The Needle Drop

psychedelic folk

Grizzly Bear - "Neighbors"

New TrackstheneedledropComment

Of all the singles to have come out in promotion of Grizzly Bear's new album Painted Ruins, this latest one strikes me as being the most powerful in terms of composition and instrumentation. You can give it a listen above, along with its video, which offers quite a surreal vision of nature and domesticity. The album is out August 18 via RCA.

Big Blood - Unlikely Mothers

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Psychedelic and prolific folk rock outfit Big Blood have recently released their second album this year, and you can stream it via the widget above. The title of this thing: Unlikely Mothers.

It's a double album that features a series of long, patient, and droning psych folk dirges that are both eerie and gorgeous. The album's cover art and concept directly reference the aunt and mother of frontwoman Colleen Kinsella, both of whom were nuns during Vatican II; however, Colleen's mother left to pursue other things--you know, like being a mother.

While some of the tracks--and this record, generally--feel unnecessarily long-winded, there's something twisted and alluring about the nine songs here.

Check a review for an older Big Blood album here.

Father John Misty - "Bored in the USA" (On Letterman)

New TracksContributor Jones1 Comment

Mainstream America got its first exposure to Father John Misty’s (Josh Tillman) haunting vocals and effortless stage presence on David Letterman. The word “angelic” is thrown around liberally when folks discuss the Fleet Foxes camp, and it’s always done deservedly so. Most often done in reference to Robin Pecknold, but now ex member of the band Josh Tillman is slowly claiming his place in the spotlight. Tillman’s unique mix of sincerity of satiric performance art is difficult to decode, but always remains incredibly entertaining to behold. “Bored in the USA” will be featured on Father John Misty’s upcoming album I Love You, Honeybear. While FJM’s last record Fun Times in Babylon displayed his talent for songwriting and lyricism, his vocals were unfortunately not featured prominently enough in the slightly muddy production. Here’s to hoping this next album is crisper than a 7 AM run through the Himalayans.

P.S. The piano is playing itself.

- Garrett Cottingham