Bleached Cover "Jingle Bells"

A punked up cover of "Jingle Bells" could (and has) gone horribly wrong, but luckily this one is done by Bleached. This isn't an attempt at being badass and mocking the holiday classic. Instead, Bleached's version is a burst of fun and pure joy, which is what a Christmas song truly should be. But that's always been the charm of Bleached. They're a fun, modern version of punk that is still punk enough to make old, cranky punks happy. It's a little noisy, and a little aggressive, but it's still the kind of fun Christmas song that you can put on a family playlist and your parents and even grandparents would be ok with it. 

You can listen to Bleached's version of "Jingle Bells" below. The song is currently available via Dead Oceans. For more on Bleached, check out the band's website.

First Listen: New Releases for 12 July

Some good stuff this week!

Artist: Mal Blum
Album: Pity Boy
Quick Description: Superlative indie rock from a favorite here.
Why You Should Listen: Straddles perfectly the line between old and new.
Overall Thoughts: We’re been low-key fans of Mal Blum for a while now, and this new album is pretty much the perfect tone not only for the current indie/alt landscape, but for a couple of aging hipsters like ourselves still clinging to the rock music of our youth. While many acts deliberately attempt to operate in the musical ideas of the past, MB gives the impression of making the music she’s interested in making, and it shows in a superlative album this week.
Recommendation: It will be a highlight in nearly anyone’s rotation this week, so don’t miss out.

Artist: BEA1991
Album: Brand New Adult
Quick Description: Offbeat electronic effort.
Why You Should Listen: This is one that is often hard to describe.
Overall Thoughts: I’ve highlighted a few odd indie electric artists over time here, and this is definitely one that is a lot different, but also has a much more melodic and accessible feel to it. It grabbed me early,, but it was “Modern Comforts” that really brought it into sharp focus for me. This is a record with a lot going for it, and feels both minimalist and complex in its approach. If you’re interested in a challenge, it’s absolutely worth the effort.
Recommendation: Give it a listen.

Artist: Imperial Teen
Album: Now We Are Timeless
Quick Description: Legendary indie act back with their first album since 2012.
Why You Should Listen: They sound as vital as ever.
Overall Thoughts: Imperial Teen have been around for what feels like forever, and, no matter how many old/nostalgia acts have resurfaced in recent years, I am continually surprised when they put out quality work. This is no different – as the first album in many years, the band not only sounds like they haven’t lost a step, but also that they’re as good as they ever were, and the result is a solid listen across the board.
Recommendation: Absolutely worth the time this week.

Artist: Bleached
Album: Don't You Think You've Had Enough?
Quick Description: New album by some indie punk favorites.
Why You Should Listen: This may be their best effort yet.
Overall Thoughts: Another band that has largely found its groove, this third album feels like a band that has found its groove and is operating in the best versions of themselves yet. A very polished record, this has hooks for days and a ton of positives throughout, and I anticipate many of these songs to end up on various playlists this year.
Recommendation: A solid listen.

Artist: Tycho
Album: Weather
Quick Description: Latest from the ambient mastermind.
Why You Should Listen: Tycho has always put out quality music.
Overall Thoughts: In the crowded electronic music space, Tycho has stood out over the years for having a pretty bold, up-front sound that is basically unlike anything else in the musical market, especially with ambient artists. This album doesn’t really change the prescription in any meaningful way outside of heavily featuring Saint Sinner, which for me is fine but might be a flag for other listeners. Still, in terms of the atmosphere Tycho likes to establish, you should find plenty to like if it’s your thing.
Recommendation: Worth it for electronica fans and beyond.

Artist: K.Flay
Album: Solutions
Quick Description: Indie internet rapper continues her slow takeover of the mainstream.
Why You Should Listen: You get to keep your indie cred while finding something your kids will tolerate.
Overall Thoughts: I feel like I’ve been listening to K.Flay for a decade now, and if her last album was her mainstream coming out party, this new album is her assertion that she is here to stay. Bold, brash mainstream-friendly radio bangers throughout here even though the music still feels uniquely K.Flay. If you were on board for the internet mixtapes early on, you will surely wonder what happened, but if you’ve stuck around this long you’ll be rewarded.
Recommendation: This is definitely one of the more fun records of the summer.

