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I’ve been woefully neglecting my blog for the past year or so and for that I apologize. Things at Neoteric have been as busy as ever which is in part why I’ve had so little time for personal musings. Also, we launched the new Urban Initiatives web site just last week. We’re still ironing out a few kinks but keep your eye on it.

Now to the more important news, namely the music that’s been on repeat lately. While I’d like to say that the music of 2009 has been exceptional, I can’t. Actually, it’s been spotty. Have we lost focus now that Obama’s our president? A cheap shot but all the same…

Dan Auerbach – Keep It Hid

I was slow on discovering this one. I’ve always respected the Black Keys (Auerbach is a member) but I must admit I’ve never loved them nor felt the urge to catch them perform. This album softens the grunge from the Black Keys sound and varies things up as well. My favorite track would have to be “Whispered Words (Pretty Lies)”. The punchy guitar riff and Auerbach’s gruff voice makes for a catchy song that seems to still contain that rough, authentic Keys sound… as though it could have been cut 40 years ago. If you’re in the Chicago area he’s coming to the Vic in December.

Dawes – North Hills

Okay, the lyrics aren’t the most poignant to come down the line (see: “Only thing that’s scarier than dying is not dying at all”) but then again what can you expect from a group of guys from Malibu, CA. If I were to cite influences the first that come to mind would be The Jayhawks or maybe Jason Collett although that might be a stretch. All the same, if you’re into the alt country sound and solid harmonies, this is definitely worth picking up. Oh, and you get this album from Amie Street, a great online music store, for $2.20.

Modest Mouse – No One’s Next and You’re First

Modest Mouse has always been hit or miss for me and this collection of EPs and singles certainly continues that streak. I absolutely love “Autumn Beds” — which I’m certain is the track playing on the radio waves as I write — as well as “Guilty Cocker Spaniels” which took a few listens before I came around.  Alas, this also has some headache-inducing tracks like “The Whale Song” which should have been left in the can (no pun intended).

Royal City – Royal City

I have to admit I’ve not done my homework on these guys. I remember getting the their 2006 album Little Heart’s Ease passed my way and enjoying it but this one was just recently released on Rough Trade. From what I gather this band has unfortunately disbanded, which might explain why I’ve never seen them on any venue calendars around Chicago. The tracks to check out are “In The Autumn” and “The Nations Will Sing”.

Headlights – Some Racing, Some Stopping

Discovered Headlights on Daytrotter which, if you haven’t hit up yet, I highly recommend for no other reason than to get a bunch of free Headlights cuts (they played two sets for Daytrotter, both of which are just as great as this album). Headlights are coming to the Empty Bottle in October and tickets are only $5. Yes, that’s right — $5… you can’t get a drink at a bar for that price. I’ve already picked up tickets only to realize that that happens to be the same weekend as the Wisco v. Iowa football game at Camp Randall. Oh well, at least they were cheap.