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Tuesday, January 06, 2009
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Various Artists - Sub Pop 300 (Mojo)
Twenty years after Sub Pop 200, Mojo continues the series with a reflection of all things Sub Pop. It begins with classics from Green River and Mudhoney, then shifts to oft-overlooked '90s bands like Tad and The Afghan Whigs. Then it goes crazy, making a bee-line for today's hit-makers Iron & Wine, The Postal Service (you'll NEVER guess which song!) and The Shins. With twenty-five minutes of unused disc space, it seems loopy to leave out Beat Happening, Soundgarden, Hazel, Nirvana, Dwarves...etc...etc...etc...
- cormac
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Released 08.26.2008
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Monday, January 05, 2009
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Thieves Like Us - Play Music (Sea You) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Comprised of material that's been floating about since 2006, Play Music is the first official LP by the well-traveled Thieves Like Us. So adept at songwriting are Thieves Like Us that they create an impressionistic brand of electronic pop, where what's presented is minimal enough to allow the listener to layer imagined elements as the songs play. "Your Heart Feels" and "Drugs in My Body" are the most fully realized, but all nine others will pull you in when least expected.
- paul
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Released 11.11.2008
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Tuesday, December 23, 2008
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The Vince Noir Project (12 Stone) [audio]
With their name nicked from The Mighty Boosh, I knew ahead of time The Vince Noir Project was going to be a little bit camp and a lot of fun. This Filipino quintet has an ever-present lounge quality, but isn't timid about incorporating guitars and electronic elements into every song they've got. Bouncing between straightforward pop and dark Euro grooves with spoken vocals, the album is more like a multi-artist compilation than the work of a single band—but it works.
- paul
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Released 09.30.2008
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Monday, December 22, 2008
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High Places (Thrill Jockey) [audio] [upcoming shows]
I just don't get this cd. I've given it three months to reveal its charms, but each time it plays I only hear "we're making art, aren't we cute" coming back at me. No, High Places, you aren't cute. Your music blows. If I didn't know you were a couple of art fucks from Brooklyn, I'd swear these were field recordings from a neo-hippie commune sing-a-long in rural Saskatchewan. At least if that were true, there'd be an interesting backstory for this crap.
- paul
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Released 09.23.2008
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Thursday, December 18, 2008
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Dir En Grey - Uroboros (The End) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Dir En Grey's band members opted to write songs independently before beginning the recording process for Uroboros. The result is a creatively diverse collection of songs which sounds unlike their previous releases. The music is grounded in metal, but incorporates very different textures that range from funk to oriental and from raging to serene. These songs are combined to form a surprisingly cohesive album, which I think is one of best metal offerings of the year.
- j.p.
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Released 11.11.2008
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Wednesday, December 17, 2008
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Cat Power - Dark End of the Street EP (Matador) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Chan Marshall's marriage to an idealized Memphis sound has been a rocky one, wherein she steals the best of it and it, in return, steals the best of her. Neither partner comes out a winner. The fact that the songs on Dark End of the Street were scratched from Jukebox speaks to their supreme dullness; a shame, considering the singer and the source material. This is nothing but a missed opportunity.
- paul
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Released 12.09.2008
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Tuesday, December 16, 2008
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The Cure - 4:13 Dream (Geffen) [audio] [upcoming shows]
If you've had the misfortune of remaining a Cure fan in the years since Wish was released, you've been rewarded with disappointment after disappointment (something that comes with the territory, surely). But now, at last, Fat Bob and the reunited line-up from the late '80s are back with an album that's surprisingly light; comprised of short, upbeat songs and basic arrangements that sound like the singles of old. Modern production traps aside, this is almost as good a record as they used to make.
- paul
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Released 10.28.2008
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Monday, December 15, 2008
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The Whore Moans - Hello from the Radio Wasteland! (Mt. Fuji)
[audio] [upcoming shows]
Touches of early Rocket from the Crypt and heavy garage rock, but even the blasts of punk rock morph into songs of three to five minutes in length with plenty of transitions. The vocals remind me of Rick Sims, Lux Interior or The Blood Brothers and, while I can't always understand the singers, I am pretty sure they're pissed off about a lot of things. To further surprise me, this ended on an acoustic guitar number that would make Conor Oberst proud. One note: X's lawyers may want to contact them regarding the track "No Soul."
- mark
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Due out 01.27.2009
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Friday, December 12, 2008
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Future Islands - Wave Like Home (Upset the Rhythm) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Wave Like Home is what it might sound like if Wire took on Judas Priest's British Steel, but instead of guitars used Jan Hammer's Miami Vice synthesizers and found a guy who sometimes sounds a little like David Byrne and, at others, a little like Accept's Udo Dirkschneider to sing. And, at the end, threw in a sweet soul tune like "Little Dreamer" which could've just as easily been sung by Sam Cooke as it could these guys. In short, this is exquisite chaos.
