What the hell are you listening to...2006 Edition

[Young Drachma]

And if you have last.fm, here's my profile./ (http://www.last.fm/user/omnivoreron/)

Well...

A comprehensive music thread of just good stuff, rather than posting buried bands would be good. Because I am always looking for new stuff and I'm into pretty much every genre.

Lately, I've been listening to a lot of Death Cab for Cutie, old stuff...and a bunch of indie bands (as well as a variety of hip-hop mixtapes)

Specifically..

Appleseed Cast - Peregrine
Margot & The Nuclear So and So's - The Dust of Retreat
Pretty Girls Make Graves - Elan Vital
Sondre Lerche - Duper Sessions

Pharrell Williams of Neptunes fame, put out a mixtape because he's rapping now, rather than doing the whole falsetto thing. It's called "In My Mind"...it's on mixtapetorrent.com and it's pretty darn good.

Lupe Fiasco, who was featured on Kanye West's track "Touch The Sky" has put out two mixtapes, most recently of them "Revenge of the Nerd" and...it's really stellar. He'll do really big things, because he's really really good.


Anyway, there is other stuff. More eventually.

But what are you all playing?

[Groundhog]

The Flaming Lips - At War with the Mystics

Picked this up 2 hours ago and have listened to it twice through. It's closer to Soft Bulletin than Yoshimi, and my initial impressions are favorable. Will have a better idea when I can listen to it at home on proper speakers, rather than sitting behind my desk at work with only one headphone on.

[Karlifornia]

Appleseed Cast - Peregrine



I saw them live about 3 years ago. Pretty nice sound they have.

[Young Drachma]

I saw them live about 3 years ago. Pretty nice sound they have.

Yeah, some girl at work liked them and I checked them out and was blown away. Their new CD is great.

[Raiders Army]

None Other. Found them on Pandora and ordered two CDs from them.

www.noneother.com

[chinaski]

The Flaming Lips - At War with the Mystics

Picked this up 2 hours ago and have listened to it twice through. It's closer to Soft Bulletin than Yoshimi, and my initial impressions are favorable. Will have a better idea when I can listen to it at home on proper speakers, rather than sitting behind my desk at work with only one headphone on.


Ive been listening to this a lot too, i think its great; but ive yet not liked a Flaming Lips record. I dont compare it too Soft Buletin at all though, id say its more like Purple Rain than anything ;)

[chinaski]

ooh and the new Mike Patton project, Peeping Tom. Im trying to like it, but im not warming up to it as much as i thought I would.

[Ryche]

I recently got another Patton project that he had released a year or so ago, General Patton vs. the X-ecutioners. Pretty disappointing, way too much noise with few actual songs.

Just got the new Rob Zombie and Lacuna Coil cds and I'm enjoying both of them a lot. The Zombie cd is probably my favorite of all he has put out. Not as heavy as his previous albums, almost more funky. And Lacuna Coil I can listen to all day without getting sick of the band.

[Young Drachma]

Glad someone else has heard that Lacuna Coil, I've wanted to check it out because I really enjoy their old stuff. Have to check it out for sure.

[Ksyrup]

I've been so busy I haven't picked up much lately. But that new Sondre Lerche is excellent, despite the fact that I generally don't like jazz. I still prefer 2-Way Monologue, but DUper Sessions has exceeded my expectations.

I've got a list of 15-20 CDs I'll be ordering from CD Baby when I get a chance one of these months.

[Young Drachma]

I've been so busy I haven't picked up much lately. But that new Sondre Lerche is excellent, despite the fact that I generally don't like jazz. I still prefer 2-Way Monologue, but DUper Sessions has exceeded my expectations.

Someone agrees. Stellar. SPIN gave it a horrible review and I want to cut someone.

I also prefer 2-way monologue. But musically, that Duper Sessions is pretty good. And given his voice isn't really meant for that genre, it makes it all the more impressive that musically they made the whole thing work pretty well.

[Karlifornia]

Built To Spill-You In Reverse

AMAZING.

[Groundhog]

Ive been listening to this a lot too, i think its great; but ive yet not liked a Flaming Lips record. I dont compare it too Soft Buletin at all though, id say its more like Purple Rain than anything ;)

On further review: Track 1 wouldn't have sounded too out of place on Clouds Taste Metallic and is very catchy. I still say it's similar in mood to The Soft Bulletin for a lot of the album, but none of the songs sound like The Soft Bulletin songs, if you get what I mean. Very mellow and beautiful for the most part. 5 listens now and I'm loving it at least as much as I loved their last two at this point, which is high praise to say the least.

[kurtism]

Nothing groundbreaking, but I have really been enjoying "Under the Covers, Vol. 1" by "Sid and Susie." Basically, Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs got together and recorded 15 songs from the 60s, from Neil Young to The Beatles to the Beach Boys (as well as a number of lesser-known artists). As you might suspect if you are a Sweet fan, it's excellent power pop, and Hoffs is in excellent form, her voice as sexy as it ever was.

[Julio Riddols]

I'll second the Rob Zombie sentiments.. A lot more variation in styles than I last heard on his first solo effort. Theres even some (sort of) singing on some songs, and some way out there stuff, sounds like vintage White Zombie from the "La Sexorcisto" days, with some 80's hair metal thrown in.

I REALLY want to get my hands on the new Chili Peppers double album. Dani California is an excellent single, IMO, and if "By The Way" was any indication of their future direction, I really want to hear how much they have expanded.

Also listening a lot to Looptroop, Aesop Rock's latest, Paulson, Coheed and Cambria, and Placebo, with a little Bob Schneider and John Butler Trio thrown in.

Tomorrow, I'll probably be going in an entirely new direction though, with Norah Jones and Erykah Badu, supplemented by Damian Marley and Chamillionaire. Or maybe even some Benny Benassi or DJ Mark Farina.

[Young Drachma]

Built To Spill-You In Reverse

AMAZING.

I have it around, haven't listened to it a ton yet though. It sounded like it had potential.

[chinaski]

Built To Spill-You In Reverse

AMAZING.

Thats great to hear, I havent listened to them since Keep it like a Secret. I used to be a huge fan, but like Modest Mouse, the shows started getting overrun with frat kids. I hate it when bands i like get popular. im such a dick.

[Ksyrup]

I mentioned this band in the Coheed and Cambria thread...Protest the Hero. Holy fucking shit is this album off the charts bad-ass. It's like thrash hardcore emo. Time changes all over the place, mostly clean vocals, and thrashy syncopated rhythms. I can't believe how good this band is. Yet another great Canadian import.

[Young Drachma]

Saw Coheed & Cambria last night (with Head Automatica) and Avenged Sevenfold. C&C rocked my face off, but the Denver crowd was largely an Avenged Sevenfold crowd and because they are co-headlining, Coheed went first before Avenged Sevenfold and well, they rocked out the whole time except at the end when Claudio decided to go on a 12 minute guitar solo at the very end, just to irritate the fans who weren't theres, I think.

We left before Avenged Sevenfold, because we got word that The Roots were gonna be played in Fort Collins (they're in Boulder tonight, grr..) and so, we went there and apparently, we were wrong. But it was cool. A lil' Waffle House and not being in Wyoming is never a bad Friday night.

[tanglewood]

The new Liars album, Drum's Not Dead is a corker. If you like experimental krautrock a la Faust and Neu it'll be right up your alley. Other similarities include a Radiohead a la 'There There' from Hail to the Theif and The Velvet Underground's classic 'Heroin'.

[tanglewood]

As for the new Flaming Lips, I'm not sure yet. I certainly wouldn't rank it with Soft Bulletin or Yoshimi at this point, but I think it's better than the lukewarm reception it's recieved so far from the crtics.

[CamEdwards]

a few of my recent purchases:

The Magic Numbers- I don't even know how to classify this band. Some of it is very very power poppy, some of it borders on alt-country, and some of it reminds me of an updated version of The Beautiful South.

Angels and Airwaves- wasn't a big fan of Blink 182, but this is a little more up my alley. Flock of Seagulls meets "Wish You Were Here" era Pink Floyd.

Shooter Jennings- "Electric Rodeo" is one of three country albums I own. I don't regret it. It's great.

also bought the new Flaming Lips and am liking it, but that's been covered elsewhere.

[Groundhog]

As for the new Flaming Lips, I'm not sure yet. I certainly wouldn't rank it with Soft Bulletin or Yoshimi at this point, but I think it's better than the lukewarm reception it's recieved so far from the crtics.

