8.25.2009

Review: Death - ...For The Whole World To See:

Upon first listen it's proto-punk from Detroit. In 1974. Must listen.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Purchase for $12.97
  • 8.24.2009

    Review: Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse - Dark Night Of The Soul:

    Upon first listen it has to be heard as explanation escapes it. Well, at least my ability to explain it.

  • Danger Mouse's wiki
  • Sparklehorse's wiki
  • The album's wiki
  • It's out there
  • 8.21.2009

    Review: Cymbals Eat Guitars - Why There Are Mountains:

    Upon first listen it's a sometimes genius, sometimes-frustrating blend of psychedelic rock, post-rock and shoegaze. The potential is obviously there, just sometimes mis-focused.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase the vinyl for $14.99
  • 8.20.2009

    Review: Cursive - Mama, I'm Swollen:

    Upon first listen it's been a long a time since I've listened to Cursive (since The Ugly Organ came out). This album, while hit-or-miss reminds me I should listen to them again and more frequently.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.97
  • 8.19.2009

    Review: Cream - Disraeli Gears:

    Upon first listen it's obviously a classic blues-rock album, but it's not really something I'll listen to on a regular basis.

  • Wiki
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $19.97
  • 8.14.2009

    Review: Ornette Coleman - The Shape of Jazz to Come/This Is Our Music/Ornette!/Dancing In Your Head/Virgin Beauty/Sound Grammar:

    Upon first listen I think I'm pretty burnt out on jazz so it takes something truely special for me to take notice. This was not something of that level, but when my wife overhead it did say "Who are you listening to? Dizzy?" So that's a good sign to revisit at a later date.

  • Wiki
  • HisSpace
  • Stream a bunch of his stuff
  • Purchase via Froogle
  • 8.13.2009

    Review: Coldplay - Left Right Left Right Left:

    Upon first listen this album just infurariates me as I was unable to catch either of Coldplay shows in Atlanta this year. Both due to work. Time for a new job.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Download the entire album
  • 8.12.2009

    Review: Clipse - Lord Willin':

    Upon first listen it's an insidious and unforgettable album. Production is top notch, vocal delivery (almost) flawless. A few too many skits (more than one is too many), but these usually fall at the end of tracks, making skipping them a bit harder.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Stream an odd selection from the album
  • Purchase for $7.97
  • 8.11.2009

    Review: Clem Snide x2

    Clem Snide - End Of Love: Upon first listen if you had told me this was a Neil Young album, I'd be hard pressed to dispute it.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Stream most of their albums
  • Buy it used for $7.97

    Clem Snide - Hungry Bird: Upon first listen it's a little slower than End of Love and I regret listening to them back-to-back.

  • Purchase for $7.69
  • 8.06.2009

    Review: Neko Case - Middle Cyclone:

    Upon first listen it's easily a contender for album of the year, sounding like the album we all hoped Jenny Lewis would release.

  • Wiki
  • HerSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.99
  • 8.04.2009

    Review: Boredoms - Super Roots 10:

    Upon first listen I just wish it was longer than two original tracks and a bunch of remixes. The remixes aren't bad, but when they follow the original, most of them become grating and distracting.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Good luck
  • 8.03.2009

    7.31.2009

    Review: Chuck Berry - His Complete '50s Chess Recordings:

    Upon first listen I've never listened to much Chuck Berry aside from Johnny B Goode and Maybellene, so the opportunity to hear so much from his catalog was an exciting prospect. And I was not disappointed. This is the beginning of Rock and Roll and your hair stands up listening to it. I skipped most of the duplicates and live tracks and can't wait to mix it down into a single disc for easier listening.

  • Wiki
  • HisSpace
  • Stream clips from all four discs
  • Purchase for $66.10
  • 7.30.2009

    Review: Andrew WK - We Want Fun Demos:

    Upon first listen it's interesting to hear the progression of (or lack thereof) these tracks. It also makes me want to revisit The Wolf.

