Rainy Daze

Well, it's kind of cold and rainy in Washington, has been since Thursday and looks to stay that way until Tuesday. And what better way to spend a day inside avoiding the rain than spinning some great music -- and perhaps even blogging about it.

I've already spent plenty of time extolling the Broken Bells release, and if you've seen any of the reviews you'll know that most have come down on the side of great, but not life-changing or earth shattering, record. Most discuss its subdued production, smooth mix of Shins and Danger Mouse tendencies. Well, one more thing: it's great for a relaxed day inside avoiding the rain.

Then it was Vampire Weekend's Contra, which sounds as good as the first day I brought it home. I switched it up a bit and put on my recently acquired Led Zeppelin IV, which is admittedly a different sound than I'd been going with, but what the hell? It's got Black Dog and Rock N' Roll, not necessarily relaxed music. But it's also got Stairway to Heaven and When the Levee Breaks, the latter of which is perfect for this rainy, flood-warning filled day in Washington.

In short, I can imagine worse scenarios to have to deal with on a Saturday afternoon.

Go buy Broken Bells on Tuesday

The genius who brought us The Grey Album (Jay-Z's Black Album mixed with The Beatles' White Album) is back, and I for one couldn't be happier. This time, we get Danger Mouse teamed up with The Shins' James Mercer and the result is sonic joy.
Anyone familiar with Danger Mouse's work knows what to expect out this album. Orchestral, synth-y, pop beats with pronounced drum lines at times. James Mercer's voice fits perfectly with the sometimes-restrained, subdued melancholy production. The second track has some organ work that's out of this world. Frankly, I already love this album. One of my favorite of the year so far.

I was lucky enough to find it on vinyl a few days before the release (March 9) at one D.C. record shop that will remained unnamed -- wouldn't want to out the supplier. And I won't go on and on trying to review the record because I don't think of myself as a particularly strong music critic, but I know what I like, and this album is pure gold.

It's a joy to listen to on wax, and the copy I got came with a small poster and a code for a free download of the album in digital format. Unfortunately, the site isn't live yet, but assume it will be Tuesday. What could be better?

In short: Go buy Broken Bells on Tuesday. Support this music -- it's a great record.