New Release Picks :: July 18th, 2011

 

Crystal Antlers- Two-Way Mirror (Sophomore full-length from this Long Beach psych-rock band. “Still a band of volcanic force maintaining the long-haired spirit of 1968 on their second LP” — “Hints of surf-rock, lo-fi folk, and drone” – Pitchfork)

Various Artists – Live From Nowhere Near You [Live] Vol 2 (The second volume of the “Live From Nowhere . . .”  Elliott Smith and Bright Eyes show up, as do Isaac Brock (from Modest Mouse) and James Mercer (from the Shins) and a few street musicians thrown in for good measure. “Compilations by nature have a strong odds & sods bent, and Live From Nowhere Near You is no exception. Extending across three discs, 65 tracks and almost four hours—and featuring recordings from more than 50 different artists—it’d hard for it to be otherwise. But it’s questionable in the internet age whether that even matters, particularly since there are around 18 real keepers on the release, including cuts from Elliott Smith, the Ettes, Daniel Johnston, Modest Mouse, Eddie Vedder, Ryan Adams, the Helio Sequence and Wilco. Most people will cull out their favorites—though if one only looks for the big names, they’ll miss at least a half-dozen fine tracks by lesser-known artists.” -Alternative Press)