New Feature: Review Haiku (With New Music From Hotel Hotel, High Places, and Lou Reed)

(High Places)

So, readers, this is a new idea for a feature that I've been kicking around in my head over the weekend, tackling new music with a form of poetry that most of us haven't used since we first learned it (not that I want to presume about MFR readers' haiku usage). This is the first installment, and with it comes brand new music from Brooklyn-based alt-country practitioners Motel Motel; Candian synth songstress Kellarissa; ethereal world-pop duo High Places; the legendary Lou Reed, with a live rendition of a classic track; UK neo-soulsters Magistrates; and The Present (AKA Animal Collective producer Rusty Santos). Hope you enjoy!

1. Motel Motel - "Coffee"
Download: Motel Motel - "Coffee"

Pub-crawl roots-rock plays
tension well, but the Eyes of
the Bright still glare.

Grade: B

2. High Places - "From Stardust To Sentience"

Download: High Places - "From Stardust To Sentience"

Shine, shimmer, and skip, on
Worldly pop transcending
place and melody.

Grade: A-

3. Kellarissa - "Flamingo"

Download: Kellarissa - "Flamingo"

Charming synth-based pop
Music, bare but rich in reverb
and keys proves passable

Grade: B

4. Magistrates - "Make This Work"

Download: Magistrates - "Make This Work"

Prince as New York new
wave with synth sensuality;
blue-eyed soulful sometimes

Grade: B-

5. Lou Reed - "Caroline Says" (Part Two)

Download: Lou Reed - "Caroline Says" (Part Two)

Sing-speak master revisits
past glories and finds renewed,
mournful poignance.

Grade: A

6. The Present - "World I See"

Download: The Present - "World I See"

Down the sonic rabbit hole
goes the producer; Animal
Collectives make more sense.

Grade: B+

(Jonathan Graef)