March Album Reviews

Dan Deacon: Bromst, Rating 8.9

I have a feeling if Dan Deacon gets any more popular he has a good chance of putting the illegal speed narcotics business out of business. I've heard Deacon described as Hyper-pop and I couldn't agree more, I actually feel like I am losing calories listening to him. Bromst's arrangements are layers upon layers of fast dance beats, simple electronic tones, vocal harmonies and some very cool instrumentation. This album is getting some serious play on my ipod.

Cymbals Eat Guitars: Why There Are Mountains, Rating 7.8

Cymbals Eat Guitars is a new group out of New York. At first listen I was like, alright another guitar heavy indie rock band but the more I listened the more I was impressed. I haven't put my finger on it yet but Cymbals Eat Guitars has something extra. Great guitar work and I love the singer. If you like Deerhunter, Pavement, Sonic Youth and bands of that type you will definitely enjoy this. I have a feeling good things are going to happen to this band.

Handsome Furs: Face Control, Rating 9.1

Face Control is the 2nd release from husband and wife duo Handsome Furs. To be honest with you I haven't even listened to their first release but I almost don't want to because it can't possibly be better than this album. Singer and guitar player Dan Boeckner (who is also the singer of Wolf Parade) has a great and unique rock voice. Dan supplies some catchy guitar riffs while his wife plays synths and handles the drum machine. Face Control has a very good chance at making my top 5 of the year.

DOOM: Born Like This, Rating 7.4

DOOM (aka MF Doom) has one of the most distinct voices in rap but on the same level of like Ghostface or Raekwon I usually have no idea what the hell he is rapping about. I can only describe it as if you were to listen to Einstein talk about physics for and hour, you know it's really amazing stuff but you have no idea what he is saying. But it doesn't matter, the beats are awesome and his flow is on point. If you are going to listen to MF Doom for the first time I'd suggest the album Madvillainy.

Neko Case: Middle Cyclone, Rating 7.5

Middle Cyclone is full of amazing vocals and catchy tunes. I am finding my self going to Neko Case before other similar artists when I am in the mood from some good singer/songwriter rock. I'd put her above the likes of Lucinda Williams and Jenny Lewis. Some highlights of the album are "This Tornado Love You" which is a love song sung from the prospective of a tornado and "People Got A Lot Of Nerve" which is one of the catchy songs of the year.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs: It's Blitz!, Rating 7.2

Usually I don't like when a band that I am a fan of that is known for their raw sound puts out a heavily produced and polished album but It's Blitz! is an exception. Yeah Yeah Yeahs 3rd album starts out synth heavy and danceable which is contrast to Fever To Tell which was completely guitar driven. The guitars haven't gone away by no means but more instrumentation has been added for a fuller more complete sound.

Mastodon: Crack the Skye, Rating 7.0

In no way am I a "metal head" but I defiantly respect it and enjoy it when it's done right. Unfortunately that doesn't happen very often. Metal has been plagued with a bunch of unoriginal douche bands that I think spend more time on thinking what disgusting band name they can come up with instead of the music they are making. Mastodon is just good classic metal. I'd almost categorize Mastodon as prog metal, intricate guitar work, at time King Crimson like vocals and they are not afraid to do 10+ minute songs. If you are looking to try Mastodon for the first time, listen to Blood Mountain.