Illinois is a band from Pennsylvania... go figure

I should have posted about Illinois sooner, but I might not have even been blogging when I first started listening to them. Their latest album, Lemonade Stand, is good, but not as good as their earlier albums. This lack of polish might be because it's culled from demos in their catalog rather than brand new material. The tracks I like on Lemonade Stand are: Shoot the Moon, Ecco Bella, Metropolis, Mountain, and Posture.

Illinois is a bit folky, a bit discordant, a bit stompy, a bit country, a bit electronic, but almost always catchy and melodic. They remind me most of Folk Implosion or any other Lou Barlow stuff, but also bring to mind Beck's folkier work.

It's pretty difficult to find their music online, but this is probably one of their best tracks. You can also get a few free tracks from the band's website below.



http://www.illinoistheband.com/

Pinback - Sweet Rock

Pinback isn't new, but you may not have heard about them, so I'm posting to illuminate you. Pinback makes a melodic brand of rock. It's a distinctive sound that soothes and provokes at the same time. The band they most evoke for me is Lou Barlow (of Sebadoh)'s group, The Folk Implosion (and the New Folk Implosion). If you like these tunes, also check out Pinback singer/guitarist Rob Crow's solo stuff, in particular Living Well.

Mellowdrone - Angry Bear

Drone is a good name for these guys. They have a lo-fi aesthetic that is reminiscent of Morphine, Neil Young, or Lou Barlow (Folk Implosion and Sebadoh). The songs have a slow burn, but don't hesitate to meander into the realm of catchy choruses and ooh-oohs. There's even a rock-a-billy vibe going on some of the tracks.

Standout Tracks: Big Winner, Esmerelda, Wherever You May Go

Angry Bear - Mellowdrone