2007 is going to see new releases from a huge number of the big names in the indie world. The first set of those have come out in the last few days. I’ll try and cover a few of them over the next couple weeks, but for today I just wanted to remind you of a few that I’ve talked about in the past that are finally available.
First, the third Shins record: Wincing the Night Away is finally out. I may review it in more detail at some later date but I don’t really have anything to say that hasn’t already been said many times before. This might be their best record though no single song comes close to “New Slang” or “Kissing the Lipless.” And I’ll need some more time with it before I’m willing to to rank it ahead of Chutes Too Narrow.
Phantom Limb – The Shins
Second, you might remember that back in December, I said The Six Parts Seven would be releasing an album the same day as Wincing the Night Away that I expected to be the better of the two. I think I’m willing to stick with that assessment – Casually Smashed to Pieces is warm, joyful, and a sheer pleasure. It’s the first album by them where I haven’t lamented, even a little bit, the lack of vocals. It’s not a major move away from their previous work, but it does move their sound closer and closer to the Platonic ideal of instrumental chamber pop.
Stolen Moments – The Six Parts Seven
Falling Over Evening – The Six Parts Seven
Also, Centuries Before Love and War, the new record from Stars of Track and Field, has been available through iTunes for a while but finally saw its release on CD earlier this month. Check out my review from last year.
Movies of Antarctica – Stars of Track and Field
Fantastic – Stars of Track and Field
And, keep your eyes open next Tuesday for RoadKillOvercoat from Busdriver and the US release of Alright, Still from Lily Allen.
Casting Agents and Cowgirls – Busdriver
LDN – Lily Allen
In other new album news, here’s the latest on the new Tegan and Sara record, due out later this year, which is being produced by Chris Walla. Just another record I’m excited about to add to the list.