Wow, I suck. Apologies to all my writers and readers (who may actually be the same people) for my lack of blogtivity. While spending time camping in the Florida wilderness, concurrently starting a job and internship, and attending school has kept my plate overflowing, I should not get it twisted, as the kids say, and keep this blog humming along.
Without further ado, here's two reviews that were given to me so long ago that you've probably listened to, worn out then rediscovered the albums. More to come soon!
Merriweather Post Pavilion is the ninth full length release from this collection of musicians originally from Baltimore. Following the critically acclaimed Strawberry Jam, fans of Animal Collective were left wondering how this group could really top themselves. The build-up for release was quite enormous, and somehow, someway, the boys managed to escape the wrath of the interwebs and avoided early leaks of the album (a December 25th one was rumored, but the quality was awful). The album title was released, along with the album art—a mind tricking fish that made the viewer wonder if someone had slipped some acid in their coffee (or was that just me?), as well as the track listing. Musical foreplay, if you will.
With the vinyl released on January 6th and the digital and CD versions released on January 20th, Merriweather Post Pavilion was met with the same critical acclaim as Strawberry Jam, but has also been acknowledged as easily the most accessible Animal Collective effort to date.
MPP is an album of songs that the band had been performing live for a while, with reworked beats and shiny new titles. Arguably the shining star of the record, “My Girls”, has been performed as “House” for a while now, but the power that it has on MPP is near euphoric. I may very well label it as one of the single greatest songs I’ve ever heard.
“My Girls” goes into “Also Frightened,” which, with it’s rain forest-like sound effects, makes me think of walking through the children’s book, Where the Wild Things Are. “Summertime Clothes” (My favorite, Ed.) is a song that is essentially about the disgustingly hot and humid nights that those of us familiar with the Mid-Atlantic summers know. But, for some reason, it strikes me as the love song of the album, if only for the chorus:
I want to walk around with you
I want to walk around with you
I want to walk around with you
I want to walk around with you
I want to walk around with you
I want to walk around with you
Just you just you just you just you
Just you just you just you just you
Just you just you just you just you
“Taste” is a song that really grew on me. First because of the amazingly blissed-out feel of it…it’s haunting and echo-y, and the listener feels as though they are in an empty banquet hall and this is being sung to them and only them. But again, after the actual sonic beauty of this song goes over, the lyrics are truly what distinguishes this as a great: “Am I really all the things that are outside of me? Would I complete myself without the things I like around?” Perhaps “Taste” can be written off as a self-indulgent, indie introspection at it’s finest, but that’s okay with me.
If there is a weak spot on this album, it’s certainly the latter half. It’s not as sonically complex; however, this is sort of shattered in a live atmosphere. “Lion in a Coma” is a powerful show opener (which they did at the Metro in Chicago) and “Brothersport” serves as an equally powerful bookend as a show closer (see the Grand Ballroom recording for proof).
When all’s said and done, this album has already earned my Album of the Year spot. It’s beautiful, it’s immaculately produced, it’s complex, and it’s just so unique. And despite my usual penchant for discounting awesome bands who produce albums that hurl them into mainstream consciousness, I just feel like a proud mama for Animal Collective. I’m glad they made an album that is technically “experimental” in nature, but is as accessible as Merriweather Post Pavilion is. Bravo!
P.S. The real treat is to see these fellas live. Their full US tour was announced! If you can get tickets (they’ve sold out almost everywhere already), get them and go!!!
Another Blast... and this time it's to an outer space dance party. At least that's how "Mercury," the first single off Intimacy, will have you feeling. The pounding rhythm takes one small step for man and one giant leap for house music in 2009. But that's not all this album has to offer. For those of you who've come in late on this band (where the hell have you been?), the post-punk Brit rock band took half the concept of their second album, A Weekend in the City, with its musings on the life of twenty-somethings in an urban environment, returned to their roots of driving drums and guitar riffs from their Silent Alarm days, and added ominous horns to reach entirely new outputs. It's dark, it's airy, it is in fact intimate.
