#The Aislers Set

[bandcampsnoop]

3/14/24.

lightheaded are a 3-piece band from Long Branch, New Jersey. Their cassette release last year on Slumberland. It received a fair amount of attention and rightfully so. It's great indie pop with a 60s flair. Now, the band is set to release a full LP on vinyl no less.

In an interview in 2021, the band described their influences as such:

We love The Pastels, mark that down first. Probably the reason we started the band. They set the template. The Feelies, New Jersey legends. Got to mention them. Stephen used to live in the same town as Stan! Dwight Twilley and Phil Seymour, we love all the sorta one-off power pop bands! Felt are very special to us. Belle and Sebastian. The Clientele’s first couple records... The Go-Betweens never missed... just cut us off now, we’ll take up the whole interview.

I still really feel there is a clear Aislers Set/Tele Novella sound going on here.

[madc0w-got-banned]

Listen/purchase: Mission Bells (BBC session version) by the aislers set

album

[fatdaypants]

Attraction Action Reaction (Remastered 2014) - YouTube

Almost missed my bus stop

[mymelodic-chapel]

The Aislers Set- How I Learned to Write Backwards (Indie Pop, Twee Pop) Released: February 18, 2003 [Slumberland Records/Suicide Squeeze Records] Producer(s): Amy Linton

[oh-well-i-just-do]

the aislers set

lintons discography is so goated

[hitracks]

this is sdmp schlatt so fuckingbad DOES ANYOEMN KNOW WHAT TO DO HELP ME GOD

[haveyouheardthisband]

[dustedmagazine]

The Umbrellas — Fairweather Friend (Slumberland)

The Umbrellas’ second album opens with a shimmer of cymbal, a bobbling pogo stick of bass, a jagged slash of guitar, hitting harder from the get-go than in the dream-poppy self-titled. Two distinct personalities emerge from songs which alternate lead singers. “Three Cheers,” and indeed, all the cuts lead sung by Matt Ferrara, leans hard into Postcard Records/C86-ish pop. Here especially, Ferrara’s scrappy heartfelt vocals give off a good whiff of Orange Juice’s Edwyn Collins, and his dueling, scrabbling guitar jangle with Morgan Stanley evokes harder, more angular bands of the era, like Fire Engines.

Then, when Stanley takes the mic, the sonics turn softer and more expansive. In careening “Goodbye,” she starts the verse against the dry tinder of drumming (that’s Keith Frerichs), the playful hop of bass (Nik Oka) then twirls and swirls in giddy “bah bah bahs” at the chorus. Her songs have the barbed sweetness of the Aislers Set and Camera Obscura.

The two switch off, both between and within songs, and some of the best cuts are the ones where they both sing. “Gone” jangles dizzily around Ferrara’s rough, pitchy romanticism, while Stanley volleys in angelic, perfect descants in a dream-scented soprano.

The Umbrella’s debut was a pleasure, but Fairweather Friend aims at deeper feelings, sharper guitar play and more rambunctious rhythms. The closing “PM” feels like it’s going to be an introspective ending, as liquid, lyrical guitars crisscross and Ferrara channels hurt and confusion. But it kicks up in a surprising way, ratcheting up the power chords, rumbling up some drums, and inviting Stanley in from the wings to lead feathery layers of melodic ecstasy. The Umbrellas have always offered bashed up, joyriding sweetness, but here they reach at—and intermittently attain—a Spector-esque wall of rock ‘n roll sound. Even better, that larger scale doesn’t undermine the vulnerability of their songs, but instead amplifies and clarifies it.

