February 1

An open letter to an otherwise great artist who insists on using a previously branded name

Dear Adam Lindquist,

You deserve to have the world singing along with your music. Indeed, a song like "Reunion Day" seems crafted for exactly that intention. I've played that song several times now, and I can not stop myself from smiling. I keep waiting for a parade to march by me - the cool kind, that throws candy even at the tall kids like me.
It's true, the name that your momma gave you sounds like some guy that everybody went to school with in the 7th grade... But initializing yourself? Calling yourself APL? Dude, there's already somebody out there with that name. True, he is the least famous member of the currently biggest band in the world (hint: they're doing the Super Bowl halftime show this week.) Still, that's quite a hurdle to overcome... especially if you want to top the charts in the Philippines.

Do not compromise yourself. Do not change your music. Do not get a mohawk. But please consider a new name: something Google-friendly, because this is the 21st century. Perhaps something charming and ironic, like Some Body Awesome (for when they ask, "Hey, who's playing tonight?") Something as imaginative and unique as songs like this. (download) You've already recorded three albums: set aside five minutes of genius for a new name. Or do your own version of "Imma Be".

Thank you for your consideration (and the music),
Leroy Grey

(Thanks to Paper Heart Records' Lovely Hearts Club for shining a light on this guy's music; finding the great unknowns seems to be the LHC's mission.)

January 29

I'm out of practice with album reviews. I tried to cycle through "Sympathy", the upcoming album from Chicago band Scattered Trees, and get a quick paragraph or two out.

Instead, I've played this album about six times so far. That's not to say it's changed my life or anything; in the first place, the music's rather unobtrusive, like Mat Kearney or whoever you order a tall latte to these days. But songs like "Four Days Straight" and "Five Minutes" snuck up on me.
Apparently, the songs were written while the lead singer was mourning the death of his father. And while the album isn't a textbook concept album, the nine songs work as a collection, exploring the mourning landscapes, whether for a loved one or the love once shared. The cloudy-day music on "Sympathy" goes well with April showers...

"Sympathy" will be available for purchase in early April...