Last Week’s Jams (10.14 – 10.18)

There was so much new music dropping last week that it was hard to keep track of it all, but I think with 22 new songs out there, we managed to do our part. Greg Mendez was a big winner, with a brand new EP we loved; I also definitely didn’t turn away from the fresh Innocence Mission, which maybe one of my favorite they’ve ever concocted. We had a premiere of a new Sunnsetter tune, and also hit up the latest from The Great Divides, so we’re kind of all over the place musically, making this playlist a journey of sorts. You can’t go wrong by pressing play below!

The Chairman Dances Release Evening Song

The last month or so, we’ve made it a point to direct you towards the narrative pop stylings from Philly’s The Chairman Dances; they’ve officially released Evening Song, so we’d like to give you one last glimpse at the world you can open up by pressing play. The entirety of the new record circles around two romantic partners, and on “Faded & Fraying” you get to be there for a bit of their earliest interactions, with Chris visiting Maggie’s apartment. I loved this tune for its more traditional folk appeal, whilst still using great arrangement pieces to kind of allow the song to rise and fall in the storytelling; it’s a tactic that few can accomplish like The Chairman Dances. Please enjoy the tune below, and just click on their name to hear all of the new LP!

Last Week’s Jams (9.23 – 9.27)

We’re drawing towards the end of the year, and while that means arbitrary musical lists of things, what it also means is that we’ve got a few more records hanging out to enjoy before the year is up. Personally, there were some great new songs from trauma ray, EggS and the Wickies, which indicated that these acts have a lot of promise to deliver. Best Bets dropped their latest LP, which was on our radar, not to mention the new release from Being Dead and Feeling Figures. Loved the introduction to Coldwave, and it never hurts to wrap up the end of the week with new music from Constant Follower!

The Chairman Dances Share Hadn’t Tried

With Evening Song on the near horizon, I’ve been anticipating more little sprinkles of pop from the Chairman Dances, and that day has come with “Hadn’t Tried” looking into a kind of matured indiepop vibe, akin to what Voxtrot have been doing with their work of late; there’s an elegance that goes beyond the shimmering texture and studied bounce. For me, the success hits just near the 1.5 minute mark, as the vocals soar, with perfected backing vocals layering the melody. Musicianship with this outfit knows no limits, as they take the song’s latter half and spin it into this open expanse of jazz-inflected grooves, solidifying their peerlessness on this side of the pop realm. Evening Song is out October 11th.

Last Week’s Jams (9.3 – 9.6)

Just because it was a short week doesn’t mean we couldn’t cover a whole lot of brand new music, especially since there were some unexpected returns that we didn’t know were coming, like new jams from The Green Child and The Innocence Mission. More recent favorites dropped some solid tracks for us, so check in with the latest from Best Bets, Naked Roommate and Mo Dotti. But, don’t just think it was all bangers, with the softer side coming through via Adrian Marner and Tom Emlyn. And, be sure to check in with that new Forceghost, who I’d like to apologize to for misspelling the name of their Recycled Hearts release; sorry my friends! Just press play and enjoy!

The Chairman Dances Ready Evening Song

It’s been over a year since we last heard from Philadelphia popsters, The Chairman Dances, but it seems like this will all be worth the wait, with the group announcing a new record, Evening Song. Our first listen sprinkles in a bit of a light strummed jangle atop a roller-coaster of pop sensibility, rising and falling with the drama of the vocals. While you might file this under your typical folk meets orchestra meets rock, you’ll find a larger sense of exuberance within the confines of the tune; pretty sure there’s a little chuckle on the underbelly of a a vocal note or two, with an added “hey” celebrating the joyousness of band peaking at just the right time. Really looking forward to what’s to come on Evening Song, which hits on October 11th.

The Chairman Dances Share Alone at Waverly

The Chairman Dances will be releasing their new album Small Comforts at the end of the month, but not before we get one more tasty morsel fro the record to entice us. The first thing that struck me in this tune was the lyrical craft; it’s got this playful storytelling that reminds me a lot of Stuart Murdoch, feeling both personal and a little self-deprecating. Then you dive into the craft and the song’s arrangement swells with little touches like the way the drums seem to rumble across the back or the way the guitar strums seem to lift the syllabic delivery of the vocals. It’s a delicate pop tune for those seeking to immerse yourself in someone else’s storytelling.

The Chairman Dances Share Dove’s Tail in Pink Light

The Chairman Dances have had me wrapped around their songwriting fingers for a few years now, and with The Strength of Your Arm on the horizon, it seems only fitting we dig into another tune. I really like the subtle nature of this track; to be fair, it reminds me of a Pains of Being Pure at Heart record if you stripped it completely bare, with the melodic notes shining through. What I’ve really enjoyed listening through this track is the way there’s this omni-present patience; the song seems content to unfold slowly, never really rushing, though still content to charm. This feels like a record I’ve already got marked for a favorite of the year; the Strength of Your Arm is out July 23rd.

 

The Chairman Dances Share New Single

The Chairman Dances are one of those bands that you treasure, keeping to yourself, except, when you can’t, because you want everyone to enjoy. You’ll find this single on the forthcoming LP, the Strength of Your Arm, which comes out at the end of July. For me, this song flirts with branding itself as sort of an indiepop tune, though you could easily just file it under a mellow brand of exploratory indie rock. The vocals are feathery, with light jangling bits coursing through the tune; I’ll be honest, however, as I feel there’s some resemblance here to the early charms of Death Cab, with the group really working to build in some textural elements throughout.

Brand New Video from The Chairman Dances

In case you haven’t seen all my fawning over The Chairman Dances, I hope this new video gets you as excited for the group’s release as I am. This song takes on that literary pop mixed with the fuzzy guitars you might hear on those new Grandaddy songs you’ve been raving about. I like how the guitar gives an energetic boost to the track, which otherwise could fade into the realms of stereotypical pop…it doesn’t! There’s a nice angelic vocal chorale to close out the song to boot! Pick up your copy of Time Without Measure from Black Rd Records now.

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