The more I listen to it, the more I like it. I'd easily rank it with Soft Bulletin at this point (which I rank above Yoshimi).

[AlexB]

a few of my recent purchases:

The Magic Numbers- I don't even know how to classify this band. Some of it is very very power poppy, some of it borders on alt-country, and some of it reminds me of an updated version of The Beautiful South.

(snip).

What do you reckon to their cover of The Smith's 'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out'? There's something inherently wrong about reworking it into such a poppy, happy song - it kinda works for me, but not 100%

FWIW I've just listened to Ten Silver Drops by Secret Machines for the 1st time, and it's freakin' awesome! Grandiose, sweeping, melodic - can't say enough about it: I only bought it because it was being played in HMV, and I had to ask who it was - highly recommended

I'll be getting the Chili's & Snow Patrol next week: looking forward to both.

[MIJB#19]

Fresh FM

[cthomer5000]

The more I listen to it, the more I like it. I'd easily rank it with Soft Bulletin at this point (which I rank above Yoshimi).

I agree with this. I thought Yoshimi was kind of overrated, perhaps as a reaction to them not getting the credit they really deserved for Soft Bulletin. I've been listening to the new album (At War With The Mystics) a lot lately, and I think I'd put it up there with Soft Bulletin. A very solid album.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Rebel Meets Rebel

[Karlifornia]

Yesterday I bought:

Grandaddy-Just Like The Fambly Cat

Gnarls Barkley-St. Elsewhere

Red Hot Chili Peppers-Stadium Arcadium

[korme]

Last CD I got was Panic! At the Disco and I am really enjoying it. I heard this song "Goods" by Mates of State and have been thinking about getting that album.

I, too, and looking forward to Lupe Fiasco's debut album.

If you get a chance, one of my brother's good friends is working on a CD and she has an amazing voice. Check her out here, especially the Unsafe song - http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=37890341

[The Afoci]

I can't get away from Les Dudek or Dungen. But have been listening to add n to x a bunch as of late. Their song Party Bag is great. But damn, Dungen is the best band I can't understand at all.

[Super Ugly]

Gram Parsons and the Flying Burrito Brothers. I've been listening to that stuff pretty much constantly for the past couple of months.

I also saw a band called Tilly and the Wall last week. They were excellent, and I'm going to try and get a-hold of their first album soon ...

[Easy Mac]

Recent pickups:

Wolfmother: Its decent. I've always enjoyed "classic" rock. Singer kind of has a Jack White voice, I could envision this as a concept white stripes album (keeping in mind I haven't heard his latest side project, which is supposed to be real rock.
Snow Patrol: Listened to half
Gnarls Barkley: An ok album. Not really my cup of tea though.
The Zutons: Not nearly as good as their first album. I've only somewhat listened to it, but not a fan right now.
Bloc Party: Picked up as many of their songs as I could. Silent Alarm is great, the Remix is not too good, a few solid tracks. The Streets Remix is great and Hero is a solid track.
Drive-by-Truckers: Haven't given it a listen yet.
My Morning Jacket: I've had Z for a while, so I picked up the previous album. Its a little different, not as funky as Z.
Panic! at the Disco: Hate it.
She Wants Revenge: Greatly dislike it.
The Streets: The latest disc sounds more like Original Pirate Material. Wasn't as big a fan of that one, I preferred the storytelling of the second disc. The third one isn't very good.
The Walkmen: Not enough listens.
Danger Doom: Pretty interesting CD, but not my favorite.

[WVUFAN]

Been listening to some of Queensryche's Operation Mindcrime 2. Unusual, but I've been a Queensryche fan for forever.

Also have an indie band called Egypt Central in my CD player. Good stuff, especially for an unsigned band.

[cthomer5000]

I heard this song "Goods" by Mates of State and have been thinking about getting that album.
That is actually off an EP (All Day) that came out in 2004. If you're going to pick up an album by them, I'd probably suggest Team Boo.

[cthomer5000]

The Streets: The latest disc sounds more like Original Pirate Material. Wasn't as big a fan of that one, I preferred the storytelling of the second disc. The
third one isn't very good.

Yeah... I was eagerly anticipating this one and I don't really like it at the moment. I've fallen into a routine of listening to some of my new stuff over and over. The fact that this one quickly found it's way out of rotation was not a good sign. I'll give it another chance soon, but my first impression is that it is a serious let down.

[gi]

Picked up The Dresdon Dolls new one, Yes Virginia. Much more polished than their first album.

[Pyser]

Snow Patrol: Listened to half

their last album was leaps and bounds better than this new one.

the new embrace album pushed snow patrol's latest completely out of my rotation, as i can only seem to like 1 of them at a time.

[Aardvark]

Dresden Dolls -- sort of a cross between Caberet and Punk. Best new band I've heard in a long time.
Flaming Lips -- their new album "At War With the Mystics" is a throwback to their early psychedelic days, but a little more mello. Quite good.
Iggy Pop and the Stooges -- I've been listening to the remastered albums, and wow, do they rock or what.
Laurie Andererson Live at Town Hall, New York city, September 19-20, 2001


still listening to
Rasputina -- female goth/punk cello trio who rock like its 1856.
Arvo Part -- modern classical composer, mostly liturgical music.

[CamEdwards]

i bought the Dresden Dolls song "sing" off of iTunes. What a dopey song. I love the music, but the lyrics are just nonsensical.

[Icy]

- New Pearl Jam Album, i'm going to watch them live in September in Madrid, just bought the tickets.
- Disturbed "Ten Thousand Fists"
- Nonpoint - "To The Pain"
- Ill niño - "One Nation Underground"

Also lots of old metal like Pantera, Metallica, etc.

[Karlifornia]

Okay.....some elaboration on my recent purchases:

Gnarls Barkley St. Elsewhere-Pretty good stuff here. It's funky, and it makes me turn up the bass level in my car stereo. Now I see why people like to bump.

Red Hot Chili Peppers Stadium Arcadium I really like some of the songs off of the first CD. Dani California is still a great song to drive around to and sing at the top of your lungs, She's Only 18 has a bad beginning, but it gets better as the song goes on. Especially In Michigan, C'mon Girl, and Wet Sand are my other faves on that side. The second disc I haven't listened to much, but Desecration Smile and Turn It Again seem quality.

Wolfmother S/T: I really am liking this one. I think Apple Tree nearly ruins it by being one of the most idiotic songs ever put down on cd, but most of the songs are just awesome, catchy dino-rock.

Grandaddy Just Like The Fambly Cat After listening to 2 minutes of a girl saying "What happened to the family cat?" over and over, the record blows up with the rocking Jeez Louise. The best song on this album for me is Elevate Myself. If that song doesn't get any radio play, it will be a shame.

[Aardvark]

i bought the Dresden Dolls song "sing" off of iTunes. What a dopey song. I love the music, but the lyrics are just nonsensical.

Yeah, that one is just silly. You might check in on their website, www.dresdendolls.com http://www.dresdendolls.com -- they have some of their videos and, IIRC, a couple of live songs. Both the video and song for "Coin Operated Boy" are pretty fun.

[path12]

Yeah, that one is just silly. You might check in on their website, www.dresdendolls.com http://www.dresdendolls.com -- they have some of their videos and, IIRC, a couple of live songs. Both the video and song for "Coin Operated Boy" are pretty fun.

I also think "Good Day" from their first album is a helluva song. There's something I really like about this group but they're also very hit or miss for me.

[CamEdwards]

cool, I'll check those out! Thanks.

[Young Drachma]

Picked up The Dresdon Dolls new one, Yes Virginia. Much more polished than their first album.

Yeah, it's catchy. I like it too.

[Ksyrup]

I've been so freaking busy with life that I'm seriously falling behind on new music. I've got a list of about 2 dozen CDs to buy that I probably won't get to until August. The last thing I bought was Protest the Hero, which is an amazing album, and Tool, which I'm less than thrilled with (about 4 songs are good, the rest is atmospheric, boring filler).

Having said that, I have found 3 artists that I'm enjoying quite a bit (although I haven't bought anything from any of them yet, but that will be changing):

Chris Brown
This guy writes beautifully crafted orchestrated pop. Check out the free MP3 of the song All My Rivals here (http://www.fanscape.com/Music/Alternative/Chris-Brown/3201469.aspx). I'm in love with this song.


To-Mera
Can't really buy anything from this band because they haven't even recorded their first album yet. But based on the two downloadable songs from their myspace site (http://www.myspace.com/tomeraband), I'll be first in line for this. It hits pretty much every genre of metal I like - gothic, symphonic, thrash, progressive (both Dream Theater and Opeth styles, in the same song), and the singer is a hot female. What more could you want or ask for? I mean, really!


