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Monday, June 28, 2010
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We Are Scientists - Barbara (Masterswan Recordings) [upcoming shows]
[audio]
We Are Scientists continue to refine their sound in this solid release. It is a sound, however, that can take some warming up to. The drums are very forward in the mix, and the sound is very layered and synth-heavy, especially in the first few songs. As the album develops, song by song, Barbara reveals itself to be a surprisingly diverse work. With some genius hooks and great lyrics, this record is a certain road trip hit.
- ashton
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Released 06.15.2010
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Monday, April 19, 2010
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What Cheer? Brigade - We Blow, You Suck (Anchor Brain) [upcoming shows] [audio]
Providence's own alternative marching band has been winning over diverse audiences for five years and counting, led by a drumming chimp and usually upwards of twenty people blowing into brass instruments and/or pounding drums. Marching bands tend to have a heavy visual and atmospheric element to them that cannot be replaced, but these are crystal clear live recordings and inbetween songs, children comment on how much fun they are having. Parents, children and hipsters love them. In short, you have to be a real asshole to hate marching bands.
- mark
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Released 04.17.2010
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Wednesday, March 17, 2010
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Allison Weiss - Allison Weiss Was Right All Along (100% Records) [upcoming shows] [audio]
Allison Weiss hasn't yet graduated from college, but she may as well have degrees in entrepreneurship, management, communications, composition, and indiepopfolkrock. And an A for the thematic unit on "feel-ings" (TM my sister Laura). As Weiss herself puts it, "Her songs sound like your saddest memories sung to the tune of your happiest." It's like your bubblegum fell on the floor, but you don't notice the grit so much because you're concentrating on the sweetness. Weiss' fans funded this album via Kickstarter.com; I think they got their money's worth.
- meredith
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Released 11.24.2009
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Thursday, October 29, 2009
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Weezer - Raditude (Geffen) [audio] [upcoming shows]
The five stages to grieving the death of the Weezer you knew and loved.
Stage One: Denial (The Green Album... "This is just as good...right?").
Stage Two: Anger (Maladroit... "What the @#*! happened to Weezer?!?!?!!")
Stage Three: Bargaining (Make Believe... "This is Such a Pity is a good song. Maybe they can get good again!")
Stage Four: Depression (The Red Album... "If Pork and Beans is as good as it gets I'm going to stab myself in the head.")
Stage Five: Acceptance (Raditude... "Some of this is actually okay. Silly, but kinda fun.")
- cormac
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Released 11.03.2009
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Wednesday, September 23, 2009
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T.H. White - Company Book (Sky Council) [audio] Focus Group review
Electronic big beats, possibly trance, glitching, vibrating waves panning back and forth over pumping beats, even traces of the Happy Mondays, or a much more updated Crystal Method or Prodigy. "The Darkest Horse" has Meghan Wolf playing the role of disco diva, but the track "Rekognize Real" is the stand out, crossing over into hip hop thanks to vocals from Oktober Zero. This works perfectly as a dance party for your codeine-sipping friends, as well as the theme show to your favorite version of CSI. - mark
Back about ten years ago I had this friend that was really into electronica. All of it — house, techno, trip hop, remixed hip hop club songs. He liked his grooves to be slow, his bass to be loud, and his beats to be block rocking. What was repetitive and mindless to me was hypnotizing to him, and he could somehow dissect it to hear the influences of funk, classic rock, old-school rap and new-school hop hop. I haven't seen him in a while, but I hope somewhere he's listening to T.H. White. - cormac
Truth be told, I'm really not ready to go back and relive the late '90s through new music. I wasn't a big fan of it the first time. T.H. White apparently is, though. From what I've read, he spends half his time making incidental music for television and commercials—you know, the kind of stuff that sounds almost like something you recognize, but really isn't. Well, Company Book is almost like The Crystal Method or Propellerheads or any other late '90s big beat electronic music, but it isn't. It's completely incidental. - paul
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Released 09.29.2009
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Monday, August 10, 2009
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Watts Ensemble - Two Suites for Crime & Time (Kill Shaman) [audio] [upcoming shows]
It takes a 17-piece unit (no robes), which then adds another seven players to pull these songs off—hell, they even have a conductor. With two suites broken into four or five movements each over 45 minutes, you'll think of '70s detective tv show themes, post rock, subdued piano-led vignettes and even chase scenes from Truffant films. Either way, this is truly a mini-orchestra and, as the back cover photo shows, there's lots of sheet music and one very crowded stage.
