(February 2021) Episode 314 is OF MONTREAL. I like most anything that comes out of the Elephant 6 collective, but of Montreal was overall a disappointment. They start out in typical E6 fashion — lo-fi, Beatles-philic songs — followed by a couple of Kinks-esque, music hall-style, baroque pop albums, all with quirky song titles and lyrics. But after that it’s mostly synth-laden electro-pop stuff that did not interest me.

Favorite song: Doing Nothing

Favorite instrumental song: The Gay Parade

Compared to expectations: ↓

Episode 305 is BEULAH. Another fine band from the Elephant 6 label (although they are from San Francisco not Athens, GA) delivering its characteristic sound of 60s-inspired melodic pop rock and lo-fi indie style. Very puzzling that I didn’t catch on until now.

Favorite album: When Your Heartstrings Break

Favorite song: Score from Augusta

Compared to expectations: ↑

(November 2020) Episode 299 of the “opus project” is THE GLANDS. Melodic, catchy lo-fi indie rock.  Being from Athens, GA, I would have thought them part of the Elephant 6 collective; they’re not, but they sure sound like it. Also, a great band name.

Favorite album: The Glands

Favorite song: i can see my house from here

Compared to expectations: ↑

Episode 291 of the “opus project” is DREAM SYNDICATE. I did this episode because they are identified with the Paisley Underground and emerged from my college town, and on the strength of the Lou Reed-flavored initial EP. But the mid-80s albums sound little better than a strained-voice, strum-beat bar band.  The reformed band’s recent three albums are OK.

Favorite album: The Days of Wine and Roses

Favorite song: Apropos for Nothing

Compared to expectations: ↓