New Music Recap pt.1

Alright so first off, appologies for the lack of updates. We started this blog right before each and every member of the WSVA staff got slammed with portfolio's/finals. So we've been a little neglectful. Also, as I write this we are one school day away from the end of term, so odds are posting will be sporatic throughout the rest of the summer and I could very well be the only one writting entries. I'll try not to let that happen cuz as much fun as I am and all, this is supposed to be a collective effort and my musical tastes do not fully reflect the diversity of the staff as a whole. 5 music geeks are better than one. In fact one of our staffers is currently at Cochella and I'll try to get her to post a review when she gets back.

In other news!... there is a shit ton of amazing music out there right now. Like really. I'm having a hard time keeping up...

I'm still processing the amazingness that is Feists new album "The Reminder" (which comes out stateside on tuesday) once I've had a bit more time with it I'll post a proper review. I can however say that it just might be better than "Let It Die" a feat not to be taken lightly. And to satisfy any Feist cravings before the album is released there are two extreamly awesome music videos which i present for your viewing pleasure: one for My Moon My Man and another for 1234, both videos live up to the new Feist standard of dancing. Who doesnt love a good group dance number. I mean really.


Patti Smith's album of cover songs "Twelve" is pretty good and surprisingly roots-y for the pioneering pre-punk rocker. I am however, still currently undecided about this album as a whole. While there are a few good covers on the album, most of the tracks dont stray very far from their original versions other than the obvious instrument differences. Her version of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" is a pretty good example in that it starts out as a REALLY amazing cover, but the second she hits the chorus it becomes patti smith singing nirvana. Maybe thats just a supremely hard song to cover because it is so recognizable, but while she plays with the original melody in the verses, there is no attempt made to do so durring the oh-so-familiar chorus, and is true of most songs on the album. A statement made worse by the fact that Patti Smith is known for amazing and revolutionary covers, one need not look any further than "Gloria" off her iconic "Horses" for proof of that. As such this album falls a little short and probably wont get a huge heaping amount of spins, at least from me. Then again I could completely change my mind like tomorrow, so who the hell knows. For a more in depth review head on over to Pop Matters.

This post is becoming obscenely long and theres still so much to talk about, including: The New Bloods, Old Haunts, The Fucking Ocean, Electrelane, Barr, Laura Veirs and all the other things im currently forgetting. But fear not, posting will recommence soon, possibly even later today. I'm a music junkie, what can I say.

Stay Tuned.