M. Ward

M. Ward has become one of my favorite artists. His 2-3 part acoustic instrumentals are absolutely fantastic. These wonderful melodies wander into many of his songs and create a feeling of calm peaceful revelation. His playing style is one i can only dream to emulate one day.

Elliott Smith- I didn't understand

Every once in a while I stumble across a little gem by an artist I already listen to. I didn't understand is a beautiful song that closes out Elliott's OX when he was with Dreamworks. It is a piece with no instruments, Elliott's voice is multi-tracked to create an amazingly harmonious a Capella piece.

The Killers

In all the various album reviews I've read of The Killers, the consensus has been generally the same, good pop, but forgettable. I feel The Killers aren't getting the credit they deserve. While they utilize the same classic pop progressions, they use them with such flair, you almost forget you've heard them a thousand times. lyrics like:

"I just want to show you what I know
And catch you when the current lets you go

Or should I just get along with myself
I never did get along with everybody else"

when paired with the right melody strike the perfect balance of being not to brooding but being thought provoking. After giving their first 2 records another spin, I realized that there was something special in many songs, the whole throwback techno mixed with roaring guitars thing really works for them, and they've created some great art that's worth a second listen.

Bombay Bicycle Club- Flaws

Flaws is a wonderful sophomore effort for Bombay Bicycle Club. Their first album was incredible "I had the Blues but I shook them loose", it was also loud, loud and climatic. Flaws is proof that Bombay Bicycle Club can do anything. They have created and amazing folk acoustic album. The songs are soothing and peaceful yet still feel uniquely BBC. It's a great album

LCD sound system

I didn't really enjoy the concert we watched on Friday. While the first couple song were good, the rest seemed a weak. The vocals were underwhelming against the loud synths and drums and there just seemed to be to much going on.

The Strokes- Comedown Machine

When I first heard The Strokes were coming out with a new album, I didn't think much of it. Don't get me wrong, I love The Strokes, but with the killer success of the superb "This Is It" (voted one of the best albums of the 00's), I expected it hard to top. From the first strum of the guitar, it is undeniably The Strokes. They have retained their unique sound while continuing to diversify their style. The album has a lot "dirtier" of a sound compared to the extremely clean angular riffs of their past work. To put it simply, they seem to have relaxed, creating something not necessarily as angst driven as "Is This It". Like their last album "Angles", The Strokes have continued experimenting with electronic synths, adding to atmosphere, while not detracting from the experience. All in all, while it may not be the greatest music they have ever made, it definitely deserves their name on the cover, I hope you'll take the time to listen.