v//c:preview
I figured it was time to introduce a new semi-regular feature to via//chicago, one that allowed me to be more consistent in sharing some great music with my loyal readers (all three of you). So here is the first edition of v//c:preview, an outlet for me to hook you up with some tunes that you might be interested in hearing. Anyway, click on the links below and follow the easy instructions to download these songs - and remember, if you like what you hear please support the artist! If you don't delete it and save precious hard drive space for something more up your alley. And away we go...
Wolfmother - "The White Unicorn" (EP version)
First up is an older song from via//chicago favorites, Wolfmother. I know I posted something about them not too long ago, but I wanted to take this opportunity to share something else as we prepare for the stateside release of the debut album this coming Tuesday. This track, "The White Unicorn" will appear on said album in a re-recorded and truncated version, so here's your chance to hear the whole thing in all it's rock glory, as it appeared on the band's first EP.
((click here to purchase Wolfmother))
Taking Back Sunday - "Twenty-Twenty Surgery"
As a follow-up to my last post, I figured it would be a good idea to share my favorite track off the new Taking Back Sunday album, Louder Now, so you can hear exactly what I was talking about. This is a great example of how great these guys are with a hook, this will probably be bouncing around your head for a long time after the first couple listens. Maybe some of you doubters out there will take a chance and realize that this band shouldn't be dismissed entirely just because of the dreaded E-M-O tag. Enjoy.
((click here to purchase Louder Now))
So that's it. Hopefully, at the very least, I'll have given you a little over ten minutes of music to pass the time on a slow Friday sitting at your desk. Feel free to leave me some feedback, its all appreciated.
Apr 27, 2006
Recent Release Round-Up:
Still trying to get back on the ball with updating this thing on a regular basis, so part of that will include catching up on the past month or so worth of new releases and some brief thoughts on them. Here's a batch, this time with P-Fork style numerical ratings for those that like that sort of thing.
Morrissey - Ringleader of the Tormentors (Attack)
You Are The Quarry was the big "comeback" album, so how does this one fare? Pretty well as it turns out, though not quite as successful as the last one. As you've probably read elsewhere, Morrissey seems to have found love in his life and for once he's not really holding back on letting us know. RotT actually includes one of his most direct love songs in "To Me You Are A Work of Art", but with the expected cynical Moz twist. The album, full of epic climaxes and string sections, aches to be larger than life and grandiose but ends up a little too overbearing at times. And not one but three songs with the ever-popular kiddie chorus seems a little much for one album. But still, tracks like "Dear God Please Help Me" and "You Have Killed Me" are full-on Moz classics sure to please any fan. (8.1/10.0)
Recommended Tracks: "Dear God Please Help Me", "You Have Killed Me", "In the Future When Alls Well"
Secret Machines - Ten Silver Drops (Reprise)
This disc was bound to be a slight disappointment no matter how good it ended up being, thanks to my hefty expectations after falling hard for the debut and killer live show. I expected something that pushed the bombast of the first album further into outer space, but instead the band seems to have tightened things up a bit and toned down the heaviness. The opener and closer are both wonderful tracks that showcase the band's talents perfectly, unfortunately the stuff they bookend doesn't hold up quite as well. It's difficult for me to pin down exactly why this album doesn't work as well as the last one, but it has something to do with the way many of the tracks slide right on past without leaving much of an impression. Ten Silver Drops just doesn't seem to have the same ear-grabbing intensity as Now Here is Nowhere, and it nearly kills the flow of this one. I have a feeling some of the tunes may grow on me over time, but for now I'll just hold on to the hope that their Lollapalooza appearance renews my faith. (7.3/10.0)
Recommended Tracks: "Alone, Jealous, and Stoned", "Daddy's in the Doldrums", "1,000 Seconds"
Taking Back Sunday - Louder Now (Warner Bros.)
Spare me the grief - I am, and always have been, a sucker for well-crafted songs on the poppier side of the punk/emo continuum and TBS is one of those bands that can usually be counted on for quality songs of that vein. Nothing groundbreaking, but they've always seemed to have a way with hooks that elevates them above the millions of soundalike clones. For the jump to a full-fledged major label, the band ditches some of the more emo tendencies that showed up on the two earlier albums and instead focuses on a more straight-ahead rock feel. It's easy to see why people might have dismissed this band in the past (songs titles like "Cute Without The 'E'" certainly didn't help), but I think its fair to say the band has moved beyond some of the nu-emo stereotypes that may have given pause. This is a band that deserves the same kind of mainstream attention My Chemical Romance got last year and this should be the album to break them wide open (releasing "Twenty-Twenty Surgery" as a single should help). (8.0/10.0)
Recommended Tracks: "Makedamnsure", "Twenty-Twenty Surgery", "Miami"
Still trying to get back on the ball with updating this thing on a regular basis, so part of that will include catching up on the past month or so worth of new releases and some brief thoughts on them. Here's a batch, this time with P-Fork style numerical ratings for those that like that sort of thing.
Morrissey - Ringleader of the Tormentors (Attack)
You Are The Quarry was the big "comeback" album, so how does this one fare? Pretty well as it turns out, though not quite as successful as the last one. As you've probably read elsewhere, Morrissey seems to have found love in his life and for once he's not really holding back on letting us know. RotT actually includes one of his most direct love songs in "To Me You Are A Work of Art", but with the expected cynical Moz twist. The album, full of epic climaxes and string sections, aches to be larger than life and grandiose but ends up a little too overbearing at times. And not one but three songs with the ever-popular kiddie chorus seems a little much for one album. But still, tracks like "Dear God Please Help Me" and "You Have Killed Me" are full-on Moz classics sure to please any fan. (8.1/10.0)
Recommended Tracks: "Dear God Please Help Me", "You Have Killed Me", "In the Future When Alls Well"
Secret Machines - Ten Silver Drops (Reprise)
This disc was bound to be a slight disappointment no matter how good it ended up being, thanks to my hefty expectations after falling hard for the debut and killer live show. I expected something that pushed the bombast of the first album further into outer space, but instead the band seems to have tightened things up a bit and toned down the heaviness. The opener and closer are both wonderful tracks that showcase the band's talents perfectly, unfortunately the stuff they bookend doesn't hold up quite as well. It's difficult for me to pin down exactly why this album doesn't work as well as the last one, but it has something to do with the way many of the tracks slide right on past without leaving much of an impression. Ten Silver Drops just doesn't seem to have the same ear-grabbing intensity as Now Here is Nowhere, and it nearly kills the flow of this one. I have a feeling some of the tunes may grow on me over time, but for now I'll just hold on to the hope that their Lollapalooza appearance renews my faith. (7.3/10.0)
Recommended Tracks: "Alone, Jealous, and Stoned", "Daddy's in the Doldrums", "1,000 Seconds"
Taking Back Sunday - Louder Now (Warner Bros.)
