Gum - The Underdog (2018)

I know what you're thinking, this is a surprise.  You're right, it is.  I'm not going to begin to justify why I haven't written or updated my corner of the web, mainly because I doubt anyone would care.  That said, I should at the very least let you in on what I've been doing since I've been away...

Buying and listening to records of course!  Since I last updated, I've added over 100 amazing vinyl albums to my collection!  Far and away one of my favorites that I added fairly recently Jay Watson's, (AKA, Gum), newest album, The Underdog.  

The Australian Multi-instrumentalist singer and songwriter Jay Watson, known as Gum when he's not performing with his associate groups, Tame Impala, and Pond, finally granted us some new psychedelic hotness in the way of a new album back on April 6th.  The Underdog is his 4th studio album since beginning with The Delorian Highway back in 2014.  

Now, you would think that as much of a fan of Tame Impala that I am, I would have discovered Gum a long time ago.  He didn't enter into my consciousness until the late summer last year when I took on an unhealthy obsession with Pond and their hot as fuck album, The Weather, which I will certainly talk about in a future post. None of that would have happened unless I wasn't mindlessly trusting Google Play Music to guide me through new artist suggestions.  Seriously!  The progression from Tame Impala leads to The Unknown Mortal Orchestra, which exposed me to Methyl Ethel, whom I saw in concert last fall, to Pond, to Gum.  Listening to the opening of The Delorian Highway and then his following 2 alums made me obsess just a bit.  I finally understand why Tame Impala is so good.  The sum of their parts, while possibly greater than the whole, is built on some of the most progressive and talented minds in music.  Indeed, Kevin Parker is a gifted artist, but let's be honest, after his work in 2015 with Mark Ronson on Uptown Special, I think we can agree that Kevin is a really good producer.  Jay Watson is still all about the music.  

The Underdog is a focused collection of psychedelic prog, I'm even throwing in some synth-pop into the mix simply because of the chords and highly polished use of electronic instrumentals no doubt driven by someone who knows how to use them.  From the introduction, titled, Introduction, you get a feeling that you're in for an album full of soaring riffs and chill out music reminiscent of Lonerism with a lot fewer experiments and a lot more groove.  I'll again mention his other group, Pond and their album, The Weather.  

The Blue Marble

The first single, The Blue Marble popped up and surprised me somewhere as just that, a single.  I initially thought there was no way this was the prelude to a new album having just released  Flash In The Pan in 2016.  How wrong was I?  After putting this song on repeat more times than I would like to admit, I found out in about 15 minutes that there was, in fact, a new album on the horizon and it would be out in about a month.  Unfortunately, true to form like his previous 3 releases, it would be released on vinyl, only in Australia.  The humanity!  I had to go through some hoops to secure this album, but it was too worth it.  So, shout out Rocking Horse Records in Brisbane Australia for having this.  Since I don't own any of Gums other releases, as they're far too expensive, and again, only available in Australia, it's good to know that indie record stores are thriving all over the world.

As usual, if getting this hotness on vinyl isn't for you, (And I gotta ask why the hell not?), you can snag it from Google Play Music or iTunes, or perhaps Spotify.  Though I gotta vinyl shame you here for a bit.  You're never going to appreciate the sound of this album, it's synths, it's soul, and it's character until you've listened to it balanced and analog.  To that end, check out Spinning Top Music and of course Rocking Horse Records.  Perhaps they'll have a copy or two to send your way.

The Underdog

Gum: @jay_w_watson ‏
Spinning Top: @Spinning_Top

Looking ahead, I've got some awesome vinyl from the U.S. Girls, XTC, Pond, Jack White, Parliment, Depeche Mode, Tricky, and a whole ton more.  In the meantime, what's that that I spy on deck beside Gum?

