Danielson - Ships (Secretly Canadian)

I was a little skeptical about the new Danielson record when people started praising it. I know he was Sufjan's mentor and everything, and, as a fan of indie folk, I'm supposed to want to rub myself in anything Mr. Stevens is vaguely related to, but I still wasn't ever that psyched about Daniel Smith. Until now. Ships is Daniel Smith's most unique record so far, featuring an impressive cast of players: members of Why?, Deerhoof, Serena Maneesh all contribute. Plus, I can actually listen to it without getting a headache! It's wonderful and catchy! I like it a lot, I think.

I'm going to recommend this record to anyone who likes indie pop, especially Clap Your Hands Say Yeah or the New Pornographers or anything else that sings about strange things. It's fun, and definitely worth your time. It even got a resounding thumbs up from Jens Lekman.

Danielson: Did I Step On Your Trumpet?

His ridiculous live show will also be visiting every city in New England even remotely populated, so keep your ears open:

7-19 - Boston, MA - The Middle East
7-20 - Portland, ME - Space Gallery
7-21 - Burlington, VT - Higher Ground
7-22 - Providence, RI - AS 220