10. Swan Lake - Beast Moans
What amazes about this record is the textures, and what these three managed to do and what they chose not to do with them. What originally feels underdeveloped eventually proves to be beautifully ragged, and while Swan Lake could undoubtedly have written an ear-melting rock record, the guys opted to restrain themselves to make something remarkable. Frustratingly, the album feels like there are unexplored ideas left in the room, but for a 'supergroup' effort, this is about as good as you're likely to find.
9. Junior Boys - So This is Goodbye
Electronic music generally falls into one of a couple of categories - that which is cool and mathematical, and that which is hot-blooded and theatrically sexy. This record impeccably bridges the gap with clinically precise beats but hooks that are anything but sterile. Few groups making this sort of music can make you remember a memory you never had. Here is one that does it flawlessly.
8. Cat Power - The Greatest
Although Chan sounds like her usual nonchalant self, The Greatest strikes you with an emotional immediacy rarely seen in pop music. The songs are alternately funky and crestfallen, forlorn and buoyant, but always heartfelt. This record is mythically gorgeous, and Chan seems destined to be a Siren who enchants everyone but remains tragically, beautifully alone.
7. The Fiery Furnaces - Bitter Tea
True to form, Matt Friedberger packs as many infection melodies in one record as most bands manage in a lifetime. The sprawling epics that made Blueberry Boat so endearing aren't here, but this effort is as focused as any they've put forth, and if not for the fact that you expect this sort of greatness from the Furnaces, this album would be making a lot more noise than it is. By any other name, this Furnaces record smells like an album of the year.
6. Yo La Tengo - I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass
Yo La Tengo have always sounded supremely confident and comfortable, but here, as much as any previous effort, everything truly falls into place. There aren't any missed opportunities to rock or reflect or to do whatever it is that they want to do. The blessing and the curse, as always, of being YLT, is that none of the songs can individually do justice to the whole, and repeated listens are required to fully appreciate this gem.
5. Belle & Sebastian - The Life Pursuit
By far the most thought-out and least rambling album of theirs to date, Belle and Sebastian are able to produce near-perfect pop songs like so many widgets. The difference is that you can feel that each song was crafted with such care. If a band's life is analagous to a human life, Belle and Sebastian have become confident adults and may have just accomplished their life's great work.
4. TV on the Radio - Return to Cookie Mountain
From its stutter-stepping opening to the jazzy closing number, this album never fails to take you in the direction you least expected to go. So many times we hear a song and know where it's going before it goes there. These guys seem to relish experimentation, but it never compromises the substance that underlies each song. There is something to discover with each listen - as proof, check the drum fill in "A Method" that might only be paralleled in modern times by the one featured in "There There". TVOTR fit rather rockin' rhythms into wonderfully abstract arrangements in a way that Brian Wilson would approve.
3. The Flaming Lips - At War With the Mystics
The Lips have done it again, and while the music may not feel as groundbreaking as did the Soft Bulletin, the quality of the songs stands up to anything they've done. Amusing, uplifting, and superbly weird music is in abundance here - the fact that they've done it again is a miracle. From the rollicking, Floydesque "Pompeii am Gotterdammerung" to the robot vocals of "The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song" to the clamorous chorus of...well, every song, no band manages to be so fun and so profoundly good at once.
2. Islands - Return to the Sea
To call this pelagic album a grower would be a gross understatement. Supposedly inspired by Graceland, this screwy odyssey is not nearly as easily placed as that Paul Simon opus. Although the songs unmistakably bear Nick Diamonds' thumbprint, it does not evoke just one style of music. There are enough clean melodies and intricate arrangements to keep this album a repeatedly fresh listen. The grooves are on par with the Unicorns, making this a sublime album that doesn't take itself too seriously, made by one of indie rock's most brilliant artists.
1. Destroyer - Destroyer's Rubies
This album's density comes across first as off-putting and then as challenging and finally as completely engaging. Dan Bejar's nasally vocals and intrepid explorations produce a piece of indie rock gold. There is not a single throwaway here, not one misstep; suggesting that improvements could be made would both miss the point and be audacious - unlike so many cluttered contemporaries, this album sounds exactly the way it's supposed to. From the second listen to the hundredth, this album fascinates rather than confuses - a profound entry in a year so fleeting.
