Upon first listen, First Aid Kit's "The Lion's Roar" is an album drenched in Americana from two sisters with a harmonious sound reminiscent of Bob Dylan, She & Him, or Jenny Lewis' solo endeavor. The catch is that these girls are from far away Sweden, not wandering a desert in the middle of Nevada. But that doesn't stop them from making music to reflect Native American undertones and folk tributes to Emmylou.
Title track "The Lion's Roar" starts off much like the band's first album ("The Big Black and Blue") with acoustic guitar and campfire singalongs. Drums build a crescendo near the end of the first verse into the chorus before a full multi-layered instrumentation kicks in. We see this is a band growing beyond it's normal boundaries, and producer Mike Mogis (famous for Bright Eyes, Rilo Kiley) thrusts his influence upon the sound of the band to help push them in the right direction. Folk poppy "Emmylou" tells a love tale paying tribute to the lady herself along with the Man In Black. Things slow down for "In the Hearts of Men" swaying towards "Blue", a beautifully sad song filled with emotional lyrics reeling from personal pain. Each song tells a different story; the album forming a library of experiences over a folk orchestra background. Closing track "King of the World" features Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes) on guest vocals, a fitting match considering the song reads like most of "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning". Another great song "Wolf" (released as iTunes exclusive bonus track) is worth the extra price to add more of an upbeat vibe to the album.
Overall: 7 (out of 10)
Standout tracks: Emmylou, The Lion's Roar, King of the World, Wolf, Blue
Next is Nada Surf's "The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy", a powerful musical snap compared to recent endeavors. Despite having all the failings of a one hit band, they managed to pull it together each time to release a solid record if not a legendary album. On their latest attempt, they revitalize the sound from the earlier work but lack the lyrics to pull it together. Caws' voice has always been a favorite of mine but his lyrics really peaked on "Let Go"; "Jules and Jim" even feels regurgitated from said album. The album starts out strong with "Clear Eye Clouded Mind" ( a boring but solid start) before the best tracks, "Waiting For Something" and "When I Was Young", take over. Unfortunately that energy fades away just as quick as it starts. "Teenage Dreams" could have been this album's "Popular" if it wasn't 15 years too late.
The album tends to flutter out like a candle; a true shame for a great band. Die hard fans will eat it up I'm sure but it will be hard to pull in a newer crowd with this weak release. I recommend putting in "Let Go" or "The Proximity Effect" or "High/Low"; let these albums hit your eardrums and just reminiscence.
Overall: 4 (out of 10)
Standout tracks; Waiting For Something, When I Was Young
~StEvO
Monday, January 30, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Overseas Over Here Vol. #1
Remember the days of early 2000 when it seemed every garage band managed to open their practice space right up to the open air waves of radio? The Strokes, Vines, White Stripes.....we ate them all up. Now it's time to feast on Tribes.
Pulling a major influence from the mid 90's, they wear their love for Pixies and Nirvana right on their jeans while still giving recognition to bands such as Pulp. On "Baby" (a fitting name for a debut album), they combine the rough sounds of garage rock with the refined elements of 90's Britpop. The term "Gritpop" is now being used overseas to describe this combination of grime and glam.
From the first sounds of distortion on "Whenever", this album grabs your eardrums and doesn't let go. You're on for this leather bound express ride of rock but don't worry, they admit they are on the ride of throbbing bass lines singing "I can't say goodbye when I'm handcuffed to you". On "We Were Children", Johnny Lloyd sings "Oh no stranger you're just like me", his own plea for every person who will hear those words to listen. This song pulls you in with its sing along chorus and reminisces over England's patriotic flair in the 90's ("we were children in the mid 90's").
Just because "Corner of An English Field" and "Halfway Home" slow things down a bit, that doesn't make it any less interesting. These songs project a sense of nostalgia and innocence. "Do you really want to be a part of this?" Yes we do! On "Halfway Home", they tell a folk pop tale of a child-like romance, flirtation, and one's first heartbreak. First single "Sappho" starts off with a guitar riff pulled right from the grunge songbook and lyrics telling a tale of confronting a son over the hard topics in life we face in modern times (religion, lesbianism).
The album continues through stomper "Himalaya" (the closest song on the album to a ballad) and "Nightdriving", a lullaby melody similar in tone to "Nightswimming" and "Starman". "When My Day Comes", newest single, bursts forth from the pack, having been barely contained throughout the album. This song is out to cause damage so get ready. The album closes out with psychedelic country-esque "Alone or with Friends" driven by a steady, stomping drumbeat before final number "Bad Apple" brings out their inner Oasis.
