What the hell are you listening to?...2008 Edition

[Young Drachma]

2006 Edition (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=49001&highlight=Hell+Listening)
2007 Edition (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=57527&highlight=Hell+Listening)

Though it was released in 2007, Devandra Banhart's Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon was just on and I have to say how good it was. Just really solid, eclectic and a little crazy. But really, really good. As was Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings 100 Days, 100 Nights. The track "Tell Me (http://www.last.fm/music/Sharon+Jones+and+the+Dap-Kings/_/Tell+Me)" is outstanding and ought to take you back to place that you 1) haven't been in a long time or 2) weren't alive to visit.

So far in 2008, Sia who sings a lot on Zero 7 tracks released another solo album called Some People Have Real Problems and it's really great, because it shows off her vocal dexterity to the nth degree, in a way that none of her solo stuff I'd heard previously managed to do.

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That's the start, surely more is coming. Nada Surf's new album comes out today or at least, so I heard on The Current (http://minnesota.publicradio.org/radio/services/the_current/).

[path12]

I'm stuck in 07 still also. Finally picked up The Besnard Lakes Are The Dark Horse this weekend. Love the first two tracks, don't mind the others but that's only after two listens, and I suspect there are growers in there.

[Easy Mac]

I almost started this last night.

Vampire Weekend - Blog friendly, Easy Mac approved. It gets a little too Police-y for my tastes, but its a solid effort. Don't know if its the amazing album blogs take it for, but its catchy.
songs to download: Oxford Comma, Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa

The Mars Volta - The Bedlam in Goliath - They've gone a little too far in the hard rock vein for me. There are a couple of times when they get it going, but they really miss Jon Theodore on drums, its just not as clean. I was one of the few who enjoyed Amputechture, but this album just kind of runs together and doesn't flow from song to song like prior albums.

[Young Drachma]

I almost started this last night.

Vampire Weekend - Blog friendly, Easy Mac approved. It gets a little too Police-y for my tastes, but its a solid effort. Don't know if its the amazing album blogs take it for, but its catchy.
songs to download: Oxford Comma, Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa

The Mars Volta - The Bedlam in Goliath - They've gone a little too far in the hard rock vein for me. There are a couple of times when they get it going, but they really miss Jon Theodore on drums, its just not as clean. I was one of the few who enjoyed Amputechture, but this album just kind of runs together and doesn't flow from song to song like prior albums.

We're alternating years, I guess. :)

I liked Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa, but it might take me a bit longer to get into the rest of it after downloading the other day, because I first heard it on NPR.

I've never really be able to get into The Mars Volta and I downloaded that one too, but haven't really listened to it enough to decide whether I like it.

And away we go...

[korme]

Got the Sia album about 2 weeks ago and I need to give it legit play, so far I've only listened to 2 or 3 songs through IPod shuffling

[path12]

I have heard the Vampire Weekend and like it, will probably pick up in the next couple weeks.

[Calis]

I picked up Vampire Weekend this uhh..weekend. I'd heard a couple songs from them, and a lot of hype.

I like it. It's a little hit and miss, but the good songs are really fun. Very nice debut.

[ArlingtonColt]

Sixx A.M. Has been getting alot of play from me... as has Hurt. Sixx A.M is Nikki Sixx's new band and the song Life is Beautiful is pretty good.

[Lathum]

I've been listening to alot of Blood for Blood.

[duckman]

Sara Bareilles' Little Voice

[whomario]

Asa - Asa http://www.myspace.com/asaofficial

self-titled debut album that is just an incredible inspired album, just great songs and melodies mixed together with an exciting voice. Just puts a smile on my face when i hear it.

Adele - 19 http://www.myspace.com/adelelondon

"next big thing" in the UK, *Hometown Glory* might just be the ultimate hymn to a hometown (London, in this case), i´ve been playing this song every day since october when i got it. Now the album is out and is confirming that song´s touch. First "real" single is called *chasing pavement*, full version is on youtube.


Nada Surf - Lucky http://www.myspace.com/nadasurf (full album online right now)

not reinventing the wheel but much deeper than *the weight is a gift* and since they are my favourite band ...


hope this isn´t too much of advertising ;)

[Young Drachma]

Sara Bareilles' Little Voice

I liked the track Love On The Rocks a lot. I killed that song real good when I first heard it.

[Kevin]

Ron Hynes - Get Back Change
Matt Andersen - Live at Liberty House
Chuck Brodsky - Tulips for Lunch

[path12]

Ron Hynes - Get Back Change
Matt Andersen - Live at Liberty House
Chuck Brodsky - Tulips for Lunch

I've not heard of any of these. Genre?

[Passacaglia]

No Kids -- www.myspace.com/nokidsband/

[Subby]

whatever shorty tells me is good...he is usually right on

[Karlifornia]

Just bought the Mars Volta album....gonna take some acid and listen to it for the whole day.

[Drake]

I just picked up the new Sebastian Bach album Angel Down. I have no idea what I think of it yet.

It features Axl Rose's vocals on 3 songs.

[samifan24]

Josh Ritter - In the Dark (Live at Vicar Street)

One of my favorite artists finally releases his live album stateside. It was previously only available as an import from Ireland, where he's huge for some reason. It also comes with a bonus DVD. If you've never listened to Josh Ritter, you owe it to yourself to check out one of the best singer-songwriters around today.

[korme]

whatever shorty tells me is good...he is usually right on

ABBA

[Groundhog]

Nada Surf - Lucky http://www.myspace.com/nadasurf (full album online right now)

not reinventing the wheel but much deeper than *the weight is a gift* and since they are my favourite band ...


Nada Surf? Jeez, their song 'Popular' was an indie hit over here like... a thousand years ago. Can't believe they still exist.

[Young Drachma]

Nada Surf? Jeez, their song 'Popular' was an indie hit over here like... a thousand years ago. Can't believe they still exist.

Yeah, they're on Barsuk Records out of Seattle. They're actually a lot better and more mellow than they were back then. Surprised me too a few years ago just before "The Weight Is A Gift" came out and I realized they were still together.

[Karlifornia]

Yeah, they're on Barsuk Records out of Seattle. They're actually a lot better and more mellow than they were back then. Surprised me too a few years ago just before "The Weight Is A Gift" came out and I realized they were still together.

Nada Surf matured very nicely.

[Lathum]

I just picked up the new Sebastian Bach album Angel Down. I have no idea what I think of it yet.

It features Axl Rose's vocals on 3 songs.

I was wondering about this, I have always been a huge Skid Row fan and Bach. Lemme know if it sinks in with you.

[cthomer5000]

About a month ago I bought whatever EP Sia put out that had 'Buttons' on it, which Ithought was a great song. The rest was so different in style though that I don't have too much interest in the full length.

I find the Vampire Weekend album OK... though I do like the single ("A Punk") a fair amount.

I dunno, I haven't really been moved by an album in quite a while.


I guess The Go! Team - Proof Of Youth is being rocked pretty regularly by me, but i think that came out mid 07.

[Groundhog]

I think the only way I'll buy a new album this year will be if The Coral, The Flaming Lips, or... that's probably it actually, happen to release anything.

[cthomer5000]

best single I've heard in a while:

MGMT - "Time To Pretend"

http://youtube.com/watch?v=XVnRzEjpUmE

[Passacaglia]

http://www.myspace.com/rarariot

[Young Drachma]

I think the only way I'll buy a new album this year will be if The Coral, The Flaming Lips, or... that's probably it actually, happen to release anything.

Man, The Coral are great.

[HerRealName]

Destined to number one on my year end list...

Drive By Trucker's - Brighter Than Creation's Dark

[lordscarlet]

best single I've heard in a while:

MGMT - "Time To Pretend"

http://youtube.com/watch?v=XVnRzEjpUmE

One of these days I need you to give me a list of 10 or so songs/bands I should check out -- I have some itunes gift cards to burn.

[korme]

I am looking forward to Panic at the Disco's sophomore album Pretty. Odd. to be released late March.

[cthomer5000]

One of these days I need you to give me a list of 10 or so songs/bands I should check out -- I have some itunes gift cards to burn.

export your library to a spreadsheet and hook me up. I think i'll have some pretty good guesses based on waht you already own.

[Buccaneer]

Been working on getting my old tapes into iTunes. Got some of the albums that I loved and hand't listened to in a while:

Rick Wakeman, White Rock
Harry Chapin, Greatest Stories (Live)
and a collection of love and peace songs from the 60s. :)

Plus listened to one of my favorite books of all time, Jon Krakuer's Into Thin Air.

[cthomer5000]

Been working on getting my old tapes into iTunes. Got some of the albums that I loved and hand't listened to in a while:

Rick Wakeman, White Rock
Harry Chapin, Greatest Stories (Live)
and a collection of love and peace songs from the 60s. :)

Plus listened to one of my favorite books of all time, Jon Krakuer's Into Thin Air.

Do you have that badass Tape Deck drive thing? Or are you just running lines in?

[Buccaneer]

Corey, sort of both. Have a really nice Pioneer tape deck but is connected USB via Xitel InPort. The software that comes with LP Recorder and LP Ripper does the job that I wanted. Listening to the results on my iPod, they are good considering some of my tapes are quite old.

[Young Drachma]

Destined to number one on my year end list...

Drive By Trucker's - Brighter Than Creation's Dark

Holy cow. I had this downloaded to my Zune, but hadn't heard it yet. I just fired it up tonight (ok, it played on random...) and after I liked the first track, I've decided to listen to all of it and it's downright outstanding. Good call.

[Julio Riddols]

Protest The Hero just released "Fortress". It kills. If anyone listened to their last album and liked it, this one trumps it in every way.

[Drake]

I was wondering about this, I have always been a huge Skid Row fan and Bach. Lemme know if it sinks in with you.

Gotta tell you, dude. I'm digging it. If you liked Skid Row before they went all thrash (i.e., post Slave to the Grind), you will likely find yourself digging this, too.

The album download was like $8.99 at Amazon.

[Drake]

I am looking forward to Panic at the Disco's sophomore album Pretty. Odd. to be released late March.

See, now that's got me in a hot sweat. I thought their first album was fantastic...but one of those that I had to listen to a few times to catch their groove. It was just so different than anything I'd listened to, and definitely one that I appreciated more and more with repeated exposure.

[terpkristin]

Hmm I haven't followed these threads in years past, but I'm thinking I should start, sounds like I could really expand my musical horizons. Of course, I say that as I'm trying to get rid of excess crap I don't want on my iPod, but hey it is what it is.

Keep the recommendations coming. ;)

/tk

[MikeVic]

Does anyone have harder stuff to recommend? I don't mind the softer rock, but I haven't heard any good new harder rock in awhile.

[sabotai]

Some hard rock/metal/industrial type stuff I've been listening to lately. These were releases in 2007, but I just got around to them.

Sevendust - Alpha (hard rock/metal)
nonpoint - Vengence (hard rock/metal)

For both of them, I really liked their debut albums (years and years ago) and didn't think much of anything they did afterwards. I gave their newish albums a listen and liked them enough. Wouldn't say they are "great", but good, hard music.

Static-X - Cannibal (metal/industrial)

Same story as above, but I LOVED their debut and second albums. Shadowzone and Start a War were not good at all, IMO, and I stopped following them. They released this last year, but I just around to giving it a listen. This one actually sounds like the type of music they made for their first two albums and I think it's great.

[Young Drachma]

Does anyone have harder stuff to recommend? I don't mind the softer rock, but I haven't heard any good new harder rock in awhile.

Machine Head -- The Blackening. It came out last year, but it's freakin' crazy.

[korme]

See, now that's got me in a hot sweat. I thought their first album was fantastic...but one of those that I had to listen to a few times to catch their groove. It was just so different than anything I'd listened to, and definitely one that I appreciated more and more with repeated exposure.

Word... except, I have read that they've grown up a bit and there's a bunch of Beatles-esque sound to their new album, less fast-paced stuff. Which is cool, I guess, but that's what hooked me on them was their pace, it was so different... you can youtube their first single off the cd, Nine in the Afternoon.

[Young Drachma]

The Macabees - Colour It In

[HerRealName]

Holy cow. I had this downloaded to my Zune, but hadn't heard it yet. I just fired it up tonight (ok, it played on random...) and after I liked the first track, I've decided to listen to all of it and it's downright outstanding. Good call.

I'm a huge DBT fan so I'm defintely not impartial but I really like this one.

[samifan24]

New Nada Surf...yes, they are still around.

[watravaler]

Don't know where else to post this...some of these tracks are not from 2008, but are excellent tunes if you dig electronic...