29 December 2006
26 December 2006
Joe's Albums of the Year
9) Belle & Sebastian - The Life Pursuit
It's hard not to like this album. It's easy to listen to, funny, insightful, and, above all else, quality. It may not be the best album of the year, but it's the one that I could play for the widest range of people and know that everybody from Grandma to ultra-snobby law students would enjoy it.
8) The Streets - The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living
Mike Skinner returns with a non-concept album that basically tells the listener how hard it is to be famous. Damn it, I was just telling my accountant the same thing. It just goes to prove that Skinner is in touch with the proletariat. Anyway, while the album lacks the elite tracks of his previous albums, it also lacks the "filler" tracks that always get me reaching for the skip button. Skinner's rapping is significantly improved from his previous works, but the tracks seem less inspired. Still a fun listen.
7) Thom Yorke - The Eraser
Maybe the toughest album of the year to quantify. Yorke provides an interesting, quality album, but it's hard to imagine any of these tracks making it onto a Radiohead record. As the nine tracks play out, Yorke is obviously less confident than any of his previous work to the point that he may have second guessed himself out of creating something truly remarkable.
6) The Flaming Lips - At War With The Mystics
The Flaming Lips may not always hit home runs, but they are never boring and At War With The Mystics certainly confirms that. Yeah Yeah Yeah song and Free Radicals open the albums with a love it or hate it type feel, but as the Lips settle into tracks like Vein of Stars, Mr. Ambulance Driver and The W.A.N.D. Wayne and company prove they have alot more to offer than just weirdness. The Flaming Lips are the most unique song writers in the business.
5) Yo La Tengo - I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass
Easily the most diverse album on this list, ranging from ten minute jam session to three minute pop song to the melancholy "I Feel Like Going Home" within the first four tracks. However, instead of feeling disjointed and forced, Yo La Tengo manage the album gracefully and prove that after twenty years on the scene they still know what indie kids like.
4) Cat Power - The Greatest
This album gained "2006 George Mason basketball"-like momentum as the year came to a close and just kept climbing my list. Numerous listens reveal the intricacies of the Memphis Rhythm Band and the depth of Chan Marshall's lyrics. Chan's ability to involve the listener is what makes this one of the year's best.
3) Band of Horses - Everything All The Time
On the aptly named "The First Song", Band of Horses introduces us to their laid back, instantly likeable blend of alt-country. The album flows along effortlessly until "The Funeral" cripples the listener with its perfect arrangement and touching lyrics. As Everything All The Time continues Band of Horses let their hair down on tracks like "The Great Salt Lake" and "Weed Party", all the time maintaining an emotional link to their listener.
2) Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I Am Not
Not a single note is wasted on this highly hyped debut. The Arctic Monkeys (specifically Alex Turner) take us on a tour of a boring, rundown English town. We see the prostitutes, the strung out kids, the dingy clubs, the awkward run-ins with former one-night stands, the fights and the overall dreariness of non-London England. Along side this expert storytelling, the Monkeys add extremely tight and never dull rock music. An impressive debut.
1) Swan Lake - Beast Moans
In music, as in life, sometimes you just need to be patient. By Memorial day 2006 a few albums stood apart, but nothing screamed "This is the best record of the year". Sure enough the 4th of July came, then Labor Day and still no "Album of the Year". By Thanksgiving I was starting to think that I was going to have to settle. Then, when things looked the blackest, my Prince Charming showed up in the form of a Dan Bejar, Spencer Krug and Carey Mercer collaboration.
This album spends time wandering and exploring, but never loses its sense of desperation. A focused, sincere and interesting album which was unparalleled in 2006.
It's hard not to like this album. It's easy to listen to, funny, insightful, and, above all else, quality. It may not be the best album of the year, but it's the one that I could play for the widest range of people and know that everybody from Grandma to ultra-snobby law students would enjoy it.
8) The Streets - The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living
Mike Skinner returns with a non-concept album that basically tells the listener how hard it is to be famous. Damn it, I was just telling my accountant the same thing. It just goes to prove that Skinner is in touch with the proletariat. Anyway, while the album lacks the elite tracks of his previous albums, it also lacks the "filler" tracks that always get me reaching for the skip button. Skinner's rapping is significantly improved from his previous works, but the tracks seem less inspired. Still a fun listen.
