Windmill’s latest effort, Epcot Starfields, is not unlike previous Windmill material. The nasally vocals, the dreamy, keys-laden background, the fragile emotions, it’s all there. But Matthew Thomas Dillon, with his backing four-piece, builds upon what we’re used to with a more mature, polished sound, yet just as impassioned. If you like Windmill, you’ll adore Epcot… Continue reading Epcot Starfields finds Windmill at its finest
Category: Album Reviews
Jay-Z is old and cranky, but still shows off talent on The Blueprint 3
Jay-Z is old! Get the man a pair of too-short shorts and loafers, stat. Maybe a “compact disc player” on which to play “compact discs.” The Best MC Of All Time is on his 11th album in 13 years, making him one of the biggest veterans in the game. It’s easy to gush over Jay-Z’s… Continue reading Jay-Z is old and cranky, but still shows off talent on The Blueprint 3
Vivian Girls miss it by THAT much
It’s easy to get caught up in a trend. Remember when pogs were in and you totally bought a purple slammer with a skull and “Poison” on it? I don’t think I ever actually used that slammer. In the last couple years, a lo-fi trend has been sweeping the music world, with blogs giving great… Continue reading Vivian Girls miss it by THAT much
Wild Beasts aren’t that exciting on Two Dancers
There is nothing explicitly bad about Wild Beasts‘ newest, Two Dancers. The songs move along nicely, flow well enough into each other, and keep up a consistent tone. The musicianship is entirely adequate. The problem? There’s nothing exciting. And so it goes. The only notable issue I have with the album is its lyricism, which… Continue reading Wild Beasts aren’t that exciting on Two Dancers
Yo La Tengo’s Popular Songs is almost completely awesome. Almost.
Yo La Tengo has built a reputation. The veteran band from Hoboken, New Jersey is well known for experimentation and always being cradled by critics. Each album is a journey into another world and different genre. Another day, another dollar and so it is that the band gives us something new for 2009. Of course,… Continue reading Yo La Tengo’s Popular Songs is almost completely awesome. Almost.
The Postmarks make another beautiful record
The Postmarks are so many things. Initially, they were a fish-out-of-water band that defied expectations and stereotypes of the Miami music scene. Contrary to the skeezy beach club music we’ve come to expect, the group is soft, sweet and beautiful. They’ve brought this sound to the somehow fitting stage of Nickelodeon’s Yo Gabba Gabba where… Continue reading The Postmarks make another beautiful record
Mew’s newest is monotonous and thrilling all at once
You won’t blame me for starting off the review with this, right? Thanks dudes. So, then, here’s the title of Mew‘s newest album: No More Stories Are Told Today I’m Sorry They Washed Away No More Stories The World Is Grey I’m Tired Let’s Wash Away *Wipes sweat beads from brow* Phew. Okay, onward, then.… Continue reading Mew’s newest is monotonous and thrilling all at once
Arctic Monkeys unveil new, relaxed sound on Humbug
I listened to this album once. I hated it. I slept on it. I put it on again. The Arctic Monkeys, who gained quick recognition in the UK upon the release of their 2006 debut, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, are now on their third studio album, Humbug. The name seems… Continue reading Arctic Monkeys unveil new, relaxed sound on Humbug
Jay Reatard reinvents 70s punk rock on Watch Me Fall
Jay Reatard makes singles like a baker makes bread. It seems to come naturally to the man from Memphis who is releasing his first full-length album since 2006’s solo debut Blood Visions. But the waiting pays off on Watch Me Fall, which stands out in 2009 as being one of the only remarkable albums on… Continue reading Jay Reatard reinvents 70s punk rock on Watch Me Fall
Brendan Benson’s My Old, Familiar Friend is a bit too familiar
It’s a good thing I’m listening to this album in the summer, because otherwise I’d be much harsher – it just seems to fit a summer mood, and not much else. My Old, Familiar Friend is an apt title, as Benson sounds in-line with his previous work (much of this material is, in fact, taken… Continue reading Brendan Benson’s My Old, Familiar Friend is a bit too familiar