Tally Hall
This album I'm actually buying this weekend, since I ordered it at the local CD shop. A strange bled of overt Beatlesque pop, Weezer/Fountains of Wayne power pop, and oh yeah, hip hop. Check them out at myspace (http://www.myspace.com/tallyhallcom). Brilliant, quirky stuff.

I think David Mead and Glen Phillips have new albums out, and I haven't even had the time to confirm that, much less track them down.

[AlexB]

In the spirit of the thread, my tuppence worth on Snow Patrol: All I Have is twice as good as every other song on the album, then there's 3-4 other good songs, and the last half of the album is pure filler.

If I was cynical, I'd say they were playing to the iTunes crowd: play 30secs of the single, then put the next strongest 2-5 and hope people will be convinced before they get to the latter songs...

RHCP 'Stadium Arcadium' - better than By The Way, not as good as Californication or Blood Sugar Sex Magik... Will it in time knock off Uplift Mofo Party Plan or Mother's Milk from 3/4 repsectivelly in my RHCP rankings - probably not, but a decent effort.

Arctic Monkeys - Who The Fuck Are The Arctic Monkeys? - avoid. But buy the full album: it is quality. If their future releases are to the standard of this EP, people will indeed be asking this question. Irony only works so far...

[CamEdwards]

on your recommendation I picked up Tally Hall from iTunes, Ksyrup. Great find!

I'm so disappointed to hear about the new Snow Patrol cd. I'm going to pick it up tomorrow, but I really wanted this album to be as great as the first one.

[Karlifornia]

Schmidty, I know you're a fellow Grandaddy fan, so if you haven't picked up their last album, I implore you to.

After listening to it today during pizza deliveries, I have found it to be outstanding. There's a song with a chorus of meows....it has to be heard to be believed...

[Recoil]

Maylene and the Sons of Disaster.

That's all I'm listening to lately.

[Ksyrup]

on your recommendation I picked up Tally Hall from iTunes, Ksyrup. Great find!

I'm loving this album. It rides a fine line between humorous and parody, but the music is really great. It's like a combination of Beatles/XTC, Fountains of Wayne, and They Might Be Giants. All of the different genres really gives it a freshness. The Banana Man song is great, and the song about Mary-Kate and Ashley has a definite Stacy's Mom vibe.

[AlexB]

on your recommendation I picked up Tally Hall from iTunes, Ksyrup. Great find!

I'm so disappointed to hear about the new Snow Patrol cd. I'm going to pick it up tomorrow, but I really wanted this album to be as great as the first one.

I din;t realise this until a couple of months ago, but Final Straw was actually their 4th/5th album: they were about to give up and finally things took off.

What do you reckon to the new one?

[Ksyrup]

Therion/Celebrators of Becoming - this is a 2-CD live set from one of the best symphonic metal bands around. They're a full metal band backed by a symphony orchestra and opera singers (mainly, although they have some "normal" metal singers at times). Great band.

[law90026]

Perishers - Let there be morning

I like it :)

[ISiddiqui]

Originally, I thought Kelly Clarkson was this American Idol pop girl. She got out from the AI record label and started actually doing good pop work and getting taken seriously for it from what I heard. But then I read something that said she wanted to go for a more rock sound so I figured I'd listen to the 30 sec sound clips on iTunes.

I said to myself, this sounds totally gay, but I need this CD (Breakaway by Clarkson), especially "Behind These Hazel Eyes".

So I'll be getting that soon. Though probably the actual CD. I like the physical CD, and it is backup incase my hard drive gets messed up or something.

[Julio Riddols]

I mentioned this band in the Coheed and Cambria thread...Protest the Hero. Holy fucking shit is this album off the charts bad-ass. It's like thrash hardcore emo. Time changes all over the place, mostly clean vocals, and thrashy syncopated rhythms. I can't believe how good this band is. Yet another great Canadian import.


Dude.. based on your recommendation, I am now rocking my own ass off.

I can't stop listening to this shit. Its literally so good, its almost depressing.

I haven't wanted to see a band live this bad since my grandma was hot, and that was like 30 years before I was born.

What else are you listening to?

[Ksyrup]

Dude.. based on your recommendation, I am now rocking my own ass off.

I can't stop listening to this shit. Its literally so good, its almost depressing.

I haven't wanted to see a band live this bad since my grandma was hot, and that was like 30 years before I was born.

What else are you listening to?

That's awesome!

I'm listening to a mix of stuff; nothing quite as unique as this band, though. A lot of metal that mixes death and clean vocals (as I mentioned in the hard rock/metal thread duckman started). I'm into the contrasts in metal these days - a lot of symphonic metal and bands like Opeth that aren't just screaming/growling and playing blast beats every minute of the album (or rewriting the Black Album 15 years later ...*cough* Godsmack *cough*). That, and I listen to a lot of singer/songwriter and power pop. I've got very broad but specifically defined tastes in music these days.

If you like PtH, you should get Avenged Sevenfold's latest. It's basically NWOBHM-influenced music crossed with emo vocals. It's a bit too ambitious for itself at times, but it's a great record. And apparently they've struck a chord, because there are all sorts of metal fans who hate them. I assume it's because of the vocals. But I love hearing classic metal with harmonies. Other stuff I've been listening to recently: Head Control System, Scar Symmetry, Clutch, Pain of Salvation, Porcupine Tree, Devin Townsend Band, After Forever, Therion, Nevermore...

If you like PtH, another band you should try is Thought Industry (Hurst will back me on this one). They're no longer active, but they had a somewhat similar style musically to PtH, except they really didn't know when to stop and the vocals were a bit more abrasive. The songs are long, there are time/tempo changes all over the place, the lyrics are basically poetry set to music....they're one of my favorite bands of all time. The music will blow you away.

[Julio Riddols]

Well then, its settled.

I'll check em out and tell you what I think-

As far as Avenged Sevenfold goes, my roommate likes their stuff, so I have had plenty of exposure to them- I'd say I like their music more than their vocal styles, but I can't help but get into a song when it seems to be heavily influenced by Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas..

I really need to watch that movie on some serious hallucinogens.

I tend to lean toward the more or less melodic vocals now after spending my high school days with the likes of Fear Factory, Early Metallica, Pantera, Soulfly, Sepultura, Machine Head, etc.. It was that and grunge, and grunge still gets heavy play for me, though I am easily more interested in hearing something new now than putting in some Soundgarden or Alice in Chains, or S.T.P...
So lately, my loosely organized top ten consists of: She Wants Revenge, Minus The Bear, Dredg, Circa Survive, The Mars Volta, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Protest The Hero, Paulson, Coheed and Cambria, and Rob Zombie

Placebo gets an honorable mention.

Thats about where I am musically lately..

Anyway, I'll get back to you and tell you what I think- Maybe I can fill my MP3 player with something new.

[ISiddiqui]

Huh.. I'm shocked. No one called me gay yet. Well, I think less of all of you now ;).

[chinaski]

Huh.. I'm shocked. No one called me gay yet. Well, I think less of all of you now ;).

Kelly's ass is smokin, youre safe. :D

[sabotai]

Huh.. I'm shocked. No one called me gay yet. Well, I think less of all of you now ;).

Calling someone gay for the music they like shows a strong homophobic and intolerant personality

So I've been told, anyway...

[ISiddiqui]

Calling someone gay for the music they like shows a strong homophobic and intolerant personality

So I've been told, anyway...

Which is why I'm shocked it hasn't happened on FOFC yet ;).

If it's the "ass is smoking" defense, well, then, ok.

Anyway, I'll probably pick it up Tuesday with the new Dixie Chicks album (yeah, screw you conservative country radio!)

[sabotai]

Anyway, I'll probably pick it up Tuesday with the new Dixie Chicks album (yeah, screw you conservative country radio!)

GAY!!!

[ISiddiqui]

Ah, thank you. I feel at home now ;).

[BishopMVP]

As far as Avenged Sevenfold goes, my roommate likes their stuff, so I have had plenty of exposure to them- I'd say I like their music more than their vocal styles, but I can't help but get into a song when it seems to be heavily influenced by Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.Vocally, there is a huge contrast between their 2nd album and the recent one. The singer blew out his vocal cords, so he had to switch away from the screaming. Both the 2nd and 3rd albums are real good musically.

