Spin This: June 14
Vetiver—The Errant Charm: For their first few years, San Francisco’s Vetiver were the standard-bearers of the “freak folk” movement, often performing with like-minded psych-folk luminaries like Devendra Banhart and Jana Hunter. But on 2009’s Tight Knit, the band began to stretch out from folk’s limitations and incorporate more pop elements. This week sees the release of their fifth album, The Errant Charm, and it’s a firmer step into pop rock. There’s a Byrds-ian jangle to much of the songs, and it suits the band well. No longer are they hushed and merely pretty—Vetiver is bolder, and better for it. Take a listen to “Wonder Why” below.
Vetiver – Wonder Why
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Other notable releases:
Marissa Nadler—Marissa Nadler: Like Vetiver, Nadler first made her name as a folk artist, and it’s easy to hear why. Her lilting voice is otherworldly, recalling early-70s Laurel Canyon artists, but she branches out constantly, whether it’s adding experimental touches to her songs or guest singing with black metal bands, like she did last year with Xasthur. Her self-titled fifth album was completely funded by her fans, and she pays them back with even more stylistic change-ups, adding a full-band accompaniment and more of a pop feel. Take a listen to “Baby, I Will Leave You In The Morning” below.
Marissa Nadler – Baby, I Will Leave You In The Morning
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Woods—Sun & Shade: This Brooklyn band has essentially remade the same album for the past three years, but they’re incredibly effective. Their brand of psychedelic folk-rock has a lot of touchstones—Neil Young, Velvet Underground, etc.)—but unlike many of their garage-rocking peers, Woods’ music is emotionally engaging. Sun & Shade might be the group’s best yet, adding a bit of a production sheen to their ramshackle lo-fi sound. Take a listen to “Pushing Onlys”below.
Woods – Pushing Onlys
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Podcast: Download (4.6MB)
