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Hello all and (every)one,We just received info that the Newport Folk Fest (July 30 + 31) is almost certainly going to sell out early for Saturday, and most likely for Sunday, too. If you’re in the N.E. area, we’re wondering what other things you could possibly do if you can’t get a ticket: -Complain about how the weather’s hotter than Florida, just like a native (it’s really not)-Get pinched by a lobster when you try to put it in the boiling pot, then proceed to drop the crustacean and watch it scramble away-Reminisce about how beautiful the fall leaves are, and complain (again) about theRead More →

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Cassettes Won’t Listen – “EVINSPACEY”(Not KEVIN SPACEY)Daylight Curfew-out June 213.5 / 5 After all’s said and done, this is what Los Angeles-based Jason Drake has to show for his latest full-length: a handful of catchy, electronica/ pop pieces (“Perfect Day,” “Wave to the Winners”), some hip-hop inspired beats, and a cease-and-desist. So certain famous actors don’t appreciate the shout-out; we do, and here’s why: despite Drake’s demonstrated cheekiness, he’s also got a good ear for pop, simple, enduring melodies, and a sense of joy and playfulness. Drake never bogs himself down with oversampling and overlayering (all the more impressive for the hip-hop producer), and eachRead More →

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It’s that time of (mid-) year again! Keep in mind, we’re something of a limited blog here; we haven’t gotten TV on the Radio (thumbs up), the Decemberists (thumbs down), or Iron and Wine (definite up and up). But other than that, here’s our picks based on our (admittedly) limited selection; still, there are definitely some you should check out – and avoid. The Civil Wars, “Barton Hollow” – A gorgeous, tender album lifted with male/female duettery. But honestly, if you enjoy earnest, bare folk with vocals that strike deep, then this is your album. Panda Bear, “Tomboy” – The much-awaited solo from Animal Collective’sRead More →

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Dawes – “Nothing Is Wrong”Ato Records-out today2.5 / 5 We’re still reeling from brilliant folk collaboration Middle Brother which, we admit, led us to Dawes. Taylor Goldsmith’s performance as 1/3 of Brother is certainly one of his finest (“Blood and Guts,” “Wilderness”) and now that we’ve calmed down from getting the Los Angeles band’s second full-length, that opening, “Time Spent in Los Angeles,” is certainly… definitely… something of a letdown. “Nothing Is Wrong” feels too complacent, too placid, especially in light of Goldsmith’s serious vocal chops displayed earlier this year. Lyrically, Dawes is hit-or-miss, but our biggest complaint comes from Goldsmith himself, who doesn’t stretchRead More →