Shadows Fall is another band in the same mode, with the dueling guitars and all, but I don't think they're as good. Another band I've heard good things about and been meaning to check out is Lacuna Coil.
Huh.. I'm shocked. No one called me gay yet. Well, I think less of all of you now ;).Post-AI Kelly is awesome.

[Butter]

The new Yeah Yeah Yeahs album. Very, very good. Depends way less on the novelty of the singer's vocals, and much more on the songwriting. Well done.

[CamEdwards]

I din;t realise this until a couple of months ago, but Final Straw was actually their 4th/5th album: they were about to give up and finally things took off.

What do you reckon to the new one?

It's all right, but it hasn't knocked my socks off. I've been listening to a lot of the aforementioned Tally Hall, the new Paul Simon cd (which is suprisingly good), and Angels and Airwaves.

[Ksyrup]

That Tally Hall album is excellent, isn't it? When I hear songs like Greener, Be Born (especially), and Spring and a Storm, I almost wish they'd drop the funny stuff and just do a serious album. But the funny stuff is just so damn good, they probably wouldn't be as effective without it. That song about Mary-Kate and Ashley is so good, even my 6 year old daughter is singing along to it. That, and Banana Man.

For the metal lovers, here's the first track from Strapping Young Lad's upcoming album (straight from the record company's site, so it's legit):

U Suck (http://mp3.centurymedia.com/syl/thenewblack/syl_usuck.mp3)

For the uninitiated, SYL is going to kill at Ozzfest. In fact, I get the feeling that this song was written with Ozzfest in mind. Devin Townsend is a seriously fucked up genius. I love it!

EDIT: I guess I should warn you that the song linked above is a bit abrasive and has a bunch of choice language, so downloader beware.

[Ksyrup]

Dola.

In about a week, I should have some stuff to write about. I ordered about 15 or 16 CDs last night. Living as a bachelor soooo rules! :D

[cthomer5000]

Danger Doom (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danger_Doom) (MF Doom (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MF_Doom) + Danger Mouse (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dj_danger_mouse)) - The Mouse And The Mask (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danger_Doom) (2005)
Very solid, intelligent hip-hop album. Excellent guest spots by Ghostface Killah and Taled Kweli, producing probably the two best singles on the album. Also, the constant drop-ins by the Aqua Teen Hunger Force (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATHF) are pretty damn funny if you're a fan of the show. I like this enough to definitely pick up another MF Doom album.

[ISiddiqui]

So when I got Clarkson and the Chicks, initially I listened more to Clarkson. It's some really nice pop/rock stuff (especially "Behind These Hazel Eyes"), but I find myself listening far more to the Dixie Chicks album nowadays. I wasn't enamored the first time I listened to it, but it really grows on you, and now I absolutely love it!

[Grammaticus]

I've been listening to Wolfmother as well. Pretty good stuff, reminds me of early Rush with something like Robert Plant singing. You can listen to some of the songs streaming at this site. I'd recommend "Woman" and "Colossal":

hxxp://www.modularpeople.com/03/wolfmother/wm_full.htm

Snow Patrol, pretty decent. The best song to try is "Hands Open".

Raconteurs - A good song to check out is "Steady As She Goes".

Buck Cherry - Not sure when their new one "Fifteen" came out, but I didn't hear it until well into 2006. The song "Crazy Bitch" is good and pretty funny too.

The All-American Rejects - The song "Move Along" is a good one. They did a pretty good cover of Def Leppard's "Photograph" for VH1's Rock Honors show that broadcast a week or so ago.

She Wants Revenge - Try the song "Tear You Apart". It's a little odd, but I found it stayed in my iPod and listen to it when running every now and then.

The Strokes - First Impressions of Earth is pretty good. "Juicebox" has some good screaming in it and a good steady beat. The song drives.

[oliegirl]

Dola.

In about a week, I should have some stuff to write about. I ordered about 15 or 16 CDs last night. Living as a bachelor soooo rules! :D



Single life = New CD's

Married life = sex whenever you want

Not sure about anyone else, but I'll take married life anyday ;)

[Ksyrup]

Married life = sex whenever you want


I've been married for 9 years, and I've only found this statement to be true in the week leading up to my moving away for a month.

[DeToxRox]

Danger Doom (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danger_Doom) (MF Doom (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MF_Doom) + Danger Mouse (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dj_danger_mouse)) - The Mouse And The Mask (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danger_Doom) (2005)
Very solid, intelligent hip-hop album. Excellent guest spots by Ghostface Killah and Taled Kweli, producing probably the two best singles on the album. Also, the constant drop-ins by the Aqua Teen Hunger Force (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATHF) are pretty damn funny if you're a fan of the show. I like this enough to definitely pick up another MF Doom album.

MF Doom is just awesome.

Then again I'm a total slob knob for all of Rhmesayers.

[chinaski]

MF Doom is just awesome.

Then again I'm a total slob knob for all of Rhmesayers.

hah, i was going to post this. I just got MF Doom and Danger Doom - great stuff.

[Ksyrup]

Well then, its settled.

I'll check em out and tell you what I think-
...

Anyway, I'll get back to you and tell you what I think- Maybe I can fill my MP3 player with something new.

Did you get my PM with a YSI of some songs to check out?

[Suburban Rhythm]

Single life = New CD's

Married life = sex whenever you want

Not sure about anyone else, but I'll take married life anyday ;)

I did a double...no triple take when I read that. I couldn't believe a guy wrote that...and turns out I was right! You are correct in saying anytime "you" want, because invariably, we (the husbands) are just waiting for you to give us the slightest hint.

Anyway...might take a walk to the local record shop in town during lunch. Anyone have a suggestion of something to pick up?

I never got into any of the Deathcab or more recent artists...taste leans toward, in no particular order-- Reel Big Fish, 311, older "pop punk" in the form of MxPx, Millencolin, etc.

Anyone got a can't fail pick?

[Ksyrup]

I got my 16-CD orders yesterday. Since I'm having to study for the Bar, though, I haven't had much of any opportunity to listen to them. Of what I've heard, the standouts so far are Chris Brown's Now That Your Fed, Geoff Smith's With the Tonewheels, and Mike Schmid's The High Cost of Living (A Love Story).

All are singer/songwriter types, Brown being more toward power pop and my favorite of the three. Schmid's album is a quasi-concept album, it appears, about someone who is dying. I was really surprised at how good it is, a combo of piano-driven ballads/low-key rock and electronica influences. Smith's album is comparable to Ben Folds - especially given that it's piano-based, he's from North Carolina, and most of the music is up-tempo.

[Young Drachma]

Ok, of late.

The Wreckers (http://ishouldstudymore.net/27/2006/05/26/the-wreckers-stand-still-look-pretty/)new CD is surprisingly okay.

I'm enjoying Guster's new release (http://ishouldstudymore.net/27/2006/06/11/guster-ganging-up-on-the-sun/), though..it's not better than their old stuff, its a solid album after a semi-long absence.

I'm REALLY, REALLY enjoying the new Zero 7 CD. I'd never listened to them before, not that I can remember anyway, but its really nice chill album to get into. Probably on my "best of the year" list as we approach the halfway mark for 2006.

Julieta Venegas has a new CD out and its okay, I just like new stuff from her whenever we can get it.

Sondre Lerche's new album is one that I'm quite fond of too, though not lately since I pretty much killed that one weeks ago.

[Young Drachma]

Single life = New CD's

Married life = sex whenever you want

Not sure about anyone else, but I'll take married life anyday ;)

I dunno. I like music quite a bit.... ;)

[Noop]

2 Da Crib.... I went to highschool with them.

[Easy Mac]

The Kooks - Inside In/Inside Out - Its a good album if you like the whole British Invasion thing. It's a little more subdued than the Franz Ferdinand/Kaiser Chiefs stuff though. Some of its like Jack Johnson/G. Love infused with British pop-punk.

Raconteurs - However the fuck you spell it, I am not a fan. I didn't think I'd miss the Meg White days, yet here we are.

[aran]

my last.fm (http://last.fm/user/evizaer)

Here's what I've got on my playlist currently:

(they are all full albums)
Jaga Jazzist - "The Stix", "A Livingroom Hush", and "What We Must"
Dead Soul Tribe - "Murder of Crows"
Riverside - "Second Life Syndrome"
Indukti - "S.U.S.A.R."
Chroma Key - "Dead Air for Radios", "You Go Now"
4front - "Radio Waves Goodbye", "Gravity"
Gordian Knot - "Emergent"

Anyone have opinions on these bands and albums? Off-the-beaten-track as they are...

