Love Is All: Nine Times The Same Song

A good portion of the most interesting music coming out of Europe in the last few years seems to have one thing in common: it all sounds really dirty. Take for example Dizzy Rascal, Justice, The Go Team, and this group: Love Is All.

Unlike the others, Love Is All play dirty inside the confines of a classic guitar/bass/drums/vox rock band. The songs here have a lo-fi, overdriven quality that makes the entire album sound like you're listening to it through a stereo system with a couple of blown speakers, and that somehow, that's a good thing.

As for style, they're really quite difficult to describe. I would say they are equal parts: The Rapture, The Mamas & the Papas, Cyndi Lauper and Husker Du. I know that sounds crazy, but you'll see what I mean.

This was one of my Top 3 of 2006. Hopefully you'll like it just the same.

LINK: Love Is All: Nine Times The Same Song

Annuals: Be He Me

Anybody catch these guys at Lollapalooza this weekend? I skipped the festival this time out, but Annuals definitely would have made my schedule. This is their debut, and only (so-far) full-length release. Even though it does, I hate to say that this disc "shows promise" because really, it's better than that.

In terms of songwriting maturity, this could already be the band at their peak. Tracks like "Brother" and "Complete, or Completing" show their knack for fusing multi-section tunes, production tricks, and a dose of youthful excitement. You can tell they're having a great time with these songs (check out the yelling that kicks off "Carry Around"). One of unfortunately overlooked discs of 2006.

LINK:
Annuals: Be He Me

Midlake - The Trials of Van Occupanther

Very good album from last year. Sounds like Fleetwood Mac they say.

LINK:
Midlake - The Trials of Van Occupanther

Destroyer's Rubies

One of my Top 3 albums from 2006, Rubies can be a very rewarding listen if you don't mind (1) a lead singer who voice is unconventional enough that it warrants comparison (inaccurately, IMO) to Bob Dylan in the mid 1970s, (2) lyrics that might seem abstract and meaningless, but also completely smack you in the face with a brilliant line or two on occasion, (3) a stream-of-consciousness approach to song writing. Plus, there are some truly gorgeous melodies to be found in all this mess. I love it, but Destroyer is not a band for everyone.

LINK:
Destroyer: Destroyer's Rubies

Camera Obscura - Let's Get Out of This Country

Often thought of as Belle & Sebastian with a female vocalist, Camera Obscura put out this twee-pop monster in 2006 and (in my opinion) out-Belle'd the Belles at their own game.

This record just drips with beautiful melodies and full, lush arrangements. It also sounds like half these songs were tracked in 1965 -- very cool retro-production feel.

DOWNLOAD:
Camera Obscura - Let's Get Out of This Country

Peter, Bjorn & John - Writer's Block

It's true, this dude (Peter) sounds exactly like John Lennon sometimes. That might be enough for some, but it's not even the best part of this album. There's a reason people everywhere are falling in love with this band. First, they're one of the largest-sounding power trios I've heard in some time (check that wall of guitars on the 2nd track, "Objects of my affection"), but beyond that PB&J know how to utilize all available resources (double-tracking, percussion, guest vocalists, etc) to realize their sound.

This album is an instant classic. So get it now.

DOWNLOAD:
Peter, Bjorn & John - Writer's Block

HIGHLIGHTS:
Objects of My Affection
Young Folks
Up Against the Wall
Paris 2004
Let's Call the Whole Thing Off

Fujiya & Miyagi - Transparent Things

Thanks to Mike C. for uploading this one and sending it over. I haven't heard all of it yet, but I like so far. The muted vocal delivery and guitar tones remind me that Pinback is also a really kickass band, and that these guys sort of sound like them.

DOWNLOAD:
Fugiya & Miyagi - Transparent Things

REVIEWS:
AllMusic.com (4 Stars)
Pitchfork (8.3)
Stylus (B+)