The Bake Sale
(Chocolate Industries)
Since when are 10 songs an EP? By rap standards apparently -- which stands to reason since most rap albums have been clocking in at ~23 songs for the past 15 years. Clever lyrics and production from a Chicago/Detroit duo who accurately recall hip-hop’s golden age, even if they could lay off the vocal-samples-as-instruments trick. By declaring themselves the “new black version of the Beastie Boys” they alternately acknowledge and take a friendly jab at those who will ostensibly be their largest audience. For all the sparse 808 beats, the instrumental backing stays busy.
Standouts: “One Two” and “What It Is”
Released: June 10
myspace.com/thecoolkids
THE JEALOUS GIRLFRIENDS
The Jealous Girlfriends
(Good Fences)
A straightforward indie-rock quartet from Brooklyn that doesn't belabor its lyrics with obscure historical and literary references, or make up for a lack of songwriting skills with annoying genre stunts. The band members probably smell nice too. Holly Miranda’s the more engaging vocalist, but the male/female division of labor isn’t hurting them. Quality noise-pop songs that do what they’re supposed to do -- which could mean The Jealous Girlfriends are doomed to be The Darling Buds of the ‘00s.
Standouts: “Organs On the Kitchen Floor” and “Roboxulla”
Released: May 6
myspace.com/thejealousgirlfriends
