MP3: Beautiful Night by The Sportsman Club
If the face rings a bell but the name hasn’t yet, it’s because you’re looking at Columbus music veteran Mike Brewer, who’s debuting a collection of home recordings this weekend under the moniker The Sportsman’s Club. Representing the softer side of a guy who’s fronted more rowdy acts like Kola Koca Death Squad and the now defunct Lori, Falling Scenery Converts is comprised of essentially just Brewer and his acoustic guitar, with only occasional computerized fiddling. The recording mechanics suit the style of the songs, which have a purity or bareness which at times gives one the impression of stumbling on a sketchbook of interesting, but not wholly realized ideas. That missing refinement may be in part due to making these songs, as Brewer says “in whatever window life allows,” which in his case means over a span of 6 years and in such disparate locations as a farm road (complete with an all-insect backing band) to a New York hotel room.
Continue reading
Because I’m pretty sure I won’t be alone in this, picking Band of Horses for my number one seems almost a cop out. It’s like voting Troy Smith for the Heisman. While perhaps not undeniable, the consensus surrounding this record does hint at the quality of the songs. I find myself being drawn back to it’s sweeping highs and lows.
I’m not above admitting that part of my attachment to this particular album is based on a long love affair with Built to Spill, but I think I have enough objectivity (maybe) to suggest that even a new listener might be enthralled with the weird paring of Doug Martsch’s nasal falsetto with the three-guitar rock attack. Rather than repeat myself, you can find my more complete thoughts 
Considering that their debut EP topped my list last year, and that this years full length is generally more of the same, I’d be remiss not put this one towards the top. While sometimes accused of reworking the 90s era grunge sound, the band is far from a retro ripoff act. While comparisons to Smashing Pumpkins abound in the press (of which there’s been a plethora), to me these songs seemed as fresh and energetic as they did familiar. More of my thoughts 
With all the critical acclaim being generated by The Hold Steady this year, the term “best bar band in world” is being tossed about rather casually. Yeah they’re good, but they’re also from Brooklyn- so when I’m looking for something really blue collar, I’d be happy to put the good ol’ midwestern Heartless Bastards up against just about anyone as a soundtrack to my whiskey drinking. The HBs have really nailed it on this one, with a grit and muscle that implies their rock heritage, but also a quiet intelligence and sincerity that might make one think first of Cat Power. The pace and unpretentiousness of this album very much gives it a bluesy, American river-town feel.
I’m sure a lot of music fans have a long history with Sonic Youth, and while I’ve got a cassette of Daydream Nation somewhere, my interest is far from fanaticism. I think that’s in some part due to my feeling that the music they’ve made has always been interesting, smart, and has the air of importance about it, it hasn’t always been that easy for me to listen to. How many times have I sat down to pay my bills or eat dinner and just simply picked something a bit more pleasant to throw in the player? Perhaps the purists will consider me a dilettante for saying so, but this record combined all that is edgy and visceral about SY with a joyfulness and pop sense that actually made me want to listen to it. Over and over, in fact.
With a year or so under their belts and the enthusiastic buzz about them on the rise, 
It’s not like I’ve got some foundation of journalistic integrity to preserve, but I guess for the sake of perspective, it’s probably fair for me to admit my general affection for all things Doug Martsch. I mean, let’s face it- I’d probably listen to a recording of him hitting golf balls at the driving range. So count me as one of the many who’ve been anxiously waiting the five years since their last release for some new material. After several days of almost continuous listening to You In Reverse, I’m happy to report that my patience has been well rewarded.