Eels - End Times
I hate to say it but I think my affection for the Eels is effectively over. Every album since Electro-Shock has been increasingly hit or miss and this one was supposed to be full of sad E jams. That's what E does best! Sad songs! But something about them seems hollow. I will return to this and try again but I'm fairly sure this really will be the End for me and The Eels.
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Hanzelle - Bio-Electric Flower Pot
Local musicians making some interesting electronic pop music. As a first effort it shows a lot of promise but the new demos they have up are even better, so there are better goods coming on the way. Reminds me of Broadcast a lot of times - some disparate elements presented in a pop format.
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Yeasayer - Odd Blood
I was fairly sure this wasn't officially released in any format until Feb 8th but my local record store had a huge display full of the vinyl so I snatched it up. As most anyone knows that has downloaded the leak, the album takes the band in a much fuller zone of production and dancier, accessible songs. Fortunately they've also mixed in a hefty dash of extremely weird and dark overtones to it all as well; a combination you wouldn't think would work this well. But it does!
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Gershon Kingsley - Music to Moog By
Gershon Kingsley is noted for having recorded the first ever electronic pop instrumental song - not a small feat by any means - but it certainly doesn't feel like an amateur or fledgling undertaking of an album by any means. It has plenty of cover songs but there's a lot to appreciate on here.
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Unbunny - Black Strawberries
If this album sounded like total crap I'd probably still give it a favorable review because the packaging is so impressive and enjoyable throughout. Fortunately, that's not the case and this is one of those indie albums that probably fell under your radar in 2002 and is now getting the proper release that it deserves. The comparison to Neutral Milk Hotel, Elliott Smith, Jason Lytle and Neil Young are all apt in their own way.
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David Bowie - Hunky Dory
Sad fact about me: until recently I really had a hard time with production values from the 60's and 70's. A lot of classic albums have long been swept under the rug because I just couldn't get past the odd sounds. It's a long story but it's not so much that way anymore. All that being said - this album is great. That's not news to anyone.
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Miike Snow - Miike Snow
Several friends of mine had recommended this to me as a great, fun, album worthy of all the praise it was getting. It wasn't until I listened to the entire album that I think it clicked for me - hearing individual tracks just didn't hook me properly. It's a solid, upbeat, dance-y record with just the right amount of forelorn tinge to it.
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George Harrison - Cloud 9
Jeff Lynne and George Harrison can do no wrong in my book; especially together. I'm sure I heard parts of this album in my youth but it's a pity that it took me until now to give it a proper listen as an adult. I forgive him the ridiculous album art and fully embrace the silliness of Zig Zag.
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Phoenix - Alphabetical
It recently dawned on me that I hadn't ever legitimately purchased this and I felt terrible as I can listen to this from top to bottom on repeat for hours. So good.. but that's obvious by now.
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Phoenix - United
Shamefully I never properly owned this. There are too many undeniable tracks on here to not have given my meager dollars to their proper cause. Not owning this is a bad idea.
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Seth Kauffman - Research
Very akin to the Dr. Dog languid morose pop style that I've come to love as of late. "Absolute Sway" is an undeniable gem. The rest of the record is good but not quite as rad. Overall, a solid B. Someone to keep an eye on for sure.
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Richard Swift - as Onasis
Yet another side project from Mr. Swift. This one features his more Garage Rock tendencies spanned across two discs. Frankly, garage rock should be short and sweet - not in massive abundance. So, it gets a bit tiring but he plays well so as long as you keep it smaller doses.
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Midlake - Acts of Man
Two new tracks from new forthcoming album. Not quite as impactful as the likes of Roscoe but a pleasant enough introduction to the new record. It's pretty solemn and laid back but it's a vibe that Midlake works well. I forgive them the flute because they actually use it well (if such a thing is possible).
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Them Crooked Vultures - Them Crooked Vultures
The supergroup rarely works well - as there are typically so many clashing egos that nothing really ever shines. Fortunately that's not so much the case here. Each player does their thing incredibly well but never tries to steal the show. The songs are a bit jam-tastic at times (as they should be with John Paul Jones involved, forefather of Jam Bands) but on the whole, pretty darn enjoyable. I'd still prefer a badass QOTSA record but this will hold me over.
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Tom Petty - Full Moon Fever
One of those albums that felt like a real headslapper when I realized I didn't actually own it. It is, as you should know, absolutely great. This is true of most Tom Petty but particularly so here.
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Keegan DeWitt - Wild Heart
Special EP comprised entirely of Fleetwood Mac covers. Keegan's style is very withdrawn and introspective but it works for these songs. The title track is great.. well worth the free download for sure.
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Capulets - Classics
Some time ago I received this album from my friends at SUR as their next potential release. Sadly, the band broke up and the album was lost in limbo. Fortunately, SUR took the initiative to master the record anyway and put it out there digitally. It's rare to stumble across a rock record that is devoid of any gimmicks - these guys just write a bunch of upbeat, sometimes goofy, fun songs. You might not see them live anytime soon but the record is one to own.
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Jookabox - Dead Zone Boys
This is the only album I can remember of recent procurement that I've picked up based on a friends suggestion (Janet Timmons) and absolutely run it into the ground. I've listened to it at least twice a day since I've gotten it and I show no signs of slowing. Pop songs masquerading in a dark, creepy, electronic backdrop. Love.
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Flaming Lips - Embryonic
While I heavily enjoy the pop styles that Flaming Lips are capable of deploying I do love it when they get a bit weirder. Embryonic is more than just a bit weirder - it's a lot weirder. It's their finest stab at an epic prog rock album in my opinion. A blend of the two would be musical bliss.
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Atlas Sounds - Logos
Obviously the collab track with Panda Bear is the main highlight here but the ambient, languid pop style present on the whole is a welcome addition to my ears. This is pretty much perfect for putting on repeat while you hang out with friends, enjoy a brisk night or slumber off to sleep. I'm creeped out by the cover art but really enjoying the contents within.
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Julian Casablancas - Phrazes For The Young
I do not count myself among the throngs of people that are hardcore Strokes fans. I like them but dont consider them the End All / Rock Saviors that some do. That being said, I was curious what Casablancas could do on his own. The result, an album that might grow on me given time but really stirs little interest in even giving it much of a chance to do so.
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Burywood - There Exists An Abstraction Ladder
Austin based bedroom electronic pop. Drum machine beats, tasty keys and a bit of fuzzed out guitar. I dare you not to like Northward.
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Girls - Album
I wanted to love this, I really did. I think Lust for Life is one of the finer gems to come out this year.. it's familiar and enjoyable and destined for commercial licensing. However, the rest of the record feels like some slow jams from Elvis Costello - not a bad thing but not what I was expecting. I think I'll come back around to it eventually but, if we're being honest, I wanted 12 tracks that sounded very much like Lust for Life.
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Clues - Clues
I am obviously losing sight of my ability to keep up with all of the bands that I enjoy because I had no idea that Unicorns founding member Alden Penner had a new band; Clues. The self titled release is about what I would expect - weird subject matter, frantic pop, a vague underlying dark vibe and some familiar guitar tones. I think I may like this more than anything Islands will ever put out but only time will tell.
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No Age - Losing Feeling
Having loved the full-length Nouns record I was very prepared to hear some new music from No Age. My hopes were squashed after having downloaded Losing Feeling first and expecting more of the same from the other three tracks. Of the four, it is the most upbeat and what I was yearning for. Two of the others feel like throwaway b-sides and the third is an enjoyable ambient noise track. My suggestion: download track 3 and 4 and call it a day.
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