This is part 3 of my vinyl series. Lets be honest though, I'll probably talk about vinyl again at some point. Here are my tips and thoughts on buying vinyl:
Don't buy old albums new, first presses are ideal
I hate seeing this. I hate seeing someone buy an Elton John album new for like 20 dollars when you can get a used one for less than 5. Or buying Beatles albums new (and lots of people do as evidenced by Abby Road always sneaking on the top 10 most bought vinyl lists every year). Maybe its just me but I'd rather have an earlier pressing, with first pressing being ideal. Just the idea that the record has been around so long and is still playable is amazing to me. I like the cracks, imperfections, and that old unremastered sound. Having an original copy of an old record is like finding a dinosaur bone, you dust it off and admire it.
Plus it just seems lazy to up and buy a new copy. The elbow work is the most rewarding part, to be honest. I really want a Ramones album. I could easily buy a copy at any record store new but that feels cheap. Side note, one of the coolest finds I've come across is a Rocket to Russia test pressing complete with original factory papers.
However, there are exceptions. Say an original or early copies are almost impossible to find. This happens a lot with alternative bands from the 80's and up (especially the 90's when vinyl was being phased out). For example, The Unicorns are rereleasing their album Who Will Cut... on vinyl and original copies of that album are pretty rare. I'm definitely picking that shit up as fast as I can. Or something slightly more minor like a copy of Joy Divisions Unknown Pleasures (which I have an original copy of, whateves), its a hard album to get and won't show up at most places so I can see buying this one new (for the record, pretty cheap new. Around 14.99 and worth it). Pretty much what I'm saying are records that had small original pressings, cult favorites, and unappreciated albums are on the table.
Buy eccentric types of music
Something that vinyl does is that it makes music you usually wouldn't be into sound alright because of the overall feeling of the vinyl experience and how its outside how people usually listen to music at the moment. I recently bought an album by Washington Phillips and its legitly one of my favorite things to listen to, despite it being a gospel album sung by one man and his homemade instrument. I don't listen to orchestras but I will on vinyl because it just feels fancy. I hate listening to music with a non-english speaking singers but I'm totally buying a copy of Francoise Hardy's debut album next time I go to Acme. Pick up some Bossa Nova shit or something. Some Celtic Folk. I guarantee that you'll love it when you put it on. You won't like it anywhere else but this stuff will be your shit on vinyl.
Rap is great on vinyl
I guess the title of this section really says it all. Maybe its because it conjures up images of a DJ spinning wax at a club or maybe its because rap is more lyrics based which comes through on vinyl a lot more.
The cover
Album covers are important because they are going to be alllll up in your grill due to the large size of a record. What I do is imagine my future kids rummaging through my old collection and seeing a cover that catches their eye, like how Leonard Cohen's Songs of Love and Hate catches my eye. It can't look overly cheesy or two much and it always has to fill the entirety of the cover. Green Day's Dookie has a great cover! I bought it mostly because the cover is awesome. In contrast, I am very close to having all the Arcade Fire albums but I whenever I run into their album Neon Bible, I can't buy it because the cover doesn't translate that well to vinyl. The black looks like an off black, probably due to the lighted lines that border the album, but that small detail makes me unable to buy it.
Also on a related note, I prefer gatefolds. They make a record feel more put together than just a regular sleeve.
Pre-order
Vinyl preorders are fun. A lot of artists have special limited edition presses that are colored or something cool like that and become quite the collectors item. So if your favorite band is releasing an album in the future, I recommend checking to see if they have a cool deal going on. The Hold Steady announced their new album and they had a limited edition gold vinyl and they quickly sold out (I got my copy). Usually they are a bit more expensive, especially if you include shipping, but if your a fan I think its worth it. Gaslight Anthem is a band, for example, that have great deals like that. They are both releasing a picture disc with 3 extra tracks and a white and red splatter disc...pretty cool stuff.
Don't buy something that is too produced or glossy.
I usually don't like to buy vinyls from big artists on major labels because the sound is pretty produced and glammed up, which takes away that fun vinyl-y sound. Its like hey I might as well be listening to a CD. One of my favorite albums is Midnight Organ Fight by Frightened Rabbit, so when they announced a RSD release of it, obviously, I picked it up. It just doesn't add anything new by listening to it on vinyl. In my experience, you'll get this effect with more of the fad bands, say like, Smallpools or The Neighbourhood or Daughter.
