The sixth studio album from the London-based Placebo brings out the bright side of the band. Well, as bright as its going to get at least. In an interview lead singer Brian Molko said that they wanted to get away (slightly) from the darker side for a while.
Placebo - Battle For The Sun (10/10)
There is definitely a different feel to this album compared to their early, minimalistic instrumentation albums Placebo and Without You I'm Nothing; but it seems that they have expanded and evolved their sound even farther from the more recent and expansive albums Black Market Music, Sleeping With Ghosts, Once More With Feeling, and Meds. They have brought in a new drummer, Steve Forrest for the new album, and it seems that the lineup change has evoked a new side of all the remaining members. Along with a new drummer, they have begun experimenting with a brass section, including the use of some trumpets and saxophones. This album is also notably heavier than the previous few.
The lead single "For What It's Worth" is just an appetizer for the rest of the album, and nowhere near the best song on it. My favorite is a close race between "Battle For The Sun" and "Speak In Tongues". Artistically, these two really capture what Placebo is and how far they've come since 1994. The entire album flows so well; but the songs that really stand out almost seem to have a brief point of pause before and after to kind of say "HEY! Here comes something awesome!".
Other Tracks To Check Out:
"Ashtray Heart"
"Come Undone"
Friday, June 12, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
New Music Review: Rhett Miller "Rhett Miller"
Former Old 97's frontman Rhett Miller has released yet another solo effort, this one self titled. Some has called this one his best solo record yet. Better than The Instigator? That's a bold statement.
Rhett Miller - Rhett Miller (9.5/10)
The Instigator was Rhett Miller's first solo record for the front man of indie-rock monsters The Old 97s (made somewhat mainstream by an appearance in the Jennifer Aniston/Vince Vaughn film The Break Up). The 2002 release was quite possibly Miller's finest work (97s included) until now. His self-titled release is hands down his best work ever. Leading off with "Nobody Says I Love You Anymore" which sets the tone for the rest of the album, flowing seamlessly from song to song, many of which you will find yourself getting lost in. "Like Love", the second track on the album is a song you'll find yourself grooving to, all the while thinking, 'I've heard this song before somewhere'. Miller is like that, writing songs that are sort of pre-engrained into your head so that you are prepared for how awesome they are.
While he continues to make records with The Old 97s, Miller's continued epics as a solo artist are further launching him closer to that level of indie-rock Gods that no matter what they do, it ends up being a polished work that mainstream artists only dream of having.
Tomorrow: Placebo - Battle For The Sun
Rhett Miller - Rhett Miller (9.5/10)
The Instigator was Rhett Miller's first solo record for the front man of indie-rock monsters The Old 97s (made somewhat mainstream by an appearance in the Jennifer Aniston/Vince Vaughn film The Break Up). The 2002 release was quite possibly Miller's finest work (97s included) until now. His self-titled release is hands down his best work ever. Leading off with "Nobody Says I Love You Anymore" which sets the tone for the rest of the album, flowing seamlessly from song to song, many of which you will find yourself getting lost in. "Like Love", the second track on the album is a song you'll find yourself grooving to, all the while thinking, 'I've heard this song before somewhere'. Miller is like that, writing songs that are sort of pre-engrained into your head so that you are prepared for how awesome they are.
While he continues to make records with The Old 97s, Miller's continued epics as a solo artist are further launching him closer to that level of indie-rock Gods that no matter what they do, it ends up being a polished work that mainstream artists only dream of having.
Tomorrow: Placebo - Battle For The Sun
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
New Music Review: Kasabian "West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum"
Quite possibly the longest title in my (brief) reviewing history, but it's worth the carpal tunnel risk because this album was the best Kasabian has done to date.
Kasabian - West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum (9.5/10)
The first half of this album is where all the points are scored for Kasabian, with the first 8 tracks having me locked and mesmerized in my chair lost in total fantastic-ness, a feat rarely accomplished by a band not named The Beatles. The good thing about this album is that all of the songs are so good, there really isn't another song that sticks out as the "best" like the song "Club Foot" did on their self titled album. The lead track "Underdog" is the closest thing to a standout track, but "Where Did All The Love Go" and "Fast Fuse" make sure that they are noticed as well.
This album would have garnered a perfect score had it stuck to its guns from beginning to end. That album started off strong, but then tailed off at the end becoming more airy and noticeably different from the start. Everything is all well and good until track 9 of 12 "Ladies and Gentlemen, Roll The Dice". The songs at the back are still good, but it really disrupted the flow. About halfway through track 11 "Fire" they realized what was going on and began picking it back up, thus regaining my love for the album, only to hit the last straw and dock points for going back and totally jacking the flow up for the last song "Happiness" which is probably close to a minute and a half too long (checking in at 5:17).
Fantastic work turned in by the guys in Kasabian, and I look forward to more from the gents from Leicester, and hope they can make it across the pond soon, as they are indeed a band I'd love to check out live.
