Spoon - Gimmie Fiction

MAY 10, 2005

Today, two new records were released by bands I highly regard -- Gimmie Fiction by Spoon and Make Believe by Weezer. Although I've only listened to Weezer's record once, I have no qualms about crowning Gimmie Fiction the winner.

After two amazing records, Kill the Moonlight and Girls Can Tell, Spoon manages to keep things going. The record isn't quite as strong as the last two, but that would be tough to do. I'm just happy to see they didn't crash and burn. "I Turn My Camera On" is easily the best song, but the drop-off is tolerable. I'm also a big fan of "My Mathematical Mind" and "I Summon You".

Gimmie Fiction's a safe bet if you're looking to drop $12 on an album. In regards to Make Believe, I'm only gonna buy it if I can find it for $8.

Posted in CD at 4:08 pm.
1 Comment |

Ben Folds - Songs for Silverman

MAY 2, 2005

Speaking as a long, long, long-time Ben Fold fan, the new record is my least favorite of all his output. It's unfortunate, but Ben Folds has gotten wimpy and I completely attribute this to his level of happiness. Having incredibly cute twins and a beautiful life in your Australian home does not help to produce good music in nearly all cases, Ben Folds being no exception. See the graph below:

As you can see, as he's gotten progressively happier, his albums have gotten progressively worse. Although I completely made up these happiness figures, I'm only mildly ashamed to say I hope his life gets a little tougher in the next year. He just needs something, anything, to get some of that angst back.

I can't say I'm happy about Ben's newfound wimpiness, but I'm also not totally disappointed with the album. Despite my misgivings, I have listened to it over ten times since getting it. Almost all of these songs are technically good and plesant to listen to. The problem is that I couldn't sing one of them to you right now.

I wish I could tell you that you should go out and give this album a shot, but I think you're better off buying his three EPs, which he put out over the last year or so on his own label, Attacked by Plastic.

Posted in CD at 5:17 pm.
2 Comments |

Hot Hot Heat - Elevator

APRIL 20, 2005

The critics seem to like this record, but no one loves it. Critics be damned because I think it's awesome. The band hardly takes a breath on this record and that's how I like it. No one buys a Hot Hot Heat record for their ballads and I think they know that. This is a band that just wants to rock and that's what they do.

In the week that I've owned this I've listened to it nearly a dozen times, which is a lot for me. I hope all the indie rockers make a point to at least give it a listen. I recommend the song "Shame on You."

Posted in CD at 11:15 am.
3 Comments |

Arcade Fire - Funeral

SEPTEMBER 21, 2004

I can't stop listening to this record. I have no idea if it'll stand up to the test of time, but I know that after almost ten times through (it's only been out a week) I am nowhere close to bored of it.

I have two more things to say about the record. First, my friend Robbie recommended it to me and he deserves some credit. Second, they remind me of Wilco even though they very little like them. On top of being talented musicians and songwriters, Arcade Fire have a very adventurous spirit, which is why I associate them with Wilco.

Posted in CD at 11:01 pm.
2 Comments |

Air - Talkie Walkie

FEBRUARY 17, 2004

It's been a short year, but here is my best of 2004 (up until now):

1. Air - Talkie Walkie

These two fine gents have gotten back on the horse after a few mishaps (Barrico, 10,000 MHz Legend). Many of the critics claim that this is their best record since Moon Safari, but I would say it's their best ever.

Air's sound is not radically different and they didn't add some amazing new producer for the new record. In fact, they produced it themselves after working with the producer of Beck's Midnight Vultures on 10,000 MHz Legend. The bottom line is that Talkie Walkie is just a completely solid outting. The record is cohesive, which is important to me, but still manages to have a number of songs that can stand well on their own. My favorites thus far are "Cherry Blossom Girl," "Run," and "Alpha Beta Gamma."

If you've heard Air, you probably know whether or not you like them. If you're a fan, run out and get this record. If not, there is not much here that might sway you.

Posted in CD at 12:08 pm.
|