Lindstrøm - It's a Feedelity Affair (Check out "I Feel Space")
Cut Copy - Going Nowhere (Whitey Remix)
Apparat and Ellen Allien - Orchestra of Bubbles
Junior Boys - So This is Goodbye (Excellent Album, words, but the music dominates)
Deadmau5 - Faxing Berlin (Chris Lake Edit)
Anything by Sunlounger

[st.cronin]

I am actually loving the Justin Timberlake album Lovesexy. I know its ohso2007, but damn that's some good shit.

[Ksyrup]

Does anyone have harder stuff to recommend? I don't mind the softer rock, but I haven't heard any good new harder rock in awhile.

I'm not sure how hard you're talking, but...

The new Death Angel comes out on the 26th, and it's so fucking good I'm at a loss for words. Not quite Act III, but a close second so far. They are an old-school thrash band from the 80s reunited, and this is their second album since getting back together. They were only teens for most of their first run together, so they're all still under 35-40 at this point. Insanely good.

Protest the Hero's new one is magnificent, but you have to be willing to deal with emo vocals and crazy music that just goes nonstop. Honestly, listening to the album all the way through tires me out.

Ayreon's long-awaited follow-up to The Human Equation, 01011001, came out recently. Kinda like space-prog - crunchy guitars, lots of spacy keyboard, and a bunch of guest vocalists from the prog metal world.

I'm patiently waiting for the new Opeth, Watershed, which is supposed to drop in May. Probably my favorite band going right now. Progressive death metal - they mix growly vocals with clean melodies and harmonies, and death metal brutality with acoustic folk and all sorts of things in between. The new one supposedly includes female vocals, orchestra, keyboards, and some of the heaviest stuff they've ever done. One of the truly innovative, genre-defying metal bands of our time. Once I was able to make the conceptual leap to accepting death metal vocals, I was rewarded by embracing this band as one of my favorites. Not for everybody, though.

As far as "hard rock," I can't say there's much out there that I really think is worth listening to. I seem to be gravitating to the extremes - light pop/rock or singer/songwriter, or extreme heavy metal/thrash.

[Ksyrup]

Word... except, I have read that they've grown up a bit and there's a bunch of Beatles-esque sound to their new album, less fast-paced stuff. Which is cool, I guess, but that's what hooked me on them was their pace, it was so different... you can youtube their first single off the cd, Nine in the Afternoon.

Panic at the Disco is a band I don't know too much about, other than they are tied to Fall Out Boy, which makes me skeptical, but I've heard the first single, and if the rest of it is as good and the production is the same (kinda over the top Beatlesque sound), I might have to give it a shot.

Speaking of power pop, from last year, my top two albums were Jackdaw4's Bipolar Diversions and The Nines' Gran Jukle's Field. In fact, I'd go so far as to put Bipolar Diversions up against any post-Spilt Milk release as one of the best power pop albums of the past 15 years or so. Brilliant stuff.

[Young Drachma]

I didn't know there was new Opeth on the horizon. But that's very exciting to read.

[Young Drachma]

Also, if you haven't heard My Brightest Diamond's 2006 release called Bring Me The Workhorse, then you should. It's downtempo indie/folkish stuff. But it's just outstanding stuff worth replaying over and over.

[Ksyrup]

I didn't know there was new Opeth on the horizon. But that's very exciting to read.

Looks like in the US, is may be early June. Here's a press release about it:


‘Watershed’ has been revealed as the title of the forthcoming Opeth album, due for a mid year release.

New York, NY: Swedish progressive metal titans Opeth, often credited as being forward thinkers who are a genre of one, are proud to announce Watershed as the title of their forthcoming album, due out on Roadrunner Records on June 2, 2008.

The album, recorded in the band’s native Sweden and produced by frontman/guitarist Mikael Akerfeldt and Jens Bogren, is a masterwork that follows the time-honored Opeth tradition; it’s modern yet timeless, progressive yet paying homage to the sounds of classic rock. Watershed is truly one of those special records that cycles through a variety of moods, speeds and textures, complete with lots of subtleties and nuances of sound. Because of its expansive scope, Watershed is destined to land the album atop many “Best of 2008” lists. Album opener “Coil” is a gorgeous acoustic number, featuring local folk vocalist Nathalie Lorichs, while “Heir Apparent” will knock listeners unconscious with its blunt force metal. Always one to defy the rules, Opeth posits sung vocals over artillery-like blast beats on “The Lotus Eater,” cementing their reputation as innovators and redefiners.

Watershed combines elements of modern metal, prog rock, free jazz and hints of European folk music, all of which come together for a seamless, unique collection of songs that will leave an indelible mark upon all who listen. Watershed is the first Opeth release to feature new guitarist Fredrik Akesson and drummer Martin Axenrot and is the band’s second effort for Roadrunner Records. Watershed is the eagerly awaited follow up to 2005’s critically acclaimed Ghost Reveries.

The complete track listing is as follows: “Coil,” “Heir Apparent,” “The Lotus Eater,” “Burden,” “Porcelain Heart,” “Hessian Peel” and “Hex Omega.”

[Ksyrup]

Oh, another great new, heavier release is To-Mera's Delusions. Frankly, I don't know if it's actually been released yet or not, but I've got it. To-Mera is like a cross between a goth metal band like Lacuna Coil, and Dream Theater - complex prog metal with female vocals and a distinct jazz component.

[CamEdwards]

Whoever mentioned Band of Horses in the "What the hell are you listening to?... 2007 edition"... thank you! I bought "Cease to Begin" about a month ago and it's been what I've listened to 90% of the time since then. "Ode to LRC", "Cigarettes, Wedding Bands", and "Islands on the Coast" are all fantastic songs. Really, not a bad song in the bunch. I think it's my pick for best album of 2007.

[Ksyrup]

Hey Cam, good news below, although I'm not sure when I'll actually find a copy to hear it:


Roger Joseph Manning Jr.
NEW ALBUM OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:

OK, this is it folks. I know, I know, I can't believe it either. It's been almost exactly one year in the making. Don't ask me how or why, just know that I wanted to give you the highest end result my abilities and fantasies could offer up at this point in my creative evolution. It's called Catnip Dynamite. It's my latest solo effort and it is scheduled for an official release date of March 19th, 2008. It will once again be coming out on the wonderful Pony Canyon label in Japan. Now for those of you who refuse to play the ridiculously high import price on Amazon, and I can hardly blame you, I'm going to need your help here: Due to circumstances I won't bore you with, I find myself with no home/label for this record either here in the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, etc. So any label suggestions, ideas, contacts you might have on this front would be greatly appreciated. The sooner I get an avenue of release for this new album domestically and abroad, the quicker and more affordable it comes to you.

I am so incredibly happy to be sharing this new collection of material with all of you at this time. It is another snapshot lyrically of where my head and heart have been throughout the past year juxtaposed against many musical ideas who's genesis spans the last 20 years or so. There are song ideas on this new album who's roots go back literally as far as 1985. I distinctly remember as "Van Hagar" had just formed and I was particularly disturbed by this. Anyway, strap yourselves in for another roller coaster ride of sonic and emotional ups and downs and distraction in the greatest sense of the word. If I can aurally assist you in time-traveling out of your own heads for 3-5 minutes and then gently place you back into your day to day driver's seat with a little ecstasy still buzzing around in your heart center, then my mission has been accomplished. Thanks again friends for all of your loyalty and for listening.

[Young Drachma]

Whoever mentioned Band of Horses in the "What the hell are you listening to?... 2007 edition"... thank you! I bought "Cease to Begin" about a month ago and it's been what I've listened to 90% of the time since then. "Ode to LRC", "Cigarettes, Wedding Bands", and "Islands on the Coast" are all fantastic songs. Really, not a bad song in the bunch. I think it's my pick for best album of 2007.

If you think you like it now, just wait a while. It just sounds better as time goes on. It really is just stellar stuff.

[CamEdwards]

Hey Cam, good news below, although I'm not sure when I'll actually find a copy to hear it:


Roger Joseph Manning Jr.
NEW ALBUM OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:


Nice. Personally, I'd rather hear some new stuff from Andy Sturmer, as is voice is far less annoying than RJM's is to me, but I'll still pick this up. I'm kinda surprised that he doesn't have some sort of label here, even one of the smaller ones. Even more suprised that he's resorting to asking fans for help. Didn't he used to be Beck's keyboardist? I'd be sucking up to Beck right about now.

[CamEdwards]

If you think you like it now, just wait a while. It just sounds better as time goes on. It really is just stellar stuff.

Dola, yes it is. I love the unique guitar sound on "No One's Gonna Love You" (which I forgot to mention earlier!), love the way the vocals mesh with the music (though my wife finds the singer to be incredibly whiny), and most importantly, I just love the FEEL of the music. "Detlef Schrempf" is a great song to drive home to on the empty interstate after work at night and "The General Specific" is a fun song to play loudly with the windows down and the sunroof open. It's all good driving music... I just wish I could sing along better.

[Draft Dodger]

I'd like to second the Band of Horses recommendation. Good stuff.

[korme]

What kind of music is BoH?

[Young Drachma]

What kind of music is BoH?

It's indie. They're on Sub Pop. Umm...it has a distinct sound, really. It has a folkish-country tinge to it.

Detlef Schrempf is awesome.
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Cigarettes, Wedding Bands was the song that really turned me on to them. Both on the same album (Cease To Begin), but shows the versatility.

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I'd heard them in the past, but didn't really remember that stuff. They stepped their game up big on this release.

[CamEdwards]

DC, that's not "Detlef Schrempf". That's "Marry Song" (I think). "Cigarettes, Wedding Bands" is correct though.

[korme]

too countryish for my blood I think...

[k0ruptr]

ween

[Ksyrup]

Nice. Personally, I'd rather hear some new stuff from Andy Sturmer, as is voice is far less annoying than RJM's is to me, but I'll still pick this up. I'm kinda surprised that he doesn't have some sort of label here, even one of the smaller ones. Even more suprised that he's resorting to asking fans for help. Didn't he used to be Beck's keyboardist? I'd be sucking up to Beck right about now.

Best I can do for you is Andy singing We Are the Champions on a cover of the song he did with Lyle Workman and Matt Chamberlain. You know how Andy is... that's about as close as it gets. Although funny enough, the new Winnie the Pooh show on Disney that he writes the music for has a few trademark Andy moments, especially on the Christmas DVD we bought my daughter. When I heard the songs, I couldn't believe how easy it was to tell he wrote them.

[CamEdwards]

Best I can do for you is Andy singing We Are the Champions on a cover of the song he did with Lyle Workman and Matt Chamberlain. You know how Andy is... that's about as close as it gets. Although funny enough, the new Winnie the Pooh show on Disney that he writes the music for has a few trademark Andy moments, especially on the Christmas DVD we bought my daughter. When I heard the songs, I couldn't believe how easy it was to tell he wrote them.


I know! The twins watch that show and I love it because I get to hear Stumer songs, even kid songs. Too bad Kay Hanley sings the theme. Actually it's too bad Kay Hanley doesn't dress up in a sexy Tigger outfit and prance around my living room, but for the purposes of this discussion we can disregard that little unfulfilled longing of mine.

[Joe]

I've been listening to the first Jack's Mannequin album a bit, "Everything in Transit" as I eagerly await the follow up on April 22, "The Glass Passenger."

[Young Drachma]

DC, that's not "Detlef Schrempf". That's "Marry Song" (I think). "Cigarettes, Wedding Bands" is correct though.

It is the Marry Song. My bad. I just embedded it, didn't listen to it. Good catch. I fixed it.

[korme]

I've been listening to the first Jack's Mannequin album a bit, "Everything in Transit" as I eagerly await the follow up on April 22, "The Glass Passenger."

+1, I love SC/Jack's

[CamEdwards]

LOL, I caught it because I love Detlef Schrempf and wanted to listen to it. And then I went "Hey, that's the wrong song!" But now I have my headphones and am happily chilling at my keyboard. Thanks for fixing it!

[Young Drachma]

Far-Less, A Toast To Bad Taste is the LP. (Think some sort of fusion of Dredg, Brand New and Muse. If that's possible...)

The title track is good.

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But I happen to like this song, Forever And A Day the most. It's mellow.

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[samifan24]

I only started listening to Band of Horses when they released "Cease to Begin," but I'm glad I found them. Great stuff.

[path12]

I only started listening to Band of Horses when they released "Cease to Begin," but I'm glad I found them. Great stuff.

I think "Our Swords" is a close to perfect song.

[Young Drachma]

British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music?

Just good ol' rock music. No seeds, no stems, no sticks.

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Hot Chip - Made In The Dark

Lots of folks are raving about it and I hadn't listened to it until now. There are a few pretty good songs on there and it might be even better after I run through it a few more times.

