Shutting Down...

Due to the lack of readership, I'm shutting the blog down. Sorry to those few who loved it.

The XYZ Affair - A Few More Published Studies

Wow. Just wow.

Okay I'll elaborate. It's amazing that The XYZ Affair reminds me of another band with an 'X' name, Xiu Xiu, at least in the vocals and harmonies. The musical production is a little more along the lines of typical indie rock, but can surprise you too.

Highly Recommended

Super Furry Animals - Rings Around The World

I'd promised before that I'd continue to pursue Super Furry Animals...and it's paid off. Not only do I swoon at this album, Rings Around The World, but I'm understanding the brilliance of Hey Venus! as well.

Check 'em out. They really chill you out.

Highly Recommended

The Aimless Never Miss - s/t

This album was a guess download from emusic.com. Just downloaded it cause I wanted something new, and it sounded alright. They've got a mid-to-late 90s emo sound similar to Sunny Day Real Estate. I've really enjoyed this record, not too much, but just right. If you're a fan of S.D.R.E, then check it out.

Recommended

The Black Angels - Directions To See A Ghost

I've never gone back-and-forth so much on one band...right now I'm 'back' not 'forth'. The Black Angels have a very specific sound, namely a 60s psychedelica that's similar to The Doors. It's going to remind you of what you'd think about in terms of music and Vietnam. If you like that sound, definitely check the band out. I think I just get too burned out on them too quickly. And for me, it's a similar sound to Clinic, who do it much better.

Try It

The Thermals - The Body, The Blood, The Machine

This album is so freakin' awesome. When I first downloaded it, I listened to it every day for 2 weeks straight. "St. Rosa and the Swallows" is incredible, as is "I Might Need You To Kill".

Buy it now if you like the indie punk genre.

Highly Recommended

Glasvegas - s/t

Had my doubts about this one before even listening to it. I had presupposed in my mind that it was another large-sounding indie band that's really just boring and more boring (see British Sea Power's Do You Like Rock Music?).

I was wrong. It's a great album of straight-up indie rock from Scotland. There's enough variety on the album that it's not going to get swept away anytime soon.

(p.s. For other awesome Scottish indie bands, please listen to The Twilight Sad and Frightened Rabbit, both super-excellent).

Highly Recommended

Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion

It's amazing how consistently brilliant Animal Collective is. It took me quite some time to understand their greatness, but now they're probably my favorite modern band.

Merriweather Post Pavilion is phenomenal, probably not as much as Strawberry Jam was, but phenomenal nonetheless.

"My Girls" is probably an early Song of the Year favorite. "Summertime Clothes" is a strong track as well.

I'm thoroughly enjoying this album. You can stream it for free at Domino Records' Australian myspace page.

So Highly Recommended It Hurts To Smile

The Constantines - Kensington Heights

I didn't think much of The Constantines' previous two albums, though they were critically lauded. This release shows The Constantines a little more consistent and a little more polished. "Hard Feelings" is a classic opener for the album. "Time Can Be Overcome" is genuine, heart-felt. The whole album reminds me of what Bruce Springsteen would sound like if he was in his 20s right now. Good stuff, for sure.

Recommended

Friendly Fires - S/T

Ok, so this one was a huge surprise! I initially downloaded it from eMusic because I wanted something I was unfamiliar with and something with a bouncy, dance sound. I fired the album up and listened to "Jump In The Pool" which immediately hooked me. Then, I was let down for the next 9 songs, non of which sounded all that similar to the opener. However, with each listen I've come to actually determine how brilliant the album is. The great trifecta of "White Diamonds", "Strobe" and "On Board", the latter of which is equally as engaging as "Jump In The Pool", really gives the record a huge boost into the late half of the album. "Lovesick" and "Skeleton Boy" are fabulous.

Of course, now you're starting to see them pop up everywhere. To quote "On Board", 'everyone's climbing on board'!

Can't Recommend It Enough

Muse - Black Holes & Revelations

This album actually took 3 separate purchases to grow on me (i.e. bought it, listened to it once or twice, hated it, sold it; repeat previous; bought 3rd time, loved it). Songs like "Starlight", "Knights of Cydonia", "Map of the Problematique" and "Take A Bow" really hooked me. Those 4 are fabulous songs that I could listen to over and over.

Unfortunately, for me, there are many giant mis-steps on the album. "Invincible" is pretty much un-listenable for me. As is "Soldier's Poem" and "Hoodoo". "Assassin" is a little better.

And then there are the forgettable-but-not-terrible songs like "Exo-Politics" and "City of Delusion".

