Spectrum Culture Roundup

 

I have been quite busy at Spectrum Culture these days. So much so that I haven't even had time to post links to all of my reviews, features, etc. So, here are just a few of the highlights from the past few weeks:

• My review of newish British indie-rock band Alt-J's debut LP. Most people seem to either love 'em or hate 'em. I lean towards the former category.
• Coverage of Brookly-based indie-pop band Hospitality's fun show at Chicago's Schubas. They sing a lot about the problems of post-graduate liberal arts majors. Something I relate to ... believe it or not.
• My review of a pretty decent new book about why The Beatles' Revolver is the most influential, most accomplished Fab Four record, not the overrated Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.
• My take on one of my favorite records of the year, The Mountain Goats' Transcendental Youth. Listening to this collection of twisted tales about drug dealers and losers is guaranteed to brighten up your day. I mean that.
• My review of a disc I was a bit lukewarm about, the new one from the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion. I mean not everyone can be Japandroids or Cloud Nothings, right?
• A review of a book I truly enjoyed, one that made me revisit the music of a band I have always had the upmost respect for. The Velvet Underground are more than just a banana on a cover. Author Rob Javanovic demystifies it all. By the way, check out the Velvets' 3rd LP if you haven't. A true masterpiece ... especialy Side One.
• An admittedly personal take on Jefferson Airplane's Surrealistic Pillow, as part of the Revisit/Rediscover series.
• My coverage of another very good, slightly profound, show at Chicago's Schubas, of Montreal member Kishi Bashi with the Connecticut-based folk-rockers The Last Bison. It was elevating.
• My noble attempt to say something new about the new Bob Dylan record.
• My review of an interesting book about one of the most important records of all time. Producer Ken Caillat tells us what really happened during the making of Fleetwood Mac's Rumours.

Dang! I've been working harder than I even thought. I don't know about you, but I need a break. Happy reading!