by Woody on April 30, 2009
When we first discovered Radio Moscow, we were all immediately floored by the guitar playing of Parker Griggs. For those unfamiliar with the story, Parker went to a Black Keys show and handed a demo to Dan Auerbach. Auerbach loved it and subsequently produced the Radio Moscow debut.
While their eponymous debut is excellent (#29 in the HearYa top 50 of 2007), it has a rough feel to it. Parker played most of the parts on the album himself and it came across as a one man project. In contrast, on Brain Cycles, Radio Moscow is a much more cohesive band. After listening to the album a few times, there are three things that really make this a more complete and balanced effort:
- Parker’s vocals. On the first album, the vocals sometimes seemed as if they were just filling room between blistering guitar solos. Griggs is a guitar prodigy so it works, but on Brain Cycles, Parker is more confident as a front man and has some swagger.
- The rhythm section is staggering. They move in lockstep with Parker while pulling off some of their own crazy shit. As I mentioned in my SXSW recap, Zach Anderson on bass has made tremendous strides and is every bit the equal to Parker.
- On the debut, the songwriting was about showcasing Parker’s guitar work, which was fine by me. But Brain Cycles shows a more mature effort in his songwriting.
A couple of my favorites include “Broke Down” that has a Sabbath inspired riff and “No Good Woman,” complete with 90 second drum solo by Parker (it actually kind of works).
Radio Moscow is growing up, but they don’t abandon their blues-psychedelic sound that is sure to fuel bong circles in smoky dorm rooms all over college campuses.
MySpace | Alive Records
Radio Moscow – Broke Down
John Vanderslice just released another new track from his upcoming release Romanian Names. I’m still working my way through the album, but should have an opinion shortly.
John Vanderslice – Too Much Time
They also have a pre-order offer. Details follow:
In pre-order news, we have a very exciting announcement to make: the first 100 fans to pre-order John Vanderslice’s upcoming album, Romanian Names, will each receive a limited-edition, letterpressed wallet containing a small snippet of analog tape. This tape contains unused music from JV’s master recording of Romanian Names. The tape is literally from the cutting-room floor of Tiny Telephone.
John Vanderslice and Dead Oceans grant free reign and full rights to those that receive this tape snippet by pre-ordering JV’s new album. The music contained on the snippet can be used however that person may wish, and the music on the snippet will be wholly owned by that person. Splice it into other music, loop it, remix it, or simply hold it as a keepsake.
All pre-orders of Romanian Names come with a digital download of the album that can be listened to immediately. Romanian Names will be released on May 19th (18th in the UK) on Dead Oceans. Pre-Order here.
Weinland is a quintent from Portland, OR that all quit or lost their jobs after their 2008 tour. Faced with some tough decisions, the band decided to empty their bank accounts, cash in their 401k’s and ante up for a new album called Breaks In The Sun.
The album wastes no time grabbing your attention. Weinland starts off with the delicate ballad “Sunken Eyes” that whispers lyrics over piano and acoustic guitar and follows with the Neil Young-ish “I’m Sure It Helps.” Breaks In The Sun isn’t a two trick pony, however. Other standouts include “People Like You,” “Autumn Blood” and the title track.
The album is even more stunning after you find out that Weinland arrived at the studio without a single completed song. Lead singer and guitarist Adam Shearer’s intricate lyrics are brought to life with a variety of instruments including dobro, cellos, violins, brushed drums, melodica, mandolin, honeyed pedal steel and piano.
The album is out now via the label website and out in May in the digital outlets.
Website | MySpace | Badman Recording Co.
Weinland – Sunken Eyes
Weinland – I’m Sure It Helps
