Author: nathan.lankford

Ty Segall – Melted

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Rating: ★★★★☆

Garage rock has made quite a resurgence in the last several years, and it’s been enforced, or heralded, by one torch bearer or another.  In the resurgence era we had King Khan, Jay Reatard and now we’ve got Ty Segall.  His new album Melted, on Goner Records, is just a dirty rocking party fueled by catchy choruses and pounding rhythms, so let’s get to it.

Ty has a style all his own, and its first apparent when he opens the album with “Finger,” just slowly strumming and lightly howling for a few extra bars.  Then the garage rock power fuzz kicks in.  There’s nothing clean about the sound on this track, and yet there doesn’t need to be, as Segall’s changing vocal delivery powers us through, right into “Ceasar.”  Bobbing bass lines bounce you through this number, as the percussion sort of bangs away haphazardly. Beneath the grit here lies Segall’s ability to carry melody, which he treats you to about midway through the track.

Melted doesn’t just pound away at your ears graciously, as the band can add a little bit of a jangle and swing to their numbers.  “Sad Fuzz” allows room for the vocals to sort of place around, and yet the chorus provides listeners with the impression of a young man slinging his guitar about, which you’re likely to catch live. Album closer “Alone” also demonstrates Ty Segall stepping outside of the scuzzy barroom brawl, doing his best to pull every bit of melody out of his words as possible.  While it might seem like a it of a drone, it definitely accomplishes its goal, closing the record with an appropriate breather.

Soft points aside, make no mistake that this album is stocked full of straight ahead power and energy, of that disastrous sort. After getting lost in the meandering feedback of “Imaginary Person” your caught up immediately in a bouncing number that powers along, much in the way Jay Reatard did prior to his death.  It’s the arena that brings about the best in Segall, combining his interest in modern garage rock with his desire to provide a little bit of a hook for the audience.  This is perhaps one of the best numbers on the album, almost bringing about the inner Danzig in the singer.  And you can’t ignore the forceful “My Sunshine,” which bangs around with remnants of late 60s garage.  Nothing on this track sounds clean: not the vocals, not the drums, not the guitar.  All the while, you’re tapping your feet, waiting to see what’s coming next, only to be side-swiped by a nice little guitar solo to end the song.

Ty Segall is keeping himself busy right about now, working on his own stuff and recording the works of others.  One would think that this wouldn’t leave time for much creativity, but rest assured, there is nothing boring about Melted. It’s loud and boisterous when it wants to be, and it can be a little bit gentle in spots.  Such a combination packs the perfect amount of punch, and just racks up another successful record from Ty.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Caesar.mp3]

Download: Ty Segall – Caesar [MP3]

Suckers – Wild Smile

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Rating: ★★★★½

For over a year, people (including us) have been salivating at the thought of having a full-length album from Suckers.  Finally, the time for Wild Smile is upon us, and it will go down as one of the top records of the year, fulfilling on all the promises and praise.  There’s no way around it; this record is fantastic.

“Save Your Love for Me” opens the album slowly, almost dragging out the melodies while the band introduces you to their gang-vocal approach that will woo you throughout the duration. Around the 3+ minute mark, the band bursts into a little bit of a yelp and high pitched squeal, offering up another dynamic to listeners.  Then it fades softly away, bringing you into “Black Sheep.”  As soon as the hi-hat is kicking, and those guitar chords cut in, your bobbing your head, tapping your feet, ready to memorize the words so you can sing along.  When Quinn Walker goes off, you get a sense of the wildness that goes along with their tunes, and their live shows.

Suckers aren’t just a group intent on blasting you away with in-your-face melodies; they can offer restraint at times.  You’ll find “You Can Keep Me Running Around” builds the groove in a rather slow manner, and still the dynamic of the band’s vocal approaches keeps your focus on the enjoyment at hand.  Similarly, “King of Snakes” has a sharp guitar line that slowly walks itself through the song, while various layers slowly build themselves into the song.  Careful listeners of Wild Smile will appreciate the variance in the song sequence, as the moments that let up slightly, allowing you room to breathe, certainly serve their purpose, all the while offering great music for your ears.

