Kamran
08-21-2006, 09:31 PM
Quasi – When the Going Gets Dark
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/quasiwhenthegoinggetsdark.jpg
Site (http://thequasi.com) | Listen (http://myspace.com/thequasi)
Sleater-Kinney might be finished, but drummer Janet Weiss is still going strong with Quasi. An experimental, indie-pop duo formed with her now ex-husband Sam Coones, Quasi is chaotic and abstract, and yet, the two also make brilliant pop songs behind Coones spastic piano performances and Weiss’ already proven drumming skills. People that bitch incessantly about the quality of pop music have certainly not listened to Quasi because When the Going Gets Dark proves that pop music can still be creative, interesting, and catchy. Quasi may be abstract, but that doesn’t make their latest any less sensational.
Overall: 4/5
RIYL: Built to Spill, Sonic Youth, Modest Mouse, Destroyer
Neko Case – Fox Confessor Brings the Flood
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/nekocasefoxconfessorbringstheflood.jpg
Site (http://nekocase.com) | Listen (http://myspace.com/nekocase)
It still bums me out that Neko Case’s set was cancelled at Sasquatch on a part of hail, but hey, Mother Nature will do what she pleases. At least we will always have Fox Confessor Brings the Flood, Case’s fourth studio album, and undoubtedly her best. Part of the Montreal pop supergroup The New Pornographers, Case’s solo material is rooted more in Americana, folk, and alt-country. Stunning compositions accompany Case’s truly gorgeous voice throughout the album, and her lyrics are nothing short of awing, or at least, engagingly unique. Any alt-country fan shouldn’t miss this album.
Overall: 4/5
RIYL: Jenny Lewis, Cat Power, Sufjan Stevens, Wilco
Murs and 9th Wonder – Murray’s Revenge
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/mursmurraysrevenge.jpg
Site (http://www.definitivejux.net/jukies/murs/) | Listen (http://myspace.com/murs)
Atmosphere might be the reigning champ of indie hip-hop, emo-hop, indie-hop, or whatever ridiculous bullshit you want to call it. But while Slug and Ant take the spotlight, Murs is an emcee with the little respect and loads of talent. On his newest release – Murray’s Revenge – with 9th Wonder, Murs raps on pretty standard subjects – money, girls, street life – but presents it with more contemplation and consideration than the standard emcee. The point is, Murs has the talent, but the lyrical material isn’t special enough to break him through into the spotlight overshadowed by his musically similar friends in Atmosphere.
Overall: 3/5
RIYL: Atmosphere, Heiruspecs, Mr. Lif, Aesop Rock
Calexico – Garden Ruin
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/calexicogardenruin.jpg
Site (http://casadecalexico.com) | Listen (http://myspace.com/casadecalexico)
Calexico is a slightly difficult band to place, but under a general definition Calexico is a rounded Americana act, with similarities to Wilco, Will Oldham, and Whiskeytown. For reasons unknown, Calexico’s newest, Garden Ruin slipped under a lot of radars, as it was released in April, and it is another swooping success for Calexico. If you’re into passionate, melodic Americana, then Garden Ruin is right up your alley. Unfortunately, Calexico didn’t tighten the album up with a few exceptional songs; it’s simply 11 good songs, without anything that makes your pants tight – except maybe “Letter to Bowie Knife,” which rocks.
Overall: 3.5/5
RIYL: Wilco, Will Oldham, M. Ward, Whiskeytown
Scissorfight - Jaggernaut
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/scissorfightjaggernaut.jpg
Site (http://scissorfight.com) | Listen (http://myspace.com/whitemountainrock)
Get in fights, tell people to fuck off, and drink – a lot. This is Scissorfight’s general attitude and message on just about everything: monster guitars, dirty vocals, and abrasive lyrics. On the band’s latest record, Jaggernaut, Scissorfight doesn’t break any new ground… but damn, they sure are doing a great job of convincing me to become a full-fledged alcoholic. This band and album will really pump up the testosterone – even in you ladies. Embrace your genitalia – and not in the shitty, retarded ways of Fight Paris – and have a night out in a dive with your best buds.