  • Wiki
  • HisSpace
  • Download it
  • 7.29.2009

    Review: Black Flag - Discography

    Black Flag - Nervous Breakdown/Panic Demo/Jealous Again/Police Story/Damanged Demos/Spray Paint/Decline Of Western Civilization/TV Party/Everything Went Black: Upon first listen it's obvious that the intensity and catchiness of these songs were present at a very early age in Black Flag history. What's not clear is the multitude of versions of the songs and how they fit into the history (at least to me) which makes getting into the band a daunting task. Still, I push forward.

    Black Flag - My War/Family Man/Slip It In/Loose Nut/In My Head: Upon first listen it's almost like listening to a completely different band. Slower and heavier it's no wonder everyone only ever talks about Damaged.


  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Stream various amounts of various albums
  • Froogle
  • 7.08.2009

    Review: The Mars Volta - Octahedron:

    Upon first listen it's certainly a quieter album - with a much larger emphasis on the lyrics - than their previous efforts. Just when you're expecting it to get big, loud and crazy it just sort of fizzles. This isn't necessarily a bad thing - just disorienting the first time through.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $10.98
  • 7.07.2009

    Review: Jello Biafra - Discography:

    Upon first listen he makes a lot of really good points, but does so with such grandstanding it's sometimes difficult to take seriously - much like Michael Moore or Keith Olbermann. Once you get beyond that, his points are valid, mostly well thought-out (if sometimes a tad embellished) and disturbing. He also repeats a lot of the same bits as if those listening to the spoken word album had not heard his previous efforts. While probably not as disorienting when the albums are spread over a few years, but when listening back-to-back it's frustrating as you don't know when to fast forward or when to hear it through. Still, it's worthing listening to, though I wish there was a condensed version (say 5 discs) that represents all of his points of view without duplication.

  • Wiki
  • Stream clips from his discography
  • Purchase his discography for varying amounts
  • 6.22.2009

    Hiatus

    Busy week at work. Listening to Jello Biafra's spoken world albums. Will review in batches in one shot instead of individually.

    6.19.2009

    Review: Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown:

    Upon first listen it's obvious they're trying too hard.

    Upon further consideration I just can't get past the copious amounts of autotune.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.99
  • 6.18.2009

    Review: Beirut - March of the Zapotec/Holland:

    Upon first listen I was anxious for new music from Zach Condon, but both of these EPs fail to live up to my expectations (the electronic Holland half in particular).

  • Wiki
  • HisSpace
  • Stream both EPs
  • Purchase for $11.63
  • 6.15.2009

    Review: Arthur Alexander - The Ultimate:

    Upon first listen it's pretty straight forward soul/R&B from the '60s. But with the influence it had on The Beatles (Lennon in particular) and every other big rock act of the time, it is required listening for all music fans.

  • Wiki
  • HisSpace
  • It's out of print, so check out eBay
  • 6.12.2009

    Review: Alert - Demo:

    Upon first listen it's pretty decent hardcore with poor recording/production. I'll be interested to see what they do in a real studio.

  • All you need to know
  • 6.09.2009

    Review: 1990s - Kicks:

    Upon first listen I am thoroughly confused why I was so excited for this album. I really enjoyed Cookies (though it's been a while since I've last listened) and this was just terrible.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Purchase for $12.47
  • 5.29.2009

    Review: Zumpano x2

    Look What The Rookie Did: Upon first listen it's quirky pop, mixing The Shins with Polaris.

    Goin' Through Changes: Upon first listen it's definetely a change that's not quite as good their debut. More pop oriented, less quirky.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Stream both albums
  • It appears both albums are out of print, so try eBay
  • 5.27.2009

    Review: White Stripes with Steven McDonald - Redd Blood Cells:

    Upon first listen this is Steven McDonald (of Redd Kross) adding bass lines to the White Stripes breakthrough White Blood Cells. It was not necessary.

  • Read all about it
  • Download Dead Leaves
  • 5.26.2009

    Review: Various - The Wire ...and all the pieces that matter:

    Upon first listen I could have just listened to the dialog from the best television drama of all time (there, I said it). Some of the mustic was great, but it crosses so many genres it doesn't feel as cohesive as the show.

  • Wiki
  • MySpace Profile
  • Stream most of the album
  • Purchase for $18.70
  • 5.22.2009

    Review: Various - Twelve Stepper Records Presents...Remember Your Roots:

    Upon first listen this is another album I acquired for two previously unreleased Against Me! songs. They were unreleased for a reason. There was some redemption as a few bands (Burning Bridges and 48 Thrills) stood out and will be getting further listens.