[EagleFan]

Married life = sex with the same person at intervals that you will never have control of, but let me assure you that it will not equal whenever you want



There's the guy's verion of that statement.

[EagleFan]

dola: Oh and for the most recent answer to this question

Awake: Best of Live

[Bad-example]

I just bought the soundtrack from the extremely fun movie Sky High, mainly because of the cool cover of Devo's Through Being Cool by They Might Be Giants. Some other fun covers on there as well, including And She Was by Keaton SImmons and Just What I Needed by Caleigh Peters.

[Recoil]

The Format - Dog Problems

Album of the year so far.

[FrogMan]

dola: Oh and for the most recent answer to this question

Awake: Best of Live

what a great compilation, it gets some airtime in my car regularly.

As for these days, I'm currently alternating between these two in my car:
Live, Songs from Black Mountain
Shinedown, Us and Them

I don't listen to much music outside of the car...

FM

[Young Drachma]

Lately, I've been listening to (http://www.last.fm/user/omnivoreron)...

Nelly Furtado, but mostly on the strength of Timbaland's production.
Venus Hum (http://music.barnesandnoble.com/search/product.asp?z=y&EAN=67003059428&ITM=2)'s new release is fantastic. I don't know if I'm just in the mood for this sort of music lately or what, but it's great.

I managed to find a copy of Lupe Fiasco's Food and Liquor, because it was leaked a few months ago...and it sounds promising. He's making changes so they say, but...either way, it's pretty good stuff.

Metric's new CD has gotten some airtime, too. As has Regina Carter's newest release.

[Easy Mac]

Art Brut - Its ok. I'm not really sure why the critical love. Its a nice album, but I guess it gets the love because it pokes fun at everything that the press profess to love, so its ironic.
Mars Volta - The newest album. Not out yet, but so what. I'm still buying it when it hits the stores. It's a lot more like Deloused than Frances, which is a good thing. I liked Frances, but thought the original was the better album. There are still times when they jump into ambient noise, but its not as annoying as the random sounds in Frances. Of course, if you got frustrated when they never seemed to finish a song or a particular movement, be prepared to want to kill them in this album. There are times when, if this were a normal band, they'd hit the hook. You can hear tMV build up to it, and there are times when it completely takes you in and you're all ready for the hook, and right as they get there they move on. Its almost scary what this band could do if they decided just to make a normal album. Some really good stuff in here though.
Old White Stripes - Catching up on some of their older stuff. I dunno, I like Elephant and GBMS better. Decent music, but not great.
Maximo Park - Kind of like Franz Ferdinand (but not as good), a little Killers (their middling work), a dash of the Futureheads (but better than them, who I don't really like). Some songs that are hooky, but for the most part they're forgettable.
Old At the Drive In - Never actually bought the CD's until recently. Some great stuff though. You can definitely hear tMV trying to break out and where some of the Sparta edge is.

[HerRealName]

My two favorites of the year so far are Band of Horses - Everything All The Time and Centro-Matic - Fort Recovery. Both are from the Americana/Alt-Country genre that I seem to gravitate towards more and more now that I'm getting old as fuck. Hell, throw in Black Sheep Box Appendix by Okkervil River even though it is an LP.

I also like Mission of Burma - The Obliteratti, that's about as hard as I can rock these days.

[bossfan2000]

My two favorites of the year so far are Band of Horses - Everything All The Time and Centro-Matic - Fort Recovery. Both are from the Americana/Alt-Country genre that I seem to gravitate towards more and more now that I'm getting old as fuck. Hell, throw in Black Sheep Box Appendix by Okkervil River even though it is an LP.

I also like Mission of Burma - The Obliteratti, that's about as hard as I can rock these days.

Since you like americana/alt-country...you might check these out:

Griffin House - House of David Vol 1 & 2. If these 2 EPs were a single album, they might be my fav of the year so far. Kinda a cross between Ryan Adams Gold cd and U2, believe it or not.

Chris Knight - Enough Rope - Maybe his strongest album overall.

Bill Mallonee - Permafrost - This is one of his best solo cds, since breaking of Vigilantes of Love.

In case you didnt know..you can listen to any cd up to 5 times for free on napster now...and they have the Griffin House and Chris Knight cds. Emusic has them as well.

[Young Drachma]

Corinne Bailey Rae's debut CD is fantastic. It's billed as neo-soul, but..I think its somewhere on the edge of that and adult alternative. It sounds great.

Rhymefest, who co-wrote "Jesus Walks" with Kanye West, has his major label debut out. It's solid, but not earthshattering.

[path12]

Metric's new CD has gotten some airtime, too.

The Metric disc really grew on me after awhile. I'm much more on songs than entire discs right now, but I do like the new Gomez quite a bit. Reminds me of their first.

[cthomer5000]

new Metric album? I'll have to check that out.

[path12]

Could be my bad -- I thought he was referring to Live it Out.

[Young Drachma]

Could be my bad -- I thought he was referring to Live it Out.

I was, sorry for not clarifying.

[HerRealName]

Since you like americana/alt-country...you might check these out:

Griffin House - House of David Vol 1 & 2. If these 2 EPs were a single album, they might be my fav of the year so far. Kinda a cross between Ryan Adams Gold cd and U2, believe it or not.

Chris Knight - Enough Rope - Maybe his strongest album overall.

Bill Mallonee - Permafrost - This is one of his best solo cds, since breaking of Vigilantes of Love.

In case you didnt know..you can listen to any cd up to 5 times for free on napster now...and they have the Griffin House and Chris Knight cds. Emusic has them as well.

Thanks for the recommendations but from the samples that I found that stuff is just too accoustic for me.

I've been a fan of Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, My Morning Jacket (before Z), Ass Ponys, etc. part of the genre for years but I really need that alt part of the alt-country.:)

[JonInMiddleGA]

Blame Fuse for both of these that were bought last weekend.

Inhuman Rampage - Dragonforce
http://dragonforce.com/main.html
Twin guitars, very Malmsteen-esque at times. Not perfect for every mood, but the speed is impressive as hell.


Enter Deception - Cellador
http://www.cellador.com/home.html
"Melodic metal" debut album for a young band (17 to 23 year olds) from Omaha, Nebraska. IMO, it's not so much a great or even very good album as it is an album that shows a band with a great deal of potential. I'll be quite interested to see what they sound like with a couple more albums and more experience under their belts. If they improve in that time, a 3rd or 4th album could very well be outstanding.

[Young Drachma]

Of late...

The New Amsterdams -- Story Like A Scar
Actually sounds a lot like The Get Up Kids. But, not nearly as "emo" or depressing on margin. But..that's what I can't help but hear when I listen. It's still good...


Tapes 'n Tapes -- The Loon

[Pyser]

Tapes 'n Tapes -- The Loon

Gotta love that song Insistor

[Butter]

Thom Yorke - The Eraser

2 thumbs up. If you've enjoyed the last 3 Radiohead albums, you should like this one.

[path12]

Gotta love that song Insistor

Ditto. Great song.

[Young Drachma]

Gotta love that song Insistor

Heck yeah.

[AlexB]

Got Tapes n Tapes over the weekend: sounds good on 1st listen.

Also bought 'In The Mouth Of The Young' by Bullets & Octane - great if uncomplicated metal.

Plus finally got round to buying Waterloo To Anywhere by Dirty Pretty Things, mostly good, a couple of dodgy tracks.

Other recent purchases: The Zutons (good), Razorlight (can't make my mind up, it's not horrible, but it's VERY MOR), Muse (excellent - probably the pick of the recent buys)

Download highlights (all free [legally from myspace or music.download.com]):
The Fratellis - not a million miles from Dirty Pretty Things
Klaxons - The Rapture but more frantic
CSS - Brazilian (apparently) disco pop!
Bettie Serveert - a couple of dreamy mellow indie tracks - the girl's got a velvety smooth voice
I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness - good, if generic, indie

And although I've not bought/downloaded, I'll second the impressive sound and Ywngwe similarities of Dragonforce: it's on MTV2 again at the moment which reminded me!

[Pyser]

for solid pop music (pop rock, not n sync pop), check out Butch Walker's latest: Butch Walker and the Lets-Go-Out-Tonites

he used to be the lead singer of Marvelous 3, if anyone remembers them. hes also become a big producer since then.

great pop rock album.

[Bad-example]

I bought Tom Petty's new one, Highway Companion. I have only listened to it once but I fear this one just isn't up to the quality of his last couple releases. Saving Grace and Flirting With Time are pretty catchy but otherwise there wasn't much else.

