Cleaning out the InBox (again)

**Now back to the music. Which is what the point of this whole exercise was to begin with...

The inbox has been filling up with new and exciting music so I thought I would get a few quick reviews out of the way as we get set for the onslaught of new records from FRIGHTENED RABBIT, ARCADE FIRE and many, many more.

THE THRUSHES are a Baltimore based three piece band that specializes in feedback drenched indie rock not unlike early PIXIES, if Kim Deal had fronted the band all along. There is also a hint of Tonya Donnelly and Kristin Hersch in lead singer Anna Conner's vocals. There songs have a nice mix of melody and discord that reminds me of stuff I listened to a lot in college. In fact, this band is a living reminder of college radio's signature sound (and I mean that as a compliment) Their debut record, "Sun Come Undone" is out now and is worth a listen (at least based on what I have heard). Included is a pretty by the numbers cover of Mazzy Stars' "Fade Into You", which is a good choice as covers go. This is actually some pretty good stuff and worth checking out...

(mp3) The Thrushes -- Crystals

PAUL MASSON is a singer/songwriter out of Baltimore as well, although his sound is as far from The Thrushes as possible. More akin to dust bowl country music of Hank Williams, Masson uses slide guitars and hushed acoustics to tell his tales of lost love and the ache of loneliness. Although not really my cup of tea, it certainly has a place for those looking for a melancholy take on life.

HER NAME IS CALLA are a UK outfit that would most likely find a home on 4AD given the chance. It has that orchestral feel of DEAD CAN DANCE. The songs take a while to get where they are going and are more like sonic landscapes than pop songs. I imagine their is probably a huge visual element to the bands live show that enhances the music. It's a bit bombastic, but for those with a goth past in them it might be worth your time.

(mp3) Her Name is Calla -- Long Grass

Finally, OUI SI ONLY YOU are from Chicago and they are a hard rock/hip hop band. I feel bad because I know that I should really not post if I don't like it but any publicity I can give a starving band is fair I guess. It's not as if I bear them any ill will, I just don't like them. But by all means check them out for yourself...