Philosophy of the Besnard Lakes

Besnard Lakes - Volume One
Though Montreal spacegazers Besnard Lakes would eventually grow to include six members, their debut album, Volume I, was recorded entirely by founding members Jace Lasek and Olga Goreas. Lasek had previously produced albums for both Wolf Parade and Sunset Rubdown. Besnard Lakes create vast, reverby spacerock, but also include elements of shoegazer and psychpop. Listen to my favorite track, "Life Rarely Begins with the Tungsten Film #1," then pick up your copy of the Volume One CD for $13.99.

Smile! No One Cares How You Feel

Morrissey will always be the Pope of Mope, but Stephin is the Duke of Drear.

Richard Barbieri on his own

Richard Barbieri - Things Buried
Originally the keyboardist for Japan and its later incarnation, Rain Tree Crow, Richard Barbieri also recorded an album with his wife as Indigo Falls, was a member of the Dolphin Brothers (a project with Japan drummer Steve Jansen) lent his skills to the Tim Bowness/Steven Wilson project No-Man, and ended up a full-fledged member of Wilson’s prolific prog band, Porcupine Tree. Somehow, in addition to all that, he found time to record a solo album. “Things Buried” is a showcase of what Barbieri does best – beautiful dark ambient synth music, with an occasional bit of synth pop. The album also features the fretless bass of Percy Jones, bassist for Brand X, and for several Brian Eno albums (including my favorite one, “Before and After Science”).
After enjoying this track (Fear and Trembling), pick up a copy of the CD for $15.99.

In the U.K., they actually put good bands on the telly!

The Dunny drought is over!!

Yes, believe your eyes:









We just got a huge order in from Kid Robot (we love you, Kid Robot!), including the elusive Dunny series 4. Other wonderful goodies now in stock include Smorkin' Labbits series 3, Mongers (both regular AND menthol), Sketbots, Scary Girl, and Finders Keepers. Every time I walk into the store now I just look at all those toys and want to cry (in the good way).

Fiery Furnaces Blaze Brightly

Fiery Furnaces - Widow City
The sixth full-length release for sibling duo Matthew and Eleanor Friedberger, “Widow City” is more of a “rock” album than previous efforts, but it’s a rock album done in a way that only the Fiery Furnaces could. The electric guitar makes a prominent appearance, but only as it is interspersed with the Furnaces’ familiar vaudevillian piano and bizarre, abrupt tempo changes, so it still sounds like nothing anyone else would ever do. Even after six albums, the Fiery Furnaces continue to break new ground, creating their own unique brand of prog-pop. Listen to one of my favorite tracks, "Philadelphia Grand Jury," then grab a copy of the CD for $14.99.

Siouxsie without the Banshees

Siouxsie - Mantaray. Teaming up with producers Charlie Jones (Goldfrapp) and Steve Evans (Robert Plant), Siouxsie has at last released her long-awaited solo debut, “Mantaray.” To the delight of her fans, Siouxsie’s trademark voice is in top form. This solo endeavor allows her to explore a wide range of territory, from torch song to glam. Take a listen to the track "Loveless," which happens to be my current favorite. Then pick up a copy of the CD for just $13.99. Act quickly and we'll throw in a FREE limited edition Siouxsie 7 inch single while supplies last.

My Favorite Cyborg

Rokeby lives and works in London. In 2003 Rokeby transformed himself into a cyborg for the project Memex: A Cyborg Pilgrimage in The Age Of Amnesia. Commisioned by inIVA (Institute for International Visual Art), Rokeby embarked on a 40-day pilgrimage around London, recording his journey on his wearable computer as he mapped the sacred sites of London.
Pioneering the use of brain/computer interaction, he connected a portable EEG brain wave monitor to his wearable computer, using his brainwaves as an interface to control his computer and generate music.

Dot's In Trouble

Unreleased Mabuses track with animation by Miles Nervine:

What would you do with a brain if you had one?

The Return of the Mabuses

The Mabuses - Mabused

Holy crap! So, after disappearing for about thirteen years or so, Kim Fahy & Co just sort of nonchalantly throw down one of the best albums of the year. Certainly an unexpected turn of events, and most definitely a welcome one. For fans of XTC, the Beatles, psychedelia, Brit-pop, and anything else that's good. Lyrically intelligent psych-pop sprinkled with a few instrumental interludes.

Check out the track "Dark Star," then buy the CD.

Q: Will the Green Machine ever shut up about Maps already?

A: No. No, she will not.


After hearing their stellar performance on KCRW's nationally syndicated Morning Becomes Eclectic last Wednesday, I could hardly wait to see them on Friday night in New York. I'd heard that the Mercury Lounge was small, but had never been there before.
When we arrived, I was delighted to see that the place really is pretty tiny - probably holds about 250 people, 249 of whom were at least six inches taller than me. Luckily, after the opening band was done, a rush to the bar left open the only spot I wanted - front & center - which was where I planted myself and remained for the rest of the night. Looking back to all the hundreds of shows I've attended, Maps is one of a relatively small handful of bands I can actually say I have seen.
Also, they are one of a small handful of bands I think actually sound good live. All five members of the band contribute vocals, giving a fuller, harmonized effect. The setlist included most of "We Can Create," as well as "Start Something," the title track of Maps' debut EP. After the show, I was fortunate enough to meet James, who seemed astounded by the number of copies of "We Can Create" that I have sold at the Olde Record Exchange in little Rochester, NY. Truly a gracious and friendly guy, meeting him made me feel like coming back to Rochester and selling fifteen more copies, just to show those White Stripes who's boss.