Morning Teleportation
There are few things worse than the first day of the work week. There is, however, the slimmest of silver linings: Music Mondays here at NYFWC, where we lovingly bring to you a few songs (new and not so new) that will make it just a bit easier to get another week going. Or at the very least, distract you from work you should be doing.
(This is the second in a two part series from Jake Kotz, if you missed last week’s recommendations check them out here) If you’re a music junkie like me, at the beginning of every year you come across a few albums you missed the year before. It’s impossible to keep up, so this year I’d like to share a list of solid albums from 2011 that are finding their way into my early 2012 playlists.
CANT- Dreams Come True
Chris motherfucking Taylor. If you don’t know who that is, Mr. Taylor is the phenomenal bassist from Grizzly Bear, who happens to also be one of the best producers in the industry (see The Morning Benders “Big Echo” or Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson’s self-titled debut). Cant’s debut, Dreams Come True, is a largely electronic album, and very much unlike Grizzly Bear. That being said, if you like Grizzly Bear and Department of Eagles (another Grizzly offshoot), you’ll probably like this record, as you obviously have good taste. If you don’t know who any of these bands are, don’t be afraid… it’s just an interesting album. My personal favorites thus far are the following: “Too Late, Too Far,” the opener, “The Edge,” an infectious tune about struggles with a significant other, and “Rises Silent,” which I can scarcely describe the beauty of. Thanks Chris, you rule.
Morning Teleportation- Expanding Away
This record will get you going. There is no question about it. The riffage here is pretty freaking gnarly and the rhythm is manic. The front man, yelps like a frantic, (less-depressed) Isaac Brock, while his coconspirators do serious work on their instruments. Once you get done appreciating the sheer instrumental talent of these guys, you can start to recognize the song writing, which is superb. Expanding away never stops surprising nor does it cease to impress. Also, this is probably the best video on the list.
White Denim- Takes Place In Your Workplace
I have to do a review of my favorite band now. White Denim, a brazenly in-your-face rock n’ roll quartet, have recently broadened their horizons. Already one of the most eclectic sounding musical acts around, James, Josh, Steve, and Austin, beefed up their resume with a smooth yet energetic, four song December release. The intertwined guitar harmonies from Petralli and Jenkins start out strong on “Cat City,” a jazzy, flowing song, with one of the coolest guitar solos of the year. This followed by the gorgeous ballad, “No Real Reason.” Petralli’s vocals are often an afterthought amongst the phenomenal instrumentation, but here he shines, showing off his quick improvement. And then we get “Handwriting,” and it comes out of the gate fast. The guitar playing is fantastic, but then these stunning strings and vocal harmonies appear in the background, and it’s really pretty magical. “Company” hangs out in the final slot of the EP. This thing is not a stack of pancakes. The end is just as great as the beginning. Take this journey with White Denim; you’ll come away a better person. (Check out their other 2011 release D).
By: Jake Kotz
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