Ultimately, the 4 great songs are enough for me to keep the album around. Luckily, Muse has released a live album, H.A.A.R.P., that's super-great and has all their hits spanning their 4 studio albums. I find myself hitting that album (or Absolution) more often if I need my Muse fix.

Barely Recommended

Bob Dylan - Blonde On Blonde

After listening to Nashville Skyline, which left a sour taste in my mouth, I had to listen to Bob doing Bob good. So I plugged in Blonde On Blonde this morning, and while it isn't my favorite Bob Dylan record, it's a great ride to take.

"Rainy Day Women #12 & 35" is one of the more popular songs for obvious reasons, but it's also the only track on the album I don't particularly like. But that's okay because it's not long before we run into pure greatness with "Visions of Johanna" and "One Of Us Must Know" and the top track, "Stuck Inside Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again".

Recommended

Bob Dylan - Nashville Skyline

Not my favorite Dylan album, but every once in a while I'll pull it out just to make sure it's not growing on me.

The new version of "Girl From the North Country" is terrible (in my opinion) even with the guest vocals of Johnny Cash.

The album really doesn't get good til...well, it really doesn't get that good. "Lay, Lady, Lay" is so pretentious that it seems out of the ordinary for a Bob Dylan song. In fact, the whole album feels unnatural. It sounds like one of the albums that you make for fun, but never to release. I'm sure there are fans of the album, and while I respect their opinion, I have trouble getting behind this release.

Skip It

Bruce Springsteen - Nebraska

Sparse blogging the last day or so. I've taken some time away from music to catch up on some other things. But my music fast was broken with arguably (IMO) The Boss' best album, Nebraska. It's a stripped down, acoustic album that's reminiscent of early 70s Bob Dylan records. I love every single minute of it. And you will too.

Highly recommended

Queensryche - Empire

This is one of my favorite 80s metal albums. Die-hard Queensryche fans seem to feel this is a mediocre album, though, with it being worthwhile only for the greatness of "Silent Lucidity". I disagree. This is their finest work. It starts with the haunting female chants and creepy keyboard staccatos on "Best I Can" and continues with solid metal until the end.

Love it.

Highly Recommended

The Raconteurs - Consolers Of The Lonely

The first The Raconteurs album, Broken Boy Soldiers, flirted a little too much with the generic garage rock line for my tastes. However, their second release Consolers Of The Lonely is exactly what you'd expect from Jack White...a solid bluesy-rock experience. With 14 solid songs, this album never grows tiresome or repetitive.

Highly Recommended

Wintersleep - Welcome To The Night Sky

This album surprised the hell outta me. If I did a Best Albums of 2008 list, it'd definitely be in the Top 5. I saw them live opening for Wolf Parade (amazing) a couple of months ago, but really didn't enjoy them much. However, now hearing the album, I've done a 180 and become a huge fan. "Archaeologists" and "Weighty Ghost" and "Dead Letter & The Infinite Yes" are all quality, with the latter-most being one of my favorite songs of the past year.

I can't recommend this album enough. I've tried to think of good comparisons but it's tough. They're more reminiscent of early 2000s and late 90s indie bands like Pavement and My Bloody Valentine (but then again, everybody is compared to those two). But there's a significant amount of Broken Social Scene in Wintersleep, too.

So Freakin' Highly Recommended

David Bowie - Aladdin Sane

Two words: Flaw...less

It's no secret David Bowie is my favorite artist, so the fact that I would state this album is legendary is probably a bit extraneous.

Buy it now.

The Mars Volta - Deloused In The Comatorium

I'm hard-pressed to think of a band more consistent than The Mars Volta. Deloused In The Comatorium is their first album and a lot of fans' favorite. It's a great way to introduce yourself to the band before they get a little more funky with each successive release. (On a side note, my personal favorite Mars Volta album is their latest The Bedlam in Goliath. For a bit of interesting reading, google interviews with the band about the making of the album...two words: Oujia Board).

I love The Mars Volta's sound. It's Prog-Metal, but also psychedelic. The vocals seems to be a love or hate it thing. I've heard several critics refer to their harmonies as too electronic sounding, but I think that's one of the dozen things that makes them unique.

Highly Recommended

Bruce Springsteen - Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J.

Gotta love The Boss, eh? This was his debut album, but far from his finest (ahem, The River). There are standouts, "Blinded By The Light" and "Lost In The Flood", but beyond that everything else is just standard Bruce. Nevertheless, you have to admit he's consistent with passion and honesty throughout the album. That's very appealing. I enjoy this album greatly. However, to start out your familiarity with The Boss, I recommend "The Wild, The Innocent, the E Street Shuffle".

