thoughts on august
Stars - Set Yourself On Fire
Fucking love this album; fell in love with it half way through the first listen. Stars is going to get a lot of spins. In fact I don't know how I'll digest the rest of August's music as this album is on repeat. Full orchestral layers and ambient noise, yet simultaneously simple and clean, poppy even. You know an album is fantastic when you find yourself continually turning up the volume. Not that this is necessarily a loud record, in fact quite the contrary, at times it's very understated and subtle. Favorite song: Reunion.
Snow Patrol - Final Straw
I'm surprised Mike didn't recommend Spitting Games as the first song to check out on this Final Straw, as it's by far and away the best song. Snow Patrol fits in with Death Cab and Jimmy Eat World as an emo band that's actually listen-able and good. Straw got a lot of hype when it first came out and I don't think it really lives up to the hype, but it is a good record.
Death Cab for Cutie - Transatlanticism
Ben Gibbard strikes me as the kind of guy who spends most of his time crying in his bedroom by himself. He can't sing but he's not bashful about it which makes for a distinct voice as he's not trying to emulate anyone. This in combination with his overly romantic and idealistic lyrics makes for a winning combination that out shines pretty much every other emo band. He's not doing emo he's being emo, it's evident that his true emotions shine through. Title & Registration struck me the hardest at first listen; look for the video, it's pretty cool. Be sure to check out "the Photo Album" if you like Transatlanticism and if you're one of the very few that hasn't heard Gibbard's side project, the Postal Service, go buy it this minute as it's one of the best records I've ever heard.
Coldplay - X & Y
Arguably the biggest band on the planet's third album sounds much like their previous efforts. Solid the whole way though no real shockers, Coldplay simply makes good listenable music. This is probably what Radiohead would sound like if they didn't start experimenting.
Ben Folds - Songs for Silverman
One of my favorite musicians. The tribute to Elliott Smith is nice, but my favorite song is Jesusland.
James - Getting Away With It...Live
The live album would probably be enjoyed more if I knew more of the recorded versions first, although it is a nice live recording. You can hear the crowd singing along on practically every track which is impressive.
Dave Matthews Band - Stand Up
When the hell did Dave start trying to sound like the love child of Tom Waits and Bruce Springsteen? I could barely get through this album. For additional reading see The Onion article: Dave Matthews Not That Into Himself Anymore.
Lionel Richie - The Definitive Collection
Glad to add it to my collection...
Def Leppard - Hysteria
Wish it wasn't in my collection...
Fucking love this album; fell in love with it half way through the first listen. Stars is going to get a lot of spins. In fact I don't know how I'll digest the rest of August's music as this album is on repeat. Full orchestral layers and ambient noise, yet simultaneously simple and clean, poppy even. You know an album is fantastic when you find yourself continually turning up the volume. Not that this is necessarily a loud record, in fact quite the contrary, at times it's very understated and subtle. Favorite song: Reunion.
Snow Patrol - Final Straw
I'm surprised Mike didn't recommend Spitting Games as the first song to check out on this Final Straw, as it's by far and away the best song. Snow Patrol fits in with Death Cab and Jimmy Eat World as an emo band that's actually listen-able and good. Straw got a lot of hype when it first came out and I don't think it really lives up to the hype, but it is a good record.
Death Cab for Cutie - Transatlanticism
Ben Gibbard strikes me as the kind of guy who spends most of his time crying in his bedroom by himself. He can't sing but he's not bashful about it which makes for a distinct voice as he's not trying to emulate anyone. This in combination with his overly romantic and idealistic lyrics makes for a winning combination that out shines pretty much every other emo band. He's not doing emo he's being emo, it's evident that his true emotions shine through. Title & Registration struck me the hardest at first listen; look for the video, it's pretty cool. Be sure to check out "the Photo Album" if you like Transatlanticism and if you're one of the very few that hasn't heard Gibbard's side project, the Postal Service, go buy it this minute as it's one of the best records I've ever heard.
Coldplay - X & Y
Arguably the biggest band on the planet's third album sounds much like their previous efforts. Solid the whole way though no real shockers, Coldplay simply makes good listenable music. This is probably what Radiohead would sound like if they didn't start experimenting.
Ben Folds - Songs for Silverman
One of my favorite musicians. The tribute to Elliott Smith is nice, but my favorite song is Jesusland.
James - Getting Away With It...Live
The live album would probably be enjoyed more if I knew more of the recorded versions first, although it is a nice live recording. You can hear the crowd singing along on practically every track which is impressive.
Dave Matthews Band - Stand Up
When the hell did Dave start trying to sound like the love child of Tom Waits and Bruce Springsteen? I could barely get through this album. For additional reading see The Onion article: Dave Matthews Not That Into Himself Anymore.
Lionel Richie - The Definitive Collection
Glad to add it to my collection...
Def Leppard - Hysteria
Wish it wasn't in my collection...
posted by James Harris at 12:03 PM
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