7-Inch Vinyl Releases
Jay Reatard / Deerhunter
"Fluorescent Grey" b/w "Oh It's Such a Shame"
Matador
originally published August 6, 2008
Number three in Matador's Internet-breaking series of limited edition Reatard singles is a split with Atlanta's Deerhunter, whereupon each band covers a tune by the other. Reatard does a slightly up-tempo run-through of "Fluorescent Grey," a song that's always kind of bored me. It's a little too faithful (lazy?), and thus a total snooze. Deerhunter, meanwhile, classes up the typically catchy Reatard rocker "Oh It's Such a Shame" with cleaner production and small (but significant) details like stereo separation on some guitar licks. Really, though, this record just exists so collectors can screw the ever-lovin' shit out of each other on eBay.
In a band? Run a label? Hate money so much you've made yourself a seven-inch? Lemme hear it. Send an e-mail to music@flagpole.com and mention "Singularity" in the subject line.
Zola Jesus
s/t 7"
Die Stasi
originally published August 6, 2008
This is lo-fi arty noise pop with a healthy heaping of Casio and a lady singer who's gonna get sick of hearing (justifiable) comparisons to folks like Kate Bush, Lydia Lunch and Diamanda Galas. The two songs on the first side, "Poor Sons" and "The Way," get by on passion and atmosphere more than songwriting, which isn't a problem if you can avoid pretension or preciousness. Both remain catchy pop songs at heart, especially the latter. The B-side, "Dog," is another matter, though, all ominous and creepy, yet utterly transfixing. It reminds me of Houston band Hearts of Animals, but with more drama and conviction. Grade-A work.
In a band? Run a label? Hate money so much you've made yourself a seven-inch? Lemme hear it. Send an e-mail to music@flagpole.com and mention "Singularity" in the subject line.
Sic Alps
United 7"
Important Records
originally published August 6, 2008
Five bucks for a one-sided single with no artwork is a bit steep, but Sic Alps' lo-fi cover of Throbbing Gristle's "United" is so damn good I won't complain (anymore). It's a bit fuzzier and more put-together than many Alps originals which so often feel like they could collapse at any moment. Still, it's unmistakably a Sic Alps production, and one of the better single-song releases anybody will hear this year.
In a band? Run a label? Hate money so much you've made yourself a seven-inch? Lemme hear it. Send an e-mail to music@flagpole.com and mention "Singularity" in the subject line.
Pink Reason
Winona 7"
Woodsist
originally published August 6, 2008
The A-side, "Winona," seems like a bit of a drag, like some entirely too straight-forward lo-fi Fogelberglary. The song's worthiness subtly crept on me, though, with its slurred rootsiness and evocative lyrics sounding especially good the later and more reflective the hour. It's perfect on a Sunday night or Monday morning. The B-sides would've salvaged the record, anyhow; the monolithic "Give Yerself Away" and barely-held-together "Letting Go" both could've fit on an early Pavement EP. Each track scrapes melody out of white noise, proffering up willfully obscured rock thrills with a pervasive sense of doom.
In a band? Run a label? Hate money so much you've made yourself a seven-inch? Lemme hear it. Send an e-mail to music@flagpole.com and mention "Singularity" in the subject line.
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