Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare
The Monkeys kick off their highly anticipated sophomore effort with the driving "Brainstorm" (or "Brianstorm" depending where you look) which shows the Arctic Monkeys with a sharper edge and tongue than they displayed on their debut. "Teddy Picker" follows with several shots at today's fickle rock critics who "take an oath that says 'we are defenders of any poseur or professional pretender' ". Alex Turner best performance is on the narrative "Florescent Adolescent", describing the recollection of a bored married woman who traded "all her naughty nights for niceness" and is left with only the memory of "the best she ever had". Unfortunately, the stretch run of the album gets a little stale with several indescript songs that seem to ignore Turner's knack for storytelling. Despite some catchy tunes and a harder sound, "Favourite Worst Nightmare" fails to match the sincerity or intensity of its predecessor.
Bright Eyes - Cassadaga
Conor Oberst is a polarizing figure. While an excellent storyteller and decent socal commentator, his previous works tended toward a lack of depth and were easily dismissed as music from an angry young man. No matter how thoughful his lyrics, they were often presented off key and over a single acoustic guitar, kinda boring. From the opening comments of a female fortune teller, we learn that "Cassadaga" represents a journey of the soul for Conor, one that has not only changed him, but richly enhanced his sound (and maybe hanging out with M. Ward hasn't hurt either). Opening tracks, "Four Winds" and "If The Brakeman Turns My Way" show a more relaxed, more confident Oberst sharing the stage with much fuller arrangements. As the album continues, it is evident that Oberst has made a conscious effort to improve his vocals, not only sonically, but also in the way they interact with his expanded sound. On the album's most complete song "Middleman", Oberst allows his string section to drive the song, while using his lyrics to complement, a far cry from his previous works. "Coat Check Dream Song" may be Oberst's best vocal performance and works very well with a hazy, wandering arrangment. The album concludes with the more typical Bright Eyes songs "Somewhere I Belong" and "Lime Tree", which, after some of the denser, more produced songs, prove to be a welcome return what Oberst has always done best. "Cassadaga" proves to be the best type of journey, some unexpected twists and turns, some personal growth and some enjoyable tunes.
Peter, Bjorn and John - Writer's Block
I know what you are thinking, " 'Writer's Block' came out in February (and last August in the uppity UK), so what is it doing in the April reviews?" Well, your point is well taken, but I only bought two albums that were released in April, so I needed some filler. Enter three Swedes name Peter, Bjorn and John.
"Writer's Block" comes roaring out of the gate with "Object of My Affection", a passionate, focused effort about the author's personal growth set over aggressive guitar and steady march drums. Concretes' singer Victoria Bergsman adds a nice change of pace (and more than a little sexual tension) on the addictive "Young Folks" (which also includes the best use of whistling since Guns 'n Roses "Civil War"). The minimal "Amsterdam" has Peter, Bjorn and John doing their best Hot Chip impression and coming off pretty well. The album continues to flow along continually exposing the listener to new ideas and sounds, peaking at the 7:00 minute epic "Up Against the Wall" which comes across as neither pretentious or stale. "Let's Call It Off" lightens the mood, mostly through hand claps, despite its buyer's remorse attitude toward a failing relationship. "Writer's Block" concludes with the anti-consumerism "Poor Cow", an appropriate ending since it is the last the string of continually changing topics from Peter, Bjorn and John. From start to finish, "Writer's Block" feels like a long night of drinking and discussing life. It may not always have continuity and focus, but in a way it does.
Upcoming May album reviews: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Feist, Wilco
Live: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
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