Of note:

* Have Gun, Will Travel - Strange Chemistry
* Throwaway - What?
* Kyle Craft - Showboat Honey
* Frightened Rabbit - Tiny Changes: A Celebration of Frightened Rabbit's 'The Midnight Organ Flight
* Kool Keith - KEITH
* Girlfriend Material - Cool Car
* Joanna Sternberg - Then I Try Some More
* Lights - Skin&Earth Acoustic

EPs:

* Latrell James - Still

Also out:

* Africa Express - EGOLI (A cool compilation of African music)
* The Dollyrots - Daydream Explosion
* Guards - Modern Hymns
* Metz - Automat

Bleached - "Shitty Ballet"

Photo by Nicola Rowlands

The latest single from Los Angeles based Bleached isn't quite what we'd expect from them. First, they appear to now be a duo as opposed to the trio that recorded 2016's Welcome the Worms. Second, "Shitty Ballet" is fair more chill than anything off their previous album. It's a quiet, kinda quirky acoustic ditty instead of the updated sound of The Donnas that we had come to love. It takes a little time, but you slowly adjust to the new sound and begin to genuinely love it on its own. And then the rock kicks in at the end, bringing us back to what we've always loved about Bleached.

You can watch the video for "Shitty Ballet" below. For more on Bleached, check out their website. Upcoming tour dates opening for Refused and The Hives (!!!!) are below the video.

Mon. May 20 - Chicago, IL @ The Vic Theater *
Tue. May 21 - St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant *
Wed. May 22 - Lawrence, KS @ Liberty Hall *
Fri. May 24 - Denver, CO @ Gothic Hall *
Sat. May 25 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Union Events Center *
Tue. May 28 - Pomona, CA @ Fox Theater *
Fri. May 29 - San Diego, CA @ The Observatory North Park *
Thu. July 11 - Los Angeles, Ca @ Moroccan Lounge
 
*= w/ Refused and The Hives

First Listen: New Releases for March 3

So many new releases, so little time...

Nothing crazy stands out this week, though.

Artist: Bleached
Album: Can You Deal?
Quick Description: Bleached goes for a cleaner, power pop sound.
Why You Should Listen: Bleached has been really good for a while, and this continues that trend.
Overall Thoughts: This EP probably isn't the shift that I think it is, but it feels like it is anyway. The first two songs are among the best they've done, and this is just a solid, quick listen for some alt-rock tinged indie. If "Flipside" doesn't get stuck in your head, I don't know what to tell you.
Recommendation: A great listen this week.

Artist: The Knitts
Album: Retreat
Quick Description: 15 years later, we're still trying to emulate The Strokes.
Why You Should Listen: You're into non-ironic straightforward rock music.
Overall Thoughts: This isn't good. And it's not bad in a "it's passe" way (though it is) or that it's years too late (though it is), it's just really straightforward and uninspired and feels woefully overproduced. It might not even be their fault. But there's too much good out this week to spend more time on it.
Recommendation: Skip this.

Artist: Grandaddy
Album: Last Place
Quick Description: Comeback album for the beloved early-aughts indie band.
Why You Should Listen: Grandaddy was always interesting, and this is a pleasant return.
Overall Thoughts: I know people who love this band more than me, and, as far as I'm concerned, The Sophtware Slump was far and away their best work. This evokes a lot of those memories even if, on first listen, there's not a song that stands out. Still, one doesn't always expect a band to be in good form after such a long layoff and this works in a lot of ways. It just might not be your favorite.
Recommendation: A good listen, lots of nostalgia.

