Ear Whacks

I got to thinking the other day and said to myself, “Self, why don’t you publish more posts about what you’re listening to and what you like/don’t like.” It is MY site after all. I think I can pretty much write about whatever I want especially if I’m passionate about it. …and music is a passion of mine.

For those of you who know me, “Ear Whacks” was the name of my terribly written column back in College. For those of you who don’t, well, now you know, and knowing is half the battle.

Here are some quick notes and comments on what I’m enjoying these days.

Deafheaven has released a new full-length called “New Bermuda.” I like Deafheaven and this new one is pretty solid just as 2013’s “Sunbather” was. It’s not for everyone I know. But if you like metal you should check it out.

I stumbled across Electric Wizard a few weeks ago. Honestly, it’s some of the most fun I’ve had listening to a new band in a long time. Doom, Stoner metal at some of its best. Right now I’m in that stage of the relationship where I love all of the releases the same. But I know 2014’s “Time to Die” is a great place to start just as 2000’s “Dopethrone” is. That says something. 14 years of releasing consistent, good tunes.

I’ve been digesting the newest HEALTH release titled “DEATH MAGIC.” I think it’s one of their best.

Under cover of darkness, Beach House released their second full-length in as many months. Titled, “Thank Your Lucky Stars,” it immediately follows “Depression Cherry.” I consider Bloom - and to a lesser extent, Teen Dream - to be some of the best music of the last 10 or 15 years. Going one better, the track, “On the Sea” from Bloom is one of the best singles I’ve heard….as in ever. Tip: don’t watch the video if you’ve never heard the track before. Just listen to it on its own. Listen to it with the volume all the way up.

Finally, Israel Nash. I listened to a few tracks this summer from him and liked what I heard. Then I sat down a few times and really digested his catalog. His first release is fine. Not really my cup of tea. If that had been my first exposure I would have probably moved on. Instead, I started with "Rain Plans," his 2014 release which is a great one. The thing about Israel Nash that says the most is this: his first album was ok to good. Everything that he has released after that is better than what preceded it. I personally think that’s special. I’ve really enjoyed his music over the last few months. Sometimes he gets a little too close to Neil Young but meh, there’s nothing wrong with a little Neil Young now and then. Go listen to Israel Nash now.