- mark
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Released 06.16.2009
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Wednesday, June 24, 2009
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The Keith Walsh Experience - Back to the Pyramids (self released) [audio] [upcoming shows]
One man bands tend to be built around kick drum and harmonica. This one man plays a full drum set and guitar, and of course, since they are being played simultaneously, you can expect one to scale it back as the other instrument shows off its chops. The end result of this is rootsy folk nonsense? Someone falling down the stairs with an armful of instruments or Half Japanese. This is either a huge compliment for Keith Walsh or an huge insult to Jad Fair. Someone please buy this guy an eight track recorder.
- mark
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Released 04.28.2009
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Thursday, March 12, 2009
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William Elliott Whitmore - Animals in the Dark (Anti-) [audio] [upcoming shows]
He may slightly resemble Dave Matthews but his gravelly voice and stripped down roots music could certainly teach DMB fans what genuine soul sounds like. Whitmore is a throwback to the turn of the last century where bluesmen and banjos combined to form blues and eventually rock 'n' roll. While the lyrics can be rightfully accused of recycling from recent history, singing about his grand dad's grand dad and unashamedly copping the sounds of a century ago now appears original and authentic compared to his peers.
- mark
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Released 02.24.2009
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Friday, February 06, 2009
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Steven Wright-Mark - Sideshow Freak (self released) [audio]
Male guitarist, seeking band or dedicated others to form band. Favorite artists include Jellyfish, The Cars, The Beatles, Matthew Sweet, Fountains Of Wayne... too many to name! Other influences include distortion pedals, hand claps, unrequited love, and scorching guitar solos. Dedicated to adding fuzzy guitar riffs and tongue-in-cheek lyrics to the almighty powerpop. Looking to get into the studio and blow away crowds in the NYNY area. Please contact if interested.
- cormac
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Released 11.11.2008
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Tuesday, February 03, 2009
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M. Ward - Hold Time (Merge) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Matt Ward has always seemed a little distant from his own songs, which served his earlier work well by lending it an old-timey quality. They were just out of reach, yet warm and familiar. Hold Time, on the other hand, is the hangover from She & Him. It's upfront, direct and... genuinely uninteresting. This is the sound of a once-great songwriter on autopilot. There are a couple thrills here ("Stars of Leo" being one), but anybody else could've made this record by plugging variables into the M. Ward Machine™.
- paul
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Released 02.17.2009
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Monday, December 15, 2008
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The Whore Moans - Hello from the Radio Wasteland! (Mt. Fuji)
[audio] [upcoming shows]
Touches of early Rocket from the Crypt and heavy garage rock, but even the blasts of punk rock morph into songs of three to five minutes in length with plenty of transitions. The vocals remind me of Rick Sims, Lux Interior or The Blood Brothers and, while I can't always understand the singers, I am pretty sure they're pissed off about a lot of things. To further surprise me, this ended on an acoustic guitar number that would make Conor Oberst proud. One note: X's lawyers may want to contact them regarding the track "No Soul."
- mark
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Released 01.27.2009
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Tuesday, December 09, 2008
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Wavves (Woodsist) [audio] [upcoming shows]
I take a left turn every now and then just to see what's what in the lower-than-lo-fi music world, and I usually come back glad I did. Wavves is a one-man hit-making machine from San Diego named Nathan Williams with a knack for quick, unorthodox pop rock like Jay Reatard or Times New Viking. I realize this stuff isn't for everyone, but if you're willing to embrace the harsh recording style and dig into the songs themselves, this album is loaded with earworms from beginning to end.
- paul
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Released 11.25.2008
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Wednesday, November 12, 2008
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Dar Williams - Promised Land (Razor & Tie) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Dar Williams' music is a peaceful explosion of melodic folk americana. She has mastered melody with her alluring voice and continues over the years to entertain with her thoughtful lyrics. Dar's songs are like charming mini-stories, exploring topics such as relationships, aging, and the ups and downs of human nature while encouraging you to hum along. In "Buzzer", Dar draws parallels between daily life and a social psychology experiment of obedience and authority, and simultaneously delivers one of the catchiest melodies of the fall.
- cormac
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Released 09.09.2008
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Tuesday, July 29, 2008
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Paul Westerberg - 49:00 (self released) [download]
What a great surprise. Not just how good it is, but that it came so unexpectedly. 49:00 is Westerberg's first album of original material since 2004, just finished two weeks ago and put up for sale last Monday. Rest assured, it certainly doesn't sound like a rush job. All the proper songs (none officially titled) recall the sparkle of later 'Mats material, and the snippets, throwaways and experiments are at least interesting from a documentarian perspective. Even better, he's practically giving it away. Sold!