  • TheirSpace
  • Check eBay for a copy
  • 5.21.2009

    Review: Various - Level Plane Records Presents...80 Records And We're Not Broke (Yet):

    Upon first listen I acquired this just for the previously unreleased City of Caterpillar track (Driving Spain Up A Wall) which was a bit of a disappointment. The first disc has some really, really great music on it so it's easy to see why they're not broke yet. The second disc, on the other hand...

  • Wiki
  • Purchase for $8.97
  • 5.13.2009

    Review: Swingin' Utters x2

    Swingin' Utters - More Scared: The House Of Faith Years: Upon first listen it's more reminiscent of The Replacements than the snotty Windspitting Punk that I remember from my youth.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.97

    Swingin' Utters - Swingin' Utters: Upon first listen it's more melodic and pop than punk. I guess that's what happens when you get older.

  • Purchase for $8.46
  • 5.12.2009

    Review: Marnie Stern - This Is It and I Am It and You Are It and So Is That and He Is It and She Is It and It Is It and That Is That:

    Upon first listen it started off as a really cool guitar-driven, Go Team-esque assault of the senses. It quickly, however, devolves into a frustrating, grating experience. The promise is there, but the execution was flawed.

  • Wiki
  • HerSpace
  • Purchase for $12.47
  • 5.11.2009

    Review: Bob Dylan - Together Through Life:

    Upon first listen it's obvious how much fun Dylan had in the studio on this album. And while not quite up the same par as the last few albums, there are more than enough high-quality tracks here to keep fans happy.

  • Wiki
  • HisSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $10.98
  • 5.08.2009

    Review: Raekwon - Only Built 4 Cuban Linx:

    Upon first listen I was sadly disappointed, but I'm not sure if it's legitimate disappointment or unrealistic expectations (best album from a Wu-Tang member).

  • Wiki
  • HisSpace
  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase for $10.78
  • 5.07.2009

    Review: Ra Ra Riot - Ra Ra Riot EP:

    Upon first listen I am absolutely loving this band. These songs are absolute winners even in their early form.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire EP
  • Check out eBay
  • 5.06.2009

    Review: Q-Tip - The Renaissance:

    Upon first listen I love the vocal delivery and the minimal, yet effective, production. I didn't like the album, though, and think I need to look into some of his earlier releases.

  • Wiki
  • HisSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.97
  • 5.05.2009

    Review: Polar Bear Club - The Redder, The Better:

    Upon first listen I'm glad I listened to the LP first. Had I listened in the opposite order I may not have even tried the LP.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Check out eBay
  • 5.04.2009

    Review: Paul Butterfield Blues Band - Live At Fillmore West 1966-1969:

    Upon first listen there are some amazing tracks on here. But there are also a couple that drag on too long. Still, it's a nice document of the band in a live setting.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Download the entire set
  • 5.01.2009

    Review: Morrissey - Years Of Refusal:

    Upon first listen I've never been much of a Moz fan (nor of The Smiths) and this lounge-singer effort has done little to make me want to investigate further.

  • Wiki
  • HisSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.97
  • 4.30.2009

    Review: Make Do and Mend - Bodies of Water:

    Upon first listen it fails to live up to the promise of their debut. Not bad, but rather mediocre with potential.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire EP
  • Purchase for $7.80
  • 4.29.2009

    Review: Major Organ and the Adding Machine - Major Organ and the Adding Machine:

    Upon first listen this giant-sized band of Elephant 6 members (including Jeff Mangum) makes a scizophrenically psychedelic mish-mash of music and concepts. As expected, the tracks are hit-or-miss in quality.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $10.49
  • 4.28.2009

    Review: Kathy McCarty - Dead Dog's Eyeball (Songs of Daniel Johnston):

    Upon first listen it lacks the desperation and immediacy that Johnston portrays. There are a couple of good tracks, however (Like A Monkey In A Zoo and Oh No!).

