Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Ben McElroy ".​.​.​to warm their hearts, if not their hands." E.P. (benmcelroy.bandcamp.com)

Another remarkable release from this Nottingham based ambient/drone/folk musician Ben McElroy. Opening piece "To Warm Their Hearts" captures a beautiful drone alongside a sea of inspiring strings and acoustic guitar that reminds me of the legendary Mike Oldfield. "Autumn Later" has a great balance between dark wandering sounds and uplifting mystical like tones while "The Cloud Council's Quarterly Meeting" is a collage of all types of moods and instruments making it atmospheric, cinematic and warm. Overall an incredible release from beginning to end.

David Byrne "Everybody's Coming To My House" Single (Todomundo/Nonesuch Records)

A fun, upbeat yet demented track from the former Talking Heads founder that is sure to delight long time fans. The song was co-written with Brian Eno and is from Byrne's upcoming album "American Utopia", his first since 2004. The song also features contributions from TTY, Happa Isaiah Barr, and Sampha. Byrne says that the world tour he's doing in March will be “the most ambitious show I’ve done since the shows that were filmed for Stop Making Sense.” "American Utopia" will be out March 8th courtesy of Todomundo/Nonesuch Records.

Kyle Craft "Exhile Rag" Single (Sub Pop)

Another top notch track from the upcoming Kyle Craft album "Full Circle Nightmare". His country swing meets ragtime feel is truly amazing and there are some really nice sounding horns that give it even more energy. This track along with "Heartbreak Junky" which was previewed a few weeks back give all signs that this new album is going to be pretty spectacular and I must say I can't wait for it.

Soccer Mommy "Your Dog" Single (Fat Possum)

"Your Dog" the first single from Soccer Mommy's debut album "Clean" is pretty damn impressive. The chiming guitars and walking bass line blend perfectly with Sophie Allison's captivating vocal delivery. There's some really great changes and dynamics that flow throughout the track and get you humming along in seconds. After a series of successfully self released E.P.'s which were later released as a "collection" album on Fat Possum, Allison has said to consider "Clean" her first proper full length album. Reflecting on "Your Dog" Allison said "The song comes from a feeling of being paralyzed in a relationship to the point where you feel like you are a pawn in someone else's world,". "The song and the video are meant to show someone breaking away and taking action, but at the same time, it's only a quick burst of motivation. It's a moment of strength amidst a long period of weakness.". "Clean" will be available March 2.

Superchunk "Erasure" Single (Merge)

So after a week totally stuck in the house through a dreary snow storm this gift from the rock n roll gods came out to brighter our moods. This song has it all. A driving beat, mean yet melodic guitars and guest vocals from Stephin Merritt and Katie Crutchfield. I think I've played this 237 times this week and I'm sure even my neighbors know all the words by now. Get into it.

Ty Segall "Every 1's A Winner" Single (tysegall.bandcamp.com)

It's no secret Ty Segall is one of the most prolific musicians going today and later this month he will release a new album called "Freedom's Goblin" which includes this incredible cover of "Everyone's A Winner" originally by Hot Chocolate. Ty's take on the soul classic is led by a sputtering fuzzed out guitar sound and an infectious drum beat that is sure to make you move and shows off that there's really not much this guy can't pull off. "Freedom's Goblin" comes out January 28th and should certainly be a ripper.

Six Records CMM Wants You To Know

Bounties "SU!" E.P. (bounties.bandcamp.com)

Barcelona, Spain based surf/indie rock band Bounties have created one of the most fun and upbeat E.P.'s you will hear all year. From the "in the pocket" sounds of lead off track "The Ocean" to the swaggering garage rock stance of "Mousetrap" you know you are in for something special. "Found You" is a sonic blast of early 90's style jangle pop while the thunderous stomp of "Hitchhiking" is sure to satisfy your need for no frills rock n roll. The quick paced "Aquella manera" sends things home in fine form as it's relentless tempo and savage blasts of fuzzed out guitars show you why Bounties are one of the most exciting bands on the planet. More please!!!

Hot Curl "Late Bloom" E.P. (hotcurl.bandcamp.com)

Brooklyn's Hot Curl deliver a vibrant mix of infectious indie rock that capitalizes on incredible song writing and lush, surf style guitar riffs. Opening track "Silver" glides along with atmospheric grace as Prescott Horn's stellar vocal delivery puts everything over the top. "Time To Go" is a bit more laid back and breezy but also has an underlying groove that drives the song along well, while "Warped" offers up a fine blend of indie pop and modern psych flavor. A remarkable effort that's refreshing, colorful and warm. Highly recommended.

Paper Daggers S/T E.P. (paperdaggersnyc.bandcamp.com)

These New York City shoegazers hit a home run on their 3 song self titled debut E.P. Paper Daggers are all about atmosphere and there's a lot of it swelling around these songs. The rich spaced out guitars and ethereal vocals give things an "other worldly" feel at times while still harnessing a strong balance of melodic riffs and true rock n roll swagger. A phenomenal trio of songs that dig at your soul and leave you wanting more.

Soccer Mommy "Allison" Single (Fat Possum)

Sophie Allison aka Soccer Mommy has released another track from her upcoming album "Collection". The song simply titled "Allison" is a delightful acoustic based number highlighted by Allison's beautiful voice. Comprising of reworked versions of some of her best Bandcamp releases, as well as a few new songs written, mixed and produced by Sophie herself, this record is a fine introduction to Soccer Mommy's sound. "Collection" is due out on August 4th courtesy of Fat Possum Records.

Swim Team S/T E.P. (swimteam613.bandcamp.com)

Ottawa, Ontario indie rock unit Swim Team make absolutely epic music. They also gel together perfectly as musicians as the arrangements and dynamics that move throughout this 3 song E.P. are brilliant from beginning to end. Tracks like "Snowbird" and "Westward" use intricate guitar work with a booming rhythm section to create moody yet hopeful feeling songs while "Aurora Boresadness" combines beautiful layers of atmospheric sound with heartfelt vocals and a passionate delivery that is sure to be one of the most intense songs you will hear anywhere. Hands down a truly incredible release. Get into it.

Yoo Doo Right E.P. 2 (yoodooright.bandcamp.com)

Montreal's Yoo Doo Right certainly have their own sound. Sure there are elements of shoegaze, post punk and kraut rock but on their latest E.P. they demonstrate their own brand of twisted, experimental sonic debauchery. The mind bending rhythms of "Whilst You Save Your Skins" and "Marche des Squelettes" are backed by a sea of hypnotic energy that sounds like it's being beamed in from another dimension while the three part piece known as "Apatride" moves from droning ambient soundscapes to a frantic surf inspired riff fest. One of the most original and inspiring releases I've heard in some time. Play this loud and play it often!!!