Don't buy off Amazon, go to a store and save a few bucks
A lot of time, Amazon will overcharge on vinyl (shipping included) so recommend finding a nice record store. A chain most likely will have lower prices, whereas smaller stores have to overcharge to stay afloat. I bought Sylvan Esso at Acme and spent 20 dollars on it but at The Exclusive its sold for 14.99. On the flip side, however, I find that smaller stores have lower prices on used items because the store owner has to use common sense and he is most likely a seasoned collector. A recently bought one of my favorite albums of all time Passover by Black Angels on vinyl for 13 dollars, a miracle given its hard to find for lower than 20 since its a double and gatefold (am I obnoxious yet?)
Have a list of dream vinyl and never let go of them
If you want to have this be a long-term hobby, make a dream vinyl list. It'll keep you searching and interested in the format. Your heart will skip and your arms will spasm in embarrassing ways when you find one of your dream albums. It'll keep you going. Always on the look out. Just some of my dream ones are:
The Coroners Gambit by Mountain Goats, Both albums by The Drums, Go Tell Fire to the Mountain by Wu LYF, New Wave by Against Me!, The first three Hold Steady albums (I'd go bananas if I got my hands on them), Why There Are Mountains by Cymbals Eat Guitars, Zen Arcade by Husker Du (cheap!), Dub Housing by Pere Ubu, an original Rain Dogs by Tom Waits, Struggleville by Listener, Her Jazz by Huggy Bear, Blinking Lights by Eels, an original Rodriguez record, and Small Talk at 125th and Lenox by Gil Scott Heron.
20 dollar and over
If something is over 20 bucks, be sure the benefits outweigh the cost. Usually the more expensive ones are albums that are either in limited quantity (the Mowglis) or a big name artist (Conor Obert's newest is like 28 dollars). The limited quantity ones are obviously on a track to become collectors items, but you also run the risk of it becoming a bargain bin album 10 years down the line since it could be limited run because they're not a big name and will remain that way. The big price for big name artists, I find, maintain their value pretty well over time. You'll see this in older albums a lot. After the Beatles had a slew of great albums, they released Sergeant Pepper and I'm not sure but I'd say that one was probably a "upper 20 dollar album" (quotations because record prices weren't that high back then) because there's a good chance of running into early Beatles albums used but a Pepper is a pretty rare thing to find and when it is, its more on the pricey side. It maintained its value because it was probably a big hit pricey album so not everyone grabbed a copy so eagerly. Thats my theory, I could be wrong because it was a super important album from the worlds biggest band so obviously it was bought. Pretty much what I'm saying is that there's a reason some albums are priced so high. By the way, I got mine from a garage sale but it was in rough condition and the owner just wanted everything gone.
For me, I prefer minimalist vocal works
I feel that more vocal works translate better to vinyl, bangers tend to get pretty messy and don't match the ambience of what I'm usually going for. Plus a lot of the faster paced albums I have usually skip so maybe that taints my attitude a bit. Here's an example because I'm using a lot of examples anyway: I have an original copy of Passion Pit's first album,which sounds a little less glossy and not as maximalist as their second, and it's a pleasure to listen to. Their second album though is more hook laden and loud and doesn't translate that well to vinyl. Plus they were annoying and made it a double lp and its such a bitch to have to change the record after 3 songs.
Albums with longer songs
Albums with long songs are nice because where the hell are you going to go, you have to listen to them haha. And appreciate them. They're more tolerable. Out in the world, short catchy songs are ideal because the world is always hustling and bustling so your music has to keep up. On vinyl, you're stuck in a room. I bought Arcade Fire's newest and most of the songs are long and that album is amazing on vinyl. Honestly, that album is a great vinyl album. I remember buying that album, getting back to my apartment, and just dancing crazy to it. You don't mind the length of the songs because you get caught up in it.
