Doleful Lions: Song Cyclops Volume Two (Parasol)
release: October 17, 2006
styles: lo-fi indie pop happiness
similar: Apples in Stereo, Sean Na Na, Of Montreal
rating: ****1/2

Mostly recorded in 1999, this companion album (22 songs in all!) to Volume One is like '60s bubbleyum pop filtered though psychedelic bedroom recordings. Although cleaner production could make Song Cyclops sound fuller and not as treble-y, it has oodles of charm and sweetness. It's packed with harmonies from main person Jonathan Scott, who covers the Crystals AND the Misfits. The best (sorta) new music i've heard all day. -Kenyon
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Soft Complex: Barcelona + (Silverthree Sound)
release: October 17, 2006
styles: darkish indie rock
similar: stellastarr, the Stills
rating: *

This debut from members of Phaser, Burning Airlines and Engine Down cashes in on dark 80s-inspired rock that goes through the motions. with a cello. it's ok. just okay. 3 regular songs and five remixes of those songs. one of the remixes is all electronic with someone rapping. what the hell? -Kenyon