What I Got at the Post Office Today with Chuck P

All of our DJs receive hundreds of CDs a month to consider for airplay. In this regular feature, KCRW DJ Chuck P catalogues his musical bounty from the Post Office each week.

Lots of rain this week. Rainy days are best when the sky gets the chance to clear up in the mid afternoon. You can see all the way to Mt. Wilson. These are the moments when I wish the people who question why we live in such a smoggy place can see the beauty that this city is capable of. Maybe it’s better they don’t know. We’ve got enough parking problems already.

A few beauties showed up at the ol’ post office this week, too.

1) Vinyl 7″ singles – Another single from Third Man Records, this time is from the artist Duane, and an incredible 7″ from Gemma Ray covering and featuring the LA outsider musical sideshow, Sparks. It’s a challenge to improve on a Sparks track, but Ray has done quite a good job in her attempt, and even better is that the Sparks rework her versions. Oh joy. Absolutely worth your time… it’s out digitally as well, if you’re vinyl challenged.

2) Terry Malts “Killing Time” – Slumberland Recordsare on a roll. They released two of my favorite albums last year, and have already got me itchin’ for what’s on deck this year. Here’s the latest from Terry Malts. Top notch punk gospel from this San Francisco crew. I haven’t seen them perform live but I hear it’s a spectacle. Keep an eye out for when they hit your town…

3) The Big Sleep “Nature Experiments” – I’ve been loving the track, Ace, from this new album byThe Big Sleep, so I’m really looking forward to hearing the rest of it. They’re also playing at The Satellite later this month (February 24th) so we get to see the new tunes in action.

4) – Mati Zundel “Amazonico Gravitante” – Argentinian music for those who love tropicalia, I’m hoping. Mati Zundel‘s bio includes buzzwords like “electronic” “acoustic” “laid back beats” “cumbia with psychedelic tones.” Oh yeah, right up my alley. I think one will get lots of attention from the highly skilled selectors at KCRW.

5) Jenny Owen Youngs “An Unwavering Band Of Light” – I remember seeingYoungs open for Greg Laswell several years ago and have been hooked ever since. Very adept at mixing all kinds of musical stylings on to one record. If you haven’t heard one of her albums, you still may have heard her music before as several of her songs have been used in commercials.

Honorable mentions include the latest from Ed Vallance, Amanda Jo Williams (great homemade packaging!) and Plants & Animals. Digital promo of the week goes to The Trypes (who are related to The Feelies) on Acute Records. I have no idea how he does it, but Dan Selzer finds some of the most amazing and obscure post punk I’ve ever heard. Every single release on Acute is a jaw dropper. I think he made the label just for me. Thanks Dan!

Until next week and the musical bounty it holds!

Cheers,

Chuck P.