April 26, 2005
Beck – Guero (2005)
(3 of 5 stars)
Possibly the most listenable Beck album made to date. The music still has elements of his various other albums. Yet on this one, Beck has pulled it together in such a way that those who maybe never could make it through an entire Beck album will now have the ability. There is not that moment of, what is Beck thinking?! Everything is very smooth, and the album flows together as a whole, not a normal accomplishment for beck. The only thing is you’ll think of previous songs now and then as the similar song structure and rifts are used… I’m pretty sure I heard at least 3-4 of his hits on this album (Songs that sound like previous songs). That in itself hurts the creative score of the album. A nice album, for a drive through the country on a Sunny day on a dusty road somewhere in mid America. Maybe Beck will win a few more mainstream fans with this album.
Stray Light Run – Straylight Run (2004)
(3.5 of 5)
What if bright eyes didn’t whine quiet as much. What if he wasn’t as much as a visionary? Well would he sound like this? Probably not, OK, a little bit of such a sound exist on track 2. What if Ben Folds was later, and sounded a bit like others in his genre? What if both went emo? Calm Emo. This group made up of the pieces of Taking Back Sunday, has a sure pop sense. Yet moments of the album make it apparent that its not just pop sense, but some emo sense. That’s right emotion is taken to the limit on some songs. Overall, peace and tranquility fill this album. Piano is here and there throughout the album. Overall it’s a very listenable album, first listen, good chance you’ll like it, as long as you are ok with a bit of pop a bit of emo. It is odd the change between male and female lead singers on various songs though. If its your genera. You’ll like this album. Yes after one listen, I bought this album.
April 19, 2005
Drop Kick Murphy’s – Sing Loud Sing Proud (2001)
(2 of 5 stars)
A bit of a harsh voice from lead singer Mike McColgan; this keeps it from being the easiest listening. But hey this is punk Irish music. So the aggressive gravely lead singer voice actually adds to the experience. There is a good use of Irish Jig sounds. It makes you want to mosh and at the same time dance around in Irish form all at the same time. The lyrics hold to typical Irish themes, sailing, drinking, dancing, and living in the 1800’s. I have to say its role the windows down and drive by the seat of your pants music. And then when you crash into the tree…well you’ll jump out of the car, along with all the others in the car, interlock arms, and dance and swing around… tis a great day for an Irish jig! But honestly by the end of the album there is a good chance you’ll grow tired of the punk / Irish anger. (Other bands have done this better). One thing that is odd on the album is the newscasters for baseball games (least that’s what it sounded like here and there). I didn’t opt to buy this album. You’ll have to avoid a few songs for language.
April 12, 2005
Aqualung - Still Life (2004)
(Three of Five Stars)
Let’s say Ours didn’t have the dynamic range, they had no hard hitting songs, but just played melodic calm music. You may get a variation of something that sounds like this album. This is a calm album, which will be good for those who like singer songwriter type music. And if you like a brit focus to this, all the more reason to pick up this album. There are Thom Yorke like moments with mellow meandering whining. But the music doesn’t support the output in my opinion. The piano is common place on this album, but more as an instrument to tell the stories, the focus here is not the music it’s the song writing. I’m not a fan of this so I’m not in good position to give a non biased opinion of the album. The slow non dynamic uninteresting album did little for me. But no doubt for someone out there, aqualung is what they need for their weary soul. I must admit the song Extra Ordinary Thing which has a strong piano focus, is done nicely. This song at least may be worth listening to the album and giving it a chance.
Love and Rockets - Express (1986)
(3 of 5 stars)
It is obvious this album is from the 80’s. It doesn’t get the happy goth gloom dance electric energy that depeche mode accomplished. Noises are more random at times, but not random enough. I in fact found myself just growing tired of the sound now and then. I’m not sure if its due to not being in the mood, or not ready for what was once experimental and appreciated and now is simply old and unwanted. The combinations of horns now and then does create a different sound, but I could do without that difference. Honestly I think it is something you could grow to appreciate somewhere in the realm of echo and the bunnymen and other such 80’s bands. This isn’t a one listen appreciation album, which probably means somewhere there is a home for this in your collection. But I’ve not been convinced there is a place in my collection for this album.