Here's In The Privacy Of Our Love
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[Julio Riddols]

For the hip hop crowd - Substantial has a new one out called "Sacrifice" - there are a couple songs I am not really into yet, but the rest of the disc is solid hip hop, like a mix between Common and Outkast. The beats are one of the better things about this one though.

Also, Yeasayer "All Hour Cymbals" is outstanding indie-style rock, Radiohead/ Modest Mouse influences, but almost undefinable.. very unique music. The singer goes from Perry Farrell to Roy Orbison to Chris Isaak with stops in between and lots of harmonies- a very classic rock vibe, IMO. Its something that doesn't sound far removed from the late 60's. There is some really really great stuff on this cd.. I think this band will be a household name in time.

[cthomer5000]

too countryish for my blood I think...

I know you like Death Cab. So trust me when I say go ahead and take the plunge on Band of Horses. I sincerely doubt you'll be disappointed.

(so i am 3rding or 4thing Band of Horses here).

[samifan24]

Speaking of Death Cab, they have a new album, "Narrow Stairs," coming out in May.

[cthomer5000]

Speaking of Death Cab, they have a new album, "Narrow Stairs," coming out in May.

Yeah, definitely looking forward to this one. I'd say one more very good album from them and they enter my personal pantheon of "great" bands.

[Young Drachma]

I know you like Death Cab. So trust me when I say go ahead and take the plunge on Band of Horses. I sincerely doubt you'll be disappointed.

(so i am 3rding or 4thing Band of Horses here).

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Something a little older for Shorty. No twangy aftertaste.

[korme]

Just listened to Vampire Weekend's album. My first thought is that the lead singer is trying desperately hard to sound British

[Karlifornia]

British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music?





I really like British Sea Power....The Decline and Open Season
were really solid albums...."It Ended On An Oily Stage" and "Apologies TO Insect Life" are my two favorite songs by them. Gonna have to pick up the new one.

[Sgran]

best single I've heard in a while:

MGMT - "Time To Pretend"

http://youtube.com/watch?v=XVnRzEjpUmE

You're not supposed to take drugs before you watch that video, are you? i'm still trying to classify it: Kubrick films a sequel to 300?

[cthomer5000]

Just listened to Vampire Weekend's album. My first thought is that the lead singer is trying desperately hard to sound British

I would say desperately like Paul Simon if anything.

[path12]

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Something a little older for Shorty. No twangy aftertaste.

I repeat:

I think "Our Swords" is a close to perfect song.

[Drake]

Ooh, ooh, new one:

If you get a chance, the latest Blue October CD (Foiled) is freaking awesome. Sort of a Pink Floyd-ish thing that alternates between weird pop and heavy. Very difficult to classify. Very cool.

[Schmidty]

Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks - Real Emotional Trash

Amazing stuff as usual from one of my musical heros. And there's a free preview of the album on his myspace. Woo!

[CamEdwards]

Has anybody picked up the new Mike Doughty (former lead singer of Soul Coughing) cd? I know it came out this past week, but I haven't had a chance to listen to a preview yet. Wondering if it's more like his last album or if it's just him and a guitar like his first couple of solo cd's.

[Ksyrup]

Hey Cam, you should check out a guy by the name of Paul Steel. He has an album coming out called Moon Rock that is fantastic, in a Brian Wilson/XTC/Wondermints/ELO vein. Highly recommended.

[BishopMVP]

The new Death Angel comes out on the 26th, and it's so fucking good I'm at a loss for words. Not quite Act III, but a close second so far. They are an old-school thrash band from the 80s reunited, and this is their second album since getting back together. They were only teens for most of their first run together, so they're all still under 35-40 at this point. Insanely good.Far be it from me to critique you after all the good music you've put me on to, but calling them a thrash band is underselling them IMO. I usually think of Thrash bands as 2 minute songs with unintelligible lyrics. Some of Death Angel's stuff could easily fit into a Metallica or even RHCP cd imo.Protest the Hero's new one is magnificent, but you have to be willing to deal with emo vocals and crazy music that just goes nonstop. Honestly, listening to the album all the way through tires me out.PtH is ridiculous and I love them. Fortress might be tighter than the 1st album, but not only did Kezia have the concept, it also has more songs on my iPod - Blindfolds Aside/Turn Soonest to the Sea/She Who Mars the Skin of Gods/No Stars Over Bethlehem are perfect. Fortress only has 2 so far.

I can see how some people might get annoyed by the emo-ish vocals at times, but IMO that's much better than normal death metal screamo. Plus they're so technically proficient it's worth a listen regardless. One more thing in their favor - when I saw them live, they actually pulled off the layering of guitars and hit the notes/tempo changes. Unfortunately, they aren't coming northeast of Pittsburgh on tour again until at least August.Ayreon's long-awaited follow-up to The Human Equation, 01011001, came out recently. Kinda like space-prog - crunchy guitars, lots of spacy keyboard, and a bunch of guest vocalists from the prog metal world.Ayreon is alright, but the prog-rock band I've really started loving recently is Avantasia. Some German guy (Tobias Sommet?) put it together with a lot of his friends in the metal scene, and its phenomenal. Clean vocals, hard rock with a lot of breakdowns and an operatic scope. I've even heard one of the songs on the radio around here once, so maybe it'll get some publicity.



Oh, also, these probably/mostly aren't 2008 releases, but Lupe Fiasco's album from last year was fantastic, Guru had a good one, and for a rap group out of the ordinary for these lists, UGK's double album was great for that style, although I like Chamillionaire's mixtapes and T.I.'s CDs more. Also, it's kind of embarrassing because I despise the game and have never played it, but I was introduced to Dragonforce through Guitar Hero and all my friends failing at their song.

[Young Drachma]

The newest things I've reviewed include (http://www.ronbronson.com/27/):

Hi-Tek: Hi-Teknology 3
The third solo album from producer who comprised the former duo of Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek is another collection of beats and “various artists” mostly notables from the underground and the aforementioned Talib Kweli, who recently went above ground on his major label release on Def Jam.

Hi-Tek has always been one of the better producers in the game. He does an excellent job of using his beats to give excellent emcees an ability to take them and make them do what they need to. A lot of producers are really intent on letting you know 1) who they are 2) being all up in the video and/or 3) having beats that almost drown the MC out. There are other varieties, but…these are enough for now.

On Hi-Teknology 3, Hi-Tek does none of this. The emcee collection is admitted weak. Little Brother doesn’t shine on Step Ya Game Up Remix, but Kweli sounds good on the track Time. On the track, God’s Plan, Young Buck comes correct. But the best song on the entire album isn’t by a rapper at all. It’s by English R&B songstress and newcomer Estelle on the track Life to Me that really comes off the best of any of them.

That said, all of the beats are pretty solid. I don’t know that any of them resonate as a beat in a mainstream, radio-friendly song would. But that doesn’t take from their quality in my opinion. Hi-Tek adds another quality volume to his body of work.

Erykah Badu - New Amerkyah Pt. 1
I wasn’t sold on this after the first track, but I kept listening and was stopped in my tracks when I heard Solider. The beat is infectious and Erykah is at her best. So I kept going. The best tracks on the album are The Hump and Telephone.

This entire album brings it back and makes me feel that it was worth the wait for Badu to bring us some modern soul excellence that just doesn’t happen consistently these days, as imposter after imposter fails to give us what we really want.

New Amerykah doesn’t go old school in the traditional sense, it sounds very modern and yet..the production is clean and the tracks are almost experimental at times. One of the things I discovered on the second listen is that some of the tracks start off rough or almost too much and you have to listen more to get the “good stuff” later in the track. No song is this more evident than on Master Teacher. It’s a great track, but the first 3 minutes or so might give you a headache.

But maybe that’s just me.

All in all, Erykah is back and better than ever here. This is easily one of the best albums of the year and will hold up well against most anything. It’s not intended for the pop charts (hell, her single is included as a ‘bonus’ track on the LP) and it’s not going to appeal to casual listeners. But make no mistake, it’s the real deal.

Black Spade's newest album To Serve With Love is good too, but the review I wrote isn't up yet. But it's one of the best hip-hop albums released so far this year.

And finally, here's a new track Get Busdy from The Roots newest LP coming later this year. It's pretty sweet and has an Office Space theme to it.

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[Ksyrup]

Far be it from me to critique you after all the good music you've put me on to, but calling them a thrash band is underselling them IMO. I usually think of Thrash bands as 2 minute songs with unintelligible lyrics. Some of Death Angel's stuff could easily fit into a Metallica or even RHCP cd imo.

Death Angel is thrash, pure and simple. I'm not sure where your definition comes from, but 2 minute songs with unintelligible lyrics isn't really what thrash is about. You might be thinking of grindcore or something - I'd definitely put Pig Destroyer in that category. Or maybe SOD back in the 80s, which was more punk or speed metal than thrash (I do love the Ballad of Jimi Hendrix, though).

Back in the day, Metallica, Megadeth, Testament, etc., were all thrash bands. In fact, with DA included, and maybe add in Overkill and Forbidden, those were the main bands that made up the Bay Area Thrash scene of the 80s. DA definitely did some different things, but they were still thrash at the root of their sound. They did a bit of funk, but not enough to compare them to RHCP. Maybe a 15 second snip of one of their songs, but nothing they did could possibly fit with RHCP. Not even Bored.

And Avantasia is pretty good, I've got the new one and haven't listened to it all that much yet. His Metal Opera stuff from a few years back is great.

[st.cronin]

Robert Plant and Alison Kraus

[MikeVic]

I like some of the music mentioned in this thread.

[Passacaglia]

No Kids -- www.myspace.com/nokidsband/

Their album came out a few weeks ago, and it's really good. Recommended by me.

[Groundhog]

Lately I've been re-discovering old Flaming Lips albums. Forgot how good some of these suckers were.

[sabotai]

Acroma - Orbitals

It was released in 2003, but I just found them thanks to pandora.com. Really good stuff. They sound similar to A Perfect Circle, but with more of a "rock" sound to them.

[Karlifornia]

Magnetic Fields-Distortion- I bought "I" a few years back, and I thought it was horrible. I gave it about two or three tries, and I just thought it was reprehensible. I vowed to never buy another Magnetic Fields album. Then, I'm at Streetlight a few weeks ago, and I see Distortion on the "featured" rack in the indie section. I decide to listen to the free samples on a whim. Every :30 clip I listened to sounded great, so I bought it.

I have to say that I love its lo-fi pop feel. Some have said it's comparable to Jesus & Mary Chain, and I definitely hear that. I'm still not a huge fan of Stephen Merritt's voice, but the man can write a catchy song. The largely instrumental opener, "Three Way", is awesome. It's a near automatic mood-lifter. It was ballsy (I guess) to name a song "California Girls", after two other bands had capitalized off of a song with the same title, but it works here, not just because the song is different, but the theme is different (I hate California Girls)].

"Too Drunk To Dream" is almost anthemic.

[Zelig]

Psuedo Echo - Welcome Back

[MikeVic]

I'm really enjoying that Sia album, beginning to end.

[korme]

It's not new or anything, but I've been playing the living hell out of Room on Fire by the Strokes

[korme]

Yesterday at BB picked up:

The Hush Sound - Goodbye Blues
Panic at the Disco - Pretty. Odd.

I'll be reporting back after the initial listens that are about to go down.

[Ksyrup]

That Panic At the Disco CD was all the buzz on the Jelly-L when the single came out about 2 months ago. I've heard bits and pieces and really like it. Apparently it's nothing like what this band was before, which makes sense, because I've never heard of them before now. Very Jellyfish/McFly/Feeling, lots of Sgt. Peppers/orchestration all over it. I'll probably get it very soon if the entire album is like that. Please post your impressions of it.

[korme]

That is what scares me though, Ks, I love love LOVED their first album. It was so unique and up-tempo and this is supposedly right out of a Beatles album - which isn't bad, I mean, it is the Beatles, but still that's completely different from what the first experience was.

Then again, reminds me of when the Killers 2nd album was said to be a big change and very Springsteen-esque, but I ended up loving that album as well. So I will find out shortly.

[BrianD]

Wow, I think I may have actually found something I like out of one of these threads. From a real quick listen, Panic At The Disco sounds pretty good...though if I didn't know better I would suspect I was listening to Fallout Boy. The lead singers sound an awful lot alike.

[MikeVic]

Wow, I think I may have actually found something I like out of one of these threads. From a real quick listen, Panic At The Disco sounds pretty good...though if I didn't know better I would suspect I was listening to Fallout Boy. The lead singers sound an awful lot alike.

I agree with the Fallout Boy thing. I listened to the newest album, and haven't heard them before. To me it sounded like a more dancier Fallout Boy, which I liked.

edit: Apparently I was listening to the 1995 release.