- paul
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Released 07.21.2008
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Tuesday, July 22, 2008
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Woodhands - Heart Attack (Paper Bag) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Nerds and coolness are generally viewed as a universal oxymoron. But if Woodhands' Heart Attack proves anything, it proves that nerds are indeed packed with coolness. Critically acclaimed throughout Canada, this Toronto duo's debut LP is full of energetically organic beats, unapologetically danceable rhythms and loud and rough vocals. If that doesn't induce some sort of attack on a person listening, I don't know what will. Overall though, a solid album worth listening to.
- melody
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Released 04.29.2008
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Tuesday, July 08, 2008
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Whatfor - Sooner Late Than Never (Science of Sound)
[audio]
[upcoming shows]
This side project for Sleeping in the Aviary member Michael Sienkowski is a huge departure from his main group, creating a collection of flamboyant orchestral pop. "I'm a Bummer" is part of the newly defined effeminate ragtime genre, parts of which reminds me of early Of Montreal. "Call That Girl" has transistor radio vocals over a power pop rhythm from the Elephant 6 school of indie pop—cheerful, bouncy, country influenced arrangements which actually reminded me of Queen at one point, but on a much less grandiose scale.
- mark
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Released 05.20.2008
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Wednesday, July 02, 2008
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Bobby Womack - The Best of Bobby Womack: The Soul Years (Capitol) [audio]
My first Bobby Womack record was bought only two years ago, but then I bought another, and another, and now I've got nine of them. If I were to put together some kind of personal "best of" mix, it would very closely resemble this new compilation. Womack's not as famous as Al Green or Marvin Gaye, but he damn well should be. From the heavy funk uppercut of "Across 110th Street" to the drowsy southern soul of "I'm Through Trying to Prove My Love to You," everything he touches turns to gold.
- paul
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Released 05.27.2008
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Tuesday, June 03, 2008
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The Weepies - Hideaway (Nettwerk) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Boy writes songs. Girl writes songs. Boy meets girl, and the couple dub themselves The Weepies. Boy and girl make beautiful music together. In the last year, the dynamical twosome have toured the country, co-written songs with a movie star, married, had a child and made their second proper studio album. Hideaway is a mature, honest collection of bittersweet melodies arranged in simple, comforting songs. Undeniable beauty, undeniably weepie.
- cormac
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Released 04.22.2008
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Wednesday, May 21, 2008
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The War on Drugs - Wagonwheel Blues (Secretly Canadian)
[audio] [upcoming shows]
Inevitably, every review of Adam Granduciel and Kurt Vile's first record will include entire paragraphs devoted to a certain "greatest songwriter of all time." Too bad cause there's a heap going on in these wonderful songs besides plain hero worship. The lyrics are more fever dream than narrative, poking in and out between orchestrated Krautrock loops. Guitars were transmitted from some other dimension. They didn't have samplers at Big Pink, but don't assume Wagonwheel Blues is merely The Basement Tapes with modern technology.
- muffin
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Released 06.17.2008
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Monday, January 28, 2008
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Wisely (Oglio) [audio] [upcoming shows]
I don't know which crowd this is for. Perhaps the good looking indie-hip thirty-something Starbucks-goers. Or maybe the ugly ones. Adult contemporary rock can slide through the cracks of mediocrity when the songs are beautiful, and while Wisely's promo shots are admittedly fetching, the disc as a whole lacks character. Tracks like "Through Any Window" and "I'll Be Singing" give the listener a glimpse at his songwriting skills as he creates touching melodies with heartfelt lyrics; unfortunately this just doesn't translate to every song.
- cormac
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Released 01.08.2008
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Tuesday, December 11, 2007
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The Watery Graves of Portland - Portland (Marriage) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Led by piano but better described as instrumental indie rock jazz, it's far from virtuoso piano playing but there'll never be another Liberace anyways. Think Tortoise and Rachel's. The band lays down a plodding but steady backdrop for the piano to sprinkle some musical pixie dust. The entire album sounds recorded live in one take—listen for the cough during "Timid Virgins Made Dull Company at Weddings". Perfect for edgy art openings or, at a lower volume, your disaffected 13 year-old niece's debutante ball.
- mark
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Released 11.06.2007
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Wednesday, November 14, 2007
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Ween - La Cucaracha (Rounder) [audio] [upcoming shows]
The Gene and Dean Weens really came a long way in their first 10 years, but the last 10 have found them in a holding pattern. No real ups or downs, just a steady stream of moderately groovy, kind of humorous songs that make it seem like a shtick overstaying its welcome. 2003's Quebec seemed like it might be kickstarting a revival, but the four-year wait for La Cucaracha proves to be a letdown. Enjoyable, but it's just another Ween record.
