Monday's Leaky Faucet

Who: Ra Ra Riot
Title: The Rhumb Line
Release Date: August 19th
Label: Barsuk
Thoughts: Considering that Ra Ra Riot have included 4-songs that have already been released and two more that have been live staples for some time on their debut LP you would think that the album would sound very familiar, but they have given these songs such a face lift for The Rhumb Line that they are barely recognizable. That alone gives this debut a feeling of being completely new and different and another step in the young band's career, but the rest of the album shows off a dramatic step in their abilities to write and play music as well. It seems these energetic 20-something's are quickly adapting their music as they grow as people. It's a stunning debut that doesn't loose any of the energy that built them over the past two years and an album that I think a lot of you will truly love.
Listen: Ra Ra Riot - "St. Peter's Day Festival"
Ra Ra Riot - "Suspended In Gaffa"

Who: Women
Title: Women
Release Date: October 7th
Label: Jagjaguwar
Thoughts: There are a few notables to take in with the self-titled debut of Women. For starters there are no actual women in the band Women. Also worth noting is the fact that Chad VanGaalen recorded the album which is set to have it's Jagjaguwar release in October. But beyond those notable facts there is music to be listened to and from my stand point thoroughly enjoyed. The album is totally saturated by it's lo-fi production style, layers of reverb and feedback provide haunting sounds throughout this debut and it all gives Women a very eerie sound. There are times where the noise is a bit drawn out and spacious and times when it all seems to run together propelling it through some tricky bits of sound, but despite the differences of individual songs it all runs together seamlessly. Another very cool debut that I think most of you will adore.
Listen: Women - "Black Rice"
Women - "Group Transport Hall"

Who: Bonnie "Prince" Billy
Title: Is It The Sea?
Release Date: October 20th
Label: Domino Records
Thoughts: Anybody surprised to see another Bonnie "Prince" Billy album making the internet rounds? No. Yeah I can't blame you I wasn't surprised by it either. This time the "Prince" follows up his sparkling Lie Down in the Light with a pretty solid live album. I say pretty solid because I'm starting to feel a bit overwhelmed by his prolific output, but it's certainly carried out beautifully with his dynamic songs and excellent musicianship. Live albums don't normally carry the same weight with me that a studio album will, but since I have never seen Bonnie "Prince" Billy in concert it's nice to hear that his songs may be better suited for the stage then they are for record, but let's be honest they sound damn good anywhere.
Listen: Bonnie "Prince" Billy - "Wolf Among Wolves"
Bonnie "Prince" Billy - "New Partner"