What we get is a pretty solid contender for an album of the year. Will it see the light of day over on this side of the ocean? We can only hope; America is due for some more rock music, and Tribes can bring that much needed vaccination against the disease of redundant pop music we suffer from. I myself am very curious to see this "Baby" grow up.
Overall: 9 (out of 10)
~StEvO
Monday, January 23, 2012
Under The Covers Vol. #2
At the beginning of the year, my friend Jeremy and I compared our "best of 2011" music lists. On his list was a guy under the alias The Weeknd. Intrigued by his style and the fact I could get all his music for free right off his site, I went and downloaded the whole shebang. Needless to say "House of Balloons" blew my eardrums away; I was hooked!
However on his last offering, a cover of Michael Jackson's "Dirty Diana" was re imagined without Slash's signature guitar riffs. Retitled "D.D.", he manages to recreate MJ's vocals over a haunting melody before the drums kick into overdrive. You might have to resist throwing your fist in the air when he belts out "Because he's sleeping with me!"; I say go with your gut and pump that fist!
~StEvO
However on his last offering, a cover of Michael Jackson's "Dirty Diana" was re imagined without Slash's signature guitar riffs. Retitled "D.D.", he manages to recreate MJ's vocals over a haunting melody before the drums kick into overdrive. You might have to resist throwing your fist in the air when he belts out "Because he's sleeping with me!"; I say go with your gut and pump that fist!
~StEvO
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
New Releases Reviewed: Snow Patrol, The Maccabees
I will admit that nothing Snow Patrol has done since "Final Straw" has really respected my attention. But with the December/January lull in new music, "Fallen Empires" gets to be one of the first releases of the year I would consider to let the band have another chance at my eardrums.
First thing noticed is the guitar goes backstage for a considerable amount of the album. Opening track "I'll Never Let Go" starts off with Depeche Mode keys before the vocals slowly fade in. The chorus pumps in harder the second time around, almost as a calculated maneuver on their part. Single "Called Out In The Dark" sounds like it could fit on with the other songs found on "Final Straw", going back to heavy vocals and guitar driven sound. Both "The Weight of Love" and "This Isn't Everything You Are" hold their own with the latter standing out more. Than it goes sour; every song seems to become a chant before the mellow "Lifening" almost does it in. Only "New York" can make itself known among the dribble that is the second half of this album.
Overall: 4.5 (out of 10)
Standout tracks: Called Out In The Dark, This Isn't Everything You Are, New York
Now from the other side of the pond, we have The Maccabees with their third studio effort "Given To The Wild". The intro builds seamlessly into "Child", soft and very ambient giving the track an almost fluid, watery feel to it. Starting off different from their past bouncy pop sound, "Feel To Follow" really cuts loose with rocking drums and an emotional tidal wave of vocals. Much of the album rides on waves, subtle but entrancing, an elegant dance upon your audial palate. "Forever I've Known" creeps in like a stranger in the dark, casting a moody eclipse before the sunburst of instruments. Things slow down a bit on "Heave" before the bouncy pop of first single "Pelican" launches itself at you.
Overall a very solid album from start to finish. "Grew Up At Midnight" provides an outstanding ending to this well constructed album. You get some Futureheads and Bloc Party influence on it, aiming high much like Arcade Fire's "The Suburbs". And they made a great album by not changing a thing about them. It worked for The Horrors for me last year so hopefully they can take advantage of the same formula.
Overall: 8 (out of 10)
Standout tracks: Child, Feel To Follow, Pelican, Forever I've Known
~StEvO
First thing noticed is the guitar goes backstage for a considerable amount of the album. Opening track "I'll Never Let Go" starts off with Depeche Mode keys before the vocals slowly fade in. The chorus pumps in harder the second time around, almost as a calculated maneuver on their part. Single "Called Out In The Dark" sounds like it could fit on with the other songs found on "Final Straw", going back to heavy vocals and guitar driven sound. Both "The Weight of Love" and "This Isn't Everything You Are" hold their own with the latter standing out more. Than it goes sour; every song seems to become a chant before the mellow "Lifening" almost does it in. Only "New York" can make itself known among the dribble that is the second half of this album.