Artist: Colin Hay
Album: Fierce Mercy
Quick Description: Men at Work frontman's latest.
Why You Should Listen: This is a good album!
Overall Thoughts: ...until the rap song comes in. By then, I realized how long this album was and how jarring the whole thing was, and, really, what could have been a good short album ends up being a little too much. Colin Hay has had a pretty solid track record as a solo artist, and most of this isn't a misstep, but the totality of this effort just left a bad taste in my mouth.
Recommendation: Maybe worth a listen, but it's not crazy great.

Artist: Sleaford Mods
Album: English Tapas
Quick Description: The most divisive group of the blog has a new album...
Why You Should Listen: ...and I kind of dig it!
Overall Thoughts: This group hasn't done it for me at all. I find them to be woefully uninteresting and sometimes grating, even though Ken digs it. This album is the first one that has really caught my ear in any real way, and while I was still kind of exhausted by it at the end, I think I might be into where they might be going. I dunno.
Recommendation: Fans will enjoy, and this might be worth trying if you're not on board yet.

Artist: Future
Album: FUTURE/HNDRXX
Quick Description: A pair of rap albums by one of the top popular artists.
Why You Should Listen: If anything, to figure out what the kids are listening to.
Overall Thoughts: But seriously, this is good. I think I avoided Future because I stupidly thought he had something to do with Odd Future. He doesn't. This is a little more chill, a little more standard and accessible, and while it's not setting my world on fire, I've enjoyed the releases and I will be exploring his back catalog. Truly, HNDRXX might be the better album, but it's probably smarter to treat them as a whole.
Recommendation: Solid hip-hop this week.

Artist: Brooke Waggoner
Album: Sweven Remixes
Quick Description: Folkie goes electric.
Why You Should Listen: Remix albums are typically interesting.
Overall Thoughts: Brooke Waggoner is sneaky great, and these eight remixes of Sweven tunes ends up being an enjoyable listen for what it is. I found a lot to enjoy here, but I’m also predisposed to enjoying weird remix albums. You wouldn’t think her music would lend itself to this sort of treatment, but you might be surprised at how well it works.
Recommendation: Worth a listen.

Artist: Tim Kasher
Album: No Resolution
Quick Description: Latest solo effort from the Cursive frontman.
Why You Should Listen: You're a Cursive fan; his solo work has grabbed you.
Overall Thoughts: Tim Kasher is best known for his work with Cursive, but his solo work hasn’t really caught me and this isn’t honestly much different. His songwriting and singing doesn’t lend itself well to the sounds that are put forward in this album. A complete and total miss for me.
Recommendation: Skip it.

Also out this week:

* The Magnetic Fields - 50 Song Memoir
* Rosamov - This Mortal Road

Bleached - "Can You Deal?"

Photo by Nicole Anne Robbins

One of our favorite 90s throwback artists are back. Bleached have a new EP called Can You Deal? due out on March 3. The title track is exactly what we want from Bleached. "Can You Deal?" is poppy and catchy, but with a plethora of 90s alternative noise behind it. I always see them described as punk, but to me they're more dream punk. They have all the swirling guitars and spacey melodies of dream pop, but just a little more aggression than that moniker would allow for. 

In addition to the Can You Deal? EP, Bleached are releasing a Can You Deal? zine. The zine will feature contributions that define a who's who of the current genre ignoring indie scene including Alice Glass, Lizzo, Kate Nash, Tegan Quin, Allie Hanlon, Sadie Dupuis, and more. Bleached's Jennifer Clavin had this to say about the project:\

I create music and art because I need to. To express, to bond, to reconcile, and to connect. And to use my voice. To have it received with such a generic labeling as "girl band" and consistently referenced as "female fronted" is insulting and reductive.  The title track to this EP, “Can You Deal?” is about this experience. Last year we released a deeply personal full length album titled Welcome The Worms. It was a record about being in an emotionally abusive relationship. It was a record about getting spun out on drugs and alcohol. It was a record about totally losing myself in order to find myself.  It was also our most ambitious body of work yet, with guitar work and guitar sounds and production we had only dreamed of until then.  And yet to this day I am still fielding interview questions that have more to do with my gender than with the art I am creating. Somehow the conversation usually derails into some variation of the following question: "What is it like to be a girl in a rock band?". And the ensuing story will define us based on our sex. Why is gender pointed out in nearly all coverage of our band? Labeling me as a woman in a band just puts me in a box, and doesn’t allow everything else I am to be seen and heard. It's 2017, Can You Deal with women playing rock and roll yet? 

