Delta Spirit: Ode To Sunshine (Rounder)

Delta Spirit: Ode To Sunshine (Rounder) - Cheers to San Diego five-piece Delta Spirit’s debut album Ode To Sunshine.  Self-released in 2007, it’s been re-mastered and repackaged stalwart roots imprint by Rounder.  Americana, Indie Rock and soul coalesce for a true album experience.  In an age where music production is often tailored download singles, it’s consistent strength is rather refreshing.  Road-weathered vocals, dustbowl electric guitar, spirited piano and jubilant rhythms are hallmarks.  Some harmonica, tambourine, and acoustic guitar strums add a folkier side.  Though them times they are a changing (still), it’s nice to be re-assured some things stay the same.  Recommended. 

James Jackson Toth: Waiting In Vain (Rykodisc)

James Jackson Toth: Waiting In Vain (Rykodisc) – For his first release under his proper name, James Jackson Toth (aka Wooden Wand) has set aside the psychedelic ramblings for more concise song-forms that combine blues, country, soul and some punk swagger into a vintage album-rock journey.  Toth’s weathered, world-weary drawl heightens the evocative inter-linked story-based tales of hope and misfortune, romantic trials and spiritual yearning.  His wife Jexie adds atmosphere to the vocal arrangements, as several friends add musical support: guitarists John Dietrich (Deerhoof), Nels Cline (Wilco) and Andy Cabic (Vetiver); alt-country multi-instrumentalist Carla Bozulich (Geraldine Fibbers); bassist Shayde Sartin (Giant Sunflower Band) and drummer Otto Hauser (Vetiver/Devendra Banhart).  Recommended. 

South - From Here on In

South From Here on In   South's debut record, From Here on In, seems to effortlessly blend traditional indie rock sounding guitar work and vocals with lush electronic backdrops to create a sound which is haunting while at the same time accessible. Packed with two new songs and a sound which is as unique as it is classic, this new US release is sure to bring the UK band the success they well deserve. While at times reminescent of older Oasis material, they manage to lace the traditional four piece set with soaring electronic sounds which sound perfectly natural and integrated. While many rock bands attempt to bring in electronic sounds which end up sounding forced, South's beautiful electronic harmonies and beats perfectly complement the equally rough and soft vocal melodies and acoustics. The album opens up with the mesmerizing Broken Head I which fades in and out of simple guitar and vocals to the lush electronic backdrops which give South their unique sound. Other notables are the catchy Paint the Silence and the folky, blues twinged I Know What You're Like. There are even some straight electronic songs like the trippy All in for Nothing (Reprise) and to balance that, some basic acoustic songs like the beautiful title track, Here on In. Regardless of whether you prefer basic indie rock or electronic work, there's something that everyone can enjoy in South's new record.   - Jana Smith South's web site is: south.uk.net.

The Curse of Company: Leo Magnets Joins a Gang [digital release] (Dangerbird)

The Curse of Company: Leo Magnets Joins a Gang [digital release] (Dangerbird) - The Curse of Company is a project of Australian singer/songwriter David Wiley Rennick (of Dappled Cities).  With support from members of Mr. Bungle, redsunhand and Gerling he crafts muted, psych tinged indie rock.  Dramatic reverb soaked vocals expound stories atop shadowed guitar / keyboard driven productions.  Recommended. 

Colourmusic: f, monday, orange, february, venus, lunatic, 1 or 13 (Great Society)

Colourmusic: f, monday, orange, february, venus, lunatic, 1 or 13 (Great Society) - Basing their work on Newton’s colour theory, whereby a prism decomposes white light into a visible spectrum, the Oklahoma based indie-rock quintet Colourmusic take the white light of the sun and fragment it into shimmering pools of psychedelic pop.  Playful guitars, keyboards, ebullient rhythms and loads of human expressionism in the form of harmonies and handclaps coalesce into energizing summer sounds where catchy melodies abound.  Recommended. 

