As a music fan, the only thing more thrilling than meeting a band that bowls you over is meeting a whole label that bowls you over. A well-stuffed introductory envelope from Standard Recording Co. has been one of inbox highlights from the first part of 2005. They aren’t tied to a genre, but fans of Americana and clever singer-songwriters would do well to seek out their stamp. The best of the batch was Castle Oldchair’s folksy Sad Pants. Though his songs are relatively simple, Oldchair is a compelling and off-kilter songwriter, sometimes sounding like a missing Oldham brother. “Swallowing Stars” is the clearest take-off on the earthy Anomoanon vibe, while the buoyant “Speaking of Diamonds” has an echo of the wounded warble of J Mascis. Oldchair’s tales and characters are often memorable (especially “Joanne Creasy”), and nothing besides the intro/outro sounds weird for weird’s sake. Highlight Tracks: “Sad Pants” and “Speaking of Diamonds”
04.05.05