Overall: 2.5/5
RIYL: Clutch, Cougars, Dwarves The Sword
Cougars – Pillow Talk
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/cougarspillowtalk.jpg
Site (http://cougarsrock.com) | Listen (http://myspace.com/cougars)
Holy shit – talk about abrasive. The first time you listen to Cougars, it’ll be like jumping into a cold pool without testing the water first: shocking, confusing, but exhilarating. Formed from the ashes of ska band Hot Stove Jimmy, Cougars kept the horns section, but transformed into badass rock n’ roll, with one of the most traditionally terrible vocalists of all time – but fuck tradition. Matt Irie isn’t a pretty singer, but can he ever kick the shit. Like Scissorfight, Cougars are a total bar band. The difference is Cougars write catchier, funnier songs. Pillow Talk is highly recommended.
Overall: 3.5/5
RIYL: Clutch, Melvins, The Butthole Surfers, Scissorfight
The Futureheads – News and Tributes
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/futureheadsnewsandtributes.jpg
Site (http://thefutureheads.com) | Listen (http://myspace.com/thefutureheads)
Ok, let’s face it: Bloc Party fucking sucks. And you know your band fucking sucks when the remix album is way better. But it’s alright that they blow because the Futureheads don’t, and neither does their newest album News and Tributes: a post-punk spectacle. The Futureheads haven’t changed much in their formula since their 2004 self-titled debut, but they have strengthened their songwriting exponentially. The band utilizes a number of different dynamics, making News and Tributes a quality listen from start to finish. Songs like “Yes/No,” “Back to the Sea,” and “Return of the Berserker” are the album’s high points.
Overall: 4/5
RIYL: Bloc Party, The Clash, Hot Hot Heat, the Strokes
JR Ewing – Maelstrom
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/jrewingmaelstrom.jpg
Site (http://thejrewing.com) | Listen (http://myspace.com/thejrewing)
Norway’s JR Ewing is a prototypical post-hardcore band; but this isn’t to say they aren’t creative. Taking influences from At the Drive-In and Drive Like Jehu, JR Ewing reaches their sound through catchy guitar hooks, frantic vocals, and frequent tempo and dynamic shifts. The band’s latest album Maelstrom, released through Dim Mak here in the States, is a terrific record, but it isn’t really anything you haven’t heard before; just combine the RIYLs and that’s JR Ewing’s sound. But once again, it doesn’t make Maelstrom any less of an enjoyable listen.
Overall: 3/5
RIYL: At the Drive-In, Drive Like Jehu, Sparta, Fugazi
Slow Motion Reign - Slow Motion Reign
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/slowmotionreign.jpg
Site (http://slowmotionreign.com) | Listen (http://myspace.com/slowmotionreign)
Slow Motion Reign is the first band to release under Serj Tankian’s label, Serjical Strike – the worst label name ever. This self-titled debut is fucking weird - and I don’t necessarily mean the music - because it didn’t draw any emotion from me. I’m totally neutral on this album – maybe more so than any other album in the history of music. I have nothing great to say, but nothing terrible either. The press release wants me to believe they are the new Pink Floyd, but I can assure you that’s not true. At best, this is respectable radio rock.
Overall: 2/5
RIYL: Oasis, Dredg, System of a Down, Linkin Park
Elefant – The Black Magic Show
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/elefantblackmagicshow.jpg
Site (http://elefantweb.com) | Listen (http://myspace.com/elefant)
U2 and Morrissey are pansies. Don’t argue because you know it’s true. And Elefant, here, loves those whiners; but they also love The Cure, which is at least respectable. But here’s the skinny on Elefant’s newest album The Black Magic Show: It’s got the totally wimpy aspects of the aforementioned crooners, but for some mystical reason – hence the name of the album – it’s not that obnoxious or boring or ball-shrinking. It’s actually a pretty decent rock record – if you can call it that – and if vocalist Diego Garcia didn’t emulate megalomaniacal jerk-offs, The Black Magic Show could be completely badass.