- paul
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Released 09.02.2008
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Thursday, December 11, 2008
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The Smiths - The Sound of The Smiths: Deluxe Edition (Rhino)
In the 1980s, The Smiths introduced the punk kids to goth, the goth kids to pop, and the pop kids to something called indie rock. Twenty-five years later, The Sound of The Smiths is here to introduce anyone still out of the loop to one of the greatest bands of all time. This retrospective includes the best from the studio plus the requisite demos, alternate versions, and live tracks. Not quite a box set, but a fantastic start for newbies and a welcome companion for long time fans.
- cormac
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Released 10.07.2008
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Wednesday, December 10, 2008
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Christina Aguilera - Keeps Gettin' Better: A Decade of Hits (RCA) [audio] [upcoming shows]
She was once a Britney-come-lately, but ten years later she's got a body of work that's way better than you probably remember it being. "Dirrty" especially holds up, but hardly seems as scandalous now that she's a happily married and normal mother. The best part of this compilation, though? New stuff. Reinvented versions of "Genie" and "Beautiful" showcase an icy new Goldfrapp-inspired direction, spilling into "Keeps Gettin' Better" and "Dynamite." Her next record is suddenly, unexpectedly, aniticipated...by me.
- paul
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Released 11.11.2008
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Tuesday, December 09, 2008
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Wavves (Woodsist) [audio] [upcoming shows]
I take a left turn every now and then just to see what's what in the lower-than-lo-fi music world, and I usually come back glad I did. Wavves is a one-man hit-making machine from San Diego named Nathan Williams with a knack for quick, unorthodox pop rock like Jay Reatard or Times New Viking. I realize this stuff isn't for everyone, but if you're willing to embrace the harsh recording style and dig into the songs themselves, this album is loaded with earworms from beginning to end.
- paul
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Released 11.25.2008
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Monday, December 08, 2008
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The Heligoats - The End of All-Purpose EP (Greyday) [audio] [upcoming shows]
As the singer for Troubled Hubble, Chris Otepka released his free association lyrics into catchy pop punk tunes with great success and seemingly zero effort. Since their breakup, he has been busy crafting just a few songs for the release of his latest EP under his pen name The Heligoats. The sound has shifted from pop to a mysterious, absurd, epic, and (at times) wonderful collection of songs that has grabbed my attention and left me absolutely longing for the upcoming full length.
- cormac
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Released 10.28.2008
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Thursday, December 04, 2008
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The Mountain Goats - Satanic Messiah EP (self released) [download] [upcoming shows]
John Darnielle's catalogue is so deep that there's room for hits and misses alike. Satanic Messiah definitely falls into the former category; a work of unusual subtlety based in large part on the piano and Darnielle's thin but sure voice. Only "Wizard Buys a Hat" broadens the instrumental palette, but not to the detriment of EP's overall mood. This is something of a high water mark among short-form Mountain Goats releases, consistent and dedicated to a narrative that's open to your wildest interpretation.
- paul
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Released 10.14.2008
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Wednesday, December 03, 2008
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Lou Reed - Berlin Live at St. Ann's Warehouse (Matador) [audio]
This is the soundtrack to the Berlin concert film, recorded over four days in 2006 with Antony, Rob Wassermann and many other guests. Originally released in 1973, Lou Reed's Berlin had the unfortunate timing to be following up the massive arena rock hit Transformer and disappeared quietly before being rediscovered by critics. This was the first time Reed performed the album live in it's entirety and adds "Sweet Jane" and "Candy Says" as encores. Not only is the recording quality crisp and raw, but Reed sounds amazing.
- mark
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Released 11.04.2008
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Monday, December 01, 2008
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Sukpatch - Light's End... Love's Swell EP (Heartphone) [download]
Sukpatch were so prolific throughout the '90s that it's hard to believe this is only the second artifact to emerge from their weirdpop science lab in the last eight years. "Lover Lay Down" is the best (and probably only) reggae/shoegazer anthem you've ever heard, and "If You Want Me to Stay" has a great walking tempo to compliment its gruesome tale. You could play your Ween and Jesus & Mary Chain records at the same time for a similar effect, but listening to Sukpatch is easier (and more rewarding).
