The only problem with the R. Carlos Nakai/Peter Kater collaborations is that Kater's acoustic piano can become heavy-handed and self-serving. Such is the case with Natives. Nakai's breathy flutes are awesome and, as usual, give the disc ethereal qualities that might not be intentional. Nakai and Kater designed this set for meditation and centering. It works to a degree but it lacks that something extra to take it over the top. There are some strong moments on this disc but -- given the quality of ...   [ read more ]

CD $16.13

Though they formed last year in Brooklyn, The Kiss Off could easily pass as Manchester natives from the early '80s. The band was founded by guitarist Adam De Rosa and bassist Nathan Lithgow, who lay distorted melodies over catchy drumming and synth drones. Sam Tyndall's vocals complete the band, which sounds something like a better-produced Joy Division or a more brooding Franz Ferdinand. If you enjoy Eno-era Bowie or the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, you might just want to pick it up. -coolhunting.com

CDep $9.99

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On Goodbye Cruel World, Hello Crueler World, North Carolina natives Spider Bags work once again with legendary engineer Brian Paulson. Picking themselves up from the drunken wranglings of 2008's A Celebration of Hunger, the band kicks off with the upbeat "It Always Loved to Happen," full of open-road energy and memories. "Quevivaelrocanroll" is the next step in their evolution: a drawn-back, anthemic barn-burner with sweat rolling through the speakers. The listener can picture frontman Dan McGee leading th...   [ read more ]

CD $14.99

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