Overall: 4.5 (out of 10)
Standout tracks: Called Out In The Dark, This Isn't Everything You Are, New York
Now from the other side of the pond, we have The Maccabees with their third studio effort "Given To The Wild". The intro builds seamlessly into "Child", soft and very ambient giving the track an almost fluid, watery feel to it. Starting off different from their past bouncy pop sound, "Feel To Follow" really cuts loose with rocking drums and an emotional tidal wave of vocals. Much of the album rides on waves, subtle but entrancing, an elegant dance upon your audial palate. "Forever I've Known" creeps in like a stranger in the dark, casting a moody eclipse before the sunburst of instruments. Things slow down a bit on "Heave" before the bouncy pop of first single "Pelican" launches itself at you.
Overall a very solid album from start to finish. "Grew Up At Midnight" provides an outstanding ending to this well constructed album. You get some Futureheads and Bloc Party influence on it, aiming high much like Arcade Fire's "The Suburbs". And they made a great album by not changing a thing about them. It worked for The Horrors for me last year so hopefully they can take advantage of the same formula.
Overall: 8 (out of 10)
Standout tracks: Child, Feel To Follow, Pelican, Forever I've Known
~StEvO
Monday, January 9, 2012
Fear And Loathing In Coachella
It's always been one of my dreams to road trip to the other coast, through bat country, and attend one of the biggest music festivals you will actually find in the USA. Do it up Hunter S Thompson style. A psychedelic camp out, rock-a-thon!
However this line-up fizzles compared to past years. The headliners aren't bad but that's where it ends. I can dig At The Drive-In and Refused but wouldn't you rather see an intimate show at a smaller venue for them. Nothing else jumps out at you to reel you in for further attention. Combined with the fact that this year will be spread out over two separate weekends (and no, you don't know who's headlining what weekend), I predict my time for me to take my suitcase of wears over to CA is a distant memory.
Here's the full lineup:
~StEvO
However this line-up fizzles compared to past years. The headliners aren't bad but that's where it ends. I can dig At The Drive-In and Refused but wouldn't you rather see an intimate show at a smaller venue for them. Nothing else jumps out at you to reel you in for further attention. Combined with the fact that this year will be spread out over two separate weekends (and no, you don't know who's headlining what weekend), I predict my time for me to take my suitcase of wears over to CA is a distant memory.
Here's the full lineup:
~StEvO
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Burning Down The House
I had a dream that one day we will have a society that can blame itself for its own mistakes, and not blame the creative output of others. Columbine was almost 13 years ago now, and people still want to blame everything (music, movies, video games) to cover up someone being totally fucked up in the head.
Basic premise of the story here: girl burns house down, says rocks music has "messages" in the lyrics convincing her that her parents wanted to kill her. Who knows? Maybe her parents did have it in for her, but I highly doubt Manson supplied her with the 411 on that one.
I just hate the fact that the world would just rather believe loud music or violent video games can make someone go off their rocker. Forget personal upbringing, mental abnormalities, society, or plain bad luck. It's easier to blame Manson, GTA, Matrix, etc. Make the very idea of evil into pop culture so we can slander it in the tabloids like everything else.
If you are interested in reading the full news story, you can do so here.
Or listen to this instead!
~StEvO
Basic premise of the story here: girl burns house down, says rocks music has "messages" in the lyrics convincing her that her parents wanted to kill her. Who knows? Maybe her parents did have it in for her, but I highly doubt Manson supplied her with the 411 on that one.
I just hate the fact that the world would just rather believe loud music or violent video games can make someone go off their rocker. Forget personal upbringing, mental abnormalities, society, or plain bad luck. It's easier to blame Manson, GTA, Matrix, etc. Make the very idea of evil into pop culture so we can slander it in the tabloids like everything else.
If you are interested in reading the full news story, you can do so here.
Or listen to this instead!
~StEvO
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Under The Covers Vol. #1
Cover songs, or tributes, can be a love/hate relationship some can bear to do without. I've always enjoyed when a band could honor one of their influences by covering them but in the same instance transform the song into a sound all their own. I even have a collection of mixes I made based solely on cover songs.
