Record Review

April 14, 2009

A Positive Rage by The Hold Steady

I first saw The Hold Steady back in 2004, during SXSW at my older brother’s friend Judson’s place. There were about 30 people there. (I got photos) They played a small back yard stage during a pretty casual family-style BBQ. Even then, all of us watching we’re blown away and it seems they landed some life-long fans that day.

February 26, 2009

Coraline Soundtrack by Bruno Coulais

I’m not a big “official” soundtrack guy, but I was drawn in by how great the music was the first time I saw Coraline so I checked it out. And it’s great. Really great, and surprisingly listenable for a soundtrack.

February 19, 2009

Get Guilty by A. C. Newman

New Pornographers frontman A. C. Newman’s new album is light, fun and a perfect example of good old-fashioned power pop.

February 13, 2009

Vacilando Territory Blues by J Tillman

I’m not a huge fan of Fleet Foxes, for which the very talented J Tillman drums, so I was a bit surprised at this one. J Tillman’s work is diverse, haunting and very satisfying and I’ve had this album on high rotation for the last week or so.

December 09, 2008

Secrets Are Sinister by Longwave

It’s been a little while but Longwave are back with a really, really strong effort.

November 11, 2008

Alpinisms by School of Seven Bells

I’m not really what to make of School Of Seven Bells and their album Alpinisms. I know I like it, but how should I categorize it? Is it “world music” along the lines of Afro Celt Sound System. Its it “pretty music” ala Stars? Something entirely new and different? I just don’t know. What I do know is that it’s been in heavy rotation since I got it a week or so ago and I’m liking it more and more as time goes on.

October 22, 2008

The ‘59 Sound by The Gaslight Anthem

Completely new and at the same time very familiar, like a favorite pair of jeans, The ‘59 Sound by The Gaslight Anthem is a perfect example of what true American rock should be.

September 16, 2008

The Rhumb Line by Ra Ra Riot

I’ve been hearing about Ra Ra Riot for a year or so now, but hadn’t had a chance to check them out until a few weeks ago. I was instantly, and I mean *instantly*, hooked. The first few seconds of “Ghost Under Rocks” caught me and didn’t let go.

September 03, 2008

Intimacy by Bloc Party

“My Mercury’s in retrograde/ My Mercury’s in retrograde/ Merc-Merc-Mercury’s in retrograde/ My Mercury’s in retrograde.”

August 12, 2008

Apparition! by Black Eyes and Neckties

One of my favorite bands of the last year or so has been Black Eyes and Neckties. A long time and die hard fan of Murder City Devils, whom BENt will forever be compared against, probably a bit unfairly, I was a bit wary hearing about someone who might be biting the style of Spencer Moody and co. I shouldn’t have been. They rock well and they rock hard.

August 11, 2008

Pretty.Odd by Panic At The Disco

So, you know when you walk in to an ice cream store and order a really big banana split that’s probably way too much for you to eat and after a few bites you already feel a bit full but it tastes so good you keep eating until it’s all done and then you hate yourself?

August 02, 2008

The Red Album by Weezer

The new Weezer album is getting mixed press. I think I get why that is, but I do think Rivers has a point when he eludes to the press kinda having a thing against him. Clearly publications like Pitchfork (which, to me anyway, seems more like an excuse for their folks to exercise their creative writing skills than it does an outlet for reviewing and sharing music) don’t, and never have, “gotten” Weezer.