Spare me the grief - I am, and always have been, a sucker for well-crafted songs on the poppier side of the punk/emo continuum and TBS is one of those bands that can usually be counted on for quality songs of that vein. Nothing groundbreaking, but they've always seemed to have a way with hooks that elevates them above the millions of soundalike clones. For the jump to a full-fledged major label, the band ditches some of the more emo tendencies that showed up on the two earlier albums and instead focuses on a more straight-ahead rock feel. It's easy to see why people might have dismissed this band in the past (songs titles like "Cute Without The 'E'" certainly didn't help), but I think its fair to say the band has moved beyond some of the nu-emo stereotypes that may have given pause. This is a band that deserves the same kind of mainstream attention My Chemical Romance got last year and this should be the album to break them wide open (releasing "Twenty-Twenty Surgery" as a single should help). (8.0/10.0)
Recommended Tracks: "Makedamnsure", "Twenty-Twenty Surgery", "Miami"
Apr 26, 2006
Ok, wow. I knew it had been a long time since my last post, but damn this is ridiculous. I have a (partially) valid excuse though, in that I've spent the better part of the last month up to my neck in all kinds of stuff. Moving into a new place was the biggest time consumer, but now that I'm starting to get settled in the awesomely improved digs I plan to get back to updating this thing on a much, much more regular basis.
I am still writing reviews for Static, although it's been a little while since anything new has been published (I'm sorry Brett, more coming very soon I promise!) - although a couple of the most recent ones include Immaculate Machine, Stephen Yerkey, Get Set Go, Teddy Thompson, and a vocal lesson DVD (really).
Anyway, this blog is far from dead and I promise to have some more significant updates very soon. In the meantime be sure to check out the newly updated set of links to the left and read some of my favorite locations around the net. Thanks for sticking around.
I am still writing reviews for Static, although it's been a little while since anything new has been published (I'm sorry Brett, more coming very soon I promise!) - although a couple of the most recent ones include Immaculate Machine, Stephen Yerkey, Get Set Go, Teddy Thompson, and a vocal lesson DVD (really).
Anyway, this blog is far from dead and I promise to have some more significant updates very soon. In the meantime be sure to check out the newly updated set of links to the left and read some of my favorite locations around the net. Thanks for sticking around.
Mar 7, 2006
np: "Dimension" - Wolfmother
Yeah yeah, I know what you're thinking - the last thing we need is another band with the word "wolf" anywhere in its name. Well unfortunate name or not, this Australian power trio (and I don't think I can emphasize POWER enough) is a buzz band well worth paying attention to. They've been making some noise on their home continent for some time now, but are just getting ready to bust out in the States in a big way. If, as some people are saying, metal really is the new indie rock - these guys may very well be this year's Led Zeppelin. A very apt comparison given this band's classic heavy metal/classic rock vibe - but one that is very justified this time around. Best part is how fresh these guys manage to make a, let's face it, tired and stale genre sound. The Zep, Sabbath, Floyd, and Allman Brothers comparisons are all very much accurate in their own ways - but please don't let that stop you from checking out one of this year's most promising new bands. The band's Dimension EP is already available across the U.S., while the full-length self-titled disc is due out later this year. Click on the link above and the one below to get a taste of the rock action.
"Where Eagles Have Been" - Wolfmother
Mar 5, 2006
Mar 2, 2006
np: "Gold Lions (Diplo Remix)" - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Both versions of the lead single off the new Yeah Yeah Yeahs album are fantastic, leaving me very excited to hear the whole thing when it drops.
I meant to add these to my last post but I apparently forgot, more of my reviews are up at Static - the fantastic Jason Collett, the latest Robert Pollard solo album, and a recent Lou Reed DVD. Click on the links to read my thoughts.
Some other albums I've been diggin' on lately:
J Dilla - Donuts
Mclusky - Mcluskyism
VA - Big Apple Rappin': The Early Days of Hip-Hop Culture in NYC 1979-1982
Liars - Drum's Not Dead
Nine Black Alps - Everything Is
Both versions of the lead single off the new Yeah Yeah Yeahs album are fantastic, leaving me very excited to hear the whole thing when it drops.
I meant to add these to my last post but I apparently forgot, more of my reviews are up at Static - the fantastic Jason Collett, the latest Robert Pollard solo album, and a recent Lou Reed DVD. Click on the links to read my thoughts.
Some other albums I've been diggin' on lately:
J Dilla - Donuts
Mclusky - Mcluskyism
VA - Big Apple Rappin': The Early Days of Hip-Hop Culture in NYC 1979-1982
Liars - Drum's Not Dead
Nine Black Alps - Everything Is
Feb 28, 2006
Recent Release Round-Up:
Yes, I am still alive - just been really bogged down the past month with real life details like trying to juggle work, lots of writing, and keeping some semblance of a sanity restoring social life. For my first post-hiatus entry, I'll take a look at some of the recent records I've been spinning and exactly what I think of them.
Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not (Domino)
These guys have been pretty much unavoidable in all the usual music forums over the past few months and with good reason, as they've managed to completely storm the British charts and are preparing to start making waves here in the States (starting with an SNL appearance in a few weeks). This debut managed to become the UK's fastest selling debut since some little band by the name of Oasis dropped their debut in 1994, and the first two singles have both gone straight to number one. So are they worth getting excited over? For the most part. This is by no means going to stand up as a classic album in the vein of Definitely Maybe or even Up The Bracket, but it is far more enjoyable than detractors would lead you to believe. There's nothing more than a group of kids having some fun and singing about what they know best - lusting after girls, running from the cops, and observing the seedy side of nightlife from a safe distance. The key part is the fun they are having, which gives these tunes a level of spunk and vitality that is all too often missing from current rock radio.