I am hopeful that other tracks will grow on me after a couple more listenings.

[CenTex]

Being from Texas I have to support my local acts. Well, I don't have to but I try to when I can. Right now I am really jamming Blue October. The song Hate Me might just be the best break-up song since Tesla's Love Song. Tesla, now that was one of the most underappreciated bands ever, imo. Anyway, I am listening to some other stuff too, but mainly Blue October.

[chinaski]

CSS - Brazilian (apparently) disco pop!


I love that Lets Make Love to Death from Above song.

[Groundhog]

New Muse album. Needs a few more listens before I can judge it, but it's OK so far. I'd currently rank it below Absolution, but it may improve or fall further depending on whether more of the songs start to stick with me.

[Groundhog]

Thom Yorke - The Eraser

2 thumbs up. If you've enjoyed the last 3 Radiohead albums, you should like this one.

I'm hesitant to buy this, and I'm a huge Radiohead fan. What's the instrumentation like? Is it largely electronic? I like the last 3 RH albums, but it tends to be the tracks with guitars that I like best.

[Butter]

What's the instrumentation like? Is it largely electronic?

Yes. I could see where you might miss guitar on some of the tracks, but I think it does well without them mostly. I hear Yorke did this album to get the electronic noodling out of the way so Radiohead could concentrate on more guitar driven stuff. Of course, I could have heard wrong.

[AlexB]

New Muse album. Needs a few more listens before I can judge it, but it's OK so far. I'd currently rank it below Absolution, but it may improve or fall further depending on whether more of the songs start to stick with me.

It's a grower - definitely my album of the year so far, and by quite a long way.

[Ksyrup]

Sadly, not as much as I wish I was these days. SYL's The New Black is still kicking my ass. Finally got Glen Philips' new one, Mr. Lemons. I need to plug back in; I've been disconnected for a little while, and it feels like way too long.

[PilotMan]

Thom Yorke - The Eraser

2 thumbs up. If you've enjoyed the last 3 Radiohead albums, you should like this one.

Ditto this, I can't stop listening to it. It has seen major time on my computer. Each song flows to the next the album flies by and I find the songs reverberating around in my head all day long. Top Shelf.

[Klinglerware]

I just bought a Billboard Country #1 hits collection. Yeah, it's all old stuff and it's a compilation, but I figured it was a way to get some pre-1990s country into my collection (i.e., before the advent of "New Country").

I'm currently listening to Dolly Parton's "Here You Come Again", and I'm struck by what a great pop song it is (in my mind, anyway).

[tanglewood]

It's a grower - definitely my album of the year so far, and by quite a long way.

The single of it is absolutely horrid. It's the worst parts of Trent Reznor and Prince all mixed into one. That said, Absolution was a solid record, so I don't want to pre judge it or anything, but man I hate that song.

[Karlifornia]

In regards to the Muse's latest...I find it....okay. They sound like they want to be Depeche Mode....Queen....hair metal....and Radiohead of course.

I dig Knights of Cydonia

[BrianD]

So what is the big draw for Muse? I've been listening to Absolution and find it to be decent, but nothing spectacular. What am I missing?

[Pyser]

the riff in hysteria is beyond amazing. time is running out is a solid rock song.

they just make good music, and lots of noise for a 3 piece. its been fun for me watching them progress from radiohead ripoff to progressive rock or whatever you want to call what they do now.

they are adapting very well as a band, and make consistently good songs each record. thats the appeal for me anyway.

[AlexB]

The single of it is absolutely horrid...

In you opinion ;)

[Ksyrup]

New Slayer comes out today. Lombardo is back - and so is the speed.

[Bad-example]

I bought Tom Petty's new one, Highway Companion. I have only listened to it once but I fear this one just isn't up to the quality of his last couple releases. Saving Grace and Flirting With Time are pretty catchy but otherwise there wasn't much else.

I am hopeful that other tracks will grow on me after a couple more listenings.

After giving this cd more of a chance, I can say that the first half is pretty much what one would expect of a Tom Petty release based upon his last few albums. The latter half is a bit weak. Six good songs out of twelve makes this sub par but still worth the ten bucks.

Hoping to score a ticket to one of his shows at the Berkeley Greek Theatre at the end of next month. Great venue and Tom always puts on a great show.

[Mr. Sparkle]

After giving this cd more of a chance, I can say that the first half is pretty much what one would expect of a Tom Petty release based upon his last few albums. The latter half is a bit weak. Six good songs out of twelve makes this sub par but still worth the ten bucks.

Hoping to score a ticket to one of his shows at the Berkeley Greek Theatre at the end of next month. Great venue and Tom always puts on a great show.

I just saw Bloc Party at the Greek Theatre a couple weeks ago and agree, it's an absolutley awesome place to catch a show.

[dontreadthis]

Bobby Caldwell's self titled album.....

[CamEdwards]

I've been listening to Bob Schneider's "The Californian" almost non-stop since it came out. I haven't been this impressed with a cd since I listened to Tally Hall's debut, although these are completely different sounds.

If I were going to recommend two songs for download from the album I'd go with "The Californian" and "Mudhouse".

[Ksyrup]

I think Tally Hall is going to be my album of the year. Although, I'm really digging The Feeling's album Twelve Stops and Home. Not sure if it's out in the US yet, but they are apparently a very big hit in the UK. Very Jellyfish/Raspberries, which is right up my alley. I believe itunesz

[Ksyrup]

I think Tally Hall is going to be my album of the year. Although, I'm really digging The Feeling's album Twelve Stops and Home. Not sure if it's out in the US yet, but they are apparently a very big hit in the UK. Very Jellyfish/Raspberries, which is right up my alley. I believe itunes was offering a free song for download, so I bet they are going to be marketed pretty well in the US after their success at home.

[kurtism]

I've been listening to Bob Schneider's "The Californian" almost non-stop since it came out. I haven't been this impressed with a cd since I listened to Tally Hall's debut, although these are completely different sounds.

If I were going to recommend two songs for download from the album I'd go with "The Californian" and "Mudhouse".

Ooh, new Bob - thanks for the info. (You probably already know this, but there is some great Bob Schneider stuff at the live archive. I grabbed a 2-CD set from Antoine's Supper Club in Austin a while back. Very funky, absolutely filthy, and clearly a great live show.)

I added "The Californian" to my Rhapsody library today, and I am giving Ksyrup's Tally Hall recommendation a looksee later this afternoon as well. Finally, to echo what someone said a while back, I live The Format's "Dog Problems." Catchy as all hell, and clearly cut from the power pop cloth. Roger Manning Jr. even plays keys on a few tunes.

[timmae]

My latest fav is "They Shoot Horses Don't They" out of Vancouver, BC. The latest LP is Boo Hoo Hoo boo on Kill rock Stars. Excellent live band, saw them at the empty bottle hsow last week. Emptyhead is on their website and myspace page and will give you some insight as to their sound... during their show they "played" numerous odd items including a license plate and a crutch. These guys (and gal) are just flat out awesome...

[Ksyrup]

Finally, to echo what someone said a while back, I live The Format's "Dog Problems." Catchy as all hell, and clearly cut from the power pop cloth. Roger Manning Jr. even plays keys on a few tunes.

I'll have to look for that. Roger Manning's solo album, first released online and in Japan under the name "Solid State Warrior," is finally getting a US release under the name "The Land of Pure Imagination" with 3 new songs. I think it comes out in the next month or so.

[DeToxRox]

P.O.S - Minnesota Hip Hop. Lots of edge to it. Very awesome stuff from Rhymesayers records (As usual)

http://www.myspace.com/posisruiningmylife

[kurtism]

I'll have to look for that. Roger Manning's solo album, first released online and in Japan under the name "Solid State Warrior," is finally getting a US release under the name "The Land of Pure Imagination" with 3 new songs. I think it comes out in the next month or so.

It's availably now on Rhapsody - nice stuff.

[Ksyrup]

New Lamb of God is out today. Woohoo! I wasn't all that impressed with the first single, finding it to be way too much of a Pantera ripoff, but luckily, the rest of the album sounds as good as Ashes of the Wake. And it's only $10 at Best Buy.

[Karlifornia]

New Cursive album "Happy Hollow" came out today. I am ecstatic. It's a quasi-concept album with the concept being a small town filled with religious zealots, gay priests, disenchanted teens and many other dysfunctional people. Great rock band.

