Thursday's Track Reviews

Obits - "Pine On"; Obits may be the new kid in the Sub Pop stable but they are certainly not new kids. The band consists of four members, all of whom have extensive histories in the music world. Now that they are together though they are bringing everything they do well together and amking some boot stomping, straight up rock classics. This tune should have people hanging from rafters when they hear it!
Grade: A

Polly Scattergood - "Nitrogen Pink"; It’s pretty easy to start any writing on Polly Scattergood by comparing her to either Bjork or Joanna Newsom, and to be fair she does sound quite a bit like those two artists, but she also incorporates a lot of other elements in creating a completely unique, far out sound. I’ve been thoroughly enjoying her new album lately and this tune is defintiely a stand out. Get to know her, you’ll be hearing a lot about her.
Grade: A-

The Soft Pack - "Grinding Halt"; This cover of The Cure from the forthcoming tribute record to the band is pretty outstanding. Turned into a punky, 3-minute anthem by The Soft Pack, the tune is pretty great. I almost like it better then I do the original.
Grade: B+

The Thermals - "Now We Can See"; The first track from the new Thermals record is kind of a mesh between what we’ve come to expect from the Hutchy and Kathy project known as The Thermals mixed with a little bit of the acoustic duo they used to be. It has a little bit more of a pop feel mixed in with the punk anthem that stems from The Body, The Blood, The Machine. I like it.
Grade: A-

Black Ladies - "The Real Jurassic Park"; Drum heavy, electronic music not too far emoved from what Lightning Bolt do. It’s a pretty simple description, but I adore Lightning Bolt, therefore I love this new track. The drums on this are pretty intense, I recommend loud listening.
Grade: B

Department of Eagles - "Love Me"; Normally I am a big fan of what the Department of Eagles do with their music, but this simple rendition of Elvis’ "Love Me" is a lacksidasical attempt at covering the King. It’s simplicity kind of understates the emotions built into the song, and maybe could have succeeded a bit more with a pick up of the tempo.
Grade: D

Camera Obscura - "My Maudlin Career"; There has never been a more apt song title for any band then this! Camera Obscura have made a living with their sentimental music and have consistently churned out steady indie rock pleasers that have driven their career. But this song more or less just apes what they’ve done in the past. It isn’t horrible, but it isn’t great either, it just is. I’ll give Camera Obscura the benefit of the doubt and maybe this track will grow on me a bit.
Grade: B-

Charles Hamilton - "Scorpion"; In these days we need to stand up and take note whenever a rapper ventures out without the effects of AutoTune in his pocket, so this tune from Charles Hamilton has that going for it right off the bat. But from there I love the way Hamilton flows over the broken soul croon being sampled in the background. The rhymes are pretty staid, but alright for the most part, and I just love the way it mixes with the broken sounds. Pretty cool effect there.
Grade: B+

Track of the Week:
Coathangers - "Stop Stomp Stompin’"; I fell in love with the Coathangers during CMJ last year and I’ve been eagerly anticipating their new album. This first tune off of it definitely gets me amped up immediately as a simple guitar riff plays along with the girls yelling their lyrics out at you before heading to the chorus. It pretty much continues on that way, but it’s sharp and biting and I like it a lot. Can’t wait to hear more from these ladies.
Grade: A

Video of the Week:

Matt & Kim - "Daylight"; Matt & Kim have a reputation for getting parties started. They can take a ho hum festival and turn it into a riotous experience, doing so with just some simple keyboards and drum beats. In this video their infectious energetic ways shine through as they playfully take their song "Daylight" on the road. The video perfectly captures the spirit of Matt & Kim, the whole fun atmosphere that the band exudes. Try not to smile while watching this video!
Grade: A-