Recommended Tracks: "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor", "A Certain Romance", "Fake Tales of San Francisco"
Destroyer - Destroyer's Rubies (Merge)
Considering how much has already been written about the latest album from sometimes New Pornographer Dan Bejar, there's really very little worthwhile for me to add other than echoing all of the praise and hype Rubies has received. This is definitely my favorite album of this young year so far and a very likely contender to finish in the top ten come the end of 2006. Bejar is a true craftsman when it comes to his albums, welding his intelligent and oftentimes witty meta-lyrics to dense instrumentation that engages from note one. I'd really be hard pressed to pick just one favorite moment off of this disc, but the lead in to the guitar solo that kicks in after the "she needs to feel at peace with her father, the fucking maniac" line in "European Oils" would probably come the closest - still gives me chills after fifteen listens.
Recommended Tracks: "European Oils", "Painter In Your Pocket", "Rubies"
She Wants Revenge - She Wants Revenge (Geffen)
People sometimes accuse me of liking far too many things that I talk about on this blog, wondering if I'm just easy to please or scared to slam albums or songs. The simple answer is that I really prefer to spend my free time writing about things I enjoy, it just seems rather pointless to waste time and energy on stuff I don't really like when I'm writing for "fun". But since I've decided to start doing this recent release round-up thing, I figured I should give some of the stuff I didn't find so exciting some space as well. The self-titled debut by She Wants Revenge falls squarely into the "didn't enjoy" camp, in fact I'd have to say that it is quite possible the worst album I've heard in months. Ripping off Interpol and Bauhaus with vaguely misogynist lyrics over weak new-wave "beats" is pretty much a horrible idea for anyone to undertake, let alone for a pair as uninteresting and uninspired as these former rappers are. The Bravery may have been posers too, but at least they cranked out one worthwhile single. To be fair, the single "Tear You Apart" isn't completely awful, but its pretty hard to wash the stink off the ten tracks of shit you have to wade through to get to it.
Recommended Tracks: "Tear You Apart" (that's it, avoid the album and download it from iTunes)
Kid Rock - 'Live' Trucker (Atlantic)
Any live album that uses Bob Seger for artistic inspiration has to be pretty rock-tastic, right? Well, in this case the answer is an unfortunate no. Hate all you want, but I managed to catch the Kid during the tour from which this album is pulled and I have to admit that the guy puts on one hell of an entertaining show. Problem is, this particular show recorded in front of a hometown crowd at Cobo Hall completely fails to capture the energy and fun of the one I witnessed. Rather than sounding like an inspired party guy, Rock sounds winded and tired through most of this set as he passes lines back and forth with his band. "Bawitdaba" and "American Badass" still manage to pack a punch and Gretchen Wilson taking the Sheryl Crow part in "Picture" works pretty well, but most of the rest of this set falls disappointingly flat. This could have been a great chance to show the doubters how far he's come as an entertainer and showman, but this will only confirm the suspicions that he's a washed-up rap-rock has-been. Which is a shame, because as anyone who head his self-titled 2003 album knows, the guy has far too much talent to be lumped in the same category as Fred Durst.
Recommended Tracks: "Bawitdaba", "Son Of Detroit", "Picture"
Yes, I am still alive - just been really bogged down the past month with real life details like trying to juggle work, lots of writing, and keeping some semblance of a sanity restoring social life. For my first post-hiatus entry, I'll take a look at some of the recent records I've been spinning and exactly what I think of them.
Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not (Domino)
These guys have been pretty much unavoidable in all the usual music forums over the past few months and with good reason, as they've managed to completely storm the British charts and are preparing to start making waves here in the States (starting with an SNL appearance in a few weeks). This debut managed to become the UK's fastest selling debut since some little band by the name of Oasis dropped their debut in 1994, and the first two singles have both gone straight to number one. So are they worth getting excited over? For the most part. This is by no means going to stand up as a classic album in the vein of Definitely Maybe or even Up The Bracket, but it is far more enjoyable than detractors would lead you to believe. There's nothing more than a group of kids having some fun and singing about what they know best - lusting after girls, running from the cops, and observing the seedy side of nightlife from a safe distance. The key part is the fun they are having, which gives these tunes a level of spunk and vitality that is all too often missing from current rock radio.
Recommended Tracks: "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor", "A Certain Romance", "Fake Tales of San Francisco"
Destroyer - Destroyer's Rubies (Merge)
Considering how much has already been written about the latest album from sometimes New Pornographer Dan Bejar, there's really very little worthwhile for me to add other than echoing all of the praise and hype Rubies has received. This is definitely my favorite album of this young year so far and a very likely contender to finish in the top ten come the end of 2006. Bejar is a true craftsman when it comes to his albums, welding his intelligent and oftentimes witty meta-lyrics to dense instrumentation that engages from note one. I'd really be hard pressed to pick just one favorite moment off of this disc, but the lead in to the guitar solo that kicks in after the "she needs to feel at peace with her father, the fucking maniac" line in "European Oils" would probably come the closest - still gives me chills after fifteen listens.
Recommended Tracks: "European Oils", "Painter In Your Pocket", "Rubies"
She Wants Revenge - She Wants Revenge (Geffen)
People sometimes accuse me of liking far too many things that I talk about on this blog, wondering if I'm just easy to please or scared to slam albums or songs. The simple answer is that I really prefer to spend my free time writing about things I enjoy, it just seems rather pointless to waste time and energy on stuff I don't really like when I'm writing for "fun". But since I've decided to start doing this recent release round-up thing, I figured I should give some of the stuff I didn't find so exciting some space as well. The self-titled debut by She Wants Revenge falls squarely into the "didn't enjoy" camp, in fact I'd have to say that it is quite possible the worst album I've heard in months. Ripping off Interpol and Bauhaus with vaguely misogynist lyrics over weak new-wave "beats" is pretty much a horrible idea for anyone to undertake, let alone for a pair as uninteresting and uninspired as these former rappers are. The Bravery may have been posers too, but at least they cranked out one worthwhile single. To be fair, the single "Tear You Apart" isn't completely awful, but its pretty hard to wash the stink off the ten tracks of shit you have to wade through to get to it.