[korme]

Wow, I think I may have actually found something I like out of one of these threads. From a real quick listen, Panic At The Disco sounds pretty good...though if I didn't know better I would suspect I was listening to Fallout Boy. The lead singers sound an awful lot alike.

Which album did you listen to?

Just had my first run through, I need to go listen to it again before I reveal how I feel about it!

[korme]

Ok, listened to Pretty. Odd. twice since 4:30. I am biased, I liked the first CD a lot. That said, I liked it and it was very Beatley, eerily Beatley! It was good and I'm going to end up liking/playing it a lot, I just wish it wasn't so different from A Fever You Can't Sweat Out. Though I think this sound might appeal to a wider majority. Pretty good I suppose.

[BrianD]

Which album did you listen to?

Just had my first run through, I need to go listen to it again before I reveal how I feel about it!

I didn't listen to a full album, I just listened to "The Only Difference Between Martyrdom And Suicide Is Press Coverage" and "Nine In The Afternoon". Both were pretty good.

[Ksyrup]

I don't know much about Panic, but I do know they are signed to the dude from Fallout Boy's label. But I don't know anything about Fallout Boy, either, other than they are some form of punk, so I'm not interested. Only reason I'm interested in this new Panic is the Beatles thing. I gotta grab the whole thing and give it a spin.

[Young Drachma]

Yesterday at BB picked up:

The Hush Sound - Goodbye Blues
Panic at the Disco - Pretty. Odd.

I'll be reporting back after the initial listens that are about to go down.

I liked The Hush Sound's last album, so I checked it out after I saw this post.

[Young Drachma]

Dola --

I'm listening to:

Kenna - Make Sure They See My Face (if you like N.E.R.D./The Neptunes, they produced this and he's a childhood buddy of theirs. The track "Say Goodbye To Love" is the lead singer and it's a good pop song. The guy is all over the place musically. It's pop-rock, but he's a singer and it's heavily reliant on beats, but...it's hard to pigeonhole. You'll either like it or hate it. But it's good work and he's a talented guy.

The Black Keys - Attack & Release - They left their basement production studio and let Danger Mouse help them out. It's their normal singing style and it's good stuff from these guys, but it does sound a lot more polished and a lil' less grimy. But they're still at the top of their game.

What Made Milwaukee Famous What Doesn't Kill Us - Solid rock music worth checking out, I think. Haven't listened to it more than once yet, but it's excellent from what I notice so far.

The Raconteurs - Consolers Of The Lonely - Haven't listened to it straight through yet. But...sounds promising, though nothing earthshattering.

Gnarls Barkley - The Odd Couple - Not as good as their debut LP, but still spastically awesome.

Kathleen Edwards - Asking For Flowers - Canadian country here. My favourite track is "I Make The Dough, You Get The Glory." It references Marty McSorley. Can't beat that.

Nicole Atkins - Neptune City - She's a Jersey Girl and that makes me happy. Umm...she's got a really big voice for indie rock and she likes to use it. Umm....it's not going to knock your socks off, but I think she's an up-and-comer and she's got talent. The album needs to marinate, but I think it's a good release worth checking out.

[korme]

I didn't listen to a full album, I just listened to "The Only Difference Between Martyrdom And Suicide Is Press Coverage" and "Nine In The Afternoon". Both were pretty good.

The first one is from the debut album, the lead track and the exact example of what I was talking about fast-paced and uppity, the last one is from the sophomore, and it also is a great representation of the entire cd, much poppier and what not.


BTW DC having just listened to the new Hush Sound, I know you won't be disappointed.

[hawk4669]

I'm listening to a lot of Against Me! right now. I know not everyone will apprecite them....but Tom Gabel's voice evokes so much passion that they cannot be denied. ;)

Cheers!

[Young Drachma]

I'm listening to a lot of Against Me! right now. I know not everyone will apprecite them....but Tom Gabel's voice evokes so much passion that they cannot be denied. ;)

Cheers!
I like that track "Americans Abroad." It's sweet. But you're right, can't take that voice for a whole album.

[HerRealName]

The stuff I like...

Times New Viking - Rip it Off - They may rip off the low-fi sound of fellow Ohio band Guided By Voices but this is excellent. If you don't mind a CD that sounds like it was recorded in someone's basement on a four track (because it was) this is highly recommended.

The Black Keys - Attack + Release - Another good Ohio band. I think it's officially out on Tuesday but I like this one the first couple times through.

The Whigs - Mission Control - They opened for DBT when I saw them and I was impressed enough to pick up their CD. I really like it, they're out of Athens I think.

The Dexateens - If you don't mind some twang in your rock, this is highly recommended. I have this one right behind the Drive-By Truckers CD so far in my early best of 2008 list. I'm pretty sure the Dexateens were on my 2007 year end list as well but I didn't even know they were planning on releasing another so soon. They've gone the Radiohead model and are making it available on the Internet so it is free to check out...

http://www.dexateens.net/

[korme]

iTunes says this is my fourth time going through Pretty. Odd. right now and I'm really coming around on it and liking it a lot. What I couldn't get around with The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me compared to Deja Entendu with Brand New, I am ok with this transition Panic has made. Have you picked it up yet Ks?

[whomario]

I like it (Panic at the disco), too. Only thing you should not do under any circumstances is play one album after the other, that really spoils it because there is that part that was in awe of the power of the first album and then is kind of disapointed.
The new one is good imo, but it definitely hasn´t got that "swagger" on it if that makes any sense.

Right now i happen to listen to a couple of those new british female artists, amy macdonald and Adele in particular. Incredible promising voices, though especially Adeles album is damn raw and seems rushed (just not enough quality songs).

Nada Surfs new album still rotates daily basically, big time record.

I´ve also been listening quite a bit of David Bowie after i stumbled across Heroes again after years of not playing it. Great stuff, especially the title track is incredible even after all this time (there´s a good live version of it on youtube, too)

[thesloppy]

I´ve also been listening quite a bit of David Bowie after i stumbled across Heroes again after years of not playing it. Great stuff, especially the title track is incredible even after all this time (there´s a good live version of it on youtube, too)

Station to Station has been making my playlist recently...it sounds like cocaine. And maybe Mick Jagger's dong. But in a good way.

{backs out of thread slowly}

[MikeVic]

I'm listening to a lot of Against Me! right now. I know not everyone will apprecite them....but Tom Gabel's voice evokes so much passion that they cannot be denied. ;)

Cheers!

Against Me! opened for the Foo Fighters, and I found them OK, but nothing special. Not someone I could find listening to an entire CD of.

[Ksyrup]

Not sure when it drops, but the new Testament - the first with Skolnick since the early 90s - is surprisingly solid. They kinda came back from the death metallish stuff of the late 90s and are back to the 80s/early 90s sound. You can tell it's been awhile since they released an album, though - there's a 9/11 song on here.

Also, the new Mesuggah is kicking my ass. You can tell they've been influenced by touring with Tool...first song especially, sounds like Tool doing technical thrash. Couple of songs on here are just monstrous.

New album by Torche called Meanderthal that I think fans of Queens of the Stone Age might like. I think it's going to be the metal/hipster crossover album of the year (or a contender, anyway), sort of like The Sword last year. I don't love it, but I can see why it will probably be popular with the indie crowd.

[Buccaneer]

Ann Wilson - Hope & Glory. She has been and still is my favorite rock singer of all time. This is her first solo effort, came out last Fall and available on iTunes. It is an album mostly of covers, many with duets. Her version of Led Zep's Immigrant Song is one of the most popular songs on iTunes in 2007. Here's a list of contributors:

Hope & Glory features guest appearances from Elton John (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elton_John), k.d. lang (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K.d._lang), Alison Krauss (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alison_Krauss), Gretchen Wilson (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gretchen_Wilson), Shawn Colvin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shawn_Colvin), Rufus Wainwright (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rufus_Wainwright), Wynonna (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wynonna) Judd and Deana Carter (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deana_Carter). Ann's sister, Nancy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Wilson_%28guitarist%29), also contributed.

Here are the tracks:


"Goodbye Blue Sky (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodbye_Blue_Sky)" with Nancy Wilson (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Wilson_%28guitarist%29) (Written by Roger Waters (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Waters) - Popular version by Pink Floyd (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink_Floyd))
"Where to now St. Peter (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tumbleweed_Connection)" with Elton John (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elton_John) (John/Taupin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John/Taupin) - Elton John)<SUP class=reference id=cite_ref-Preview_1-0>[2] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hope_%26_Glory_%28album%29#cite_note-Preview-1)</SUP>
"Jackson (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackson_%28song%29)" with k.d. lang (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K.d._lang) (Leiber (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Leiber)/Wheeler (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Edd_Wheeler) - Lucinda Williams (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucinda_Williams))
"We Gotta Get Out of This Place (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_Gotta_Get_Out_of_This_Place)" with Wynonna Judd (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wynonna_Judd) (Mann (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Mann)/Weil (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynthia_Weil) - The Animals (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Animals))
"Immigrant Song (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immigrant_Song)" (Page (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Page)/Plant (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Plant) - Led Zeppelin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Led_Zeppelin))<SUP class=reference id=cite_ref-Preview_1-1>[2] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hope_%26_Glory_%28album%29#cite_note-Preview-1)</SUP>
"Darkness, Darkness (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darkness%2C_Darkness)" with Nancy Wilson (Jesse Colin Young (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_Colin_Young) - The Youngbloods (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Youngbloods))
"Bad Moon Rising (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bad_Moon_Rising_%28song%29)" with Gretchen Wilson (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gretchen_Wilson) (Fogerty (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Fogerty) - Creedence Clearwater Revival (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creedence_Clearwater_Revival))
"War of Man (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvest_Moon_%28album%29)" with Alison Krauss (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alison_Krauss) (Neil Young (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Young))<SUP class=reference id=cite_ref-Preview_1-2>[2] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hope_%26_Glory_%28album%29#cite_note-Preview-1)</SUP>
"Get Together (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Get_Together_%28Chet_Powers_song%29)" with Nancy Wilson, Deana Carter (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deana_Carter) & Wynonna Judd (Powers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chet_Powers) - The Youngbloods)
"Isolation (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isolation_%28John_Lennon_song%29)" (Lennon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lennon))<SUP class=reference id=cite_ref-Preview_1-3>[2] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hope_%26_Glory_%28album%29#cite_note-Preview-1)</SUP>
"A Hard Rain's a-Gonna Fall (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Hard_Rain%27s_a-Gonna_Fall)" with Rufus Wainwright (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rufus_Wainwright) & Shawn Colvin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shawn_Colvin) (Dylan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Dylan))
"Little Problems, Little Lies" (Ann Wilson (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann_Wilson))Plus a bonus track of Paul Simon's American Tune.

[Ksyrup]

iTunes says this is my fourth time going through Pretty. Odd. right now and I'm really coming around on it and liking it a lot. What I couldn't get around with The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me compared to Deja Entendu with Brand New, I am ok with this transition Panic has made. Have you picked it up yet Ks?

I haven't gotten through it all yet. So far, it's OK. What's interesting is that I'm able to listen to it without all of the baggage that comes with them. I've never heard this band or Fallout Boy before, so all I know of these bands is what I've read. I'm coming to this with a pretty clear mind. I'm liking most of it - it's like a poor man's attempt at doing what Daniel Johns did a couple of albums ago, but not as good. It'll be interesting to see if they stick with it like Silverchair did, or whether they crash and burn like Avenged Sevenfold did after they hit a HR and then went off the deep end.

Biggest obstacle for me is the guy's voice... first, it's WAY too high in the mix and overshadows a lot of the ornate stuff they're doing with the music - it comes off as a solo album or something, and I don't think this guy deserves "diva status" (nor is it appropriate for a rock band setting). And second, the quivering vibrato is grating. I assume that's one of those "generational" things that proves I'm turning into an old man. It's like listening to Archuleta's wheezing - when you notice it, it's pretty distracting.

[Ksyrup]

PING: CAM!

WOW! This album is awesome. Proggy pop in the vein of XTC/Squeeze, with a Yes or maybe Neal Morse feel. Some shiny moments like Paul Steel, too.

From Spin:

BRYAN SCARY AND THE SHREDDING TEARS

Up-and-coming psychedelic genre-benders freak out, man. By Larry Fitzmaurice (http://www.spin.com/writers/larry-fitzmaurice) 03.31.08 11:39 AM http://www.spin.com/sites/spin.com/files/imagecache/huge_page_view/sites/spin.com/files/080331_bryanscary_0.jpg (http://www.spin.com/sites/spin.com/files/080331_bryanscary_0.jpg)
Bryan Scary and the Shredding Tears

What's the Deal? Don't let their name spook you: Bryan Scary and the Shredding Tears may be strange fellows, but their music is meant to elicit joy, not terror. On their exquisite second effort, Flight of the Knife, which drops in record stores this week, Scary and his Tears tear through '50s teen pop conventions ("Imitation of the Sky"), stately British pop in the vein of XTC ("Venus Ambassador"), and glammed-out prog rock ("The Purple Rocket") with recklessly organized aplomb.

