Totes Magotes: Bahamas and the Challenge of Meeting Expectations

Totes Magotes

Random thoughts on what I'm listening to or thinking about lately

My #1 album of the year in 2012 was by Toronto-based musician, Bahamas. Barchords was an unexpected hit for me. Stylistically it wasn't really like anything else I was listening to, but for some reason I couldn't turn it off.  The song, Lost in the Light, got particularly heavy airplay.

So, I was excited a few weeks ago when I heard that Bahamas was returning with a new LP, Bahamas is Afie. Big expectations. This, of course, creates a problem. On my first listens of the new album, my brain is constantly checking it against his previous Barchords. So, I wonder if I am not giving it a fair listen. There are some good tracks, but I sense myself feeling a little let down. I am hopeful that after a few more listens I will be able to appreciate for what it is - instead of judging it for what it isn't (Barchords, v. 2.0).

In any case, here's a standout track - All the Time

 

New Zookeeper Album - Pink Chalk! Whoa!

Just a few days ago, I posted an OLD track from the band Mineral. The band put out a couple great albums and 7"'s, but then broke up. The singer, Chris Simpson when on to front The Gloria Record - which was hands down amazing. After that, he has done a project called Zookeeper.  Some good tracks. Great news - Zookeeper just announced a new album.   

You can preview the title track, Pink Chalk, over at stereogum.com.  

Very exciting! 

Preorder it here.

For good measure, here is a Gloria Record and Zookeeper track to further whet your appetite!

Song du Jour Nr. 117: The Letterpress - Falling Away

Here's one you've never heard of. Mid-2000s band from Arizona. 2 basses + drums. No guitars. 
Good stuff.

You should buy it.






Or here.

Song du Jour Nr. 116: Mineral - February

They  just don't make non-album track 7" singles like they used.

Totes Magotes: Spoon - They Want My Soul

Totes Magotes

Random thoughts on what I'm listening to or thinking about lately

Ah Spoon. I didn't really like their first albums, really liked a few songs off of Gimme Fiction and Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, and didn't like Transference at all. But now you're back with They Want My Soul and I'm completely sold on this one. So good. Front to back, I love it.  I have listened to it while running (opening of Rent I Pay is perfect for starting a run), while mowing the lawn, while driving, while cooking...what can't this album do?!

Go get it.

Some samples: