WRUV Reviews

Self-described as “if Steely Dan, The Flaming Lips and R Kelly had a love child, you’d have Tim Chad and Sherry”. This couldn’t be more right-on. You’ve never heard anything like it before. This band, comprised of members of Silver Jews and Lambchop, is a beautiful mixture of psychedelic, soul, and Americana. “lightning bolts of Dadaist funk-rock like Zeus in a leisure suit on a lazy summer afternoon” (Nashville Scene)

Like: 1, 2, 4, 5, 9

RIYL: Talking Heads, The Flaming Lips, Pavement, Silver Jews

A nice selection of cuts from the Ninja Tune 20th Anniversary 6-disc box set. Covering a wide range of Ninja styles and artists from hip-hop to pure electronica. If you don’t know the Ninja sound by now… where the heck have you been!?? PLAY ALL!!!

Here’s what the promoters are saying:

Twenty years! That’s a long time for anything, but for an independent record label it’s aeons. So yes, we are going to make a fuss. Yes, we are going to celebrate. But this will not be a tired cash-in, a festival of re-tread or an orgy of old. NO! We are focusing on new material… featuring music from The Bug, Roots Manuva, et al., as well as remixes from Diplo, Micachu, Four Tet, Flying Lotus, and more.

Yes, friends… yet another singles disc. This disc proves without a doubt, though, that good things can indeed come in small packages. Lineup features mega wobblers from the Trouble & Bass label along with some crunchy classics from BBE Records. Check it! / Play it! / Love it!

10 different artists drop 10 different classic tracks to celebrate the iconic shoe brand, Dr. Martens. A wide-ranging variety of sounds… sure to be a track or two you really like. Give it a spin!

Here’s what the promoter is saying:

To commemorate their 50th birthday, Dr. Martens asked 10 artists to record their version of a cult classic track, each representing the spirit of the people who’ve worn DM’s over the past 50 years.
Distiller Promo is thrilled to partner with Dr. Martens for this 50th year celebration!!

The artists of Dr. Martens 50 mine every corner of today’s best artists, from the thick, dreamy fuzz of The Raveonettes, to the beat-driven, sultry sound of Cinematic Orchestra and Dām Funk, to Buraka Som Sistema’s futuristic Kuduro twist. And the songs of Dr. Martens 50 comprise so many deep cult classics, including Neneh Cherry’s “Buffalo Stance,” The Buzzcocks’ “Ever Fallen in Love,” and the Runaways’ “Cherry Bomb,” just to name a few.

Interesting sound… deep vibes crossed with techno dirge, hip-hop drum machines and gothic vox. You may love it and you may not. Could be cool breather music in a hot set. Try it… you might like it?

Here’s what the promoters are saying:

You can genre-fy Salem all you want. One thing is for sure: electronic-based music has never been made this way before - King Night is a debut LP AND a spontaneous continuation of a sound in its infancy. Following up on a handful of brilliant EPs, the Traverse City/Chicago based tro are driving a groundbreaking sound that includes blog-fav’s Balam Acab and oOoOO. King Night has the DNA of a hip-hop album thrown through a blender that includes art house horror films and gothy shoegaze as the title track might hint but the following tracks prove positive that Salem are a force to be reckoned with.

While you listen to Weird Weeds picture just that- weird weeds. Intriguing, crazy, overgrown plants with huge Venus-fly trap flowers that produce red wine. Help Me Name Melody is this Austin band’s fourth LP. Featuring texture and atmosphere, this album is warm and inviting. Songs range from jazzy to discordant to folk-hypnotic. Never diverging from avant-rock vibes, some of the tracks aren’t even named.

RIYD: Xiu Xiu, Buke and Gass, Deerhoof,

Check Out: 2, 4, 11

Sped-up funky spunky electro disco rock for the next generation! Sound like your style? Play All!

Here’s what the promoters had to say:

Perfect for nights growing longer, The Hundred In The Hands mix drugged out disco with tasty guitar licks and undeniably sexy vocals that all add up to one heck of a night out on the town.

Laid-back house vibes from prolific label. All sounds good… Play All!

From the label:
System gets down with ‘GO DEEP VOL. 2′, the second installment of this sublime deep/chill house collection. Featuring CASTLEBED, YURIY POLEG, and FREQUENCYM FEAT. MINIMAL BABY.

A handful of DJs work their magic on Scott Hardkiss’ recently released track, “You And I.” A variety of sounds; all good. Play all!

Jukebox the Ghost is a DC-born/Philly-based band comprised of Ben Thornewill, Tommy Siegal, and Jesse Kristen. Forced hooks, catchy piano, and Thornewill’s melodic voice combine to make typical indie-pop music. According to their myspace, Jukebox the Ghost is touring all over the states this fall- opening for Guster at the Flynn Theatre on October 28^th. Too much like The Fray for my taste; but if you dig ‘em, go see ‘em!

RIYL: The Fray

FCC Clean

Check out: #3