Titus Andronicus - A More Perfect Union

I sense the enemy, they're rustling around in the trees
I thought I had gotten away but the followed me to 02143
Oh, woe, woe is me, no one knows the trouble I see
When they hang Jeff Davis from a sourapple tree, I'll sit beneath the leaves and weep
None of us shall be saved, every man will be a slave
For John Brown's body lies a-mould'ring in the grave and there's rumbling down in the caves
So if it's time for choosing sides, and to show this dirty city how we do the Jersey Slide
And if it deserves a better class of criminal
Then I'ma give it to them tonight
So we'll rally around the flag, rally around the flag
Rally around the flag, boys, rally once again
Shouting the Battle Cry of Freedom
Rally around the flag, rally around the flag
Glory, glory, Hallelujah, His truth is marching on

Listening to Ted Leo yesterday got me thinking, for some reason I'm not 100% sure of, Titus Andronicus and their classic 2010 release The Monitor. We've never featured them here, so let's fix that. Today's Most Important, the blistering "A More Perfect Union" which chronicles frontman Patrick Stickles' move from Glen Rock, NJ, to Somerville, MA. Mashed up with a bunch of Civil War references. Oh and bits from Springsteen, Billy Bragg and others. The general theme and style carries through the album and makes for a unique and interesting punk rock adventure.

RIYL: The Hold Steady, Billy Bragg, Japandroids, Cloud Nothings, Ted Leo

Upcoming Shows

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists - Timorous Me

Now me and Jodi spent a lot of our time
Just sitting in silence, driving late at night
Maybe even wondering what was on each others' mind
Sometimes
But I know she's like me so I let it ride
She's dwelling in the quiet space left behind
Where only peace can answer why, and you abide
The birds must fly

Did y'all hear the news? Ted Leo has a Kickstarter going for a new album! That's some terrific news right there. He's been one of my favs for many, many years now and one of the few artists I have those "I love everything they do" feels for. So, you can bet I backed it and I'm really excited for some new stuff.

RILY: Dismemberment Plan, The Hold Steady, Billy Bragg, Frank Turner, Titus Andronicus

Upcoming Shows

Funeral Advantage - C.E.O.T.7.K.

 ... gave me nothing
So I gave nothing back

I've been listening to this song for a couple weeks, ahead of the latest record (Please Help Me, released 4 days ago) from Funeral Advantage. Reverb-y, shoegaze-y, kinda Cure-like, but owing a lot to George Harrison (according to Tyler Kershaw, the lead guitar, vocals, and songwriter), they prefer to be simply labeled "pop". If you live in the NE of the U.S. (the band is based in Boston), try to catch their release-party tour this month.

RIYL: Tape Waves, Day Wave, DIIV

Upcoming Shows

Frankie Cosmos - On the Lips

I'm sorry I'm high let's go
Sometimes I cry cause I know
I'll never have all the answers
Separated by a subway transfer

I watch you disappear
As my train rolls away
I know you could've kissed me
But I'll have to wait

Where would I kiss ya
If I could kiss ya?

Why should I kiss ya
If I could kiss ya?

Homeschooled in NYC, the daughter of actors Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates, Greta Kline was able to indulge her love of the underground rock/anti-folk scene around her, learn several instruments (including a stint as the bassist for Porches), and experiment with making and releasing her own lo-fi music (dozens of singles under various aliases). Last year she released her second studio album with backing band, as Frankie Cosmos. I love her snack-size, quirky and sweet, little melodies. She's touring Down Under right now, too! But not in the same places we are or will be. 

Upcoming Shows

Meat Wave - Run You Out

I'll just run you out
Gonna run you out

Surf's up and Chicago's Meat Wave is ready to crash. Ok, that was corny, their music is not. It's smart, tight, diverse rock and roll that's full of killer hooks and unique arrangement. Their latest album The Incessant just dropped and I've been really enjoying it. Reminds me, both in tone and feeling, of The Cribs' early stuff, particularly the awesome Men's Needs, Women's Needs, Whatever which, now that I think about it, I need to get on vinyl. I digress, and you should check this out.

RIYL: The Cribs, Hot Snakes, Plague Vendor, White Reaper

UPCOMING SHOWS