Who? Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and lead vocalist Bryan Scary wrote and recorded almost all of his debut record, The Shredding Tears, all by his lonesome (save for drums, which were handled by Apollo Sunshine's Jeremy Black). For touring purposes, Scary assembled a cracking backing band (keyboards/vocalist Mike Acreman, bassist/vocalist Dave Ostrem, drummer Brian Bauer, guitarist/vocalist Graham Norwood) and dubbed them "the Shredding Tears," later recording the sky-sighted song cycle Flight of the Knife with them.

Fun Fact: Bryan Scary and the Shredding Tears have a rapidly growing fan base, including notorious gossip blogger (and rumored record label honcho to-be (http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2008/02/perez-hilton-re.html)) Perez Hilton, who says Scary is "incredibly talented." Photoshop that in pink paint onto a publicity photo!

Album is streaming at http://www.flightoftheknife.com/ (http://www.flightoftheknife.com/).

[Mr. Sparkle]

PING: CAM!

WOW! This album is awesome. Proggy pop in the vein of XTC/Squeeze, with a Yes or maybe Neal Morse feel. Some shiny moments like Paul Steel, too.

From Spin:

BRYAN SCARY AND THE SHREDDING TEARS

Up-and-coming psychedelic genre-benders freak out, man. By Larry Fitzmaurice (http://www.spin.com/writers/larry-fitzmaurice) 03.31.08 11:39 AM http://www.spin.com/sites/spin.com/files/imagecache/huge_page_view/sites/spin.com/files/080331_bryanscary_0.jpg (http://www.spin.com/sites/spin.com/files/080331_bryanscary_0.jpg)
Bryan Scary and the Shredding Tears

What's the Deal? Don't let their name spook you: Bryan Scary and the Shredding Tears may be strange fellows, but their music is meant to elicit joy, not terror. On their exquisite second effort, Flight of the Knife, which drops in record stores this week, Scary and his Tears tear through '50s teen pop conventions ("Imitation of the Sky"), stately British pop in the vein of XTC ("Venus Ambassador"), and glammed-out prog rock ("The Purple Rocket") with recklessly organized aplomb.

Who? Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and lead vocalist Bryan Scary wrote and recorded almost all of his debut record, The Shredding Tears, all by his lonesome (save for drums, which were handled by Apollo Sunshine's Jeremy Black). For touring purposes, Scary assembled a cracking backing band (keyboards/vocalist Mike Acreman, bassist/vocalist Dave Ostrem, drummer Brian Bauer, guitarist/vocalist Graham Norwood) and dubbed them "the Shredding Tears," later recording the sky-sighted song cycle Flight of the Knife with them.

Fun Fact: Bryan Scary and the Shredding Tears have a rapidly growing fan base, including notorious gossip blogger (and rumored record label honcho to-be (http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2008/02/perez-hilton-re.html)) Perez Hilton, who says Scary is "incredibly talented." Photoshop that in pink paint onto a publicity photo!

Album is streaming at http://www.flightoftheknife.com/ (http://www.flightoftheknife.com/).

Seen these guys a couple times, and should be seeing them again in a couple weeks when a buddy's band opens for them. Their live show is something. Good stuff, though.

[CamEdwards]

Nice! I also have to say I'm really impressed with the new Panic at the Disco album. It's growing on me with every listen.

[korme]

Just picked up Kenna's sophomore album - Make Sure They See My Face.

Here's Rolling Stone's review - *** out of 5

You can't mention Ethiopia-born Kenna Zemedkun without mentioning his producer (and high school classmate) Chad Hugo, the Neptunes dude you don't see every other minute on BET. On Kenna's second album, as on his first, Hugo's production and his buddy's New Wave croon add up to a sound that's almost unique -- twenty-first-century romance that touches on hip-hop, synth-pop and neosoul. The songs aren't terribly memorable, but several cuts offer imaginative mash-ups: On “Sun Red Sky Blue,” Kenna belts out a first-rate chorus over a beat built on syncopated scratch guitar, evoking classic U2, only funkier. “Say Goodbye to Love” -- one of two songs produced by Hugo's partner Pharrell Williams -- finds Kenna moaning like an Eighties Brit boy over wonky, hooky electro bounce. Who knows whether this'll be the hit the first album wasn't. For now, call it one to grow on.


Vid for his second single "Say Goodbye to Love"

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[Young Drachma]

Just picked up Kenna's sophomore album - Make Sure They See My Face.

Here's Rolling Stone's review - *** out of 5






It's really good. I heard it after seeing him on Letterman last month and thinking (wrongly) that it was an N.E.R.D. track. It's a really good pop song, infectious and simple..but it works. The entire album is really out of this world. It's not all melded together "nicely" but Kenna himself is a bonafide talent.

Other tracks on the album I liked were Baptized in Blacklight (which will sound like a U2 track and it happens a lot on this LP), Sun Red Sky Blue is another favourite, as is Out of Control (State of Emotion)

[korme]

That is where I heard him too, you probably thought it was a NERD track because Phrarrell and Chad Hugo were there, and produced this album

[korme]

After listening to Make Sure They See My Face a few times, I have to say it's one of the those albums that just puts me in a good mood. It's nothing earthshattering, but I like it.

While I'm here I need mention that I want someone's review of The Odd Couple by Gnarls.

[BishopMVP]

After listening to Make Sure They See My Face a few times, I have to say it's one of the those albums that just puts me in a good mood. It's nothing earthshattering, but I like it.That's how I felt about the first one. It has its moments, but its mostly a pleasing album to have on in the backround when you're studying or doing something else. Hard to really classify too, because he switched up from song to song.While I'm here I need mention that I want someone's review of The Odd Couple by Gnarls.DC's got a quick one 10 posts up - "Not as good as their debut LP, but still spastically awesome."

EDIT - after hearing like half of each album, Sun Red Sky Blue is a phenomenal track, and I'm also falling in love with Going On off GB's. Love Hate Sensation and Run are other song(s) I really like from each album.

[Landshark44]

soundgarden
killers
offspring
rage against the machine
jay z/ linkin park ep
nickelback
limp bizkit

those are the bands i've been listening to the most, lately.

can anyone recommend some new music to me, based on that.....?

thanks...

[MikeVic]

Audioslave? lol.

[Landshark44]

i have some audioslave on my ipod....

stone temple pilots
nirvana
pearl jam
u2
everclear
smashing pumpkins
blink182

i'm just tired of all of it. i just don't know what to get......

[Young Drachma]

I accidentally ran into a band earlier today called the Carolina Chocolate Drops (http://www.myspace.com/carolinachocolatedrops). They're a string band from North Carolina and they're pretty fresh, hip and if you're into bluegrass/americana then you should check them out. Their most recent album is called Dona Got A Rambling Mind. It's just excellent music.

Here's some video, if you're into that.

<embed src="http://www.fabchannel.com/embed/player.swf?up=artist.Carolina_chocolate_drops.a" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="350" allowFullScreen="true"></embed>

I think I might like Heavy Heavy Low Low's Everything's Watched, Everyone's Watching. I haven't decided yet, tho.

Headlights release Some Racing, Some Stopping is quite good indie pop-rock if you're into female fronted gumdrop pop in the vein of say...Camera Obscura. (I couldn't think of another comparison off hand. And that one might not even be as accurate. These guys are more upbeat)

Hayes Carll released Trouble In Mind and it's just straight up country rock, but on the alt.country side of the house since it's not coming from Nashville. It grows on you.

[Butter]

I hate Panic at the Disco. More specifically, that guy's voice. Just grates on me. Can't get around it.

Can't stop listening to Vampire Weekend's album, though... as pretentious as it is, it is mesmerizing to me. Also, those recommending Band of Horses earlier in this thread, thanks. Enjoying that album a lot.

[Young Drachma]

Tapes n' Tapes released Walk It Off and my initial take on it is that it's not as good as The Loon, but it's still pretty good music.

DeVotchKa's A Mad and Faithful Telling is excellent, because it's so genre-busting. Think what Beirut (a one-man act with occasional help) does, only something so much better because the orchestration is melodic and dynamic, making the singing all the more vibrant as a result. I'm enjoying Blessing In Disguise and Comrade Z is damn good musicianship.

Be Your Own Pet's Get Awkward doesn't quite cut it. It doesn't have any of the charm of their first album.

Does It Offend You Yeah?'s You Have No Idea What You're Getting Into does nothing for me. I tried to buy the hype and hoopla and it doesn't offend me and maybe I really don't know what I'm getting into, but..it just doesn't work for me.

[Ksyrup]

soundgarden
killers
offspring
rage against the machine
jay z/ linkin park ep
nickelback
limp bizkit
stone temple pilots
nirvana
pearl jam
u2
everclear
smashing pumpkins
blink182

i'm just tired of all of it.

I think I've pinpointed the problem. With the exception of Killers (unless you're referring to the Iron Maiden album), this list of bands would have been stale by about 1998 or so. I'm not exactly up on the latest trendy music, but even I look hip compared to you! :)

[Young Drachma]

soundgarden
killers
offspring
rage against the machine
jay z/ linkin park ep
nickelback
limp bizkit

those are the bands i've been listening to the most, lately.

can anyone recommend some new music to me, based on that.....?

thanks...

The Black Keys
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
What Made Milwaukee Famous
Year of the Rabbit
The Receiving End of Sirens
TV On The Radio
Dredg
Editors
Misery Signals
Otep
Protest the Hero
Arctic Monkeys
The Roots
Interpol
Wax On Radio
Incubus
Machine Head
The Raconteurs

[Ksyrup]

I hate Panic at the Disco. More specifically, that guy's voice. Just grates on me. Can't get around it.

That's about where I've come down on this, although I really like the instrumentation enough, and they show enough promise, that I don't hate them.

I've heard that the guitarist/drummer write most of their music. If that's true and they really want to pursue the style they have on Pretty. Odd., they'd do well to can that guy and find someone who doesn't sing with the emo equivalent to the Stapp/Daughtry voice.

[Landshark44]

I think I've pinpointed the problem. With the exception of Killers (unless you're referring to the Iron Maiden album), this list of bands would have been stale by about 1998 or so. I'm not exactly up on the latest trendy music, but even I look hip compared to you! :)

so true, thats why i'm desperately asking for help....

thanks, darkcloud. i'll check out the bands on your list....

[Ksyrup]

Yeah, DC is the man around here for up-to-date music. I can't help you much unless you want metal, power pop, or Beatlesque singer/songwriter.

[Young Drachma]

so true, thats why i'm desperately asking for help....

thanks, darkcloud. i'll check out the bands on your list....

You won't like them all, but if you find one you like..it'll help me perhaps suggest other junk you'll like too.

[MikeVic]

The Black Keys
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
What Made Milwaukee Famous
Year of the Rabbit
The Receiving End of Sirens
TV On The Radio
Dredg
Editors
Misery Signals
Otep
Protest the Hero
Arctic Monkeys
The Roots
Interpol
Wax On Radio
Incubus
Machine Head
The Raconteurs

Arctic Monkeys, Incubus, Raconteurs, and TV on the Radio I think for sure. I'll maybe add Foo Fighters, Finger Eleven, and Wolfmother.

[Young Drachma]

good call on Foo Fighters.

[AlexB]

Not chipped into this yet this year, so my latest:

Los Campesinos - Hold On Youngster. Just plain excellent, fun, jaunty music. (Check out the EP Sticking Fingers Into Sockets as well, a bit of crossover with the album, but still excellent).

The Heavy - funk/soul/rock, which ends up working depsite a lull in the middle of the album

Blood Red Shoes - mixed stuff again, but they have a couple of killer songs (I Wish I Was Someone Better, You Bring Me Down)
Does It Offend You Yeah? - not in any way shape or form: a great album.

MGMT - not sold by the whole album, but please, if you only listen to one new song this week, make it Time To Pretend. Sheer class.

Avenged Sevenfold - uncomplicated but very good metal: apparently more commercial than their previous stuff, but never having known them before this album, doesn't bother me.

And a bit of a wildcard, especially after a metal band, I have a song called Hot Tears by Sarabeth Tucek which I can't stop listening to - I really need to find more of her stuff.

From this thread I'll definitely look up the Tapes N Tapes album (loved The Loon)

Landshark - try The Answer: throwback rock that you might like, or maybe even the aforementioned Avenged Sevenfold.

