The M’s live in Chicago 2006
photo by Allie Bishop
Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. This week we are featuring songs from bands that will be performing at Engine Studios during our broadcast in Chicago on July 16-18. Today’s featured selection, chosen by Afternoon Show host Cheryl Waters, is Big Sound
by The M’s from the 2008 album Real Close Ones on Polyvinyl Record Co.
Chicago band The M’s formed in 2000 and immediately displayed an ability to put material together fast. Their self-titled debut (2004) and 2006s Future Women both allude to an intrinsic exuberance within their music as well as in the creative process. For their third album, their second for Polyvinyl, the band has traded some of that energy for a studied and pastoral nonchalance. Their heady, classic mix of glam- and psych-rock now leans significantly towards the psych portion. While Big Sound
kicks off the album with exactly what its title portends, the remainder of the album consists primarily of mid-tempo mood music. After the M’s first two records, Real Close Ones feels like a coming home, an amalgamation of everything that came before it. Frontman Josh Chicoine and company sound comfortable in their own skin here, just touching boundaries instead of pushing on them. This one may be a grower for long-time listeners of the band, but the newbies are going to love it. Check out their MySpace page to get the skinny, and enjoy this older but very enjoyable video for Future Women‘s Trucker Speed
:
If you are going to be in the Chicago area and would like to sign up to attend one of our in-studio performances, go to our sign-up schedule.
