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4) New Century Masters - Gentry Pines
Time for a mystery. This song has a pleasant and familiar swinging vibe to it. Is this the Kinks circa Waterloo Sunset? It might as well be, but it's not. New Century Masters might be the Twin Cities answer to the Redwalls, a local Chicago (suburbs) act very inspired by the '60s British Invasion sound. All I know is this song is pretty good and I want to hear more from this band. Their September 2010 release is called "Volume III: Rarities and Odd Ditties" which suggests they've been around at least a little while. They don't have a wikipedia page, which suggests they haven't been around that long, or they don't realize how old guys like me get their information. You can stream (or buy) their whole album at their bandcamp page. Their music is not available at Amazon, suggesting these guys either aren't interested in making money or they are interested in making money, depending on your view of Amazon. Are you confused yet, because I am. If you want some answers you might want to listen to this interview from MPR The Current, in which all will be explained. Unfortunately there's no grooveshark widget for this song, so I recommend you stream their album from the bandcamp link.

5) Isobell Campbell and Mark Lanegan - Come Undone
If you don't know already, Isobel Campbell was an original member of Belle and Sebastian, contributing vocals and cello through 2002, and Mark Lanegan was the lead singer of underrated grunge era band Screaming Trees, best known for their song "I Nearly Lost You". Their album Sweet Oblivion got much play in my college dorm room. If the album came out now days, I'm not sure if the grunge label would be attached to it, or if it would just be recognized as a great sounding heavy rock album. Or more likely it wouldn't be recognized, but it was a damn good sounding release that still holds up in my view. Consider this a bonus stop on the tour.

From that disparate foundation, Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan found each other and have collaborated on three albums together. Their latest, Hawk, came out in August. Critics note that there is something greater than the sum of the parts that happens when these unique talents sing and play together, and the track "Come Undone" is a good representation of that alchemy. Menacing strings, plinking piano, and a disinterested bass line form the basis for an intimate, resigned exchange between two lovers. It's not working out, they admit, the singers lamenting how time "took my only flame, took my one desire // threw it all away, when jumping in the fire". A relatively simple sentiment made all the more meaningful by the treatment given by two singers that sound great together.

--Steve

For the original version of this post, including music, click here.

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