Alt-pop "supergroup" The New Pornographers' Together (May 4), their fifth studio album and first since 2007's well-received Challengers, makes sure you remember that "power pop" is as much about, well, power as it is...well, you know. Head Porno-star Carl "A.C." Newman, penning nine of the album's tracks, gets as close as humanly possible to his longstanding goal: finding that exact cross section where Led Zeppelin careens headlong into The Fifth Dimension. But even if that prospect remains a tad elusive (as perhaps it should be), rest assured that Newman's musical stage still needs a mighty big curtain. Admiration must be paid to any band that has, in this age of the new sound austerity, the cojones to step to the plate and aim for the fences and Together, with it's massive agenda and even larger talent pool, pretty much laps the competition (such as it is) without breaking a sweat.

Longtime members Neko Case, Dan Behar (who contributes three songs), and the usual gaggle of talented Pornographers add their own Together-ness to the project while guests include Annie Clark (St. Vincent), Zach Condon (Beirut), Will Sheff (Okkervil River) and the famed Dap-Kings horn section. The jaw-dropping melodic ballads are present and accounted for in the likes of "My Shepherd" and "Valkyrie in the Roller Disco" (!) while the big rock candy lead track "Your Hands (Together)" sounds like a long-lost gem from The Who's Tommy, signaling in no uncertain terms that Newman and band still know their way around a classic, wall-of-sound guitar riff. Highly recommended.

The New Pornographers - "Your Hands (Together)" (from Together)

Leave it to Sia Furler to start hyping her new June 8 album We Are Born by announcing that "it was time for me to make a really shallow pop album." But somehow when Sia says it you know that there's always something a little more interesting going on and the Born tracks, all co-produced with Greg Kursten (The Bird and the Bee, Lily Allen), are indeed the brightly colored, uninhibited pop confections that she's been promising. As the uptempo flip side to her last album, 2008's Some People Have Real Problems and her earlier work with art-pop studio dudes Zero 7, Sia's sunny, exuberant new songs manage to maintain the ultra-melodic songcraft that have marked her solo albums while charting a new course into bubbly, synth-driven dancefloor territory.

Much like Alison Goldfrapp and her new dance-beat heavy Head First, Sia's We Are Born is a throwback to the retro disco-ball era of her youth, a time when British new wave bands like Gang of Four, Duran Duran and ABC made glittery, pumped up beats an integral part of the rock and pop mix. "Suddenly I was listening to more up-tempo music and old dance music," Sia says, "and I thought, 'Wow. This is fun." Along with Kursten's vast electronica bag of tricks, Sia also gets support on the new songs -- many of which were written years ago --  from Strokes guitarist Nick Valensi. In the end, she sums, "it was the best experience I've ever had recording an album."

Sia - "I'm In Here" (from the album We Are Born)

Sia - "Clap Your Hands" (from the album We Are Born)

Described as "louder and tougher" than their fine 2008 debut album Parc Avenue, Montreal indie trio Plants and Animals' new La La Land, hitting April 20 via Secret City, is already shaping up as one of 2010's most eagerly anticipated new listens. Recorded in Paris and their north-of-the-border environs, La La Land was fueled by copious amounts of wine, rum and cokes and a rediscovery of the joys of jagged and jangly guitar riffs. Few albums in recent memory have utilized such an exposed, serrated edge with such precise -- and effective -- surgical touch. This is a smart, often witty and head-shaking rush of an album.

While not what you would generally term a "power trio", it's clear that P & A have plugged in, turned on and dropped some potent rhythmic kick into the heady mix at play on a myriad of stylistic routes. Take the brisk, battering lead single (and stunning b+w video) "The Mama Papa", a track that juxtaposes relentless drum punches with a barrage of tangled guitar lines, Warren Spicer's mile-a-minute vocals riding close herd on the controlled mayhem below. But what has become a non-stop DC fave is the album's opener "Tom Cruz", a song that just may have one of the most incendiary classic guitar riffs of recent memory: imagine a caffeinated Neil Young/Crazy Horse guitar pattern -- nicely fuzzed and aggressive -- leading the way for a sweet vocal hook and dangerous backbeat. Highly recommended.

Myspace  Artist Site

Plants and Animals - "Tom Cruz" (from the album La La Land)

Plants and Animals - "The Mama Papa" (from the album La La Land)

First, we've added a new page: DC Music News Feed. This page is devoted to a "just-the-facts" collection of daily music news updates. These may be announcements of new releases, tours or in-the-studio updates but alas no titillating rehab, nude photos or drug arrest stories. Sorry. We'll headline our five most recent posts on the top of the right column.

Second, you can easily to sign up to receive both the New Music/Music News features (our home page stuff) as well as the Music News Feed from RSS, Facebook or Twitter. We're newbies to our FB BFF's and Twit fans, but come on over -- follow us, be our friend. Find the links to your left...

