New Music Roundup: 1/30/09

Did you know that TNG loves music? I bet it never occurred to you. It's not like we write about it all the damn time or anything. Though we regularly cover bands in What We're Listening To and our interviews and our monthly live music roundups, we still receive many high quality CDs that never get reviewed on the site. To make up for this I am introducing a new weekly feature to give you the rundown of all the new music I've picked up in the last seven days. Not all of it is amazing and not all of it is released yet, but I do hope you that you find one or two in here that pique your interest.

This week includes mini-reviews for Bon Iver, Franz Ferdinand and many others.

Artist: Bon Iver
Album: Blood Bank EP
Who the hell are they?: Rurally-minded singer/songwriter takes his gentle melodies out of the woods.
Sounds like a combination of: Bon Iver and a production studio
For Example: Blood Bank
Recommended?: Oh yeah. It's both pretty and pretty intense.
Release Date: January 20.

Artist: Drug Rug
Album: Kitchen Tapes EP
Who the hell are they?: Twangy, scratchy Cambridge duo
Sounds like a combination of: The Mamas and The Papas and Alvin and the Chipmunks
For Example: The Day I Die (MySpace player, first song.)
Recommended?: Sadly not. Their debut was awesome and I'm sure this summer's full length will rock too. But this one sounds like it was recorded in a shoe.
Release Date: Jan. 5

Artist: Franz Ferdinand
Album: Tonight
Who the hell are they?: Well-dressed Scotts you may remember from "Take Me Out."
Sounds like a combination of: The Strokes and a great night out
For Example: Ulysses
Recommended?: Yes! Especially for those of who don't do coke or stay out all night, but wish we did.
Release Date: Jan. 27

Artist: Gramercy Arms
Album: Gramercy Arms
Who the hell are they?: "Supergroup" featuring members of Luna, Guided by Voices, Joan as Policewoman and occasional backing vocals of Sarah Silverman
Sounds like a combination of: Damien Jurado and Wilco
For Example: Shining Bright (MySpace player, first track.)
Recommended?: For putting a little sunshine into your winter.
Release Date: Nov. 18, 2008

Artist: Jeremy Jay
Album: Slow Dance
Who the hell are they?: Electronic-tinged crooner splitting his time between Paris and L.A.
Sounds like a combination of: David Byrne and Gerry Rafferty
For Example: Where Could We Go Tonight?
Recommended?: Yeah. It's a cool one.
Release Date: March 24

Artist: Lovers
Album: I Am West
Who the hell are they?: Portland trio led by queer singer Carolyn Berk
Sounds like a combination of: Blonde Redhead and Placebo
For Example: Igloos for Ojos (MySpace player, first track.)
Recommended?: For getting your mind blown or your heart broke.
Release Date: April 28

Artist: Miniature Tigers
Album: Tell It The Volcanoes
Who the hell are they?: Phoenix quartet with a sense of humor
Sounds like a combination of: Fountains of Wayne and A.C. Newman
For Example: Cannibal Queen
Recommended?: Listen to "Cannibal Queen" five times and tell me what you think.
Release Date: Feb. 17

Artist: Reigns
Album: The House on The Causeway
Who the hell are they?: Not sure — the press release was very dense
Sounds like a combination of: Depeche Mode and a robot's dying breaths
For Example: Everything Beyond These Walls (MySpace player, first track)
Recommended?: For taking naps on glaciers
Release Date: March 9

Artist: Southeast Engine
Album: For The Forest To The Sea
Who the hell are they?: God-appreciating Ohioans with an old-timey sound
Sounds like a combination of: The Eagles and Vampire Weekend
For Example: Black Gold
Recommended?: For the waiting room of a really hip dentist
Release Date: Feb. 17

Artist: Talk Normal
Album: Secret Cog
Who the hell are they?: Discordant Brooklyn duo
Sounds like a combination of: Xiu Xiu and a human sacrifice
For Example: 33 (MySpace player, first track.)
Recommended?: For those who like a challenge. That's not a bad thing...
Release Date: March 3

Artist: UME
Album: Sunshower EP
Who the hell are they?: Rawkin' Austin Trio
Sounds like a combination of: Smashing Pumpkins and Tool
For Example: The Conductor
Recommended?: For driving
Release Date: Feb. 24

Artist: Vulture Whale
Album: Vulture Whale
Who the hell are they?: Straight-up Southern rockers
Sounds like a combination of: Old 97s and Sticky Fingers-era Rolling Stones
For Example: Sugar
Recommended: Sure, why not?
Release date: Feb. 3

So Which Ones Should I Buy?: In my humble opinion, this week's best are Gramercy Arms, Jeremy Jay, Lovers and Miniature Tigers.