Anomie - "So Long"

We love Field Mouse, so you can imagine our excitement when Rachel Browne announced a side project, Anomie. Anomie has a 4 song EP coming out on Febraury 10. From the description of the EP:

The four songs on Anomie’s self-titled EP, available February 10, 2015 (Father/Daughter Records) were written in California over the span of a week where Rachel escaped to think during a difficult time. What emerged was a time capsule for the experience -- the music functioning as a therapeutic means to alleviate the heartache Rachel felt in the moment. 

Yeah, that sounds like how every great album is written to me, too. The first song on the EP, "So Long," can be streamed now, and it sounds like Juliana Hatfield fronting Letters to Cleo. Just when I thought we couldn't love Rachel Browne's music any more...

You can pre-order Anomie EP on their Bandcamp page, and listen to "So Long" below.

Seth Avett and Jessica Lea Mayfield Have an Album of Elliott Smith Songs

I love this newfangled trend of artists you'd never expect to work together coming together to record an album of covers. The latest truly has the potential to be the best. Seth Avett (of the Avett Brothers, of course) and Jessica Lea Mayfield have an album coming out in March of Elliott Smith covers. They've been working on this project for 3 years, recording in each other's homes and hotel rooms. Both are huge fans of Smiths', and from the snippets you can hear in the promo video below, it should be fantastic. The album will be titled Seth Avett and Jessica Lea Mayfield Sing Elliott Smith and will be out on March 15 on Ramseur Records. 

Tracklist:
1. Between the Bars
2. Baby Britain
3. Fond Farewell
4. Somebody That I Used to Know
5. Let’s Get Lost
6. Twilight
7. Ballad of Big Nothing
8. Angel in the snow
9. Pitseleh
10. Angeles
11. Roman Candle
12. Memory Lane

First Listen: New Releases for January 6

A slow new release week for the new year, but there are two interesting releases out there.

Guster - Evermotion: Guster is that college band for me. Lost and Gone Forever was a staple for me for a few years back when Guster was trying to break through, and I probably saw them live a dozen times. The band has really changed, both in personnel and in sound, since the early 2000s, but Evermotion is probably their best work in a decade. It's not all perfect, but there are some truly catchy tunes in here. If you're hoping that they go back to their "Happy Frappy" days, you'll have to keep waiting, but in terms of what's essentially become a fairly okay adult alternative rock band? Worth a listen.

Catfish and the Bottlemen - The Balcony: I don't know much about Catfish and the Bottlemen except that the album came fairly well-regarded this week after having been out in the UK since September. It's fairly standard modern indie rock fare - certainly nothing groundbreaking, but it's different than anything out this week and might be worth at least a listen.

Newport Folk Festival 2015 Tickets Go On Sale TOMORROW!

The Newport Folk Festival has been the highlight of my musical year ever since 2007 when an ex convinced me to bring her. The Allman Brothers headlined that year, and despite that, I had an amazing time and have been every year since. Nowadays, Jack White and Beck headline the fest which is an amazing improvement. Back in 2007, you could decide to go the same week of the festival depending on the weather. Thanks to the amazing work done by Jay Sweet, Newport now sells out months and months in advance, even without most of the lineup being announced. Because of this, I want to make sure you all know that tickets go on sale TOMORROW for the 2015 Newport Folk Festival. You can either buy early bird tickets for all 3 days, or just individual day tickets. Do this ASAP, or you will regret it. Even without a single 2015 performer announced (although if you check out certain websites, there is 1 Friday performer listed), I can guarantee you will regret missing it.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow, January 8, at 10:00 am. You can go here for 3 day passes.

Ken's Most Anticipated Albums of 2015

Sleater-Kinney - No Cities to Love: Quite possibly the most anticipated album for all critics in 2015 is the comeback from Sleater-Kinney. They're one of those bands that disappears for a few years and then comes back bigger than ever. Their reunion tour pretty much sold out instantly,with them playing larger venues than before. "Bury Our Friends" is the only song I've heard so far, but it's pretty safe to say that this will be great.

