The Rotaries: Before Leaving

    Obviously a lot of good music comes out of New York City. The Rotaries could hopefully be added to that list. I am optimistic after hearing their debut album, Before Leaving, which came out in August of 2012. The previously released The Rotaries (EP) in August of 2010. So, if we're on schedule, look for a new album around August of 2014?  I guess I can wait that long, but I wish I didn't have to. There is one single that was just released in December, "Rust", so that's perhaps a good sign.

    The Rotaries are a trio comprised of James Rapp (vocals/guitar), Bernard Casserly (bass) and Danny Nosonowitz (drums). A simple old school combination to be sure, but effective in how full sounding and creative they come off. It also helps, I assume, that the latter two members sing backup vocals. Anyway, Rapp and Nosonowitz grew up together in Westchester, NY, went away to college in Boston, began playing music together, and when they returned to NYC added Casserly.

    How shall I describe their sound, other than immediately recognizing that they could cover The Strokes perfectly? Another blog, 12 Questions, wrote: "With freewheeling vocals, catchy hooks, and ringing guitars, overlaid with a dizzy layer of fuzz, the record radiates a youthful but refined energy." I think this is a perfect description, minus a few things. They lazily pull off laid back slower songs, with a kind of Young Buffalo feel. Also, I've seen them compared to, in addition to The Strokes, The Walkmen, Dawes, The Velvet Underground and The Beatles. I don't fully agree with The Beatles, The Rotaries are too post-punk rather than classic rock. And, I haven't (I probably shouldn't tell you this) heard of The Walkmen, Dawes or listened to The Velvet Underground. There goes any credibility I may have had, going to do my homework now.
    The Rotaries have one of the best songs of the year imo, "So to Speak". You can check it out over under the 'Monthly Sample Tracks', or continue straight on to their Bandcamp site, here, where you can enjoy the entire album, including a b-side track and other discography. Lay back and enjoy, these guys are a pleasure to listen to!

Woodpigeon: Thumbtacks + Glue

    I've been scraping the bottom of the barrel time wise lately. This is why I haven't made a post in more than a couple of weeks. It is not my intention to let this project go, it just won't get the attention I'd like to give to it. Sorry. I don't know why it seems I always have to give an explanation for my absence, but I'm sure you get why and find it as useless as I do too.
    Anyway, the band I chose I've had stored up for a while: Woodpigeon. Nothing too glamorous or earth shattering here, just nice songwriting. Semi-folk, semi alternative, with layered voices and Scottish/Canadian sensibilities. Besides a mountain of EP's, this is their 4th full album, Thumbtacks + Glue (February 2013),--behind Songbook (2006), Treasury Library Canada (2008) and Die Stadt Muzikanten (2010)--and is a mostly gentle mix between folk and that alternative grungy sounding guitar where you can hear all the strings being strung. It also reminds me of some of the bands it has toured with or has been described as similar to: Grizzly Bear, Simon & Garfunkel and Sufjan Stevens. The main frontman of Woodpigeon, is Mark Andrew Hamilton. Of the indie rock collective's name (Woodpigeon), made up of several friends, Mark said: "I've always been in love with the word Woodpigeon for as long as I can remember. When you write it in cursive, it looks like a rollercoaster". Hamilton is originally from Edinburgh, Scotland. He had a band there called Woodpigeon Divided By Antelope Equals Squirrel, but it was shortened after he moved to Calgary. His former act consisted mainly of street performances and little vocals as he was afraid to sing. I find his voice doesn't exude strength or confidence, but it is not unpleasant to listen to. It is soothing at least, if not quit on par with the likes of Andrew Bird or Sufjan Stevens.
    Thumbtacks + Glue has a number of really nice songs. I particularly like "Children Should be Seen and Not Heard", maybe more because it references Arrested Development? But really, it has an interesting drum beat yet repetitive nature, though evolves nicely. The synth underneath is what really makes it for me. You'll hear it at the very end of the song more distinctly as well. That is followed up by a very soft and dream-like song, with female vocals that are whispy and simplistic. I also like the second to last song, "Hermit", because as a brass player I enjoy most any use of the noblest of all instruments, the french horn. The final, and title song, is also a nice warm down, with a slew of interesting sounds thrown in, like pizzicato strings. It's like psychedelic sleep music.
    I have linked the song, "Children Must be Heard and Not Seen" over under the 'Monthly Sample Tracks', because it is what really drew me into Woodpigeon, beyond just the first few songs which didn't quite capture me fully yet. Make your own decision, check out their Bandcamp site, here. Behind every good indie band there is a Bandcamp! Hope you enjoy!