[Ksyrup]

Avenged Sevenfold caught lightning in a bottle with their last CD, City of Evil. It's a terrific metal CD that combines 80s-style guitar riffs with emo vocals. But the latest album is a huge disappointment, and at points, a complete embarrassment. That song towards the end (track 9, I think?) is funny beyond the point of laughing, to the point of being sad. At its best, it's fairly standard metal along the lines of Godsmack, but those are the highlights. If you like it, you should check out City of Evil - much better.

[AlexB]

Avenged Sevenfold caught lightning in a bottle with their last CD, City of Evil. It's a terrific metal CD that combines 80s-style guitar riffs with emo vocals. But the latest album is a huge disappointment, and at points, a complete embarrassment. That song towards the end (track 9, I think?) is funny beyond the point of laughing, to the point of being sad. At its best, it's fairly standard metal along the lines of Godsmack, but those are the highlights. If you like it, you should check out City of Evil - much better.

Cool, I'll check it out. (FWIW I really like track 9 :) I don't actually think there's a bad song on the album)

Edit: sometimes hard to tell, but iTunes snippets of City of Evil seem promising, especially the opener & latter half of the album

[Ksyrup]

Their older stuff I can't get into - the vocals are really bad. That's why City of Evil was such a pleasant surprise. Great album. A bit too long and probably could stand to lose 1 or 2 tracks, but it's great.

[Pyser]

flight of the knife is on my friends record label (black and greene). so good call :)

[Ksyrup]

I've been listing to that (Bryan Scary) and Protest the Hero non-stop the last week or so.

[BishopMVP]

Their older stuff I can't get into - the vocals are really bad. That's why City of Evil was such a pleasant surprise. Great album. A bit too long and probably could stand to lose 1 or 2 tracks, but it's great.I'm pretty sure I've mentioned it before, but it's because the lead singer blew out his vocal chords doing all the screaming that he wsa forced to switch his style. Worked out perfectly for City of Evil, but looks like that pop success went to their heads. Maybe they'll recover, but I doubt they'll be anything more than formulaic from this point on.

The old vocals can be really bad most of the time, but there are occasional songs like Second Heartbeat that are still worth it for the music. I mean, if you can listen to PtH for most of a week, you can probably enjoy that one.

Also, not sure if they were mentioned in the 2007 thread, but I finally got around to Within Temptation's The Heart of Everything and Nightwish's Dark Passion Play. Nightwish is always listed as the standard-bearer, but other than their sublime Crimson Tide instrumental, their stuff hasn't clicked with me. Within Temptation on the other hand has always been worth it between the epic scope and angellic voice. Same pattern re-asserted itself for these two, with WT in constant rotation on the playlists and nightwish virtually non-existent. I will give Nightwish this much - somewhat knowing the history of the band (they were known for having an operatically-trained woman fronting themand recently parted ways, I guess not very amicably) Bye Bye Beautiful is a pretty powerful F You to open their new career.

[Young Drachma]

Far-Less: Turn To The Bright

This is their 2004 release, their other album was A Toast To Bad Taste which came out late last year (or early this year), which I've mentioned before. They're on Tooth and Nail records, so basically it's screamo...but musically they're better than average. On their most recent release, they've stepped their game up and changed their sound away from the screamo to some degree. But on Turn To The Bright, it's good maybe because it's not anything you've heard on the radio (since they are mainstream) and has a feel to it that harkens back to the mid-90s alternative scene in its execution.

I have no idea what that really means, but..it just reminds me of music I heard when I was going to high school. It's not offensive to the ears and if you find yourself into the lighter metal fare of the mainstream, these guys are worth checking out.

[Young Drachma]

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Jenny Owen Youngs doing a cover of Nelly's Hot in Herrre... it's hipster irony and I think if they were gonna make a video of it, they could've gone a little further. But oh well. She's talented though. She has a track of her own called "Fuck Was I (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37Zn3cjNu58&feature=related)" talking about love. She's clever, smart and seems to clearly not take herself too seriously.

[CamEdwards]

I've been listing to that (Bryan Scary) and Protest the Hero non-stop the last week or so.

I really need to pick that up. I've been in a non-musical mood lately.

[samifan24]

Collin Herring's new song "Punches"...great alt-country for fans of Whiskeytown, Ryan Adams, etc.

[Ksyrup]

Good week for leaks. New King's X, Roger Manning (released in March, but only in Japan), and 2 tracks from the new Opeth crossed my PC this week.

That Opeth is going to be an easy pick for Album of the Year for me. The clean vocals are all over these two tracks, very little growly vocals (although I'm sure they're all over the other tracks), and it's just some mind-blowing stuff. Harmonies over blast beats? You bet. A funky breakdown section somewhat resembling 70s prog circus music? Yep. Akerfeldt's vocals have never sounded better. I am STOKED for this album to come out.

[thesloppy]

I do love me some 'clean' Opeth.

[Young Drachma]

I love Opeth. New stuff from them excites me.

[thesloppy]

There are so many bands that could do with cleaning up their vocals (Mastodon always comes to mind immediately), and I hope Opeth can continue to help kinda push people in that direction, though even they can't give up on the cookie monster completely.

[samifan24]

I'm really enjoying the new Weepies album, "Hideaway," which comes out tomorrow. You can stream the whole album this week at their iLike page (http://www.ilike.com/artist/The+Weepies).

[Butter]

Portishead's new album is finally almost here.

After listening for a couple of days, it gets a 9/10 from me. It's not all top notch, but it gets some extra for finally just being released. Some of it is classic Portishead, some is a fair departure from their regular sound. But it still sounds fresh. To me, anyway.

[Passacaglia]

Portishead's new album is finally almost here.

After listening for a couple of days, it gets a 9/10 from me. It's not all top notch, but it gets some extra for finally just being released. Some of it is classic Portishead, some is a fair departure from their regular sound. But it still sounds fresh. To me, anyway.

Wow, I had no idea! I'll definitely have to check this out.

[Young Drachma]

Estelle -- Shine has been billed as the 2nd coming of Lauryn Hill (before she went 'crazy'...) and I hesitate to make such comparisons. That said, it sounds good. It's frentic hip-hop soul, but she sings and unlike a lot of the starlets appointed by the media, she actually has talent and seems to understand how to put together an entire song. (Rather than Ashanti or those who can't seem to do anything beyond a hook and a bunch of arpeggios)

Haven't gone through it more than once yet, but it sounds promising. And the comparisons to Lauryn Hill are apt, because there isn't anything else out there that it really sounds like it, even down to the Caribbean influenced tracks like Come Over

[samifan24]

So, who's listening to the new Flight of the Conchords album which came out today? I've heard a couple of tracks already and they sound pretty good.

[Young Drachma]

So, who's listening to the new Flight of the Conchords album which came out today? I've heard a couple of tracks already and they sound pretty good.

I loaded it to my Zune this morning, but haven't listened to it yet. I plan to check it out though, the early buzz has been really favourable.

[MikeVic]

I loaded it to my Zune this morning, but haven't listened to it yet. I plan to check it out though, the early buzz has been really favourable.

Excellent spelling.

[Young Drachma]

I wrote a review (http://ronbronson.com/27/index.php/2008/04/25/atmosphere-if-life-gives-you-lemons/) of the new Atmosphere album today. (When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold). It's worth checking out. Atmosphere was once called by MSNBC the "hip-hop group for people who don't like hip-hop." I'm not sure it's true, but...they're worth checking out.

Also, I'm going to throw it back and mention again that if you never heard The Appleseed Cast's 2006 album Peregrine that you ought to check it out.

[Young Drachma]

Link (http://wl.filegenie.com/~omegaxl/jayzplayoffs.mp3)

Jay-Z's track he made 'dissing' DeShawn Stevenson of the Wizards...called "Blow The Whistle." Imagine if your bud was a star and could make tracks to people who dissed you?

[korme]

Link (http://wl.filegenie.com/%7Eomegaxl/jayzplayoffs.mp3)

Jay-Z's track he made 'dissing' DeShawn Stevenson of the Wizards...called "Blow The Whistle." Imagine if your bud was a star and could make tracks to people who dissed you?


And the response by Proverb http://www.zshare.net/audio/11202282f72613f0/

[Young Drachma]

Who the hell is Proverb? Seriously, the don comes after you and you send Proverb?

[Mac Howard]

I'm green with envy. Having a thirteen year old daughter, Hannah Montana tends to get a lot of play in this house :rolleyes:

[korme]

Who the hell is Proverb? Seriously, the don comes after you and you send Proverb?

I know, he doesn't even have a wikipedia page.

But I think I like it better, only because the beat is better (which is ripped from P.S.A. anyway), and that isn't even the reason for supposedly enjoying those songs

[Young Drachma]

The Roots released "Rising Down" today. It's hot, but it's the tracks that were already released before and haven't heard the other ear fodder yet.

[cthomer5000]

All in a similiar vein:

Not too nuts about the newwest Portishead. I'll give it some more listens, but it did not grab me on the first 2 listens.

Quite enjoying the newest M83 album Saturdays=Youth. A little lighter in sound than the last two proper albums. I suppose it's ambient electronic. Here's the link to the first single (Graveyard Girl), in which I can easily hear the My Bloddy Valentine influence. It's not all that typical of the rest of the album, but it is good.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=gY8iy8S0S4w



Cannot wait for the new Ladytron. Their last album, Witching Houris probably in my top 50 of all-time.

[Young Drachma]

The debut album from Santogold is out. You should check it out, because it's pretty freakin' sweet. It's basically 80s influenced, frentic zanyness with no real definition. But I love it.

[Scoobz0202]

Has anybody heard the new Mudcrutch album?

Awesome.

Pure Awesomeness.

[Draft Dodger]

The debut album from Santogold is out. You should check it out, because it's pretty freakin' sweet. It's basically 80s influenced, frentic zanyness with no real definition. But I love it.

I've been waiting for this one. Heard lots of good things.

[Young Drachma]

Quite enjoying the newest M83 album Saturdays=Youth.


I fired this up for the first time today and was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. Good recommend.

[Scoobz0202]

Has anybody heard the new Mudcrutch album?

Awesome.

Pure Awesomeness.

I thought we had a little bit more Tom Petty fans in here :)

[Young Drachma]

The Last Shadow Puppets - The Age of Understatement is out today. It's good stuff from the EP I heard. Brit Rock with a modern flair.

[perez24]

Head East Live!!!!

[Young Drachma]

Snoop Dogg released a track called My Medicine (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFhnlz-A4PI)with Everlast on guitar. It's pretty..interesting.

[BishopMVP]

Flobots - No Handlebars

That single has my vote for being the Paper Planes of 2008. Left-wing politically conscious rappers who have one single that transcends everything and blows up. Rest of their album wasn't as good, but had some decent stuff.

Also on the single song list, I just re-heard the mash-up of Jay-Z's Dirt Off Your Shoulder and The Verve's Bittersweet Symphony. That was a pretty terrible movement overall, but it works beautifully on that song.

[Young Drachma]

You can listen to Scarlett Johanssen's album (http://www.imeem.com/scarlettjohansson) of Tom Waits covers on imeem if you login/register.

[Young Drachma]

Sorry, I should've posted them all in one thread.

Ximena Sariñana - Mediocre She is astounding. Cut from the same cloth as Julieta Venegas, but way more indie-jazz vein rather than alt/indie rock. Sorta like Nellie McKay but way better chops and cuter to boot and multilingual. Though after a second look, she sounds similar to Sia from Zero 7.


<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/btAabSOXWBo&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/btAabSOXWBo&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>
Here's a Ray Charles cover "You Don't Know Me"

Babasonicos - Mucho Argentine rockers come with standard fare. Haven't listened to the whole thing yet, but it sounds decent enough to play through. We'll see.

[samifan24]

Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs - I'm liking it a lot. Yes, indeed.

[Ksyrup]

It's very rare that I listen to joke music like Weird Al and stuff like that, but this new Zimmers Hole album When You Were Shouting At the Devil...We Were In League With Satan is friggin' hilarious. It's basically a parody of metal, like a Tenacious D of thrash/death metal. It's made up of 3/4 of the former Devin Townsend Band, including drummer Gene Hoglan, whose performance is almost worth it alone. They spoof it all - making sophmoric, testosterone-laced jokes about glam metal being gay, epic metal from bands like Manowar, the death/sex fascination a number of metal bands have... - and they pull it off with some really great songs that stand on their own. The vocalist is incredible - he does everything from death growls, to power metal, to falsetto that sounds like King Diamond. Quite impressive for a guy I've never heard of.

Definitely not for everyone, but this is a fun but still headbanging album. And the song titles are great!

We Rule the Fucking Land
Fista Corpse
Anonymous Esophogus
Hair Doesn't Grow on Steel
What's My Name...Evil!

