Cloud Nothings - Here and No Where Else

A couple of years ago, I discovered Cloud Nothings and ranked Attack on Memories my #7 album of 2012. I sorta knew that they were going to be putting something out in 2014, I just didn't know that they released something this week.   When I went to the record store on Tuesday to pick up my copy of COPE by Manchester Orchestra, I actually saw this on a shelf and put it back when I realized it wasn't the black and white album cover I was looking for.

It wasn't until later that day when I realized that the album I had in my hands was intact the new Cloud Nothings album.   I stopped into the shop earlier today to remedy that mistake.

I can't stress how much I dig this album.   Weighing in at 31 minutes with only 8 tracks, Here and Nowhere Else - makes an incredible impression and doesn't overstay its welcome.

Stand out tracks:

• Cloud Nothings – Now Hear In
• Cloud Nothings – Quieter Today
• Cloud Nothings – Just See Fear

Artists: Cloud Nothings
Album: Here and Nowhere Else
Producer: John Congleton
Label: Carpark Records
Recorded: Water Music

Dismemberment Plan - Emergency & I

The skies were gray and temperatures hovered around 40 degrees all day, so I decided to listen to one of my favorite dead of winter albums - Emergency & I by the Dismemberment Plan.

What I remember most about this album was that it came out the same year that The Flaming Lips released The Soft Bulletin and Built to Spill released Keep It Like a Secret.  Picking ones favorite from the three varied just as much then as it does now.

The album captures the pains of being 20 something, possibly better than any other album I have in my collection.  The sounds on the record are simply amazing and it happens to be co-produced by one of my favorite producers - J. Robbins.

Had the pleasure of catching this band play live in Detroit once and it was one of the best shows that I had ever attended.  It may have also been one of the only indie shows that resulted into a freakish dance party where everyone in attendance looked amazing.   I recall a girl who was wearing clogs and a mid century flight attendant outfit...

Standout Tracks:

• Dismemberment Plan – A Life of Possibilities
• Dismemberment Plan – What Do You Want Me to Say?
• Dismemberment Plan – Spider in the Snow
• Dismemberment Plan – You Are Invited
• Dismemberment Plan – Gyroscope
• Dismemberment Plan – The City
• Dismemberment Plan – Girl O' Clock

Artist: Dismemberment Plan
Album: Emergency & I
Producer: J. Robbins, Chad Clark
Label: DeSoto Records
Recorded: Water Music Studios