What's New?: Music Library Updates (Part 12)
Hey all! A few new records of note – not necessarily brand-new releases, but new to the CFMU library! We’re airing as much new music as we can these days despite most of our volunteers working remotely. Until a few of them can come in and explore the new music, we’ll keep sending out this new music missive!
JAPANDROIDS – MASSEY F**KING HALL
Fans of the west coast duo Japandroids will have to wait a bit longer for new music, but for a quick fix, they’ve released this live set from legendary Massey Hall (we figure that middle word is in direct reference to the fact that the band were stunned to be playing there). I’ve seen Japandroids live a few times, and to be honest, they don’t quite manage to pull off all those high-notes and vocal sing-alongs – after all, there’s only two of them. Still, to quote Pitchfork, “Despite its flaws, Massey Fucking Hall serves a monument for a band whose vision of non-toxic masculinity remains utopian and inspiring.”
LISTEN: MASSEY F**KING HALL BY JAPANDRIODS
PHOEBE BRIDGERS – PUNISHER
I saw the “Kyoto” video on Youtube and bought this album on vinyl the next day. To me, the song is that good – the melody, the phrasing, the lyrics, that damned catchy Neutral Milk Hotel-sorta trumpet line. The rest of the album is also excellent, while mostly mellower. Mellower, sadder, and heartbreakier. The L.A. singer and songwriter is of the Elliot Smith school – or she at least took a semester there – and it shows, in all the best possible ways. Punisher is a denser record than you’d expect, too, with little production details that give each song its own identity. A more-than-worthy follow-up to her last release, Stranger In The Alps.
LISTEN: PUNISHER BY PHOEBE BRIDGERS
MOSCOW APARTMENT – BETTER DAUGHTER
Maybe I’m a sucker for female acoustic duo music. I liked the Indigo Girls decades ago and love First Aid Kit – not that Moscow Apartment sounds like either of those. The Toronto group are remarkable songwriters especially considering they’re teenagers. From their Bandcamp page: "Brighid & Pascale met almost a decade ago through the Viva Youth Singers. The Girls Rock Camp T.O grads formed Moscow Apartment in January 2017." Full of amazing melodies, tight harmonies, and stellar songs. Fun fact: released on Hamilton-based label Hidden Pony.