Recommended Tracks: "Tear You Apart" (that's it, avoid the album and download it from iTunes)
Kid Rock - 'Live' Trucker (Atlantic)
Any live album that uses Bob Seger for artistic inspiration has to be pretty rock-tastic, right? Well, in this case the answer is an unfortunate no. Hate all you want, but I managed to catch the Kid during the tour from which this album is pulled and I have to admit that the guy puts on one hell of an entertaining show. Problem is, this particular show recorded in front of a hometown crowd at Cobo Hall completely fails to capture the energy and fun of the one I witnessed. Rather than sounding like an inspired party guy, Rock sounds winded and tired through most of this set as he passes lines back and forth with his band. "Bawitdaba" and "American Badass" still manage to pack a punch and Gretchen Wilson taking the Sheryl Crow part in "Picture" works pretty well, but most of the rest of this set falls disappointingly flat. This could have been a great chance to show the doubters how far he's come as an entertainer and showman, but this will only confirm the suspicions that he's a washed-up rap-rock has-been. Which is a shame, because as anyone who head his self-titled 2003 album knows, the guy has far too much talent to be lumped in the same category as Fred Durst.
Recommended Tracks: "Bawitdaba", "Son Of Detroit", "Picture"
Jan 30, 2006
Recent Release Round-Up:
This is the first in a hopefully ongoing series in which I take a quick look at some of the more recent albums I've checked out lately - especially those that I might not have had a chance to review elsewhere.
Cat Power - The Greatest (Matador)
I have to admit that I've never had a Chan Marshall album completely "click" for me before. Sure I've liked a good handful of her tunes and been easily able to tell why so many people are able to be so rabid about her work, but I'd never fallen head over heels for one of her discs before. After my first listen to her latest I figured that wasn't about to change, it struck me as pretty solid but nothing special. But something kept (and still keeps) drawing me back to the album for another listen. I'm not sure if its the soulful backing provided by the Memphis session dudes down at Ardent Studios or the relative straightforwardness of Chan's lyrics this time around, but from the moment her own ghosts echo the confession of how she "wanted to be the greatest" this disc just will not let me go.
Recommended Tracks: "Lived In Bars", "Where Is My Love", "Love & Communication"
Jenny Lewis with The Watson Twins - Rabbit Fur Coat (Team Love)
If you hadn't been paying much attention to Ms. Lewis over the past several years, you could be forgiven for expecting this album to be a total disaster. Former child star breaks from rising indie rock band to record solo album that is loosely based on her rough childhood and features some gospel singing twin sisters - not exactly the type of stuff to inspire confidence. But those of us lucky enough to have been following Jenny's career with Rilo Kiley (among countless other successful guest appearances) knew that the woman has enough talent and drive to at least have kept it from becoming a total trainwreck. I don't think anybody, however, was expecting this thing to be so damn amazing. Rabbit Fur Coat manages to be nearly everything all at once - uplifting as it breaks your heart and hopeful as it wallows in pain. By the time the album ends you aren't quite sure if Jenny has found what she's been looking for, but you may just realize that you've found something you didn't even know you were missing. Not to mention a cover of the Traveling Wilburys' "Handle With Care" featuring Ben Gibbard, Conor Oberst, and M. Ward that actually manages to trump the original (all while annoying legions of Bright Eyes and Death Cab haters).
Recommended Tracks: "Handle With Care", "Happy", "Born Secular"
Test-Icicles - For Screening Purposes Only (Domino)
Stupid name aside, these guys have been taking a lot of undeserved flak in the past couple of months. Granted, much of this flak stems from the band getting heaps of praise thrown at them by the NME - which you know, happens to nearly every group of boys ever photographed anywhere near a guitar - but for at least breaking the recycled new wave Brit band mold Test-Icicles are deserving of at least a little press. Rather than emulating Gang of Four or Joy Division, these guys have spent more time listening to American hardcore bands. The easiest starting point I can think of is throwing Blood Brothers and Glassjaw into a blender, but I don't think that does justice to the Icicles' willingness to jump on an actual melody or hook from time to time. Granted this is absolutely nothing new, but if the more straightforward nu-Britpop bands like Editors and Arctic Monkeys bore you to tears (which, really, neither of them should) - Test-Icicles just may scream some life back into your eardrums.
Recommended Tracks: "Sharks", "Circle, Square, Triangle", "Boa vs. Python"
This is the first in a hopefully ongoing series in which I take a quick look at some of the more recent albums I've checked out lately - especially those that I might not have had a chance to review elsewhere.
Cat Power - The Greatest (Matador)
I have to admit that I've never had a Chan Marshall album completely "click" for me before. Sure I've liked a good handful of her tunes and been easily able to tell why so many people are able to be so rabid about her work, but I'd never fallen head over heels for one of her discs before. After my first listen to her latest I figured that wasn't about to change, it struck me as pretty solid but nothing special. But something kept (and still keeps) drawing me back to the album for another listen. I'm not sure if its the soulful backing provided by the Memphis session dudes down at Ardent Studios or the relative straightforwardness of Chan's lyrics this time around, but from the moment her own ghosts echo the confession of how she "wanted to be the greatest" this disc just will not let me go.
Recommended Tracks: "Lived In Bars", "Where Is My Love", "Love & Communication"
Jenny Lewis with The Watson Twins - Rabbit Fur Coat (Team Love)
If you hadn't been paying much attention to Ms. Lewis over the past several years, you could be forgiven for expecting this album to be a total disaster. Former child star breaks from rising indie rock band to record solo album that is loosely based on her rough childhood and features some gospel singing twin sisters - not exactly the type of stuff to inspire confidence. But those of us lucky enough to have been following Jenny's career with Rilo Kiley (among countless other successful guest appearances) knew that the woman has enough talent and drive to at least have kept it from becoming a total trainwreck. I don't think anybody, however, was expecting this thing to be so damn amazing. Rabbit Fur Coat manages to be nearly everything all at once - uplifting as it breaks your heart and hopeful as it wallows in pain. By the time the album ends you aren't quite sure if Jenny has found what she's been looking for, but you may just realize that you've found something you didn't even know you were missing. Not to mention a cover of the Traveling Wilburys' "Handle With Care" featuring Ben Gibbard, Conor Oberst, and M. Ward that actually manages to trump the original (all while annoying legions of Bright Eyes and Death Cab haters).
