Jimi Hendrix - Valleys of Neptune //

I finally got a chance over the weekend to listen to the recent posthumous release from Jimi Hendrix.  In an article last month in The New York Times, Anthony DeCurtis set it up as the next logical step after Electric Ladyland. The album has some alternate versions of Hendrix classics like “Stone Free” and “Hear My Train A Comin.’”  But there are also never before heard gems, like the title track (which you can listen to above) and the devastatingly beautiful (almost) instrumental final track “Crying Blue Rain.”

There are a lot of bloated Hendrix collections out there, with rare outtakes and demos.  Valleys of Neptune is not another greatest hits collection.  It’s a full blown album that just might make you rediscover Hendrix and imagine what might have been had he lived beyond the age of 27.

-MW

REVIEW: The Morning Benders - Big Echo

If you have been following our posts about The Morning Benders then you know how much we loved the video for “Excuses” the first single of their new album, Big Echo. The sound they were able to generate with all of their San Fran musician friends was phenomenal and mixed with those lyrics and harmonies, tre magnifique!

Therefore, it will come as no big surprise that I give this album a great review.  While it is full of mellow sunnyish California indie rock-pop songs there is nothing totally shocking about it, but that in no way takes away from the fact that it’s an album to be excited about.

For this album they have tried some new things, moving in another direction from the twangy indie sound found on their first album, Talking Through Tin Cans. This creative change may be due to that fact that Chris Taylor of Grizzly Bear fame was tapped to produce their sophomore effort.

I find that many of the tracks have that great balance of upbeat yet mellow with sleepy guitars, soft drums and an unmatched depth of lyrics along with catchy rolling choruses.  One of my favorite tracks, “Pleasure Sighs” is a perfect example.  It’s able to guide you into a peaceful tranquil state while still leaving you wanting more as opposed to wanting your pillow.  This is an album that you can play from start to finish on a laid-back Sunday afternoon making brunch, drinking mimosas and discussing the debauchery of nights past with some of your closest friends.

Over all this is a strongly instrumental album with some exceptions like the track, “Cold War (Nice Clean Fight)” Which proves to have that really poppy catchy sound. I dare you not to sing along.  It’s also an album that grows on you, at least that’s how it was for me.  Although I liked it at first listen, I’m now falling hard.  It may be an affair to remember.  I’m a positive thinker and I always believe there is room for improvement.  Though I’m a fan of this album, I think The Morning Benders will continue to grow creatively and will turn out an even better album next time.  Lyrically, I’m beyond impressed.  A+ on that front.

This could be a big year for them especially after signing with Rough Trade and being in the BNM category on Pitchfork for their song “Excuses” as well as number one on Hype Machine.  If you like this Vagabonds taste in music then you should go out and grab this CD.  It drops today March 9th so don’t hesitate or your ears may go on strike.

Buy it here

http://www.themorningbenders.com

-music from my ears. to yours. with love. jp