Today's selection is from Baltimore's own Wye Oak. Wye Oak is a very melodic band featuring multiple layers of sound and atmosphere, all created by just two people. Here they take Danzig's "Mother" (a band and song from the opposite side of the musical spectrum from them) and totally make it their own. So enjoy their AV Club performance of "Mother" from last summer:
~StEvO
Today's selection is from Baltimore's own Wye Oak. Wye Oak is a very melodic band featuring multiple layers of sound and atmosphere, all created by just two people. Here they take Danzig's "Mother" (a band and song from the opposite side of the musical spectrum from them) and totally make it their own. So enjoy their AV Club performance of "Mother" from last summer:
~StEvO
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
2012 Preview #1-Scissor Sisters
I will never forget the piano intro to "Laura". The simple pounding of the keys building up to that elctric riff, and I knew this band was onto something. Everything on their first album was amazing: the country tinged "Take Your Mama", the disco-y remake of "Comfortably Numb", the raunchy "Filthy Gorgeous", and the child like remembrance of "Return To Oz". Many worried they would be just another one album band to fade away after a disappointing sophomore album.
But then they released "Ta Dah!" and lead single "I Don't Feel Like Dancing". Another almost country dance song that made you feel like dancing. Throw in more disco, horns, and filthiness.....you got another successful album under the belt. Even with "Land of a Thousand Words", they proved they could be a part of the ballad game as well. So on their third album, what could they do next? Rock the 80's of course! Pet Shop Boys on "invisible Light", Berlin title track "Night Work", Culture Club "Whole New Way". Add Kylie Minogue and Ian McKellen to the mix of dance gems.
So 2012 will see their 4th studio album hit the shelves and airways. First single "Shady Love", released two days into the year, shows a whole new side to the band. Jake Shears rapping, dropping beats, catchy chorus. This is Scissor Sisters trying something new, daring, experimental. Many mixed reviews followed of course, but that happened with each album. People screaming they don't want their favorite band to change, not realizing that bands have to grow and broaden their horizons a little bit. I can dig this new direction, can't wait to see what the full album has in store.
Check the song (and video) out at NME.
~StEvO
But then they released "Ta Dah!" and lead single "I Don't Feel Like Dancing". Another almost country dance song that made you feel like dancing. Throw in more disco, horns, and filthiness.....you got another successful album under the belt. Even with "Land of a Thousand Words", they proved they could be a part of the ballad game as well. So on their third album, what could they do next? Rock the 80's of course! Pet Shop Boys on "invisible Light", Berlin title track "Night Work", Culture Club "Whole New Way". Add Kylie Minogue and Ian McKellen to the mix of dance gems.
So 2012 will see their 4th studio album hit the shelves and airways. First single "Shady Love", released two days into the year, shows a whole new side to the band. Jake Shears rapping, dropping beats, catchy chorus. This is Scissor Sisters trying something new, daring, experimental. Many mixed reviews followed of course, but that happened with each album. People screaming they don't want their favorite band to change, not realizing that bands have to grow and broaden their horizons a little bit. I can dig this new direction, can't wait to see what the full album has in store.
Check the song (and video) out at NME.
~StEvO
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
2011.....The List
Been a few years since I've done this, and 2011 wasn't the greatest year to jump back into this game. There wasn't a lot of great albums out this year. Jeremy put it best; that Lady Gaga was just pure garbage. Horrible cover, horrible lyrics, and honestly you're not as shocking as you might think girlfriend! Death Cab's album was good for a few listens but didn't have any staying power, and they released that remix album and killed it for me. And don't get me started on Adele......
Anyway here's 10, maybe not the "best" of the year. But definitely 10 albums that I can say I enjoyed from start to finish.
10-The Decemberists "The King Is Dead"
Great album, enjoyed it immensely hearing it live. Why not higher on the list? It was a "safe album". "Hazards of Love" was a daring move; they had to do something safe and slightly mainstream sounding next to keep the momentum going. Don't get me wrong, masterful lyrics here but it's also not "Picaresque".
Favorite track-"This Is Why We Fight"
9-Noah and the Whale "Last Night On Earth"
I had just started listening to "L.I.F.E. G.O.E.S. O.N." right before we left for England. Overseas I grabbed two of their albums from a budget bin on a whim, hoping I'd like more of what I heard. While the other album "The First Days of Spring" was good, it was a little slow for me to put my whole heart into despite the rave reviews it gets. This album, however, was just so positive and uplifting. It had plenty of hooks and lyrics to catch your ear right away; kind of electronic and folk all at the same time.
Favorite track-"Tonight's The Kind Of Night"
8-Beady Eye/Noel Gallagher
Not going to comment on the whole Oasis drama; it's done. Let the British media eat it up. Here we will focus on the actual music. Liam's album obviously focused on his idea that he is in the Beatles (one of the tracks is called "Beatles and Stones" lol). This album comes at you hard right off the break and stays loud. There is some sputtering near the end but "The Beat Goes On" is a perfect ending track for this album. Noel's album, while not as accessible as Liam's, shows more solid writing behind the actual songs. It's a welcome relief to see Noel "step back out of the shadows" per se and take the spotlight. Couldn't decide between the two so you get both because they are both better than anything Oasis has done in the past few years together.
