Generally, the Single arouses suspicion.

I know it’s meant as an offering of pleasures to come. A taste of what-is-anxiously-awaited or something-altogether-different. Or reassurance that the artists we love haven’t lost their touch. The Single is a glimpse into the yet unknown whole. But as fans and listeners, can we trust it? Is it an accurate representation? Is it too canned, too distant? Does it push the limits enough? Is it as good as anything on the last album? And really, we just hope it doesn’t sound like crap.

Suspicion was once again aroused a few weeks ago when Tennessee- hailing Kings of Leon released their single “Sex On Fire,” from their recent album Only by the Night. I like those boys. I like the story of their unconventional rise to fame, from Southern evangelical preacher’s sons to genuine rock stars. I like their hair. I really like the drummer (he is one talented dude). But would this be just another “likable” single, a prelude to another enjoyable, if somewhat predictable, Kings album?

Nope. I love this Single. I mean, love. “Sex on Fire”’s hammering wall of sound, wailing lyrics, and insides-squeezing emotion came in way above expectations. I was lying in bed when I first heard the song played on the radio; I bolted straight up, stared intently at the stereo and demanded: “WHO is this? I didn’t know Kings of Leon did this!” In the age of mp3 and instant digital downloads, I chose to lie in bed for another 3 hours waiting to hear it again, with a sense of childlike exuberance. And I had a feeling that over the next few weeks, I would probably be hearing a lot of it.

BUT…what does it say about the album yet to come? Is this it? Would this hook be the best of it? Have I really fallen for a radio single?

Well, after a week of steady listening, I’m pleased to report that Only by the Night does not disappoint. The second single “Use Somebody,” is another step in the right direction, though neither single is the best or the worst of the collection – “Manhattan” and “Revelry” are also excellent standout tunes. Without a doubt their best effort so far, Kings of Leon gets a new, heavier grip on their rock n roll roots.

WE ARE EXCITED!! YAY TO RAGE – YAY TO NINE INCH NAILS – YAY TO WILCO – YAY TO RADIOHEAD – YAY TO THE RACONTEURS!!!!

Fortunately, there are a LOT of more-than-noteworthy acts to experience. Here are some of the others we are looking forward to, and some of the songs that grabbed our attention:

The Black Keys (Friday 8/1 4:15) - “Psychotic Girl” - Attack & Release

Battles (Saturday 8/2 6:30) - “Atlas” “Prismism”- Mirrored

MGMT (Saturday 8/2 3:30) - “Electric Feel” “Time To Pretend” - Oracular Spectacular

The Gutter Twins (Saturday 8/2 2:30) - “Idle Hands” - Saturnalia

Saul Williams (Sunday 8/3 5:00) - “Sunday Bloody Sunday” (yes, cover of the U2 classic) – but from an album called The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of Niggy Tardust…it definitely got our attention (in a good way).

Oh and YAY for the return of old musical friends!

Toadies ( Saturday 8/2 7:30)

Love and Rockets (Sunday 8/3 6:15)

Other acts we wish would be making an appearance:

Vampire Weekend

Grand Ole Party

She & Him

Rilo Kiley

The Bees

Peter Bjorn & John

I have to admit that for me, Beck Hansen can do no wrong. Every album he has ever put out has its own distinctive sound and intent, from the grinding, haunting Mellow Gold to dirty, gritty Midnite Vultures to the mellow, lonely and transcendent vibe of Sea Change. Hell, he even gave you groovy stickers to design your own album cover with The Information. (It did sound a bit like, “Yes, I know you can buy it online, but do you get stickers that way?!? I think not.)

My loyalty having been declared, I actually wasn’t sure how I felt about the first single I heard, “Gamma Ray” from this month’s Modern Guilt. Did it seem all that fresh? Different from the albums that came before it? Creepy? Boppy? Sappy? Snappy? I’ve come to expect a lot from Beck…maybe because I never know quite what to expect. (But I’ve been disappointed before, even in artists I fiercely believe in.) I snagged the album the next day and gave it a solid listen, to get the point of view, the theme, the style, the new invention. And…it fit just right *whew* - this new, modern Beck, somewhere right between Guero and The Information.

I don’t know if he’ll ever make another album with the raw energy of Mellow Gold, Mutations, and a few tracks from Odelay – there’s just something about those first albums that’s uniquely emotional and forcefully creative. Then again, I’ve been listening for what, 15 years now? He may not have quite the same edge to him now, but he makes up for it with sincerity and unfailing artistry. With albums as diverse as his influences, he’ll have my attention for as many as he cares to put out.

One last thing….have you ever seen the man move?!

*sigh*

He’s absolutely precious.

The Bees are a UK band, also known in the U.S. as A Band of Bees (for reasons which I have not yet found…). With 2007’s Octopus, they released the most upbeat, cohesive collection of tunes I’ve heard in a while. It’s downright pleasant. And though it expresses itself in a rich retro style, it also manages to be very refreshing. Basically, I can’t stop playing it. (Note: A few years ago, I would have been able to describe it as “a cd that will have a perpetual slot in the cd player for quite some time.” Now, in the age of mp3s and shuffling, I guess I’d have to call it “an album I actually listen to straight through - no shuffling - over and over again. So I guess I’d have to say that’s a pretty nice compliment.)

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