  • Wiki
  • Her(Band's)Space
  • Purchase for $12.97
  • 4.27.2009

    Review: Love - Forever Changes:

    Upon first listen it's mostly forgettable pop/rock from the '60s. Or so I thought, because it's been named the sixth best album of all time by NME (among others). Obviously I've missed something.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.86
  • 4.24.2009

    Review: Lifter Puller - Soft Rock:

    Upon first listen there's no mistaking Craig Finn for anyone. While grating at times, there's certainly an album's worth of songs represented on these two discs - especially for fans of The Hold Steady.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire two-disc set
  • Purchase for $7.99
  • 4.23.2009

    4.21.2009

    Review: The Lawrence Arms - Cocktails and Dreams:

    Upon first listen it's a frustrating compilation album in which the band can't decide if it wants to be this cool, melodic rock band or a snotty pop-punk one - and neither wins out.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.58
  • 4.17.2009

    Review: The Lawrence Arms - Apathy and Exhaustion:

    Upon first listen this seems to be their "grown up" album - a little less snotty, a little more melodic. It's no surprise, then, that this is my favorite of their albums thus far.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.87
  • 4.15.2009

    4.14.2009

    4.13.2009

    Review: Jaydiohead:

    Upon first listen this may be my favorite Jay-Z mashup. The production is minimal, but beneficial to the original tracks. My only complain is Fall In Step which has the volume a little too loud on the 15 Step sample, drowning out the vocals.

  • Download the entire album
  • 4.10.2009

    Review: Gza - Liquid Swords:

    Upon first listen it's another excellent hip-hop album from a Wu-Tang alum, even if it does run a track or two long.

  • Wiki
  • HisSpace
  • Purchase for $9.97
  • 4.09.2009

    Review: Ghostface Killah and MF Doom:

    Upon first listen I was very excited at the prospects of this collaboration, but very disappointed in its execution. Mediocre at best is the only way to describe this collection of what I can assume is demos.

  • Wiki
  • HisSpace
  • 4.07.2009

    Review: Ghostface Killah - Supreme Clientele:

    Upon first listen I found it difficult to listen to with the introduction of skits as well as some very distracting production work.

  • Wiki
  • HisSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.30
  • 4.06.2009

    Review: Ghostface Killah - Ironman:

    Upon first listen the movie quotes are a little overdone, but other than that, this is how hip-hop should sound.

  • Wiki
  • HisSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $8.98
  • 4.03.2009

    Review: Liam Finn - I'll Be Lightning:

    Upon first listen I'm still not sure if I like him or not. It certainly doesn't appear to be terribly special, but it's also not poor. I'll be confused.

  • Wiki
  • HisSpace
  • Stream the entire EP
  • Purchase for $10.78
  • 4.02.2009

    Review: For Squirrels:

    Baypath Rd: Upon first listen the easiest comparison to make (and thus the laziest) is to the Pixies.

  • Wiki
  • TheirFanSpace
  • Try eBay

    Example: Upon first listen this actually precedes Baypath Rd and is a bit poppier, but easily less refined.

  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase used for cheap
  • 4.01.2009

    3.20.2009

    Review: Fire Deuce - Children Of The Deuce:

    Upon first listen this faux-metal outing from Travis Stever is more of a stop-gap before finding his truer, more refined sound in Davenport Cabinet.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Stream clips from the entire EP
  • Purchase for $8.85
  • 3.19.2009

    Review: The English Panther - The English Panther:

    Upon first listen this comes across as a collection of Demos from Coheed-guitarist Travis Stever. Acoustic and certainly interesting, just lacking in direction.

  • Wiki
  • Davenport Cabinet'sSpace
  • 3.18.2009

    Review: Elbow - B-Side Collection:

    Upon first listen this marathon of a collection, at 55 tracks, needs some pairing down. Perhaps breaking it into three different collections - true B-sides, remixes, demos/acoustic - would make it a little easier to digest.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Download the collection
  • 3.17.2009

    Review: Department of Eagles - In Ear Park:

    Upon first listen some albums require a more active listen. This being one of them, I did not give it the proper attention.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $13.12
  • 3.16.2009

    Review: Crass - Penis Envy:

    Upon first listen this is an absolute classic punk rock album and I can't believe it's taken me so long to listen to it.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Purchase for $10.99
  • 3.13.2009

    3.12.2009

    Review: Buffalo Springfield - Again:

    Upon first listen I'm not sure I'd be all that interested if Neil Young weren't involved. There's certainly some good songs here (Mr. Soul), but not enough of them.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Last.fm
  • Purchase for $8.85
  • 3.11.2009

    Review: Mick Boogie and Terry Urban - Viva La Hova:

    Upon first listen I'm almost always disappointed in these mashups - despite the cool concepts they usually provide.

