Real Estate – Real Estate (Review)
New Jersey has produced some terrific music in years past. I mean, come on: Frank Sinatra, George Clinton, The Boss, Yo La Tengo, Bon Jovi… Alright, maybe not the Bon Jovi part, though I do freely admit to feeling the urge to sing along whenever “It’s My Life” comes across the airwaves. Don’t judge. But out of all those bands, Yo La Tengo is probably the most similar to Real Estate, and even that comparison is a stretch.
“Beach Comber”, the opening track on Real Estate’s self-titled debut, serves as a perfect introduction to the band’s surprising restraint and easy-go-lucky rhythm. Their music uses a feeling of youthful carelessness not just as a sonic template, but as a common theme that runs throughout the album. Front man Martin Courtney exhibits a thoughtful, sincere singing style, his voice humbly meshing with the hushed, playful tones. (more…)
The Moviegoers Want You to Be a Man (MP3s)
Soulful San Diego cinephiles The Moviegoers have released a new digital EP, entitled Be a Man, and they’d like you to have it.
The three song release takes some of the sweetest elements of the 90s—Pavement, The Breeders, Elliott Smith, Yo La Tengo—and fuses them into a deliciously caramelized rock and roll concoction. Clocking in at an all too brief twelve minutes, Be a Man is so heartfelt and catchy you may find yourself listening to it ten times in a row. At least that’s what happened to us.
You can experience the sugary goodness by downloading the EP—miraculously free of charge. We dare you not to love it.
Yo La Tengo – I Am Not Afraid Of You And I Will Beat Your Ass
2006, Matador
Yo La Tengo’s outstanding epic I Am Not Afraid Of You And I Will Beat Your Ass is for all the doubters out there—and this reviewer is no longer one of ‘em.