Although the entire album is superb, there will always be a standout track or two that simply rise above the rest.  “A Mind I Knew” is one of those songs, building slowly from the start until the rest of the song starts to catch up with the vocals.  It sort of stays there for a minute or so, but the band is intent on providing the maximum listening experience, as the gang-vocals rise in the middle creating an enjoyable sense of cacophony that grooves and bangs all the way to the end.  Personally, the one-two punch of “It Gets Your Body Movin'” and “Martha” are my favorite recorded moments of music to come out this year.  Part of me attaches that with the incredible live performance of the former I’ve witnessed on several occasions, and the fact that the recorded version aligns itself with my memories make it a wonderful piece of pop.  “Martha” is nothing short of exuberant fancy.  If you can refrain from bobbing your head and tapping those toes here, then you’ve won some sort of promise.  This track attaches to every happy muscle in your body, encouraging you to use them all at once.

One could go on and on about how amazing Wild Smile is as a complete album, but then again, those are just the words of an obsessed scribe.  Suckers have constructed album that you must absorb on your own, create your own reactions and be carried away by its power.  Rarely do we get to experience records like this that push boundaries and encourage exploration that will differ from person to person, but rest assured, all reactions will be positive, as these songs ask for nothing if not positivity.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/05-A-Mind-I-Knew.mp3]

Download: Suckers – A Mind I Knew [MP3]

New Tunes from Megafaun

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We’ve talked to you all before about how much we love the Carolina folk group Megafaun, and we’ve got more good news, as well as good tunes, today.   The band will be releasing a mini-album, Heretofore, on September 14th featuring six brand new tracks.  Their web site promises their best lyrics and hooks to date, but remind us that another new album will be recorded in the fall.  If they keep rocking some folk numbers like this one here, it look like we’re in for good things, as usual, from Megafaun.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/megafaun-volunteers.mp3]

Download: Megafaun – Volunteers [MP3]

The Drums – s/t

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Rating: ★★★★☆

The Drums have been on everyone’s radar for a little under a year now, but their star has continued to shine all the way up to the release of their self-titled album.  Their combination of surf guitar hooks and 80s electronic beats is destined to make this record the smash of the summer.  It might possibly be too sweet, but this is the kind of fun we should all have as we sit in our kiddie pools drinking beers with our friends this summer.

Opening with “Best Friend” you’ll find that bouncing groove of the bass moving you right into your first dance movement of the album.  Jonathan Pierce’s hip little croon will keep you swaying, just as it should.  It’s possible that this might not be the most artistic work, but there’s no denying that from the moment The Drums begins, it’s catchy as all get out.

First single from the group “Let’s Go Surfing” was one of our favorite Songs of 09, and it still has the same charm it did when we first heard it. Beach guitar sounds fused with whistling and a charming lyrics make it hard to ignore this song, and no matter how long you listen to it, it still has the kick you ask for in a great single.  Then you come into the beneficial “Book of Stories.”  While it retains the same surf-dance sensibility of early tracks, it definitely slows things down, turning the album in a different direction.  It’s pleasing to see such a variance here, as too much straight lo-fi pop might have put listeners in a sugar coma.  Similarly “Down by the Water” does the same thing, just a few songs later.  It provides a nice contradiction to the infectious pop moments, and Pierce’s voice rises high in the most charming way possible.  Personally, it gives The Drums more in common with bands like The Church rather than the surf version of New Order or The Smiths.

“Forever and Ever Amen” is accompanied by a killer video, and the swirling melody within this sound, despite a redundant bass line, really makes you swing your arms in pure ecstasy.  As the chorus goes “forever, baby its forever,” you feel as if you’re being sucked into some perfect John Hughes montage.  In fact, you can see the Breakfast Club dancing about the library here, at least in my mind, which is perfectly fitting.  It’s a reminder that the album is filled with a certain sense of innocence and frivolity that, when done in good taste, reaps marvelous rewards for listener and songwriter alike.

Time will surely tell how important The Drums self-titled debut actually is.  But, one thing is for sure right now: their intelligent pop tactics combining summer sounds with electronics is the perfect music for kicking off summer in the right way. This album is full of melody, hooks and just simple fun, and while that might not always be my cup of tea, it surely seems to be working with this record.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/02-lets-go-surfing.mp3]

Download: The Drums – Let’s Go Surfing [MP3]

LCD Soundsystem @ Stubbs (6/8)

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Date Tuesday, June 8th
Location Stubbs
Doors 530 PM
Tickets SOLD OUT

