New Music Tuesday
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Various Artists
Since its inception in 1992, Fat Possum Records has released albums by a range of artists, from unknown Mississippi bluesmen to indie rock icons. Throughout the years, the label has earned acclaim from Bono, Beck, and Iggy Pop, who once described Fat Possum as "the most uncorrupted label in America" (The New Yorker). To celebrate their blue-ribbon catalog, the label has put together two perfectly crafted compilations: The Best Of Fat Possum (featuring The Black Keys, Andrew Bird, and The Fiery Furnaces) and The Best Of Fat Possum: The Early Years (featuring Junior Kimbrough, T-Model Ford, and R.L. Burnside).
Sounds Like: Delta Blues + Indie Rock
As an end-of-the-year treat, Headlights just released a thirteen-track remix compilation featuring the best songs of their career. While the original versions of these songs feature lush arrangements with bells, whistles, and co-ed 'oohs' and 'aahs', remixes by Cale Parks, Jason Caddell, The Album Leaf, and Ruby Isle add electronic, trip-hop, and disco twists to the band's jangly indie pop.
Sounds Like: Death Cab for Cutie + The Submarines + The Cure
When you're back home for the holidays, sneak a little Jamie Lidell into your dad's playlist and see if he doesn't think it's a lost Stevie Wonder recording! The pipes, style, and all around funk of this English singer will astound your ears, which is why Jim has been named on countless "Best of 2008" lists (including our own). Okayplayer lays it out simply: "In the age of beat programming, vocal filters and the newest and latest ring tones, it warms the soul to hear someone drop a record like this."
Sounds Like: Stevie Wonder + Otis Redding + Wilson Pickett
American composer John Corigliano achieved wide exposure and acclaim for his score of the 1998 film The Red Violin, excerpts of which are presented here in this excellent introduction to his music. Corigliano lives in New York City (his father led the New York Philharmonic for 23 years) and works with Nico Muhly, among many other students. In addition to an Academy Award for his Red Violin score, he is the recipient of two Grammy Awards and the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for Music.
Sounds Like: Mozart + Bach + Paganini
Hailing from Ann Arbor, Michigan, Frank Omura knows a thing or two about the cold, which may be why his second release, All Rise EP, is packed with angry, gritty, dark, and icy dance grooves. Reminiscent of releases from from acclaimed microhouse label Kompakt Speicher, Omura's EP wants to destroy your speakers with its thunderous, dancefloor electronica. Yet another gem from Moodgadget Records.
Sounds Like: AFX + Mr Oizo + James T Cotton
Singer-songwriter Rosie Thomas delivers a Christmas album devoid of the saccharine gushiness so often associated with the genre. A Very Rosie Christmas has Rosie warmly and exuberantly performing a mix of classics ("Winter Wonderland") and playful originals ("Why Can't It Be Christmastime All Year?"), with the help of her family and friends. This reflective album could be the perfect soundtrack for the holiday season's precious in-between moments -- when you're not shopping, cooking, or entertaining, but just relaxing.
Sounds Like: Joni Mitchell + Regina Spektor + The Weepies
