Stream Mr. Dream's "Ultimate In Luxury"

It's been a long time coming, but Mr. Dream's Ultimate In Luxury is finally being released.  The album was preceded by a slew of singles, all of which were pretty amazing, and now it's up for streaming ahead of the July 7 release date.

Ultimate In Luxury will be released on a limited run of one hundred cassettes, complete with hand-crafted artwork in a stunning shade of hot pink (see picture below).  One little detail found on the pre-order page calls the album "the new and posthumous release", so it looks like this could be the band's grand exit.  Although if you're familiar with Mr. Dream at all, they could very well release another album next week just for kicks.

There's probably going to be a follow-up "review" post for this album a little later on, but after listening to the record once, I had the overwhelming urge to immediately play it again.  It actually has a fair amount of danceable moments mixed in with their go-to racket of a sound.  My mind is still stuck on the opening riff to "Work Faster".

Ultimate In Luxury is out on July 7, via GODMODE.  You can pre-order the cassette, bundled with a digital copy, here and then stream it below.

Mr. Dream - Making Muscles

Details surrounding Mr. Dream's upcoming record are still somewhat vague.  We know that it's called The Ultimate In Luxury and the fact that it'll be out sometime this year.  We've also heard a decent amount of post-Fatherland material from the band, last year's "Loud Tools" being a solid example.  With the release of their new track "Making Muscles", I feel like we're closing in on something big.  The single's accompanying video is a mash-up of vintage bodybuilding footage, although it's been glitched out quite a bit, and the end result is this bizarre overload of retro masculinity.  Pair that scenery with a smashing haywire track, which actually clocks in at over five minutes, and you have a perfect match.

The Ultimate In Luxury is due later this year on GODMODE.

Mr. Dream - Loud Tools

It's been a minute or two since Mr. Dream's last release, which arrived in the form of 2012's Fatherland EP.  Brooklyn's favorite post-punk, grunge trash rock, whatever you want to call them trio have stepped back into the game with the announcement of a new record and a couple tracks as evidence. Their most recent single, freshly arrived via yesterday, is "Loud Tools".

While their past music could often be described as a fury of rampaging energy, "Loud Tools" plays like a steady, yet equally forcible, machine. Over at Stereogum they brought up a Franz Ferdinand comparison, which actually isn't crazy, but it sure does sound like a far-fetched idea in theory. Nevertheless, hearing new material from the band has kickstarted anticipation levels for the upcoming album.

Mr. Dream's previously mentioned new album is titled The Ultimate In Luxury and it's due in January on GODMODE.  If "Loud Tools" leaves you wanting more of the Dream, then check out another cut from the LP, "Fringy Slider".

Mr. Dream - Fatherland

Mr. Dream's debut album, Trash Hit, was recently featured on my "Best of 2011" list.  The record was a pinpoint in the wave of whatever we call punk rock nowadays.  Trash Hit not only captured the essence of what punk rock is musically, but it more importantly had the mentality that often makes or breaks an album.

Trash Hit's follow-up is a six track EP called Fatherland, which is set to be released on February 28th.  I've previously compared Mr. Dream to countless other acts, so let's leave out the references this time and focus on the group at hand.  I feel like the trio have established a sound that no longer needs an introduction through someone else.

Right from the first note, Fatherland bleeds that very sound.  It's brash, yet slick.  It's plugged in, but everything's hanging out.

The biggest surprise on the album is "Slow Learner".  Mr. Dream has gone acoustic.  "Slow Learner" sounds like that song you hear right before a band's signature single during a sold out show.  You know, that "lighters in the air, everyone scream along" song.  Now I wouldn't go so far as to call it a ballad, because in my mind, an amped-up version would be stellar.

"The Room" clocks in at over five and a half minutes and closes the EP.  Vocally, this song is Fatherland's highlight.  It also goes to show that whether they have one minute or five, Mr. Dream can pack a punch.