You can pre-order the EP here, and the zine here. Make sure you listen to "Can You Deal?" below, and head over to their website for more on Bleached.

Jennifer Clavin (Bleached) Covers The Ramones and Barry McGuire (Plus Socks!)

We've been digging Bleached here at If It's Too Loud..., so we're pretty excited that Jennifer from Bleached has released two acoustic covers to benefit Planned Parenthood. Here is Jennifer's explanation of her idea behind the covers from a Facebook post:

After the election, I went to the desert with an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness, sadness, and anger. I decided to record covers of 2 songs that perfectly capture my feelings regarding our political state. Barry McGuire's ‘Eve of Destruction’ was written in 1965, and 50 years later could not be more relevant. It’s a warning of the fascist, racist, violent and unjust world we were living in then, and are living in now. Ramones' ‘Bonzo Goes To Bitburg’ shares the embarrassed, offended, and disgusted feeling a lot of us have every time we see Trump on our television. We are living in a time where we can anticipate federal funding to public health resources terminated. I have been using Planned Parenthood’s services for 10 years. And hope to continue to. It is on us to ensure their services continue through public funding and donation. All the proceeds of this digital 7” will go towards Planned Parenthood, for a future of accessible pap smears, breast and cervical cancer screening, pregnancy testing, pregnancy option counseling, STD screening, colposcopies, birth control, sex education, LGBT services, and other necessary health services. F!CK TRUMP. F*CK PENCE. LONG LIVE RUTH BADER GINSBERG. - Jennifer

Her cover of The Ramones' "Bonzo Goes to Bitburg" is a bit of a trainwreck, but in the best possible way. The Ramones are a bit of a trainwreck themselves, and anytime you make an acoustic version of a Ramones' song it's going to be imperfect, but that's the fun of the cover. Surprisingly, her cover of Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction" is my favorite of the two. It's just about perfect, and it's just a great rendition of a classic.

You can listen to Jennifer Clavin's versions of "Bonzo Goes to Bitburg" and Barry McGuire's "Eve of Destruction" below. You can get your own copy of these two songs for a $2.00 donation to Planned Parenthood on Bleached's Bandcamp. They are also selling limited edition Bleached socks to benefit Planned Parenthood here. For more info on Bleached, check out their Facebook.

First Listen, Part One: New Releases for April 1

Another busy release day equals another two-parter.

Album of the Week:

Artist: Bleached
Album: Welcome the Worms
Quick Description: Well-crafted indie power pop.
Why You Should Listen: Bleached's first album was a favorite of the year for us a few years back, and this is even better.
Overall Thoughts: I admit to being a little cold to the lead single, "Keep on Keeping On," upon first hearing it. When I brought this album up, though, it just lodged itself into my head and didn't let go, and took 9 of its friends along for the ride. This is a great power poppy, 80s-alt-tinged record that just scratches all the right itches, and really has no business being as good as it ended up being. A solid follow-up to their first album, and one I'm really loving.
Recommendation: Best album of the week, no doubt.

Artist: Weezer
Album: Weezer/The White Album
Quick Description: Tenth album by the alt-rock band.
Why You Should Listen: You think their post-Red Album work is of value.
Overall Thoughts: Pitchfork famously reviewed an old album by the band Jet with a monkey peeing into its own mouth about a decade ago, and, about halfway through this, I finally understood why they thought that was appropriate. I won't go that far, obviously - it's not to say there are zero redeeming qualities to this album, but I do have to say that those moments are very hard to find. When the discussion surrounding this album becomes "when did this finally go off the rails for Weezer" rather than anything about the album itself... well, it just makes me want to hug my copy of Pinkerton a little harder.
Recommendation: It's not made for you, and it's not worth your time.

