Tobias Fröberg has been compared to Paul Simon, which I guess would make frequent collaborator Linus Larsson his Art Garfunkel (sorry Linus). Together they craft sparse, timeless songs that examine human relationships with that same kind of calm candor that Simon and Garfunkel had. Tobias has a new album out called Somewhere in the City, which you can listen to in its entirety on the Cheap Lullaby Records site and purchase through the usual commerce links below. The MP3s featured here are from 2004’s For Elisabeth Wherever She Is. Great soundtrack for a solo train ride from Windsor to Toronto with a window seat so you can see the leaves starting to change. Not so great if you’re also taking pain killers for a pulled rib muscle…
Wax Tailor
The NBA season is almost upon us and I ain’t gonna lie, I’m a bit nervous about my Detroit Pistons. I guess that’s better than being cocky like I was last year only to rip my hair out as they lose steam in the playoffs. What do hoops have to do with a French DJ/producer? Well, those of you with NBA 2K7 on pre-order will soon find out. This year’s game gives you more than just the chance to watch digital sweat run off Shaq’s face as he shoots free throws; you get a Dan the Automator-produced soundtrack featuring Wax Tailor’s collabo with North Carolina rap duo The Others, “Walk the Line.” A nice cap to a fine year for Wax Tailor (born JC Le Saoût), whose throwback 12-inch “Que Sera”/”Where My Hearts At” — available for free download at Better Propaganda — was followed by a monster debut album, Tales of the Forgotten Melodies. However, in this post, I’m showcasing Wax Tailor’s skills on the remix because that’s what is available for download at his site. I’m particularly fond of the loping “Guns of Brixton” bassline on the Clash Tribute Remix of “Eye Drink.”
King of Prussia
My sister-in-law’s family live in one of those farm suburbs outside of Philadelphia. Whenever we visit them we need to drive to a larger suburb called King of Prussia for our “big city” amenities (i.e., first-run movies or non-Wal-Mart shopping). The running joke is, “Come on kids, we’re off to see the King of Prussia!” You can imagine their disappointment when they learn there is no castle, no king — only a mall just like the one they have back home. I mention all this to contrast with the band King of Prussia (from Athens, GA, ironically), recommended by 3hive reader James A.. Unlike the aforementioned mall, King of Prussia live up to the promise of their name with lush, romantic, and, yes, regal pop. In fact, the only disappointment you’ll experience is figuring out how to get your hands on their debut CD, Save the Scene. (Hey KofP, shed some light if you’re reading this.)
The Folk Yous
Some cats, like Sean and Clay, were just born with good taste in music. Me? I took the long way, which included a phase of schlock rock—most of it consumed on 8-track. Now some of you youngsters won’t remember the delight of plugging an 8-track cassette into the player and listening to the sweet sounds of REO Speedwagon and Journey. Which means you also won’t remember how songs would fade out midway through the bridge, allowing the cassette to jump tracks with a clumsy “ka-chunk” sound, then the song would fade back in as if nothing had happened. It sounds as though Athens, GA’s Julie Dyles and Courtnie Wolfgang do remember those good ol’ days. Or they’ve at least developed a fondness for the power ballads of that era. Their covers of Asia, Jouney, and REO classics are earnest and well-honed, if a bit difficult to sing along to without falling back on old habits…
The New Sound of Numbers
Odd, rhythmic, friendly pop that strays just slightly off course from its Athens, GA/Elephant 6 roots. Here’s the quick geneology: The New Sound of Numbers was founded by Hannah Jones, percussionist for Circulatory System, which is the band W. Cullen Hart formed after Olivia Tremor Control broke up. And Olivia Tremor Control, well, that’s where the Elephant 6 reference comes in. (Scott W. told me once I tend to assume everyone’s following along, so for you slowpokes here’s a handy Elephant 6 history lesson.) The debut album, called Liberty Seeds, is due out in October 2006 on Hart’s own Cloud Recordings.
The Black Neon
I have to admit I’ve been squatting on this one for a while. Leaving a blank post in ol’ Movable Type just to keep my 3hive colleagues from posting The Black Neon before I do. But blank posts aren’t a very effective way of sharing the sharing, so here goes… The Black Neon’s first full-length is called Arts and Crafts. It’s a regular appetizer tray of styles, as evidenced by these two tracks — one a nostalgic psych-pop ballad, the other a searing electro-rock instrumental. And there’s even more goodness if you dig deeper on the album, which I’d love to play for you in its entirety but that’s your job now, isn’t it?
Justin Rutledge
I was listening to the always excellent CBC Radio 3 podcast a few weeks back while flying cross-country. Maybe it was the altitude or lack of non-peanut sustenance but Justin Rutledge’s live, sing-along rendition of “Don’t Be So Mean, Jellybean” made me bust up a cryin’. Here’s hoping it makes the cut for his new album due out in the fall.
Spearhead
Michael Franti is the one of those rare singers whose boomin’ growl can start a party as quickly as it can a protest (probably about time for him to update his 1992 cover of “California Uber Alles“). His latest Spearhead joint comes on the heels of his self-booked trip to Iraq, which is documented on the DVD I Know I’m Not Alone. His experience, which included performances for U.S. soldiers and Iraqi families alike, clearly shaped the album’s compassionate (“I Know I’m Not Alone”) and passionate (“Yell Fire”) flavors of rebellion.
The Screaming Eagles
This is not the screaming eagle from the beginning of “The Colbert Report” (though I hear he’s got a Christmas album in the works). This is a Vancouver, B.C. outfit who play fiery instrumental pop inspired by “pre-shitty Weezer” that’s good enough to not require lyrics…though I sure would love to know the story behind some of these song titles. Their debut album, Enemy Gold, is available at shows or — as wonderfully quaint as this may seem — by emailing the band members individually and making arrangements.