January Album Reviews

Vampire Weekend: Contra, Rating 8.1

Initially I was(and still am) a little underwhelmed with the first single “Horchata” which was released about a month before the release. It seemed like more of the same but more annoying vocally. But being the first big release of the year (and being a fan of their debut) I had to give the album a fair shot. First listen through I was a fan. Contra is less calculated then their debut and a better start to finish listen. The stand out song on the album in my opinion is “Giving up the Gun” which if you haven’t seen the video for yet do yourself a favor and google it.

Owen Pallett: Heartland, Rating 6.8

Heartland is defiantly a mood album for me. Pallett (formally Final Fantasy) is music arranging genius. Heartland is filled with beautiful strings loops, keyboards and airy vocals. This is not an album you’d put on in the car for your commute but more for listening to while you work or read a book. I know that is probably a huge slap in the face to say its background music but those albums are needed. I have seen him live and he is amazing, one man on stage making so much music.

Spoon: Transference, Rating 7.2

Probably my least favorite Spoon album that I own, but I really like Spoon so it’s still a good album. Transference may grow on me more though over the year. It’s a very minimal instrument wise compared to Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga which seemed to have every instrument ever made on it. Stand out tracks are “I saw the light” and the gritty “Written in Reverse” If you like Spoon it’s a must.

Surfer Blood: Astro Coast, Rating 8.3

I saw Surfer Blood open for Art Brut last year before this album was out and I was pleasantly surprised. I couldn’t wait for the album to come out and when it did I wasn’t disappointed. Surfer Blood is a guitar driven pop rock band with a surf feel. If you are a fan of bands like Weezer or Pavement you’ll dig Surfer Blood. Even though Astro Coast came out in January this could be the summer album of the year!

Four Tet: There is Love in You, Rating 7.1

Four Tet has been around in the techno world for about 10 years but this is my first encounter with him. I really like this album, it’s not fist pumping sweaty rave music and it’s not background ambient. It finds a perfect place in between to entertain your ears. The songs start minimalistic and build and then deconstruct with layers of loops and vocals. If you are into electronic music give this one a spin, it may fit your fancy.

Beach House: Teen Dream, Rating 9.1

It’s weird I always find it the hardest to write about albums I really like. I guess if I had to some Teen Dream up in one word it would have to be beautiful. Victoria Legrand's androgynous voice is truly dreamy and mixes so well with the music. Every song on his album is indie pop perfection. The worst thing about this album is the cover. Buy it.

Retribution Gospel Choir: 2, Rating 6.6

Low’s frontman Alan Sparhawk shows his rock side in his 3 piece band Retribution Gospel Choir. Sparhawk is not creating anything new with this album but he is producing some extremely catchy guitar loaded pop rock songs. Track one “Hide It Away” Was stuck in my head for weeks after one listen. It’s amazing how well Alan’s voice works for both Low and RGC. I’d say 50% of this album is solid and the other 50% is good.

Charlotte Gainsbourg: IRM, Rating 8.5

I’ll have to admit I did not fall in love with this album on first listen. I knew it was good but it took me a few listens to appreciate it. IRM is produced by Beck and you can really hear his styling come through on this record and he performs with Charlotte on “Heaven Can Wait.” Charlotte’s voice is not one that would win any singing competitions but she uses it well with the tracks she is given. I enjoy this album more and more with every listen.