Recommended

Phosphorescent - Pride

So, I'm in a folky mood. So I decided to pop in Phosphorescent's Pride. I'm quickly reminded how beautiful this record is. "Wolves" is a song that never, ever gets old. It seems the sloppy-yet-crisp (somehow) guitar work, the imagery-laden lyrics, the smoky-rundown vocals all combine to an incredible, unique experience.

I cannot recommend this album enough!!!!

F**ked Up - The Chemistry Of Common Life

Move over, Les Savy Fav, there's a new hard-rock/punk indie band in town, F**ked Up!!! This is a great album all-around. The highlight for me was "Black Albino Bones". If you like Les Savy Fav, you'll flip over this record. There's good reason why it ended up on so many 2008 Best Of lists.

Highly Recommended

BSS Presents: Brendan Canning - Something For All Of Us

Trying to figure out the beautiful mess that is Broken Social Scene? I had a hard time seeing why BSS was so universally lauded, but then I realized I loved all the respective members releases...Feist, Kevin Drew, and this album by Brendan Canning. It's like I had to know intimately what each of the members bring to BSS before I could understand the band as a whole.

Well, back to focus on the album in question. Brendan Canning's contribution to the indie music world is very, very welcome and appreciated. It's easily accessible and more poppy than Kevin Drew's equally amazing latest record. From the opening track "Something For All of Us" to "Churches Under the Stairs", this record keeps me on my toes. The funky bass-line of "Love Is New" comes at the perfect moment to remind you that you're listening to something special.

Although, this release isn't a world shocker, it's a fabulous, consistent album.

Very Highly Recommended

Anathallo - Canopy Glow

I've listened to this album 3 times now since I've downloaded it. Their previous release Floating World was intriguing with a percussion-driven intimate sound. Canopy Glow is more polished, but has lost the percussion-driven sound that made them unique. I don't get it.

Bjork - Volta

I'm a weird Bjork fan. I love her sound, but I find myself having trouble lasting through an entire album. That said, Volta is my favorite of her's. The opening duo of tracks is haunting and spooky. Beyond that, I find myself wondering how I got to track 8 without remembering that I listened to the previous 5. It runs together a little bit, but when you have a unique sound, that sometimes happens.

Almost Recommendable

The Beatles - Revolver

The Beatles. Everybody knows they're great, legendary, the best ever.

Now, Revolver. Revolver is generally considered to be The Beatles' finest work among the Britain fandom, while Sgt. Pepper's is generally agreed upon in America as being their best. To me, Revolver falls as a below-average Beatles record (but of course, still near-flawless). John Lennon's vocals start to be strained and too nasal-y, but Paul sounds great (and I'm a John guy).

"Eleanor Rigby" is the huge bullet-point on the record for me. Followed later by "Good Day Sunshine" and "And Your Bird Can Sing", and finishing with a perfect "Tomorrow Never Knows". The rest of the album falls into Beatles-mediocrity though (still legendary :>).

I don't understand the preference of the album over Let It Be or The White Album. Perhaps, it's simply because it's not as eclectic as Sgt. Pepper's and flows better than The White Album. Either way, do I need to tag it "So Freaking Higly Recommended?". Just know, not everyone thinks it's at the top of The Beatles' work.

Sigur Ros - Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust

This is a major shift for Sigur Ros in sound, and like most major shifts, the fans are going to fall into two categories: (1) I LOVE IT!!!! or (2) it's not their best, but hey, it's Sigur Ros.

I fall squarely into category 2. I really don't love the album, but it's not terrible. It's a solid release. But if you're new to Sigur Ros, start with Takk or Agaetis Byrjun.

This album has lost the shoegaze quality in favor of a more acoustic sound, which is interesting. I will say this, the sounds they get from their instruments is amazing, life-like, organic. The opening chords of the first track make you want to cry because they're so pure sounding. So my thought is this: the album is enjoyable, but not their best, in my opinion.

Recommended

The Tallest Man On Earth - Shallow Graves

Driving around yesterday in the beautiful weather, I hit random on my iPod and up came The Tallest Man On Earth's Shallow Graves. What a perfect selection from The Great Random Machine! There's something about stripped-down folk music that complements the beauty of creation.

As for the album, it's solid. The opening 3 tracks are sure-fire ear-pleasers. The album does fade a bit from there on out, but there are still some awesome tracks towards the end like "The Blizzard's Never Seen the Ocean Sand." If you like Iron & Wine, Phosphorescent, Bon Iver or The Acorn, check it out.

Highly Recommended

Billy Joel - Glass Houses

After many albums of sheer greatness, Billy Joel served up this 7th album in 1980, and it may be my favorite of his. "It's Still Rock and Roll To Me" and "Don't Ask Me Why" are legendary songs. This is a pretty good album to start with if you've never gotten into Billy Joel.

