Ray Raposa bka Castanets moved to Portland recently, presumably so he could be surrounded by perpetual greyness and write many, many more sadsack jams. When we last spoke to him, he had been living alone in the desert in Nevada, recording some of the most desolate and dusty songs we've ever heard. Although it comes from a newer album, "My Heart" sounds similar, but Raposa's voice sounds more ragged than ever, like the syllables are climbing from his throat right up into his nose. Basically the music is meant for bleak times, when you're feeling bad and not really trying to feel better. So if you're ready for some of those (and who isn't!), definitely pick up Texas Rose, The Thaw and The Beasts (via MBV)