Jennifer Kelly

[noloveforned]

welcome to 2024! no love for ned is still here and still on wlur every friday night from 8pm until midnight! i was hoping to have a new theme set to go this week but we're going to stick with our fall 'food songs' for another week.

our last show of the year was the annual look back twenty years ago for our best of 2003 show (now streaming on mixcloud). if you enjoyed the show, you can also check out the previous nine retrospective shows spotlighting 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995 and 1993 (1994 will be produced later this year as a special a 30th anniversary show).

no love for ned on wlur – december 29th, 2023 from 8pm-midnight

artist // track // album // label the aislers set // languor in the balcony // how i learned to write backwards // slumberland shout out louds // the comeback // howl howl gaff gaff // bud fox matt suggs // calm down // amigo row // merge belle and sebastian // i'm a cuckoo // dear catastrophe waitress // rough trade the rosebuds // kicks in the schoolyard // make out // merge the lucksmiths // midweek midmorning // naturaliste // drive-in sprites // do it yourself // starling, spiders, tiger and sprites // march camera obscura // suspended from class // underachievers please try harder // elefant st. thomas // a long long time // hey harmony // racing junior bishop allen // little black ache // charm school // champagne school herman düne // why would that hurt? (if you never loved me) // mash concrete metal mushroom // shrimper bearsuit // itsuko got married // itsuko got married 7" // bearslut dressy bessy // baby six string // dressy bessy // kindercore the new pornographers // testament to youth in verse // electric version // matador all girl summer fun band // dear mr. and mrs. troublemaker // 2 // k david and the citizens // graycoated morning // until the sadness is gone // adrian saturday looks good to me // alcohol // all your summer songs // polyvinyl the essex green // the late great cassiopia // the long goodbye // merge beulah // landslide baby // yoko // velocette reclinerland // give up your film career (lenny's theme) // the ideal home music library // hush blanket music // hyper-ballad // read: interpreting bjork tribute // hush tobin sprout // doctor #8 // lost planets and phantom voices // mr. whiggs plastic mastery // i fell in love on the way to a funeral // sverige ep // 555 the thermals // no culture icons // more parts per million // sub pop rainer maria // mystery and misery // long knives drawn // polyvinyl joel plaskett emergency // extraordinary // truthfully truthfully // maple music sloan // false alarm // action pact // vik guided by voices // useless inventions // earthquake glue // matador deerhoof // dummy discards a heart // apple o' // kill rock stars lil' hospital // there could be girlfriend // i wanna be well // best friends the national splits // she's my baby and she's alright // fontana // mr. whiggs murder beach // eight great ways // first string teenage high- songs of tullycraft played by people who aren't tribute // bumblebear casiotone for the painfully alone // jeane, if you're ever in portland // twinkle echo // tomlab bobby birdman // i will come again // heart caves ep // states rights

erykah badu // back in the day // worldwide underground // motown the books // take time // the lemon of pink // tomlab nanang tatang // bunny hop hop // muki // tiger style so // a // so // thrill jockey piana // hide and seek // snow bird // happy broken social scene // anthems for a seventeen-year-old girl // you forgot it in people // arts and crafts califone // michigan girls // quicksand/cradlesnakes // thrill jockey the strugglers // the new room // the new room // tract magnolia electric co. // just be simple // the magnolia electric co. // secretly canadian crooked fingers // big darkness // red devil dawn // merge the trouble with sweeney // the break up // i know you destroy // burnt toast vinyl barzin // past all concerns // barzin // where are my azure ray // hold on love // hold on love // saddle creek seekonk // move // for barbara lee // kimchee sun kill moon // carry me ohio // ghosts of the great highway // jetset the american analog set // come home baby julie, come home // promise of love // tiger style the twilight singers // teenage wristband // blackberry belle // birdman spiritualized // she kissed me (it felt like a hit) // amazing grace // sanctuary the postal service // the district sleeps alone tonight // give up // sub pop her space holiday // my girlfriend's boyfriend // the young machines // mush styrofoam // a heart without a mind // i'm what's there to show that something's missing // morr music howard hello // my friend / the parasite // don't drink his blood // temporary residence pernice brothers // one foot in the grave // yours, mine and ours // ashmont the salteens // damn you // let go of your bad days // drive-in the unicorns // i was born (a unicorn) // who will cut our hair when we're gone? // alien8 the hidden cameras // ban marriage // the smell of our own // rough trade yo la tengo // today is the day // today is the day ep // matador

[daggerzine]

Beachwood Sparks- Across the River of Stars (Curation Records)

It’s always good to see the Beachwood boys back in action. I had reviewed a couple of the singles from this new album in the past month or so and here is the full album. I it’s as good as I’d hoped it would be and released on bassist/vocalist Brent Rademaker’s Curation label, 12 years after the band’s last full—length Tarnished Gold. Rademaker, guitarist/vocalist Chris Gunst and lap steel/multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Farmer Dave Scher still make up the core of the band, There's also help from longtime friend Ben Knight, Aisler Set’s Jen Cohenm, and others.

