In The iPod: Death Cab For Cutie, Old 97s, Robert Forster

Death cab For Cutie’s new release Narrow Stairs seems a bit more bombastic than usual. However, I think there’s enough of their signature sound that it will please longtime fans.  “I Will Posses Your Heart” is almost a 9-minute jam.  But my favorite tracks are the catchy “No Sunlight”, the heart wrenching “You Can Do Better Than Me,” and “Cath…”

 Another longtime favorite band, The Old 97s has also put out another new release, Blame It On Gravity.  Unfortunately, while The Old 97s can still create some memorable lines and rockin melodies they are well past their creative apex that was seen in Too Far To Care.  Some standouts include “The Color Of A Lonely Heart Is Blue,”   “Dance With Me,” “The Easy Way,” and “This Beautiful Thing.”

I wasn’t a fan of The Go Betweens, but had heard good things about them. Their former lead singer Robert Forster does a decent version of “Tower Of Song” on I’m Your Fan (A Tribute To Leonard Cohen).  Like Cohen, he has a very distinctive voice. Salon recommended his solo album The Evangelist and I have been enjoying it thus far.  I particularly like “The Evangelist,” and “If It Rains.”

Comments

[Michele Maurer]

I can't stand the jamming thing on the DCFC! I have to fast forward that crap.
For some reason, I like the first song best (Bixby Canyon Bridge). I can't place my finger on why quite yet.

[MC]

I don't know, it seems like a grower to me, the more I listen the more I like it...

[Michele]

I'm still not sure I love this DCFC album. I can't get over the jam stuff...it's like they're doing drugs and turning into Phish. ICK!

Have you listened to a band called Foals? I think they're on SubPop in the U.S. British band from Oxford, remind me of a mix of other bands I like (Q and not U, Bloc Party, even the Cure a little!). The song I like a lot now is called Olympic Airways or something. Check them out if you havent already!