Tomorrow: Rhett Miller - Rhett Miller
Kasabian - West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum (9.5/10)
The first half of this album is where all the points are scored for Kasabian, with the first 8 tracks having me locked and mesmerized in my chair lost in total fantastic-ness, a feat rarely accomplished by a band not named The Beatles. The good thing about this album is that all of the songs are so good, there really isn't another song that sticks out as the "best" like the song "Club Foot" did on their self titled album. The lead track "Underdog" is the closest thing to a standout track, but "Where Did All The Love Go" and "Fast Fuse" make sure that they are noticed as well.
This album would have garnered a perfect score had it stuck to its guns from beginning to end. That album started off strong, but then tailed off at the end becoming more airy and noticeably different from the start. Everything is all well and good until track 9 of 12 "Ladies and Gentlemen, Roll The Dice". The songs at the back are still good, but it really disrupted the flow. About halfway through track 11 "Fire" they realized what was going on and began picking it back up, thus regaining my love for the album, only to hit the last straw and dock points for going back and totally jacking the flow up for the last song "Happiness" which is probably close to a minute and a half too long (checking in at 5:17).
Fantastic work turned in by the guys in Kasabian, and I look forward to more from the gents from Leicester, and hope they can make it across the pond soon, as they are indeed a band I'd love to check out live.
Tomorrow: Rhett Miller - Rhett Miller
New Music Week: June 9, 2009
This week I'm reviewing something new, something solo, and something nostaligic(ish)
Wednesday: Kasabian - West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
Thursday: Rhett Miller - Rhett Miller
Friday: Placebo - Battle For The Sun
Wednesday: Kasabian - West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
Thursday: Rhett Miller - Rhett Miller
Friday: Placebo - Battle For The Sun
Friday, June 5, 2009
New Music Review: Dave Matthews Band "Big Whiskey and The GrooGrux King"
Capping a huge new music week I thought it fitting to save one of the best for last. Dave Matthews has done nothing but produce epic works since their debut Remember Two Things. This is the first studio album without founding member saxophonist LeRoi Moore, who died stemming from complications following an ATV crash shortly after the band announced that they had begun recording for Big Whiskey.
Dave Matthews Band - Big Whiskey and The GrooGrux King (10/10)
The lead single from Big Whiskey, "Funny the Way It Is" is one of my favorites on the album, points out some of the little, tragic things in life throughout the verses, including "somebody's going hungry/someone else is eating out" and "a soldier's last breath/his baby's being born". Quite honestly, the more you listen to it, and catch the nuances in the song, the more you'll enjoy it.
I'm a weird DMB fan; I have to admit, I either LOVE a song, or can't stand it, there really is no in between for me. Truth be told, a few of these songs took a minute to grow on me, and there really isn't a bad song on this album, when reviewing from an open mindset. LeRoi's presence is noticeably missing, and most of the songs could use is jazzy touch to add another dimension that would put the cherry on top of the music sundae that is DMB.
The entire album just flows like a slow river, picking up to rapid strength but not too strong as to make you want to stop rolling along on it. Musically, like always, DMB has added pieces of rock, jazz, blues, afrobeat, world, and likely some genres that haven't even been invented yet, to further cement their place atop the jam band scene.
Other tracks to Check:
"Spaceman"
"Alligator Pie"
See Ya Next Week!
Dave Matthews Band - Big Whiskey and The GrooGrux King (10/10)
The lead single from Big Whiskey, "Funny the Way It Is" is one of my favorites on the album, points out some of the little, tragic things in life throughout the verses, including "somebody's going hungry/someone else is eating out" and "a soldier's last breath/his baby's being born". Quite honestly, the more you listen to it, and catch the nuances in the song, the more you'll enjoy it.
I'm a weird DMB fan; I have to admit, I either LOVE a song, or can't stand it, there really is no in between for me. Truth be told, a few of these songs took a minute to grow on me, and there really isn't a bad song on this album, when reviewing from an open mindset. LeRoi's presence is noticeably missing, and most of the songs could use is jazzy touch to add another dimension that would put the cherry on top of the music sundae that is DMB.
The entire album just flows like a slow river, picking up to rapid strength but not too strong as to make you want to stop rolling along on it. Musically, like always, DMB has added pieces of rock, jazz, blues, afrobeat, world, and likely some genres that haven't even been invented yet, to further cement their place atop the jam band scene.
Other tracks to Check:
"Spaceman"
"Alligator Pie"
See Ya Next Week!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
New Music Review: Taking Back Sunday "New Again"
All I can say for Thursday is THANK GOD this album was better than Elvis Costello's album. I love Costello, but dear Lord that thing was a turd. On with the review.