Produced by Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson, the band seems a little more willing to experiment with some nosier textures on this record as the opener “My Love, My Love” proves, but they can still do lovely, spacey pop tunes like “Torn in Two” (sung by Gunst).  The cascading “Falling Forever” is another ace tune with a warm, gentle vibe that stays long past the song is over.

A few other favorite cuts include the jangly/scruffy shuffle of “Dolphin Dance,”  the glowing “High Noon,” the lovely gem of a tune “Gem,” and the lilting stream of “Faded Glory.” All in all, Across the River of Stars shows these longtime Byrds disciples in the finest of forms. We have to appreciate it as who knows when we will hear from them again.

[bandcampsnoop]

11/11/24.

Yet another pleasant find while snooping Bandcamp. The Room Outside is the full-band effort from former Austin, Texas mainstay Karrie Hopper. This self-titled album was recorded after she moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico. It a wonderful slice of understated indie-pop with a definite folk sound.

It was released back in 2014 on Austin label Keeled Scales. As far as I can tell, there isn't another release and Hopper's music career seems to be on hiatus. I immediately thought of Barbara Manning. The melodies and voice also recalls The Aislers Set and Lightheaded.

[chrisryanspeaks]

Lightheaded's Debut Album 'Combustible Gems': A Fresh Take on Classic Pop

Lightheaded is a standout pop group. Their music is rich with melodious tunes and harmonious arrangements that strike a balance between sweet and poignant, both familiar and innovative. Their sound is characterized by the delightful blend of Sara Abdlebarry's dynamic and artful lead guitar on a Gretsch, complemented by the bell-like tones of Stephen Stec's Rickenbacker, all grounded by Cynthia Rickenbach’s Hofner Violin bass, reminiscent of the bass tones on Michel Polnareff's debut album. Cynthia and Stephen craft pop songs with a timeless appeal, drawing from a deep appreciation of classic influences. Cynthia's attire often includes a Gene Clark T-shirt, signaling her admiration for Dusty Springfield, The Aislers Set, and Joan Jett. Stephen, on the other hand, is heavily influenced by Big Star, The Clientele, and The Go-Betweens. Their music, much like that of The Aislers Set and Belle & Sebastian, presents a rich tapestry of pop history and top-tier rock and roll. Their first album, Combustible Gems, explores their musical identity through intricate melodies and chords, producing exceptionally captivating music. The debut single "Dawn Hush Lullaby" blends electric folk-pop with a waltz-like start, transitioning into a vibe akin to Greenwich Village pop, reminiscent of a Norma Tanega song. "Moments Notice" is an irresistibly rhythmic track that starts with a Motown or The Jam feel before Sara's mesmerizing guitar riff elevates it into a sublime pop realm. "Hugging Horizons" could be described as the sound of young New Jersey, a soulful track that ventures into innovative pop territories. The album concludes with "Because of You," which features a Johnny Marr-style guitar and lush strings, capturing a tone that is sophisticated yet earnest, and endearingly sincere. Check out “Bright Happy Girls” below: TOUR DATES May 24 Somerville, MA - Union Tavern w/Little Oso May 25 Providence, RI - Lost Bag w/Little Oso May 26 Brooklyn, NY - 18th Ward w/Little Oso May 28 Asbury Park, NJ - Johnny & June's w/Little Oso May 29 Philadelphia, PA - Abyssinia w/Little Oso May 31 Brooklyn, NY - Market Hotel w/Heavenly Jun 06 Oakland, CA - Oakland Weekender at Thee Stork Club Jun 08 Los Angeles, CA - Permanent Records Roadhouse w/Uni Boys & The Smashing Times Jun 14 NYC, NY - The Broadway w/The Umbrellas & The Smashing Times Jul 19 Brighton, UK - Rossi Bar w/Mt Misery Jul 20 Cardiff, UK - The Moon w/Mt Misery Jul 21 Oxford, UK - Tap Social w/Mt Misery Jul 22 Leeds, UK - Royal Park Cellars w/Mt Misery Jul 23 Sheffield, UK - The Delicious Clam w/Mt Misery Jul 24 London, UK - SLR Showcase at The Lexington w/Birdie & Tony Molina Jul 25 Manchester, UK - Gulliver's w/Mt Misery Jul 26 Glasgow, UK - Glas-Goes Pop! festival Jul 28 Glasgow, UK - Monorail Music Read the full article