- paul
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Released 11.11.2008
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Friday, November 28, 2008
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Songs EP (Popfrenzy) [audio] [upcoming shows]
The kick-off track "KC's in Trouble" is the finest two and a half minutes of bouncing indie-pop I've heard in longer than I care to remember. In fact, this all-too-brief ep from Australia's Songs seems at odds with lots of modern-day music. There are no weird Turkish instruments or ironic samples or looped beats; just guitars and drums and bass and straightforward vocals creating songs (wise move on that band name, then). Like fellow southern hemisphere greats The Chills or The Go-Betweens, Songs are doing everything right.
- paul
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Released 06.03.2008
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Thursday, November 27, 2008
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Maximilian Hecker - One Day (Pastel Music) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Since Infinite Love Songs was released in 2001, poor Maximilian Hecker has been chasing his tail trying to live up to what was a spectacular debut. He continues working in pretty much the same vein—hushed vocals and relaxed soft-rock arrangements—but without ever again reaching that high mark. One Day, his fifth album, is unfortunately just another missed opportunity to reinvent himself, because now he's tumbling ever closer to the antiseptic adult-contempo hell he astutely dodged early on.
- paul
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Released 11.04.2008
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Wednesday, November 26, 2008
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Death Vessel - Nothing is Precious Enough for Us (Sub Pop) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Joel Thibodeau, alias Death Vessel, has one of the most haunting, beautiful voices in today's folk scene. He brings his unique and mysterious arrangements to life on Nothing is Precious Enough for Us, his second full length produced by the ever-talented Pete Donnelly. At times his music is fun and poppy, at others slow and mournful. Together his songs create an overwhelmingly enchanting, lovely, and peculiar atmosphere that makes this album one of the best of 2008.
- cormac
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Released 08.19.2008
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Tuesday, November 25, 2008
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Guns N' Roses - Chinese Democracy (Interscope) [audio]
After hearing the title track from Chinese Democracy, I was hopeful that this album might live up to the hype. Instead, the bulk of the album is mired in over-produced unapologetically long songs with somewhat sterile arrangements and musicianship. Axl Rose's vocal performance sounds great but fails to make up for the constipated arrangements. The funky song "If the World" is one of the more likable tracks, though it oddly sounds a bit like Jamiroquai. I wanted Appetite for Destruction, not Travelling Without Moving.
- j.p.
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Released 11.23.2008
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Guns N' Roses - Chinese Democracy (Interscope) [audio]
I really wish this day had never come, to be honest. Chinese Democracy was a much better album when it was still the music playing in Axl's head and none of the rest of us had heard it. But as it is, Chinese Democracy is an audio diary of what he's been doing since way back when and little more. Nothing here was worth waiting a year for, much less 17 of them. Furthermore, Guns N' Roses without Slash, Duff and Izzy is not really Guns N' Roses at all. It's something else. Something very bad.
- paul
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Released 11.23.2008
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Monday, November 24, 2008
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The Rosebuds - Life Like (Merge) [audio] [upcoming shows]
The Rosebuds' sound is initially one of monotony, yet there is an inscrutable quality to their dreamy indie rock that reels you in and demands repeated listens. For Life Like, it's these repeated exposures that are necessary in order to bring out all the textures that the duo's fourth album has to offer. The bouncy square-dance feel of "Bow to the Middle", the post-punk synth of "Border Guards", and the folky campfire singalong feel of "Nice Fox" blend together to make a truly enjoyable album.
- cormac
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Released 10.07.2008
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Friday, November 21, 2008
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Unbunny - Sensory Underload: Uncertain Tracks 1996-2008 (Hidden Agenda) [audio] [upcoming shows]
This collection of rare and unreleased recordings featuring acoustic, lo-fi arrangements and fragile double-tracked vocals in the vein of Daniel Johnston or Doug Martsch. This amount of self loathing hasn't been heard since the suicide days of Lou Barlow. Still a fraud, a fake, self absorbed, can't be trusted, way off track, gave chances back, scared, quick to judge, slow to change—and that's just one song. Shit, dude. Sit back and take a sip out of your pimp cup, because these are great songs.
- mark
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Released 10.28.2008
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Thursday, November 20, 2008
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Bohren & Der Club of Gore - Dolores (Ipecac) [audio] [upcoming shows]
At its core Dolores is a dark and brooding jazz album infused with elements of ambient and electronic music. Moving at a slow and purposeful pace, the music has a simple yet elegant beauty. This is a great album to listen to while sitting on a leather chair in a darkened room and drinking a glass of single malt. The music hangs in the air like smoke that is waiting to enlighten you, or to snuff you out.
- j.p.
