Misconstrued Thoughts: Musical Misconstruedness

Sons and Daughters - The Repulsion Box (2005)

2005-09-28T13:56:56Z

Here we have a touch of Irish Folk, well a large serving, but added is the 80's punk style that has become incorporated to much music of the last year. Sons and Daughters lead vocalist fits this genre very well. Here almost raspy harsh voice brings to mind the damp air of the Scottish bands homeland.

With classic Irish Folk instruments, with an electric punk flare, you'll often find yourself having a toe tapping good time. While the lyrics are often of a dismal status, the upbeat toon will keep your toes tap tap tap tap. (Sorry started singing some of the lyrics).

The beauty of the vocals on the album, they are not reserved only for the lead singer. The rest of the band adds throughout the song with harmonizing backup vocals. Yet, it is the main singer, which prevents this from being a perfect album. The last song finds her often going into a horrifying yell. This isn't a energy wielding cry, but a nagging annoying woman yelp. This small annoyance is the only dark portion of the album. All in all a stellar album go pick it up.

4.5 out of 5

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Kaiser Chiefs - Employment (2005)

2005-07-12T19:59:05Z

Have the ramones been reborn? Well have the ramones become sober, got a synthesizer player and been reborn? The Kaiser Chiefs are the saviors of the new sound forth coming in the alternative modern 80�s sound. But the sound doesn�t end there, next thing you know you are listening to XTC in there best punk moments. (Remember XTC were not a punk band). It�s more the use of raising and falling vocals. An interesting creation is the end result. If you listen you may even find elements of the 80�s Twotone ska movement. Its all here. It will get you wanting it to be 1980 with your laptop and cell phone still with you.

4.5 out of 5

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The Ecstasy of Saint Theresa � Slowthinking (1992)

2005-06-14T16:54:03Z

This album which has elements of many low fi trip hop groups does not shine out as unique. If you are a fan of those who try to capture the audience of groups such as Portishead, Morcheba, this may be the group for you. If that truly does not excite you, well then this may not be the album for you either. While not sophisticatedly unique, the album is rather pasifingly ambient. Therefore its not bad for relaxing background music. The group does have more a vent toward jazz here and there too. One of the most notable moments of the album is the Chezk rap. Unique for certain. Its worth a listen once, purchase? Only if you are fan of the genre.

3 out of 5

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Bloc Party � Silent Alarm (2005)

2005-05-03T14:49:15Z

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

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Hot Hot Heat � Elevator (2005)

2005-05-03T14:44:54Z

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

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Beck � Guero (2005)

2005-04-26T13:40:55Z

(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)

2005-04-26T13:35:02Z

(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.

Take a Listen

Drop Kick Murphy�s � Sing Loud Sing Proud (2001)

2005-04-19T13:57:36Z

(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.

Take a Listen.

Aqualung - Still Life (2004)

2005-04-12T14:33:47Z

(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.

Listen to this album.

Love and Rockets - Express (1986)

2005-04-12T14:30:23Z

(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.

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The Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (2002)

2005-03-17T22:42:19Z

As this album starts you know you are in place for a surreal experience only the Flaming Lips can provide. A happy dream atmosphere is key to this album. Floating Voices, Synthesizers, proceed through the album. With various Choruses which make you bob your head back and forth, roll the windows down, and feel happy on the inside. But just when you are happy in this dream like world you realize somehow its not all happy. There is a nightmare like mood present too, and it is this contrast in feeling that makes the album, and really confuse you (Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt1,2). Yet you�ll continue to float through tunes such as Are you a hypnotist? Lyrically Do you Realize is the highest performer as its mellow melodic tune hold strong thoughts with lines like �Do you realize that everyone you know someday will die� But it ends on a positive note. These twist make the album one you must go experience on your own.

You can sample the album here

Phish - Rift (1993)

2004-05-28T21:38:22Z

Listen to Rift

Jam music? I'll have to pass. We'll I agree with you. But if you feel this way don't pass on this album. This is one funny album. Maze with the repeating "You'll Never get out of this maze" Weigh with "Why Weigh on a Rainy Day".all you people at South Knox Hall will notice you pass why way every day (and therfore I sang that song everyday for 2 years). Sparkle with "Laugh and Laugh and Fall apart" these lines are great. But what makes them really great is the superb use of the voice. Its like Queen meets the Grateful Dead meets, well, Phish. And Lengthwise is great."When your there I sleep lengthwise and when your gone I sleep diagonal in my bed". Lines that make you say why sing about that, that's what makes this a keeper. Plus the whole album is portrayed on the cover, how cool is that.

Muse - Absolution (2004)

2004-05-17T13:43:24Z

This album has all the dramatic moments of a major conflict. Is this an international conflict? Yes in affect as Muse attempts to conquer the remainder of the worlds fan base. The album repeats a theme of spiraling dramatized moments. The initial song spirals upward toward the hard hitting piano of Apocalypse Please. War in place, grove is provided on some tunes such as Time is Running Out. While Absolution is an imploring of thought, making you wan the anger to end; speckled with signature ballads feeling is not missing. In fact, the album returns over and over with Emotion/Feeling/Energy/Conflict all flowing from one to the other. Live shows have an incredible amount of energy, but this album attempts to hold some of that energy. Particularly Absolution and Butterflies and Hurricanes create this feel. Yet even odd moments are found with Blackout, which gives a filling of early 20�s Europe. Get this album and appreciate what music is about, emotion.

Seldom - Romance (2002)

2004-04-15T05:29:45Z

Seldom a partial product of Pedro the Lion. Takes once again the west coast mellow murmur and enhances it with ever cheerful 60's keyboards... and modern indie guitar and beats. This is an album which you will listen to and instantly fall in love with. Some tunes are quiet straight forward, yet others flow into dream pop with an ambiance which burst into an indie dream pop honesty. Until we meet again is one of the later songs stating "We both have things to do - I'm not any different commitment scares me away". But moment later Romance questions "Who took this Romance and threw it away?" This is one of the greatest gems never appreciated by Indie Main Stream. And if you ever get to see them live, its amazing... a sincerity and vocal equivalent to that of a live Coldplay experience.

Listen to Romance

Pedro the Lion - It's Hard to Find a Friend (1998)

2004-04-15T05:10:54Z

Pedro the Lion is one of the great unappreciated Indie bands of Rock and Roll. Coming from the drab northwest coast of North America... they attain this drabness in there music. A melancholy drabness that is enhanced with cheerful warmth of music. This album present a slow meandering through there music. Its chill out music. Pedro's songs tell stories often of people and there issues... When they really get to know you they will Run tells such a story of a vain individual and the struggles of teenage life "Put on what ever makes you feel attractive" it echoes in its chorus. But the greatest highlight of this album is Of Minor Prophets a great ambient acoustic song showing what Pedro the Lion is capable of... telling the story of love and loss... in an non typical way with a non typical song. Head out and pick up this album, you'll be happy as you mellow out to the stories of Pedro...its complexity is found in its simplicity.

Listen to It's Hard to Find a Friend