Recommended Tracks: "Handle With Care", "Happy", "Born Secular"
Test-Icicles - For Screening Purposes Only (Domino)
Stupid name aside, these guys have been taking a lot of undeserved flak in the past couple of months. Granted, much of this flak stems from the band getting heaps of praise thrown at them by the NME - which you know, happens to nearly every group of boys ever photographed anywhere near a guitar - but for at least breaking the recycled new wave Brit band mold Test-Icicles are deserving of at least a little press. Rather than emulating Gang of Four or Joy Division, these guys have spent more time listening to American hardcore bands. The easiest starting point I can think of is throwing Blood Brothers and Glassjaw into a blender, but I don't think that does justice to the Icicles' willingness to jump on an actual melody or hook from time to time. Granted this is absolutely nothing new, but if the more straightforward nu-Britpop bands like Editors and Arctic Monkeys bore you to tears (which, really, neither of them should) - Test-Icicles just may scream some life back into your eardrums.
Recommended Tracks: "Sharks", "Circle, Square, Triangle", "Boa vs. Python"
Jan 24, 2006
np: "Losing Generation" - Bad Religion
Last April Epitaph Records decided it was time to give a much needed update to the awesome Bad Religion back catalog by remastering and reissuing the band's early albums, which I personally appreciated for the new Suffer alone. However there was one album that somehow didn't make it into this round of remasters. In fact this particular album has been out of print since shortly after its initial pressing and there certainly don't seem to be any plans to rectify this situation any time soon. The album I'm speaking of is the "lost" (read: conveniently forgotten) early Bad Religion effort Into The Unknown, the follow-up to the landmark 1982 debut How Could Hell Be Any Worse. Why is such a pivotal part of Bad Religion's early development virtually unavailable and unknown to even many of their own fans? I'm guessing it has a lot to do with the synths. Rather than push the faster/harder/louder approach to punk rock that many of their Southern California hardcore peers were milking in those years, the band decided to take things in a different direction - into the unknown, if you will. And apparently in Brett Gurewitz and Greg Graffin's world the "unknown" is a place where punk rock not-so-magically collides with the world of synth-heavy corporate rock ala Journey and Van Halen. Sound pretty awful? It is, for the most part anyway. There are a couple of moments when the band actually sounds like they might be trying something new, but for the most part it sounds like they woke up one morning filed in the wrong genre and decided to give it a go anyway. Little surprise that the album was widely trashed and quickly "forgotten" by nearly everyone involved with the band. But don't just take my word for it - click on the link above and listen to "Losing Generation", a fairly representative track, for yourself (that file is a vinyl rip, so don't expect crystal clear sound). One could easily argue in favor of this album by saying that the band couldn't get much more punk rock than pissing off thousands of fans with half-hearted synth-pop, but I think that would be giving them a little too much credit. Now don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of the band and they rebounded very well from this mis-step and created some downright essential 80's punk rock, but I don't like it when any bands go to lengths to bury parts of their recorded pasts. Into the Unknown certainly isn't a great album by any means, but there are some worthwhile moments and I think it deserves to be heard by fans and other interested students of 80's punk rock - if only to get a peek at another side of the band or to get a taste of the way the decade could have gone. Hell, maybe a quality remastering job would reveal some new depths and layers to this album and pave the way to a widespread critical re-evaluation of it - but I'm not going to hold my breath on that one.
(Thanks to Strange Reaction for bringing this album back to my attention, without stumbling across that site I may have also forgotten about this one completely. Try here to get more tracks from Into The Unknown.)
Jan 20, 2006
np: "According To Plan" - I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness
A couple years ago a friend of mine hooked me up with a little EP that had been produced by Britt Daniel of Spoon fame and released on the Emperor Jones label. The name of the band, I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness, was awesome enough for the disc to warrant my full attention. The EP itself turned out to be a great discovery, five tracks of post-punk inspired pop that was never short on hooks. After spinning it countless times over the following months, the band kind of fell off my radar and I failed to really give them much attention at all. But as soon as I heard that they were about to (finally) drop the full-length debut on Secretly Canadian, I pulled the disc out and fell for it all over again. From what I've heard so far the new album isn't as hook-driven and immediately catchy as the EP was, but strikes a more consistent and atmospheric tone. It doesn't hit stores until March, in the midst of a quick national tour, but in the meantime click on the link below the awesome cover art above to download a preview track from the label. I'll definitely be posting more about this one when I've had time to properly digest it.
The reviews are slow to come at the start of this year, but my recent review of the pretty bland and unexciting Gabin disc is up at Static.
Jan 16, 2006
np: "Shower Your Love" - Kula Shaker
If you thought the return of Robyn was big news, you ain't heard nothin' yet. It seems that one Mr. Crispian Mills just wasn't making enough impact with his most recent band, The Jeevas, so he's decided to bring his old band off hiatus. That's right, the one and only Kula Shaker is reforming like Voltron to bring you more of that hippie-tinged Britpop that has been missing from your life for the past 6 or 7 years. If you aren't from Britain, you probably remember this band most either through their first U.S. hit, the middle-eastern flavored "Tattva", or through their cover of Deep Purple's "Hush" - included on the soundtrack to I Know What You Did Last Summer. If you still have no idea who I'm speaking of, Cripsian is the son of British actress Hayley Mills (original version of The Parent Trap) whom decided that there just wasn't enough mysticism and psychedelic influence in the Britpop boom of the mid-1990s. They had some decently performing singles in England and a debut album, K, that sold pretty well - but the bloated follow-up, Peasants, Pigs, and Astronauts fared much worse. Between harsh criticisms of the second album and the public's backlash to Crispian's pigheaded media presence, the band imploded and Mills retreated into near total oblivion before coming back several years later with The Jeevas. Details are scarce on what the band has planned, but a new website indicates that something is afoot. It's very unlikely that many people care about the band at this point, but maybe the dismally low expectations will result in a nice surprise when they release some new material. Thanks to my rabid obsession with any U.K. guitar bands back in the second half of the '90s - I was quick to gather as much as I could of bands hyped by the NME or Melody Maker, so I managed to fall for several of their singles. The link below the picture at the start of this entry includes a link to "Shower Your Love", one of my favorite songs the band released.
