Mountain Man: ‘Made the Harbor’ and Video Session
Sometimes you miss an album. An album that suits you so well, you wonder why friends haven’t beaten down your door, music in hand, forcing you to listen. Since starting this blog, my friends have developed a tendency to constantly test my knowledge of the latest bands, despite my willingness to admit wholeheartedly and unabashedly that I do not know everyone. Nor will I ever. The endless opportunity for discovery remains one of the most beautiful aspects of music, or any art form for that matter.
My ability to “keep up” with the latest and greatest, if anything, has been hindered by the launch of Thought on Tracks. Writing takes time. I fail to understand how Sean Moeller has time to accomplish even half of the work that drives his phenomenal music project Daytrotter. Thank you for your lack of sleep and dedication, sir. We are all indebted.
A 2010 release from Brooklyn’s Partisan Records recently slipped beneath my ocular radar. Mountain Man’s Made the Harbor. Holy shit, y’all. Don’t let the band’s name cause confusion. This trio is all woman. Three glorious voices weaving impeccably as they break new ground upon song structures that have a timeless, almost religious feel. Had the church choir sounded anything like Mountain Man, I may very well have entered the priesthood.
I missed Mountain Man’s July 23rd performance at Radio Radio. Out of town for a wedding, I hadn’t bothered to look into a group that I heard nothing about. Then a few days ago, LaundroMatinee released a couple of videos from a private recording at Big Car Gallery. Mountain Man’s songs hit like lead bricks, weighted with fresh takes on traditional American parlor music. They play like a more intimate Typhoon, a Portland band that has recently found my affection.
Download Made the Harbor. Spin it on vinyl. Steal it from your neighbor. Do what you must, but do not let this album pass you by. I already regret the few months that it escaped my ears. Also be sure to download Mountain Man’s stunning Daytrotter Session taped last October, available for free HERE.
Written by Rob Peoni
Album Review: Sleeping Bag Debut LP via Joyful Noise Recordings
Indianapolis’ Joyful Noise Recordings inked Bloomington based band Sleeping Bag in July and released their self-titled LP this month. The moving and shaking that it took to produce this album reflects the foundation that these tracks proclaim. It’s not perfect, and at times it can be redundant. Sleeping Bag‘s influences are readily apparent, and as a young band, they are still attempting to carve out a unique sound. Although innovation is lacking I think this melting pot is what makes their album more than tolerable and often down right fun.
Thoughts on Sleeping Bag:
- Slime – Good kicker. 90’s power chords. I immediately search for a current comparison. Diamond Rings fills the gap
- Sunroom – Simplistic vibe carries onward
- Rental – This song would rule on a jukebox
- Acer – Is Albert Hammond Jr. playing this riff?
- Beside – Giddy up!
- Desker – This song would do alright in Casbah.
- Minus – Thicky thick bass line.
- Ben – Acoustic shoots, vocals shine
- Someone – Bros went Lo-Fi with this one.
- Scone Zone – Lacking feeling
- Another Time – Do! Do! Do! Do! Do!
Buy Sleeping Bag’s latest release on Bandcamp. http://sleepingbag.bandcamp.com/. It is YOUR opportunity to support local music.
Written by Brett McGrath
Thought on Tracks 
First Impressions of Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks ‘Mirror Traffic’
If humans had the ability to queue a theme song in any public situation at will, I would have no problem with any track from Slanted and Enchanted for my selection. Unless, of course, I was a suave lady loving Adonis, then it would have to be Billy Ocean’s “Caribbean Queen.” My musical DNA is built to love anything Malkmus touches. He just works for me. It is this level of musical comfort that makes my nerves yell HOORAY!!!! when any project of his is released. Thank you 2011 and Stephen for packaging up Mirror Traffic for me. I promise I will not let you down.
Understanding that I was on the cusp of the release date , I opted to call my local vinyl outlet Luna Music. If you are ever in Indianapolis, drop by Luna (52nd and College) and buy some music. I had intended on reserving a copy before the album’s release next Tuesday, however, I was booming to hear that they had six copies on hand.
My initial listening session was very satisfying. Stephen was in my living room with his friends the Jicks. I gave a turntable.fm “Awesome” bob to all 15 songs. “Tune Grief” is an early favorite and reassures me that Malkmus is still the boss. Sure, the album might have a few unnecessary tracks and drags along a bit at times, but wait…that is why we have grown to love him right? Don’t kid yourself; this album delivers for any long-time fan of Malkmus’ work.
I can’t wait for Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks to explode the Earth House on Wednesday, October 5th in Indianapolis. Click HERE for tickets. Thanks again MOKB for making 2011 great. Stream the entirety of Mirror Traffic NPR’s First Listen.
Written by Brett McGrath