A Welcome Musical Interlude

After debating, over at Second Americano, the benefits (or lack thereof) of de-"norming" heterosexuality, marriage, and related forms of oppression, and before responding to #3's call for the destruction of all world religions in the name of a dogmatically atheist scientific "rationalitism" (woo-boy!), I thought we could use an earwax cleaning from Planet Notyetinsane. A musical enema, as it were.

Good news for you Chicagoans: Nashville's best band, the beloved but currently unsigned Features, will open for Jack White's Raconteurs at the Riviera Theater on Dec. 30 and 31. Mrs. TMcD is jealous of anyone within driving distance, and I can't blame her. If you get the chance, by all means, GO SEE THEM. As opening act, we've seen the Features blow both Kings of Leon and Fountains of Wayne off the stage, but besting the Raconteurs will be a more Herculean task. Worth the money to see them try.

Otherwise, here's what I've been listening to lately. TV on the Radio may have the most hyped CD of the year, Return to Cookie Mountain. Their live performance of "Wolf Like Me" on Letterman a couple of months ago was one of the most rivetting things I've seen in a long time. The CD itself is more of a mixed bag. Playing the old rock game of mix & match, take David Bowie ("Ashes to Ashes" era), Peter Gabriel (the more African-inflected stuff), and Prince ("Sign of the Times" era), and throw them in a blender to get TVotR. The Thin White Duke even appears on some backing vocals. The first few songs are intense and droney, but not especially ingratiating. When they hit their stride in the middle section of the CD with "Wolf," "A Method," and "Dirtywhirl," they're a mighty band to reckon with. The hidden tracks are also better than the openers.

Yo La Tengo also have a really enjoyable new disc out, I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass. If you're not familiar, they're a missing musical link between Sonic Youth and Belle & Sebastian. An earlier YLT disc I've got was way too ethereal for my tastes, but this one creates an appealing blend of late-80s alternative and 60s sunshine-pop.

But the best CD I've heard so far this year has got to be M. Ward's Post-War. This is an album of wistfullness and joy, and I heartily recommend it. Imagine a less cynical Tom Waits singing for a sweeter, happier version of the Pixies, with the whole thing mellowed out to a Jack Johnson- or Norah Jones-speed campfire jam. I know, I know. That doesn't make any damned sense. But the CD is incredible from start to finish. It's fresh, it's retro, it's alt rock, it's Americana. You'll like it. Trust me.

What are y'all listening to?