Fatherland is the perfect example of how an EP can be just as effective as a full length release.  This short and sweet album displays the band's growth through some unexpected moves, all while avoiding one of those risky gimmicks.

Fatherland is out February 28th on God Mode in both digital and vinyl formats.  For more info on Mr. Dream, including tour dates with Cloud Nothings and SXSW details, look over here.  To download their debut, Trash Hit, go this way.

My Favorite Albums Of 2011: Part 3

It's New Year's Eve and this is officially the last post of 2011.  I've had a great year of blogging about the twists and turns of my musical life.  There were amazing albums and then there were some less fortunate records.  I had the chance to talk to some of you readers, which is always wonderful.  Many thanks to both the readers and the artists I was able to chat with and write about this year.

This post is also the last part of my "Favorite Albums Of 2011" list.  Just to refresh your mind, this is how the countdown is going so far...

Honorable Mentions

Active Child - You Are All I See

Alexander - Self Titled

Beyoncé - 4

Gotye - Making Mirrors

James Blake - Self Titled

The Joy Formidable - The Big Roar

Nicolas Jaar - Space Is Only Noise

SebastiAn - Total

St. Vincent - Strange Mercy

Zola Jesus - Conatus

Ellie Goulding - Lights

Top 20

Penguin Prison - Self Titled

Cults - Self Titled

Glasvegas - EUPHORIC /// HEARTBREAK \\\

Björk - Biophilia

Girls - Father, Son, Holy Ghost

Kimbra - Vows

CSS - La Liberación

Feist - Metals

Florence + The Machine - Ceremonials

The Black Keys - El Camino

Here's the remainder of the top twenty...

Patrick Wolf - Lupercalia

My summer was filled with Patrick Wolf's optimistic album.  I think this may be the best record he's released.  It focuses heavily on themes of love and friendship, basically the idea of a soulmate.  I absolutely loved this album for it's ability to capture those themes in a mature way.  It sounds real and that's why Lupercalia works so well.

The Kills - Blood Pressures

The Kills are one of the most stylish rock bands currently making music.  When you see or hear them, they're instantly recognizable.  Alison Mosshart is also leading the pack of female performers in rock music.  She fronts multiple bands without fault.  "Heavier" may not be the right word to describe Blood Pressures when comparing it to their last record.  Sure, it's heavy, but it mostly sounds fleshed out and full.  Blood Pressures is complete, ballads and all.

Mr. Dream - Trash Hit

Trash Hit is the debut album from Brooklyn's Mr. Dream.  They're a mix of punk rock and all of its pesky sub-genres.  You may think you've pegged them as one type of music, until they switch it up yet again.  This record has that "garage rock" production sound, and it also has some insanely catchy hooks.  I like to pop it on whenever I'm in the mood for some carefree, and a little crazy, music.

LIGHTS - Siberia

LIGHTS has come a long way since her light and airy debut album.  This time around, her music is heavier with less strictly pop elements and more electronic ventures.  She also tried her hand at the dubstep game, just barely.  Siberia's beats are crunchy and distorted, while the melodies remain as solid as ever.

Le Butcherettes - Sin Sin Sin

This band is one of my most exciting discoveries of 2011.  Le Butcherettes play insane political rock music.  Led by Teri Gender Bender, live shows often involve fake blood and sometimes include raw meat.  But it's not all stage antics.  Sin Sin Sin has raw power and sounds incredibly current.  I expect to see big things from Le Butcherettes in 2012.

M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming

Who hasn't heard "Midnight City" by now?  M83 wins the "catchiest synth melody of the year" award.  What's even better is that Hurry Up, We're Dreaming is just as solid.  I'm tempted to describe the record as "dreamy", but that's too obvious, isn't it?  That's really the first thought that comes to mind, though. The album is nostalgic and blurred, just like a dream.

