Image

Rave's Faves

RAVES FAVE’S: My Morning Jacket – Outta My System

my-morning-jacket-circuital

My Morning Jacket are one of the few bands who truly master any style they wish to pursue. While I don’t think of them as a pop band, they deliver several melodic entries on their new “Circuital” album, which drops next Tuesday May 31. Similar to the title track which deals with life’s journeys, “Outta My System” address’ crossroad questions such as whether to smoke drugs and whether to remain single. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this track getting a fair amount of radio play. Contributed by Bruce Rave

My Morning Jacket – Outta My System

My Morning Jacket: (Official)

Catch Bruce on Moheak Radio Fridays 1-3pm PST

Rating: 8.5
brown8

reviewed by
05-26-11

RAVE’S FAVES: The Wombats – Schumacher the Champagne

wombats

Contributed by Bruce Rave

With iconic UK hits like “Let’s Dance to Joy Division” in their past, it’s almost hard to believe this is only the second Wombats album. Their cool melodies and humorous lyrics return, but the musical edges are smoother on the follow-up. “Schumacher the Champagne” is nothing like what you’d expect from them. The frenetic synth intro moves into a cool groove, sing-along choruses, a metal riff, and more. Definitely worth a listen, and it just might become a current fave for you. The entire album is one of my tops in 2011 so far.

The Wombats – Schumacher the Champagne

The Wombats: (Official) (Myspace)

Catch Bruce on Moheak Radio Fridays 1-3pm PST

Rating: 8.2

brown8

reviewed by
05-12-11

RAVES FAVE’S: She Wants Revenge – Take the World

shewantsrevenge

Contributed by Bruce Rave

I really liked She Wants Revenge’s 2005 debut album, and it had the killer hit “Tear You Apart”. Things got quiet for the boys after that, but they’re rebounded really nicely with their “Take the World” single. The song has thedarkness we expect them them, but it’s less clubby than we might have anticipated. The groove might not have torn me apart, but it definitely has sucked me in.

She Wants Revenge – Take the World

She Wants Revenge: (Official) (Myspace)

Catch Bruce on Moheak Radio Fridays 1-3pm PST

Rating: 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
05-06-11

RAVE’S FAVES: The Airborne Toxic Event – Welcome to Your Wedding Day

airborne2

Contributed by Bruce Rave

The Airborne Toxic Event just conducted a clinic on how to avoid a sophomore slump. They’ve evolved, but not so much that they sacrificed their base. This album sounds bigger and they’re already had airplay success with their “Changing” song. The band decided to explore deeper topics this time around, after band members lost loved ones and had sick parents. “Welcome to Your Wedding Day” has nothing to do with the big day in the UK. It’s a killer tune that condemns drone bombing.

The Airborne Toxic Event – Welcome to Your Wedding Day

The Airborne Toxic Event: (Official) (Myspace)

Catch Bruce on Moheak Radio Fridays 1-3pm PST

Rating: 8.1

brown8

reviewed by
04-28-11

RAVE’S FAVES: Skybombers – Lies

skybombers

Contributed by Bruce Rave

Skybombers’ 2008 “Take Me to Town” was one of my favorite albums of the last decade, but the punk/garage influenced record came out when people were far more interested in folk and electronic. Some of the swagger is gone from their new “Black Carousel”, but there’s still plenty of energy and melody as this band aces it hard, medium, or soft. Their “Lies” single is a great choice that’s both hard and soft, and it nicely shows the talent of lead singer Hugh Gurney.

Skybombers – Lies

Catch Bruce on Moheak Radio Fridays 1-3pm PST

Skybombers: (Myspace) (Facebook)

Rating: 8.2

brown8

reviewed by
04-14-11

RAVE’S FAVES: PJ Harvey – The Words That Maketh Murder

pj

PJ Harvey said that at 41, she wasn’t going to write in the same way she did years ago. In her case, I’d say time is treating her well. “The Words That Maketh Murder” is my fave song of hers to date, and what takes it over the top for me are the killer backing vocals. (Program note: My weekly Go Deep show on Moheak Radio returns Friday, April 22 after a two-week hiatus.)