Final note because I don't think I have another tip, my standup debut it coming up on Wednesday. I literally don't know if my jokes are funny because I've been repeating them to myself for the past month now. I'm funny conversationally, but I have my reservations about being the center of attention without having somebody to bounce off of so hopefully this works out. I don't feel like I'm nervous. It could be that I'm not thinking about the actual day or it could be that I'm just not nervous. I mean, I've done presentations in school and those usually just turn out to be me doing stand up anyway. I like feeling nervous though, to be honest. It makes you feel alive, like its great to feel something so much that your voice trembles as well as your body. I probably won't win, obviously. I'm having enough trouble just getting 5 people to come lol. It'd be nice to win that prestigious 20 dollars though, you know, just so I can pay for my drinks there aka they have pricey drinks. Eh, plus if I win I'll have two more sets I'll have to come up with by the end of the year. I'm just hoping I don't bomb.
Friday, July 25, 2014
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
My Top Albums so Far 2014
This hasn't been that big of an exciting new album release year, or maybe I just can't remember. There hasn't been many albums that I listened to and did my "wow this is super good" whisper while driving (last time being listening to Modern Vampires of the City by Vampire Weekend). I was optimistically excited about the new Clap Your Hands Say Yeah album but it didn't do anything for me, too atmospheric for me. However, there have been a few albums that I picked up and loved (in no order):
Courtney Barnett- Double ep: A Sea of Split Peas
This was technically released in 2013 but it didn't come out in the US until April 15th and as I always say, nothing matters outside of the US. I'm a big lyrics buy and her stream of thought splurges are witty and interesting to follow. I constantly have the line "The paramedic thinks I'm clever cos I play guitar/ I think she's clever cos she stops people dying" in my head from Avant Gardner. She flings off words casually and really folks it up towards the end. An album made up of two different eps, but it collectively makes up a nice listening experience.
Against Me!- Transgender Dysphoria Blues
The singer is currently going through the process of becoming a woman and this album was her way of putting together a powerful state of address on her transformation. Their punk core is maintained throughout the album but still uses their mainstream minded skills obtained from their last album to keep the songs catchy. I definitely recommend FUCKMYLIFE666 or Black Me Out.
Cloud Nothings- Here and Nowhere Else
My friend and I were at the Exclusive Company in Milwaukee and they were playing this album and my friend turns to me and says "what's this shit they're playing" and in my head I thought to myself "this shit is Cloud Nothings". I was pretty excited for this album coming out since I enjoyed their last album a comfortable degree and wanted to see how they'd up the ante. They definitely did! More aggressive, more yelling, more hooks.
Conor Oberst- Upside Down Mountain
From reading through old reviews of his old albums Bright Eyes to now, I've noticed that the only album that was universally praised Wide Awake, although I've loved everything he's put out give or take an album or two, but he's amassed this devoted following of fans because of his vulnerable voice that is constantly on the edge of tearing up or finding a new revelation and lyrics that sum up how it feels to be on that edge. When this album was announced, I was super excited, so much so that I broke my own rule of waiting until release day to listen to it. I wasn't disappointed, even though it wasn't that "smash" album I wanted him to have. He said in an interview that he doesn't believe that he's the best singer in the world but if he has a melody in his head he can make something great, and I think this album is definitely a testament to his strengths. My two personal favorite songs: Kick and You Are Your Mother's Child.
The Hold Steady- Teeth Dreams
In my head, there is no fucking band in the entire world (besides Neutral Milk Hotel, of course) that is better than the Hold Steady. They've been called all the best live band in the world and the best bar band on the scene. They write songs about the little moments: those drunken nights that everyone wants to forget, those small town connections from Hallelujah to Charlemagne to everyone's hoodrat friend, those massive nights in the party pits bumping into people that don't even know you; The Hold Steady talks for the everyman and weave a tale of such specificity that somehow still connects to everyone. They saw the pomp and pretension that was taking over the indie scene and said "hey, I just want to play some music you can old school rock to" and they did. The indie scene almost lives off being ironic towards "rock'n'roll" but they're has to be a part of even the douchiest hipster that just wants a guitar solo that'll burn the skin right off their fucking face or music they can jump around to and strain their neck banging along to because if there isn't then they might have to reanalyze their musical priorities. To say the least, Teeth Dreams was announced and I ordered it straight away (on gold vinyl). They've toned down their punkier influences and turned up their Foo Fighter rock sensibility but nothing is lost in the transition. Craig Finn is literally one of the greatest lyricists in music and continues that with this album. I'll admit the vocals sound a bit more muddied than they should but I still love it. I'd say this isn't their best album...but the Hold Steady not at their best is better than the majority of bands.
