Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.‘s new video for their cover of Gil Scott-Heron’s “We Almost Lost Detroit” is full of hometown pride for the city of Detroit.
The song was the most soulful track on their excellent debut, It’s a Corporate World, and it’s also the basis for an upcoming EP. We Almost Lost Detroit comes out on 12″ vinyl on Record Store Day — April 21.
Posted in Music Reviews
Tagged Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr, Detroit, Record Store Day, Video, We Almost Lost Detroit
9. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. – It’s a Corporate World
Most of the music that comes out of Detroit is about the working-class. From Motown to Bob Seger to Eminem, it’s always been about working hard to overcome personal and social obstacles.
So Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. seems a bit out of place in the Motor City. Their blend of stellar electronics (in the vein of Panda Bear) and sublime Beach Boys harmonies doesn’t fit the city’s normal musical output.
It’s a Corporate World is the band’s debut album, after their pretty-much perfect debut EP, Horse Power — a tough act to follow. The LP features three of the EP’s four tracks, which runs the risk of sounding recycled. But even after heavy listens to Horse Power, the rerecorded “Nothing But Our Love,” “Simple Girl” and “Vocal Chords” sound fresh in the mix.
The album effortlessly mixes digital and analog. The opener, “Morning Thought,” features big, dreamy production, while tracks like the wispy “Skeletons” and the upbeat title track focus more on instruments. All the songs feature what might become their signature harmonies, a key aspect of their music.
Here’s hoping this is the new Detroit sound.
Posted in Album Reviews, Music Reviews
Tagged Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr, Detroit, Indie, It's a Corporate World, Quite Scientific, Top 20 of 2011
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. and Paul’s Grandfather played a free concert in the Rathskeller at St. Bonaventure University on December 3.
Posted in Concert Reviews, Photos
Tagged Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr, Paul's Grandfather, Photos, St. Bonaventure, The Rathskeller
Starting next week, Kind of Bleu will be counting down our top 20 albums of the year. Before we do that, though, there are some albums that didn’t make the list that deserve some recognition:
Surfer Blood – Astro Coast
This group from West Palm Beach, Fla. put out one of the most impressive debuts of 2010. Songs like “Floating Vibes” and “Swim” will get stuck in your head for days. They couldn’t have picked a better name either – their surf guitars bite harder than any others.
Of Montreal – False Priest
Of Montreal is the only band I’ve seen that can keep up with the Flaming Lips’ live show. It’s a confetti-soaked dance party, and their albums are no different. False Priest‘s energy, funk and sexuality is the closet thing any band can get to Prince without plagiarizing.
The Black Keys – Brothers
The blues-rock duo’s sixth album, their second produced by Danger Mouse, continued to push the band beyond their standard drum-and-guitar sound. The blues are still just as deep, though. Brothers is also the album that really brought the Black Keys to some well deserved mainstream attention.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. – Horse Power EP
If this EP had been longer than 13 minutes, it probably would have made the top 20 list. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. – who probably win the distinction of best name of 2010 – compiled four perfect songs for their debut EP. Their effortless harmonies float over the mellow electronics and guitars in songs like “Vocal Chords” and “Simple Girl.” There’s also a beautiful cover of the Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows.”
Tokyo Police Club – Champ
Ontario-based Tokyo Police Club’s sophomore effort is every bit as catchy as their debut, Elephant Shell. This album is a slighty slower and more mature offering, but longtime fans won’t be disappointed by songs like “Wake Up.” Champ is also the perfect introduction for newcomers.
Kind of Bleu’s top 20 countdown starts Monday!
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