7) Thom Yorke - The Eraser
Maybe the toughest album of the year to quantify. Yorke provides an interesting, quality album, but it's hard to imagine any of these tracks making it onto a Radiohead record. As the nine tracks play out, Yorke is obviously less confident than any of his previous work to the point that he may have second guessed himself out of creating something truly remarkable.
6) The Flaming Lips - At War With The Mystics
The Flaming Lips may not always hit home runs, but they are never boring and At War With The Mystics certainly confirms that. Yeah Yeah Yeah song and Free Radicals open the albums with a love it or hate it type feel, but as the Lips settle into tracks like Vein of Stars, Mr. Ambulance Driver and The W.A.N.D. Wayne and company prove they have alot more to offer than just weirdness. The Flaming Lips are the most unique song writers in the business.
5) Yo La Tengo - I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass
Easily the most diverse album on this list, ranging from ten minute jam session to three minute pop song to the melancholy "I Feel Like Going Home" within the first four tracks. However, instead of feeling disjointed and forced, Yo La Tengo manage the album gracefully and prove that after twenty years on the scene they still know what indie kids like.
4) Cat Power - The Greatest
This album gained "2006 George Mason basketball"-like momentum as the year came to a close and just kept climbing my list. Numerous listens reveal the intricacies of the Memphis Rhythm Band and the depth of Chan Marshall's lyrics. Chan's ability to involve the listener is what makes this one of the year's best.
3) Band of Horses - Everything All The Time
On the aptly named "The First Song", Band of Horses introduces us to their laid back, instantly likeable blend of alt-country. The album flows along effortlessly until "The Funeral" cripples the listener with its perfect arrangement and touching lyrics. As Everything All The Time continues Band of Horses let their hair down on tracks like "The Great Salt Lake" and "Weed Party", all the time maintaining an emotional link to their listener.
2) Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I Am Not
Not a single note is wasted on this highly hyped debut. The Arctic Monkeys (specifically Alex Turner) take us on a tour of a boring, rundown English town. We see the prostitutes, the strung out kids, the dingy clubs, the awkward run-ins with former one-night stands, the fights and the overall dreariness of non-London England. Along side this expert storytelling, the Monkeys add extremely tight and never dull rock music. An impressive debut.
1) Swan Lake - Beast Moans
In music, as in life, sometimes you just need to be patient. By Memorial day 2006 a few albums stood apart, but nothing screamed "This is the best record of the year". Sure enough the 4th of July came, then Labor Day and still no "Album of the Year". By Thanksgiving I was starting to think that I was going to have to settle. Then, when things looked the blackest, my Prince Charming showed up in the form of a Dan Bejar, Spencer Krug and Carey Mercer collaboration.
This album spends time wandering and exploring, but never loses its sense of desperation. A focused, sincere and interesting album which was unparalleled in 2006.
21 December 2006
The Year in Debuts: Haikus
Lily AllenI sorta like it
Not bad for a myspace star
Please date Mike Skinner
Band of HorsesAnswers the question
What if My Morning Jacket
Was interesting?
What Made Milwaukee FamousOne really good song
What Made Milwaukee Famous?
Beer. Not this band. Beer.
BeirutDoes this sound baroque?
How old is this kid again?
Nineteen? Oh OK
I'm From BarcelonaMonty Python joke?
Super-catchy indie pop?
A little riddle
20 December 2006
Joe's Songs of the Year
21) Wolfmother – Dimension
Kinda makes me think about those days when "classic" rock was new and exciting to me, sometime before I had heard "More Than a Feeling" 700 times. Nice to hear rock/metal music that doesn’t involve that insincere bastard Justin Hawkins.
20) The Strokes – Heart in a Cage
The Strokes would be long forgotten, if not for the fact that they are a really talented rock band.
19) The Hold Steady – Chips Ahoy
I don’t listen to that much music, get off my ass already.
18) The Streets – When You Wasn’t Famous
Our good friend Mike Skinner has moved on from "trying to shag the birds and fight the geezers" to partying all night with coked out pop stars and dealing with A&R. His rapping has never been crisper, but the subject matter has started to get stale.