Sylvan Esso- Self-titled
This album came out of nowhere. I listened to it on a whim and was blown away. A mixture of folk and electronic #whatwhat. Hey Mami I'm pretty sure is my song of the year so far. So catchy, beautiful vocals that are cast out with such ease, and dancey. Even if everything I've written so far is largely ignored because no one really wants to listen to music suggested to them, either because it's a pain to assert themselves that much or they feel they already know the kind've music they like, I highly suggest checking out this band. Catchy enough for a casual listener and difficult enough for a seasoned ear. Hell, check out everything I mention in this post, don't be a snob, am I right? Dip some toes.
I actively searched every album that was released this year and these are the ones that I felt were noteworthy but haven't listened to them yet (due to my need to physically have them in my hand) or I albums that I felt should've been better or something.
Angel Olsen- Burn Your Fire for No Witness
I bought this right when it came out. Her album Half Way Home was such a nice piece of depressing emotive music and after I listened to her single I sent my friend a text saying this album is going to be huge. I listened to it and I'm still iffy on it. It's getting a lot of critical acclaim right now, but everytime I listen to it I just don't feel blown away. I've listened to it a few times but still can't really remember any song from it. I still recommend it, for sure, in hopes that someone will get more attached to it. Not a bad album and I'll probably relisten to it tonight actually.
Parquet Court- Sunbathing Animal
This band is just straight up fun. They're lead single "Sunbathing Animal" was described as a fan jumping on stage and yelling nonsense into the microphone and until the moment I listened to it, I had no idea thats exactly what I wanted. I haven't listened to the album yet, but it's getting some kind words from critics and I've sampled a few songs and they make me very happy since punk has been said to be on it's dying legs for years but bands like this are keeping it, not only, off life support but spitting in everyone's face and fucking their girlfriends/boyfriends.
Fucked Up- Glass Boys
I could say everything I said for Parquet Court for Fucked Up, with the exception that Fucked Up is way more aggressive. Their previous album David Comes to Life was a masterpiece in punk and was given album of the year nods all around. Glass Boys isn't as good from what I've heard so far, but I recommend it for people that like metal-ish vocals. Nice brutal band for whiskey drinking punks.
Seawolf- Song Spells, No.1: Cedarsmoke
This was a kickstarter album and I've only been able to find it on youtube. I haven't listened to it yet but the one song I listened to was good and a throwback to early Seawolf. If you're a Seawolf fan, check it babydoll.
Gaslight Anthem- B-sides
Not an album album but I liked it better than their last official album. Amazing acoustic takes and fun non-album songs. She Loves You is a song I want to sing with a group of friends around a bonfire. The only song I don't enjoy is their take on State of Love and Trust mainly because I heard Pearl Jam's version and it sounds too similar. Really good album of songs.
Phox- Phox
I've written about them before. Since it's been released, I've sampled some songs but they seem kinda slow so they might be in the mood songs. I'll listen to it eventually, especially since I have tickets to their show at Turner hall in August. Monica's vocals are amazing, nonetheless.
Jack White- Lazaretto
A must have for a vinyl collector because of the craziness he put into it. I haven't listened it but I'm assuming it'll be great because he's Jack White and everything he does has a tinge of awesome.
First Aid Kit- Stay Gold
I listened to this album today for the first time and I was pretty impressed. Their harmonizing kinda gets on my nerves because it sounds a bit country but so far I like it a lot. If you want nice driving by a big field music, this is definitely it. These girls got it going on. Off topic, listen to King of the World from their last album because it has a guest verse sung by Conor Oberst.
Orwells- Disgraceland
Fun Fun band! I can't say they're changing the world but they are a cool as fuck band. I saw them on David Letterman and the frontman is exactly the kind of frontman I want to see perform. He's crazy and charismatic. Fun punk album, I haven't listened to it all the way through yet but it's album that you can listen to even if you aren't into punk because it's still un-abrasive enough to be listenable.