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Released 11.04.2008
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Wednesday, November 19, 2008
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Palodine - Garden of Deceit (Tarnished) [audio] [upcoming shows]
I should have lined this up to run on Halloween. Palomine has followed up their debut with another round of spooky gothic indie folk. You've got scars, graves, Cain running amok, and drowned bodies "floating naked and bloated." Yippee! Katrina Whitney's hypnotic voice, against layers of Michael Aryn's ominous guitars, conjures the atmosphere of an Edgar Allen Poe story. They'd do well on a double bill with The National Lights.
- meredith
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Released 03.25.2008
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Tuesday, November 18, 2008
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The Decemberists - Always the Bridesmaid: A Singles Series (self released) [audio] [upcoming shows]
The Decemberists are getting better with age, and it's the new material that is sounding more young and fun than ever before. In a three-part singles series, the gang is still offering their trademark melancholy beauty on songs like "Record Year" and "Raincoat Song", but also including a handful of dancey tunes like "Days of Elaine" and a version of The Velvet Underground's "I'm Sticking With You". The standout track might be "Valerie Plame", a song for the outed spy that's potentially as catchy as "16 Military Wives".
- cormac
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Released 10.14.2008
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Monday, November 17, 2008
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Kasms - Taxidermy 7" (Trouble) [audio] [upcoming shows]
If this were any hotter, the vinyl it's pressed on would liquify. "Taxidermy" pulls in equal measure from the uninhibited, paint-peeling wail of Bikini Kill and the menace of early Siouxsie & The Banshees—doom and gloom at its essence. "Elevator" and "Siren Sister" are likewise dark in nature, but dispense with the punk and aim at the "post" in post-punk. What Kasms would do with an entire LP remains to be seen, but this single indicates very good things are to come.
- paul
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Released 08.05.2008
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Friday, November 14, 2008
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Various Artists - Rachel Getting Married Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Lakeshore) [audio]
I can only imagine how the music might be used in the story without having seen the movie, but it's an eclectic mix; many incidentals anchored by more complete songs, evenly splitting the running order. Robyn Hitchcock's two new originals rank with the best of his recent work. Sister Carol East provides a reggae bounce with "Dread Natty Congo". The best thing here, though, is the opener. TV on the Radio's Tunde Adibimpe (also a cast member) sings Neil Young's "Unknown Legend" a cappella, and it gives me a shiver.
- sam
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Released 11.11.2008
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Thursday, November 13, 2008
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Tunnels to Holland EP (self released) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Listening to the self-titled EP from New Jersey band Tunnels to Holland is like going on a journey. Their style is like a roadmap of everything that is great about American rock & roll music. This stuff just oozes cool. Comparisons can be made to the music of The Doors, but listen more closely to hear inspiration from Tom Waits, Lou Reed, and more. But don't be fooled into thinking this is some sort of retro trip. This band is taking you somewhere new.
- j.p.
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Released 10.21.2008
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Wednesday, November 12, 2008
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Dar Williams - Promised Land (Razor & Tie) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Dar Williams' music is a peaceful explosion of melodic folk americana. She has mastered melody with her alluring voice and continues over the years to entertain with her thoughtful lyrics. Dar's songs are like charming mini-stories, exploring topics such as relationships, aging, and the ups and downs of human nature while encouraging you to hum along. In "Buzzer", Dar draws parallels between daily life and a social psychology experiment of obedience and authority, and simultaneously delivers one of the catchiest melodies of the fall.
- cormac
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Released 09.09.2008
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Tuesday, November 11, 2008
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Ralph Myerz - Ralphorama! (Beatservice) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Ralphorama! reaches a height often unparalleled; a hip-hop/space age funk/disco tour de force that rolls on for an amazing twenty tracks without ever once spreading itself thin. Producer Ralph Myerz cooks beats thick and extraordinarily musical. But like most producer/performer albums, it's all about the cameos—and there are more cameos on Ralphorama! than a Jay-Z & Beyoncé Christmas Special. Notably, Devin the Dude and Talib Kweli deliver while Karin Park's Björk-like performance steals the show.
- paul
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Released 11.04.2008
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Monday, November 10, 2008
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Peter Bjorn and John - Seaside Rock (Almost Gold) [audio] [upcoming shows]
This is one of those things that bands do. It's fine for jazz musicians, but why do indie rock bands even bother? I assume even good bands make mistakes. Mercury Rev did it this year with Strange Attractor. Is there a market for this? Can diehard fans, even impassioned geeky music snobs, honestly claim to give these albums repeated listens? Is it the band's initial concept for the album, or just a convenient packaging of scrapped and unfinished material? Why, oh why, do good rock bands put out instrumental albums?
- cormac
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Released 09.23.2008
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