Death Cab for Cutie- Narrow Stairs

Their back!

Oh those Sub Pop darlings from the rainy town of Seattle are so back. That’s right Death Cab for Cutie have released their latest gem “Narrow Stairs.” And as expected it’s nothing short of progressive and amazing. As where Plans was a bit more depressing then anything Narrow Stairs has a little more angst to it. A little stronger and slightly more dark. Kind of after the break up and your past missing them but now for some reason irrationally hating them and their new boy/girlfriend but your still civil about it. They’ve also included the longest song ever recorded by them, the 8 minute and 35 second long single “I will posses your heart,” with about five minutes of intro and three minutes of lyrics and song. But it’s simply fantastic.

To put things into perspective on the album you’d have to reference a quote by Mr. Walla back in ’07 while they were in the studio. Simply stating: "thus far it's pretty weird and pretty spectacular; lots of blood. It's creepy and heavy... we've got a ten minute long Can jam, and had you suggested that possibility to me in 1998, I'd have eaten your puppy's brain with a spoon." And that’s exactly what it is and most likely what you’d think as well when Death Cab when they entered the scene back around ’98.

This is by all means the best work that Death Cabs ever done thus far and I can only wait to see them live. Honesty the album is so amazing that as I type I find it really hard to describe what I really feel about it. In fact I can’t. So get off your bottoms and go out and buy the bloody thing already. And do I really have to tell you the links. Seriously though, an outstanding piece of work by these guys.

Flobots- Fight With Tools

Viva La Revolution!......Out of Colorado?

Yeah that’s right you may or may not of heard of them yet but we’ve a new addition to the political revolution. Flowbots, a six piece rap/rock band out of Denver Flowbots have been round since about 2005 with their first EP of sorts, “Platypus” and now with their full album “Fight With Tools.” Now when you think rap/rock your probably say, “oh joy, another Linkin Park or; what was that 90’s band that started that craze?” Well, your wrong. Flowbots is an amazing blend of, well, rap/hip-hop, rock skaish, funky and…..classical? Yes on top of the usual 3 or 4 piece band they’ve added horns and a violinist to the mix producing a very unique and tight sound. So with that being said who are they again?

Jonny 5- Emcee, Vocals (as stated on their “Space”

Brer Rabbit- Emcee, Vocals

ANDY “ROK” Guerrero- Guitar, Vocals

Mackenzie Roberts- Viola, Vocals

Jesse Walker- Bass

Kenney Ortiz- Drums

So when the album starts out you hear the typical-ish political stance rap, war, media control, etc. But it’s got a shine to it. It’s….well polished, well rehearsed, Jonny 5 backed by classical and strings, horns like it’s the saddest song in the world. And then it explodes. And it’s not like Rage Against the Machine or Linkin Park, it’s well produced, the lyrics are powerful and back with meaning and substance. And it glides along the musical spectrum, from something indie sounding, something jazzy and upbeat, something hard and forward, and something beautiful and full of four piece soulful harmonies. This is for the everyday man’s revolution. Something that all people can enjoy and appreciate rather than an “in your face” impeach happy, *uck Bush, attitude.

“Handlebars,” the band’s single to come off of “Fight with Tools,” is an amazingly powerful song that can get you off your seat chanting against the establishment. The album’s message isn’t monotone either, it touches on world events, US political happenings as well as 9/11 and other hot topics per say. In short this hodge poge of politically influenced rappers, violinists, trumpets makes for an amazing album. You can check out more on their “Space” at myspace.com/flobots or their website at www.flobots.com. Word.

Coconut Records- Nighttiming

Who knew?

Apart for the ol’ Phantom Planet who knew that Jason Schwartzman, possibly the sexist man alive with a Jewish last name, had a side project of sorts? Coconut Records. No not a label, a band, even less of a band a solo project by Schwartzman. Formed, per say, in 2006 under what is presumably his label, Young Baby Records, Coconut Records has released “Nighttiming.” And what can I say, it’s really bloody good. Yes, yes it’s got some Phantom Planet..ish qualities, but what did you expect from the former drummer of the band?

The album itself is as indie as you can get. Filled with acoustic ballads, funky dance along songs and overall feel goodie-ness. Not bad for a guy who did, well, everything on the album (with a little help from the likes of Mike Einziger and others). And to add that special touch of lovingness each album ordered through the website usually comes with something. First starting out with Polaroids of JS himself, in the end Coconut Records has turned into something of a fashion statement. Now producing handmade Coconut Records dog collars and tote bags.

But yes in the end the album is quite brilliant. Well worth the listen and the few quid you’ll spend on getting it. Really you come out on top if you buy it and get a surprise. Check out his “Space” at myspace.com/coconutrecords or the website at www.youngbabyrecords.com.