Welcome to The Notebook. Every month explore the new sounds that the Hult Center team and friends are listening to.
Evan G – Marketing Coordinator
With their experimental, rough-around-the-edges take on blues and psychedelic sounds, The Murlocs are one of those bands that really shine in a live setting. So, it was great news when Live at the Teragram Ballroom was released. Recorded on the final show of their 2022 tour., The Aussie band’s first-ever live record manages to capture a lot of the energy from the live performance, while also serving as a solid overview of The Murlocs musical career thus far.
The Murlocs – Live at the Teragram Ballroom
Daniel O – Content and Design Coordinator
A staccato string arrangement snaps into a a stellar pop song and I love everything about it. Like cruising around with the windows down, “Last Time We Never Meet Again” is an airy pop jam. “Last Time” hints of early Bjork, albeit a bit lighter in tone. Sarah Kinsley’s upcoming album Escaper comes out on September 6 and I’m looking forward to hearing what she has in store.
Sarah Kinsley – “Last Time We Never Meet Again”
I’ve never heard Jelani Aryeh before I pressed play on The Sweater Club and I listened straight through. And then I did it again. And then I played a few selections, which ended up being a majority of the record. I don’t think I’ve ever loved an album from someone I’ve never heard of before as much as this. The song “Star Eyes” hits like Imogen Heap, “The Fallback” has a chorus reminiscent of Pavement and “It’s Not Like Me (It’s Not Like You)” is just sad and beautiful. The Sweater Club is an indie pop masterpiece. Listen to it.
Jelani Aryeh – The Sweater Club
Rich H – Director of Marketing
First off, sorry/not sorry for all the butts, but I am absolutely living for the debut album Fresh Idiot from Seattle artist Mikey Moo along with all the glorious illustrations of rear-ends adorning the cover. While the art is cheeky (sorry, couldn’t help myself) the songs within are a diverse collection of pop infused indie goodness. The guitars are forward leaning but with plenty of synth and keys keeping the vibes fresh and endearing. I also really enjoy the quieter moments on the album, like with “The Motions” which is more dreamy and almost has Kevin Parker-esque vocals echoing across. Though the album pulls you in with pop-ish hooks, there is a deeper feeling to many songs and the production and composition is a delight, with my favorite track thus far being “How to Throw the Fight” which feels like an awakening of sorts, with lyrics connecting to finding a better place, which is certainly relatable to most.
Mikey Moo – Fresh Idiot
Greg – House of Records
A second incredible collective homage to late sixties/early seventies soul from the Penrose label stable of artists. All of the songs are first-rate, including the best cover of “Louie Louie” I’ve ever heard. As usual with Penrose, the sound of the record is as good as the songs–it was recorded with old microphones, drenched with reverb, and loaded with atmosphere. My favorite record of the year so far. Tough to find, though, because it was a Record Store Day release and it’s already out of print.
Penrose Recordings – Penrose Showcase Vol. II
A moving record with very heavy subject matter: Shannon’s fiance had just died in a car accident, and this set of songs finds her dealing with her shattered emotions in a tough, life-affirming way. The Clams fifties sensibilities are a perfect foil for Shannon’s vocal fry. The mix of ballads and rockers is just right. Some reviewers have compared these songs to the tragic melodramas of the Shangri-Las. High praise indeed.
Shannon & the Clams – The Moon is in the Wrong Place
Molly F – Box Office Manager
As a Broadway enthusiast, I have long been awaiting the cast recording of the new musical Lempicka! The show creates a musical story of the Polish Painter, Tamara Lempicka. The album features lead vocals by Tony Nominated actress Eden Espinosa as Lempicka and a stunning supporting cast. I find that a good musical is a great way to learn a piece of history I might not have otherwise paid attention to. There are so many stand out vocals on this pop-infused score, but I think the song “Speed” is the one that stays in my head and is a great representation of the talent of the entire company. The show was on Broadway for mere 41 performances, and in my opinion, it should have been many more! Here’s to hoping we see a tour!
Lempicka – “Speed”
Jim O – The Jazz Station
I’ve been a fan of the flautists Jamie Baum for some time. Her latest CD, What Times Are These, is possibly her finest album to date. It’s very much a contemporary jazz recording, with elements of spoken word poetry, songs, and rap combined with stellar writing by Baum and excellent solos from the entire group (saxophonist Sam Sadigursky is especially interesting). This is smart, thoughtful and compelling jazz that deserves a large audience. Until someone books her to perform in Eugene, this is best way to enjoy her artistry.
Jamie Baum – What Times Are These
The other CD I’m playing constantly is by Mhondoro, a quintet from Eugene. Ngatibatanei (Let Us Unite!) is their second release and it is the perfect choice to start off your summer. It’s fun and upbeat and you can listen to it multiple times and it always sounds fresh. There’s a nice mix of structured tunes (“Conestoga” and “Murray” are my favorites) and more open jams, tasty solos from everyone, and a real positive energy throughout. Saxophonist Idit Shner is listed as the leader, but this is truly a group effort. And be sure to check out this group in performance – highly recommended!
Mhondoro – Ngatibatanei
