new music: summer tunes!

What have I been listening to lately? Here it is:

Black Francis - Bluefinger
Frank Black's decision to release this material under his former Pixies moniker should tell you something. Indeed, this is a true "return to form" for Frank Black. Don't get me wrong, I love the recent Nashville-influenced FB records, but they lack the intensity of early FB&Cs or Pixies fast-and-furious rock records. "Threshold Apprehension" has all the markings of a "U-Mass"-syle Pixies track, complete with female backup. It's the type of song Kurt Cobain would be proud to rip off. The record continues with stellar tracks like standouts "Test Pilot Blues", "Discotheque 36" and "Bluefinger". This one isn't officially released until September 3, but you shouldn't wait that long - it's widely available on various file-sharing apps. "Threshold Apprehension" is also available on the new double disc FB best-of 93-03. 9.5/10

Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

Aside from the annoying title (why five "Ga"s?), Spoon's sixth album is another solid power-pop record from the Austin quartet. Typical Spoon: minimalist, rythm-driven songs, simple and catchy. Good stuff. A similar mix of dark and light as Gimme Fiction and definitely closest to that album musically, with better production values than their early albums, but the same crunchy, rythmic pop they've had all along. 8.0/10

Feist - The Reminder
Even Pitchfork likes this album. 9.0/10

Dinosaur Jr. - Beyond

If you're jonesing for some '90s grunge nostalgia this is the record for you. J, Murph and Barlow keep things simple and true to the DJ style: Loud. 7.5/10

Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger

After a long (for him) break, Ryan Adams has released his first album of new material since his 2005 trifecta of albums. Thankfully, Easy Tiger is more reminiscent of his Cardinals releases than of the sleepy 29. In fact, Easy Tiger ranks among Adams' best work. The majority of the songs are very well written, with a hint of the country-influence of Jacksonville City Nights, but also elements of the less-critically acclaimed Rock n Roll. It's all Ryan Adams, however, and not for those who like to bash the alt-country-americana types. Early standouts for me include "Goodnight Rose", "Two" (with a thankfully-subtle Sheryl Crow appearance), "Halloween Head" and "Pearls on a String". 8.5/10

Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare
A bit harder-edged than Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not, but with a very similar style. "Brianstorm", "Fluorescent Adolescent", and "505" are standouts. Good listening, but not as solid as their first release. 7.5/10

The White Stripes - Icky Thump

Like most WS albums, I needed to dig a little deeper than the lead-off single to properly appreciate Icky Thump. There, I found a return to the guitar-driven dirty blues that got the world hooked on White Blood Cells. Still, if I had downloaded this first, I may not have shelled out for the hard copy. 6.5/10

Also rated:

Kings of Leon - Because of the Times 9.0/10
Wilco - Sky Blue Sky 9.0/10
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Baby 81 8.5/10
Benjy Ferree - Leaving the Nest 8.5/10