- sam
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Released 10.23.2007
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Friday, October 05, 2007
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Wrong Reasons - Bury Your Problems (self released) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Wrong Reasons hammer out some rockin' country blues in the vein of Johnny Cash and The Gun Club, while smokey-voiced singer Joe Fletcher sings like he just woke up and can't remember the past week. It's not quite rockabilly or C&W—and it's much too filthy to be roots—but take the best qualities of those genres and you are getting close. If even half of these lyrics are based in fact, let's hope they all share in the redemption they give the listeners.
- mark
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Released 09.18.2007
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Thursday, September 27, 2007
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The World/Inferno Friendship Society - Addicted to Bad Ideas (Chunksaah) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Calling what they do "gypsy punk" is just a cheap, easy reviewer trick. The traits of traditional Eastern European music are all over this album, sure. The guitars and the rhythm section? Pretty damned loud. But there's a detailed attention to songcraft, chiseled with the tools of artisans rather than beaten into shape by mallets, which could never be conveyed by such a tossed-off phrase. This high-concept, high-energy troupe of nine continues defying categorization, but more importantly continues making hungry and vital records.
- paul
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Released 09.11.2007
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Monday, August 20, 2007
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The Waterboys - Book of Lightning (Universal) [audio] [upcoming shows]
After reading so many things about how this album was a return to form for Mike Scott as a songwriter and performer, I approached it with high hopes and unrealistic expectations. It didn't take long to realize that the people singing its praises probably don't demand a lot of their "comeback" albums anymore, because this album is hamfisted and clumsy; the songs painted in earnest with unsaturated color. Save your cash or, better yet, go out and get This is the Sea. Believe it or not, The Waterboys actually were good once.
- paul
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Released 08.21.2007
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Wednesday, August 01, 2007
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The White Stripes - Icky Thump (Warner Bros.) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Few bands turn the media into a hyperbole generator like The White Stripes, and maybe one of these days it will be undeserved. That day is not today. Perhaps the only criticism I can offer is that, in 20 years, I doubt this will be the album you will get nostalgic for first; it does, however, continue to strengthen the certainty that you will be reaching for their back catalogue for decades to come. It's still blues that pulls your balls through your ears, and who gets enough of that?
- tom d.
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Released 06.19.2007
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Monday, July 23, 2007
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Ween - The Friends EP (Chocodog) [audio] [upcoming shows]
It's a bad sign when your favorite part of a CD pre-order package is the
t-shirt. Such is the case with The Friends EP. Over the top even for Ween,
"Friends" thuds on with the grandiosity of a gay bar anthem, and the
keyboard-driven "I Got to Put the Hammer Down" is catchy as heck. But the
remaining songs, the best being "Light Me Up," don't do much despite their
south-of-the-border feel. And what's with the shortage of guitar? Here's
hoping the upcoming full length will have been worth the four-year wait.
- jason m.
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Released 07.03.2007
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Monday, July 02, 2007
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WinterKids - Memoirs (Little House) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Without their insanely thick accents, are WinterKids just a Fall Out Boy from Surrey? No. The guitars, synthesizers, xylophones and handclaps contain enough Britpop to overcome any American emo-punk tendencies. "Who Am I Kidding?" could have been recorded by The
Like, and "Somebody Else's Clothes" evokes Shed Seven (producer Fraser Smith belonged to that band). One complaint—practically every lyric is sung twice in a row, which gets old. Import only right now, but look for "Wonderland" stateside later this year.
- meredith
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Released 03.06.2007
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Wednesday, May 16, 2007
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Wheat - Everyday I Said a Prayer for Kathy and Made a One Inch Square (Empyrean) [audio] [upcoming shows]
True to their roots, Wheat's fourth album feels like a sonic art project disguised as an indie rock record. Aside from a few head-bobbers, notably "Move=Move," at least half the record qualifies as slow-burning sound experimentation, topped off by loose, meandering vocal melodies. This isn't feelgood summertime car stereo fare; it's a classic grower, and feels intensely personal. This album almost requires—and rewards—the use of headphones, heart, and mind.
- marnie c.
