This Week on The Headphones: Losers, Dogs, Apes, Androids...Evangelicals

I’m heading out of town for the weekend and running out of time on this post, but this week’s roster is so hot, it can’t wait until Monday. I do it because I care.

Descriptions will be brief.

Dr. Dog - Fate (2008)

Beatle-isms run high, in a good way. Fate is their most consistent release to date. A delight.






Spirtualized - Songs in A&E (2008)

I never got into Spiritualized. Until now. This record is heavy with songs about death, drugs, love, and God. And a bunch of references to souls and the fires burning within them. The first 20 minutes have become part of my morning routine.







The Do - A Mouthful (2008)

A French duo, pronounced “dough.” The girl sings, she has a lovely voice (and a lovely face). They play simple, fun, folk/pop stuff, but flirt with dreamy noise and some strings.

The Ruby Suns - Sea Lion (2008)

Sea Lions are a colony of animals that sun in the ocean off of California's Highway 1.

Easily one of the best I’ve heard this year, Sea Lion is very positive record. The result of New Zealanders and Californians colliding, this one is all smiles. Recommended for fans of enigmatic jungle pop, you know, that new age, Beach Boys stuff.

Apes & Androids - Blood Moon (2008)

Oh man. Bizarre.

Sounds like Queen covering Prince, backed by Of Montreal. There is some filler, but “Golden Prize” is on repeat. I hear the live show is theatric bananas.

Dan Friel - Ghost Town (2008)

Behind a grainy, distorted, electronic wall, there’s a Ghost Town full of divine, pop melodies. When you walk inside, your ears will bleed maple syrup.

The Evangelicals - The Evening Descends (2008)

"I think it's going to be like Marvin Gaye meets the Rocky Horror Picture Show." – singer Josh Jones

Glam. Flaming Lips. Busy with textures. Spacey. “Skeleton Man” aims high and wins.

Girl Talk - Feed The Animals (2008)

I was sick of Night Ripper, so this will do. A bit too much rap if you ask me. But you can’t go too wrong with a well-placed Girl Talk mash-up at a party. Not only does he sample Radiohead, he gives the record away for free like Radiohead, so really it’s a win/win.

Beck - Modern Guilt (2008)

Sounds like Beck, kind of bummed out (which I like, see: Sea Change), offset by some psychedelic surf riffs. Time will tell.

Leonard Cohen - I'm Your Man (1988)

I really have my ear on the pulse of new music with this one! Really, he’s one of the greatest songwriters of all time and should be rediscovered by this generation. This is my homework assignment. Make it yours.