Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Some Loud Thunder
At first listen, one can easily get red-faced and want to grab Alec Ounsworth by his receding head. However, I know it seems like the new trend, but this album is completely different. (the whole apples and oranges cliche'). P4k said it best in that it seems like the social anxietous Ounsworth may have put out an album aimed to throw off some fans. The album starts off with a great song with a recording that is hardly bearable to listen to. Here is a non-static version that is much better Some Loud thunder. Anyway, back to the album as a whole. I like it. (there I said it) It is not catchy at all but a pretty good album nonetheless. Granted it takes a few listens, but gems like "Emily Jean Stock", "Underwater (you and me)", "Yankee Go Home", "Five Easy Pieces" get things going. I will say the first version of "Underwater" is much better. I will post it one day when I get it on this computer. "Five Easy Pieces" does not even have any words per se, yet I love it. Once you get past the lyrics in "Satan Said Dance" and just realize it is a fun song, one will realize it too is a gem. In sum, this is a dark album but a pretty good follow up to a near perfect first album. Good/not great.
Grade B-
Of Montreal - Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer
I have talked this one to death. Just buy it. Kevin Barnes wrote this album in a state of depression after his woman left him. Jeez tell her to leave him every year. Then, they song was on an Outback Steakhouse commercial. Next, his meat and potatoes were on Pitchfork at a vegas show and now has agreed to sell the pics to Playgirl. Now, Of Montreal are doing Karaoke shows. Finally, they were just recently on Conan with the best/weirdest national performance I have ever seen. These guys are relentless. Meanwhile back at the ranch, perfect album for a band I really did not even like before. See, "A Sentence...." "Suffer from Fasion" basically 1-8 will blow your mind. Amazing album.
Grade A
The Shins - Wincing the Night Away
Once again, a tough follow-up scenario is at hand from near perfect Chutes Too Narrow. James Mercer and the boys try the slow route to hook us. I feel similar about this album about CYHSY's Some Loud Thunder. At first listen, I thought it was weak until gems like "Sleeping Lessons," "Phantom Lamb," "Australia," "Turn on Me." shine through. I absolutely love these four. "Sea Legs" and "Split Needles" are just behind these. The album needs more upbeat songs though. Good album, not great. Grade B-
Works in Progress
Menomena - Friend and Foe
Just started listening to this album. Sounds great so far...will keep you posted.
Youth Group - Casino Twilight Dogs
First listen sounds good. Will let you know. Great version of Alphaville's "Forever Young"
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