House of Cat

music/art/culture

The Go! Team – Proof of Youth

Imagine a mashup of guitar feedback, rock and pop, early hip-hop samples, hand-claps and “turn this mother out” style. Now, bring in Kurtis Blow and Salt ‘n’ Pepa to orchestrate a cheerleading, pep club type vocal thing, lay it over with the bells and horns of 50s pop, a re-imagining of the score to a [...]

Ray LaMontagne – Gossip in the Grain

Gossip in the Grain is an album that pays tribute to 60s soul, American roots and deep blues music, yet still manages to come off as a unified whole, crafted by an artist who has an appreciation of that which is the essence of all great music.
A quiet, deeply personal artist presenting an aspect of [...]

Matt & Kim – Grand

On first glance, I thought this was a folk-pop album; something sweet and acoustic and sensitive. On first listen however, I was hit with a wildly danceable wave of energy that made me wish I had better robot moves.  Quick and creative rhythms (electro and otherwise), clashing cymbals, catchy melodies, keyboards and an uncomplicated vocal [...]

The Watson Twins – Fire Songs

The Watson Twins have captured me and won’t let me go. Genetic similarity makes for great harmonies and these women shine. They have Americana sensibilities with reverb and sparse instrumentation, nice little horn flourishes and songwriting that makes you take a second listen. They slow it down, they speed it up and just to seal [...]

Radio with a twist

Remember when you loved your radio so much that you slept with it? Dedicated songs to the kid down the block that you had a crush on? Called in to request your favorite song? Entered all the contests and prayed nightly that you would win those tickets?
I don’t know about you, but those days are [...]

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