Taking Back Sunday - New Again (8.0/10)
Picking up where the previous three studio albums left off, New Again continues the amazing pseudo-toned-down screamo rock that Taking Back Sunday has made their trademark. Somehow managing to pull off harmonies using backing semi-scream vocals, TBS finds a way to blend their grinding guitars and harder-edge feel to the band with fantastic songwriting and melody skills.
2009 has been a busy year for the guys in Taking Back Sunday, headlining The Bamboozle Left, sharing the bill with 50 Cent and The Used on the Wonka Stage. Followed up with a spring tour alongside Anberlin, accusing a Brazilian band of stealing their chorus from "Make Damn Sure", then stating that they weren't mad, but kind of took it as a compliment. If that wasn't enough, they are also a part of the videogame Rock Band, with a downloadable 3-song bundle available.
The lead single "Sink Into Me" is a fantastic track to lead off the promotional aspect of the album, but is by far not the best song on the album. That dubious honor belongs to "Carpathia" one of the last tracks on the album, but definitely worth the wait. It has the feel of the most powerful song, like everything was stepped up for the recording of that track and there is an intense vibe all around the song. Typical to a Taking Back Sunday album, it flows dynamically, and despite its heavier vibe, it is an album that you can put on, and go about doing things about the house while still enjoying it without it being distracting. I do recommend giving the album your undivided attention for a listen or two, in order to pick up on all the little things in the album. Personally, after yesterday's album review debacle, it could have been 4 guys playing violins while they pooped on a mountain goat and punched a baby and I would have been glad I wasn't listening to Elvis Costello's album. OK, so maybe without the baby punching, I would have taken points off for that, but goat-pooping would have gained points to make up for it.
Tomorrow's Review: Dave Matthews Band - Big Whiskey and The GrooGrux King
Taking Back Sunday - New Again (8.0/10)
Picking up where the previous three studio albums left off, New Again continues the amazing pseudo-toned-down screamo rock that Taking Back Sunday has made their trademark. Somehow managing to pull off harmonies using backing semi-scream vocals, TBS finds a way to blend their grinding guitars and harder-edge feel to the band with fantastic songwriting and melody skills.
2009 has been a busy year for the guys in Taking Back Sunday, headlining The Bamboozle Left, sharing the bill with 50 Cent and The Used on the Wonka Stage. Followed up with a spring tour alongside Anberlin, accusing a Brazilian band of stealing their chorus from "Make Damn Sure", then stating that they weren't mad, but kind of took it as a compliment. If that wasn't enough, they are also a part of the videogame Rock Band, with a downloadable 3-song bundle available.
The lead single "Sink Into Me" is a fantastic track to lead off the promotional aspect of the album, but is by far not the best song on the album. That dubious honor belongs to "Carpathia" one of the last tracks on the album, but definitely worth the wait. It has the feel of the most powerful song, like everything was stepped up for the recording of that track and there is an intense vibe all around the song. Typical to a Taking Back Sunday album, it flows dynamically, and despite its heavier vibe, it is an album that you can put on, and go about doing things about the house while still enjoying it without it being distracting. I do recommend giving the album your undivided attention for a listen or two, in order to pick up on all the little things in the album. Personally, after yesterday's album review debacle, it could have been 4 guys playing violins while they pooped on a mountain goat and punched a baby and I would have been glad I wasn't listening to Elvis Costello's album. OK, so maybe without the baby punching, I would have taken points off for that, but goat-pooping would have gained points to make up for it.
Tomorrow's Review: Dave Matthews Band - Big Whiskey and The GrooGrux King
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
MAY IN REVIEW: The Albums (and Scores) of May 2009
As we enter the new month of June, I wanted to post a reminder of all 10 albums reviewed in May, coupled with their scores.
10. Akron/Family - Set 'Em Wild, Set 'Em Free (3.5/10)
9. The Fresh & Onlys - The Fresh & Onlys EP (7/10)
8. Mat Kearney - City of Black and White (7.5/10)
7. Better Than Ezra - Better Than Ezra Plays Paper Empire (8/10)
6. Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown (8.5/10)
5. Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest (9/10)
4. Intelligence - Fake Surfers (9/10)
3. Jarvis Cocker - Further Complications (9.5/10)
2. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (9.5/10)
1. Eminem - Relapse (10/10)
Congrats to Eminem, on having my Top Album of May 2009.
10. Akron/Family - Set 'Em Wild, Set 'Em Free (3.5/10)
9. The Fresh & Onlys - The Fresh & Onlys EP (7/10)
8. Mat Kearney - City of Black and White (7.5/10)
7. Better Than Ezra - Better Than Ezra Plays Paper Empire (8/10)
6. Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown (8.5/10)
5. Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest (9/10)
4. Intelligence - Fake Surfers (9/10)
3. Jarvis Cocker - Further Complications (9.5/10)
2. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (9.5/10)
1. Eminem - Relapse (10/10)
Congrats to Eminem, on having my Top Album of May 2009.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