Favorite Track(s)-Beady Eye "The Roller", Noel "A Simple Game of Genius"
7-Miles Kane "Colour of The Trap"
Another album acquired from good old England. Some of you might remember him as "the other guy from that band that also had the guy from Arctic Monkeys" otherwise known as The Last Shadow Puppets. That little side project was a fairly decent album but after listening to Miles' solo debut, it makes me wonder if Alex Turner was holding him back. Face it, everything after the first Arctic Monkeys' album has been a downhill struggle. Miles crafts an exceptional pop album.....12 songs, and none longer than three and a half minutes. Blazing through a well-crafted 38 minute album.
Favorite track-"Happenstance"
6-Friendly Fires "Pala"
Definitely my favorite "dancey" album of the year. Got the synths, the hooks, and the pop to keep this playing over and over.
Favorite track-"Blue Cassette"
5-Horrors "Skying"
They started as an artsy, goth/punk band from England but over time formed into a song writing juggernaut. On this album, they channel their inner Joy Division and Cure to create an album that shows they wear their influences right out in the open as proud badges of honor. Even if you can only understand half of the lyrics.
Favorite track-"I Can See Through You"
4-Jon Fratelli "Psycho Jukebox"
The Fratellis suffered the typical sophomore syndrome on their second album and released quite a sub par album. His solo effort blows that album out of the water. Keeping all those excellent guitar riffs from their first album and dumping the strained lyrics of the second album, he manages to craft a nice album that makes us forget the second album even existed.
Favorite track-"Baby, We're Refugees"
3-Foster The People "Torches"
I can already here the groans for picking this. "Oh, you like that song they play on that radio, don't you?" Yes, I do. "Pumped Up Kicks" is a perfect example of an indie/hipster pop song. But this album is more than just the one song; in fact, it's not even my favorite on the album. Every song on here has a sound of its own. Some scream a falsetto reminiscent of Passion Pit. Some have that psychedelic pop edge that MGMT exudes on its debut. A few even have classic influence like the Beach Boys. It is a perfect summer record.
Favorite track-"Houdini"
2-Kasabian "Velociraptor"
Wow! Just wow! They are four albums in now. And each time they improve, change their sound, and yet remain the same. Here they manage to culminate all of England in one album. You can even hear some Beatles influence on here...don't believe me? Listen to "La Fee Verte" and tell me otherwise. "Switchblade Smiles" pulls some Prodigy into the mix. Probably classifies as a very eclectic album, but they make it work.
Favorite track-"Days Are Forgotten"
1-Florence & The Machine "Ceremonials"
I was very worried about the hype built up to this. She very easily could have succumbed to the sophomore curse. She took a dare and dropped a lot of the pop sound from her debut album. The orchestration and almost ethereal, gospel sound on this record creates a pop sound all her own. And fuck Adele! Florence has the voice!
Favorite track-"Strangeness and Charm" (a b-side too!)
And of course there are honorable mentions. Wye Oak....great record, just doesn't do it for me like their first two do. Still better than most of the year. Sound of Arrows.....everything is great about it. Synthy, kind of like Pet Shop Boys and Empire of The Sun. Just haven't given it enough play time yet. Not officially out in the US yet so maybe I can put it on my list next year. Coldplay.....loved this album. More than "Viva La Vida". I noticed that I like every other album of theirs. TV On The Radio....also really good, just didn't make the cut. And there's plenty of other things to still hear. Going to give The Weeknd a try! Maybe give the Wilco album another spin.
~StEvO
Anyway here's 10, maybe not the "best" of the year. But definitely 10 albums that I can say I enjoyed from start to finish.
10-The Decemberists "The King Is Dead"
Great album, enjoyed it immensely hearing it live. Why not higher on the list? It was a "safe album". "Hazards of Love" was a daring move; they had to do something safe and slightly mainstream sounding next to keep the momentum going. Don't get me wrong, masterful lyrics here but it's also not "Picaresque".
Favorite track-"This Is Why We Fight"
9-Noah and the Whale "Last Night On Earth"
I had just started listening to "L.I.F.E. G.O.E.S. O.N." right before we left for England. Overseas I grabbed two of their albums from a budget bin on a whim, hoping I'd like more of what I heard. While the other album "The First Days of Spring" was good, it was a little slow for me to put my whole heart into despite the rave reviews it gets. This album, however, was just so positive and uplifting. It had plenty of hooks and lyrics to catch your ear right away; kind of electronic and folk all at the same time.