Foo Fighters - Wasting Light

If you read my review of the Foo Fighters show I went to, then you already know how much I love this album.  The Foo Fighters have somehow managed to consistently release album after album without having a real dud mixed in there.  I can't say that for a decent amount of bands who started in the nineties.  Now the record is up for Album Of The Year at the Grammys.  2011 was a massive year for this band.

The time has arrived for some numerical rankings!  Those make everything more interesting, don't they?  Here are my three favorite albums of 2011...

3. Adele - 21

Yes, Adele.  She sort of dominated the world of music this year, and rightfully so.  21 is a mostly heartbroken collection of songs, all focused on the same guy.  You've probably already heard the record, seeing as it's the best selling album of the year.  If not, then I suggest you join the crowd.  

2. Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes

Each of my top three records have one thing in common, I never get tired of them.  No matter how many times I listened to Wounded Rhymes, I kept coming back for more.  I'm even guilty of multiple listens back to back.  That's a real feat.  Lykke Li's voice is just as demanding as the glare in her eyes.  No really, check out the music video for "Get Some".  Those eyes.

1. Lady Gaga - Born This Way

If you're a regular reader of the blog, this probably came as no surprise.  Otherwise, you may be shaking your head.  When it comes to current pop music, I place Lady Gaga above all.  I really do think she's ten steps ahead of the other pop stars and divas, just look at the cultural impact.  Born This Way's production is outrageous and the music is campy.  There's an overwhelming theme of self-impowerment mixed with feminism, sexuality, and equality.  Both Brian May and Clarence Clemons perform on the album.  At seventeen songs long, Born This Way is a wild ride on the back of that half-Gaga motorcycle, and that's why it's my favorite album of 2011.

As always, I love hearing what you think.  Did I forget any amazing records?  What are your favorite albums of 2011? Leave a comment and let me know!

Mr. Dream - Moneybags

Mr. Dream's debut album, Trash Hit, came out back in March.  Since then, they've garnered the attention of music lovers and critics across the US. They were heard up the east coast when the band snatched an opening slot on tour with CSS and Sleigh Bells last spring.  Now they're back with a new track just in time for that final blast of summer.

"Moneybags" is Mr. Dream's first venture into the always interesting sophomore album phase.  While this track isn't a confirmed piece of a future album, I certainly wouldn't be disappointed if this is a sign of what's to come from the band.

Mr. Dream knows how to mix the big pop melodies with gritty and punky guitar rock, but something about "Moneybags" brings another element to the table.  This one makes you want to skip the headbanging and actually move. There's an underlying groove, particularly in the bass driven breakdown that triggers a grinning "awwww yeah" reaction.

You can stream and download "Moneybags" here.  For more music and info on Mr. Dream you can head this way.

Sleigh Bells, CSS, Mr. Dream, and Wet Witch: Live At The 9:30 Club

At around 7:00 P.M. last Saturday, the 9:30 Club had a line of people waiting outside the venue.  A group of all ages and buzzing with excitement.  Some wore neon outfits complete with matching headbands, while others took the term "hipster" to a new level.  They were all waiting for a night of frenzy.  Sleigh Bells and CSS were in DC for a sold out night of their co-headlining tour and they brought along Mr. Dream and Wet Witch for good measure.  Once the doors to the venue opened at 8:00, everyone rushed towards the stage for a good spot.  I settled down somewhere between the first and second row and was advised by an obviously concert savvy girl to keep a steady hold on my spot because, "It's gonna get crazy."

The show kicked off with Wet Witch at around 8:30.  Most of the crowd had no idea what to expect from them, so when the band's first song was an intense blast of noise, hands instinctively covered ears.  Wet Witch is a trio consisting of a guitarist, drummer, and vocalist.  The vocals were harsh while the drums shattered the room.  After the initial impact of the first song, the crowd loosened up. By the end of their set, there were mixed reactions.  Some were anxious and now noticeably pumped for the night to go on, while others got their ear plugs ready.  Wet Witch gave the club a good taste of what the mood would be like for the rest of the night, full of energy.

