MYSPACE: http://myspace.com/mybandowen
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/mybandowen
PURCHASE: pre-order via Polyvinyl Records, available everywhere else 9/22
New Leaves officially takes its place as Mike Kinsella's fifth full studio album under the monicker Owen. Its release date is set for next Tuesday (9/22) but Polyvinyl Records has been taking pre-orders for quite some time now. They also began shipping out said pre-orders more than a week ago. Lucky for me my brother had planned ahead and ordered one in advance, as I am currently enjoying it.
The new album is flooded with all the familiar aspects typical of an Owen release: arpeggiated, repetitious guitar licks, personal lyrics, etc etc. What's not so typical, however, is the fact that nearly every track on the record is accompanied by full-band arrangements. Unique synthesizers, flourishing strings, piano and percussion help give new depth to Kinsella's tracks. This new found utilization of thicker composition, coupled with a slew of cryptic and allusive lyrics (most likely relating to Kinsella's new status of husband and father) make for one great record.
In addition, a new record also means new tour dates (including Philadelphia, Manhattan and Brooklyn). So check those out here if interested. Embedded above is a video for the record's single, "Good Friends, Bad Habits." Embedded below is another track off of the record, "Ugly On The Inside."
"Ugly On The Inside" off of New Leaves:
THE SKINNY: Owen has released a new EP packed with renovated versions of many of his classics
MYSPACE: myspace.com/mybandowen
PURCHASE: Polyvinyl Records
Solo artist Mike Kinsella (more commonly known as Owen) has recently released a new EP entitled The Seaside EP. Although most of the songs on this seven-track EP may seem very familiar to avid fans, several of them seem to either be live or re-recorded versions (my favorite of which is embedded below). Mike has also been posting entirely new tracks up on his myspace page from time to time, so definitely keep an eye out for that if you happen to be a fan. Personally, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all of this new music means another tour or two is on the way. Perhaps even a live PFW feature the next time he comes to New York City?
"In The Morning, Before Work (Live)" off of The Seaside EP:
The best part about being an Owen fan, however, is not just listening to his music - seeing him play live is also an experience. You would assume from his music that it would be a pretty dull thing, but Mike's slightly drunken humor and sarcasm make it the furthest thing from lame. Living in Manhattan for the past several years, I've had quite a few chances to catch him live when he goes on tour - and although he may never play more than five or six tracks, it's always a pleasure. With that being said, below I'm posting up a live clip of him playing the track "Breaking Away," as well as an mp3 of his song "Good Deeds." Check back later this weekend for a new Podcast!
"Good Deeds:"
THE SKINNY: Owen is the acoustic solo project of Chicago rocker Mike Kinsella
FAVORITE TRACK: "Good Deeds" off of "No Good For No One Now" (2002)
APPROPRIATE FOR: Late night drives, falling to sleep, breaking up with a significant other
FOR FANS OF: American Football, Matt Pond PA