17) Justin Timberlake – SexyBack
Am I the only one who would lose his shit when this song came pounding on in the club? Umm, yeah, I guess I am. Still good though.
16) The Flaming Lips - Mr. Ambulance Driver
Oh Wayne, nobody gets me thinking existentially quite like you. This song, like our lives, is strangely its own and pretty damn good.
15) The Killers – When You Were Young
The lyrics don’t really make any sense and the music is a bit contrived, but when the guitars come roaring back in everything feels right.
14) Yo La Tengo – The Room Got Heavy
This song hits a groove about three minutes in and rides it for all its worth.
13) Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Gold Lion
Karen O. and the boys introduced us to their second album with this "get-over fastball". Not exactly the nasty stuff they showed on the first album, but a quality strike none the less.
12) The Racontuers – Steady As She Goes
Pretty great song about living life by the numbers. Memorable guitar part and Jack White adds in a sprinkle of what used to make the White Stripes one of the best bands around.
11) Belle and Sebastian – The Blues are Still Blue
B&S write catchy feel-good songs about things that aren’t very feel good. This is the best one.
10) Muse – Super Massive Black Holes
My guilty pleasure of the top 10. I’m not sure if I’m in on the Muse joke or if there even is a joke, but this song rocks.
9) TV on the Radio – Wolf Like Me
Focused, yet hazy. Driving full tilt, then slamming on the breaks. Hyper-literate, but stoned. TV on the Radio seems to be full of contradictions, but they seem to have all their personalities working together on this song.
8) Neko Case – Star Witness
Maybe the best voice in pop music delivering a soulful, smart song. That's a pretty good formula.
7) Thom Yorke – Black Swans
Nice beats matched with semi-political, vague lyrics breaks down into some nice synth toward the end. A pretty good effort, but, fortunately, Yorke will always be compared to his past genius.
6) We Are Scientists - Inaction
Maybe the most fun song of the year. Nothing groundbreaking here, just power pop at its very best.
5) Cat Power – Lived in Bars
This starts like any weepy, regret-filled Chan Marshall song, but something great happens about halfway through. Chan looks back on all her wasted days and starts to smile…"Hey, those were pretty fun".
4) Swan Lake – All Fires
Delicate but focused and driving. The sum is greater than the parts in this collab.
3) Arctic Monkeys – When the Sun Goes Down
"Paging Noel Gallagher, please report to the geriatric ward as you have officially been replaced". The Arctic Monkeys are the new kings of British pop music (but not "Brit Pop", if that makes any sense) and are in full force on this tight song about pimps, hoes and other nightly endeavors.
2) Band of Horses - The Funeral
Made a nice run at number one. It’s the best song off a great album. The gentle and subdued portions of the song contrast the heavier chorus nicely.
1) Gnarls Barkley - Crazy
I heard this song eight months ago and declared it the song of the year at that moment. Pop perfection, nothing less.
Kinda makes me think about those days when "classic" rock was new and exciting to me, sometime before I had heard "More Than a Feeling" 700 times. Nice to hear rock/metal music that doesn’t involve that insincere bastard Justin Hawkins.
20) The Strokes – Heart in a Cage
The Strokes would be long forgotten, if not for the fact that they are a really talented rock band.
19) The Hold Steady – Chips Ahoy
I don’t listen to that much music, get off my ass already.
18) The Streets – When You Wasn’t Famous
Our good friend Mike Skinner has moved on from "trying to shag the birds and fight the geezers" to partying all night with coked out pop stars and dealing with A&R. His rapping has never been crisper, but the subject matter has started to get stale.
17) Justin Timberlake – SexyBack
Am I the only one who would lose his shit when this song came pounding on in the club? Umm, yeah, I guess I am. Still good though.
16) The Flaming Lips - Mr. Ambulance Driver
Oh Wayne, nobody gets me thinking existentially quite like you. This song, like our lives, is strangely its own and pretty damn good.
15) The Killers – When You Were Young
The lyrics don’t really make any sense and the music is a bit contrived, but when the guitars come roaring back in everything feels right.
14) Yo La Tengo – The Room Got Heavy
This song hits a groove about three minutes in and rides it for all its worth.
13) Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Gold Lion
Karen O. and the boys introduced us to their second album with this "get-over fastball". Not exactly the nasty stuff they showed on the first album, but a quality strike none the less.
12) The Racontuers – Steady As She Goes
Pretty great song about living life by the numbers. Memorable guitar part and Jack White adds in a sprinkle of what used to make the White Stripes one of the best bands around.
11) Belle and Sebastian – The Blues are Still Blue
B&S write catchy feel-good songs about things that aren’t very feel good. This is the best one.
10) Muse – Super Massive Black Holes
My guilty pleasure of the top 10. I’m not sure if I’m in on the Muse joke or if there even is a joke, but this song rocks.
9) TV on the Radio – Wolf Like Me
Focused, yet hazy. Driving full tilt, then slamming on the breaks. Hyper-literate, but stoned. TV on the Radio seems to be full of contradictions, but they seem to have all their personalities working together on this song.
8) Neko Case – Star Witness
Maybe the best voice in pop music delivering a soulful, smart song. That's a pretty good formula.
7) Thom Yorke – Black Swans
Nice beats matched with semi-political, vague lyrics breaks down into some nice synth toward the end. A pretty good effort, but, fortunately, Yorke will always be compared to his past genius.
6) We Are Scientists - Inaction
Maybe the most fun song of the year. Nothing groundbreaking here, just power pop at its very best.
5) Cat Power – Lived in Bars
This starts like any weepy, regret-filled Chan Marshall song, but something great happens about halfway through. Chan looks back on all her wasted days and starts to smile…"Hey, those were pretty fun".
4) Swan Lake – All Fires
Delicate but focused and driving. The sum is greater than the parts in this collab.
3) Arctic Monkeys – When the Sun Goes Down
"Paging Noel Gallagher, please report to the geriatric ward as you have officially been replaced". The Arctic Monkeys are the new kings of British pop music (but not "Brit Pop", if that makes any sense) and are in full force on this tight song about pimps, hoes and other nightly endeavors.
2) Band of Horses - The Funeral
Made a nice run at number one. It’s the best song off a great album. The gentle and subdued portions of the song contrast the heavier chorus nicely.
1) Gnarls Barkley - Crazy
I heard this song eight months ago and declared it the song of the year at that moment. Pop perfection, nothing less.
19 December 2006
Max's Songs of the Year
The songs of 2006 will be remembered for their ability to make the nerd in the corner start shaking his ass, to make even the biggest square reflect on his lot in life, and to make you think about what it means to be alive and a music fan in 2006. But most importantly, they'll be known, in this exact order, as the best:
(In reverse order of awesomeness)
Just missed the cut: Tapes n' Tapes: Insistor and Midlake: Roscoe.
15th runner up: Cat Power: Willie
This was going to be "Living Proof" but this song has too much soul to be denied.
14. Darkel: Some Men
Only a guy with a French accent can get away with this, but it's to our benefit that he can. At the two minute mark, this song will make you forget everything and remember why you love Air so much.
13. Beach House: Masters of None
12. I'm From Barcelona: Barcelona Loves You
When you listen to this CD, this is the song that haunts you, and amidst a bunch of songs this catchy, that's something special.
11. Ratatat: Lex
An incredible song until you get to the three fifteen mark and it blows up into something completely...complete.
10. Man Man: Van Helsing Boombox
9. Hot Chip: Over and Over
8. The Walkmen: Another One Goes By
Hamilton Leithauser at his heart-aching best.
7. Nelly Furtado - Promiscuous
If you didn't like this song, you're a liar and an absolute coward. Name another producer who could be so ethereal and so pop at the same time, I dare you.
6. Belle & Sebastian: Dress up in You
"The Blues are Still Blue" is certainly catchier, but this song will be remembered for taking an elegant bare-bones beginning and turning it into a tune you can't possibly stop whistling. And featuring a trumpet solo. And saying "fuck" in the least threatening but most genuine way.
5. Junior Boys: FM
These guys found a way to strike the most delicate balance between Depeche Mode and genuinely good music, and this is the best example of what they're capable of.
4. The Flaming Lips: The Wizard Turns On...
There was so much to choose from here, but here's your best argument that the Lips are our Floyd. Wayne's weirdness is a big plus, but they're so much more.