And, finally, we've expanded out UPCOMING RELEASES area (move your eyes to the left hand column -- then scroll down a bit). We've always highlighted key releases for four weeks out -- but now we've added eight (count 'em) more weeks to give you a peak at selected titles coming a little further down the road. You can also link to the artist's myspace page and, when we've gotten our act together, click to read the DC advance feature.

We welcome your comments and suggestions (plus news and info) -- and we encourage you to sign up to receive our weekly DC Newsletter. We give you a brief recap of the week's key posts and newsy bits in a simple, easy-to-swallow tablet form: the perfect prescription for restless ear syndrome. And, hey, why not turn a friend on to Direct Current? We love the company. Please spread the word -- and give us feedback. Write: info@directcurrentmusic.com.

Black Prairie is a new acoustic band from Portland OR comprised of three members of the NW art-pop indie darlings The Decemberists -- Chris Funk (guitar/dobro), Nate Query (bass) and Jenny Conlee (accordian) -- and joined by local musicians Annalisa Tornfelt (violin) and Jon Neufeld (guitar). Originally formed by Funk and Query in the midst of a Decemberists tour, the quintet release their heavily Americana and bluegrass debut Feast of the Hunters Moon on April 6 via Sugar Hill. Noted Decemberist and Death Cab for Cutie producer Tucker Martine is at the helm of the new project whose sound, according to Funk, “bridges the music of Clarence White and Ennio Morricone."

“The first gatherings were a little daunting as we were all used to the traditional song form,” Funk adds. “It’s been totally open-ended from day one, which is at times a little terrifying.” Of the debut's thirteen tracks, two are traditional covers including the haunting "Red Rocking Chair." We're particularly fond of the "Ostinato Del Caminito" a fascinating mashup and instrumental workout of Astor Piazzolla-styled tangos, dark gypsy violin shadings and plucked bluegrass runs. "We're trying to really keep the integrity of the acoustic aspect of it", notes Query, "so we don't really experiment with that. But otherwise it's no hold barred. With these five instruments, what can we do?" Recommended.

Myspace  Artist Site 

Black Prairie - "Red Rocking Chair" (from Feast of the Hunters Moon)

Black Prairie - "Ostinato Del Caminito" (from Feast of the Hunters Moon)

There's a pretty good reason why Nashville-to-L.A. singer/songwriter Cary Brothers chose the title Under Control (April 6) for his long awaited second album. Months after the release of his well-received Who You Are debut album in 2007, Brothers realized that handing over what he calls the "day to day" management of his music to a label was depriving him of the active involvement he missed. Best known for his track "Blue Eyes" on the bestselling Garden State soundtrack, Brothers notes now that "the details after the studio are what makes it feel like satisfying work" and after extended negotiations, bought back the master to his new album and freed himself of his label.

Under Control was produced by Bill Lefler (Dashboard Confessional) who worked with Brothers for five months in L.A. during the writing and recording process. The ten Control tracks gleaned from the sessions flex their production muscles with finesse -- this is no ordinary sensitive troubadour looking to share a little somber navel-gazing introspection. Tracks such as lead single "Ghost Town" have a strong dramatic pulse coursing through them, an oversized, embracing SoCal pop sound that's more akin to Coldplay/Fray mainstream melodic rock than intimate folk acoustics. Also included: a stylish remake of the Level 42 80's hit "Something About You." Highly recommended. "Required listening for a developing generation of fans of smart, heartfelt, original music." -- The Boston Globe

Myspace

Cary Brothers - "Ghost Town" (from the album Under Control)

We know there's a "him" in there. Specifically, a Mr. M. Ward -- whose production and playing add a personal stamp to the nostalgic styles that suffuse the new March 23 She & Him album Volume 2. But we also know that "she" -- being actress, budding chanteuse and songwriter Zooey Deschanel -- is taking the creative reins on this slight but thoroughly winsome new album. The closer "If You Can't Sleep" is all Deschanel as her cotton-candy vocals are spun atop more vocal harmonies of the most celestial kind. Gooey? Zooey? Well, yes, but this is one blissed-out sugar high. More DC on S&H here.

Myspace  Artist Site

She & Him - "If You Can't Sleep" (from the album Volume 2)

Denver-based singer/songwriter Nathaniel Rateliff's upcoming April 27 album In Memory of Loss (Rounder) is one of those rare, wonderful finds: a stark and assured collection of small masterpieces that evoke modern American roots music and neo-folk with subtle restraint. The timeless influences run deep and wide, with Time Out NY noting "the ghosts of Nick Drake and Gram Parsons" and it's obvious that Rateliff owes much to to the classic "modern" songwriting eras of the 60's and 70's. “It was more about songs, and not about an industry,” he observes of those times. “It was about a movement, not about making money. I think we’re moving back into that again. There’s still an importance in actually writing songs again. People are interested in hearing things that make sense."