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Released 05.22.2007
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Thursday, April 12, 2007
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Amy Winehouse - Back to Black (Republic) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Believe the hype, people. You haven't heard anything like Amy Winehouse recently. Well, unless you've got the Ronettes in your CD player. But do they mention rehab or some guy keeping his dick wet? I doubt it. Winehouse plays a tormented drunken mess, pouring her heart out against a tumultuous backdrop of sultry gospel-y soul, complete with a horn section, backup singers, and big old chime bell things. I didn't think I'd love it, but I do.
- meredith
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Released 03.13.2007
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Wednesday, April 11, 2007
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The Who - Endless Wire (Republic) [audio] [upcoming shows]
This record is both great and awful at the same time. It sounds
REALLY AMAZING! Pete Townshend has done a great job on the
production and recording, but the lyrics are AWFUL and songs
are unmemorable. I just can't see this record holding up beyond
its massive promotional push. It does sound great,
though. Maybe The Who should stick to playing ass-kicking
concerts, even with just Daltrey and Townshend left.
- c. daltry
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Released 10.31.2006
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Monday, April 02, 2007
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Kristen Ward - Roll Me On (Chroma) [audio] [upcoming shows]
With the pipes of Carly Simon, the resignation of Lucinda Williams, and the sound of new Americana, Kristen Ward belts out tales of being done wrong, being lonesome, and being done wrong again. This album winds through the dusty roads of Lowdownville, dripping weariness and sorrow as it follows the man who don't love her, the man she lost, the man she might just take out with her little gun. File next to Palodine and Maryrose Crook.
- meredith
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Released 08.01.2006
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Monday, March 26, 2007
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Patrick Wolf - The Magic Position (Low Altitude) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Mr. Wolf's latest effort is a fantastic, joyous symphony of glam infused pop-folk well timed for Spring. While the record dons its share of lyrical clichés, perhaps that's because it fits neatly at the intersection of the boy and the man with its careful, budding confidence. Young Patrick has a firm if not near-genius grasp on song construction, and he executes with a unique flair that's anything but tired or cliché.
- marnie c.
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Released 04.17.2007
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Wednesday, November 22, 2006
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Andrew Weatherall - The Bullet Catcher's Apprentice EP (Rotters Golf Club) [audio] [upcoming shows]
In the span of four new songs and one remix, Andrew Weatherall's latest EP (the first collection of original work he's released under his own name) goes from the guitar and beat heavy dance rock of "Feathers" and "You Can't Do Disco Without a Strat" to the fully electronic "Edie Eleven," an exercise in the throbbing house thump which has dominated most of his catalogue up to this point. We know not if the future of Two Lone Swordsmen is in jeopardy, but, if this EP is any indication, Weatherall's creative outlook is as clear as ever.
- paul
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Released 10.23.2006
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Friday, October 27, 2006
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Wolf Eyes - Human Animal (Sub Pop) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Well, don't you guys just think you are the cat's meow, huh 75orless
writing crowd? "So, to haze new guy. Paul, you take this 45 of
Halloween sound effects, and scratch it up as badly as possible.
Mark, see if you can get this robot to make some kind of fart noise,
and Meredith, take this mic, and go bang some shit around in the
kitchen. I'll record it all, and we'll pretend it's a real CD, and get
him to write on it. Brilliant!" Thanks, dicks. I see your ruse.
- bob d.
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Released 09.26.2006
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Wednesday, August 23, 2006
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Weepies - Say I Am You (Nettwerk) [audio] [upcoming shows]
Deb Talan and Steve Tannen have done it again. This duo of
singer/songwriters strike back in their follow-up to Happiness, an
acoustic-pop charmer from back in 2003. This time through they deliver 13 great ditties and manage to keep the charm - this is bordering on irresistible. Standout tracks include the super-sweet "Gotta Have You" and the haunting "Love Doesn’t Last Too Long." Not to be confused with other Nettwerk compatriots Barenaked Ladies or Avril Lavigne.
- cormac
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Released 03.27.2006
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Monday, August 21, 2006
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Andre Williams and the Diplomats of Sound - Aphrodisiac (Pravda) [audio]
Remember those dark days when your favorite artists turned out some horrible stuff in the mid-eighties to late nineties? Slick, clean production overpowered any raw energy that was there. I think that the Diplomats of Solid Sound have robbed Andre Williams of that raw energy by backing him on his latest effort. Andre still has it, but when you polish a rock enough, you get a shiny diamond. I like the rock better.
