Goldfrapp - The Singles

I first heard of Goldfrapp back in 2005, when duo Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory released their enchanting dance-pop album Supernature. Saturated in complex synths, steady beats, and Alison’s signature sensual soprano vocals, I felt as though I’d fallen into a glossy electro dream. Eager to lounge in more lush digital landscapes, I checked out their previous releases Felt Mountain and Black Cherry, which did not disappoint. 2008’s Seventh Tree brought acoustic guitars and a folky, relaxed vibe, while 2010’s Head First picked up the pace with a Xanadu-esque toe-tapping collection of retro tunes.

Including tracks from all five albums, The Singles gives a real sense of Goldfrapp’s evolution over the past twelve years. For current fans, the compilation includes two brand new tracks: the delicious synth-pop of “Yellow Halo” and the cinematic “Melancholy Sky”. The Singles serves as a pleasant retrospective for old fans, and an excellent introduction for new ones.

valentines for satan from ninetales on 8tracks.

For that special someone in each of our hearts <3 Featuring punk staples, new Beach Fossils, a soul star, a moody British teen and an up-and-coming three piece from Allston.

(note: The staff at WECB are not, to my knowledge, Satanists. But that kitten definitely is.)

1) Lessons - Beach Fossils

2) Talamak - Toro y Moi

3) First Base (at the Model) - Chandeliers

4) With a Girl Like You - The Troggs

5) Punk as Fuck - The American Analog Set

6) A Sunday Kind of Love - Etta James

7) Teenage Kicks - The Undertones

8) Rock Bottom - Zoo Kid

9) When the Sun Don’t Shine - Best Coast

10) Flame Thrower Love - Dead Boys

At the great price of zero dollars, you can grab the other track from Beach Fossil's new split at RCRD LBL. And Chandeliers' two-song sampler is also free, at their bandcamp.

Blue Series - John C. Reilly

Well, he's a bit back country, but I never imagined that would go past his spot in Walk Hard. John C. Reilly's two part release, John & Tom and Becky & Tom is soft and sincere with folk guitar plucking and hillbilly crooning. Part of Third Man Records' Blue Series these four simple tracks have Reilly dueting with Becky Stark and Tom Brosseau on three cover songs and an original. Reilly fits in naturally with Stark on their take of Ray Price's "I'll Be There If You Ever Want" and Dolly Parton's "I'm Making Plans" capturing a classic country aura. Yodeling away with Brosseau, the bluegrass tracks are akin to the O Brother, Where Art Thou? performances of the Soggy Bottom Boys. Surely not a world altering release, its interesting to see Reilly in a new role. Is this just another character spot? Hopefully not because I could get into him further pursing this a la Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers...

Imperial Teen - Feel The Sound

Feel The Sound, the fifth studio album from San Francisco-based Imperial Teen, is a fun fresh listen. Managing to introduce a ruminating wisdom to the standard indie power pop, without getting bogged down in the process, this album sounds like the more mature cousin of The New Pornographers’ Electric Version. Dreamy vocal harmonies soar over eased-back guitars, toe tapping drumbeats, and punchy keyboard flourishes. Standout tracks include the driving and catchy “Runaway”, the bouncy honking queer-themed “Last To Know”, the darkness tinged “Over His Head”, the lyrically tasty “Hanging About”, and the almost cosmic expansion of “Overtaken.” With a jaunty liveliness, occasionally bewildering lyrics, and hooks aplenty, Feel The Sound keeps you coming back for more, and that feels oh so good.