After a short set change, Mr. Dream prepared to take the stage.  The drum kit was moved to center stage with each vocalist on either side.  They started with one of my favorites, "Knuckle Sandwich".  The crowd warmed up to their sound much quicker than the previous band.  "Winners" caused every head in the pit to nod with perfect timing.  The combination of heavy rock numbers and lighter songs with sing-along melodies definitely turned some heads.  The bounce of "Knick Knack" under the dark red lights had me singing along all the way until the final note.  Their set seemed significantly longer than Wet Witch's quick spree and it ended with screams of "Mr. Dream!".

Once Mr. Dream left the stage, there was a decent wait until CSS would come out.  Although the majority of the audience was there to see Sleigh Bells, everyone was more than ready for CSS.  The entire venue roared when the lights went down.  Once CSS' Lovefoxxx ran onstage, the night changed completely.  She controlled the room with her wild antics, which included running through the crowd, spraying the room with everything she drank, and shedding her clothing.  When the opening beat of "Music Is My Hot Hot Sex" hit the air halfway through their set, everyone that wasn't already a CSS fan before the show was now converted.  Dance breakdowns during "Move" kept the night going at full speed.  The highlight moment of "Let's Make Love And Listen To Death From Above" transitioning into "Alala" topped off their set.  CSS had transformed a rock show into a dance party.

It was around 11:30 by the time CSS ended their set.  Sleigh Bells wasn't scheduled to take the stage until midnight.  This meant a long and restless wait was inevitable.  While many of the concert-goers wore CSS shirts, and some discovered new favorites in Wet Witch and Mr. Dream, it was clear that Sleigh Bells attracted almost everyone to the show.  The guitar amps, which took the shape of the giant wall, were pushed out closer to the edge of the stage.  The lights went out and after the first beat of the duo's "Iron Man" intro, the entire pit rushed forward causing the front rows to fall against the railing.  The now neon lights blinded the crowd.  Sleigh Bells had taken the night to another level.  Every strobe light was brighter and every noise was louder.  The crowd recited perfect lyrics back to Alexis Krauss, who donned a "SLAY BELLS" jersey over reflective and splattered leggings.  "Infinity Guitars" and "Rill Rill" were the crowd favorites.  Alexis surfed the pit, while guitarist Derek Miller sat on the rail during "Holly".

Sleigh Bells ended the night with a riot inducing rendition of "A/B Machines".  The back of the room surfed its way to the front.  People were thrown onto each other.  It was exactly how their music felt like it should be, chaotic and fun.  They played a fairly short set, about forty minutes which included almost every song that they had.  That didn't stop a group chant of "Sleigh Bells!" once the band left the stage.

The girl who told me to be ready for a crazy time was one hundred percent correct.  The concert, which let out at around 12:45, was explosive.  The glazed eyes and wide smiles were appropriate measurements of how hard the 9:30 Club was hit.  Each band played a completely different genre of music, but it only makes sense that they tour together since it was the raw energy that they all had in common.

Keep reading for more pictures of the show...

Mr. Dream - Trash Hit

Mr. Dream is a band that refuses to be classified into one genre.  Every time you think you have them pinned down, they release another song filled with a new set of sounds and influences.  In 2010, the band released a handful of singles that reached from post-punk, to grunge, and back around to pop.  However, it doesn't stop there.  On March 1, the three-piece from Brooklyn will finally have a full length album.  Trash Hit, is a collection of raw, aggressive, and terribly catchy songs.  Clocking in at just over thirty minutes, this record packs a punch.

Trash Hit starts off with the title track.  This is where you'll hear Mr. Dream's signature guitars, grinding and crying.  Although the band just recently fell under the spotlight, they've already created their own sound.  Many bands have one, and every band strives for one.  After listening to this album once, you'll forever know when Mr. Dream is played on your stereo.

