samedi 17 Fév 2007, 22h40m
Guys. I have 36 albums tagged "to review." How ridiculous is that??
So here's some new stuff I've picked up and listened to enough so as to not feel bad about passing judgment on it. Also, some of these I've had for a while but I've just now gotten around to listening to them. Lala has made my listening habits INSANE.
Oh, Inverted World
Despite loving "New Slang," I just couldn't get into this album. Too dreamy? Too repetitive? I don't know why it didn't appeal to me, but it wasn't for lack of trying.
Favorite Track: New Slang
The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society
First I would like to say that this is not only a classic album, it has one of the best classic album names ever. I really love the Kinks' style and wish they weren't so damn underrated. The album really flows; it's great to listen to all the way through. Several times.
Favorite Track: Picture Book
Lucid Dream
Carey Ott is a talented guy. I'm proud to have him here in Nashville. That said, this album is not his strongest stuff. I saw him live at the CD release party, and he actually played at least an EP's worth of new material that's better than anything on here. HOWEVER, I am not dissing this album. It's great poppy stuff. I am just really looking forward to his next release.
Favorite Track: undecided
Supergrass is 10: Best of 94-04
Supergrass is a great band. They're not like some other Britpop bands I could name in that they're difficult to categorize into one sound–every song is new and different. I would say this is essential listening for any Britpop fan, especially Americans who probably haven't heard Supergrass before.
Favorite Track: Grace
Greg Laswell - Through Toledo
Would someone explain to me why Through Toledo isn't in Last.fm's database yet? Anyway, this is a REALLY GOOD album. I bought it on the strength of a couple of songs I heard on World Cafe (you should listen to NPR too! Go on, maybe you'll learn something!). Laswell is an exemplary singer-songwriter–this album is about his ex-fiancee and their (apparently really terrible) breakup, but it never devolves into whining or bitterness. It's just pure melodic enjoyment.
Favorite Track: Worthwhile
Blind Faith
Another fantastic classic album. Putting Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood together just equals insane awesomeness. I just don't know whatelse to say; if you like either of these guitar gods and haven't heard Blind Faith, you really ought to pick this up.
Favorite Track: Presence of the Lord
Summerteeth
Wilco, with poppy hooks! Wow. I couldn't believe it when I heard "Nothingsevergonnastandinmyway (Again)" and there were…handclaps! I like Wilco this way, but I don't think this is quite as strong as YHF, maybe even AGIB. But maybe it's just in a different…league? I don't know. But of course, even Wilco's weakest tracks are better than most other bands' strongest.
Favorite Track: A Shot In the Arm
The Fratellis EP
So yeah, I admit it, I bought this because of the iPod commercial. But "Flathead" is NOT the best song on this EP (although it's quite good). The best would be "Stacie Anne." You must hear it. I've heard they're the new Arctic Monkeys. I think they're better.
Favorite Track: Stacie Anne
Well that'll do for a second installment. I'll try to be a little less lazy listening to my new stuff so that I can include a few more next time. Also, feel free to recommend stuff. My lala queue is rather stalled right now and I'm always looking to add to it!
Oh, P.S.~ if you've never heard of lala…damn. Damn it's addictively awesome.
The Shins
The Kinks
Carey Ott
Supergrass
Steve Winwood
Eric Clapton
Blind Faith
Wilco
The Fratellis