2015 - Vinyl - (My) Year In Review

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As this year draws to a close, and in light of lack of regular updates, I submit for your approval, my version of the vinyl truth.  It certainly differs greatly from the actual truth, but in my head, it makes a lot of sense.
As seen above I picked some vinyl this year of either great significance to me, or great importance.  All of which I own, and for whatever reason can't get enough of.  Obviously, this isn't representative of everything that I've bought or featured here.  There's been some awesome music out this year.  Unfortunately, there wasn't enough to combat the ever-present bullshit pop music littering the airwaves, but for what was released it sure was quality.  Put it this way, if an album was released 7 months ago and you're still listening to it, because you choose to and not because it's the only choice you have, it's something special.  Even better, if I go back to some of the vintage albums that I featured here that have stood the test of time, and put any one of them up against Meghan Trainor.  

I'll skip the whole talking about the same vinyl that I have already.  You can go back and read those.  Instead, I'll summarize the year that was superlative style with the data that matters, and perhaps a look into the future.

Best (New) Album I Purchased This Year:

Tame Impala - Currents

  

This album was simply the best in class.  It had elements of damn near everything I love in music.  For an admitted psychedelic group, they somehow managed to cover many genre's of music.  From trippy instrumentals to some raw in your face "Fuck the popular culture" lyrics, they hit every well-produced point of what an album should be.  If my pick here was TV On The Radio's Seeds, this year it just had to be Tame Impala.

Unexpectedly Good Great Vinyl

Johnny Marr - I Feel You

Sure it's a cover of the old Depeche Mode song, and lord knows that I hate samplers and unoriginal music.  I also hate buying vinyl singles because I feel that you never get your money's worth.  I'll also admit that I almost fucked up by even thinking of passing this up back in April.  This is the first record that I ever had to buy twice because I literally wore it out!  I played it to death on a crappy record player long enough to destroy it.  I couldn't live without hearing Johnny's work on the hook of this DM classic.  This single solidifies Johnny Marr, so far as I'm concerned, as the best alternative guitarist in music today.

Favourite Blog Post This Year:

Selling over 22 million albums worldwide, it's ranked at #69 on the list of highest selling albums of all time.  The post took me the better part of 6 months to write and it ushered in version 2.0 of this blog.  Thank you all for your support.  This album is like a quotable movie, it's got music that you can apply instances of your daily life too.   It's another gem that you just need to own on any medium, including 8-Track if you can find it because, funk.

Most Expensive (Officially Declared) Vinyl Investment 2015:

Dresden Dolls - The Virginia Monologues

The picture doesn't do this album justice.  I'm still trying to come up with a way to show this off.  At $45 this past RSD, I really didn't care about the price.  I knew that I had to have it, not only because of the aesthetics but because I fucking love this band.  I only wish I respected them more than I listened to them back in High School.  I say "officially declared" because I have stuff that I picked up in what I'm affectionately calling my "Silent Period" of blog inactivity that you haven't seen yet.  (Garbage 20th Anniversary anyone)

Cheapest Most Valued Album Purchased 2015:

 Depeche Mode - Delta Machine 

I haven't even put this one up yet because I have a well thought out, finely structured plan around posting in the upcoming year ahead and this is a rather big part of it.  Scored at the infamous Urban Outfitters at $10, I managed to get Depeche Mode's best bounce back album period.  Much more on this later, but, if you're willing to look past a minor imperfection that isn't even on the record, sometimes it's worth getting that uncut diamond in the rough.  Also, don't buy vinyl at Urban Outfitters.  I'm sure that every time you do, a bunny hits its head.

Favorite Record Store 2015:

Redscroll Records Wallingford CT

During my transient period earlier this fall, I spent a lot of time in Connecticut.  While there, I had the luxury of being able to visit Redscroll records weekly for 2 months.  Their selection of used vinyl is ever changing and quite deep.  You'll more than likely come out of there discovering something that you want and need as opposed to walking in there with the intention of buying something specific. As a shop manager for a brick and mortar shop, and a firm supporter of all things small market, I cannot recommend buying vinyl from an actual record store with real knowledgable cool as fuck people.  When in Connecticut, please visit Redscroll Records.  I assure you, you won't be disappointed.  Redscroll Records 24 N. Colony Rd. Wallingford CT, 06492

Favorite Place To Buy Awesome New Vinyl 2015 or Any Year:

Newbury Comics

I've gotten some of my most favorite and prized pieces of vinyl from Newbury Comics.  My favorite store along with its group of people are up in the Natick mall, the best selection of vinyl is over on Newbury Street, and some of the most amazing releases are found online at their website.  Follow them on Twitter for some of the most amazing exclusives and damn decent sales.  Frankly, they're about as close to a regional version of Tower Records that you're going to find.  Somehow they manage to stay local while being national.  Even if it's only in the northeast.