While every song contains the same traditional rock band ingredients of guitar, bass, drums, and vocals, the spectrum of songs never reach the point of being dreary.  "Shotgun Tricks" is a prime example of how the album ranges in sound.  The verses are suave and bass heavy, while the chorus explodes.  Mr. Dream has a knack for exploding choruses.  "Holy Name" sounds like the Nirvana single that never was, while "Winners" channels Rage Against The Machine.  "King Klutz" is simply fun.

Not long after the release of Trash Hit, Mr. Dream will be touring with 2010's favorite noise band, Sleigh Bells, and CSS.  If their live shows are anything like the record, then you should start looking for tickets now.

By combining sing-along melodies with the wild energy of a punk concert, Mr. Dream has created one of 2011's most interesting albums so far.  No, it isn't polished to perfection, but that's what makes it so special.  Trash Hitis fresh lo-fi music at its finest.

Mr. Dream - Learn The Language

I've featured the Brooklyn post-punk band, Mr. Dream, several times before.  The raw sound of their No Girls Allowed EP quickly caught my attention.  The band immediately became one of my favorite new acts when I found myself listening to them on repeat.  When I received news of another single from them, I couldn't wait to see what they had done.  "Learn The Language" mostly sticks to Mr. Dream's previous sound, but there are a few noticeable changes in the formula.  They manage to mix up the sound just enough to turn a few heads.

The rough out of control vocals of "Knuckle Sandwich" are missing from this song.  Instead, "Learn The Language" has a tight melody and a big hook of, "Heaven is just a zip code".  It's a little less punk and a little more hard rock, but it's all good.

Mr. Dream is currently working on their full length album, Never Elaborate.  While there isn't a final release date for the record, we can hope that it's released soon.  You can download "Learn The Language", via Stereogum, here.  You can also check out the band's Myspace for a stream of some previous singles.  If you like punk inspired low-fi music filled with buzzing distortion, I suggest you download "Learn The Language".

Mr. Dream - Scarred For Life

At only two minutes and fifteen seconds long, "Scarred For Life" continues Mr. Dream's trend of short punk rock songs.  When I talked about their No Girls Allowed album, I mentioned that the length of the songs doesn't hold back their potential.  Instead, the song gives you a short burst of energy.  The vocals in this single seem more tight and precise, yet not over produced, just as Mr. Dream's previous work.  The beginning verse almost sounds like something you'd hear from The Bravery, only with more raw power.  They've also kept the infectious bass lines that really act as much more than support.  Everything that I loved about No Girls Allowed has received and upgrade for the better in "Scarred For Life".

I would love to hear a full length release from this band.  Until that time comes, you should definitely check out "Scarred For Life".  It may not be the most complicated of songs, but that's what makes it stand out.  It's simple, fun, and has a great guitar riff during the chorus.  Who wouldn't love a song like that?  Check out Mr. Dream's Myspace to give this song a listen, and also check out their previous work.  Mr. Dream is a band that's worth your time.

Mr. Dream - No Girls Allowed

Mr. Dream has created an EP full of raw punk rock music.  From the opening song, "Knuckle Sandwich", to the closing track, "Unlovable Loser", the album is wild and fun.  With just five songs that rarely clock in at over three and a half minutes, the collection is short and sweet.  That's how punk music should be.  The Brooklyn based band definitely has a successful future ahead of them.

"Knuckle Sandwich" is the major standout track.  By starting the album with this song, it's almost impossible to stop listening further.  The bass line in the verse, along with the beat, is contagious.  Even if you don't care for the rest of the songs, this one's a keeper.  Odds are... you'll enjoy the entire EP.

One thing that stood out the most, was the large amount of catchy bass riffs.  In every song, there's something great creeping along the bottom of the instruments.  The musical element that is mostly ignored in many songs is used to its advantage here.

I would check out the No Girls Allowed EP if you love energetic and rough punk music.  You could definitely call this album "noisy".  Mr. Dream reminds me of the fundamentals of this genre.  Distorted guitars, pounding drums, and crazy vocals... what else do you need?