Lines like "Paralyze me with your kiss, Wipe those dirty hands on me, Maybe we're looking for the same thing, Maybe you're the one who'll complete me", coupled with heavy drums and geared up guitar from tracks like "Halo" penetrate your ear and offer a good introduction to their sound and soul. And the epic "Ion Square" will have you nodding your head to synthesizers while crooning into the eyes of your significant other. E.E. Cummings provided the hook.
There's something here for everyone: Found your dancing shoes and in the mood to bounce around? Check out "Flux," "Mercury," or "Talons." Confused about love? Skip to "Better Than Heaven" and "Letter to My Son" (you'll think your listening to The Smiths). Heartbroken and bitter? "One Month Off" and "Your Visits are Getting Shorter" will have you simmering in self-pity. This album lets you take yourself seriously (or not), and rock out while doing so.
Showing posts with label Bloc Party. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bloc Party. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
TOP 20 YEAR END LIST-O-RAMA!!!
The other day while showering (where I do my best thinking...) I had a novel idea: Since the end of 2008 is almost here, why not recap the year in music with a 'Best Of' list? Now, I'm pretty sure this is a %100 original WRR idea, but I think it's so good that you can probably expect to see other music sites quickly copying us (possibly even preemptively).
Our brand new staff of five engaged in an intricate voting process to bring you the TOP 20 ALBUMS OF 2008. This list is purely objective, authoritative and definitive. Without further ado...
20. Thao and The Get Down, Stay Down - We Brave Bee Stings and All
Debut album is full of whimsical songs that recall carefree summer days. A unique voice, plucky guitar playing and a romping band have a playfulness that make this album pure fun.
19. She & Him - Vol. 1
Adorable movie star and veteran rocker combine to make folksy/country/motowny throwback songs. Actress Zooey Deschanel runs the gamet from Patsy Cline to Diana Ross (and never sounds forced) while M. Ward provides just the right backdrop.
18. Deerhunter - Microcastle
If My Bloody Valentine attempted to cover Brian Wilson songs, it might sound like the first third of Deerhunter's unique new release. It navigates itself into an ambient hole, only to emerge on the other side with more energy and intensity than the band has ever displayed.
17. Estelle – Shine
British songstress delivered the summer hit 'American Boy,' but this album goes much deeper than that. She's not the new Lauryn Hill, but with lyrical skills and a voice to kill shes about as close as anybody can get.
16. Goldfrapp – Seventh Tree
Ephemeral and restrained songs replace the big sounds of their earlier releases. So warm and blissful it can't but help evoke a dazzling sunset over a golden field in the countryside. This album is a joy despite what some doosh bags may say.
15. Bloc Party – Intimacy
Post-punk Brit rockers are back, and this time they brought the horns. Intimate lyrics, indeed, along with pounding rhythms that will make you want to find your dancing shoes and hope that they fit.
14. The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead
The Portland, Oregon duo are hard to genre-fy, but let’s just say they fit in the Northwest sound many of us have come to know and love. The lyrical flow and layers of driving drums, guitar strums and keys to please will leave your eyes wide and wandering.
13. Q-Tip - The Renaissance
As a genre, rap artists have the shortest shelf life, but this old school rapper delivers a breath of fresh air. The Abstract kicks it with fresh lyrics and soulful production to make this the years best hip-hop album.
12. Los Campesinos! - Hold On Now, Youngster
Debut from these Welsh youngsters is filled with even more energy than the ! at the end of their name. Full of instrumentation, but led by jangly guitars and shared male/female vocals, these guys and gals have more hooks than Dustin Hoffman.
11. Black Keys - Attack and Release
Garage bluester/rockers head into the studio with Danger Mouse. A slight departure from their typical sound, but the lusty atmospherics here will make your mind drift away to some hot and humid place with Spanish moss dangling from trees.
10. Hot Chip - Made In The Dark
British electro-pop outfit return with their third and most fun album to date. Full of bouncy bassy beats and quirky computer chirps, this album will have you ready for the floor from start to finish.
9. Sigur Rós - Me_ su_ í eyrum vi_ spilum endalaust
Songs with English? Radio play? Underproduced? Acoustic Guitars!?! Don't fret long-time fans. Stripped down production and accessibility didn't compromise the typical haunting beauty, or the transcendence of your favorite Icelandic mood setters.