Favorite track-"Tonight's The Kind Of Night"
8-Beady Eye/Noel Gallagher
Not going to comment on the whole Oasis drama; it's done. Let the British media eat it up. Here we will focus on the actual music. Liam's album obviously focused on his idea that he is in the Beatles (one of the tracks is called "Beatles and Stones" lol). This album comes at you hard right off the break and stays loud. There is some sputtering near the end but "The Beat Goes On" is a perfect ending track for this album. Noel's album, while not as accessible as Liam's, shows more solid writing behind the actual songs. It's a welcome relief to see Noel "step back out of the shadows" per se and take the spotlight. Couldn't decide between the two so you get both because they are both better than anything Oasis has done in the past few years together.
Favorite Track(s)-Beady Eye "The Roller", Noel "A Simple Game of Genius"
7-Miles Kane "Colour of The Trap"
Another album acquired from good old England. Some of you might remember him as "the other guy from that band that also had the guy from Arctic Monkeys" otherwise known as The Last Shadow Puppets. That little side project was a fairly decent album but after listening to Miles' solo debut, it makes me wonder if Alex Turner was holding him back. Face it, everything after the first Arctic Monkeys' album has been a downhill struggle. Miles crafts an exceptional pop album.....12 songs, and none longer than three and a half minutes. Blazing through a well-crafted 38 minute album.
Favorite track-"Happenstance"
6-Friendly Fires "Pala"
Definitely my favorite "dancey" album of the year. Got the synths, the hooks, and the pop to keep this playing over and over.
Favorite track-"Blue Cassette"
5-Horrors "Skying"
They started as an artsy, goth/punk band from England but over time formed into a song writing juggernaut. On this album, they channel their inner Joy Division and Cure to create an album that shows they wear their influences right out in the open as proud badges of honor. Even if you can only understand half of the lyrics.
Favorite track-"I Can See Through You"
4-Jon Fratelli "Psycho Jukebox"
The Fratellis suffered the typical sophomore syndrome on their second album and released quite a sub par album. His solo effort blows that album out of the water. Keeping all those excellent guitar riffs from their first album and dumping the strained lyrics of the second album, he manages to craft a nice album that makes us forget the second album even existed.
Favorite track-"Baby, We're Refugees"
3-Foster The People "Torches"
I can already here the groans for picking this. "Oh, you like that song they play on that radio, don't you?" Yes, I do. "Pumped Up Kicks" is a perfect example of an indie/hipster pop song. But this album is more than just the one song; in fact, it's not even my favorite on the album. Every song on here has a sound of its own. Some scream a falsetto reminiscent of Passion Pit. Some have that psychedelic pop edge that MGMT exudes on its debut. A few even have classic influence like the Beach Boys. It is a perfect summer record.
Favorite track-"Houdini"
2-Kasabian "Velociraptor"
Wow! Just wow! They are four albums in now. And each time they improve, change their sound, and yet remain the same. Here they manage to culminate all of England in one album. You can even hear some Beatles influence on here...don't believe me? Listen to "La Fee Verte" and tell me otherwise. "Switchblade Smiles" pulls some Prodigy into the mix. Probably classifies as a very eclectic album, but they make it work.
Favorite track-"Days Are Forgotten"
1-Florence & The Machine "Ceremonials"
I was very worried about the hype built up to this. She very easily could have succumbed to the sophomore curse. She took a dare and dropped a lot of the pop sound from her debut album. The orchestration and almost ethereal, gospel sound on this record creates a pop sound all her own. And fuck Adele! Florence has the voice!
Favorite track-"Strangeness and Charm" (a b-side too!)
And of course there are honorable mentions. Wye Oak....great record, just doesn't do it for me like their first two do. Still better than most of the year. Sound of Arrows.....everything is great about it. Synthy, kind of like Pet Shop Boys and Empire of The Sun. Just haven't given it enough play time yet. Not officially out in the US yet so maybe I can put it on my list next year. Coldplay.....loved this album. More than "Viva La Vida". I noticed that I like every other album of theirs. TV On The Radio....also really good, just didn't make the cut. And there's plenty of other things to still hear. Going to give The Weeknd a try! Maybe give the Wilco album another spin.
~StEvO
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