Editors: The Back Room: Recommended

So I've listened to Interpol, and I've tried Bloc Party. But they haven't really worked for me.

But the Editors CD -- which I've had for probably 6 months or so on import -- does. In fact, I enjoy it as much as I do some of the classic albums of the 80s. It stands up to repeated listening.

Editors The Back Room has its own sound, but clearly builds on Echo & the Bunnymen, Joy Division, and other similar guitar-based bands. I first heard "Blood" on KEXP while in Seattle, and had to find the CD. I then found that I enjoyed the whole CD, but could play "Munich" again and again. It's got the anthemic sound of early U2, with lots of driving guitars and catchy melodies. The band is capable of even more, I think, and so I'm hoping this is just the first of many excellent albums.

Check out the sound samples at Amazon. It's now out domestically and cheap. You can order Editors here. You might also want to check out the singles if you're feeling flush with cash. The Cicada remixes and b-sides are good.

Truth: Editors are my favorite new band.

Tags: editors, the back room, new music

Recommended

A friend recently asked me what music I recommended to help fill his iPod with good stuff. Well, here's the problem: there's actually quite a bit of decent stuff out, but deciding where to start is the challenge.

So I'll look at some recommendations in a couple different categories next.

William Orbit's Hello Waveforms

William Orbit's been a favorite for a long time. His brand of mellow electronic music makes great background listening ... and still rewards a more attentive approach. That said, with this CD he won't win new fans. If you're already predisposed to like Orbit, then you'll find this CD familiar and enjoyable. If not, you'll find it capable but unengaging electronic noodling.

The good news and bad news is that this sounds like the older Orbit records -- reminds me of the Strange Cargo days. That's both a blessing and a curse. While the sound's updated slightly, it's more of the same. now, I LIKE more of the same, so I find this a very enjoyable CD. But based on his more recent production work, I admit that I expected more. It's as if an "A" student turned in "B" level work -- the work itself is enjoyable, but you have the sense he's capable of more.

7/10

Tags: "william orbit"

Thievery Corporation new remix disc due April

According to Billboard.com, there's a new Thievery Corporation remix disc due in April. [[Edit: Now scheduled for May.]]

According to the site, the disc will be called "Versions," and here's the track listing:
"Tanara," Ustad Sultan Khan
"Habanos Days," Damien
"This Is Not a Love Song," Nouvelle Vague
"Beloved," Anoushka Shankar
"Who Needs Forever," Astrud Gilberto
"Desert," Emilie Simon
"Lemon Tree," Herb Alpert
"Originality," Thievery Corporation featuring Sister Nancy
"In Love," Fear Of Pop
"The Girl's Insane," the Januaries
"Strange Days," the Doors
"Revolution Solution (TC Remix)," Thievery Corporation
"Shiva (TC Remix)," Thievery Corporation
"Khalghi Stomp," Transglobal Underground
"Angels," Wax Poetic featuring Norah Jones
"Nothing To Lose," Isabelle Antena
"Cada Beijo," Bebel Gilberto
"Dirty Little Secret," Sarah McLachlan

Mozez: So Still

This came out in the UK last year -- so I count it as one of my favorites from 2005. If you enjoy Zero 7 then you've already heard Mozez as the male vocalist on many of that band's tracks like "Warm Sound." So Still has some tracks that reflect Zero 7's sound, but the album as a whole still reflects Mozez' unique "warm sound." From the first track, "Feel Free," it's clear that Mozez embraces the smooth sound of Zero 7 but provides a more spare, acoustic sound for his full album, with electronic textures taking a back seat.

So Still has a more classic soul/R&B sound -- more in common with the recent classic sound of Van Hunt (if you don't have his first CD, buy it), reminiscent of an updated Otis Redding or Marvin Gaye. It's beautiful music that will appeal to electronica fans, soul fans, simply anyone who appreciates well-crafted, deeply felt music. The production quality is excellent throughout.

Truth: It's a timeless quality that both soothes and energizes, and not in a "smooth jazz" or "new age" kind of way. Instead, you'll find Mozez' songs both immediately compelling yet rewarding on repeated listens.

For sound samples and info, you can visit Mozez' official site.

Buy Mozez: So Still here

Buy Van Hunt here

Manifesto

Not only a great, overlooked album (Roxy Music: Manifesto), but a chance to state my purpose. I'm planning on making this a unique look at quality music (and entertainment in some cases) -- possibly even overlooked works -- that you might enjoy if you've seen your taste match mine. 2006 should bring regular posts.

Tags: manifesto, music reviews, quality music