Moshi Moshi Comes to the US

Famed London-based indie label Moshi Moshi (Hot Chip, The Rakes, Bloc Party, The Drums, Kate Nash, Au Revoir Simone, other amazingness) has come to the states with two excellent records that even the staunchest American xenophobe can't help but love. The first record being an amazing offering from Slow Club titled Yeah, So. coming out March 30. On the iPhone with incessant repeating since its arrival Yeah, So. is an impressive amalgamation of Kings of Convenience (don't call it twee) indie-pop and a more dirty power-pop sound reminiscent at times of Teenage Fanclub. As contributor Tim Emmerick notes during a guest stint in the "office" "it kind of sounds like you took the Moldy Peaches and gave them a bath." Well put good sir.
The second offering is a double CD package comprised of two separate LPs from The Wave Pictures entitled Instant Coffee Baby and If You Leave it Alone coming out April 27th. At times recalling elements of The Veils, but with a slight punk edge, this trio from the tiny village of Wymeswold are distinctly English in many ways. They seem a continuation of the linage set in motion by The Clash and Paul Weller yet, there is a quieter literary side that emerges from time to time, (especially in the lyrics) that immediately brings Will Sheff and Okkervil River to mind. All of these are great touch points, in our opinion at least. Also there is some surf guitar here and there. WIN. Spin named If You Leave it Alone one of the "10 Best Albums You Might Have Missed in 2009."

Both The Wave Pictures and Slow Club have made stand-out records that shine on their artistic merits alone, but coupled with Moshi Moshi's tastemaker status and prestigious name, both bands seemed destined for critical acclaim in their new home across the pond. Welcome friends.

...For the Whole World to See

Death "Keep on Knocking" mp3

To begin, I must state that I am no expert on the chronology of punk music. Outside of the heavy hitters (The Jam, Clash, Stooges etc...), I can't really say I listen to all that much early punk rock. Yet, this reissue of Death's lost 1973 record ...For the Whole World to See is blowing my fucking mind. I'm sure someone out there can recite to me a litany of bands that Death either drew from or influenced, but I feel no compulsion to do that here. There are, of course, elements of punk fundamentals on this album: speed, punchy bass and simple chord structures; but there is something so transcendental about this record that it ceases to be of a certain era or a certain genre. The songs are visceral and moving, and the lyrical content is poignant and meaningful. There is even a freaking drum solo on the track "Let the World Turn." These three brothers from Detroit (Dannis, Bobby and David Hackney) somehow nailed it, and we thank Drag City for getting this back out there. Our new friend from Other Music, Mikey (I think that's his name) has even been so inspired as to start a facebook page for the record. Join up, and buy the record - I'm talking like, within the next hour.

Paper Make US Debut - Offer MP3

[mp3]
Paper - "Out of It Into It"

It seems like there's something new from over there every day. With their Tallest Men and Fever Rays, Sweden just keeps on turning out new projects. The funny thing is, they are (almost) all good. So, next up is Paper. Hailed as the missing step between Joy Division and New Order and counted as one of Peter Bjorn and John's favorite bands, people have started to take notice. Their sound can be described as post-punk, but really it's full force, loud-as-hell, rock and roll that channels all of the great rock influences from the aforementioned Joy Division to Wire to The Clash. Paper will be playing their first US shows at Cake Shop in NY on March 4-6 behind their new record An Object released through Swedish label, Novoton. Definitely worth checking out.