Kishi Bashi- Lighght
His first album is gold. Haven't listened to the new one yet but it's sounds like real classy stuff.
Black Keys- Turn Blue
Is this album big right now? I feel like I haven't heard anything from it. I don't listen to the radio so maybe thats why, but I just haven't heard any hype behind the album.
Eels- The Cautionary Tales of Mark Oliver Everett
I feel bad that I don't like this album more, but I wish it was more upbeat at times. He's gone through so much tragedy in his life (his dad came up with the multiple universe theory and killed himself, his sister killed herself, and his mom died on cancer) so it's understandable an album titled to sound like a story of the man's life, who is lovingly renamed E, is filled with slower songs. Maybe it's a grower. I recommend the entire Eel's catalogue, my personal favorites being Electro-Shock Blues and Hombre Lobo, and Blinking Lights.
Fanfarlo- Let's Go Extinct
Haven't listened yet, but they haven't released a bad album yet and can't see this being any different. Just bringing some attention to the band haha.
Strand of Oaks- HEAL
He opened for Tallest Man on Earth and my friend and I weren't that impressed. I'm sampled a few songs from his new album and there is a noticeable change in his music that gives each song a new sense of urgency and stronger vocals. It's getting great reviews. It sounds so good, thus far, that I'm considering going to his 10 dollar show at the Pabst.
clipping.- CLPPNG
Rap album, it sounds real dope. Holy fast rapping on the song Get Up. I was impressed with the album
Future Islands- Singles
They are everything about 80's synth rock that you hate to admit you love. Check out their performance on David Letterman and try not to be interested in seeing them at Turner Hall in August. I listened to the album and thought it was really good and dance-able. Their passionate performance style adds a lot to the mystique of the band. Love them, please love them.
James Vincent Mcmorrow- Post Tropical
A nice classy heartfelt album. I saw him live and oh boy was everything jazzed up. It was a surprisingly powerful performance and recommend seeing him live. I'm good with his recorded stuff but he blew me away live. Think Justin Vernon of Bon Iver with even more soul.
Phantogram- Voices
I don't have much to say about their new album, I've only given it one listen, but I'd give a solid B. It grooves just as much as their first album but I think it lacks the stand out tracks like When I'm Small and Mouthful of Diamonds #thehits
Protomartyr- Under Color of Official Right
Haven't really listened but just wanted to point them out for anyone who likes punk (or post-punk to be more specific). I listened to a song or two and was interested.
Ought- More Than Any Other Day
As of right now, they are at the top of my to buy vinyl list. Short album but it packs a punch.
Owen Pallet- In Conflict
If you like the pomp and pretension I mentioned earlier, check out Owen Pallett and his previous incarnation Final Fantasy (not meant as an insult). He's classically trained and knows what he's doing.
St. Vincent- Self titled
I like this album but it just doesn't ever feel like an album I want to listen to at anytime. It sneaks up on me sometimes and then I listen. I feel like it's the most confident she's sounded on record and thats backed up by her live performance where she needs a lot of confidence to be that choreographed. I'd say all around, its probably St. Vincent's best album if Actor didn't exist.
A Sunny Day in Glasgow- Sea When Absent
I already wrote about them: a nice chill album.
The Notwist- Close to the Glass
Sub Pop was toting an exciting signing made by them so naturally I was interested. Notwist was the reveal and I was pretty disappointed. I finally got around to listening to this album and it was good. I definitely recommend giving it a listen. Nice mix of electronic and relaxed vocals. Its a good album to just listen to when you're doing something else and make yourself feel cinematic.
The Coathangers- Suck My Shirt
I love my riot grrrl! There's maturation on this album (in relation from their debut where they couldn't play their instruments and had songs like Nestle in My Boobies and Shut the Fuck Up) but they sound as hard driven as they have on their last albums.
Sharon Van Etten- Are We There
I wish I could get into this album more, but I've never been a fan of slow moving songs. With that said, this album has been getting great reviews and I suggest giving it a try.