Highly Recommended

The Who - Quadrophenia

I'm an emotional fan of The Who. Sometimes I like them, some times I think I'll never listen to them again. That said, they're a Top 10 Greatest Rock Band of All Time, no doubt. The issue is that they've been a popular band to draw songs from to use in the media, movies and TV Shows recently. So they've been over-exposed...at least to me.

Quadrophenia, though, is my favorite The Who album. You'll recognize "The Real Me" and "The Punk and The Godfather". Those two songs are the backbone of the record and they're like diamonds. The bluesy "I'm One" is a big draw for me too.

If you're unfamiliar with The Who (other than 'My Generation' and 'Baba O'Riley', who hasn't heard those two songs), you'll probably want to start with Who's Next?. Just know that there's some out there that much prefer Quadrophenia

Very Highly Recommended

The Ramones - Leave Home

"Leave Home" is The Ramones sophomore album and part of The Ramones initial 5 studio album streak of incredible albums. "Leave Home" becomes a little more polished than their debut self-titled release though many still prefer the first album (probably a nostalgic thing more than anything). Tracks like "Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment" and "California Sun" and "Commando" you've probably heard, and for good reason. But it's "Suzy Is A Headbanger" that I lean on for this album.

If you haven't checked out The Ramones (and why not, I mean they're all over Rock Band so I'm guessing you're at least familiar with "Blitzkrieg Bop"), you absolutely should. The music turns any time into a good time (Suntory time? - if you don't get that, google it, you'll thank me). It makes you feel a little 'bad', but not too bad, just a little mischief.

Highly Recommended

Ladyhawke - Ladyhawke

Wow!!! What a way to start a morning. This is my first listen to Ladyhawke's self-titled album and I must say I'm enjoying it greatly. They have an electronic-dance sound, but it's a little less electronica than other dance records. It reminds me of Ladytron. 'Manipulating Women' is a very fine song to get stuck in your head.

It's even got some awesome Van Halen "Jump"-style keyboards to lead off 'Back of the Van'. Brought tears to my eye.

Very Highly Recommended

Andrew Bird - Noble Beast

I'm now streaming Andrew Bird's newest release out January 20, 2009, "Noble Beast". It's what you'd expect from Andrew Bird. Nothing shocking; same ol' formula, but it's a formula that works! And the album is just as incredible as his previous two. I'm loving it.

So Freakin' Highly Recommended!!!

The Rural Alberta Advantage - Hometowns

This band has been quietly appearing on several "Top Albums of 2008" lists. So I had to hear it. There have been comparisons to Neutral Milk Hotel, and while I do hear the similarities in the rawness and acoustic sound, as well as the nasal-y vocals, I more readily hear a similar sound to Immaculate Machine or Manchester Orchestra or Dear and the Headlights (barely on the latter). I think anyone going into the album thinking they're going to hear Neutral Milk Hotel re-born is going to be disappointed.

That said, for it being on a few end-of-year top 10 lists, I am disappointed. There is an appeal here, though. I do see promise in future records, but for me, the album's a bit too shallow. Though the energy in cuts like 'Drain The Blood' lead me to believe that the album will grow on me, but probably a limited growth. I don't foresee mentioning the band to friends to check out, but I can't rule it out.

If you like the unpolished, raw, messy, acoustic sound, check 'em out. Moderately Recommended

Super Furry Animals - Hey Venus!

I'm now home and in front of my computer, working on translating some old documents, and I decided to turn on Super Furry Animal's "Hey Venus!". It's their latest release, and I must admit that I'm not as familiar with them as I should be. However, I had heard that they have an indie-psychedelic, kinda-funky sound. Keeping in mind that I've never heard any of their previous records, I found little in that description to be true. I hear a very folky, British 60s sound. No psychedelica or funk to it. Very folky structure. And to be honest, the album is likable, but grows a little mundane, like something you've heard before...not that fresh.

I'd put my recommendation at 'check it out if you're looking for something new, but don't expect to be blown away'.

In the coming weeks I'll visit with each of their previous albums (thanks, emusic.com!). And perhaps my opinions will change.

The Notwist - The Devil, You + Me

Howdy all! Thanks for joining on this inaugural post. Let's skip the pleasantries though and move into the content.

On the way back from Cleburne to Dallas this morning, I hit random on my iPod and up came The Notwist's "The Devil, You + Me". This was an album (and artist) that initially after the first listen, I passed on, but this time I heard something different. I heard little reminders of Radiohead in the music, and I also heard snippets of a more current folk, singer/songwriter sound. The mix of the two was beautiful.

I highly encourage a listening session for this album. Highly Recommended

On a related note, is it pronounced 'nah-twist', 'no-twist', or 'not-twist'?