PJ Harvey – The Words That Maketh Murder

Catch Bruce on Moheak Radio Fridays 1-3pm PST

PJ Harvey: (Official) (Myspace)

Rating: 8.0

brown8

reviewed by
04-07-11

RAVE’S FAVES: The Vaccines – Wetsuit

the-vaccines

Contributed by Bruce Rave

The B3Sci gang and I had a great time hanging with The Vaccines after they wrapped one of their many SXSW sets. I’ll be running a 30-minute interview special around 2:00 Pacific time on my Friday Go Deep show at Moheak Radio. Drummer Pete was telling us about how “Wetsuit” is his favorite Vaccines song as it relates what the band was going through when they first formed. It’s a change of pace compared to most fast-moving Vaccines tracks, but it’s another fine pop melody in full force.

The Vaccines – Wetsuit

Catch Bruce on Moheak Radio Fridays 1-3pm PST

The Vaccines: (Info) (Pre-order What Did You Expect…)

Rating: 8.7
brown93

reviewed by
03-31-11

RAVE’S FAVES: Prima Donna – I Don’t Want You to Love Me

primadonna

Contributed by Bruce Rave

Had an ace time hanging with the entire B3Sci team last week in Austin. We interviewed Chapel Club, The Vaccines, and Bombay Bicycle Club. The three will run weekly on my Moheak Radio Show with songs included, beginning with Chapel Club tomorrow (Friday). For this week’s fave, we have the LA band Prima Donna. Their “I Don’t Want You to Love Me” is on fire. It takes me back the the glam-punk best of bands like The New York Dolls. Here you go:

Prima Donna – I Don’t Want You to Love Me

Catch Bruce on Moheak Radio Fridays 1-3pm PST

Prima Donna: (Myspace) (Official) (Facebook)

Rating: 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
03-24-11

RAVE’S FAVES: Lykke Li – Youth Knows No Pain

lykkeli

Contributed by Bruce Rave

When the tribal rhythms of Lykke Li’s “Get Some” hit the internet last fall, it became a fave track for me but I wondered what kind of depth we’d get on her second album. Good news! While there’s nothing else that has the same feel, Lykke has shown she can deliver from different directions. “Youth Has No Pain” is the opener. It has a garage feel complete with a 60’s organ sound. Check it out here:

Lykke Li – Youth Knows No Pain

(Official) / (Purchase)

Catch Bruce on Moheak Radio Fridays 1-3pm PST

Rating: 8.3
brown8

reviewed by
03-17-11

RAVE’S FAVES: Elbow – High Ideals

elbow

Contributed by Bruce Rave

I should ask the B3Sci dudes if I can post the entire Elbow album Build A Rocket Boys. It’s that fucking great. Their sound is lower-key than on the last two, but it’s beautifully done and really majestic. I feel like Elbow are picking up where Radiohead left off after OK Computer. I’m predicting right now that they’ll be nominated next year for another shot at winning the Mercury Prize. Check out “High Ideals”.

Elbow – High Ideals

Purchase / Official

Catch Bruce on Moheak Radio Fridays 1-3pm PST

Rating: 8.3
brown8

reviewed by
03-10-11

RAVE’S FAVES: Dum Dum Girls – He Gets Me High

dumdumgirls2

Contributed by Bruce Rave

Stoked to be bringing my Rave’s Faves to b3sci! The Dum Dum Girls got some love on their debut album but their new EP helps them stand out from the crowd of competent girl rockers. Their Smiths cover of “There’s A Light That Never Goes Out” was posted here last week. The title track “He Gets Me High” has an ace guitar intro and fine hooks throughout.

Dum Dum Girls – He Gets Me High

Purchase / Official

Catch Bruce on Moheak Radio Fridays 1-3pm PST

Rating: 8.4
brown8

reviewed by
03-04-11