Produced by Brian Deck (Iron and Wine), Rateliff's Memory maintains an unvarnished, spacious naturalness that serves the album's diverse moods well. There's also an unflinching, to-the-heart direction that renders the deep melancholy and faint glimpses of hope in bold hues and unwavering lines. Newer artists often have the passion without the control. With quiet majesty, Rateliff finds both on songs such as the raw, striking "Early Spring Till", tender lament "Once In A Great While" or gorgeous Beatle-ish piano ballad "Happy Just to Be". In Memory of Loss, he says, “is for everyone who’s willing to listen." Take him up on the offer. Highly recommended.

Myspace  Artist Site

Nathaniel Rateliff - "Early Spring Till" (from the album In Memory of Loss)

Nathaniel Rateliff - "Once In A Great While" (from the album In Memory of Loss)

Our streams are for sampling only. Like what you hear? Respect the artist and buy the music!

Modern jazz legend Dave Holland returned to the famed Birdland in New York to capture a live, loose and spirited feel for the recording of his latest project Pathways (March 23, Dare2) with his recently reformed Octet. Considered one of the finest contemporary practitioners of elegant but adventurous improvisation and composition, Holland assembled his eight-man, brass-heavy band for the first time since a live tour in 2001 and his Pathways finds the special sweet spot between dense, multi-level orchestration and the more personal aspects of his more favored quintet. As he has shown over decades of acclaimed work and numerous recordings, Holland is both a master of composition and a skilled group leader. "Writing the song is just a starting point," he points out, "and after that the improviser develops different ways of interpreting it."

For Pathways Holland found inspiration from an iconic source. "I had always loved the sound of the Duke Ellington small groups," he says, "often with a five horn front-line plus the rhythm section. The combination of two brass and three saxes gives access to a wide range of textures and colors and allows a composer to evoke the sound of a big band or create the more intimate sound of a small group.” To get a taste of what Pathways offers up, check out "Shadow Dance",  the imaginative reworking of a piece he originally premiered on his debut 25 years ago. Recommended.

Myspace  Artist Site

Dave Holland Octet - "Shadow Dance" (edit from the album Pathways)

One-third of the excellent roots/folk trio The Wailin' Jennys, Ruth Moody now steps out on her own with The Garden (April 20, Red House), an extraordinary, intimate collection of twelve modern acoustic Americana songs. While Moody has contributed to the Jennys' collective repertoire and released an EP of original material in 2002, The Garden is her full-length debut -- and one that makes us ask "what took you so long?" Produced by David Travers-Smith (Jane Siberry, Ani DeFranco). the album is also the perfect bookend to fellow Wailin' Jenny Heather Masse's lovely Bird Song solo release from last November and helps set the stage for a new Wailin' Jennys studio project later this year.

The Garden is the album equivalent of a "house concert", an upclose-and-personal experience that perfectly frames Moody's gentle, ethereal voice with her own -- and her superb studio guests' -- multi-instrumental backing of string instruments: music that wears it's traditional garb loosely. There's no doubt that Moody has a fondness for the classic fiddle and banjo bluegrass sound but, applied to her own neo-folk melodies, the overall effect is fresh, organic and invigorating, a simple, luxuriant production that never over steps. There's not one weak track on The Garden but we're immediately drawn to the quietly mesmerizing and sensuous "Cold Outside" with Moody's warm, honey-and-lemon vocals, gently plucking banjo and steel guitar atmospherics drawing the listener in. "Come inside, stay awhile," she sings, "you know you want to." And who are we to resist? Highly recommended.

Myspace  Artist Site

Ruth Moody - "Cold Outside" (from the album The Garden)

Ruth Moody - "We Could Pretend" (from the album The Garden)

We love the whole eerie David Lynch-ian feel to Gemma Ray's video for her song "100 mph (in 2nd Gear) -- from Lights Out Zoltar! -- a surreal atmosphere that perfectly complements the music's vintage  twangy charm with a hint of creeping menace. From her 2009, imaginatively titled album Lights Out Zoltar. As an added treat, Ray fans can look forward to May 18 when the U.K. singer/songwriter releases It's A Shame About Gemma Ray, a collection of odd and wondrous covers from the likes of Sonic Youth, Lee Hazelwood and George and Ira Gershwin. More Gemma Ray on DC here.

Myspace

Gemma Ray - "100mph (In Second Gear)" (from the album Lights Out Zoltar!)

