-
Avi Vinocur
San Francisco’s Avi Vinocur is a prolific multi-instrumentalist who records with both his band Goodnight Texas, and under his own name and has played with everyone from Phil Lesh to Metallica. We caught up with him to learn a bit more about his process, Goodnight Texas’s whole shtick, and stories from the bay. MM: When and where did you start making music? AV: Well, I played piano as a small kid. I found making up songs on it pretty interesting, as opposed to learning it properly. I actually found some cassette tapes of me writing songs on piano that I…
-
Fruit Bats – Gold Past Life : Album Review
This review was initially published on a now-defunct review site, hence the odd formatting. Artist Name: Fruit Bats Album Name: Gold Past Life Standout Song: Mandy from Mohawk (Wherever You May Be) Deep Cut: Dream Would Breathe Five free-association words: summery, shimmering, nostalgic, enchanting, brilliant Feeling of album in one word: timeless What atmosphere suits this album best?: daytime drive to the beach, walking through the park pondering The ephemeral opening notes of the first single and track, “The Bottom of It,” promise Eric D. Johnson will continue delivering clever witticisms that are sardonic and wistful in his trademark cheery…
-
The Blank Tapes – Superbloom
This review was initially published on a now-defunct review site, hence the odd formatting. Artist Name: The Blank Tapes Album Name: Super Bloom Standout Song: Exotica Deep Cut: Sweat Lodge Five free-association words: Psychedelic but make it sunny Feeling of album in one word: extraterrestrial What atmosphere suits this album best?: of course, a sun-filled romp through a field of flowers, obviously.. home alone in front of the window with sun pouring in also works well. Who does this album make you think of?: aliens landing on earth and exploring the desert. This album will be loved by fans of…:…
-
Johnathan Rice – The Long Game : Album Review
The Long Game by Johnathan Rice I’m pleasantly surprised as I listen to the eponymous first track of “The Long Game,” Rice’s first album in six years. Those albums remain in my memory remnants of my indie pop teenagehood and as such, I hadn’t given them much airtime since then. On this record, Rice’s voice sounds better than ever – it’s sensual, strong, and at times reminiscent of other aughts-era indie folk darlings at times, but certainly unique. Courtney Marie Andrews’s vocals on the intro track as well as “Millions of Miles” add depth and dimension and the acoustic guitar…
