Loose Fur
Born Again in the USA
Drag city 2006

Loose Fur is a project among friends: Jim O´Rourke (Sonic Youth), Glenn Kotche (Wilco) and Jeff Tweedy (Wilco). The three great musicians reunite to make a very enjoyable album full of various harmonies.

There is a voice that hooks you along with the company of folk-sounding guitars, although it is quite clear that this album originates from the rock. From the beginning the album sounds easily digestible, and it is; although, hearing songs such as "Wreckroom", they manage a ballad with tints that range from the experimental to the psychedelic. Sporting engaging lyrics, such as the ones found in "Ruling Class", which describe Jesus Christ smoking crack, it's evident that this is a project with a very strong base and it's definitely worth lending our ears.

Glissandro 70
Constellation records 2006

This album gestated over two years, and with only five tracks, it still manages to take us on a trip. There are two pilots at the helm of this ship: Sandro Perri (Polmo Polpo) and Craig Dunsmuir (Guitarkestra). And darned if they don't sound vastly different from what is being done today or what's programmed on the radio. What do they sound like? Like two friends under the influence of hallucinogenic drugs, playing with guitars and voices, adding a touch of electro, provoking us, so that the arrangements sound like funky mantras. Although this album has a very fresh sound, it is very retro and exuberant. Sounds like dance music from the Ô80's with tropical textures. Bravo. Go out and get it.

TV on radio
Return to Cookie Mountain
4AD/ Everlastig 2006

Five musicians straight out of Brooklyn, New York. Besides being visual artists and painters, with this, their second album, they demonstrate that they know how to do good rock or post rock, even though many of the elements are electronic, loaded with many trip-hop type loops. They also manage to maintain that certain punch which characterizes them and can be heard on the welcoming track, ÒPlayhousesÓ. But itÕs not necessary to complicate things with genres, besides being a pop album, itÕs enough to say this is an album that will maintain your ears perked.

The knife
Silent Shout
Rabid 2006

This Swedish duo makes somber dance music. This album sends me back to the smack den, but its best to get a hold of it yourself and form your own conclusion. If what you want is for the music to explode like caramels in your bloodstream, then The knife is your huckleberry.

The girl's voice is key. Between synths, samplers and the use of vocoders they manage an atmosphere that is full-on electro-goth; today's techno-pop with a touch of eighties, which is in style, and a dash of electro-clash. Although it has trendy tendencies, one shouldn't stop to recognize that they have managed to define a very particular sound. Despite their success, they sound pretty dark, and I think that's why they're making so much noise in Europe. Besides, the name of the album fits perfectly.

Band of horses
Everything all the time
Sub Pop 2006

From Seattle Ben Bridwell and Matt Brook whip out an album that, to say the least, is very pretty. And the listener is in for a very pleasant surprise. Its not complicated, nor hard core, and its perfect for a drive on the highway while you enjoy the landscape. The textures of the echoes on the peculiar vocals create an atmosphere which remind of bands such as The Flaming Lips or My Morning Jacket. Country-folk and rock-pop is what dominates, enveloping you in its melancholy mood with each listen. It's one of the most solid sounds and projects this year, and why not, at first listen, it traps you.

Reseñas de música por Mag
gracialas@gmail.com

Thom Yorke
The Eraser
Xl Recordings

On a recent rainless night, I was lucky enough to make new friends and enjoy the crisp night air whilst listening to Thom Yorke's first solo album soundtrack of the lightning filled skies of Guanajuato. Almost entirely produced on a laptop, with sweeping, haunting sounds, and the as ever beautiful vocals of Thom, ÔThe Eraser' did not need a second listen for me to be enchanted. Pick any evening, rainy or not, and let the electronic droplets of 'Atoms For Peace', ÔCymbal Rush' and 'And It Rained All Night' wash over you with something that truly feels as though it has fallen from the heavens.

Por el equipo de Rodney y Harmeet