The Goodnight Loving - Supper Club (2010)

On their recently released album, Supper Club, The Goodnight Loving continue to shed the twang in favor of fuzzy garage pop. While I loved the country punk of their early albums, I dig the retro party vibe. "The Pan" (mp3) sounds like a roughed up and snotty Beach Boys stomper with a sweet riff in the middle, while "Earworm" fulfills on its promise, loading the song with a catchy chorus, surf guitar and some shrieks of joy. At fifteen songs, there is plenty to enjoy, whether it is how "Summer Dreams" recalls British Invasion or "Bike + Stick" retains some of their country roots. I missed their set at last year's garage festival, but since their album just came out on Portland's Dirtnap Records, I bet that they'll be back soon.

You can stream the album over at Punknews.org.

The Morning Benders - Big Echo (2010)

Mark you calendars, Friday, May 21st at the Regency Ballroom The Morning Benders will be rolling into town to open for Broken Bells. I'm not sure which is more of a treat: Two stellar "groups" playing one show or The Morning Benders' new album Big Echo. The Berkeley to Brooklyn based band nails it on the head on this one. I was originally turned onto these guys because of their similarities to Ra Ra Riot, but I feel like they have taken great leaps forward with this release and established not just a sound, but a level of independence from defining comparisons. Although, there are some elements of Ra Ra Riot and Elvis Perkins mixed in with Beach Boy harmonies, I think it is fair to say that The Morning Benders have come to the party to stay by their own right. "Excuses" is the type of single that connects with you immediately and kicks off the album in a way that draws you in real close with its indie pop catchiness. Once "Excuses" sets the table for the rest of the album, you can enjoy the layered instrumentation and vocals that can be both relaxing and invigorating, depending on the mood - I could both fall asleep and prep for a night out to this album. This is a great album that I highly recommend. In addition to "Excuses," check out "Cold War" and "Hand Me Downs."

The Almighty Defenders - The Almighty Defenders (2009)

Certainly one of the big draws at the Scion Garage Fest will be the Almighty Defenders, a supergroup made up of King Khan, BBQ (Mark Sultan), and the Black Lips. Already individually known for wild stage antics, this group should be a riot on stage. Their self-titled album seems to support that premise with its loose live sound. Think a darker and less-wholesome Beach Boys' Party, but instead of covering songs outright they lift and integrate girl group choruses, rockabilly beats, and soulful vocals into sludgy and irreverent fun. The call and response on "All My Loving" is exactly what you would expect - group yelling, fuzzy guitar, and a soulful garage beat. "I'm Coming Home" sounds like a gritty Sam and Dave B-side. "The Ghost With the Most" lifts some sha la la's from Manfred Mann. There are even a couple tracks of collected grunts, whispers, monster noises, and some Three Stooges impersonations.

They Live By Night - They Live By Night (2009)

Don't be shocked if you can't get They Live By Night's "Ctrl+Alt+Del My Heart" out of your head. As far as I am concerned it has unseated Peter, Bjorn and John's "Young Folks" as indie pop's reigning whistling ear worm. It's the standout track on their poptastic new self-titled album, which is jam packed with unrelenting bouncy, upbeat pop. Not surprisingly, it's catchy as hell. "Catching Up" kicks the album off at a runners pace with more whistles, strings and wistful love. It rarely lets down after that. "Meaningless Repair" finds the middle ground between the Spinners and the Beach Boys. There are a lot of opportunities for singing along, but the chorus on "Excuse My Troubling You" is one of my favorites. The moody and melancholy may want to go elsewhere for their summer jams.

Top 5 M. Ward Songs

In honor of last night's M. Ward concert at the Aladdin, here are my top 5 favorite M. Ward songs as of today. He played 3 of them. Not bad.

5. "Four Hours In Washington"
   I love the way this song captures that desperate intensity of late night sleeplessness.
   
   
4. "Magic Trick"
   I've always been a fan of boisterous sing-alongs.
   
   
3. "To Save Me" (featuring Jason Lytle)
   And Beach Boys' do do do's.
   
   
2. "Chinese Translation"
   This song reminds me of my buddy's wedding.
   
   
1. "Vincent O'Brien"
   The tortured artist, so sad and romantic. Lenka does a pretty good version too.
   

The Little Ones - Morning Tide (2008)

The Little Ones Part II or how did I become such a fanboy? The album is every bit as fun as I hoped - just as good if not better than everything they released before and only two songs were on the preceding EPs. The title song kicks things off with a rolling drumbeat and a series of backing "Do do do do's". Of course I'm hooked, I'm a sucker for playful backing vocals. After two great songs from their EPs, "Gregory's Chant" builds from a laid back to blissful and upbeat (which could generally describe the range for the album) and then more nonsense backing vocals. Sweet. It's worth checking out if you like the Beach Boys/Zombies/Left Banke vein of sunshine pop.

The Explorers Club – Freedom Wind (2008)

“Hello. Is this The Explorers Club? It is. Well, Brian Wilson called and was wondering if he could have his sound back. Thanks!” Click. The Explorers Club take the words “influence” and “similarities” to whole new heights with their album Freedom Wind—essentially a Beach Boys tribute album, albeit with original lyrics. There are a few tracks that barrow from other 1960s bands—The Beatles spring out at times—but ultimately, the harmonies, arrangements and lyrical themes that anchor this puppy are straight Wilson. This is not necessarily a bad thing, since The E Club have taken their “recreation” (See also: homage, regeneration, impersonation, etc.) seriously, and produced a very listenable, upbeat, summery record. Nevertheless, this could be hit or miss for serious Beach Boys fanatics, for some may see this as a degradation of sacred sound; however, for someone looking for some care-free, 60s style pop, there’s no reason why this album shouldn’t be enjoyed.

Rev up your Woodie to: “Forever,” “Don’t Forget The Sun” & “Last Kiss.”

Grand Archives - The Grand Archives (2008)

Mat Brooke knows how to make beautiful dreamy pop music. It's like his old group Band of Horses, but not nearly as depressed. He's also dropped most of the ringing guitars and the Neil Young influence in favor of vocal harmonies and some well-placed whistling. The songs are generally sweet and slow yet still catchy. "Torn Blue Foam Couch" and "Index Moon" are just gorgeous. The album closes with rollicking "The Crime Window", which reminds me of the Beach Boys' party version of "Barbara Ann". Highly recommended.

Kelley Stoltz - Circular Sounds (2008)

Fun, melodic indie pop that builds on classic pop touchstones, such as the Beach Boys and the Kinks. I like almost every song well enough, but the album doesn't get me excited. It's solid, but doesn't particularly stand out.