St. Vincent – “Actor”4ad Records-out now4 / 5 Surprising song arrangements make Annie Clark’s second solo album a deep, complex treat. Clark, aka St. Vincent, has a penchant for constructing songs that demand multiple listens; after the initial shock of “The Strangers” and its bizarre instrumentation (Clark’s whispery voice supported by keyboard and a basic beat), the album fills in with several songs of warmth and worth. One such song is the gorgeously personal “The Party,” whose simple cadence and contemplative vocals highlight an awkward moment together. The lyrics here (“my pockets hang out/Like two surrendered flags”) capture the beauty of the moment and speakRead More →

Fun. – “Aim and Ignite”Nettwerk-out now4 / 5 Replete with caliope, trombone, and cello, these playful arrangements by the sugary pop band Fun. bubble with excitement and poppy youth. The sheer brightness of the songs here would assume superficial treatment of the somewhat light material, but the biggest pleasure is the care taken for the crafting of the songs; each twists about creatively, playing with the listener, and each new segment unfolds into the next unexpected part. Yes, these songs feel a bit airy and colorful like a carousel, but that still doesn’t detract from the pure fun on the cheeky and cheesy “I WannaRead More →

Zeus hurls lightning bolts thundering through a crowd of various ages. Floorboards rumbled, viscera shook and teeth chattered with each thunderous note. This, the Holy Suns noted, is what a bass should sound like. Unfortunately for the audience, it was a less than pleasant experience.As the opener for Providence-based Americana band Deer Tick at Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel in Providence, Holy Suns did everything a good opener band is supposed to do: make you wait for the headliner. Dolorean, who performed next, was untouched by the need to crank the low end of their speakers, and their Jeff Tweedy vibe and balance contributed to a gorgeousRead More →

The Flaming Lips – “Embryonic”WEA/ Reprise Records-out now The much-anticipated double-album from the nigh-underground indie outerspace rocker trio (whew!) is out. The Flaming Lips test the bounds with a dark, spacy concept album that seems to take its inspiration from the ending to Kubrik’s “2001: A Space Odyssey”; that is to say, don’t expect the tight, orchestral twinkle of “The Soft Bulletin,” or the brilliant playfulness of “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots.” Those crowds may be fairly disappointed, but those who will find themselves tickled are the early listeners to the Lips: these tracks play homage to their original outsider, discordant sound, and show theRead More →