Because Music Matters.
For new releases this week, we have an eclectic bunch of lesser-known artists. The highlights include: La Sera with her self-titled album that is reminiscent of Beach House and Tennis, Jessica Lea Mayfield’s new LP Tell Me which boasts her unique and soulful sound, and artist Imaginary Cities with their newest effort Temporary Resident. You can see more artists and albums after the jump!
This could very well be Bright Eyes’ swan song. Hinting at the dying days of his Bright Eyes project last year in Rolling Stone, indie darling Conor Oberst sounded like he was ready to say goodbye to the band that garnered him fame as the poster-boy for skinny, bedroom-dwelling high school males everywhere, the 00’s answer to 80’s punk and 90’s emo. The kid is talented too, no denying that. Besides eliciting comparisons to the oh-so-comparable likes of Dylan, Oberst could weave his own warbly lines of genius. Whether they be drug-infused, lovelorn, or downright depressed, Bright Eyes’ lyrics tore at heartstrings with ease. Arriving at his most recent effort with the band’s impending mortality in question, we’re left with one, main query: should this be the finish line for Bright Eyes, is this how we want it all to end?
The Cold War Kids hold on to their number 1 spot on our Top 40, but Bright Eyes’ The People’s Key takes the number 2 spot from the Decemberists. Although not officially released until Febuary 15, WLOY has The People’s Key for your listening pleasure. Iron and Wine, Cage the Elephant hold firm within the top ten as well. Kings of Leon’s mediocre album remains in the top ten, but don’t expect it to stay there for long. Indie favorites like Smith Westerns and Tennis are on the outside looking in, but that’ll change soon.
What to expect in the coming weeks: Mogwai’s new album, conveniently titled, “Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will.” Oh, how existential of them.
Grandfathers of post-rock, Mogwai, have had a tumultuous career of highs and lows. Pattern is, Mogwai will either floor on first listen (Young Team, Happy Songs For Happy People) or alternatively leave much to be desired (Zidane, The Hawk Is Howling). The pioneers’ most recent work displays Mogwai both drenched and layers and effects while dabbling in more minimalist pieces also, as Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will spans an impressive array of emotions aesthetics. This sensation is compounded when compared to the tepidness of their recent output. Mogwai’s ferocity on Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will is evident at once, and the album lives up to its intriguing name. Immersive and intense, Mogwai’s seventh LP sets the bar high in early 2011.
This week brings a some seasoned acts as well as some new bands. The new Bright Eyes album that everyone’s been waiting for, titled The People’s Key, has arrived. Additionally, indie band Tennis released their debut, Cape Dory (left). This band has a very Vampire Weekend vibe, and it will be interesting to see where these artists go. Check out more new releases after the jump!
We’re only one month into the new year and already 2011 is off to a great start with some promising tunes. Here’s a look at the Top 40 Albums for the week of January 28th. Currently, Cold War Kids and Decemberists are holding the top two spots; however, keep a lookout for Young Galaxy (left) and the new band Tennis as they coast up the ranks with their breezy beach sound.
This week Cold War Kids make their debut at the number one spot with their new album, Mine Is Yours, which drops today! “Finally Begin” is an unreleased song that hasn’t even hit the radio waves yet! Aren’t you lucky that you get to hear it before everyone else? This album is going to launch Cold War Kids into mainstream stardom if they haven’t achieved it already. Another band to keep an eye on is The Decemberists, who recently released their album, The King Is Dead.
This week brings a blend of up-beat and mellow Indie that will be sure to cleanse your musical palate. Highlights of the week include a bunch of happy hipsters called Grouplove and a spacey beach group called Young Galaxy. Stay tuned for more upcoming releases!
Every great song comes from a great album and here WLOY presents the top 10 albums of 2010. This list was gathered by staff members and DJs alike with special attention to what captured the music industry this past year. There have been debuts from alternative newbies Local Natives as well as highly anticipated follow-up albums from such acts like folk-turned-electronica artist Sufjan Stevens and indie kings and queens Arcade Fire. Check out our list after the jump to see if YOUR favorite album made the cut!
Here at WLOY, our music staff, along with the DJs, compiled a list of the 50 best songs of 2010. From Morning Benders to Broken Social Scene, Lissie to MGMT, 2010 has been a year of songs with catchy beats about seeing your ex driving around town with someone else, giving toasts to some unsavory characters and living in a suffocating suburban world. Each song on this list has made a splash in the tidal pool of the music industry this year. Check out our list after the jump to make your own Top 50 playlist and to see which song has made it into the incredibly coveted number one slot!