What's On Will's iPad: September 2013 Edition

Here are some newer releases that have been dominating the ol' iPad of late.  Please leave a comment and let me know what you like and also, more importantly, what you're listening to these days.  I'm always in the market for new tunes.

The following four records are getting lots of spins recently:

Volcano Choir: Repave

Justin Vernon and Collections of Colonies of Bees come together for a great release of multi-instrumental songwriting and lush soundscapes.  Fans of Vernon's most famous group, Bon Iver, will find Volcano Choir hits closer to what they may be used to, rather than Vernon's earlier record this year with The Shouting Matches, (which was a straight-ahead blues rock album that I happen to love). The album functions wonderfully as a whole piece and is a diverse listen throughout.

The Generationals: Heza

While this record's been out since April, I have really been getting into it of late, in large part to the frequent radio play they are getting from 88.9 Radio Milwaukee.  This whole album is catchy indie-pop rock form the New Orleans duo.  "Put a Light On" is an infectious, stand out track.  Be forewarned, click on the video below and you'll have the melodic hook of this tune stuck in your head all day.

Okkervil River: The Silver Gymnasium

I am a huge fan of Will Sheff's narrative storytelling songwriting, and he and his bandmates really deliver on The Silver Gymnasium, an album which I'll say is their strongest effort since 2009's, The Stand Ins.  I'm not sure if I agree with the critics who classify this as "stadium rock," as I cannot envision Okkervil River selling out the Pabst Theater, let along a stadium, but certainly think that Sheff at times ventures into more guitar driven pounding choruses not unlike earlier Bruce Springsteen tracks.

Hanni El Khatib- Head in the Dirt

The Dan Auerbach produced sophomore effort from Hanni El Khatib is a rocking disc, filled with guitar heavy hooks and bluesy jams.  On the single, "Skinny Little Girl," El Khatib almost sounds like Auerbach himself on vocals.  If you like more recent Black Keys releases, you'll likely enjoy this as well.  

Youth Lagoon- Pabst Theater, September 12, 2013

One of the great things about winning free tickets is that you get the opportunity to check out shows you might not otherwise go to.  To be honest, Youth Lagoon was not an act that was on my radar to see.  I had seen them last year when they played a $10 show at Turner Hall, and found that they played a meager 30 minute, uninspiring set.  Granted, Trevor Powers, the singer/songwriter behind Youth Lagoon told the crowd that night that he was very ill, and he played like it.

This time, three songs into their near 90 minute set, Trevor Powers addressed the crowd stating, "Last time I was in Milwaukee, I was really sick and I hope to make it up to you tonight."  That he did and then some, making this a surprisingly good show.  In just a year's time, Youth Lagoon has really stepped up their live show.  First off, they now have a stage set up that fits with their music.  Long white curtains were draped from the ceiling, projecting colorful lights against the backlit stage.  Secondly, Powers and his bandmates have learned to use their skills better.  Powers himself is an accomplished pianist and keyboard player, and was able to showcase his musicianship both by keeping true to the album tracks as well as venturing off into some jams.

The set drew heavily from Youth Lagoon's 2013 acclaimed release, Wondrous Bughouse.  This material came across similarly to early Flaming Lips recordings from the Clouds Taste Metallic era. The highlight of the show was a very well-done rendition of "Mute" from Wondrous Bughouse, which, I dare say blew the studio track out of the water.  These guys proved to me and the few hundred others in the venue that Youth Lagoon can indeed play well live.

Grade: B+