Lady Lamb the Beekeeper - After: As excited as I am for this album, part of me is a little hesitant. I loved Ripely Pine so much and gushed about it so heavily, can a second album live up to that for me? But, even if After is merely half as good as her first, it will still be one of the best of the year. Plus, "Billions of Eyes" is a rambling jaunt that sounds like Dylan fronting Neutral Milk Hotel, so it can't be anything short of great.

The Juliana Hatfield Three - Whatever, My Love: I mean, have you heard "If I Could" yet? It's a song that's been kicking around since at least 2004, and it's finally found a home on this new album. There's something purely magical when Juliana gets together with Dean Fisher and Todd Philips. Based on this song alone, she was right to hold back for a decade.

And the Kids - TBD: I've seen the name And the Kids kicking around for a while, but I didn't really know much about them. I had always thought they were pretty generic and dull, based on pretty much nothing. Then I saw them open for Sallie Ford a little while ago, and was blown away by the two songs I saw. They land more on the more danceable side of Lady Lamb the Beekeeper, and are pretty fantastic. I bought the EP that night, and I can't wait to see what they do with a full length.

Faith No More - TBD: I'm not really a traditional metal/hard rock guy, but Faith No More aren't a traditional metal/hard rock band. "Motherfucker" is a weird, weird choice for a first single for their first album in 15 years, but it's Faith No More, so of course it is. I'm most hesitant about this one, since I've been burnt by big reunions before. We shall see...






Other upcoming albums I'm excited for:
Suz Slezak - When the Nighttime Comes (The only reason it's not in my top 5 is I've already heard it, and it's great.)
David Wax Museum - TBA
Justin Townes Earle - Absent Fathers
Frank Turner - TBA
Modest Mouse - Strangers to Ourselves

Jeff's Most Anticipated Albums of 2015

We're in a new year now, and there are certainly a few albums coming up that I'm very excited for:

Kanye West - TBA: Kanye West has had a few listening parties for his follow-up to Yeezus, and there was a lot of talk about it being released sometime in 2014, but that clearly didn't happen. Will it be more like Yeeus, will we get movement more back toward the mainstream, or will it be something completely different? I enjoy Kanye West in part because of his unpredictability, but also because you know it's going to be an interesting listen. Plus, the idea that this album could drop within hours of this being posted or never get released at all is just as fascinating. Easily the biggest upcoming release for me.

The Decemberists - What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World: While the prerelease singles haven't knocked my socks off, considering how great their last album was, I can't help but be excited about this album coming out in a few weeks. A band that has shifted its sound around a few times while still sounding like the band they've always been, it's a good question as to where this will end up.

Suz Slezak - When the Nighttime Comes: Ken has written about this already, but Slezak's voice and instrumental prowess means we're going to get something truly great out of this solo effort. Plus, given that I'm always on the lookout for stuff my almost-two-year-old might enjoy, that this is at least in part geared toward the littler set means I have a few reasons to be excited.

School of Seven Bells - TBA: With the loss of one half of this duo earlier this year, all we have left is what's being prepped for release this year. I've loved everything School of Seven Bells has released up to this point, and this bittersweet swan song will hopefully not disappoint.

The Juliana Hatfield Three – Whatever, My Love: "If I Could" is already a frontrunner for song of 2015 for me, so to say I'm really excited about this upcoming album is an understatement. February can't come soon enough, and the fact that the new song alone sounds like an early 1990s throwback while still sounding modern? I think this might be the only thing Ken and I post about in February at this rate.