Artist: Shonen Knife
Album: Adventure
Quick Description: Latest album by the cult Japanese rock band.
Why You Should Listen: Shonen Knife is always a fun time!
Overall Thoughts: I learned today that Shonen Knife has been around for 35 years, which is just kind of crazy and stunning. The new album doesn't have that super-hooky fun song like "Pop Tune" from a few years back, but I feel like one listens to Shonen Knife for the infectious spirit as opposed to individual songs these days. Especially in contrast to the Weezer album this week, this is just a fun time.
Recommendation: Deserves a slot in your rotation if you have the time.

Artist: The Heavy
Album: Hurt and the Merciless
Quick Description: Latest album from the funky/rocky band.
Why You Should Listen: Following the success of "How You Like Me Now," they have plenty of good will.
Overall Thoughts: I'm shocked "How You Like Me Now" is 7 years ago, by the way. The Heavy do one thing very, very well, and if you like what you know so far, this is just as much worth your time. This won't end up on any end-of-year lists, but in terms of a solid listen on a whole, this was pretty solid.
Recommendation: Worth a listen if you like what The Heavy do.

Artist: Robbie Fulks
Album: Upland Stories
Quick Description: Country rock from the well-known singer-songwriter.
Why You Should Listen: In a week slow with more roots-based music, Fulks always deserves a look.
Overall Thoughts: In terms of a "you know what you're getting" style of album, we have Upland Stories from Robbie Fulks, which is exactly what you think it will be. I enjoyed it (even if it's not my favorite country-tinged record of the week), but it's also not breaking any new ground.
Recommendation: Worth your time as the album it is.

Artist: Pet Shop Boys
Album: Super
Quick Description: Latest album by the UK dance masters.
Why You Should Listen: The Pet Shop Boys went back to the club, and it's awesome.
Overall Thoughts: Not to say that I expected the Pet Shop Boys to go IDM, but the idea that they'd go back to the sort of four-beat, straightforward club hits of sorts was unexpected. It's right in their wheelhouse, and the whole thing is just one of those great, driving, old-school dance albums that we don't see enough of anymore. Just a great listen across the board.
Recommendation: Definitely a highlight of the week and perhaps of the genre this year.

Artist: Cecil Otter
Album: Dear Echo
Quick Description: First solo rap outing from the Doomtree member in nearly a decade.
Why You Should Listen: The Life of Pablo hit Spotify this week, and this is much better.
Overall Thoughts: Some of the better rap music I'm hearing lately isn't trying to change the world or transform the genre, but instead plays within the universes that they exist in. The Doomtree collective is one I've enjoyed since being exposed to them, and Cecil Otter has a raw, organic feel to Dear Echo's three songs that resonated in a way Pablo didn't. Absolutely a solid listen, and perhaps should have been a lot longer.
Recommendation: Great rap music for this week.

Also out this week:

* Andrew Bird - Are You Serious?
* Mike and the Melvins - Three Men and a Baby
* Charles Bradley - Changes

Bleached - "Wednesday Night Melody"

Photo by Nicole Anne Robbins

Our excitement for the new Bleached album continues to increase with the release of the video for "Wednesday Night Melody." The song continues their Bangles meets Veruca Salt sound from "Keep On Keepin' On." For a fun twist, "Wednesday Night Melody" brings this odd hair metal power ballad feel to it. Imagine a Motley Crue ballad with crunched out guitars, and you're just about there. It bridges the gap between my favorite music and my favorite guilty pleasure. I'm pretty convinced I'll become obsessed with Bleached by the end of 2016. Plus, the video features the rest of the band finding singer Jennifer Clavin dead, only to still make it to a gig Weekend at Bernie's style.

Welcome the Worms is due out April 1 on Dead Ocean. Be sure to check out the video for "Wednesday Night Melody" below, along with tour dates below that. For more info on Bleached, be sure to check out their Facebook or website.