Most Disappointing Album Featured 2015:

The Dead Weather - Dodge And Burn

I tried really hard.  I just couldn't.  Like a basic chick, I literally couldn't even.  Sure there were 2 or 3 songs I was really into, and after listening to the album multiple times on a few really long commutes to work, (Seriously for a while I had a 2+ hour commute to and from work every day for 2 months.), I just couldn't rank it as a must own.  It's not even really a for fans only album.  It's more like, buy it if it's on sale somewhere because you really like modern alternative music.  Jack White really succeeded in making the Kills suck.  That's a pretty shitty thing to say, but, I love Jack White, and I love the Kills.  I can't love what they do for each other.  Given how awesome the Dead Weather's previous  albums have been, I'm hoping that this was a giant fluke.

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Finally, There's a lot to look forward to in 2016.  David Bowie should see a follow-up to 2013's awesome yet highly underrated The Next Day.  Tricky's new album, Skilled Mechanics sounds really different.  Really throwback to his Wild Bunch days.  Soul Asylum, Gorillaz, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam, The XX, and the Last Shadow Puppets.  There's Record Store Day 2016 Saturday, April 16th.  While the outlook isn't as promising this time this year as it was this time last year, it looks to be another quality release year for music in general.  Vinyl especially.  Fun fact, vinyl record sales have outsold digital streaming by 2:1.  So for anyone saying that vinyl is silly, or a dead technology, it's bigger than Spotify, Pandora, iTunes, Google Play Music, or any of those other so-called popular streams all the cool kids are listening to.  Numbers don't lie folks.  Vinyl ain't slowing down anytime soon.

As for the blog, Since I've moved back to the area, and have begun the arduous task of settling down.  I miss not having all access to a real record player to the point where I was spoiled for 2 months.  I now have a new turntable, albeit (begrudgingly) on loan, that's in dire need of a receiver.  I refuse to spin on my old reliable portable turntable in protest of the brand.  To that end, expect that when I do get that spinning hotness hooked up, you'll see all the stuff that I've been picking up over the past 3 months all over the great northeast. Also, I now have a new proofreader/editor hopefully you see that this blog now has 90% fewer errors in grammar and spelling!  Unfortunately, she's European so you'll have to deal with favorite being spelled with a "u".   I hope you had a great year in music, and that you learned a few things here.  Like the music, I won't stop.  See you in 2016 with some of the best stuff vinyl has to offer.  (Maybe I'll get another post out after Christmas.)  Happy holidays wherever you are.

Huey Lewis And The News - We're Not Here For A Long Time (We're Here For A Good Time)

Tame Impala - Currents (2015)

Last year I picked TV On The Radio's Seeds as the best I heard all year.  It's a shame it took till October to find it, and it's kinda surprising that it beat out Lana Del Rey's Ultraviolence and Jack White's Lazaretto, both outstanding releases looking back on them now.  This year, there's been all kinds of great music released on the indie circuit.  Some you may have heard of such as Sleater Kinney, No Cities To Love, some you may not have like Lianne La Havas, Blood.  I'm calling it right now.  Tame Impala's 3rd album, Currents, released back in July may be the album this year.  Though in addition to the aforementioned 2 albums, Lana Del Rey has another due out in a few weeks, The Dead Weather is finally out with new music very soon, and I wouldn't be surprised if we hear something from Beck before years as well as something from No Doubt and PJ Harvey.  Indeed this is quietly shaping up to be an outstanding year for the indie artists.  So, what's up with Tame Impala you ask, well with lyrics like;

Finally taking flight

I know you don't think it's right

I know that you think it's fake

Maybe fake's what I like

Point is I have the right

I'm thinking in black and white

I'm thinking it's worth the fight

Soon to be out of sight

Knowing it all this time
Going with what I always longed for

 And some of the most solid psychedelic riffs, a masters level of attention to production detail made for the best 51:06 of vinyl listening goodness I've heard in months. 