- lee
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Released 05.09.2006
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Monday, August 07, 2006
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The Walkmen - A Hundred Miles Off (Record Collection) [audio] [upcoming shows]
The guitars on A Hundred Miles Off are jangly and drenched in echo and reverb, while the drumming is simply amazing. Singer Hamilton Leithauser's voice is on a whiskey-soaked field trip to channel Bob Dylan. "Louisiana" has some nice trumpets and piano in it, which gives off a Calexico feel. "Emma Get Me a Lemon" is one of the best songs I've heard all year; in fact, this record is one of the best to come out so far this year. A perfect soundtrack for drinking beers in the backyard on a summer afternoon.
- kyle j.
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Released 05.23.2006
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Friday, May 19, 2006
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Joe Wilson - A Day in My Shoes (self-released) [audio]
It's amazing how different one guy with a guitar can sound from another; happily, Joe Wilson arrived in the mailbox among the Jack Johnson and American Idol wannabes. He brought with him post-emo lyrics and catchy melodies, opening with a sweet manifesto: "Go quit your job Joe and do what you do ... write that brave song that strong song the 'I did nothing wrong song.'" And then he sings of loss and loneliness over charming acoustic pop.
- meredith
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Released 04.11.2006
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Thursday, March 09, 2006
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We Are Scientists - With Love And Squalor (Virgin) [audio] [upcoming shows]
New-wavy pop silliness with a JD Salinger reference in the title? Sign me the F up. The recipe for this concoction: take one copy of Hot Hot Heat's Make Up The Breakdown. Vary a few tracks by adding drops of Interpol or Duran Duran. Serve drunk. Another in a long list of bands whose solid melodies and undeniable appeal are going to be severely diluted by the fact that everyone already owns a different version of this album. Probably two or three, actually. But that doesn't make it bad. I'm sure Esme is dancing alone in her bedroom somewhere.
- tom d.
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Released 01.10.2006
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Tuesday, March 07, 2006
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The Watery Graves of Portland - Caracas (Marriage Records) [upcoming shows]
How’s your jazz collection? Pretty non-existent beyond the Miles and ‘Trance, eh? No problem— The Watery Graves of Portland is good enough to impress old jazzheads and is unintimidating enough to rope in those previously ignorant to the field. It’s got some classical piano, tight rock beats, thick, snaky stand-up bass, lots of dissonance and nerdy maneuvering (of course), and one fat-ass vintage trumpet solo. Oh, the gravitas of it all. With its simple approach, Caracas also shows that brevity has its place in jazz — it is but 35 minutes long.
- jason m.
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Released 12.05.2005
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Monday, March 06, 2006
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Wolfmother - st (Modular) [audio] [upcoming shows]
It's hard to take anything from Australia seriously - except for Peter Garrett. Here's a group that is living off the stench of seventies arena rock including some synth intros that have been missing since the heyday of Spinal Tap, Yes or ELP. If you now like Queens of the Stone Age but used to be into Black Sabbath and dudes with high pitched voices singing mystical songs about the forest, trees, and mountains or anyone with a serious Robert Plant fetish and no sense of shame. I know I dig it.
- mark
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Released 02.14.2006
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Wednesday, November 30, 2005
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Wu-Tang Meets the Indie Culture (Think Differently Music/Babygrande) [audio/jarmusch]
I had to change my pants after I saw this in the store, and that was before I read the track listing. RZA, MF Doom, GZA, Del, U-God, Aesop Rock, Ras Kass, Casual... How the hell did I not hear about this? This disc might have as talented a line-up as Enter the 36 Chambers, and the production strongly echoes RZA's brilliant mid-Nineties work. Even though it includes fewer rhymes by original Wu members than the title suggests, this is the Wu-Tang album I had given up hope on ever hearing.
- tom d.
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Released 10.18.2005
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Wednesday, November 09, 2005
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Johnny "Guitar" Watson - The Funk Anthology (Shout Factory) [audio]
Presenting the best of his post-blues career, The Funk Anthology shows why the late Johnny Guitar Watson is still the king of the funk-soul-disco-rock sandwich. Besides dance floor treats like the robotic "Come Dance with Me," the primitive rapping of "Telephone Bill," and "A Real Mother for Ya," the wealth of unreleased material, such as the breathtaking soul-pop of "Before I Let You Go" and the cool, snappy R&B jam "Ain’t Nobody's Business," is gold. Soul Brother No. 2? Funk dat. Johnny G. was in a league of his own.
- jason m.
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Released 09.06.2005
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Friday, August 19, 2005
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Whomadewho
(Gomma)
"Diversity or death" is unquestionably Whomadewho's musical motto.