Beck- Morning Phase
Maybe there's something slightly wrong with me in my head...but I just wasn't feeling this album. Beck is one of those musical figures that when he puts a new album there's always going to be ready-made hype and instilled greatness no matter what he puts out. I thought the album was kind've boring, but to be fair, I wasn't too big a fan of the second half of Sea Change either. I remember being in my apartment and seeing Beck was finally releasing another album and the single is out, and I listened to that single, Blue Moon, and was super excited over it. I eventually got the album in my hands and in my car stereo and I was a bit underwhelmed because every song was that same downbeat motion, where its depressing but in a uplifting way, and it eventually just got straight up depressing.
Courtney Barnett- Double ep: A Sea of Split Peas
This was technically released in 2013 but it didn't come out in the US until April 15th and as I always say, nothing matters outside of the US. I'm a big lyrics buy and her stream of thought splurges are witty and interesting to follow. I constantly have the line "The paramedic thinks I'm clever cos I play guitar/ I think she's clever cos she stops people dying" in my head from Avant Gardner. She flings off words casually and really folks it up towards the end. An album made up of two different eps, but it collectively makes up a nice listening experience.
Against Me!- Transgender Dysphoria Blues
The singer is currently going through the process of becoming a woman and this album was her way of putting together a powerful state of address on her transformation. Their punk core is maintained throughout the album but still uses their mainstream minded skills obtained from their last album to keep the songs catchy. I definitely recommend FUCKMYLIFE666 or Black Me Out.
Cloud Nothings- Here and Nowhere Else
My friend and I were at the Exclusive Company in Milwaukee and they were playing this album and my friend turns to me and says "what's this shit they're playing" and in my head I thought to myself "this shit is Cloud Nothings". I was pretty excited for this album coming out since I enjoyed their last album a comfortable degree and wanted to see how they'd up the ante. They definitely did! More aggressive, more yelling, more hooks.
Conor Oberst- Upside Down Mountain
From reading through old reviews of his old albums Bright Eyes to now, I've noticed that the only album that was universally praised Wide Awake, although I've loved everything he's put out give or take an album or two, but he's amassed this devoted following of fans because of his vulnerable voice that is constantly on the edge of tearing up or finding a new revelation and lyrics that sum up how it feels to be on that edge. When this album was announced, I was super excited, so much so that I broke my own rule of waiting until release day to listen to it. I wasn't disappointed, even though it wasn't that "smash" album I wanted him to have. He said in an interview that he doesn't believe that he's the best singer in the world but if he has a melody in his head he can make something great, and I think this album is definitely a testament to his strengths. My two personal favorite songs: Kick and You Are Your Mother's Child.
The Hold Steady- Teeth Dreams
In my head, there is no fucking band in the entire world (besides Neutral Milk Hotel, of course) that is better than the Hold Steady. They've been called all the best live band in the world and the best bar band on the scene. They write songs about the little moments: those drunken nights that everyone wants to forget, those small town connections from Hallelujah to Charlemagne to everyone's hoodrat friend, those massive nights in the party pits bumping into people that don't even know you; The Hold Steady talks for the everyman and weave a tale of such specificity that somehow still connects to everyone. They saw the pomp and pretension that was taking over the indie scene and said "hey, I just want to play some music you can old school rock to" and they did. The indie scene almost lives off being ironic towards "rock'n'roll" but they're has to be a part of even the douchiest hipster that just wants a guitar solo that'll burn the skin right off their fucking face or music they can jump around to and strain their neck banging along to because if there isn't then they might have to reanalyze their musical priorities. To say the least, Teeth Dreams was announced and I ordered it straight away (on gold vinyl). They've toned down their punkier influences and turned up their Foo Fighter rock sensibility but nothing is lost in the transition. Craig Finn is literally one of the greatest lyricists in music and continues that with this album. I'll admit the vocals sound a bit more muddied than they should but I still love it. I'd say this isn't their best album...but the Hold Steady not at their best is better than the majority of bands.
