You Can't Put Your Arms Around An Mp3

Blitzen Trapper Black River Killer EP

I must admit to being late to the Blitzen Trapper game, but after having invested in their latest release, the Black River Killer EP, I am sufficiently impressed enough to investigate their music. This isn't necessarily a collection of "new" material; the title track is taken from their album Furr, while the rest of the songs are taken from a self-released tour EP from last year. It's a good thing that these songs were rescued from obscurity, because they are simply superb.

For a newly-introduced listener such as myself, Black River Killer proves to be a varied and compelling collection of songs. It's obvious these guys have a love of "classic rock," as what they do never delves into parody or pastiche. The upbeat moments, like "Big Black Bird," remind of Lynyrd Skynyrd--but only in the best possible way. "Silver Moon" reminds of more recent retro-minded groups like Beachwood Sparks or Brian Jonestown Massacre. Blitzen Trapper has an excellent grasp on how to write winning hooks, melodies, and lyrics.

Pardon me, though--I have to leave you now, because I've gotta go buy some more Blitzen Trapper. I'm hooked, and this EP, for those unfamiliar, is an excellent start!

Listen To: "Black River Killer"

Black River Killer is available now from Sub Pop

Harold Budd and Clive Wright Candylion

Your humble correspondent has a deep respect for Harold Budd. For years, Budd has provided yours truly with transcendentally beautiful music. His piano-based ambient style is simple, yet quite powerful. Since the end of his retirement, Budd has become something of a collaborative spirit, and it's for the best. He's worked with Ultravox's John Foxx, with Robin Guthrie, and with Guthrie's band, the Cocteau Twins. More recently, he's teamed up with Clive Wright; last year's A Song for Lost Blossoms was a wonderful return to form.

The duo recently released Candylion, a second helping of collaborative excellence. Considering Budd's style hasn't changed in 30 years, most of the time your humble correspondent often finds it difficult to really recognize any changes in Budd's gorgeous, tried-and-true ambient style, and the same can be said for this one as well. Beautiful, unhurried melodies of piano, keyboard, and guitar blend together in a style that is true to the definition of 'ambient.'

If you're not familiar, this review might seem to give short shrift to the record. It's not, however; Budd is someone you should know, and this is as good a place to start!

Listen To: "Ribbons Everywhere"

Candylion is available now on Darla Records

Cale Parks To Swift Mars

"Eno with beats." That's what I thought when I first heard Cale Parks's latest release, the six-song To Swift Mars. While what you hear might first be thought of as "lo-fi new-wave," listening to it again shows that the record is a much more complex little beast. It's a varied affair, with slower songs like "Crystal Air" resting aside and between songs that have a groove, like "One At a Time," which offers a nice little beat alongside some rather honey-sweet singing. Parks' vocal range isn't limited, but it's reigned in, making for a subtle yet sublime listening experience. I've seen comparisons to Peter Gabriel, and I see the point. But To Swift Mars is yet another excellent progression for Mr. Parks.

Listen To: "One At a Time"

To Swift Mars is available now on Polyvinyl Records

Owen The Seaside EP

Your humble correspondent had forgotten one of the important rules of consideration when reviewing certain records: the same scrutiny should never be given to B-side records.  I remembered this rule while listening to Owen's single-collection EP, The Seaside. See, this collection of Japanese bonus songs and a four-way split single from a few years ago is a very pretty, excellent representation of Mike Kinsella's work. Except for one song—one terrible song that, well, nearly ruined it for me. People should not be allowed to cover Extreme's "More than Words." Now, your humble correspondent understands that some people like it, and that's fine. It's just not his thing, but I digress, especially considering the gorgeousness of "Heads Will Ache," and the more compelling, stripped down live version of "In the Morning, After Work." If you're not familiar with Owen, start here. Just don't hold song #4 against him.

Listen To: "In The Morning, Before Work (Live)" The Seaside EP is available now from Polyvinyl Records