3. Neko Case: Star Witness
Pretty much a perfect song start to finish. The scary thing? This is her eighth best song ever.
2. Ghostface Killah: Shakey Dog
1. Band of Horses: The Funeral
I bet you once they wrote the first lick, they knew how the rest of the song was going to sound. That's because this one was sent from the heavens, and at 5:22, they could have gone on another three minutes and this song is still incredible.
And the best song of 2006...
Gnarls Barkley: Crazy
Even if this wasn't #1, which it clearly is (and any list that doesn't include it should be completely disregarded) St. Elsewhere off the same album might be an even better track, but for its sheer power to make you move and its ubiquity, this is your best song of 2006.
Feel free to futilely disagree.
(In reverse order of awesomeness)
Just missed the cut: Tapes n' Tapes: Insistor and Midlake: Roscoe.
15th runner up: Cat Power: Willie
This was going to be "Living Proof" but this song has too much soul to be denied.
14. Darkel: Some Men
Only a guy with a French accent can get away with this, but it's to our benefit that he can. At the two minute mark, this song will make you forget everything and remember why you love Air so much.
13. Beach House: Masters of None
12. I'm From Barcelona: Barcelona Loves You
When you listen to this CD, this is the song that haunts you, and amidst a bunch of songs this catchy, that's something special.
11. Ratatat: Lex
An incredible song until you get to the three fifteen mark and it blows up into something completely...complete.
10. Man Man: Van Helsing Boombox
9. Hot Chip: Over and Over
8. The Walkmen: Another One Goes By
Hamilton Leithauser at his heart-aching best.
7. Nelly Furtado - Promiscuous
If you didn't like this song, you're a liar and an absolute coward. Name another producer who could be so ethereal and so pop at the same time, I dare you.
6. Belle & Sebastian: Dress up in You
"The Blues are Still Blue" is certainly catchier, but this song will be remembered for taking an elegant bare-bones beginning and turning it into a tune you can't possibly stop whistling. And featuring a trumpet solo. And saying "fuck" in the least threatening but most genuine way.
5. Junior Boys: FM
These guys found a way to strike the most delicate balance between Depeche Mode and genuinely good music, and this is the best example of what they're capable of.
4. The Flaming Lips: The Wizard Turns On...
There was so much to choose from here, but here's your best argument that the Lips are our Floyd. Wayne's weirdness is a big plus, but they're so much more.
3. Neko Case: Star Witness
Pretty much a perfect song start to finish. The scary thing? This is her eighth best song ever.
2. Ghostface Killah: Shakey Dog
1. Band of Horses: The Funeral
I bet you once they wrote the first lick, they knew how the rest of the song was going to sound. That's because this one was sent from the heavens, and at 5:22, they could have gone on another three minutes and this song is still incredible.
And the best song of 2006...
Gnarls Barkley: Crazy
Even if this wasn't #1, which it clearly is (and any list that doesn't include it should be completely disregarded) St. Elsewhere off the same album might be an even better track, but for its sheer power to make you move and its ubiquity, this is your best song of 2006.
Feel free to futilely disagree.
18 December 2006
First Impressions of Serena Maneesh - "Serena-Maneesh"
Expectations: Serena Maneesh will prominently feature a sitar.
Song 1: Either Serena is not a one-woman act or she's been taking dude-pills because there's definitely a lower register in there. Sounds a bit like Black Rebel + diet estrogen.
Song 2: I would bet nearly any amount of money that this is the first time the band has played this song together.
Song 4/5: It would be easier to listen if I knew that the rambling drumbeats and the chance guitar clatters eventually sync up and become something tangible. Human nature allows us to tolerate duality for some time, as long as we know that it's temporary. But Le Mythe tells us that we can't live with paradox, and there's nothing binding these songs. And no, a quick drum fill does not appease Camus.
Song 6: We see what you're going for, and we really want you to get there, but an atmospheric shoegazer really needs to, umm, fill up the room. While I was wondering if I could fill in for the drummer of this band if he got sick, I found this website that allowed me to answer that question definitively. http://www.lab11.be/lamachineabruit/virtual-drums.html. Nope.
