Philadelphia Weekly

MUSIC

On the Record: St. Vincent, A.A. Bondy, Ladytron & More

By Bill Chenevert

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Sep. 28, 2011

St. Vincent

Strange Mercy

(4AD)

Sounds Like: An astounding third LP from the Dallas-born multi-instrumentalist rock chick, offering a brilliant songwriter’s talents, including her rich and powerful voice.

Free Association: 2011’s winner for Most Intriguing Woman with a Brain Who Shreds.

For Fans Of: Cat Power + Feist, Patti Smith x Beth Orton, Björk, mousy geniuses.

A.A. Bondy

Believers

(Fat Possum)

Sounds Like: The former Verbena vocalist’s third solo album is a stunner; dark, ambient Americana that’s spare but satisfying in its haunting beauty.

Free Association: If only the darkness in country music was always this sophisticated.

For Fans Of: Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy x Neil Young, Bob/Tom/Lou/Leanord/Townes.

Ladytron

Gravity the Seducer

(Nettwerk Music Group)

Sounds Like: The Liverpool, England-born electro quartet turns their back on pop altogether on their newest and most boring, exploring atmospherics, moods and our patience.

Free Association: NOT the band that gave us “Destroy Everything”; no dancing here.

For Fans Of: Brian Eno x Cut Copy + Stereolab/New Order, disappointing naps.

Asa