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.

Okay, so going from 86 degrees one day to 59 degrees the next was weird. That’s a pretty massive temperature drop. We should also be soaking in a fresh dose of radiation from one of the largest solar flares in 5 years. It is 2012, I guess… but let’s hope our planet has better luck than John Cusack‘s did in the movie.

Lots of really good stuff at the post office this week…

1) Vinyl! – Couple of Thank You pieces here, one from Conduits, whose shoe gazer style makes this record one of my favorite new go-to releases. Pop magicians Summer Twins have sent over their new self titled LP. From the single I’ve heard, I’m expecting something wonderful. Plus, genre alchemists Wild Belle passed along their new 12″ featuring the brilliant reggae tinged Keep You.

2) Windy & Carl “We Will Always Be” – I’m really excited about this new album. I’ve been a fan since the early 90s (when they slept on my couch as they passed through San Diego) and it’s been a three years since their last one, so I welcome this new release. Their music has been described as spacey, Krauty, dreamy, headphone music… it’s all appropriate. Another top notch release on Chicago’s kranky records.

3) Black To Comm “Earth” – I’d never heard of these guys before, but after a cursory review they remind me a bit of Gastr Del Solwith a raspy Scott Walker on vocals. Uneasy listening, to be sure… but never let that stop you. Sometimes after listening to something that’s well out of your comfort zone you gain new appreciation of what you usually gravitate towards. Works for me.

4) Marvelous Toy “Not Moving” – New release from these oft tipped Angelenos. Several years in the making, the piano driven tracks aren’t as close to Springsteen as perhaps The Hold Steady may be, but they are in the general vicinity and that’s a really good thing. Toss in some Arcade Fireand a little Wilco, and you start to get the idea. Haven’t seen them live yet, but I hear it’s a great experience. Looking forward to it.

Honorable mentions include new music from Simone Felice, We Are The Ocean & Perfume Genius. The digital promo of the week goes to Hiss Golden Messenger which features members from the bands Pelt, D. Charles Speer, Brightblack Morninglight & The Court & Spark, so you know these cats are the real deal.

That’s all for this week. Looking forward to sharing these and more this Sunday night!

Best,

Chuck P.

@chuckp8 on twitter