Margot & The Nuclear So and So's - Animal!

Here is an example of the difference between Major Label Mentality and Indie Label Mentality. Instead of allowing the band to release the album that they wanted, Epic Records demanded a more commercial sounding record and used a different combination of tracks than what Margot & Co. had chosen for the newest record. Instead of fighting it out, the band decided to release their version on vinyl. So here it is...

Tracklisting:
1. At The Carnival
2. O' What A Nightmare!
3. Hello Vagina
4. I Am A Lightning Rod
5. Love Song For A Schubas Bartender
6. Mariel's Brazen Overture
7. There's Talk Of Mine Shafts
8. A Children's Crusade On Acid
9. German Motor Car
10. Cold, Kind, and Lemon Eyes
11. My Baby (Shoots Her Mouth Off)
12. As Tall As Cliffs

Margot & The Nuclear So and So's - Not Animal

I hadn't planned on posting another album today, but when I discovered that the new Margot & The Nuclear So and So's album had leaked, I had no choice.

On Not Animal we see Margot and company picking up where they left off with The Dust Of Retreat, but improved somehow. It would seem that this is one of the few bands in history whom have created the perfect sophomore release - remaining true to the sound that their fans have come to know and love, but expanding it and making it something that it couldn't have previously been. As much as it saddens me, Margot is now on Epic Records, which means that they will be the next Modest Mouse, but to be honest, they are one of the few bands that I would say deserves it. Do yourself a favor and go see them live before they start playing giant venues. Rach and I saw them about a month ago near Cincinnati at The Southgate House and tickets were rather cheap.

Tracklisting:
1. A Children's Crusade on Acid
2. German Motor Car
3. Broad Ripple Is Burning
4. Holy Cow!
5. Cold, Kind, and Lemon Eyes
6. Hello, Vagina
7. As Tall As Cliffs
8. Real Naked Girls
9. Page Written On A Wall
10. The Shivers (I Got 'Em)
11. The Ocean (Is Bleeding Salt)
12. Hip Hip Hooray

Highlight Tracks: "German Motor Car", "Broad Ripple Is Burning", "As Tall As Cliffs"

Margot & The Nuclear So and So's - The Dust Of Retreat

One of Epic Records newest additions, Margot & The Nuclear So and So's is most certainly a band to watch. Described as chamber pop and similar in size and stature to The Arcade Fire, The Decemberists, and Paul Simon, Margot & The Nuclear So and So's is 8 members deep and a force to be reckoned with. Folksy and danceable at times, the music is the perfect vessel for singer Richard Edward's smooth voice. Normally, I prefer less polished sounding vocals, but when singing "Your voice cracks like a piano" on the track "Talking In Code", I can't help but get chills. A great release by an incredible band.

Rach and I had the pleasure of seeing them live recently and was well worth the trip and cost.

Tracklisting:
1. A Sea Chanty Of Sorts
2. Skeleton Key
3. Vampires In Blue Dresses
4. Quiet As A Mouse
5. Jen Is Bringin' The Drugs
6. Dress Me Like A Clown
7. On A Freezing Chicago Street
8. Paper Kitten Nightmare
9. Barfight Revolution, Power Violence
10. A Light On A Hill
11. Talking In Code
12. Bookworm

Highlight Tracks: "Skeleton Key", "Quiet As A Mouse", "Dress Me Like A Clown", "Talking In Code"