Jan 10, 2006
np: "Who's That Girl" - Robyn
I'm not sure how many of you remember your female pop singers from 1997, but the name "Robyn" might be floating around in the back of your minds somewhere. If not, let me jog your memories just a bit. Robyn was the blonde Swedish pixie that got quite a bit of exposure on pop radio and MTV nine years ago thanks to her back -to-back Top 10 singles "Do You Know (What It Takes)" and "Show Me Love", both from her debut album Robyn Is Here. After a third single failed to crack the same heights as the first two, she seemed to fade away into relative obscurity - relegated to the memories of pop chart geeks. As it turns out, she never completely went away. She's spent the years since her U.S. chart heyday cranking out several albums worth of decent, if not exactly earth-shattering, Europop. She also decided to strike out on her own by starting her own record label, Konichiwa, which put out her latest self-titled album in the latter part of 2005. Despite having relatively limited distribution, this album has burning up chatrooms and message boards all over the internet mostly due to the highly praised single "Konichiwa Bitches". This is high-energy Europop that fits well in with the recent material put out by Girls Aloud or the Sugababes, but with a little bit more of a twisted edge. Just check out the ego checking smackdowns she lays out on "Handle Me" and "Bum Like You" or the futuristic productions of "Robotboy" and "Crash and Burn Girl". While much of the attention has been focused on the aforementioned "Konichiwa Bitches", this album is a whole lot stronger than that one track. I'm not sure if, or when, this album will ever show up in American record shops, but for now click on the link under the picture and check out the excellent "Who's That Girl".
Jan 9, 2006
np: "Disorder (live @ The Factory 07/13/79)" - Joy Division
I've been immersing myself in plenty of Joy Division over the past couple of weeks, even more so than usual, mostly thanks to my wonderful girlfriend giving me the Heart and Soul box set for Christmas. I'd been drooling over that thing for years now, but for one reason or another I had always managed to talk myself out of dropping the cash for it. It took me about 30 seconds of perusing the amazing packaging and liner notes to see how amazing this set was, to say absolutely nothing of the music within. I'm still plowing my way through all the tracks that I hadn't already heard, but I'm completely enthralled by this band all over again. If you've ever even briefly considered picking up this set, by all means do so immediately - you won't regret it in the least. The only downside of all this great material comes when you realize how tragically short Ian Curtis' recording career was and you start to wonder what direction they would have gone had things turned out just a bit differently. But at least we have this wonderful document to console us.
I've also managed to find some spare time to give the new Strokes album a few spins, and I have to say I'm really liking what I've heard. First Impressions of Earth isn't as concise and hard-hitting as the previous two albums, it runs about 2-3 songs too long, but there really is some wonderful stuff going on throughout. I like Julian's decision to expose his natural vocals a little more, he actually sounds pretty damn good with all of the distortion peeled away. "You Only Live Once", "Ize of the World", "Razorblade", and "Heart In A Cage" are among my early favorites and all as stong as anything else in their catalog. I'm bummed that I missed the special show they played at Park West last week, but I'm really hoping to catch them when they hit Chicago for a full-fledged tour later this spring.
In other news, I've been cranking out a few more reviews over the past couple of weeks. My take on the interesting new Rasputina live album is up over at Static and I should have a several more coming up within the next couple of weeks.
I've been immersing myself in plenty of Joy Division over the past couple of weeks, even more so than usual, mostly thanks to my wonderful girlfriend giving me the Heart and Soul box set for Christmas. I'd been drooling over that thing for years now, but for one reason or another I had always managed to talk myself out of dropping the cash for it. It took me about 30 seconds of perusing the amazing packaging and liner notes to see how amazing this set was, to say absolutely nothing of the music within. I'm still plowing my way through all the tracks that I hadn't already heard, but I'm completely enthralled by this band all over again. If you've ever even briefly considered picking up this set, by all means do so immediately - you won't regret it in the least. The only downside of all this great material comes when you realize how tragically short Ian Curtis' recording career was and you start to wonder what direction they would have gone had things turned out just a bit differently. But at least we have this wonderful document to console us.
I've also managed to find some spare time to give the new Strokes album a few spins, and I have to say I'm really liking what I've heard. First Impressions of Earth isn't as concise and hard-hitting as the previous two albums, it runs about 2-3 songs too long, but there really is some wonderful stuff going on throughout. I like Julian's decision to expose his natural vocals a little more, he actually sounds pretty damn good with all of the distortion peeled away. "You Only Live Once", "Ize of the World", "Razorblade", and "Heart In A Cage" are among my early favorites and all as stong as anything else in their catalog. I'm bummed that I missed the special show they played at Park West last week, but I'm really hoping to catch them when they hit Chicago for a full-fledged tour later this spring.
In other news, I've been cranking out a few more reviews over the past couple of weeks. My take on the interesting new Rasputina live album is up over at Static and I should have a several more coming up within the next couple of weeks.
Dec 20, 2005
This is the fourth and final installment of via//chicago's 2005 year-end spectacular, the one in which I recap my favorite fifty albums of the year. I'm also digging the fact that this is the 300th post ever on the blog - not a huge milestone, but kinda cool nonetheless. Take a moment, peruse the list, throw a comment my way, and hopefully follow the links to check out something new to you. Click on the artist's name to visit their website, the album name for a good review (sometimes my very own - denoted with *), and the label's name for it's website.Part IV: The Albums
50. Blackalicious - The Craft (Anti)
49. Archer Prewitt - Wilderness (Thrill Jockey)
48. Boards of Canada - The Campfire Headphase (Warp)
47. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (self-released)
46. Bonnie "Prince" Billy & Matt Sweeney - Superwolf (Drag City)
45. The Magic Numbers - The Magic Numbers (Capitol)
44. Fiona Apple - Extraordinary Machine (Sony)
43. Lightning Bolt - Hypermagic Mountain (Load)
42. The Game - The Documentary (Aftermath/Interscope)
41. Pelican - The Fire in Our Throats Will Beckon the Thaw (Hydra Head)
40. Out Hud - Let Us Never Speak Of It Again (Kranky)
39. My Morning Jacket - Z (ATO/RCA)
38. The White Stripes - Get Behind Me Satan (V2)
37. The Go! Team - Thunder, Lightning, Strike (Sony)
36. Sleater-Kinney - The Woods (Sub Pop)
35. Sunn O))) - Black One (Southern Lord)
34. Animal Collective - Feels (Fat Cat)
33. Bright Eyes - Digital Ash In A Digital Urn (Saddle Creek)
32. DangerDoom - The Mouse and the Mask (Epitaph)
31. Engineers - Engineers (Echo)
30. Ryan Adams & The Cardinals - Cold Roses (Lost Highway)
29. The New Pornographers - Twin Cinema (Matador)
28. Sigur Ros - Takk (Geffen)
27. Dalek - Absence* (Ipecac)
26. Devendra Banhart - Cripple Crow (Young God)
25. The Kills - No Wow* (Rough Trade)
24. Death Cab For Cutie - Plans (Atlantic)
23. Franz Ferdinand - You Could Have It So Much Better (Domino)
22. Ryan Adams & The Cardinals - Jacksonville City Nights (Lost Highway)
21. Kanye West - Late Registration (Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam)
20. Maximo Park - A Certain Trigger (Warp)
They don't have the boundary crossing sex appeal of The Killers nor do they have the immediate dance-ready style of Franz Ferdinand, but what Maximo Park does have is plenty of attitude. It takes a special band to bring something fresh to the post-punk revival table in 2005 and this band's punchy, off-kilter brand of guitar rock manages to do just that - and then some.