They released the first single off the album in March well ahead of the finished album and it signaled a huge departure to what made the Aussie group famous.  Tame Impala had built their careers on some way out there progressive psychedelic rock music.  Their first album, was a synth heavy experimental chaotic mess of rhythms so complex you may have mistaken them for a late 60's early 70's lo-fi wall of soundscapes type of group.  Think about what Pink Floyd + Genesis / Acid would =.  A beautiful mess, that's what happened.  Listen to damn near anything from Innerspeaker (2010) to get a feeling of what I'm talking about.  For this album, their first single Let It Happen clearly set the tone for a much more mainstream feel. 

Let It Happen

The 2nd single from Currents was the one that got some actual notice particularly in Hipster indie circuits.  What got me immediately was the departure from their experimental and gravitation toward complete melodies.  The psych/rock group made a chill out song that anybody could listen to no matter what frame of mind they were in - which - when you think about it is kinda the hallmark of a great psychedelic group right?  If after hearing a song you wish it were longer because you were just getting into a groove, they've done their job.  So, released in April their 2nd single, Cause I'm a Man dropped, and this album was suddenly a much anticipated hit.  Hell, when I heard about it, it made this blog real quick.

Cause I'm a Man

Seriously, up until I bought the album, that was my favorite song.  Fortunately Tame Impala didn't suffer from what a lot of artists suffer from when they're trying to get popular too fast.  The didn't release their best songs as singles and end up selling the album's filler.  Turns out with perhaps 1 or 2 exceptions, this whole album was some of the best most technical and eclectic collections of music I've heard in a while.

In a testament to this albums brilliance, upon it's release it was Tame Impala's first #1 album in their home country, and #4 here in the U.S..  Here's the rub though, not since Jack White's Lazaretto last year has an album been released that sold more on Vinyl.  That's right, within the first 2 weeks of the release of Currents, it sold more than 14,000 copies - on vinyl alone, and that's just in North America!  For whatever reason it sold a lot more on vinyl in Australia, which substantiates the awesome limited edition available there.  It sold so well, that it's pre-orders sold out within 2 weeks of the release of their 2nd single.

Two other singles from that album were out before the July release of Currents.  Disciples and Eventually.  Both of these songs while good, don't quite capture the essence of  Tame Impala's future potential.  I'm fairly certain that these were released to give their current fans something to look forward to because of their complex psychedelic sound.  The money songs are a very over produced Past Life, and my current favorite, which I quoted above, New Person, Same Old Mistakes.  The latter of which is rapidly becoming the soundtrack of my existence these days.  Matter of fact, I challenge you to put on some headphones and listen to this track, (shitty PC and or phone speakers won't do it justice.) and not repeat it twice.

New Person, Same Old Mistakes

Damn, this song changes tempo more than an 80's opus.  The vocals, and more specifically the lyrics are just mind blowing.  When he speaks of what people may think about his music now and basically says, "fuck you, this is what I like."  It really gives you makes you glad that he along with the group can do so without alienating his core followers and selling out completely.  This whole song speaks volumes about a lot of things.  I may end up wearing this track out.  It would suck though as this is a 2 LP release.  

Unfortunately if you are lucky enough to find this album these days, it will not be cheap on vinyl.  Since it's release it's climbed to north of $30 for the domestic release.  It's even higher if you're lucky enough to snag the Australian release which was all kinds of awesome.  1 record was yellow, the other purple and it came with an .mp3 download code all on 180grm vinyl.  They're rare, but can be had for around $50-80 depending on where you find it.  But, for an interesting change, I'm going against my love for vinyl here.  Just buy the album.  Google Play, iTunes, Amazon, direct from their site, wherever.  I'm going so far as to call this one of the most important releases this year in all of music.  Sure there will be bigger more mainstream releases, but none of them will be authentic as Tame Impala.  Buy this album now and thank me later.

Next week, I'm conflicted and can't decide, but I'm seriously thinking leaning toward going back and redoing a few of my earlier picks from before I started the blog, just to give them a proper write-up, or the other insanely awesome record I lucked in to from 2000.  Either way, it'll be awesome.