The former frontman and chief songwriter for beloved Scottish pop/rockers Del Amitri -- best known for the two-minute '95 hit "Roll To Me" -- Justin Currie returns May 4 with his second solo album The Great War (Ryko). The follow up to 2007's wonderful What Is Love For, Currie's new project again skillfully wields the sharp, sweet and edgy hook as the most effective of tools, bringing his incisive wordplay into tight focus with melodies that sometimes seem just too good to be true. You know you're in the presence of a naturally gifted writer when the craft of complex song construction can be made to sound so effortless. States MOJO: "Saying Currie knows how to craft a songs is like saying that Carravaggio knows how to paint."

"Lyrically, more often than not, I seem to gravitate towards the ambiguity of feelings, the struggle with motivations and doubt in relationships, self-loathing and disappointment, but with a scintilla of hope, or at least catharsis," says Currie. "As a songwriter, I use melody to make all of this less maudlin, hopefully, and to create tension." The Great War includes brilliant lead single "A Man With Nothing to Do" along with the wide-screen "The Fight to Be Human" and the gorgeous, orchestrated "The Way That It Falls", a song that packs endless melodic twists and turns into less than three minutes of pure aural bliss. Highly recommended.

Myspace  Ryko Page

Justin Currie - "The Way That It Falls" (from The Great War)

Justin Currie - "In My Heart, The War Goes On" (bonus track from The Great War)

Photo Credits: Kenny Laurenson

The long awaited third album -- now self-titled -- from fine, soulful Vermont jam-rockers Grace Potter and the Nocturnals and producer and writing collaborator Mark Batson (Maroon 5, Alicia Keys, Nas) has received a green light for a June 8 release via Hollywood Records. Batson is considered by some a fairly unorthodox choice considering his extensive work in the world of hip-hop and R+B and the oft-maligned 2005 Dave Matthews album Stand Up, but Potter disputes the naysayers. “I liked the idea of writing with someone who was totally not from my own world," she says. "We ended up writing one song after another – it was like we could read each other’s minds. He would build drum tracks, basslines and piano chords, and I would write the words and vocal melodies over the top. It was a natural progression, totally organic and magical."

The followup to the promising '07 album This Is Somewhere utilizes a revamped Nocturnals lineup: bassist Catherine Popper (Norah Jones, Ryan Adams) and guitarist Benny Yurco have joined, giving the crew "a new band buzz", says Potter. Among the new project's thirteen tracks are the politically shaded "Colors", the chuggin' barnburner "Medicine" (originally set to be album's title) and Batson collaborations "Tiny Light" (the upcoming lead single) and "Oasis." Potter and her Nocturals also contributed a version of the Jefferson Airplane nugget "White Rabbit" to Almost Alice, the companion album to Tim Burton's recent Alice In Wonderland film. Live vids for "Tiny Light" and "White Rabbit" after the jump.

Myspace Artist Site

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - "Tiny Light" (from the forthcoming self-titled album)

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - "Medicine" (live version, from the forthcoming self-titled album)

JBM is the official moniker for Jesse Marchant, a skilled purveyor of moody, sometimes despairing but always deeply affecting songcraft on his acclaimed debut album Not Even In July, released in 2009 but finally receiving wider availability April 13. Recalling Nick Drake, Alexi Murdoch, Jose Gonzalez and the more reflective folk works of Neil Young, Marchant keeps things on a simmer stylistically, creating eerie minor-key masterworks of despair, loneliness and loss surrounded by a haunting atmosphere of mystery and solemn introspection. Marchant's voice is often steeped in reverb, the echoing words adding to the overall feeling of facing the world's challenges alone.

But despite the air of regret and sadness, Not Even In July maintains a warmth and tenderness and the heart of the album still beats with a hopeful humanity. Perhaps it's the feeling of intimate proximity to the proceedings at work here -- and Marchant's unflinching honesty -- but when the last chords fade on the devastating tale of suicide in "Swallowing Daggers" the emotions evoked have a cathartic effect, a meditation that oddly leaves the listener thoughtfully aware. Few albums have this uncanny ability to flow seamlessly from track to track and mood to mood, spanning the ethereal folk-hymn "Cleo's Song", lustrous acoustic shuffle "Ambitions and War" and percolating, descending piano chords and slow building crescendo of "July On the Sound." Highly recommended. On tour with Rogue Wave now through the end of April.

Myspace  Artist Site

JBM - "Ambitions and War" (from the album Not Even In July)

JBM - "Cleo's Song" (from the album Not Even In July)

Asked to name one of the most underrated and underexposed singer/songwriters, certainly Griffin House would be in our Top 5. An exceptional storyteller with a marvelous way with both an acoustic folk melody and sharp lyrical turn, the Ohio-bred, Nashville-based troubadour finally got some decent distribution on most recent album, 2007's fine Flying Upside Down -- which gives us "The Guy That Says Goodbye to You Is Our of His Mind." Look for new project The Learner arriving May 25 via Nettwerk -- details and music to come...

Myspace  Artist Site