Civil Liberties and all that

---+++Donut's Daily Daguerreotype+++---


Nothing much of excitement happened today apart from attending a frightening briefing session from certain arms of the government that sent shivers down the spine of this freedom loving, liberal minded voter.

Anyway, I consoled myself by purchasing the latest from slowcore giants Low and folkadelic Yorkshiremen Hood.

David Fridmann, who's done wonders for the likes of Mercury Rev, produced Low's new album. Reviewers have commented that he's added a bit of edge. Meanwhile, Low's songwriting seems to have shed the tradmark downbeat, miserablist streak. Add to that a change to a more mainstream label, Rough Trade in the UK, and this is definitely a new direction. I hate to say sell out, but a quick listen has not convinced me this effort stands up to the previous material.

Hood could never be accused of selling out. They seem to get better with each release. Haven't had a chance to listen to "Outside Closer", but I've got a good feeling that this is more the same, but tighter. "Cold House", the last release, featured an inspired collaboration with hip-hop outsiders cLOUDDEAD.