  • Download it
  • 3.10.2009

    Review: Bon Iver - Blood Bank:

    Upon first listen I had one foot on the bandwagon, but it had taken many listens to get there. This EP does nothing to get that second foot on there as well, almost causing the first foot to fall off.

  • Wiki
  • HisSpace
  • Stream the entire EP
  • Purchase for $5.99
  • 3.09.2009

    Review: Andrew Bird - Noble Beast:

    Upon first listen it's just not as cohesive as his past few releases and seems a bit more sparse. It's still good, but not Andrew Bird good.

  • Wiki
  • HisSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.99
  • 3.05.2009

    Review: Doug Benson - Professional Humoredian:

    Upon first listen one of his final jokes on the CD is about people who "lol" at their own jokes. It's ironic because that's exactly what he does for the entire CD - mostly before the punchline is given. There's a couple of really good lines here and there, but most of it is arrogant and childish.

  • Wiki
  • HisSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $10
  • 3.04.2009

    Review: The Band - The Complete Last Waltz:

    Upon first listen I'd like to thank Croz.fm for this excellent four-disc set. I was never a big fan of The Band, but this has made me see the light.

  • Download all four discs
  • Band Wiki
  • Concert Wiki
  • 3.03.2009

    Review: Antony and the Johnsons - The Crying Light:

    Upon first listen I seem to remember really liking his last album, so I was a bit disappointed when I didn't like this one.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $12.47
  • 3.02.2009

    Review: Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion:

    Upon first listen I've never been a big fan of the Collective, but with such nauseatingly universal praise for this disc, I tried to approach it with a more open mind. It's certainly very avant garde, more so than their previous releases, but parts of it are far too grating - especially the middle of Brother Sport. I'll need to revisit it soon to figure out why I'm the only one that doesn't seem to get it.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $12.97
  • 2.23.2009

    Review: Chad VanGaalen - Soft Airplane:

    Upon first listen I'm surprised at how much I didn't like this. I've been doing a much better job at screening artists to ensure some level of enjoyability, but this one flew a little under that radar.

  • Wiki
  • HisSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.97
  • 2.19.2009

    Review: Spiritualized - Songs In A & E:

    Upon first listen I never was able to get into Spiritualized during my infatuation with post-rock. Their name came up all over the place, but it never struck a chord with me. Well, I'm paying attention now.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase for $10.72
  • 2.13.2009

    Review: Polar Bear Club - Sometime Things Just Disappear:

    Upon first listen I'm not even sure how to describe this excellent punk-inspired, but entirely-unique album.

  • TheirSpace
  • Purchase for $9.70
  • 2.12.2009

    Review: Paint It Black - New Lexicon:

    Upon first listen there seems to exist a disconnect between the vocals and the music. Live, I'm sure this is one killer set of songs.

  • Wiki
  • TheirSpace
  • Purchase for $14.47
  • 2.05.2009

    Review: My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges:

    Upon first listen it's perfectly fine arena rock - and I'm sure it's awesome live - but it's also a little schizophrenic. I mean, Highly Suspicious is a long-lost Talking Heads track and has no business on the album.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.06
  • 2.04.2009

    Review: The Mountain Goats - Satanic Messiah:

    Upon first listen I was expecting something a little heavier, with a bit more crunch. Instead, I got some more awesome songs from Mr. Darnielle.

  • TheirSpace
  • Download for free, or pay what you want
  • 2.03.2009

    Review: Ida Maria - Fortress 'round My Heart:

    Upon first listen I love the quirky songwriting and odd-timed deliveries, but much like the Dresden Dolls, she takes it a bit too far at times.

  • HerSpace
  • Preorder the import for $14.13