Liner Notes

Ed.Note: New Feature Alert— eMusic September

I have a basic account with emusic for more than two years now and every month I’d try and remember to use up my alloted 40 tracks. I love that it’s DRM-free and that it’s got lots of stuff you wouldn’t usually find. On the negative side, eMusic has a ridiculous policy where you won’t be able to download some records released in the US (only) if you are not a US resident. It’s not really eMusic’s fault but the short-sightedness of the record companies/labels with these retarded distribution restrictions irks me. This is the Internets, fer fuck’s sakes. Records get leaked months prior to their official release dates. Here I am, resisting that temptation and when it’s finally released, I can’t even pay for it because I’m not a US resident. I want to pay for this, hello! I wrote a nasty email about it (it was Arcade Fire’s “Neon Bible”) but of course it’s got ignored.

Nonetheless, eMusic, despite everything, has been a good source of new music for me. I thought it might make for a good feature to talk about the albums I downloaded for the month, and we’ll see if this could be a new monthly thing.

goldenhorse — Goldenhorse (PIAS) I love the first 2 tracks but it’s got a bit same-y after a while (i’m easily bored). That’s not to say that they are crap. But they do sound a bit like someone that for the life of me, I can’t recall. At first I thought it might be The Delgados but that didn’t hold water. I can’t really get excited about this album though I’ve been known to change my mind. If you can think of who they sound like, drop me a line. Please. It’s killing me.

Camera Obscura — Underachievers, Please Try Harder (Elefant Records) I’m sure Camera Obscura is sick to death of all the Belle and Sebastian comparisons. While similarities can of course be drawn between the two, Camera Obscura should not be seen as a follower of the other. This album is probably the closest to B&S in spirit but it’s executed in a different way. I do prefer the latest album though…

The Radio Dept — Pet Grief (Labrador Records) Very dreamy electronic pop. It’s perfect to listen to on a rainy day where you have nothing to do but watch the raindrops slide down the window pane. You lucky bastard, you!