[AlexB]

Does it Offend You, Yeah? You Have No Idea What You Are Getting Yourself Into
Los Campesinos - Hold On Now Youngster

The two best albums I have bought this year, without question.

And while I was typing this Sisters Of Mercy 'This Corrosion' came up on random play... has there ever been a single 10 minutes of better music? I don't think so.

[Young Drachma]

Flobots - No Handlebars

That single has my vote for being the Paper Planes of 2008. Left-wing politically conscious rappers who have one single that transcends everything and blows up. Rest of their album wasn't as good, but had some decent stuff.


That track was dope. I checked it out after your suggestion and it took two listens to reel me in, but it did just that. Flow is way too backpacker esque for me to really get into the whole album, but on that track..it kills.

[korme]

DC have you heard the song Us Placers by CRS?

I wiki'd CRS and apparently it's a group that has been started consisting of Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, and Pharrell.

Needless to say I am very excited about that.

[Draft Dodger]

I've been listening a lot to Raconteurs' Consolers of the Lonely. I like a lot of songs on it, but that last song, Carolina Drama, is just all kinds of win. I end up switching between that one and the title track over and over again.

[Young Drachma]

DC have you heard the song Us Placers by CRS?

I wiki'd CRS and apparently it's a group that has been started consisting of Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, and Pharrell.

Needless to say I am very excited about that.

I heard it before, yeah. It's pretty cool from a crossover perspective and the only reason you'd hear Radiohead get played in the club. Should be a dope album and with N.E.R.D.'s album coming out this year too, should be a bonkers summer.

[Young Drachma]

I've run into Esperanza Spalding, by accident. She's 23. She started playing bass by accident when she was 15. Got her GED, ended up at Berklee College in Boston. By accident. She hated it there, but went from that to graduating in 3 years and being hired as an instructor. She's done sessions and tours with big names and she just released her US debut this week.

She's a tour de force.

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[path12]

I find I'm at the point where I get songs rather than entire discs anymore (never thought that would happen).

Anyway along that line, 2080 by Yeasayer is teh awesome and that and Just a Dream by Great Northern are high on my listening priorities at the moment......

[Ksyrup]

Man, the new Opeth is seriously kicking my ass STILL, which is a good thing since it doesn't actually come out until next week. The 70s prog influences on this thing, and the strength of the clean vocals, are an absolute treat.

The new Scar Symmetry is out there and pretty strong, too. Death metal with a ton of 80s power metallish clean harmonic vocals. Good stuff.

Just got around to getting the new Pugwash, Eleven Modern Antiquities. Basically, XTC/Brian Wilson pop. This band is practically unheard of, but continues to release amazing music. Guest spots from Andy Partridge, Jason Falkner, Neil Hannon, and Michael Penn. Hard to find, but well worth it.

A very surprising album I'm enjoying right now is from Jordan Zevon (yep, Warren's kid). Very much on the power pop side of things. The Joke's On Me is a fantastic song, one of my favorites of the year. Reminds me of Falkner/Owsley at times.

[CamEdwards]

I finally picked up that Bryan Scary album... having a hard time getting into it believe it or not.

[Buccaneer]

Man, the new Opeth is seriously kicking my ass STILL, which is a good thing since it doesn't actually come out until next week. The 70s prog influences on this thing, and the strength of the clean vocals, are an absolute treat.


+1

I really love the songs Burden and Coil. I've been listening to all of the tracks on youtube.

[Ksyrup]

I finally picked up that Bryan Scary album... having a hard time getting into it believe it or not.

I'm still digging it, but I kinda understand. I read an absolutely scathing review on Pop Matters (I think?) - completely destroyed the album. I'ma huge prog fan, so it doesn't bother me that the songs jump from genre to genre and switch time signatures, etc. I don't want that in most of the pop I listen to, but I like what this guy does.

[Ksyrup]

+1

I really love the songs Burden and Coil. I've been listening to all of the tracks on youtube.

I'm sure they're taking a ton of crap from the diehard death metal fans for having 4 songs with nothing but clean vocals, but Akerfeldt's voice is so good, and he is so confident with it on this album, that it works perfectly. I'd say Lotus Eater is my favorite of them all - that funky breakdown toward the end is awesome, and the back and forth between the harmonies over the blast beats and the death growls is just phenomenal. I can't say enough good things about this band right now - they are at the top of their game.

[Zelig]

Just got my hands on "Warpaint" by the Black Crowes. I never really liked them, but I am a big fan of the Duane Allman slide guitar, and this grouping of songs is full of it. I like it.

[Karlifornia]

Death Cab For Cutie is now my favorite band. I am hoping to see them in Berkeley on June 21st, but I'm not sure if I can swing it. Gibbard's lyrics, Walla's production...it's all brilliant. I find it hard to get past the first two songs off of Narrow Stairs. Bixby Canyon Bridge and I Will Possess Your Heart. I actually think I Will Possess Your Heart is the I'll Be Watching You for the introspective present day alterna-indie-rock crowd. Such heartfelt stalker lyrics.

My love for Death Cab goes all the way back to their We Have The Facts And We're Voting Yes album. Title Track and For What Reason stir me up.

[Young Drachma]

That "I Will Possess Your Heart" track really distracted me from checking out the album, because it's creepy as hell as a title. But I had my Zune on random when I sleep and heard a song The Ice Is Getting Thinner that I really liked and I'll check the rest of the album now.

[samifan24]

Death Cab For Cutie is now my favorite band. I find it hard to get past the first two songs off of Narrow Stairs.

Get past them because "Grapevine Fires" and "Your New Twin Sized Bed" are awesome and easily my two favorite songs off the album.

[Pyser]

I finally picked up that Bryan Scary album... having a hard time getting into it believe it or not.

i saw them a few months ago, and the best line i heard was in the bathroom after the show when a guy said, "that band out there just played 50 songs in 20 minutes."

[Ksyrup]

I'm loving that Bryan Scary album. That, and the new Paul Steel album (which isn't as prog/frenetic but has a similar baroque pop feel to it), are absolutely great.

[Butter]

Can't stop listening to Elbow's "The Seldom Seen Kid" lately. The first half of the album is just masterful.

Also, Crystal Castles self-titled album is some fun electronica... especially if you enjoy video game sound effects. :)

[Pyser]

the dandy warhols new album "earth to the dandy warhols" is their best in 3 or 4 tries...but still no where as good as their first 3 albums. but theres 3-5 solid, solid songs on it.

[korme]

I can't wait for the new Coldplay album. The same-titled single, Viva La Vida is greatness

[Ksyrup]

This doesn't exactly fit here, but eventually it will, so I'll post this now...


The New Metallica Album - Rock Sound's Heard It!

Well, almost! Today (Wed June 04) Metallica’s management flew into London to exclusively play almost finished tracks from the San Francisco giant’s new studio album.

Set for a release in late August / early September, the as-yet-untitled album is in the final stages of mixing. Recorded with Rick Rubin, the album will feature 10 tracks and clock in at around the 75-minute mark.

The album has been described as “nine epics and one song”, with each of the nine tracks being between six to eight minutes in length. Like the recent Death Cab For Cutie single, the first release is eight minutes in length.

On first impressions and just one listen, Rock Sound can confirm that the songs we’ve heard sound very much like classic Metallica in vibe, harking back to the days of ‘Master Of Puppets’, ‘…And Justice For All’ (but with bass) and ‘The Black Album’ – without sounding dated or tired.

Of the six tracks Rock Sound heard this afternoon, only one had a working title – ‘Flamingo’. With a slow intro, the song was reminiscent of ‘Battery’ in vibe, with two guitar solos and an undercurrent of melody and groove.

The first single is an epic power rocker in the vein of ‘The Unforgiven’, ‘Nothing Else Matters’ and ‘Sanatorium’, with a mid-tempo, head-banging section and some Thin Lizzy-esque twin guitar riffage.

Another song features the lyrics, “Into abyss, you don’t exist, you can’t resist the Judas kiss”; another features an almost RATM-esque drum ‘n’ bass undercurrent and lyrics about “suicide” and cyanide”; while the final song we heard, dubbed “The Song”, clocks in at under five minutes and is a galloping thrash attack with quirks, and a sniff of Testament about it!

We suspect other song titles could include, ‘Die Hard’, ‘Show Your Scars’, and ‘My Apocalypse’ – but we cannot be held responsible if none of these titles or lyrics are accurate!

Thankfully – there are plenty of Kirk Hammett traditional guitar solos and a decent drum sound. Hetfield’s voice sounds in fine form too.
All of the songs have many different parts to them, giving the impression that the quartet is revisiting the epic vibe of the band’s ‘classic’ period.

To avoid recording the songs, Mr Ulrich had demanded all mobile phones were left at the door. However, nobody noticed Rock Sound’s mini-disc under our flat cap…

hxxp://www.rocksound.tv/articles/1412/The-New-Metallica-Album---Rock-Sounds-Heard-It---.html

[cthomer5000]

Get past them because "Grapevine Fires" and "Your New Twin Sized Bed" are awesome and easily my two favorite songs off the album.

"Cath..." and "Long Division" are doing it for me at the moment... it's a a great album. They made my personal panetheon of "great" bands with this release. 5 very good or better releases gets you there.... and very, very few bands ever put out 5 albums that fit that criteria for me.

Narrow Stairs is my front-runner for album of the year so far. By a large margin.



I'm kind of digging the Santogold album right now, but ive only listened to it twice... so too early to make any call there.

Check it... "L.E.S. Artistes" http://youtube.com/watch?v=Y9JI0GXkARQ

[Passacaglia]

"Cath..." and "Long Division" are doing it for me at the moment... it's a a great album. They made my personal panetheon of "great" bands with this release. 5 very good or better releases gets you there.... and very, very few bands ever put out 5 albums that fit that criteria for me.

Narrow Stairs is my front-runner for album of the year so far. By a large margin.



I'm kind of digging the Santogold album right now, but ive only listened to it twice... so too early to make any call there.

Check it... "L.E.S. Artistes" http://youtube.com/watch?v=Y9JI0GXkARQ

I heard one of their songs on Radio David Byrne last month, and liked it. I'll check it out.

[Young Drachma]

I've been listening to the new Weezer. When it's good, it's really good. Not completely sold yet, but it's solid seeming so far.

Radiohead's greatest hits are out and so, I've been listening to that too. Just to go back to the old days a bit, since I got into them relatively late to begin with after their initial burst.

Checking out the new Opeth. Very excited about it and it seems promising.

[thesloppy]

Melvins - Nude With Boots

Holy crap! I got an early release copy of this from a friend. I dunno who kidnapped the Melvins, or where they were held for the last 12 years, but it appears someone finally let them loose (or more likely, someone finally washed the stink of Mike Patton off of them). At one time the Melvins were my favoritest band in the world, and I've probably seen them live a dozen times over the years....I'm saying that shit not to build up my "street cred", or whatever, but just to say that the Melvins had reached that stage where even many of their fanboys consider them dead on their feet (despite their prolificness), and you could easily argue they reached that stage a decade ago, which is no doubt a big part of why this record ABSOLUTELY floored me.

It's completely predictable, totally redundant, and compared to the Melvins history of trying to 'challenge' their fans (thanks for all those crappy joke records guys!) this sounds a lot like the guys relenting and trying to please their fans for once, by playing up to their limited strengths. In a way, although this record is all new original material, it plays like a 'best of', with each song sounding like the best example of each phase of the bands' (de)evolution. As many times as that obvious formula's failed for umpteen bands (and probably the Melvins themselves) in the past, nearly everything clicks here.

Everything is still slow and sludgy, heavy as hell, the lyrics are still mostly nonsense, and there area a couple throw away 'noise' tracks (so the usual challenges to Melvins skeptics remain pretty much the same), but actual hooks and melody appear to have snuck in here and there. The production is as ham-fisted and simple as the rest of the record, and just as effective. EVERYTHING from bass to both drum kits, is mixed hot and there is nothing subtle going on here, but it sounds crystal clear and loud as hell.

In the past decade, the Melvins have been playing and recording with a bunch of their peers pretty much non-stop, and you could always here those influences, for better or worse, in everything they did. For this record (and the last) it seems obvious the Melvins have been shacked up with their descendants, rather than their peers, having joined forces with sludgy bass & drum unit 'Big Business', making them into a double-drummer sort of EVIL Allman Brothers. Big Business' influence is pretty much the Melvins themselves, so the result is less: noodling around, more: big chunky loud.

If you like any of the sadly-labeled 'stoner rock'/doom bands (QotSA, Kyuss, Electric Wizard, Earth, Sunn(((0), etc. etc.) or Sabbath, or just plain old metal, or hard rock...or stuff with guitars.......or drums......gather all that shit up and sell it, and buy this CD when it comes out on the 8th. (or find one of the bajillion places it's been leaked, if you can't wait).

here's 'Dog Island' in the form of one of those horrible youtube vids, if you wanted to approximate listening to one of the songs through an AM radio, while gazing at a still photo.