Other upcoming albums I'm intrigued by:

* Colleen Green – I Want To Grow Up (early songs sound pretty polished, but still quite good)
* Tool – TBA (yes, really)
* Father John Misty – I Love You, Honeybear
* Belle & Sebastian – Girls In Peacetime Want To Dance
* Courtney Barnett - TBA

Quarterly Report: Albums We Missed Along the Way

Clearing the deck on 2014 continues with a look at some 2014 albums we missed covering along the way. While I'd normally do a First Listen-style recap, the simple reality is that there are just far too many this go 'round to give the proper attention to, so instead, I'm going to split them into a few different buckets. Either way, while we wait for new releases to come back around in the new year, this might be worth some time for you to try something new:

Give these a listen:

* Ages and Ages - Divisionary
* Steve Dawson - Funeral Bonsai Wedding
* God Help the Girl Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (a different feel from the album from a few years ago)
* Quiet Life - Housebroken Man
* Lily and Madeleine - Acoustic Sessions
* Drab - Unicorn EP
* Olivia Jean - Bathroom Love Killings
* Knife Party - Abandon Ship (arguably the best electronic album of the year)
* Hem - The World is Outside

Might be worth a try:

* Hozier - Hozier ("Take Me to Church" is probably the worst song on the album, and the album is a little strange)
* You + Me - Rose Ave.
* Kiesza - Sound of a Woman (does not meet the heights of "Hideaway," still interesting)
* Lily Wood and the Prick - The Fight
* Sleeper Agent - About Last Night
* Diarrhea Planet - Aliens in the Outfield
* Greylag - Greylag
* Ex-Cops - Daggers ("Black Soap" is a great song)
* GRMLN - Soon Away

Consider avoiding:

* Broken Bells - After the Disco
* Colony House - When I Was Younger
* Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas - Secret Evil
* The Barr Brothers - Secret Operator
* Sleaford Mods - Chubbed Up (Sorry Ken, I just don't get it)
* Counting Crows - Somewhere Under Wonderland
* Peaking Lights - Cosmic Logic

Live Shows: The Mighty Mighty Bosstones & Fishbone, House of Blues, Boston, MA 12/26/14

For what has become an annual trek for me, the day after Christmas I headed into Boston for the 17th Hometown Throwdown put on by the Mighty Mighty Bosstones. I am pretty much guaranteed to go every year at this point, choosing which date solely based on the openers. This year's winner was Fishbone.

Fishbone opened unbelievably strong, with their first song being "Party at Ground Zero." It's always a bold move to open with your most well known song, but since I have a feeling a good chunk of the crowd was unfamiliar with the ska-punk pioneers, it made sense. They tore into "Ugly" next, followed by "Lyin' Ass Bitch." From there, the show seemed to tone down quite a bit. Some youths behind me remarked that Fishbone wasn't bad, but they were ready for them to be done. Since they only played 8 songs total, I hate to admit I agreed. I'm sure a full headlining set would be a better choice instead of an abbreviated opening set. They closed with a cover of Sublime's "Date Rape," which seemed kind of like pandering to the crowd a bit. I know they toured with Sublime a lot in the past, but they should own the fact that they originated this genre of music more.

What is there really left to say about a Bosstones live show? They're one of the few bands I completely understand if someone doesn't like them based on their recorded music alone. But their live show can't be beat. At the Hometown Throwdown, it's almost a family reunion, and the knuckleheads are kept to an absolute minimum. This is a welcome change from when they were considered a frat rock favorite in the 90s. It's now kept to die hards only. The most surprising aspect of one of their shows is how well newer songs like "Nah, Nah, Nah, Nah, Nah" and "Graffiti Worth Reading" fit in with classics like "Dr. D" and "Hell of a Hat."

One of the most fun aspects of the annual Throwdown is the unique stage designs every year. The past few years have seen a fake house backdrop adorned with lights, a replica Citgo sign, etc. This year they brought back the glowing wall of Santas, which was a fan favorite. I would have almost preferred a new backdrop, but a wall of Santas is always pretty rad.

While the Bosstones attract a shocking number of teenagers still (pretty sure it's a ska thing), the majority of the crowd is in their 30s and 40s, so it's pretty impossible to be the creepy old guy here. One of my favorite sights is how many dads bring their elementary aged kids with them, complete with plaid jackets and mohawks. Maybe this upcoming generation isn't completely lost after all...