Oxford Collapse: Bits (Sub Pop)

Oxford Collapse: Bits (Sub Pop) - Recorded throughout 2007 in spaces all over NYC, Bits seems to be an homage to the last 30 years of college radio.  The trio weave the threads of those influences into a blast of tight punk tinged rock.  The instrumental interplay is echoed by multipart harmonies.  Good. 

Darker My Love: 2 (Dangerbird)

Darker My Love: 2 (Dangerbird) - Don’t be deterred by simplistically titled sophomore release from Darker My Love.  This is heavy, Los Angeles neo- psychedelic rock that’s brimming with feedback-filled guitars and sunburnt harmonies.  From the squalls to the serenity, there’s a nice coco-butter sheen to the sound which comes to life in a sonic renderings of a liquid light show.  Recommended. 

David Vandervelde: Waiting For The Sunrise (Secretly Canadian)

David Vandervelde: Waiting For The Sunrise (Secretly Canadian) - David Vandervelde's second LP taps into the American rock tradition.  In striving to carry the torch for classic folk-rock tradition, his blend of high-pitched vocals, hazy guitar and warm keys wind up with a rather faded sound.  Ironically, the gauzey cover-art seems strikingly appropriate.  When press releases for a singer/ songwriter tout a collaboration with Jay Bennett (ex Wilco), you can guess where things are heading.  Reasonably enjoyable, but nothing special. 

Jessica Lea Mayfield: With Blasphemy, So Heartfelt (Polymer Sounds)

Jessica Lea Mayfield: With Blasphemy, So Heartfelt (Polymer Sounds) –

The debut from Kent, Ohio folk-rock songstress Jessica Lea Mayfield is filled haunting songs delivered with and equally aching and sultry voice.  She manages to be dark and moody in the best of ways.  Dan Auerbach (Black Keys) provides support, and some harmonies by Dr. Dog's Scott McMicken and Frank McElroy are featured on track 5.  Love sure isn’t easy.  RIYL Edith Frost, Jolie Holland.  Recommended. 

Death Vessel: Nothing is Precious Enough for us (Sub Pop)

Death Vessel: Nothing is Precious Enough for us (Sub Pop) - Death Vessel is the off-kilter folk rock project of Joel Thibodeau (Pronounced “Joelle”).  With help from the Pete Donnelly (The Figgs) and a few others, Nothing is Precious Enough For Us is his sophomore LP and Sub Pop debut.  He sings with a powerful, high and clear voice, while a myriad of instruments and found sounds develop a sonic pallet that’s rich with homespun flair, and largely avoids becoming overblown.  Recommended. 

Caesars: Strawberry Weed (Astralwerks)

Caesars: Strawberry Weed (Astralwerks) - It seems Swedish garage rockers Caesars have been smoking some Strawberry Weed. Their 6^th LP takes the sweet and smooth psych pop of the 60s and combines it with modern indie rock sensibilities. Distorted vocals glide atop crisp bass, synth organ, playful percussion and varied guitar styles. Playful fun awaits. Recommended.

The Moondoggies: Don't Be A Stranger (Hardly Art)

The Moondoggies: Don't Be A Stranger (Hardly Art) - The debut LP from Seattle quartet The Moondoggies certainly is no stranger to the Californian Laurel Canyon sound of the early 70s. Rhodes organs, whiskey soaked guitar twang, mid tempo jammy rhythms, reedy lead vocals and well executed three and four part harmonies provide the ingredients for their hazy, countrified rock. It’s a rollicking soundtrack for late summer with a few stops at the revival tent. Good.

Jennifer O'Connor: Here With Me (Matador)

Jennifer O’Connor: Here With Me (Matador) - Jennifer O’Connor is an honest, literate songwriter that straddling the lines of folk-pop & indie rock. Weather the arrangements are sparse or more robust, her crystalline voice always shines in delivering those emotional blows. As Time Out New York said, "You have to love an artist who reminds you of everyone but defies comparison". Comfort music quiet times and rainy days. Recommended.