ELI "PAPERBOY" REED - Come and Get It

This is Eli's third full-length album and his first for the Capitol label. He's from the Boston area, but you probably wouldn't know it from listening to his music. His style is soul music and he'll have you wondering if Come and Get It isn't really a forgotten Stax/Motown record. At the same time, it sounds fresh and new. This is a fantastic album. Kick out the jams with "Explosion", take some advice with "Come and Get It", enjoy the horns and harmonies on "Tell Me What I Want To Hear". Whatever you do, you should enjoy this album.

www.myspace.com/elipaperboyreed
www.elipaperboyreed.com

PANTS YELL - Received Pronunciation

Pants Yell! are from Cambridge, near Boston, and they formed in 2003. In the past they had a girl drummer but it seems the trio is now comprised of all dudes. If I understand correctly, Received Pronunciation is their fourth full-length and their first release for Slumberland Records. I saw this band perform in Rochester in 2006 and while I was most impressed with their bass player's good looks, I also recall them having a very poppy, "twee" sound. That sound is present on this album so I must remember their gig well enough. The nine-song album clocks in at just over 26 minutes but nonetheless is packed chock full of upbeat indie pop. The last song on this album, "To Take", is probably my favorite as it has a very nice instrumental ending. The vocalist is kind of wimpy but I suppose that is to be expected with this type of music. If you like wussy pop music you'd probably like this, it's good.

www.myspace.com/pantsyellmusic

CLEM SNIDE - Hungry Bird

This is the band's sixth studio album and first in four years. They are led by a man with one of the best names ever: Eef Barzelay. Their sound on this record is one of indie/folk/country/pop, and it's very mellow and easy-going. Eef has a unique voice that you will either adore or despise. I like it (he kind of reminds me of John Darnielle of the Mountain Goats with his vocal sound), so I found the album to be pretty good.

www.myspace.com/clemsnide
www.clemsnide.com

The Blizzard of '78 - Book Of Lies

They are from the Boston area and this is their second LP. It's good stuff! Indie rock that combines a variety of influences, sometimes alt-country, sometimes using horns, sometimes sounding like U2 circa their Boy album, or even sometimes reminding me of Elvis Costello and the Attractions. I like these guys.

www.myspace.com/theblizzardof78
http://www.tbo78.com

The Mystery Tramps - We Are The Mystery Tramps EP

They're from Boston. I'm not sure how old they are, though they look like they are about fifteen. Prior to this EP, they released another EP and a full-length CD. They play a mix of pop/pop-punk/rock, though some songs teeter dangerously to the edge of being labeled as "emo". The vocalist whines his way through some of these tracks, which lessens their appeal. The songs without the whining are fairly decent though, so overall, this cd was a mixed bag for me.

www.myspace.com/themysterytramps
www.themysterytramps.com

Passion Pit - Chunk Of Change

Electropop from Boston. Rather busy sounding. Heavy on the synths. Apparently the guy behind this wrote these songs as a Valentine's Day present for his girlfriend, which explains titles like "Smile Upon Me" and "Cuddle Fuddle." Originally recorded solo, gigs now feature a full five-piece band. At times, I ask myself if this is a more intense, dancier version of LCD Soundsystem with higher pitched male vocals. At other times, I ask myself how the hell something like this ended up on FrenchKiss records.

www.myspace.com/passionpitjams