Vinyl I've Purchased

I can measure how much I like an album by how much I want to buy the vinyl. The "Vinyl I've Purchased" distinction is reserved only for albums I absolutely love. With that said, I just placed an order with Insound.com (a great website if you don't know it) for two records:

Tanlines - Mixed Emotions 

The full-length debut album from Tanlines, made up of Jesse Cohen and Eric Emm, is truly impressive. They began making music four years ago and seemingly have been crafting this album for a long time. I was informed of the release about a month ago from my friend Renata, made a playlist on Spotify, and was immediately in love with the first track, Brothers. From there the album doesn't waiver, but continues to deliver delightful, dance-able pop, song-after-song.

This is do-it-yourself electronic pop at its best. The time put into its development is evident. The entire album is focused and diverse. The two members play multiple instruments and put out enticing beats and beautiful, catchy melodies and hooks. I sense 80s and world-music influences, reminiscent of Yeasayer's best songs, but slightly different with a lush and profound thickness to their sound. It's unique and refreshing, and particular to a popular genre at the same time.

Listen to this album from start to finish, with the volume cranked up. I personally love listening to electro-pop on my headphones, and this ablum is a rewarding experience.

Record Highlights: Brothers, All of Me, Real Life, Cactus

Phantogram - Nightlife 

I've been a fan of Phantogram from their first album, Eyelid Movies, so I was very excited when I saw they released an EP with tracks that are most likely going to be used on their second full-length album. Then I heard the song "Don't Move" and immediately went and purchased the vinyl online. Wow, that song is amazing and heavy, and possesses all the qualities I love about Phantogram, but more refined.

Comprised of six total tracks, this EP finds Phantogram at the peak of their capabilities. The electronic rock/indie pop that the duo of Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter produces is intoxicating. It's part psychedelic pop, with Sarah's lead vocals reverberating through the beat and Josh's background vocals floating above the melodies. It's part hip hop, with strong beats that create hypnotic rhythms and set the tone for the synth and electronic melodies. And it's part shoegazing, with a wall of sound and some slight distortion and a strong urge to bob your head while listening.

If this EP is any indication of where Phantogram is headed, then the music world is in for quite a ride. This band does a lot of touring and I can't wait to see them live next time they come around. Until then, I'll be spinning this vinyl.

EP Highlights: Don't Move, Nightlife, 16 Years