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Later, in the middle of the album, out of nowhere, comes the title track, sounding like some kind of unholy amalgamation of Thin Lizzy and the 'Peanuts' theme, rolling along at a decidedly UN-Melvins like pace, it sounds like someone tried to make a song by just lazily slapping every '70s AOR hook together, one after the other, and cranking it up to 11........and it is FUCKING GRRRRRRRRRREAT! If anything, the song makes me think "Geez, maybe these guys SHOULDN'T have spent their formative years sniffing glue." Naaaah.

[TheOhioStateUniversity]

NERD "Seeing Sounds" Excellent fusion of rap, rock, and a few other things in between.

[Passacaglia]

(or more likely, someone finally washed the stink of Mike Patton off of them).

As a Chuck Moseley fan, I loved that line.

[Ksyrup]

How could anyone be a fan of Chuck Moseley?

[Passacaglia]

I knew that would bring you out.

95 cents?!?

fuck you i'll skate to the beach

and i'll look better gettin there

[AlexB]

Narrow Stairs is a very good CD and all, but what was the lyricist on when he wrote Talking Bird? The first few lines from that sone are the most hoorible, painful lyrics I can remember hearing in a long, long time. And the pauses just make it worse!

Oh. My talking bird.
Though you know. so few words.
They're on in.finite. repeat.
Like your brain can't keep up with your beak.

Seriously?

[Ksyrup]

I knew that would bring you out.


Patton pretty much lost me with everything he did after the 1st Bungle album, but Moseley is probably the worst vocalist I've ever heard. He singlehandly kept FNM from being anything more than a regional/underground sensation. They had a ton of good stuff pre-Patton that would have been big with a semi-competent vocalist. Although I appreciate his efforts on Crab Song, which I break out whenever I need a good laugh.

Dude can probably yell alright, but sing? No freaking way.

[cthomer5000]

Narrow Stairs is a very good CD and all, but what was the lyricist on when he wrote Talking Bird? The first few lines from that sone are the most hoorible, painful lyrics I can remember hearing in a long, long time. And the pauses just make it worse!

Oh. My talking bird.
Though you know. so few words.
They're on in.finite. repeat.
Like your brain can't keep up with your beak.

Seriously?

Take a listen to any of the new Weezer album, and "Talking Bird" will look like the finest writing achievement in world history.

Talking Bird is the weakest track on the album, to me. Tracks 5 and 6 are a distraction from an otherwise perfect album really.

[cthomer5000]

I've been listening to the new Weezer. When it's good, it's really good. Not completely sold yet, but it's solid seeming so far.

It's a steaming pile of shit. It makes me embarassed to be alive. They've fallen so far its unbelievable... like a musical Lucifer ... or Icarus.... or some other simile that works for you.

[ISiddiqui]

Oh, I've got a bunch of stuff I'm listening to now. I have Consolers of the Lonely by The Raconteurs playing every once in a while. I think its far better than the first album, but doesn't match a White Stripes album. Still good stuff with some amazing songs ("The Switch and the Spur" gets lodged in my head from time to time, but "Old Enough" is the song of the album. "Consoler of the Lonely" and "Salute Your Solution" are great tracks as well).

I'm also listening to Vampire Weekend, the self-titled debut by the afro-pop/rock/chamber music band. It is one of the most interesting things I've ever heard and I have to say I love it. "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa", "A-Punk", "Oxford Comma", and "M79" are my favorite tracks, but everyone is pretty good. A nice summer album as it is very upbeat and incredibly fun.

Right now in my CD player is Midnight Boom by The Kills. Think minimalist garage rock backed by electronica. It sounds absolutely amazing. Completely blew me away. Every song is just done perfectly, IMO. The stand outs (hard to really pick) are "Sour Cherry", "Cheap & Cheerful", "U.R.A. Fever", "What New York Used to Be", "Hook and Line", and my favorite "The Tape Song". Did I just name half the album? Yeah, it is just that good.

[Fidatelo]

It's a steaming pile of shit. It makes me embarassed to be alive. They've fallen so far its unbelievable... like a musical Lucifer ... or Icarus.... or some other simile that works for you.

Wow, I disagree completely. Red is my favorite Weezer album since Pinkerton.

[cthomer5000]

the best Cure song this year is not by the Cure:

Black Kids - I'm Not Going To Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaa4eGOtrTg

[Young Drachma]

Santogold + Casablancas + NERD = <a href="http://hypem.com/artist/santogold++casablancas++nerd">My Drive Thru</a> is bananas. Apparently, <a href="http://stereogum.com/archives/new-santogold-julian-casablances-pharrell-my-drive_010274.html">Converse made it happen for their 100th anniversary</a>. (thanks Stereogum) Whatever. We'll take it. Santogold, N.E.R.D. and Julian Casablancas from The Strokes.

<a href="http://rcrdlbl.com/2008/06/09/download_pony_up_shut_up_and_kiss_me">The Truth About Cats and Dogs (Is That they die) </a>by Pony Up! is a good song.

The Nashville, TN based band <a href="http://rcrdlbl.com/artists/Umbrella_Tree/music#The_Church_And_The_Hospital">Umbrella Tree</a> are best described as <a href="http://www.myspace.com/editorsmusic">Editors </a> on lo-fi, with the male/female blending of The Hush Sound, but way more melodic and strange. But in a really good way. No really, I'm serious.

The new N.E.R.D album Seeing Sounds is out. I'm reviewing it now, but it seems like it's like the boys are back to their old tricks and it's good to know they've still got it. Pharrell Williams and Company might be strange, but the guy is a modern musical genius. He can produce catchy beats, his falsetto is a pain and yet...it's passable in an era where not much stuff really holds up.

<a href="http://www.myspace.com/blackblondiemusic">I ran into a band called Black Blondie</a> from Minneapolis that I happen to dig too.

Check out Big Legal Mess Records web site (http://www.biglegalmessrecords.com/main.htm). It's down home blues.

[cthomer5000]

I mentioned it earlier in this thread... and after more listens i've got a stronger opinion. The Santogold album is great. The lead single is kind of Tegan & Sara/Yeah Yeah Yeahs, but the rest of the album varies wildly. There is some stuff firmly in M.I.A. territory, some clear nods to Siouxsie Sioux, and some dub reggae type shizz.

Next to the Death Cab For Cutie album ("Narrow Stairs"), this is definitely the best thing I've heard this year.

song links:

"L.E.S. Artistes" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9JI0GXkARQ

"You'll Find A Way" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95Tjhy24DeU

"Lights Out" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVIedQ88rxY

[Young Drachma]

I just reviewed Seeing Sounds by N.E.R.D. It's hot. Period. It's got slow songs, a club banger and the usual pop fare that Pharrell seems to produce better than anyone. It's certified material. Not out of the world great, but...a welcome sound on the scene.

[korme]

This isn't going to be popular for this thread, but Tha Carter III is everything it was hyped up to be IMO.

Also looking forward to NERD's album..

[mattlanta]

Notorious B.I.G.- What is Beef

[Lathum]

Six long months I spent in Quincy
Six long months doing nothing at all
Six long months I spent in Quincy
Learning to dance for Flannagins Ball

[Young Drachma]

This isn't going to be popular for this thread, but Tha Carter III is everything it was hyped up to be IMO.



Lil' Wayne's new album isn't good. Other than Mr. Carter, Dr. Carter and that one David Banner track, the album is pretty much Weezy F. Baby rambling and stammering through one track after another, letter cameo appearances slay him on track after track.

It's a glorified mixtape and it's not even a good one. He needs to slow down and start working on perfecting his craft, because his approach right now is extremely hit or miss.

[Ksyrup]

I've never heard Timbaland before, because I'm fairly certain I know what I'm (not) missing, but unfortunately Chris Cornell hasn't followed my lead. From the sounds of this commercial, this is going to be an abomination. Since Soundgarden broke up, it's pretty clear that this guy is truly lost and has no musical direction whatsoever. His first solo album showed some promise (particularly the first single), but otherwise, this guy has just wasted the past decade or so of his career.


Timbaland Calls Collaboration with Chris Cornell His 'Best Work'

By Brian Orloff

Originally posted Thursday March 27, 2008 11:15 AM EDT

In-demand hip-hop producer Timbaland is making a rock and roll crossover. On Ryan Seacrest's "On Air" radio show Thursday, it was announced that he is producing Chris Cornell's third solo album.

"This is the best work I've done in my career," Timbaland told Seacrest. And Cornell – a former member of Audioslave and, most famously, Soundgarden – was equally enthusiastic about the collaboration. Said Cornell: "This is the most excited I've been about an album in years. The music is natural, not self-conscious ... open."

Predicting Cornell will be the "first rock star in the club", Timbaland says he's currently mixing the album, and hopes to release it within a month. No title or released date has been confirmed.

In February, guests at PEOPLE's pre-Grammy party at the Avalon in Los Angeles got an early taste of Cornell's new music – as the rocker performed a song at the bash, which featured Timbaland and a fleet of his former collaborators including Missy Elliott. Timbaland has also famously worked with Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado on their recent projects.




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[Draft Dodger]

I've never heard Timbaland before, because I'm fairly certain I know what I'm (not) missing, but unfortunately Chris Cornell hasn't followed my lead.

You probably have without knowing it.

[Young Drachma]

Timbaland is sorta insane and feels himself too much, but that said...given he's already conquered pop, this is a challenge that ought to be interesting. I doubt it'll be good if he sticks to his format of 1) inserting himself into songs too much and 2) fusing beats into tracks that don't need them. Hopefully, he just appreciates what works in rock that rock fans want to hear and doesn't try to brow beat us with some sort of bizarre crossover album.

So long as he doesn't, it should be good times. Pharrell has proven an ability to produce rap, rock and anything else with great results, so there is a model for it. We'll just have to see.

[Ksyrup]

Possibly. If he's been on commercials, most likely. Then again, I never heard some Fall Out Boy song from a commercial that apparently was plastered all over TV last summer. I certainly never hear that kind of music anywhere else. When Hey Ya was such a big thing, I had to actively seek it out to hear it.

[Draft Dodger]

it's also worth pointing out that, iirc, Timbaland is a fan of rock.

[Butter]

Danger Mouse produced the last Black Keys album, and I thought that was pretty good.

That said, I find it hard to imagine this won't suck.

[Ksyrup]

I hope his music production is more creative than this suggests! lol

http://www.mymusic.com/covers/170p/460/464017.jpghttp://i30.tinypic.com/wvtiet.jpg

[path12]

<a href="http://rcrdlbl.com/2008/06/09/download_pony_up_shut_up_and_kiss_me">The Truth About Cats and Dogs (Is That they die) </a>by Pony Up! is a good song.

Good pick. I was obsessed with this a few months ago.

[korme]

Lil' Wayne's new album isn't good. Other than Mr. Carter, Dr. Carter and that one David Banner track, the album is pretty much Weezy F. Baby rambling and stammering through one track after another, letter cameo appearances slay him on track after track.

It's a glorified mixtape and it's not even a good one. He needs to slow down and start working on perfecting his craft, because his approach right now is extremely hit or miss.

I understand wanting to be a critic, but plain and simple the album is fire...

[Draft Dodger]

is fire good or bad?

[Young Drachma]

is fire good or bad?

Fire means he thinks it's 'hot' and therefore 'out of this world'.

It's a popular refrain and the critics agree with his view. (http://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/lilwayne/thacarter3)

[Easy Mac]

the best Cure song this year is not by the Cure:

Black Kids - I'm Not Going To Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaa4eGOtrTg

Their EP is fantastic... though i don't think they'll hold for a full album... although i thought the same about Los Campesinos! and that album was fun.

[Young Drachma]

Can't stop listening to Elbow's "The Seldom Seen Kid" lately. The first half of the album is just masterful.

Also, Crystal Castles self-titled album is some fun electronica... especially if you enjoy video game sound effects. :)

Elbow's album is really good for sure. I just got around to really listening to it.

[Groundhog]

Elbow have a new album out? Hmm... I see that Elbow have actually brought out two albums since Cast of Thousands... I'm well and truly out of the loop... Asleep in the Back was an amazing album that I still listen to a fair bit, but I didn't dig Cast of Thousands quite so much. Going to pick up The Seldom Seen Kid first chance, but is Leaders of the Free World worth grabbing as well?

[Young Drachma]

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The Winnie Coopers, an Australian hip-hop group. Track is called Substance.

[Young Drachma]

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Korean female rapper named Tasha.