It’s been two years since the release of their self-titled debut and Aero Flynn is finally back with a new dreamy single. “You Care” swells with synthesizers beneath an affectionate vocal performance by lead singer Josh Scott that will surely keep you warm as winter inches closer. Listen to the track or watch the lyric video below.
If you’re a music fan in the Chippewa Valley that has occasionally ventured out of your house to catch a live show in the past few years you’ve undoubtedly seen Dave Power pounding away on a drum set. Jazz, indie rock, folk, hardcore punk, on and on–Dave does it all, and with a relentless work ethic and a seemingly unending supply of passion and enthusiasm. He’s drummed for EC bands Meridene, Puncher, Adelyn Rose and many more, has recently toured with and played drums for the likes of Aero Flynn and The Staves, and Dave also dabbles in producing/beatmaking under the moniker White Dune. It’s clear to anyone who knows Dave even a little…this guy lives for music. Who better, then, to ask for music recommendations?!
…so that’s exactly what we did! We bugged Dave for his favorite albums of 2016 and he gave us an awesome list along with some thoughts on each pick.
♦ Odd Nosdam – Sisters ♦
I was first introduced to Odd Nosdam (American hip hop producer) when I heard a Boards of Canada remix of his. Haven’t been able to put his stuff down. This 2016 LP is my favorite Odd stuff yet.
♦ Flock of Dimes – If You See Me, Say Yes ♦
I’ve been obsessed with Jenn Wasner’s music since I first heard Wye Oak’s “Civilian” record. This is her first solo effort, and it’s honestly my favorite music of hers to date. Best album of the year.
♦ A Tribe Called Quest – We Got It From Here… Thank You 4 Your Service ♦
Tribe is still my favorite hip hop group and has been since I first heard “Midnight Marauders”. I was very surprised and a bit skeptical when they dropped this, their first record in 18 years, three days after the horrific election results. It features Andre 3000, Kanye, Busta, Jack White, Talib Kweli, Kendrick Lamar, as well as the late Phife Dawg. No longer a skeptic; akin to their early 90s stuff, it holds up hard.
♦ James Blake – The Colour In Anything ♦
I hadn’t really listened to any of Blake’s stuff since his debut self-titled LP, but decided to check this new record out after being blown away by his set at EXC II (blasting “Choose Me” just after sunset, engulfed in fog on stage, with the lights illuminating the pouring rain on the crowd). The record is almost that great.
♦ Oren Ambarchi – Hubris ♦
I stumbled upon this album (and this guy) by just browsing some site’s album reviews. I’m a huge fan of repetitive, driving, percussive electronic music, and this album is basically one long track, an interlude, and another long track of just that. It’s a mixture of live/electronic sounds that will make one forget where they are.
♦ Radiohead – A Moon Shaped Pool ♦
Obviously this is going to be on most year-end lists, but it’s well-deserved, so… Radiohead will always be one of my favorite bands, but “King of Limbs” definitely did not grab my attention, and even “In Rainbows” was a bit lacking for me. This record grabbed my attention again.
♦ Wye Oak – Tween ♦
I feel lame that I have two Jenn Wasner projects on this list, but they are both among my most-listened records of the year, and anyone who knows me well knows that I’m just obsessed with all of Wasner’s writing. This was another surprise release, and I found out the day-of via Wye Oak’s Instagram while on tour. Best Wye Oak record next to “Civilian”.
♦ Monster Rally – Mystery Cove ♦
A friend recently introduced me to this musician (not a whole lot of information on the person) and I’ve been loving the music ever since. I would describe it as hip hop-influenced sample-based loop music set to a Hitchcock film on the Virgin Islands. (You can use that.)
♦ Lone – Levitate ♦
I first heard Lone when I was a junior in college, and was mesmerized (the album was “Lemurian,” from 2008). All of his releases since then have been great, but not as impressive to me, until this latest record. Turn up the bass, brah!
♦ David Bowie – Blackstar ♦
This also will be on everyone’s year-end lists, but again, for good reason (and not because of Bowie’s death [RIP…..]). The entire record basically consists of Bowie, local NYC jazz musicians, and co-producer Tony Visconti. Kendrick Lamar’s “How To Pimp A Butterfly” and Boards of Canada are allegedly listed as influences. It is indeed Bowie’s swan song.
See Dave in his natural habitat–behind a drum set–this Friday in Eau Claire at The Mousetrap Tavern when he plays with his freak funk band P • PL. Idle Empress & Hemma will also be playing!
Free show, 21+, more info here: P • PL + Idle Empress + Hemma