Sylvan Esso- Self-titled
This album came out of nowhere. I listened to it on a whim and was blown away. A mixture of folk and electronic #whatwhat. Hey Mami I'm pretty sure is my song of the year so far. So catchy, beautiful vocals that are cast out with such ease, and dancey. Even if everything I've written so far is largely ignored because no one really wants to listen to music suggested to them, either because it's a pain to assert themselves that much or they feel they already know the kind've music they like, I highly suggest checking out this band. Catchy enough for a casual listener and difficult enough for a seasoned ear. Hell, check out everything I mention in this post, don't be a snob, am I right? Dip some toes.
I actively searched every album that was released this year and these are the ones that I felt were noteworthy but haven't listened to them yet (due to my need to physically have them in my hand) or I albums that I felt should've been better or something.
Angel Olsen- Burn Your Fire for No Witness
I bought this right when it came out. Her album Half Way Home was such a nice piece of depressing emotive music and after I listened to her single I sent my friend a text saying this album is going to be huge. I listened to it and I'm still iffy on it. It's getting a lot of critical acclaim right now, but everytime I listen to it I just don't feel blown away. I've listened to it a few times but still can't really remember any song from it. I still recommend it, for sure, in hopes that someone will get more attached to it. Not a bad album and I'll probably relisten to it tonight actually.
Parquet Court- Sunbathing Animal
This band is just straight up fun. They're lead single "Sunbathing Animal" was described as a fan jumping on stage and yelling nonsense into the microphone and until the moment I listened to it, I had no idea thats exactly what I wanted. I haven't listened to the album yet, but it's getting some kind words from critics and I've sampled a few songs and they make me very happy since punk has been said to be on it's dying legs for years but bands like this are keeping it, not only, off life support but spitting in everyone's face and fucking their girlfriends/boyfriends.
Fucked Up- Glass Boys
I could say everything I said for Parquet Court for Fucked Up, with the exception that Fucked Up is way more aggressive. Their previous album David Comes to Life was a masterpiece in punk and was given album of the year nods all around. Glass Boys isn't as good from what I've heard so far, but I recommend it for people that like metal-ish vocals. Nice brutal band for whiskey drinking punks.
Seawolf- Song Spells, No.1: Cedarsmoke
This was a kickstarter album and I've only been able to find it on youtube. I haven't listened to it yet but the one song I listened to was good and a throwback to early Seawolf. If you're a Seawolf fan, check it babydoll.
Gaslight Anthem- B-sides
Not an album album but I liked it better than their last official album. Amazing acoustic takes and fun non-album songs. She Loves You is a song I want to sing with a group of friends around a bonfire. The only song I don't enjoy is their take on State of Love and Trust mainly because I heard Pearl Jam's version and it sounds too similar. Really good album of songs.
Phox- Phox
I've written about them before. Since it's been released, I've sampled some songs but they seem kinda slow so they might be in the mood songs. I'll listen to it eventually, especially since I have tickets to their show at Turner hall in August. Monica's vocals are amazing, nonetheless.
Jack White- Lazaretto
A must have for a vinyl collector because of the craziness he put into it. I haven't listened it but I'm assuming it'll be great because he's Jack White and everything he does has a tinge of awesome.
First Aid Kit- Stay Gold
I listened to this album today for the first time and I was pretty impressed. Their harmonizing kinda gets on my nerves because it sounds a bit country but so far I like it a lot. If you want nice driving by a big field music, this is definitely it. These girls got it going on. Off topic, listen to King of the World from their last album because it has a guest verse sung by Conor Oberst.
Orwells- Disgraceland
Fun Fun band! I can't say they're changing the world but they are a cool as fuck band. I saw them on David Letterman and the frontman is exactly the kind of frontman I want to see perform. He's crazy and charismatic. Fun punk album, I haven't listened to it all the way through yet but it's album that you can listen to even if you aren't into punk because it's still un-abrasive enough to be listenable.
Kishi Bashi- Lighght
His first album is gold. Haven't listened to the new one yet but it's sounds like real classy stuff.
Black Keys- Turn Blue
Is this album big right now? I feel like I haven't heard anything from it. I don't listen to the radio so maybe thats why, but I just haven't heard any hype behind the album.