Overall: 3/5
RIYL: U2, The Cure, Morrissey, Weezer
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/quasiwhenthegoinggetsdark.jpg
Site (http://thequasi.com) | Listen (http://myspace.com/thequasi)
Sleater-Kinney might be finished, but drummer Janet Weiss is still going strong with Quasi. An experimental, indie-pop duo formed with her now ex-husband Sam Coones, Quasi is chaotic and abstract, and yet, the two also make brilliant pop songs behind Coones spastic piano performances and Weiss’ already proven drumming skills. People that bitch incessantly about the quality of pop music have certainly not listened to Quasi because When the Going Gets Dark proves that pop music can still be creative, interesting, and catchy. Quasi may be abstract, but that doesn’t make their latest any less sensational.
Overall: 4/5
RIYL: Built to Spill, Sonic Youth, Modest Mouse, Destroyer
Neko Case – Fox Confessor Brings the Flood
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/nekocasefoxconfessorbringstheflood.jpg
Site (http://nekocase.com) | Listen (http://myspace.com/nekocase)
It still bums me out that Neko Case’s set was cancelled at Sasquatch on a part of hail, but hey, Mother Nature will do what she pleases. At least we will always have Fox Confessor Brings the Flood, Case’s fourth studio album, and undoubtedly her best. Part of the Montreal pop supergroup The New Pornographers, Case’s solo material is rooted more in Americana, folk, and alt-country. Stunning compositions accompany Case’s truly gorgeous voice throughout the album, and her lyrics are nothing short of awing, or at least, engagingly unique. Any alt-country fan shouldn’t miss this album.
Overall: 4/5
RIYL: Jenny Lewis, Cat Power, Sufjan Stevens, Wilco
Murs and 9th Wonder – Murray’s Revenge
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/mursmurraysrevenge.jpg
Site (http://www.definitivejux.net/jukies/murs/) | Listen (http://myspace.com/murs)
Atmosphere might be the reigning champ of indie hip-hop, emo-hop, indie-hop, or whatever ridiculous bullshit you want to call it. But while Slug and Ant take the spotlight, Murs is an emcee with the little respect and loads of talent. On his newest release – Murray’s Revenge – with 9th Wonder, Murs raps on pretty standard subjects – money, girls, street life – but presents it with more contemplation and consideration than the standard emcee. The point is, Murs has the talent, but the lyrical material isn’t special enough to break him through into the spotlight overshadowed by his musically similar friends in Atmosphere.
Overall: 3/5
RIYL: Atmosphere, Heiruspecs, Mr. Lif, Aesop Rock
Calexico – Garden Ruin
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/calexicogardenruin.jpg
Site (http://casadecalexico.com) | Listen (http://myspace.com/casadecalexico)
Calexico is a slightly difficult band to place, but under a general definition Calexico is a rounded Americana act, with similarities to Wilco, Will Oldham, and Whiskeytown. For reasons unknown, Calexico’s newest, Garden Ruin slipped under a lot of radars, as it was released in April, and it is another swooping success for Calexico. If you’re into passionate, melodic Americana, then Garden Ruin is right up your alley. Unfortunately, Calexico didn’t tighten the album up with a few exceptional songs; it’s simply 11 good songs, without anything that makes your pants tight – except maybe “Letter to Bowie Knife,” which rocks.
Overall: 3.5/5
RIYL: Wilco, Will Oldham, M. Ward, Whiskeytown
Scissorfight - Jaggernaut
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/scissorfightjaggernaut.jpg
Site (http://scissorfight.com) | Listen (http://myspace.com/whitemountainrock)
Get in fights, tell people to fuck off, and drink – a lot. This is Scissorfight’s general attitude and message on just about everything: monster guitars, dirty vocals, and abrasive lyrics. On the band’s latest record, Jaggernaut, Scissorfight doesn’t break any new ground… but damn, they sure are doing a great job of convincing me to become a full-fledged alcoholic. This band and album will really pump up the testosterone – even in you ladies. Embrace your genitalia – and not in the shitty, retarded ways of Fight Paris – and have a night out in a dive with your best buds.