Obviously everyone is really excited for this show, as tickets have already SOLD OUT, but we know there are people on Craigslist waiting to get rid of their tickets if you’re willing to pay the price. LCD Soundsystem always puts on a ridiculously great show, owed largely to the performance of James Murphy.  If you’re into this band, you better get into this show, as rumor has it that LCD might be no more after the recent release of This Is Happening.  You’ll also be treated to a good little opener by checking out Holy Ghost! If you’re there, hope you have fun; I’ll be hanging with my moms for her birthday. And if you’re not, rest assured there are lots of great shows coming up in town this week.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/drunkgirls.mp3]

Download: LCD Soundsystem – Drunk Girls [MP3]

Sonny and the Sunsets @ Beerland – (6/6)

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Date Sunday, June 6th
Location Beerland
Doors 1000p
Tickets Who Knows?

You’re bummed you missed the MGMT show on Sunday, so you’re looking for something spectacular to do, right? Well, the hot ticket that no one seems to be paying much heed to is Sonny and the Sunsets.  They’ve got a bit of that Dutchess and the Duke sound going, with a whole lot less of the Rolling Stones to it.  Really, this is the place to be on Sunday night, no matter what you’re into, as this band is legit. One listen to their album Tomorrow is Alright and you’ll be hooked; I promise.  Be there if you know what’s good for you!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/01-Too-Young-to-Burn.mp3]

Download: Sonny and the Sunsets – Too Young to Burn [MP3]

World Cup Mixtapes from Nike and Fader

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We’re usually not ones to post info on mixtapes, as that doesn’t seem to quite be our realm of expertise.  But, we have to admit that we’re really excited by the work of Nike and The Fader.  They’re rolling out a collection of mixtapes throughout the week in order to get you all hyped up for the World Cup. We here at ATH are coming down with a major case of World Cup fever, so it’s great to see the world of music collide with our favorite sport.  These tapes are perfect ways to spend your afternoon, so go get yourself a hold of these perfect collections HERE.

Villagers – Becoming a Jackal

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Rating: ★★★★☆

Villagers is the namesake for Irish songwriter Conor O’Brien, and the release of his album Becoming a Jackal is every bit as glorious as early hype might have lead us to believe.  While the backing band for this project relies upon subtleties, Conor’s voice serves as the key instrument from which you will fall in love with his work.

Album opener “I Saw the Dead” begins your journey with a haunting piano line whilst O’Brien recounts his visions of seeing the dead.  It’s your first glimpse of his storytelling, which definitely has a more poetic leaning than a lot of modern lyricists.  You immediately find yourself immersed in his visions, precisely as the songwriter wants.  Then you find yourself at the title track following the frailty of O’Briens voice, and at this point you can’t help but to recall similar tonality shared with Zach Rogue.  It’s the proper choice for a single, although it might not be the song that portrays all of Conor’s strengths.

Entering “Ship of Promises” you start to notice a bit of a waiver in the vocals, something that should remind you of early Bright Eyes works (Fevers and Mirrors in particular).  Villagers succeeds in this arena due in part to the steady percussion that lines almost all the tracks on this collection, but you’ll find the vocals wrapping you up in Becoming a Jackal.  For instance, the fragility exposed during “The Meaning of Ritual” when O’Brien claims “my love is selfish/it cares not who it hurts” allows you to forgive the emotions being expressed here.  Not many songwriters can still accomplish that feat by voice alone.

Those of you looking for variance in songwriting will surely appreciate the juxtaposition of styles throughout the record, allowing you to move amidst the songs without finding yourself bogged down by monotony. “The Pact” has sort of a rollicking guitar line that lends itself to the more modern side of singer/songwriter genres, though careful orchestration places emphasis in precisely the right place, especially the organ that seems to grown for the duration (ed.-I’d love to see what Mike Mogis could do with this guy).  Yet its placed alongside “Set the Tigers Free,” a song that relies more upon the effect of barroom crooners.  There’s a slight bit of swing to the song, perhaps aided by the tropicalia accent in the guitar work.  One must surely appreciate the movement within Becoming a Jackal, as many songwriters have succumbed to the pitfalls of the profession.

“Twenty Seven Strangers” probably is one of those tracks that I’d include on mixtapes for the rest of the year.  It features a polite strumming, and a bit of an echoing hum serving as a semi-chorus.  O’Brien’s vocal delivery is so calm and focused that encourages you to sneak inside yourself in order to appreciate the narration.  And, when his voice finally rises in the middle of the song, its clear that he’s constructed another wonderful track. Such is the work of a great songwriter.

