January Album Reviews

I am going to try something new here on The Wigwam instead of my "CD recommendation of the week" (which I obviously can't keep up with) I am going to give my opinion and a short review of all the new albums I've listened that came out in that month.

I will rate every album on a 10 point system. 1 being absolute garbage and 10 being an instant classic. So let's start with the first month of 2009, January!

Animal Collective: Merriweather Post Pavilion, Rating 9.2

I think I can safely say that no other band sounds likes Animal Collective and no other band could make an album like "Merriweather." Animal Collectives two vocalist's voices combine perfectly like a tasty peanut butter and jelly sandwich laced with LSD. Musically Animal Collective is almost indescribable. It's mainly electronic, at times taking sounds I would probably find annoying on their own but some how making them beautiful by adding impressive beats and those great vocals I mentioned earlier. Be prepared to see this on a lot of peoples end of the year best albums list. Click the picture of the album cover to give you an idea of what you are in for.


Antony and the Johnson's: Crying Light, Rating 8.0

If you've never heard Antony Hegarty's voice before your ears probably hate you. Each song on "The Crying Light" is a moving story that Antony presents so beautifully you can't help but fell engaged. The main focus of this album is Birth into Life into Death. This is a album demands attention, I've found the more intimate of a listen you give Antony's albums the more pleasure it will give you.

Franz Ferdinand: Tonight, Rating 6.2

Tonight is the 3rd studio album from Franz Ferdinand and to be honest I'd probably rate all of them 6.2. They are one of those bands that I don't make it a point to listen to but when they come on my ipod or the radio I always enjoy the song. If you are fan of Franz Ferdinand then you will like this album. Tonight my not pump out the radio singles like their last two albums but it is still packed full of good catchy pop guitar riffs.

Bon Iver: Blood Band (EP), Rating 7.8

This little four song treat was a perfect followup to 2007 "For Emma." "Blood Bank" has a fuller sound with some more instrumentation than the completly stripped down guitar and vocal style of "For Emma." One thing that hasn't changed though is Vernon's amazing lyrics and incredible voice.

Bruce Springsteen: Working on a Dream, Rating 3.3

Bruce, Bruce, Bruce...what the hell happened? I have to admit I was pretty excited for this album and man did it disappoint. Right from the get go it fails when Bruce attempts an epic 8 minute tune titled "Outlaw Pete. " It's almost embarassing, for someone that has written some of the best charactor driven songs of all time. The only saving grace on this album is the song "The Wrestler" I would suggest just downloading that tune from itunes for a buck.