Time to talk about this week's new music...and there's loads of good new stuff in the shops this week. Now...brace yourself, because Britney's new record arrives next week...I've already pre-ordered my copy.....a-hem.
More after the jump...
DAVE GAHAN – “HOURGLASS”
The frontman, but not chief songwriter, of Depeche Mode has once again used DM’s rather lengthy hiatuses (they spend about 4 years between releases) to concentrate on his own music. It’s his 2nd solo record, after 2003’s “Paper Monsters”. The difference here, though, is a clear return to the electronic sounds that Depeche Mode has made a near 30-year career on. “Paper Monsters” was full of dark, brooding almost bluesy guitars and keyboards, which made sense since Gahan had not long before hit rock bottom and nearly died during an all-night drug bender. “Hourglass” is a more catchy, cheerful record that is in tune with his whole new lease on life.
WEEN – “LA CUCARACHA”
Ween has had the misfortune of being labeled a “novelty band” throughout their career…I mean, “Push Th’ Little Daisies” was indeed silly…but really, they’re just a band with a sense of humor. And don’t look now, but Ween has been releasing ever-evolving records (this is their 8th) all along. Their live shows are memorable and have spawned a few live releases, including the acclaimed “Live In Chicago” which was recorded at the Vic in November of ’03.
SCOTLAND YARD GOSPEL CHOIR – “SCOTLAND YARD GOSPEL CHOIR”SYGC is one of my absolute favorite groups in our sea of Chicago bands. However, they’re well past “local band” status, having been heard on TV shows such as “The O.C.”, and having played with the likes of The Arcade Fire and Spoon. It’s delicious, infectious indie pop, and though there is a core group of members, over 50 musicians, representing a who’s who in Chicago music, appear on the record playing an array of string and horn instruments.