[fatdaypants]

When I see a Market Street

Wilmington, Delaware August 2024

[audiofuzz]

Lightheaded's Debut Album 'Combustible Gems': A Fresh Take on Classic Pop

Lightheaded is a standout pop group. Their music is rich with melodious tunes and harmonious arrangements that strike a balance between sweet and poignant, both familiar and innovative. Their sound is characterized by the delightful blend of Sara Abdlebarry's dynamic and artful lead guitar on a Gretsch, complemented by the bell-like tones of Stephen Stec's Rickenbacker, all grounded by Cynthia Rickenbach’s Hofner Violin bass, reminiscent of the bass tones on Michel Polnareff's debut album. Cynthia and Stephen craft pop songs with a timeless appeal, drawing from a deep appreciation of classic influences. Cynthia's attire often includes a Gene Clark T-shirt, signaling her admiration for Dusty Springfield, The Aislers Set, and Joan Jett. Stephen, on the other hand, is heavily influenced by Big Star, The Clientele, and The Go-Betweens. Their music, much like that of The Aislers Set and Belle & Sebastian, presents a rich tapestry of pop history and top-tier rock and roll. Their first album, Combustible Gems, explores their musical identity through intricate melodies and chords, producing exceptionally captivating music. The debut single "Dawn Hush Lullaby" blends electric folk-pop with a waltz-like start, transitioning into a vibe akin to Greenwich Village pop, reminiscent of a Norma Tanega song. "Moments Notice" is an irresistibly rhythmic track that starts with a Motown or The Jam feel before Sara's mesmerizing guitar riff elevates it into a sublime pop realm. "Hugging Horizons" could be described as the sound of young New Jersey, a soulful track that ventures into innovative pop territories. The album concludes with "Because of You," which features a Johnny Marr-style guitar and lush strings, capturing a tone that is sophisticated yet earnest, and endearingly sincere. Check out “Bright Happy Girls” below: TOUR DATES May 24 Somerville, MA - Union Tavern w/Little Oso May 25 Providence, RI - Lost Bag w/Little Oso May 26 Brooklyn, NY - 18th Ward w/Little Oso May 28 Asbury Park, NJ - Johnny & June's w/Little Oso May 29 Philadelphia, PA - Abyssinia w/Little Oso May 31 Brooklyn, NY - Market Hotel w/Heavenly Jun 06 Oakland, CA - Oakland Weekender at Thee Stork Club Jun 08 Los Angeles, CA - Permanent Records Roadhouse w/Uni Boys & The Smashing Times Jun 14 NYC, NY - The Broadway w/The Umbrellas & The Smashing Times Jul 19 Brighton, UK - Rossi Bar w/Mt Misery Jul 20 Cardiff, UK - The Moon w/Mt Misery Jul 21 Oxford, UK - Tap Social w/Mt Misery Jul 22 Leeds, UK - Royal Park Cellars w/Mt Misery Jul 23 Sheffield, UK - The Delicious Clam w/Mt Misery Jul 24 London, UK - SLR Showcase at The Lexington w/Birdie & Tony Molina Jul 25 Manchester, UK - Gulliver's w/Mt Misery Jul 26 Glasgow, UK - Glas-Goes Pop! festival Jul 28 Glasgow, UK - Monorail Music Read the full article