Recommended tracks: "Apply Some Pressure", "Graffiti", "Going Missing"
19. Babyshambles - Down In Albion (Rough Trade)
It isn't exactly the stuff that rock and roll dreams are made of - crack addiction, legal troubles, imploding one of the brightest bands of the decade - but it certainly makes for a compelling story (or tabloid reading). Between rehab, dating Kate Moss, and court time; Pete Doherty managed to enter the studio and craft yet another album full of beautiful disasters. Take the "shambles" in the band name very seriously - this is a shambolic mess that aims for the gut and hits you right in the face.
Recommended Tracks: "Fuck Forever", "Albion", "8 Dead Boys"
18. Bright Eyes - I'm Wide Awake It's Morning (Saddle Creek)
No, he's not ever going to live up to all of those "next Dylan" descriptions thrown at him by the national media. Yes, he's probably going to remain pretty damn frustrating at times. But once you move past all the hype and backlash, you can simply focus on the music and revel in the work of one of the most gifted songwriters alive. Whether he is morphing Beethoven into a cathartic rock moment or dueting with Emmylou Harris, Conor Oberst manages to crank out the kind of heartfelt songs that others can only dream about writing.
Recommended Tracks: "Old Soul Song (For the New World Order)", "First Day of My Life", "Road To Joy"
17. Magnolia Electric Co. - Trials & Errors (Secretly Canadian)
Some might have thought it a risky move for Jason Molina to make his first official release under the Magnolia Electric Co name a live album, but this killer collection lays all fears to rest before the first track ends. Blending songs from both the Songs: Ohia era of his career and new tracks that featured on What Comes After the Blues (also 2005), this album manages to absolutely nail everything that Molina does right. Sometimes rocking, sometimes rolling, and sometimes just stumbling around aimlessly heartbroken - this set captures it all.
Recommended Tracks: "Dark Don't Hide It", "Ring the Bell", "Such Pretty Eyes For a Snake"
16. Spoon - Gimme Fiction (Merge)
It gets to be pretty predictable, doesn't it? Another Spoon album - another mind-blowing set of power-pop. Some might try and tell you that the band has fallen off since the last pair of albums, those people would be dead wrong. Just sit back and listen to the best white-boy funk since Beck got his Beezlebub haircut on with "I Turn My Camera On" or the gloriously catchy rock of "Sister Jack" and tell me they've lost a step. Not at all.
Recommended Tracks: "I Turn My Camera On", "Sister Jack", "My Mathematical Mind"
15. M83 - Before The Dawn Heals Us (Mute)
M83 on eleven. M83 times one thousand. M83 on crack. M83 goes widescreen. I heard all of these descriptions when it came to the new album - and damned it every one of them isn't 100% dead-on. Anthony Gonzalez tops the last album in a way that all of the Jerry Bruckheimers out there can love - bigger in every single way. More expansive and more cinematic suits this one just fine, let this soundtrack your own apocalypse. Besides, this deserved a spot just for that cover art alone.
Recommended Tracks: "Don't Save Us From the Flames", "Teen Angst", "Lower Your Eyelids to Die with the Sun"
14. Rachel Stevens - Come And Get It (Polydor)
Missing Britney and XTina this year? Forget 'em, and quick. While your favorite American pop princesses are fading into obscurity and irrelevancy, the British girls are taking over. Between Girls Aloud and former S Club 7 girl Rachel Stevens, the best pop being made right now is all on the other side of the pond. This is one of those few gems of a pop album that are consistently great from start to finish, well worth the trouble to track down.
Recommended Tracks: "Some Girls", "Negotiate With Love", "I Said Never Again (But Here We Are)"
13. Gorillaz - Demon Days (Virgin)
If you expected the Gorillaz to be a one-time novelty act that was never heard from again after the surprisingly decent debut album, I'm fairly certain you weren't alone. What nobody expected, however, was for them to come back with an album that blew away not only the first album - but also everyone that listened to it. Damon Albran ropes in stellar guest appearances from De La Soul, MF Doom, Ike Turner, and even Dennis freakin' Hopper to put together one killer piece of plastic. If Graham never comes back to Blur, let's keep him on this side project forever.
Recommended Tracks: "Feel Good Inc.", "DARE", "Dirty Harry"
12. Akron/Family - Akron/Family (Young God)
They may share a record label with Devendra Banhart, but labelling these guys as "just another freak folk" band would be selling them far too short. Michael Gira was quick to realize just what a great find this band was, snatching them up to be the backing band for his Angels of Light project. On their debut, however, the band proved that they were pure genius in their own right - rolling and soaring through the twists and turns that would make the Animal Collective proud, all while maintaining a strong sense of songcraft.
Recommended Tracks: "Italy", "Running, Returning", "Shoes"
11. The National - Alligator (Beggar's Banquet)
You know that feeling at the end of the night when you've had a little bit too much to drink and you start reeling from all the things going wrong in your life? When you can practically hold the moment it all went wrong in your hands, but you still sit there grasping at dreams of glory that disappear into thin air? When you realize that you should probably just let it go and head off to bed, but you order another double instead? These guys do - and manage to make it sound absolutely beautiful.