[kurtism]

Wow, been a while for this thread. Wanted to add a couple new albums to the mix based on recent Rhapsody spins:

The Art of Rolling by The Blue Van: Easily the best album I have ever heard by a band from Denmark... Won't win major points for originality, but these lads play white-boy R&B (in the early Beatles vein) with gusto and style. A little taste of Ray Davies on guitar and Keith Moon on drums, with solid vocals and strong songs. Well worth a listen.

Magic Potion by The Black Keys: Haters of White Stripes need not apply. Two piece guitar and drums blues rockers, The Black Keys' vocalist reminds me a bit of Jack Bruce. Rocks out even without Jack Black's six-string pyrotechnics.

[Ksyrup]

I hear the new Sloan is pretty great. I need to find it.

[Butter]

TV on the Radio - Return to Cookie Mountain
The Rapture - Pieces of the People We Love

Both turning out to be much better than I expected.

[Young Drachma]

TV on the Radio - Return to Cookie Mountain
The Rapture - Pieces of the People We Love

Both turning out to be much better than I expected.

I saw TV on the Radio live last week and it was....outstanding.

[Young Drachma]

Persephone’s Bees - Notes From The Underworld
Lupe Fiasco - Food and Liquor

[CamEdwards]

this isn't a new release, but since I just picked it up a couple of weeks ago it's been in heavy rotation in my car.

The band is Republic of Loose, and the name of the cd is "The Tomb of the Juice". Incredibly hard to describe, but a nice mix of funk, rock, and hip hop. They're from Ireland but have absolutely no Celtic influences whatsoever.

[kurtism]

Persephone’s Bees - Notes From The Underworld

Thanks for this recommendation - really enjoyed the Bees' album, and it lead me to the solo work of the band's bassist, Bart Davenport. Two of his solo albums are on Rhapsody, Game Preserve and Maroon Cocoon - both are most excellent.

[Groundhog]

New Muse album. Needs a few more listens before I can judge it, but it's OK so far. I'd currently rank it below Absolution, but it may improve or fall further depending on whether more of the songs start to stick with me.

OK, it's been a couple of months now and I feel I can rank this album accurately.

This album has some strong songs (Assassin, Knights of Cydonia, Exo-politics), some great songs (City of Delusion is one of my fave Muse songs), and some OK songs (Hoodoo). It's very clear however that Muse have hit a formula in their song writing though, and this shines through on Starlight & Take a Bow in particular, though is evident in pretty much all songs.

These two songs just sound so damn theatrical and so... well... so Muse. Is that a bad thing? I don't know. I like this album, and it doesn't contain any clunkers like every other one of their albums has, with even the short Soldier's Poem track ranking well with me, but this really is the first album where it doesn't sound like Muse have tried anything new IMO.

I rank it below Absolution & Showbiz, but above Origin of Symmetry.

[Groundhog]

Tool - Latera...uhh...10,000 Days.

I finally heard this. I'm a huge Tool fan and have been since Undertow. Tool - along with Radiohead - were responsible for opening my eyes to creative, experimental music, and will always hold a special place in my CD collection.

Why did it take me so long to hear this album then? Well, I eagerly awaited Lateralus for many years, and rushed out and bought it the instant it was released... even refrained from downloading it a week before it was released. I loved it too, and thought it was great that Tool was really stretching out and doing something different. Since I bought Ænima my CD collection had been filled with King Crimson, Yes, Gentle Giant, early Genesis, wierd Italian prog rock, etc. etc. In other words, "wierd", experimental music, and I loved that my fave current band was doing the same.

I honestly can't recall the last time I listened to Lateralus though. It just did not age well at all for me, and sounds so damn stale and over produced to my ears. I appreciate what they were trying to do, but 8 minute songs with no memorable melodies or interesting jamming just does not hold my attention.

I knew it would be the same with 10,000 Days, and I was absolutely right. There's some good stuff on this album and I'll try and give it a few more chances, but that's more out of my respect for their earlier records. If someone had handed me this CD and I didn't know it was Tool I wouldn't have given it these chances.

I miss some of the grunt from their earlier days. I can totally dig drawn-out, spaced out jams (hell, that describes a large portion of my collection), but they really need to mix it up a little. Either spice up the melodies, or get some licks.

[watravaler]

I can't believe no one has mentioned the Band of Horses album yet...

[CamEdwards]

Ksyrup,

I went to the Not Lame website and ordered Roger Joseph Manning Jr.'s cd... also found a re-issue of the dB's "Like This" which I've been trying to find for about six months. I'm a very happy man. I'll be happier when the discs get to my house though.

Also received Republic of Loose's 2nd cd, called "Aaagh". I think I like "Tomb of the Juice" better. The 2nd cd is a little more electronic-y with less funk.

[Ksyrup]

Awesome. The US release of Manning's album has 3 songs not on the Japanese release. Two different labels, and the US company wanted the different songs (plus a different cover and title). I've got the Japanese version, but haven't got the US version yet.

[Ksyrup]

Dola. Next time you're over at not lame, check out the new CD by the guy/band Pop Is Art. When I get around to placing another order with them, I'm definitely getting it.

[kurtism]

Another notlame.com scoop - the band/project LEO, featuring (among others) one Andy Sturmer. Been streaming the music from this site (http://www.notlame.com/leo.htm), and it is some solid stuff. A stylistic tribute to ELO, it is just nice to hear something from Sturmer that isn't sung in Japanglish...

[HerRealName]

watraveler, Check post #92.

Two of my favorite bands released new CDs yesterday. The Hold Steady, Boys and Girls in America and The Decemberists, The Crane Wife. I've been listening to BaGiA a lot and I like the new one but not as much as Separation Sunday. I haven't had enough time with new The Decemberists but my initial impressions are positive.

[CamEdwards]

Another notlame.com scoop - the band/project LEO, featuring (among others) one Andy Sturmer. Been streaming the music from this site (http://www.notlame.com/leo.htm), and it is some solid stuff. A stylistic tribute to ELO, it is just nice to hear something from Sturmer that isn't sung in Japanglish...


Yeah, I've preordered Alpacas Orgling, though based on the name I'm not sure if it's going to be up my alley. I've always had a soft spot for ELO, so it might not be too bad.

Picked up the new releases from Beck and The Killers yesterday, but haven't had a chance to really listen to either.

[Easy Mac]

For anyone wondering about the new Killers album, I'll allay your fears. It does indeed suck. 1st half of Hot Fuss - niice, fun stuff. 2nd half to Sam's Town - very not good. I don't want to say horrible, because they have nice facial hair.

[Groundhog]

For anyone wondering about the new Killers album, I'll allay your fears. It does indeed suck. 1st half of Hot Fuss - niice, fun stuff. 2nd half to Sam's Town - very not good. I don't want to say horrible, because they have nice facial hair.

I've sorta slipped out of awareness with new music, but I really like the Killers' single (When You Were Young I think it's called?). Is that typical of the album? I was thinking about picking it up, but if that's by and large the best track on the album I wont bother.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Past few weeks, the only thing that's been in my CD player is Iron Maiden's latest A Matter of Life and Death.

[Easy Mac]

I've sorta slipped out of awareness with new music, but I really like the Killers' single (When You Were Young I think it's called?). Is that typical of the album? I was thinking about picking it up, but if that's by and large the best track on the album I wont bother.

Pretty much like that song all the way, but I dislike that song, so...

[Pyser]

im about to blow my "cred" here, and i cant believe im about to say this, but mtv2 has turned me onto some decent stuff lately.

i started tivoing subterranean, which is on once a week at like 2 am, and they have some decent guests (shit interviews, but decent guests), and pretty good videos.

turned me onto Murder by Death, Silversun Pickups, and the Kooks so far. not sure how great their albums are yet, but Brother (MbD) and Well Thought Out Twinkles (SP) are cool songs.

[Easy Mac]

the Kooks CD is pretty fun. Not great music, but its fun.

[Ksyrup]

Another notlame.com scoop - the band/project LEO, featuring (among others) one Andy Sturmer. Been streaming the music from this site (http://www.notlame.com/leo.htm), and it is some solid stuff. A stylistic tribute to ELO, it is just nice to hear something from Sturmer that isn't sung in Japanglish...

I was just about to post about this. I just pre-ordered this, along with the Manning US release and Pop Is Art.

