Recent Musical Acquisitions
Bears // Bears:
9/10 (buy)
You can read a previous post for more on Bears. I love this album. It's instantly likeable. In the same way that Jon Cusak turns to Jack Black in High Fidelity and says "I am now going to sell five copies of The Three EPs by The Beta Band." by simply playing the record over the store speakers, as soon as you hear Bears debut you will want to own the album. Highly recommended.
Camera Obscura // Let's Get Out Of This Country
6/10 (listen)
You have to be in the right mood to listen to this album. Even songs about heartbreak are overwhelmingly upbeat. If you like Belle & Sebastian pick up this record. If you hate Belle & Sebastian then leave it alone. If you've never listed to either then listen to Belle & Sebastian first.
Danielson // Ships
8/10 (buy)
If Sufjan Stevens and The Polyphonic Spree had a love child it may sound a bit like Danielson. In fact Sufjan is one of many guests on the album. Others include members of Deerhoof, Why?, Cloud and a bunch more. You'll find yourself smiling more than once while listening.
Destroyer // Destroyer's Rubies
7/10 (burn)
Dan Bejar's voice is recognizable from the New Pornographers. However, he doesn't consider himself an official part of that band. Destroyer is his number one focus. This album will be reviewed much higher by rock critics then it will actually be enjoyed by regular listeners. Not that it's bad, it's really good and worth downloading at least.
Islands // Return To The Sea
8/10 (buy)
Over the last several years there have been a ton of great bands coming out of Canada. Islands is another addition to the list. In fact two of the most prolific Canadian acts, Arcade Fire and Wolf Parade, guest star on this fantastic debut album.
Rogue Wave // Out Of The Shadow:
7/10 (burn)
I fell in love with Rogue Wave's sophomore album Descended Like Vultures so I decided to pick up their debut. It's growing on me and I recommend giving it a listen especially if you like The Shins.
Sunset Rubdown // Shut Up I Am Dreaming
7/10 (burn)
If you like Wolf Parade then buy this album. It's not as good as Wolf Parade's self titled album but it certainly establishes Spencer Krug as more than just a fluke. Slow and eerie melodies are punctuated nicely by his wavy high pitched vocals. Expect to see this album on a lot of year end lists.
TV on the Radio // Return to Cookie Mountain:
10/10 (buy!!)
When I first listened to Return to Cookie Mountain I got the feeling that I was listening to a very important record. The album is defined by beautifully layered vocals, intense percussion, intelligent ambient soundscapes and successful experimentation. There's even one track, Wolf Like Me, for the dance floor. Quite possibly the album of the year.
Zero 7 // The Garden:
4/10 (don't bother)
Not thrilling but not horrible. Simple things is their best effort so far; The Garden isn't as good. It's an unchallenging and pretty much boring listen. I can see why they get criticized as a band that makes soul music minus the soul.
9/10 (buy)
You can read a previous post for more on Bears. I love this album. It's instantly likeable. In the same way that Jon Cusak turns to Jack Black in High Fidelity and says "I am now going to sell five copies of The Three EPs by The Beta Band." by simply playing the record over the store speakers, as soon as you hear Bears debut you will want to own the album. Highly recommended.
Camera Obscura // Let's Get Out Of This Country
6/10 (listen)
You have to be in the right mood to listen to this album. Even songs about heartbreak are overwhelmingly upbeat. If you like Belle & Sebastian pick up this record. If you hate Belle & Sebastian then leave it alone. If you've never listed to either then listen to Belle & Sebastian first.
Danielson // Ships
8/10 (buy)
If Sufjan Stevens and The Polyphonic Spree had a love child it may sound a bit like Danielson. In fact Sufjan is one of many guests on the album. Others include members of Deerhoof, Why?, Cloud and a bunch more. You'll find yourself smiling more than once while listening.
Destroyer // Destroyer's Rubies
7/10 (burn)
Dan Bejar's voice is recognizable from the New Pornographers. However, he doesn't consider himself an official part of that band. Destroyer is his number one focus. This album will be reviewed much higher by rock critics then it will actually be enjoyed by regular listeners. Not that it's bad, it's really good and worth downloading at least.
Islands // Return To The Sea
8/10 (buy)
Over the last several years there have been a ton of great bands coming out of Canada. Islands is another addition to the list. In fact two of the most prolific Canadian acts, Arcade Fire and Wolf Parade, guest star on this fantastic debut album.
Rogue Wave // Out Of The Shadow:
7/10 (burn)
I fell in love with Rogue Wave's sophomore album Descended Like Vultures so I decided to pick up their debut. It's growing on me and I recommend giving it a listen especially if you like The Shins.
Sunset Rubdown // Shut Up I Am Dreaming
7/10 (burn)
If you like Wolf Parade then buy this album. It's not as good as Wolf Parade's self titled album but it certainly establishes Spencer Krug as more than just a fluke. Slow and eerie melodies are punctuated nicely by his wavy high pitched vocals. Expect to see this album on a lot of year end lists.
TV on the Radio // Return to Cookie Mountain:
10/10 (buy!!)
When I first listened to Return to Cookie Mountain I got the feeling that I was listening to a very important record. The album is defined by beautifully layered vocals, intense percussion, intelligent ambient soundscapes and successful experimentation. There's even one track, Wolf Like Me, for the dance floor. Quite possibly the album of the year.
Zero 7 // The Garden:
4/10 (don't bother)
Not thrilling but not horrible. Simple things is their best effort so far; The Garden isn't as good. It's an unchallenging and pretty much boring listen. I can see why they get criticized as a band that makes soul music minus the soul.
posted by James Harris at 4:16 PM
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