Overall: 2.5/5
RIYL: Clutch, Cougars, Dwarves The Sword
Cougars – Pillow Talk
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/cougarspillowtalk.jpg
Site (http://cougarsrock.com) | Listen (http://myspace.com/cougars)
Holy shit – talk about abrasive. The first time you listen to Cougars, it’ll be like jumping into a cold pool without testing the water first: shocking, confusing, but exhilarating. Formed from the ashes of ska band Hot Stove Jimmy, Cougars kept the horns section, but transformed into badass rock n’ roll, with one of the most traditionally terrible vocalists of all time – but fuck tradition. Matt Irie isn’t a pretty singer, but can he ever kick the shit. Like Scissorfight, Cougars are a total bar band. The difference is Cougars write catchier, funnier songs. Pillow Talk is highly recommended.
Overall: 3.5/5
RIYL: Clutch, Melvins, The Butthole Surfers, Scissorfight
The Futureheads – News and Tributes
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/futureheadsnewsandtributes.jpg
Site (http://thefutureheads.com) | Listen (http://myspace.com/thefutureheads)
Ok, let’s face it: Bloc Party fucking sucks. And you know your band fucking sucks when the remix album is way better. But it’s alright that they blow because the Futureheads don’t, and neither does their newest album News and Tributes: a post-punk spectacle. The Futureheads haven’t changed much in their formula since their 2004 self-titled debut, but they have strengthened their songwriting exponentially. The band utilizes a number of different dynamics, making News and Tributes a quality listen from start to finish. Songs like “Yes/No,” “Back to the Sea,” and “Return of the Berserker” are the album’s high points.
Overall: 4/5
RIYL: Bloc Party, The Clash, Hot Hot Heat, the Strokes
JR Ewing – Maelstrom
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/jrewingmaelstrom.jpg
Site (http://thejrewing.com) | Listen (http://myspace.com/thejrewing)
Norway’s JR Ewing is a prototypical post-hardcore band; but this isn’t to say they aren’t creative. Taking influences from At the Drive-In and Drive Like Jehu, JR Ewing reaches their sound through catchy guitar hooks, frantic vocals, and frequent tempo and dynamic shifts. The band’s latest album Maelstrom, released through Dim Mak here in the States, is a terrific record, but it isn’t really anything you haven’t heard before; just combine the RIYLs and that’s JR Ewing’s sound. But once again, it doesn’t make Maelstrom any less of an enjoyable listen.
Overall: 3/5
RIYL: At the Drive-In, Drive Like Jehu, Sparta, Fugazi
Slow Motion Reign - Slow Motion Reign
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/slowmotionreign.jpg
Site (http://slowmotionreign.com) | Listen (http://myspace.com/slowmotionreign)
Slow Motion Reign is the first band to release under Serj Tankian’s label, Serjical Strike – the worst label name ever. This self-titled debut is fucking weird - and I don’t necessarily mean the music - because it didn’t draw any emotion from me. I’m totally neutral on this album – maybe more so than any other album in the history of music. I have nothing great to say, but nothing terrible either. The press release wants me to believe they are the new Pink Floyd, but I can assure you that’s not true. At best, this is respectable radio rock.
Overall: 2/5
RIYL: Oasis, Dredg, System of a Down, Linkin Park
Elefant – The Black Magic Show
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/missedalbums/elefantblackmagicshow.jpg
Site (http://elefantweb.com) | Listen (http://myspace.com/elefant)
U2 and Morrissey are pansies. Don’t argue because you know it’s true. And Elefant, here, loves those whiners; but they also love The Cure, which is at least respectable. But here’s the skinny on Elefant’s newest album The Black Magic Show: It’s got the totally wimpy aspects of the aforementioned crooners, but for some mystical reason – hence the name of the album – it’s not that obnoxious or boring or ball-shrinking. It’s actually a pretty decent rock record – if you can call it that – and if vocalist Diego Garcia didn’t emulate megalomaniacal jerk-offs, The Black Magic Show could be completely badass.
Overall: 3/5
RIYL: U2, The Cure, Morrissey, Weezer