Here's a bit of the write-up on LEO:

Alpacas Orgling is an ingeniously arranged evocation of the orchestral pop-rock of the mid-seventies, a sound built for the eclectic AM-radio pop charts of the time, but also cool enough to resonate for years on the FM dial. It's a style epitomized by the sweeping productions of the Electric Light Orchestra, which created a technologically enhanced wall of sound as grand and wonderful as Phil Spector`s "teenage symphonies" of the mid-sixties. This is no mere homage to an earlier era, however, simply compiling familiar songs from back in the day. Rather, all of these lush, vocal-stacked and hook-packed tunes are originals, composed by a collective of pop-obsessed, genre-jumping contemporary musicians.

Among the collaborators assembled here as L.E.O. are vocalist Andy Sturmer, from nineties power pop-icon Jellyfish; singer-guitarist Mike Viola, formerly of the Candy Butchers and co-writer of the Oscar-nominated movie theme "That Thing You Do!"; multi-platinum producer John Fields; Papas Fritas founder/producer Tony Goddess; Matt Mahaffey of the acclaimed one-man-band Self; Jason Scheff, vocalist and bassist for the legendary band Chicago; singer-songwriter Paula Kelley; Black Crowes drummer Steve Gorman; and even the Hanson brothers. This wildly eclectic crew was brought together by Boston pop auteur Bleu (William James McAuley III), who whimsically decided to embark on this unique project four years ago and managed to cajole his many far-flung pals to join him for the ride.

[Groundhog]

Speaking of Andy Sturmer and his Japanglish... is Puffy AmiYumi worth checking out? Never heard of them before... is it just bad J-Pop fluff?

[Groundhog]

For anyone wondering about the new Killers album, I'll allay your fears. It does indeed suck. 1st half of Hot Fuss - niice, fun stuff. 2nd half to Sam's Town - very not good. I don't want to say horrible, because they have nice facial hair.

OK, I've listened to just over 50% of the album so far and I think your review is spot on regarding Sam's Town.

Just not holding my interest at all. Even "When You Were Young" sounds worse now that I've heard it in the context of the rest of the album. :(

[Ksyrup]

Speaking of Andy Sturmer and his Japanglish... is Puffy AmiYumi worth checking out? Never heard of them before... is it just bad J-Pop fluff?

Apparently a lot of people like them, but I think they fucking suck. It's like 2 teeny-bop Japanese girls on helium. Their cover of Joining A Fanclub is a disgrace.

"She turned the nightlight on and brew him a kiss."

[timmae]

just bought the new 'Russian Circles' album 'Enter' after seeing thier live show last week... awesome instramental rock. Their bio is basically 3 dudes who started to write songs figuring that they'd track down a lead singer but just kept on going w/o one... great stuff. They're touring with Minus the Bear right now..

[Ksyrup]

I guess this fits here as good as any thread, since I listen to this album at least once a month.

The Coulda-Shoulda-Woulda Files...Jellyfish: Spilt Milk

hxp://www.idolator.com/tunes/coulda-shoulda-woulda/the-couldashouldawoulda-files-crying-over-jellyfishs-spilt-milk-212223.php


As far as new albums, I'm really enjoying To-Mera, which is a prog metal goth band. Unbelievable musicianship in this band. They sound like a side project of Petrucci, Portnoy, and Myung with a classical jazz pianist and a goth singer.

Also, I'm trying to like Trivium's new one, The Crusade, but damn if this isn't one of the most over the top, cheesy metal albums I've heard in forever. Although the lyrics are often cringe-worthy ("For your honor, you must slaughter, every one of your daughters"), the music is solid and the vocals instantly recall James Hetfield. In fact, the Metallica influences are what really get to me. This album sounds like a metal band in 2006 doing its best Ride the Lightning-era impression of Metallica. Track 4 is - no kidding - RtL with a Youth Gone Wild chorus. And then it segues into Track 5's rip of the riff from Through the Never. But hey, at least that proves they've heard more than just one Metallica album, huh?

For pure headbanging fun, it's a solid album. Anything more than that, and they'll need to tone down the Metallica, find themselves, and find a lyricist.

[korme]

I'm a little late to this party, but I just picked up 5 albums:

Brand New / The Devil & God Are Raging Inside of Me
The Hush Sound / Like Vines
Jay-Z / Kingdom Come
The Killers / Sam's Town
My Chemical Romance / The Black Parade

I've only listened to Brand New and The Killers so far. Gotta say, I am not blown away like I was hoping, as they are two of my favorite bands.

[Mr. Sparkle]

Agree on the Killers, strongly disagree on Brand New. I'm absolutely loving the new CD, can't get enough of it. Really digging "Limousine" especially.

[AlexB]

After the excellent Worlds Apart, which was a change in direction but one that really worked well, And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead's latest, So Divided, is just bleh after two listens.

Here's hoping it's a grower....

[Easy Mac]

The Beatles - Love

Can anyone tell me what the big deal is? I'm not a huge Beatles fan, but I do have the majority of the albums. I honestly think the songs are kind of boring and given what they were trying to do, they could have done so much more. The only one that makes me say "Wow!" is the Mr. Kite/She's So Heavy/Helter Skelter mix.

[kurtism]

With thanks to www.popmatters.com and its end of the year "Best Of" lists, I am enjoying the latest effort from uber-geeky indie rockers Sprite: "Modern Gameplay." While the titles may point towards a jokey band, their sound is seriously catchy and the songs are well-written and well-played. Anyone who can write "George Romero," "Huygens Vs. The Werewolf," and "Me and the SYSOP" is okay by me.

[Young Drachma]

Anyone want to take a stab at the best albums of the year? I think given the musical variety around here, the lists would be interesting to see.

[Young Drachma]

Dola -

Here's mine..the numbers aren't exactly, I just slapped a number and moved on. I actually compiled a list of over 150 albums this year that I ranked, so...this is just a small part of what I liked in particular.



1. St. Elsewhere - Gnarls Barkley

2. Dave Chappelle's Block Party - Original Soundtrack

3. Till the Sun Turns Black - Ray LaMontagne

4. The Black Keys - Magic Potion

5. Hip Hop Is Dead - Nas

6. Ray Sings, Basie Swings - Ray Charles

7. Elan Vital - Pretty Girls Makes Graves

8. Game Theory - The Roots

9. Corinne Bailey Rae - Eponymous

10.Return To Cookie Mountain - TV On The Radio

11. Travesias - Susana Baca

12. Peregrine - The Appleseed Cast

13. Saturday Night Wrist - Deftones

14. Fishscale - Ghostface Killah

15. The Dust of Retreat - Margot & the Nuclear So and So's

16. Some Echoes - Aloha

17. Blanco Facil - Chetes

18 Duper Sessions - Sondre Lerche and the Faces Down Quartet

19. All This Time - Heartless Bastards

20. The Loon - Tapes 'n Tapes

21. Clipse - Hell Hath No Fury

22. The Life Pursuit - Belle & Sebastian

23. I'll Be Seeing You: A Sentimental Journey - Regina Carter

24. Both Sides of the Gun - Ben Harper

25. In The Shadow of Two Gunmen - The Forecast

[AlexB]

OK, I'll play. More mainstream than many on here I guess, but who gives a...

Future Classics

Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People I Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Kasabian - Empire
Muse - Black Holes & Revelations
Secret Machines - Ten Silver Drops

Honorable Mentions

Dirty Pretty Things - Waterloo To Anywhere
Dios Malos - Dios Malos
The Fratellis - Costello Music
The Killers - Sam's Town
Midlake - The Trials of Van Occupanther
My Chemical Romace - The Black Parade
The Rapture - Pieces of People We Love
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Stadium Arcadium
Scissor Sisters - Ta Dah!
Tapes N' Tapes - The Loon

[Young Drachma]

OK, I'll play. More mainstream than many on here I guess, but who gives a...

Future Classics

Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People I Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Kasabian - Empire
Muse - Black Holes & Revelations
Secret Machines - Ten Silver Drops

Honorable Mentions

Dirty Pretty Things - Waterloo To Anywhere
Dios Malos - Dios Malos
The Fratellis - Costello Music
The Killers - Sam's Town
Midlake - The Trials of Van Occupanther
My Chemical Romace - The Black Parade
The Rapture - Pieces of People We Love
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Stadium Arcadium
Scissor Sisters - Ta Dah!
Tapes N' Tapes - The Loon

That's a good list. It's been a great year in music.

[AlexB]

Dola, forgot to add

Worst Album of 2006

Razorlight - Razorlight.

I truly cannot describe how disappointed I am/was/will always be, how much I hate this, their 2nd album... And Q magazine vote it #3 of the year. Un-fucking-believable.