TOKYO POLICE CLUB - Champ

I've been holding off on writing about this album for a few weeks now because I haven't been sure just how to describe my feelings about it. I don't have a lot of time right now to wax poetically, so here's the shortened review: My favorite new release, so far, of 2010.

www.myspace.com/tokyopoliceclub
www.tokyopoliceclub.com

PHILADELPHIA GRAND JURY - The Good News EP

To start things off, they have a misleading name (apparently it's from a Fiery Furnaces song) since they are actually from Sydney, New South Wales. The band's lineup currently consists of Berkfinger, MC Bad Genius, and Calvin. I'm not making these names up. The sound mixes together pop, rock, punk, soul, indie, garage, and whatever other genres you can think of. These four songs are totally kickass.

Here are some reviews of the individual songs on the EP:
1. "The Good News": Kickass.
2. "Ready To Roll": Kickass.
3. "Going To The Casino (Tomorrow Night)": Kickass.
4. "Wet Winter Holiday (Mike FWD Remix)": Kickass.

"The Good News," the title track, is my favorite. Don't take my word for it though, listen to these guys. They are awesome.

www.myspace.com/philadelphiagrandjury
www.philadelphiagrandjury.com

ERNEST GONZALES - Been Meaning To Tell You

When I first heard of this album, it was described as "electronic." I haven't been listening to a lot of "electronic" music lately but the cover art was too amazing for me to pass this up without a listen. The artwork was made by having a number of artists each illustrate what they saw after listening to one track off of the album and the end result for the cover combined all of the images. Very cool stuff.

Now that I've talked about the cover, how to describe the music? It is electronic, but there are also guitars on this record. I'm sure this music could be played live by a band of talented musicians. The music doesn't feel overprocessed like so many electronic records I sat through last year. Instead, it feels lush and warm: a jungle of melodic sounds. For over a year I have been searching for music in the same realm as B. Fleischmann's The Humbucking Coil: great beats, great melodies, no lyrics. This album illustrates what I've been looking for.

There's a number of great songs on this album so it's hard to pick a favorite one. I love how "Falling Asleep To The Glow Of The Television" makes me feel like I'm playing a classic Nintendo video game. "We Can Live In The Forest" is upbeat and would be suitable to play for a whirlwind romance with the couple falling in love. The album was made with Ernest's wife in mind and this track probably has something to do with their love. "When You Are Lost I Will Find You" is the epitome of the B. Fleischmann chilled-out vibe I've been searching for. I could go on and on about each of these tracks and the way they make me feel and think but instead I'll just recommend that you have a listen to the album and see what you feel. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Been Meaning To Tell You is scheduled to be released on February 9, on Exponential Records. Exponential Records was founded in 2002 by Gonzales and DJ Jester the Filipino Fist (I'm not making that name up). This is Gonzales's second or third full-length album, I can't figure out which, and he has also released music under the moniker Theory Of Everything. Now go get this album, why are you even still reading this post?!

www.myspace.com/theoryofeverything
www.beenmeaningtotellyou.com
www.antipop.net/expblog/(Exponential Records site)

Lindsey Buckingham - Gift Of Screws

Let it be known that I love Lindsey Buckingham, so this review may be a bit biased. You should recognize his name from Fleetwood Mac, or perhaps from Buckingham Nicks. Gift Of Screws is his fifth solo album and showcases his wonderful fingerpicking guitar style, incorporated excellently into the pop/rock sound that he creates. It's great stuff from a great musician. Mick Fleetwood plays drums and John McVie plays bass on "Wait For You" and "Gift Of Screws." Additionally, Fleetwood plays drums on "The Right Place To Fade."

www.myspace.com/lindseybuckingham
www.lindseybuckingham.com

Japanese Motors - Japanese Motors

Awesome! garage pop/surf/rock on the debut from the Costa Mesa, California quartet. I can't really say too much more about them, except that they are coolest band I have listened to in a while. Picture the Strokes going surfing. This band is SO GOOD.

www.myspace.com/thejapanesemotors
www.thejapanesemotors.com

The Hold Steady - Stay Positive

This is the fourth full-length from the Brooklyn-by-way-of-Minneapolis quintet. With their huge riffs, sing-along choruses, and a sound big enough to fill up an arena, they would make Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band or Thin Lizzy proud. The lyrics still focus on sex, drugs, or both; long-time fans will enjoy the references to characters and places from prior albums. Mr. Finn's voice seems a bit worn, likely due to the band being on what seemed like a never-ending tour for their last album, Boys and Girls in America, but as he talks his way through songs about partying, the weariness of his voice only adds authenticity. This is another great set of songs from these guys, and sure to win them even more fans. They also put on an amazing live show - if you get the chance, go check 'em out. Just make sure you bring extra money for beer.

www.myspace.com/theholdsteady
www.theholdsteady.com

This Is Ivy League - Self-Titled

This is the debut for the Brooklyn-based duo of Ryland Blackinton and Alex Suarez. It's chock full of delightful folk-influenced pop music. They remind me of a modern-day, upbeat Simon and Garfunkel. They are super super good. So good!

www.myspace.com/ivyleagueonline
www.thisisivyleague.net