Recommended Tracks: "Mr. November", "Abel", "Secret Meeting"
10. Broken Social Scene - Broken Social Scene (Arts & Crafts)
If it ain't one Canadian supergroup, it's another. As the New Pornographers started to reveal the first chinks in the armor, Broken Social Scene stepped up big time and proved that every word of blog hype was justified. This one certainly isn't as easily accesible as You Forgot It In People and it's obvious that the band probably spent more time and energy on production than Kanye West does, but none of this makes it any less of a thrilling ride. Repeated listens reveal the subtleties and layers buried within, the textbook definition of a initially disappointing album that grows into a truly great record.
Recommended Tracks: "Fire Eye'd Boy", "7/4 Shoreline", "It's All Gonna Break"
9. Okkervil River - Black Sheep Boy (Jagjaguwar)
Move over Colin Meloy, Will Sheff is the new thinking man's literary indie rocker. Alright - maybe not the best of comparisons, but the two bands do have quite a bit in common. Highly narrative lyrics and a masterful sense of drama are attributes of both bands, but in 2005 is was Sheff and Okkervil River that spun the better tale. Working a concept album loosely based on a single song, Sheff keeps this album flowing smoothly from start to finish - just like a good book it's something you won't be able to put down.
Recommended Tracks: "Black", "A Glow", "A Stone"
8. LCD Soundsystem - LCD Soundsystem (DFA)
James Murphy built a steady reputation over the past several years through both his DFA label and the string of awesome singles released under the LCD Soundsystem moniker. The man became the uncontested king of disco-punk by the mid-point of 2004. Turns out the guy can crank out a pretty damn good full-length as well. The influences, as expected, are all over the map - The Beatles, Can, Brian Eno, on and on - but Murphy manages to blend them all into the perfect concoction to keep you dancing all night and recovering the next morning. Throwing in the classic singles as a bonus disc simply makes this the most essential party album of 2005.
Recommended Tracks: "Daft Punk is Playing at My House", "Disco Infiltrator", "Tribulations"
7. Sufjan Stevens - Illinois* (Ashmatic Kitty)
The reputation was initially gained by a crazy gimmick, yes, but Sufjan has managed to keep and slowly build that reputation through amazing albums and thrilling live shows. His 2005 trip through the Land of Lincoln was the most spectacular one yet, turning both historical figures and personal experiences into stunning and, at times, touching musical moments.
Recommended Tracks: "John Wayne Gacy Jr.", "Chicago", "The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts"
6. M.I.A. - Arular (XL)
Early hype led to undeserved early backlash as nearly everyone seemed to be "so over" Maya before 2005 was out. Fine, let the haters leave the album alone so I can enjoy this gem in peace. A true melting pot of world influences, M.I.A. threw down rhymes and hooks over beats that would make even your grandmother hit the floor. Sri Lanka, Brooklyn, London, Kingston - it doesn't matter where you are, this album will fill floors and bob heads worldwide.
Recommended Tracks: "Galang", "Sunshowers", "Hombre"
5. Opeth - Ghost Reveries (Roadrunner)
I'm not a huge fan of metal - never have been, probably never will be a hardcore fan of the genre in any of its many formats. Not that I don't respect or even like some of it, I just don't have the time nor patience to wade through the seemingly countless metal albums that appear each year. That's why I thank the internet daily for introducing me to this album, one of the grandest musical statements of the year - metal or not. Don't let the cookie monster growls throw you off the trail, because you will miss out on one of the most varied, brutal, and exciting excursions that any band has taken in 2005.
Recommended Tracks: "The Grand Conjuration", "Reverie/Harlequin Forest", "Isolation Years"
4. Dungen - Ta Det Lungt (Kemado)
I have no clue what Gustav Ejstes is singing about on this album, nor do I really want to know. Because with music this gorgeous, language doesn't matter in the least. He could be singing about lollipops and walking his pet llama for all I know - but that doesn't stop this from being one of the most enjoyable listens of the year. The secret is Ejstes attention to detail and mastery of multiple instruments, as he twists and turns his way though wonderful riffs, solos, and interludes. Best described as Swedish psych-rock, this is one album you will want to grab if even the merest mention of "psych" excites you. Hell even if it doesn't this one might be worth exploring.
Recommended Tracks: "Ta Det Lungt", "Festival", "Lipsill"
3. Wolf Parade - Apologies To The Queen Mary (Sub Pop)
The four-song EP from earlier this year was the perfect teaser for this massively hyped band, delivering several killer tunes while whetting appetites for the Issac Brock produced full-length to come later. By the time the album dropped in the fall, people (myself included) were drooling like raing madmen for this one. And unlike many over-hyped indie rock albums, this one delivered tenfold. Comparisons to Modest Mouse and Arcade Fire are obvious if not somewhat accurate and lazy, but Wolf Parade brings to the table an enchanting sound of their own as they stomp, holler, and wildly careen through twelve tracks of fun indie rock. Yeah I said, "fun indie rock". It's been far too long, hasn't it?
Recommended Tracks: "Same Ghost Every Night", "This Heart's On Fire", "Shine A Light"
2. The Hold Steady - Separation Sunday* (Frenchkiss)
Junkies, burnouts, born-agains, slackers, hookers, swindlers, liars, cheaters, hoodlums, punks, hoodrats, losers, users, abusers - they're all here. Craig Finn leads his band through another batch of highly narrative indie-cum-classic rock, this time telling a loose story about several lost souls searching for a good time, redemption, a savior, or sometimes all three. This is probably what Bruce Springsteen would have sounded like if he'd grown up about a decade later and in suburban Minneapolis.
Recommended Tracks: "Your Little Hoodrat Friend", "Stevie Nix", "Chicago Seemed Tired Last Night"
1. Bloc Party - Silent Alarm (Vice)
It kicks off with one of the best opening tracks of the last five years, "Like Eating Glass", and never lets up. Bloc Party meshes obvious post-punk influences with youthful fervor and churns out the best album of the year. Slightly political, often times epic, and always engaging - these young Brits aim high on every single track. While they don't always hit the mark, just listening to them try is enjoyment enough. This album is the sound of one of the brightest and most talented bands in years just finding their footing and preparing to take off into the stratosphere. It helps that they have both one of the best rhythm sections in rock and a compelling lead singer that knows how to write songs that connect on a multitude of levels.
Recommended Tracks: "So Here We Are", "Like Eating Glass", "Banquet"
