Trax
By Bliss 05/01/2008
EVEREST, Ghost Notes (Vapor):
Smart songs, ear-pleasing harmonies, thoughtfully textured instrumental arrangements and a pervading organic vibe are the foremost attributes of this LA band’s moody and melodic debut full-length. Frontman Russell Pollard and his four bandmates have collectively racked up credits playing with a diverse slate of acts that includes Earlimart, the Watson Twins, Mike Stinson, Sebadoh and John Vanderslice; as one unit, they reveal additional pop sensibilities and stylistic influences ranging from ’60s garage rock to Wilco and Elliott Smith. It’s not a stretch to imagine tunes like “Rebels in the Roses,” the driving “Trees” and the steel-washed ballad “Angry Storm” hitting it big with indie-rock scenesters. Performing in-store at Amoeba Music in Hollywood Tuesday.
www.myspace.com/everestlads
FAYSSOUX, Early (Red Beet Records):
The voice of Fayssoux McLean — formerly Fayssoux Starling — was a distinctive presence on Emmylou Harris’ classic ’70s albums, her velvety contralto nicely offsetting Harris’ crystalline soprano. Three decades later, Harris returns the favor, harmonizing on the title track of McLean’s proper solo debut. Music journalist/singer-songwriter Peter Cooper coaxed McLean out of retirement for the project, which he also produced. It’s a personal set that takes its time savoring traditional folk tunes, McLean originals and favorite songs by pals like Rodney Crowell. The midtempo pace quickens during the upbeat “Amen Children,” brightened by Ricky Skaggs’ sparkling mandolin and the Whites’ harmonies, and the sassy “Save It! Save It!,” a honky-tonk duet with Cooper that also features pedal steel great Lloyd Green. Throughout, McLean’s warm, low tones caress the lyrics and graceful melodies. www.fayssouxmusic.com
MOSTLY BEARS, The Ed Mitchell Clinic (Funzalo):
Toss Radiohead, Mars Volta and early U2 in a sonic blender, and this trippy Tucson trio might be the result. Currently riding a wave of SXSW-fueled buzz that may or may not keep rolling, Mostly Bears’ new disc surfs between spacey, prog-rock-y fare (“The Stationary Divide,” which sounds like it was recorded on codeine, “Your Smile Decorates the Afternoon”), yowling rockers (“Melancholyism”) and psychedelic freak-outs like “The Pharmacist,” a wacky setpiece spiked with chants, shifting time signatures and atmospheric guitar flourishes. At the Knitting Factory in Hollywood May 16.
www.myspace.com/mostlybears
Smart songs, ear-pleasing harmonies, thoughtfully textured instrumental arrangements and a pervading organic vibe are the foremost attributes of this LA band’s moody and melodic debut full-length. Frontman Russell Pollard and his four bandmates have collectively racked up credits playing with a diverse slate of acts that includes Earlimart, the Watson Twins, Mike Stinson, Sebadoh and John Vanderslice; as one unit, they reveal additional pop sensibilities and stylistic influences ranging from ’60s garage rock to Wilco and Elliott Smith. It’s not a stretch to imagine tunes like “Rebels in the Roses,” the driving “Trees” and the steel-washed ballad “Angry Storm” hitting it big with indie-rock scenesters. Performing in-store at Amoeba Music in Hollywood Tuesday.
www.myspace.com/everestlads
FAYSSOUX, Early (Red Beet Records):
The voice of Fayssoux McLean — formerly Fayssoux Starling — was a distinctive presence on Emmylou Harris’ classic ’70s albums, her velvety contralto nicely offsetting Harris’ crystalline soprano. Three decades later, Harris returns the favor, harmonizing on the title track of McLean’s proper solo debut. Music journalist/singer-songwriter Peter Cooper coaxed McLean out of retirement for the project, which he also produced. It’s a personal set that takes its time savoring traditional folk tunes, McLean originals and favorite songs by pals like Rodney Crowell. The midtempo pace quickens during the upbeat “Amen Children,” brightened by Ricky Skaggs’ sparkling mandolin and the Whites’ harmonies, and the sassy “Save It! Save It!,” a honky-tonk duet with Cooper that also features pedal steel great Lloyd Green. Throughout, McLean’s warm, low tones caress the lyrics and graceful melodies. www.fayssouxmusic.com
MOSTLY BEARS, The Ed Mitchell Clinic (Funzalo):
Toss Radiohead, Mars Volta and early U2 in a sonic blender, and this trippy Tucson trio might be the result. Currently riding a wave of SXSW-fueled buzz that may or may not keep rolling, Mostly Bears’ new disc surfs between spacey, prog-rock-y fare (“The Stationary Divide,” which sounds like it was recorded on codeine, “Your Smile Decorates the Afternoon”), yowling rockers (“Melancholyism”) and psychedelic freak-outs like “The Pharmacist,” a wacky setpiece spiked with chants, shifting time signatures and atmospheric guitar flourishes. At the Knitting Factory in Hollywood May 16.
www.myspace.com/mostlybears
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