Drawing from corners as distant as Out Hud, Daft Punk, Pink Floyd and
Silver Apples, their debut album is more akin to a compilation than
the work of a single band. Yet, as each successive track bleeds into
the next, there's no doubt the same three players are behind what
you're hearing. Deciding whether to slump into my chair, holding the
headphones close, or jumping up to cut the rug might come down to a
flipped coin.
- paul
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Released 08.29.2005
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Tuesday, July 19, 2005
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The Woggles - Soul Sizzling 7" Meltdown (Chicken Ranch Records) [mp3s] [upcoming shows]
These garage rock and soul veterans seem to have taken a time machine from another era, most likely the mid-60's. An incredible live act, lead vocalist The Professor may resemble a sickly Rodney Bingenheimer but he shrieks and swings with the best of them. This release puts their shoutalong singles and unreleased tracks over the course of ten years onto one CD. While playing this, don't be ashamed to do the twist and the watusi - it's perfectly appropriate.
- mark
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Released 04.12.2005
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Thursday, July 14, 2005
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Daryl Waits - The Rustler (Paradeco) [mp3s]
Still not listening to Moron Parade? It's your loss, trust me. Here is band member Daryl Waits with his own solo record. The slow and deliberate vocals are somewhere between Loaded-era Lou Reed, Smog, and David Berman. The music is reminiscent of the pop scrappiness of Swearing at Motorists or The Feelies and Yo La Tengo at their blissed-out best. Also throw in some of the dissonance and quirkiness of early Modest Mouse. It's all tied together with a thin, home recorded production touch.
- mark
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Friday, July 01, 2005
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The White Stripes - Get Behind Me Satan (V2) [video] [upcoming shows]
The scope of this album exceeds this site's format. Jack White has become the Tarantino of rock, building wholly original masterpieces from the disparate elements of his musical upbringing. Despite containing the first mediocre song of their major label output ("The Nurse"), Satan solidifies the duo's status at the apex of rock by challenging its listeners, signaling a completely new sound with every increment on your CD player's track display. They've milked a decade of relevance from each day spent in the recording studio. Their third classic.
- tom d.
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Released 06.07.2005
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Tuesday, May 03, 2005
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Weezer - Make Believe
(Geffen)
[audio/video]
[upcoming shows]
There are now a generation of kids who were raised on Weezer much the
same way I was raised on Van Halen. As you'll see, I didn't pull this
comparison out of thin air. Make Believe works for Weezer much the same way 1984 did for Van Halen so long ago. Every songwriting trademark they have has been exaggerated to the nth degree, almost to the point of self-parody. But, as Van Halen were able to do, Weezer work this to their advantage and create one of the more vital albums in their repertoire.
- paul
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Released 05.10.2005
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Monday, August 30, 2004
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Paul Westerberg - Folker (Vagrant) [mp3] [upcoming shows]
As musically active as Westerberg has been in the last three years, it's tough to believe he can keep his batteries charged and his craft this sharp. Folker is proof positive that he's deep in the midst of a rejuvenation period, though. Much of what's offered here lyrically and musically recalls the final 'Mats album All Shook Down. Even the folkier slower material doesn't sound like the work of a man crippled by time, but one savoring his youth. Is his best work still ahead of him?
- paul
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Friday, April 09, 2004
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Shannon Wright - Over the Sun (Touch & Go/Quarterstick Records) [mp3] [upcoming shows]
I heard many of these songs just once when I saw her give a piercing live performance last June. Upon giving Over the Sun a spin last week, I remembered almost every stop and start, every claustrophobic passage, and every twist and bend she encounters on the path to each song's eventual end. It's as if they'd been tattooed on my brain tissue with laser precision. Now, if that doesn't speak to the brilliant ability Shannon Wright has to craft music, I don't know what does.
- paul
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Wednesday, March 24, 2004
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Weezer - Deluxe Edition (Geffen)
Rejoice, nerds! The so-called Blue Album has been re-released with a bonus disc of rarities. If you didn't like this one ten years ago, then you probably won't like it now, but the b-sides, rare tracks and demos are fun for fans. Incidentally, the gal I'm currently trying to woo absolutely adores Weezer and I made her a CD-R of all their b-sides just two months ago, so now I'm feeling like a real fool!
- joseph
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Wednesday, December 17, 2003
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Paul Westerberg - Come Feel Me Tremble (Vagrant) [mp3] [upcoming shows]
Last year's double shot, Stereo/Mono, broke Grandpa's long, embarrassing losing streak (89 - 99), by finally leaving behind the studio sheen & pop star dreams. Come Feel Me Tremble picks up right where those records left off. Westy seems to have found his best self again, in these short, crunchy & raw, rock & roll numbers. Songs like Knockin' Em Back ('I'm drinking once again, to make the pills kick in") & "Dirty Diesel" are as fun as anything in the back catalog, and "Crackle and Drag" is just as moving. It would be hard to ask for more.
