New M83!

Just found out today that one of my all time favorites, Mr Anthony Gonzalez, aka M83 is releasing a new album in April. While I enjoyed his last album, the ambient Digital Shades Vol 1, I couldn't help but feel like something was missing. Where are the epic drum kits? Where are the crescendoing, sweeping synth lines? Where is the catharsis that makes M83 such a satisfying listen? One minute into listening to the 9 minute long first single Couleurs, I found them. The new album Saturdays = Youth is, according to his Myspace, an homage to his teenage years and the path of self-discovery on which he embarked upon during that time. A youthful, dancy, more playful M83? Yes, please.

If the first single is any indication, this could get pretty serious.

M83 - Couleurs

The Trials of Van Occupanther

Every so often a favorite album of mine seems to come out of nowhere, and the Trials of Van Occupanther is a prime example. With modern storytelling lyricism and a 70's folk rock feel, Midlake creates a wholly relatable concept album (rare!) that tells the story of a fictional character apparantly inspired by the Oregon Trail computer game. The album as a whole here is greater than the sum of its individual songs, but check out the opening track Roscoe to get a pretty good taste.

Midlake - Roscoe