8. David Byrne and Brian Eno - Everything That Happens Will Happen Today
Talking Heads head and ambient genius reunite after a 27 year hiatus. It’s not surprising this dynamic duo made such a great record, but it is a shock to hear such optimism out of these chronicled old grumps.
7. TV on the Radio - Dear Science
Third album veers slightly towards the center with smoky grooves and catchy licks, but it's the emergence of Kyp Malone and Tunde Adebimpe's vocals that will make this album a fixture well into 2009.
6. Fleet Foxes - self titled
These youthful folksters have been compared to the Beach Boys for their multi-layered harmonies, but Crosby, Stills & Nash with a touch of Devandra Banhart would be a more apt description. Either way, these songs fly epic over sonic forests and fields, moors and mountains.
5. Vampire Weekend - self titled
Similar to Peter Gabriel and Paul Simon two decades ago, this foursome melded catchy rock with just enough African rhythms and melodies to avoid the "world music" label. The big question is did they catch lightening in a bottle or are they here to stay?
4. Lykke Li - Youth Novels
Aided by Bjorn Yttling of Peter, Bjorn and John, Lykki Li delivers the pop gem of the year. This album will make you want to do everything from Dance, Dance, Dance to hold your teddy bear while rocking back and forth.
3. Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
Second album from the Australian foursome is full of steely, glittery dance music, but it's not as superficial as that sounds. There's a depth of song writing here that is immediately evident and hints at more good music to come. You'll want to save your best dance moves for these guys.
2. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
In case you hadn't heard, Justin Vernon (stage name Bon Iver) moved into a remote cabin in Wisconsin after breaking up with his band and girlfriend, where he spent three months recording this beautiful, haunting album. The music reflects that setting so strongly that you can almost see the stark winter landscape. Since there's inexplicably no video for this song, that's what I recommend you do right now.
1. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
Two young kids mix your parents (if they were hippies) psych, folk and prog with dance grooves and synths to create infectious hipster anthems. Just because it was released 11.5 months ago and you've heard it 800 times shouldn't diminish its greatness. Give it a few more months rest-- but don't deny that Oracular Spectacular occupied a good part of your '08.
There you have it. Disagree? Feel your favorite got snubbed? Well there's no accounting for poor taste... Kidding! Feel free to leave your accolades, snubs or own list in the comments section.
Also, be on the lookout next week for our Top 54 Songs of 2008 with some freebies!
Happy Holidays,
The folks at Weekly Record Review
(Sean, Andrew, Sarah, Gaurav & Jason)
Our brand new staff of five engaged in an intricate voting process to bring you the TOP 20 ALBUMS OF 2008. This list is purely objective, authoritative and definitive. Without further ado...
20. Thao and The Get Down, Stay Down - We Brave Bee Stings and All
Debut album is full of whimsical songs that recall carefree summer days. A unique voice, plucky guitar playing and a romping band have a playfulness that make this album pure fun.
19. She & Him - Vol. 1
Adorable movie star and veteran rocker combine to make folksy/country/motowny throwback songs. Actress Zooey Deschanel runs the gamet from Patsy Cline to Diana Ross (and never sounds forced) while M. Ward provides just the right backdrop.
18. Deerhunter - Microcastle
If My Bloody Valentine attempted to cover Brian Wilson songs, it might sound like the first third of Deerhunter's unique new release. It navigates itself into an ambient hole, only to emerge on the other side with more energy and intensity than the band has ever displayed.
17. Estelle – Shine
British songstress delivered the summer hit 'American Boy,' but this album goes much deeper than that. She's not the new Lauryn Hill, but with lyrical skills and a voice to kill shes about as close as anybody can get.
16. Goldfrapp – Seventh Tree
Ephemeral and restrained songs replace the big sounds of their earlier releases. So warm and blissful it can't but help evoke a dazzling sunset over a golden field in the countryside. This album is a joy despite what some doosh bags may say.
