Molly Drake, Mother of Nick Drake, Has An Album Out

The brilliance of Nick Drake's crushing, quiet poeticism was certainly unique and undeniably classic. It was a signature sound, though, that finds its roots in the musical works of his mother, Molly (née Mary Lloyd). Boutique label Squirrel Thing Recordings released Molly Drake a few months back in March of this year, collecting 19 originals recorded in the 1950's at the Drake home by father Rodney. These never-before-heard recordings were beautifully restored by Nick Drake’s engineer John Wood, bringing forth a vivid sound that makes the Drake family's musical legacy feel all the more significant and relevant in today's musical landscape. Songs like "I Remember" and "Poor Mum" (below) demonstrate the source of Nick's vulnerable-yet-commanding voice, as Mrs. Drake sings over a bed of bright, lovely piano playing.

You'll be hard-pressed to find anything that sounds as charming and effortlessly exquisite as Molly Drake this year.



Molly Drake is now available on Squirrel Thing Recordings. Pick it up here.

LISTEN: From Safety to Where - "Only Now"

I remember being in high school when I discovered indie rock for the first time. I started listening to all these bands that challenged my perception of pop music, bands that opened my ears and mind to the hook that lied in emotional resonance, in attitude, past the veneer of pop melodies. It was the kind of sound that showed me how visceral music could truly be, creating connections that were rooted deep inside my heart and soul; I didn't know any of these musicians at a personal level, but it felt like they knew me -- and I guess, I sort of knew them in the same way. One of the songs that's always stuck with me is "Only Now," a sprightly jab of post-punk perfection from South Carolina trio From Safety To Where. Check it out below.

LISTEN: From Safety To Where - "Only Now" (via Epitonic)

LISTEN: Shocking Blue - "Send Me A Postcard"

Dutch rock band Shocking Blue is probably better remembered in America for their big 1969 hit "Venus," because Americans are often all about one song with great bands. It became particularly big after English pop group Bananarama covered the track, a cover which happened to accompany a Gillette Venus razor commercial (clever). And if you happened to own a Korg keyboard in the early '90s like me, then you probably remember it serving as the demo song that played when you pressed a little yellow button -- granted it was more of a midi file. I'm hoping this isn't the legacy of Shocking Blue in America, because, like most bands with one big song, they actually have other great songs -- songs that are even better than the big hit.

MUSINGS: And We're Back...With A Bit of Soulful Intervention

It seems as though I increasingly find myself struggling more and more with the upkeep of Mixtape Muse, especially this past week. In regards to last week, I didn't want to do anything with a computer (it's what I stare at all day after all) following work, and outside of relaxing after getting home I just wanted to ride my bike as much as possible. It was a pretty scary and, in some way, uncomfortable thing to feel a disconnect with music, something that's been my life outside of school and work for more than a decade now. More than anything, it was a lack of passion I felt for music, and so, it felt like an unusual emotional disconnect from something that has helped shape me into who I am today.

REVIEW: Japandroids - Celebration Rock

Japandroids - Celebration Rock

In 2009, Vancouver duo Japandroids (guitarist/singer Brian King and drummer/singer David Prowse) released their debut album, Post-Nothing, a unique blend of fuzzed out, distortion-heavy guitar muscle and air drum-worthy percussive weight that matched ‘90s rock ‘n’ roll volume and tone with garage rock’s blistering, energetic edge. It was one of the most critically acclaimed releases of that year, which inevitably lead to questions as to what would come next. It’s a rare occurrence when a band riding a wave of buzz is able to follow up their buzzworthy debut with an album that’s even better, but Japandroids have done just that with their sophomore outing Celebration Rock.

Behold, The Deluxe Edition of Weezer's Pinkerton

Pinkerton, often considered Weezer's "indie" album, was initially lumped into the category of "sophomore slump," considered by some as a disappointment on the heels of the Weezer's seminal debut album. While Pinkerton had its admirers, it wasn't until years later that it received critical acclaim (Rolling Stone even re-reviewed the album upgrading it from three to five stars). It is now widely considered one of the greatest albums of all-time and a modern rock masterpiece.

Now, 14 years after its initial release, Weezer is releasing a deluxe edition of the album that features 25 bonus tracks, including every official B-side. But what fans can really get excited about is that 16 of these 25 bonus tracks have never been released before, songs such as the newly-discovered gem "Tragic Girl" and the unreleased B-side "I Swear It's True." The deluxe edition also boasts a collection of rare live recordings, like a lunchtime performance won in a contest by Shorecrest High School near Seattle. And if that wasn't enough, there's also a booklet with numerous photos and an essay by the band's close friend/webmaster/historian/roadie/jack-of-all-trades Karl Koch. DGC/UMe will release Pinkerton - Deluxe Edition on November 2nd.

Ah, nostalgia.

See the deluxe edition tracklisting after the jump.

Listen to "New Fang" from Them Crooked Vultures

It's been a long time coming, from the early cryptic Twitter updates to the short clips on YouTube, but today we all can finally hear a full track from Them Crooked Vultures. It's kind of a given that the Dave Grohl, Josh Homme, and John Paul Jones supergroup would have a good handle on how to make well-crafted songs considering their respective backgrounds. Check out the classic sounding rock 'n' roller "New Fang" below, plump with riffing guitars and pummeling drums.



"New Fang" is a cut from Them Crooked Vultures' self-titled debut album which is out November 17th in the U.S. and Canada.



You can pre-order it here at Amazon.

Jawbox Announce Reissue of "For Your Own Special Sweetheart"

Iconic post-punk band Jawbox are set to reissue their 1994 classic For Your Own Special Sweetheart November 24th on CD and vinyl. Although the album was released on Atlantic Records and marked the band's first release after leaving Dischord Records, the reissue is being handled by Dischord and the band's own DeSoto Records. Thanks to Dischord and engineer Bob Weston (Pixies, Jawbox, and a member of Shellac), For Your Own Special Sweetheart album has been meticulously remastered. Bassist Kim Coletta says, "It just sounds a whole lot better."

The re-release will also contain the three songs that appeared on the Savory +3 EP that Atlantic put out in 1994. Purchase of the vinyl version comes with a coupon redeemable for a free download of the remastered album and three bonus songs.

Track Listing:
1. FF=66
2. Savory
3. Breathe
4. Motorist
5. LS/MFT
6. Cooling Card
7. Green Glass
8. Cruel Swing
9. Jackpot Plus!
10. Chicago Piano
11. Reel
12. U-Trau
13. Whitney Walks
14. L'il Shaver*
15. 68*
16. Sound On Sound*

(* = tracks not on original release)

Motown Celebrates 50

Happy Birthday, Motown/Tamla!
50 years ago to the day, Berry Gordy founded Tamla Records (aka Motown). Check out Spinner's photo gallery which includes some of the label's staple artists recalling their favorite moments over the past half century.

Founder Berry Gordy Reflects on 50 Years of Motown



Marvin Gaye - "What's Going On/What's Happening Brother" (Live)