As a side note, Big D & the Kids Table opened the show. Thanks to the crazy line to get in (plus the fact that I didn't really like the albums I listened to) I only caught maybe 3 songs of their set. Live, they are fantastic, and I wished I caught more of them. Maybe next time they come around. My only complaint of the night was that all 3 bands were of the ska-punk variety, and it might have been nicer to break that up a bit. Last year I caught a Sam Black Church reunion, which broke up the night well. Sunday Andrew W.K. opened, so it was just the night I went. 

Jeff's Best of the Rest of 2014

While I was able to narrow down my 10 favorites in 2014, that doesn't mean there wasn't a further list of albums I loved along the way. Listed below are some of my other favorites, all of which are available to stream on Spotify:

The Jezebels - The Brink
Phox - Phox
Tuatara - Underworld
Lana Del Ray - Ultraviolence
Orwells - Disgraceland
Justin Townes Earle - Single Mothers
+/- - Jumping the Tracks
Aphex Twin - Syro
Spoon - They Want My Soul
HAERTS - HAERTS
Front County - Sake of the Sound
Shovels and Rope - Swimmin' Time
Philip Selway - Weatherhouse
Knife Party - Abandon Ship
Gemma Ray - Milk for Your Motors
Orwells - Disgraceland
Orenda Fink - Blue Dream
Benjamin Booker - Benjamin Booker
Tennis - Ritual in Repeat

Banks - Goddess
Iggy Azalea - The New Classic
The Rentals - Lost in Alphaville
Death From Above 1979 - The Physical World
Kelis - Food
Hiss Golden Messenger - Lateness of Dancers
Calvin Harris - Motion
Mogwai - Rave Tapes
Dom Flemons - Prospect Hill
Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn - Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn
Damien Rice - My Favourite Faded Fantasy
Lily & Madeliene - Fumes
The Rural Alberta Advantage - Mended With Gold
2:54 - The Other I
Nude Beach - 77
Curtis Eller's American Circus - How to Make It In Hollywood
September Girls - Cursing the Sea
Black Prairie - Fortune
Allo' Darlin - We Come From the Same Place
Sallie Ford - Slap Back

La Sera - Hour of the Dawn
Secret Sisters - Put Your Needle On
Mr Little Jeans - Pocketknife
Parquet Courts - Sunbathing Animals
Lights - Little Machine
Ruby the Rabbitfoot - New as Dew
Craft Spells - Nausea
Jolie Holland - Wine Dark Sea
Shakey Graves - And the War Came
Nikki Lane - All or Nuthin'
Ex Hex - Rips
Mean Creek - Local Losers
Manchester Orchestra - Cope
The Whigs - Modern Creation
Beverly - Careers
Alvvays - Alvvays

Monday Mix: Jeff's Favorite Songs of 2014

Having to narrow all the songs I listened to over the last 12 months to simply twenty entries felt like a feat, but I'm fairly happy with the list I ended up with. You can listen to a mix above, they are listed in some sort of order, but just shuffle it up and enjoy your Monday.

Jeff's Top Songs of 2014:

1) Elizabeth and the Catapult - "Shoelaces"
2) Allison Weiss - "Remember When"
3) alt-J - "Every Other Freckle"
4) HAERTS - "No One Needs to Know"
5) First Aid Kit - "Walk Unafraid"
6) Alvvays - "Archie, Marry Me"
7) The Secret Sisters - "Iuka"
8) Caroline Rose - "Blood on Your Bootheels"
9) Liam Finn - "Wild Animal"
10) Carrie Ann Carroll - "True Love"
11) Field Mouse - "Bright Lights"
12) FKA Twigs - "Two Weeks"
13) Self - "Runaway"
14) Spoon - "Inside Out"
15) The Red Headed Indian - "Please Come Home"
16) Tennis - "Solar on the Rise"
17) Shovels & Rope - "Coping Mechanism"
18) Royksopp & Robyn - "Do It Again"
19) Sleigh Bells featuring Tink - "That Did It"
20) The Rural Alberta Advantage - "On the Rocks"