Song 7: Promising upsurge, breaking out into a grown-up drum drive and some respectable vocal calisthenics. Wait, is the song over? Did they leave their guitars reverb-ing in the studio as they left for sashimi? No, someone's still going. That poor guy, he'll probably be left with just some Miso soup. But he has integrity. Play to the whistle, sir.
Song 8: Better...all the elements sound like they belong to the same song. This is a chick, right? This song is devolving into something a little more sinister than they let previously let on. Why wait so long - this is what your band was built for! There's three minutes left in this song and I fear they could really muddle it up. I can almost...see...the finish. The Maneeshes acquitted themselves nicely, but the song did drag on 90 seconds too long.
Song 9/10: Ok, they're paying for studio time by the hour - the last two songs were about 4 1/2 minutes combined, 9 woke me out of a slumber, 10 nestled me back in and prepared me for...
Song 11: Over twelve minutes of wandering beats and lazy fireside guitars with some faux-culminations. Kenny G doesn't even dominate the "how long can you hold a note" competitions like this. Brief moment of drive, followed of course by a bit of chaos that boldly goes on too long. Topped off by a fake ending and a delicate piano solo that has no business here but is quite pleasant. Wait - where the fuck was the sitar? You couldn't have squeezed a sitar in that twelve minutes somewhere?
Stay tuned for "Second Impressions of Serena Maneesh"
Song 1: Either Serena is not a one-woman act or she's been taking dude-pills because there's definitely a lower register in there. Sounds a bit like Black Rebel + diet estrogen.
Song 2: I would bet nearly any amount of money that this is the first time the band has played this song together.
Song 4/5: It would be easier to listen if I knew that the rambling drumbeats and the chance guitar clatters eventually sync up and become something tangible. Human nature allows us to tolerate duality for some time, as long as we know that it's temporary. But Le Mythe tells us that we can't live with paradox, and there's nothing binding these songs. And no, a quick drum fill does not appease Camus.
Song 6: We see what you're going for, and we really want you to get there, but an atmospheric shoegazer really needs to, umm, fill up the room. While I was wondering if I could fill in for the drummer of this band if he got sick, I found this website that allowed me to answer that question definitively. http://www.lab11.be/lamachineabruit/virtual-drums.html. Nope.
Song 7: Promising upsurge, breaking out into a grown-up drum drive and some respectable vocal calisthenics. Wait, is the song over? Did they leave their guitars reverb-ing in the studio as they left for sashimi? No, someone's still going. That poor guy, he'll probably be left with just some Miso soup. But he has integrity. Play to the whistle, sir.
Song 8: Better...all the elements sound like they belong to the same song. This is a chick, right? This song is devolving into something a little more sinister than they let previously let on. Why wait so long - this is what your band was built for! There's three minutes left in this song and I fear they could really muddle it up. I can almost...see...the finish. The Maneeshes acquitted themselves nicely, but the song did drag on 90 seconds too long.
Song 9/10: Ok, they're paying for studio time by the hour - the last two songs were about 4 1/2 minutes combined, 9 woke me out of a slumber, 10 nestled me back in and prepared me for...
Song 11: Over twelve minutes of wandering beats and lazy fireside guitars with some faux-culminations. Kenny G doesn't even dominate the "how long can you hold a note" competitions like this. Brief moment of drive, followed of course by a bit of chaos that boldly goes on too long. Topped off by a fake ending and a delicate piano solo that has no business here but is quite pleasant. Wait - where the fuck was the sitar? You couldn't have squeezed a sitar in that twelve minutes somewhere?
Stay tuned for "Second Impressions of Serena Maneesh"
This year in disappointment: haikus (continued)
Raconteurs
Broken Boy Soldiers
One catchy song, nine fillers
No more Jack for me
Snow Patrol
Eyes Open, Ears Closed
Album after Final Straw
Broke the camel's back
17 December 2006
This year in disappointment: haikus
LCD SoundsystemShitty is your sound
Can't make me dance or work out
All-around failure
Decemberists
Sorry, missed you guys
Fifteen minute songs come on
Nothing personal
Mojave 3
It's often been said
Rather be bad than boring
What if you are both?
What if you are both?
Hold Steady First question to ask
When hearing a new album
Bon jovi collab?
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