- jeff l.
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Friday, October 31, 2003
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The Wrens - The Meadowlands (Absolutely Kosher) [mp3, mp3, mp3] [upcoming shows]
Believe the hype. Jersey working stiffs The Wrens have indeed made one of the best records of the year. They took that classic indie rock sound, cracked its jaw and busted its ribs, then nursed the fucker back to health. It's jagged and messy and quiet and pretty and it'll crush your heart and rock your ass. The next time some jackass tries to tell you that "the album format is dead", throw a copy of The Meadowlands at them. That ought to shut 'em up.
- ryan
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Thursday, October 09, 2003
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Ween - Quebec (Sanctuary) [ween radio] [upcoming shows]
Ween is not a band you reach for when you are in the mood for one style of music - and their goofy sophomoric humor will always have their detractors considering them a joke band. Genre skipping as usual, you'll find thrash punk calling for razor blades and speed, drum machine instrumentals, classic rock ballads and a ready-made zoloft jingle. It's possible the unfamiliar may think that they are listening to a mix tape. Lots of quality material, this is consistant in a way that only Ween can be.
- mark
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Wednesday, May 14, 2003
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Wakefield - American Made (Arista) [mp3s] [upcoming shows]
I would have loved to review this CD, but the copyright protection encryption on the CD prevented us from even listening to it. It froze our computers, resulting in a PHYSICAL MEMORY DUMP and wouldn't play on our stereos. Seeing as we are in the business of reviewing releases, PROMOTING the bands that send them in and providing FREE publicity, I guess we're all potential THIEVES here. Wakefield can sleep tight tonight knowing they have outsmarted us. Judging from the layout, I can safely say that cookie cutter mall punk fucking sucks anyways.
- junco tibet
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Wednesday, April 09, 2003
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The White Stripes - Elephant (V2) [upcoming shows]
It doesn't matter that they have a $5 million contract with a major label, or that they are sporting country western clown clothes, that all their best songs are an amalgamation of their earlier songs, or that the record starts out with a bass guitar. The White Stripes music has always been a soundtrack for drinking, fighting, fucking, and driving like a dead Earnhardt. And Elephant is no different.
- john
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Thursday, December 05, 2002
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A Whisper in the Noise - Through the Ides of March [audio] [upcoming shows]
Starting slow before becoming layered and erupting joyously, A Whisper In The Noise is a haunting orchestral mix of strings, piano, and sound samples with sparse but well placed pounding drums. Lots of wailing falsetto vocals, atmospheric electronic interludes and occasional ticks, bleeps and blips. Fans of Low and Sigur Rós will want to hear this, while Steve Albini can put this among his list of projects in which he maximizes the sound of a band's potential.
- mark
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Wednesday, June 26, 2002
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Brian Wilson - Pet Sounds Live (Sanctuary Records)
What can I say - one of the greatest albums ever. The only difference is that it's live this time. Sure, Brian's voice has aged a bit over the years and he's lost a little of his youthful buoyancy. We'll let it slide. The album still sounds incredible. The ten piece band does a great job of capturing Pet Sounds in a live setting - right down to the tympany and bicycle horns. My only real complaint is that Wilson thanks the crowd before they clap on almost every song. Maybe it's a nervous habit.
- jon
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Friday, April 12, 2002
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Weezer - Maladroit (Interscope) [audio]
Not everyone was a fan of the last weezer record. I equate it to the band taking a big healthy shit. I don't know about you, but after dropping a big load, I feel much better. Using "Hash Pipe" from the last record as a starting point, Maladroit proves that Weezer is back in good health, producing it themselves (instead of pop turd master Rik Ocasek) and throwing out big rock riffs left and right. New tracks like "Dope Nose" and "American Gigolo" prove the merits of taking your time in the can.
- brian
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Thursday, April 04, 2002
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Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (Nonesuch Records)
When Uncle Tupelo split, I followed Jay Farrar and became a big Son Volt fan. This Sun Volt fandom must have lasted an entire summer and I actually got to see them live a couple of times. I admittedly didn't even pick up a Wilco record until Yankee Hotel Foxtrot found its way into my grubby palms. It's like a modern day Revolver on crack. Tweedy writes songs like he's channeling Lennon. Filled with killer hooks and tons of weird noises, it's amazing. Forget "alt-country." Bring on the Wilco.
- brian
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