Mar. 15 - March 19 - Austin, TX @ SXSW 

Mar. 29 - Santa Barbara, CA @ Velvet Jones

Mar. 30 - San Diego, CA @ Casbah

Apr. 2 - Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar

Apr. 4 - Austin, TX @ Sidewinder

Apr. 5 - Houston, TX @ Walter’s

Apr. 6 - Dallas, TX @ Three Links

Apr. 8 - Nashville, TN @ The High Watt

Apr. 9 - Atlanta, GA @ Drunken Unicorn

Apr. 11 - Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

Apr. 13 - Washington, DC @ DC9

Apr. 15 - Boston, MA @ Great Scott

Apr. 16 - Montreal, QC @ Bar Le Ritz POB

Apr. 17 - Toronto, ON @ Garrison

Apr. 20 - Columbus, OH @ Double Happiness

Apr. 21 - Ferndale, MI @ Loving Touch

Apr. 22 - Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle

Apr. 23 - Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry 

Apr. 25 - Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge

Apr. 26 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court

Apr. 28 - Vancouver, BC @ Biltmore Cabaret

Apr. 29 - Seattle, WA @ Barboza

Apr. 30 - Portland, OR @ Doug Fir

May 2 - San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill

May 4 - Santa Ana, CA @ Constellation Room

May 5 - Los Angeles, CA @ Teragram Ballroom

May 17 - Manchester, UK @ Gulivers

May 18 - London, UK @ Moth Club

May 19 – Brighton, UK @ The Great Escape Festival @ Horatios

May 20 - Amsterdam, NL @ Bitterzoet

May 21 - Eindhoven, NL @ Stroomhuis

Bleached - "Keep On Keepin' On"

Photo by Nicole Anne Robbins

Jeff sent over 2013's Ride Your Heart to me, and while I really really liked it, I didn't quite love it. With their next album, I just might start to love Bleached.

"Keep On Keepin' On" lives in a world where female punks look back at The Bangles and The Go Gos with the same reverence they do Bikini Kill and Bratmobile. It's an edgy song, but it's still fun and has killer hooks. Picture if Veruca Salt listened to more Blondie than AC/DC.

Bleached's new album, Welcome the Worms, will be out on April 1 via Dead Ocean. You can watch the video for "Keep On Keepin' On" (which features a bitchin' Captain America shirt) below, and below that are their current tour dates. For more info on Bleached, check out their website here.

Mar. 15 - March 19 - Austin, TX @ SXSW 

Mar. 29 - Santa Barbara, CA @ Velvet Jones

Mar. 30 - San Diego, CA @ Casbah

Apr. 2 - Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar

Apr. 4 - Austin, TX @ Sidewinder

Apr. 5 - Houston, TX @ Walter’s

Apr. 6 - Dallas, TX @ Three Links

Apr. 8 - Nashville, TN @ The High Watt

Apr. 9 - Atlanta, GA @ Drunken Unicorn

Apr. 11 - Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

Apr. 13 - Washington, DC @ DC9

Apr. 15 - Boston, MA @ Great Scott

Apr. 16 - Montreal, QC @ Bar Le Ritz POB

Apr. 17 - Toronto, ON @ Garrison

Apr. 20 - Columbus, OH @ Double Happiness

Apr. 21 - Ferndale, MI @ Loving Touch

Apr. 22 - Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle

Apr. 23 - Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry 

Apr. 25 - Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge

Apr. 26 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court

Apr. 28 - Vancouver, BC @ Biltmore Cabaret

Apr. 29 - Seattle, WA @ Barboza

Apr. 30 - Portland, OR @ Doug Fir

May 2 - San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill

May 4 - Santa Ana, CA @ Constellation Room

May 5 - Los Angeles, CA @ Teragram Ballroom

May 17 - Manchester, UK @ Gulivers

May 18 - London, UK @ Moth Club

May 19 – Brighton, UK @ The Great Escape Festival @ Horatios

May 20 - Amsterdam, NL @ Bitterzoet

May 21 - Eindhoven, NL @ Stroomhuis