May 03, 2005
Bloc Party – Silent Alarm (2005)
The 80’s are back. Of course there are a variety of 80’s sounds. There are moments of Midnight Oil on this album, but also singing (not music) which will reminds you of Robert Smith (just slightly). The album in general to me is a bore. But a bore, which is intriguing enough to listen to again and again. Why? The critics have hailed this as one of the great albums of the year. I honestly didn’t see it upon first listen. So maybe sub sequential listens will allow me to see this deeper meaning. The drumming is intriguing as it is a breakbeat fusion. Just when you think things are going along well, there you find a quick drop in beat. Maybe it is this that creates the intrigue. But guitar of 80’s nature, spoken word similar to early 80’s punk; and synthesizer here and there, create an interesting album. Best song: Helicopter. Also language will require you skip at least one song (Positive Tens).
3.5 out of 5
Hot Hot Heat – Elevator (2005)
An easy listening album, is that what makes a good album? No, but it is what makes a good album on first listen. Hot Hot Heat’s latest album defiantly meets this requirement. First listen and you realize you could find yourself listen to the punk influenced non punk music. Doesn’t make sense? Probably not. But that is ok. (It’s probably the fact that you could easily imagine the lead singer being in a punk band, but the music has no punk to it at all. Use of piano and keyboards, standard indie rock hooks, produces a very pleasant album. Honestly there was a moment when I thought of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers for some reason. But its very far from that realm, I think?
4 out of 5