Eels- The Cautionary Tales of Mark Oliver Everett
I feel bad that I don't like this album more, but I wish it was more upbeat at times. He's gone through so much tragedy in his life (his dad came up with the multiple universe theory and killed himself, his sister killed herself, and his mom died on cancer) so it's understandable an album titled to sound like a story of the man's life, who is lovingly renamed E, is filled with slower songs. Maybe it's a grower. I recommend the entire Eel's catalogue, my personal favorites being Electro-Shock Blues and Hombre Lobo, and Blinking Lights.
Fanfarlo- Let's Go Extinct
Haven't listened yet, but they haven't released a bad album yet and can't see this being any different. Just bringing some attention to the band haha.
Strand of Oaks- HEAL
He opened for Tallest Man on Earth and my friend and I weren't that impressed. I'm sampled a few songs from his new album and there is a noticeable change in his music that gives each song a new sense of urgency and stronger vocals. It's getting great reviews. It sounds so good, thus far, that I'm considering going to his 10 dollar show at the Pabst.
clipping.- CLPPNG
Rap album, it sounds real dope. Holy fast rapping on the song Get Up. I was impressed with the album
Future Islands- Singles
They are everything about 80's synth rock that you hate to admit you love. Check out their performance on David Letterman and try not to be interested in seeing them at Turner Hall in August. I listened to the album and thought it was really good and dance-able. Their passionate performance style adds a lot to the mystique of the band. Love them, please love them.
James Vincent Mcmorrow- Post Tropical
A nice classy heartfelt album. I saw him live and oh boy was everything jazzed up. It was a surprisingly powerful performance and recommend seeing him live. I'm good with his recorded stuff but he blew me away live. Think Justin Vernon of Bon Iver with even more soul.
Phantogram- Voices
I don't have much to say about their new album, I've only given it one listen, but I'd give a solid B. It grooves just as much as their first album but I think it lacks the stand out tracks like When I'm Small and Mouthful of Diamonds #thehits
Protomartyr- Under Color of Official Right
Haven't really listened but just wanted to point them out for anyone who likes punk (or post-punk to be more specific). I listened to a song or two and was interested.
Ought- More Than Any Other Day
As of right now, they are at the top of my to buy vinyl list. Short album but it packs a punch.
Owen Pallet- In Conflict
If you like the pomp and pretension I mentioned earlier, check out Owen Pallett and his previous incarnation Final Fantasy (not meant as an insult). He's classically trained and knows what he's doing.
St. Vincent- Self titled
I like this album but it just doesn't ever feel like an album I want to listen to at anytime. It sneaks up on me sometimes and then I listen. I feel like it's the most confident she's sounded on record and thats backed up by her live performance where she needs a lot of confidence to be that choreographed. I'd say all around, its probably St. Vincent's best album if Actor didn't exist.
A Sunny Day in Glasgow- Sea When Absent
I already wrote about them: a nice chill album.
The Notwist- Close to the Glass
Sub Pop was toting an exciting signing made by them so naturally I was interested. Notwist was the reveal and I was pretty disappointed. I finally got around to listening to this album and it was good. I definitely recommend giving it a listen. Nice mix of electronic and relaxed vocals. Its a good album to just listen to when you're doing something else and make yourself feel cinematic.
The Coathangers- Suck My Shirt
I love my riot grrrl! There's maturation on this album (in relation from their debut where they couldn't play their instruments and had songs like Nestle in My Boobies and Shut the Fuck Up) but they sound as hard driven as they have on their last albums.
Sharon Van Etten- Are We There
I wish I could get into this album more, but I've never been a fan of slow moving songs. With that said, this album has been getting great reviews and I suggest giving it a try.
Beck- Morning Phase
Maybe there's something slightly wrong with me in my head...but I just wasn't feeling this album. Beck is one of those musical figures that when he puts a new album there's always going to be ready-made hype and instilled greatness no matter what he puts out. I thought the album was kind've boring, but to be fair, I wasn't too big a fan of the second half of Sea Change either. I remember being in my apartment and seeing Beck was finally releasing another album and the single is out, and I listened to that single, Blue Moon, and was super excited over it. I eventually got the album in my hands and in my car stereo and I was a bit underwhelmed because every song was that same downbeat motion, where its depressing but in a uplifting way, and it eventually just got straight up depressing.
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