The Gaslight Anthem are set to release their fourth LP entitled "Handwritten" on July 24.  I've been reading reports of a more 90's alternative rock influenced sound, and the bonus tracks are to include both a Tom Petty and a Nirvana cover.  I positively cannot wait for this record.
Track Listing
1) ''45''
2) Handwritten
3) Here Comes My Man
4) Mulholland Drive
5) Keepsake
6) Too Much Blood
7) Howl
8) Biloxi Parish
9) Desire
10) Mae
11) National Anthem

Bonus Tracks
Blue Dahlia
Sliver
You Got Lucky




Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Review: First Aid Kit - The Lion's Roar


January 24, 2012
Wichita Recordings

Rating:  6.5/10

Being revered as a female Fleet Foxes singing Joni Mitchell tunes, one could easily understand my immediate draw to the Swedish duo, First Aid Kit.  Well, the descriptions being bestowed upon the throwback folk impressions of sisters Johanna and Klara are completely fitting.  These songs are rustic and poetic, and they wouldn't sound out of place around a campfire at Woodstock.  As a person who does not typically shy away from modern day hippie music, I can genuinely enjoy this album in moderation.  Not taken in small doses, however, this flower child formula can begin to teeter on music exec board room banality.

All flaunting of innocence and incense aside, the music actually sounds pretty good in the right setting; sunny day drives through fields of wheat, for example.  The credentials are legitimate too, as the girls have worked with Jack White (but who hasn't, really?) and the album was produced by Mike Mogis of Bright Eyes.  It's also hard to ignore the obvious, albeit well merited, name-dropping of Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris, etc.  I will say that Conor Oberst's appearance on the final track serves as a sweet signature on a simple and summery set of songs.  Check it out to add some airy and untroubled warmth to your day.