You’ll find yourself pressing repeat often during your listening experience with Becoming a Jackal.  It seems that each song has something different to offer, whether that be the approach to songwriting or to the emotional reward for the listener.  Villagers debut reminds us all that occasionally someone gets it so right that we can’t ignore their work.  Conor O’Brien’s promising (and ultimately rewarding) album will surely serve as that reminder in 2010.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Becoming-A-Jackal.mp3]

Download: Villagers – Becoming A Jackal [MP3]

MGMT @ Stubbs (6/6)

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Date Sunday, June 6th
Location Stubbs
Doors 700p
Tickets SOLD OUT

We’re not sure exactly how this show will work out, considering a lot of people have underestimated the latest effort from MGMT, Congratulations, but we think that regardless of your thoughts on recent work, the show will be nothing short of amazing.  It’s bound to be filled with hits from the past, and the uber-creative new tunes.  Unfortunately, the only way to get in to the show, if you don’t have tickets, is to get ripped off on Craigslist.  Tickets were going for over $70 last time I checked. We’ll be sure to get solid photos for you.  You’ll also be treated to great tunes by up-and-comers Tame Impala.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/mgmt-flash-delirium.mp3]

Download: MGMT – Flash Delerium [MP3]

Television Personalities – A Memory is Better Than Nothing

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Rating: ★★★½☆

Following the career of cult band Television Personalities you’ll see that the band never seemed to eclipse the work on their debut And Don’t the Kids Just Love It.  All that aside, the band has continuously put out clever off-kilter pop albums since their inception, and their newest, A Memory is Better Than Nothing, is just par for the course.  The thing is, par for the course for this group never creates run of the mill pop album; they’ve always seemed one step above, despite failing to receive critical acclaim.

Choosing to open with the title track “A Memory is Better Than Nothing” is a great choice.  Slowly beginning with mainstay Dan Treacy offering up his thin British voice just before bouncing into a warm jangling pop song, all this before the song waivers off into realms of quiet.  Reminiscing about memories does seem to prove that Television Personalities will always have something glorious to hold onto, no matter how far in the past.   Then you skip ahead to “She’s My Yoko,” where once again Dan waxes about his past, mostly choosing to hold on to a relationship of the past/present.  Offering this up as the lead single was probably a smart choice, as the mixture of varying layers of keys, minimal percussion and Treacy’s voice make it appealing to almost anyone.

Nostalgia seems to dominate this album, as the subject matter never seems to stray from lessons learned, precisely as it does in “Walk Towards the Night.”  Treacy is still talking about his relationship with an unnamed partner, and the gentle strumming provides an excess depth to his emotions.  But, just as you begin to feel comfortable with the feel of the record, “Funny He Nver Married” comes on through your stereo.  Treacy sings differently here, almost entirely in a way you’ve never heard from him before, his voice floating very lightly over cuts of guitar moving in and out of the song itself.  It’s simply a nice little break from the band’s bread and butter.

One of the greatest attributes of the group pops up on “People Think That We’re Strange.”  They use the most simplistic lyrics and coat them in feedback and steady drumming, but you find yourself drawn into the depth of the song, whether or not that depth actually exists at all.  Their ability to absorb you into the music has always been one of their gifts, and the same formulaic approach can be seen in their past works, as well as on A Memory is Better Than Nothing.  “You Don’t Want Me” uses this formula perfectly, with soft strumming accompanying Treacy as a more pronounced guitar line is layered over the entire song.  It’s nothing special, but listening to it definitely creates an overwhelming level of emotion.

Closing moments offer some interesting moments to boot, such as “The Good Anarchist,” which uses a lady for the lead. Featuring a female vocal is not something entirely new from the song, but it stands out on this collection of songs, as its the first time you find such a prominent female appearance.  It’s all bookended by slower moments than the rest of the album, and it does provide a moment to pause and reflect over what you’ve just listened to through these past thirteen tracks.  I’d say listening to Television Personalities is an acquired taste, but it’s one that I feel should be acquired by all.  If you’re looking for a band to adore, then take a listen to A Memory is Better Than Nothing, then go revisit all the stupendous work in the band’s catalog.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/05-television_personalities-funny_he_never_married.mp3]

Download: Television Personalities – Funny He Never Married [MP3]

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