15. Bloc Party – Intimacy
Post-punk Brit rockers are back, and this time they brought the horns. Intimate lyrics, indeed, along with pounding rhythms that will make you want to find your dancing shoes and hope that they fit.
14. The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead
The Portland, Oregon duo are hard to genre-fy, but let’s just say they fit in the Northwest sound many of us have come to know and love. The lyrical flow and layers of driving drums, guitar strums and keys to please will leave your eyes wide and wandering.
13. Q-Tip - The Renaissance
As a genre, rap artists have the shortest shelf life, but this old school rapper delivers a breath of fresh air. The Abstract kicks it with fresh lyrics and soulful production to make this the years best hip-hop album.
12. Los Campesinos! - Hold On Now, Youngster
Debut from these Welsh youngsters is filled with even more energy than the ! at the end of their name. Full of instrumentation, but led by jangly guitars and shared male/female vocals, these guys and gals have more hooks than Dustin Hoffman.
11. Black Keys - Attack and Release
Garage bluester/rockers head into the studio with Danger Mouse. A slight departure from their typical sound, but the lusty atmospherics here will make your mind drift away to some hot and humid place with Spanish moss dangling from trees.
10. Hot Chip - Made In The Dark
British electro-pop outfit return with their third and most fun album to date. Full of bouncy bassy beats and quirky computer chirps, this album will have you ready for the floor from start to finish.
9. Sigur Rós - Me_ su_ í eyrum vi_ spilum endalaust
Songs with English? Radio play? Underproduced? Acoustic Guitars!?! Don't fret long-time fans. Stripped down production and accessibility didn't compromise the typical haunting beauty, or the transcendence of your favorite Icelandic mood setters.
8. David Byrne and Brian Eno - Everything That Happens Will Happen Today
Talking Heads head and ambient genius reunite after a 27 year hiatus. It’s not surprising this dynamic duo made such a great record, but it is a shock to hear such optimism out of these chronicled old grumps.
7. TV on the Radio - Dear Science
Third album veers slightly towards the center with smoky grooves and catchy licks, but it's the emergence of Kyp Malone and Tunde Adebimpe's vocals that will make this album a fixture well into 2009.
6. Fleet Foxes - self titled
These youthful folksters have been compared to the Beach Boys for their multi-layered harmonies, but Crosby, Stills & Nash with a touch of Devandra Banhart would be a more apt description. Either way, these songs fly epic over sonic forests and fields, moors and mountains.
5. Vampire Weekend - self titled
Similar to Peter Gabriel and Paul Simon two decades ago, this foursome melded catchy rock with just enough African rhythms and melodies to avoid the "world music" label. The big question is did they catch lightening in a bottle or are they here to stay?
4. Lykke Li - Youth Novels
Aided by Bjorn Yttling of Peter, Bjorn and John, Lykki Li delivers the pop gem of the year. This album will make you want to do everything from Dance, Dance, Dance to hold your teddy bear while rocking back and forth.
3. Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
Second album from the Australian foursome is full of steely, glittery dance music, but it's not as superficial as that sounds. There's a depth of song writing here that is immediately evident and hints at more good music to come. You'll want to save your best dance moves for these guys.
2. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
In case you hadn't heard, Justin Vernon (stage name Bon Iver) moved into a remote cabin in Wisconsin after breaking up with his band and girlfriend, where he spent three months recording this beautiful, haunting album. The music reflects that setting so strongly that you can almost see the stark winter landscape. Since there's inexplicably no video for this song, that's what I recommend you do right now.
1. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
Two young kids mix your parents (if they were hippies) psych, folk and prog with dance grooves and synths to create infectious hipster anthems. Just because it was released 11.5 months ago and you've heard it 800 times shouldn't diminish its greatness. Give it a few more months rest-- but don't deny that Oracular Spectacular occupied a good part of your '08.
There you have it. Disagree? Feel your favorite got snubbed? Well there's no accounting for poor taste... Kidding! Feel free to leave your accolades, snubs or own list in the comments section.
Also, be on the lookout next week for our Top 54 Songs of 2008 with some freebies!
Happy Holidays,
The folks at Weekly Record Review
(Sean, Andrew, Sarah, Gaurav & Jason)
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