Noise 101 – Fresh new tunes reviewed and previewed

Photo courtesy of www.lifeisnoise.com

Mogwai : Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will

Release date: Feb. 14

Not sure Mogwai is the perfect soundtrack to your Valentine’s dinner, but hey, one couple’s Mogwai may be another’s Barry White. Mogwai is the legendary Scottish post-rock experimental band, who survived the lethal ’90s U.K. alternative rock curse that made others like Pulp or Supergrass somewhat obsolete. Mogwai is known for their intense, distorted sound and their brand of melodic instrumental metal. The awesomely-titled Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will is their seventh studio album — their first for indie label Sub Pop after leaving long-time home Matador Records. By now we can only expect the best from these rock pioneers who have expertly honed their sound over the years. If you like Godspeed You! Black Emperor, check this album out. Download their first single, the promising, entrancing instrumental track “Rano Pano” at pitchfork.com.

— Lynne Hogan

Wyclef Jean

Photo courtesy of www.mlive.com

If I Were President: My Haitian Experience

Release date: Feb. 21

With a title that is sure to divide listeners, Wyclef Jean’s eighth studio album If I Were President: The Haitian Experience chronicles his experiences in Haiti.

Jean’s presidential campaign was embarrassing and no one took him seriously because a) he hasn’t resided in Haiti for years, and b) it seemed to be an ego-stroking, albeit charitable move. The music video for “If I Were President” features images of his presidential campaign, singing about his political promises and strangely, Jean dressed as a construction worker playing a bedazzled guitar.

His lyrics suggest discrimination based on his celebrity status and his politically limited clout is an oppression of the truth.

Honestly, this seems like a little boy’s temper tantrum in response to being told no. On the bright side, maybe Jean’s Haitian-reggae-rap will draw more attention to a nation that needs everyone’s help, not just his.

— Lynne Hogan

Photo courtesy of Saddle Creek

Bright Eyes

The People’s Key

Release date: Feb. 15

Bright Eyes is a band known for its revolving door of talented musicians, but at its core is Conor Oberst; the accomplished singer-songwriter-musician who has been a busy boy in recent years. Since 2007’s Cassadaga and the Four Winds EP from the same year, he took a break from Bright Eyes. Instead, he released material and toured with his country-esque group Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band as well as the supergroup Monsters of Folk.

According to Oberst, The People’s Key will move away from the indie-country-rock Bright Eyes polished so well in recent years to shift into a more modern rock-oriented sound influenced by the Pixies. He also says The People’s Key is a sci-fi concept album exploring themes like space, time travel and humanity. The concept sound is interesting and Oberst advises this could be the last Bright Eyes album before he retires the moniker so I’m sure he’ll exit with a quality album.

“Shell Games,” an already-released track from The People’s Key features pop-synths and some hi-fi production not usually associated with Bright Eyes, suggesting a more contemporary sound from the band. Download “Shell Games” for free at www.saddle-creek.com

— Lynne Hogan

Photo courtesy ofwww.bumpershine.com

Iron and Wine

Kiss Each Other Clean

Release date: Jan. 25

Samuel Beam’s sweet beard and vocals and his trusted cast known as Iron and Wine release their fourth studio album, Kiss Each Other Clean. Long-awaited following their last release more than three years ago, the latest album is sure to impress new lis- teners as well as satisfy the very loyal fan base Iron and Wine has already built. As always, Sam Beam looks beyond the con- ventional guitars and drums of mainstream music to generate his unique sound using instru- ments such as clarinets, flutes and saxophones to keep things fresh. A must-own album for folk-rock fans of any kind.

— Kole Joseph

Buck 65

20 Odd Years

Release date: Feb. 1

Photo courtesy of www.buck65.com

As the title suggests, 20 Odd Years is a showcase of where Buck 65 has come in the past two decades. Lovers of Square will dig the clever, intriguing samples in the fairly salacious “Lights Out.” “Gee Whiz” is rem- iniscent of Buck a la Situation, with rapid scratching and his trademark sauntering folk-rap. On “Whispers of the Waves,” Gord Downie’s booming voice lures us in right away. What sets his latest album apart is that Buck’s brought friends along for almost every track, without compromising his own voice.

— Zoey Duncan