Upcoming releases that I am uber-excited about

And when I say uber, I mean uber. It's not a pre-fix I use lightly.

Spoon: Transference -- Recently named the Metacritic (a site that culls weighted averages from top reviewers: http://features.metacritic.com/features/2009/best-music-of-the-decade/) Top Artist of the Decade, based on the reviews garnered by their four releases over the past 9 years, the Austin quartet seems poised to kick the next decade right in the pants by releasing their next studio offering just 25 days after it starts. I am not alone in having high hopes for this one. Prepare yourself for the awesomeness here: http://www.mergerecords.com/transference/

Jonsi: Go -- After a busy couple of years releasing not one but two albums (með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust with primary band Sigur Ros, and Riceboy Sleeps with side project Jonsi and Alex) the Great Icelandic Hope returns in March, 2010 with a solo effort that might just turn out to be fan-freaking-tastic. I was only mildly excited for this until I heard the first single, "Boy Lillikoi", which plays like several rushes of increasingly cool and pleasant rose-scented air on a warm day, and may just have the single most cohesive use of percussion I have ever heard. If you don't mind signing up for updates, you can download it for free here: http://www.jonsi.com/. I highly recommend that you do.

Phantogram: Eyelid Movies -- One of local favorite Barsuk's newest signings is set to drop a bomb in February! This band really has to be heard to be believed. I've heard them, and I am still not sure I believe it. Even if the quality of this release doesn't measure up to others by the end of 2010, it is sure to be one of the most interesting and creative albums of the year. If you want to geek out over it the way I have, you can do so here: http://www.barsuk.com/shop/bark094

Beach House: Teen Dream -- Arguably Sub Pop's biggest (or perhaps smartest) signings of 2008, Beach House make sublime noise with traces of coastal sunshine. They have been busy touring since their last release, and somehow finding time for awesome collaborations in the meantime. I give you the TRx Guarantee that this will be in the running for Album of 2010. Read (and Listen!) all about it right...over...here: http://www.subpop.com/releases/beach_house/full_lengths/teen_dream

Field Music: Field Music (Measure) -- Sometimes a hiatus only proves that talent can grow stale. Not in the case of this British band. Using a Beatles-singing-over-The-Human-League aesthetic and turning in extremely solid songwriting throughout, this is sure to be an extremely satisfying listen. And it's a Double LP! In this age of the iTune, who isn't ready for a good old-fashioned double-album? I know I am. You can preview it here, should you so desire: http://memphis.greedbag.com/buy/field-music-measure/

So, that's five. There are probably at least another 50 or so that I could write about. How about I just stop here for now, eh? Ooooh! Here's an idea: why don't you comment with the releases you are most looking forward to? Well? What are you waiting for?!

(Sooner or) Later,

--TRx

Random thoughts and stuff

(for anyone looking for a focused blog post: please, do yourself a favor and turn away now. this is just me typing whatever occurs to me and then posting it so I can say I am keeping the blog at least somewhat "up to date"...)

NWxNW is full steam ahead, all systems GO. Tickets are printed and ready to be sold, posters are being disseminated...things are happening... We really hope to see EVERYONE there!

After being sold out of Cock and Swan merch, we now have it back in-stock! Both albums (Noon Hum and Marshmallow Sunset), more of the cute baby-blue tee-shirt, and a killer new brown and yellow shirt. I am trying to resist the urge to get one of those for myself, but I can't hold it back forever, people! Get in here and buy one! Of course you will also have the chance to peep them live, playing at NWxNW. And no one will judge if you wear the shirt of the band that you go to see. At least, I won't. To your face. ; P

New titles on the horizon for the next month or so will (hopefully) include, but are not limited to: Grizzly Bear--Veckitamest (Special re-edition with Bonus Tracks); Thao with The Get Down Stay Down--Know Better Learn Faster; The Raincoats--vinyl re-issue; Nirvana--Bleach (20-Year Platinum Re-issue); Justin Radford--Off the Spring (it's a rock-opera! What else do you need to know?!); Headlights--Wildlife; Asobi Seksu--Re-wolf... Plus plenty of others...

Extinction Studios (AKA: our awesomely modified, (almost) state-of-the-art recording space) has completed its first project, replacing the soundtrack to a short film by a Seattle-area writer/director! We have liftoff...! To get more details or set up a time to record, contact Bob @ giantrobotguy@gmail.com!

Shows I will miss this month include Pinback, The xx, The Black Heart Procession, et. al.--not to mention what by all accounts was a mind-blowing set last week by BLK JKS. All lamentable, indeed, but my full-time job gets in the way of my going out to shows. Get out and enjoy live music people... Don't be like me.

It was a really good Halloween this year. We had a lot of cute kids dressed as grotesque monsters during the daytime, and a great time across the street at DC's Bar & Grill at night. Where else would you get to see rock legend Slash mixing it up with street pimps, zombies, and a cow in a bikini (I am still not sure what that dude was supposed to be...)? That's right. Nowhere.

And I guess all this means that the holiday season is about to really kick into overdrive. If I forget to say it later, and I very well may: Happy (upcoming) Holidays to everyone out there in the blogosphere...

ps: Come in and buy records/CDs!! (How's that for subliminal marketing?)

"ROOOOAAAAARRRRR!!!"
--TRx