The Killers have made a fairly decent living by pretty much making the same song, over and over again. You've heard it, right? Bright synths, catchy hook and soaring refrain that makes you feel like driving your car fast and far, far away. Nine years after their debut, they are still in such a hurry.
At some point during my senior year in college, I managed to acquire a total of 3000 cds. Every Tuesday, regardless of my dwindling bank account, I'd head to my local record store to pick up the new releases.
More often than not, I'd be happy with my purchase, memorizing lyrics and counting the days until their tour came to town. But for every The Colour and The Shape, the Foo Fighter's ambitious second album, there was a Foma, a generic rip-off from one-hit wonders, the Nixons.
Thankfully, with the emergence of streaming services like Spotify or Pandora, you can avoid my mistakes and spend your cash on important things like beer and laundry. The following three albums are new this week and definitely worth your time, and probably your money too.
The twin sisters from Calgary are back with their seventh studio album and it's not what you would expect. This time around they have traded in their guitars and indie vibe, for an electro-pop feel, sounding more like Kelly Clarkson than Kim Deal.
The addition of producers Greg Kurstin (P!nk, Kelly Clarkson) and Rob Cavallo (Green Day, Paramore), give Heartthrob a glossy makeover that follows the trend of high energy and shimmering synths. Check out the video for Closer, the first single.
During a recent show in Chicago, Ben Harper spoke fondly of a winter spent learning the blues from some of our city's best musicians. On Get Up!, we get to see how much he actually learned.
Over the course of 10 songs, Ben finds new ways to showcase his voice and expertise on slide guitar, with songs of despair and solace. Inviting electric blues harmonica player, Charlie Musselwhite, wasn't a bad idea either. Charlie has been playing since the 60s, and knows just the right time to give his instrument a stomp, or a whimper.
The lonely, You Found Another Lover (I Lost Another Friend), is the best both artists can offer and a worthy addition to the Stax legacy. The duo is playing a handful of shows, including a date at the Riviera on March 3rd. Tickets are on sale and available now.
Local Natives - Hummingbird
Earlier this month, I gave you a small sample of Local Native's second album, Hummingbird. My guess is that on the strength of Heavy Feet alone, you already picked up the album. If not, don't worry, the entire album will be up for the next two weeks, courtesy of Frenchkiss Records.
On their debut album, Local Natives played the California vibe to perfection, with clear skies and sand almost pouring out of the speakers. On Hummingbird, you get the quite the opposite; late nights and hushed tones. Either way, it sounds good to me.
Local Natives will be in town for a SOLD OUT show at the Vic, Thursday, March 21.
Earlier this week, Oliver released their latest offering, the incredibly funky, Mechanical. The LA duo, U-Tern and Oligee, have been at it for a while now, but things seem to be heating up.
After countless remixes and collaborations, including the infectious Disco Nap with A-Trak, the guys are bringing their brand of Nu-Disco to the people, complete with funky synths, electro hooks and thumping bass.
MYB, has been hitting clubs everywhere, including this month's Fool's Gold Radio and Holy Ship. But, my favorite is Control, that break around 1:40 with bouncy keys and hand claps is so perfect.
Pearl Jam announced this morning that they will be taking over the friendly confines of Wrigley Field for a special concert on July 19th. The concert, along with another show in London, Ontario, are being billed as "An Evening With Pearl Jam", with no opening act.
Lead singer, and Evanston native, Eddie Vedder has been a long time fan of the Cubs, even writing the song All The Way, after a meeting with Ernie Banks.
Tickets will go on sale, Saturday, February 9th, at 10 am. Members of Pearl Jam's fan club can enter a drawing to purchase advance tickets, including the fan club only pit section.
The band is currently working on the follow-up to 2009's, Backspacer, and are expected to announce a full tour in the fall.
Freelance Whales returned to Chicago last night for a sold out show at Lincoln Hall that magnified their sound to immeasurable heights. The indie band from Queens, New York, are currently on tour supporting their latest effort, Diluvia, released in October on Frenchkiss Records.
Since their debut in 2008, the band has often been described as dreamy, chamber pop, which is hard to argue with since lead singer, Judah Dadone's instrument of choice is a banjo. On any given song, you can find the band using glockenspiels, mandolins and xylophones to create layers and waves of sound.
But don't overlook the electronic element of this band. Some of their strongest songs have synthesizers and effects that can get stuck in your head for days.
Opening with Aeolus, the focus was front and center on Judah's ethereal voice and soaring harmonies. Land Features followed with a burst of instruments and frenzy that makes it easy to agree with the flattering comparison to Arcade Fire.
The ebb and flow continued with standout track, Follow Through, as the sparkling synth faded and the lyrics, Two Words/I never thought they'd be the ones I'd choose/and I'll always follow through, rang clear as a bell. Not to be outdone, Dig Into Waves, became hypnotic as single notes seemed to build the song from thin air.
The blips and beeps of Hannah created an immediate shuffle on the floor, with most, if not all, of the audience singing along. Locked Out gave them a chance to expand what is already a brilliant song. The extended outro, complete with horns, teased at what may be up next for this talented band. By the time Starring started, the band had already exceeded expectations and the fans couldn't have asked for more. Well, actually, I would have liked to hear Ghosting, but now I'm just being picky...
The tour continues tonight in Columbus, Ohio, and runs through January. Go see this band and support live music!
