Tuesday Stroll

The Elite Five

2. Dntel: Dumb Luck

Jimmy Tamborello is a busy dude. Most know him from the Postal Service, which hilariously is now my third-favourite of his projects. Last year it was Tamborell’s work as James Figurine and the record Mistake Mistake Mistake Mistake, which was a surprise top ten album on my year-end list. This year its Dntel’s Dumb Luck -- which, by the way, is a Sub Pop release. The album features several notable guest stars like Jenny Lewis, Conor Oberst and Maria Doi Todd.

3. The Go Find: Stars on the Wall

My friend Jesse got me on the Go Find tip maybe a year and a half ago, and I liked what I heard then. This release somewhat snuck up now, as a band that had just a little bit of hype but never seemed to become that well known. I haven’t heard a peep off Stars on the Wall, yet but as we speak I’m enjoying the Belgian group’s song “Dictionary” on MySpace. A very raw and probably rash generalization is highly electronic-leaning indie-pop, so if that sounds tasty to you check it out.

4. Bill Callahan: Woke on a Whaleheart

I’m not a Smog historian by any means, but I’m literate enough on the band to realize that Bill Callahan’s first release under his own name is a significant in the indie world. I am not, however, wise enough on said topic to let you know how it compares to Smog. What I can tell you is that to my ears, Woke on a Whaleheart is a very intriguing listen packed with stellar songwriting and creative arrangements. A quintessential listen for Smog fans, but a worthy listen for others as well.

5. Mavis Staples: We’ll Never Turn Back

I don’t mean to sound like a fan boy when it comes to Anti- but this label is just bloody terrific. You never know what you might get from Anti-, but the odds are it will be very good. We’ll Never Turn Back is the first release for Mavis Staples (whose career spans over 50 years) on Anti-. Recently, Staples has had a bit of a renaissance, releasing some of the finest music of her career in what is likely its twilight stage.

Remember Me?

6. Lou Reed: Hudson River Wind Meditations

In this week’s Remember Me section we talk about two legendary musicians who, unlike Mavis Staples, are not experiencing any sort of renaissance. Actually, Lou Reed’s album is as the title suggests -- nothing more than a collection of new age meditation music that you might hear in an elevator, a gift shop or a new-age yoga class. I guess he can do whatever he wants, but it’s a shame.

7. Patti Smith: 12

Patti Smith’s twelfth album, featuring 12 songs, and 12 covers. And from what I’ve heard, it is about as original as this tried and boring concept is. Cover albums are generally bad, but if creative enough they can actually be a rather rewarding listen. Nothing Patti Smith could have released would have sent me sprinting to the record shop to get it – I just wish she could have thought outside the box a bit and covered something relatively current rather than Hendrix, Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder and Nirvana. Some sites are willing to lower the bar for a veteran like Smith; personally, I think that’s bullshit.

Not My Bag - Maybe Yours?

8. Burning Brides: Hang Love

A month or so from now, Velvet Revolver will release what is to be a grimy rock album and surely will get a lot of press. Meanwhile, Burning Brides will do much of the same today without anybody taking notice. I don’t care much for either band; however, I’m just throwing out a prediction that Hang Love tops whatever Velvet Revolver brings to the table.

9. Porcupine Tree: Life Enigma

One day I was at a local sandwich shop and the owner was blasting out a song that I thought sounded like a Tragically Hip track. It wasn’t; actually -- it was a Porcupine Tree song. It was awesome. I went home and downloaded some Porcupine Tree stuff, only to find out I didn’t like it at all. In my research it became apparent this is a very beloved band, so I thought I’d let you know there was a new release today in case you are part of their following.