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Review: Bon Iver – Bon Iver

June 28, 2011

Bon Iver – Bon Iver

I wanted to wait a while to let it sink in, and to not let the hype sort of cloud my judgement. So here we go…

If you’re a (semi) regular on this blog, then you probably know something about Bon Iver, so I will spare everyone the Kanye connection and talking too much about For Emma, Forever Ago. You should be up on this by now. With all that said and unsaid, Justin Vernon is on the edge of greatness. It’s not hyperbole, because this album makes that statement plausible (or fact, if you’re an Iver fanboy/girl.)

Sometimes, you have to dig into an album to find out what it is. Not Bon Iver. You understand from “Perth”…and it continues on from there, as something of a builder. The first thing you’ll notice is that it’s a turn toward (1) a larger, ensemble sound, and (2) a sound supported by electricity. It swells and emplies out with large, amplified horns and strings. It retains some folky tendencies in the individual song builds, but it’s not long before instruments slowly make their way in. Collectively, the album has a certain depth that grows, like you’re dreaming about walking into the ocean, at night, wading out into nothing (and everything). And the lyrics are….I honestly got emo with a few of the tracks. He is an A+ level songwriter.

Now for the bad part, if you can call it that. It’s a little uneven toward the end. There is a clear Roger Hornsby thing happening, which I like. Don’t get me wrong. But it sort of seemed out of place for some reason, like they belonged on a new album, with it’s own theme. I think that’s nitpicking though – because the songs are still strong, and grounded emotionally with the rest of the album.

Grade: A-. I’m feel like saying more….but I think the grade should be enough. Outstanding. Worthy of your coin.

Review: tUnE-yArDs – w h o k i l l

April 22, 2011

tUnE-yArDs – w h o k i l l

After the initial albums from a lot of artists, especially in indie rock, I hardly every expect anything new from them. As much as I like Bird-Brains, I wasn’t anticipating anything else, or anything good – even with the cool story behind that first album. But this here is pretty nice. This act is a lady named Merrill Garbus, out of Oakland – and she has one of the more distinct voices in music today. Not that the music isn’t great…it is. But it’s here voice that arrests you, and keeps you hooked and powers the entire album. The music is a little weird, scattered and multi-genred, with pinches of Sonic Youth, David Byrne, and Fela Kuti in the mix. Her association with the Dirty Projectors definitely makes sense. And then the lyrics – (from “Riotriot”) “There is a freedom in violence that I don’t understand, and that I’ve never felt before…” All very good.

Grade: B+. It’s a fun, summer time record.

Pick of the Day – October 25th: Twin Shadow – Forget

October 25, 2010

Twin Shadow – Forget

Yet another album that went somewhat unnoticed when I first downloaded from iTunes. I was actually on vacation….somehow remembered I needed to listen to it, and then proceeded to purchase a physical copy while I was at Earshot, in Greenville, SC.

Okay…..it’s more 80′s synth, but not really the heavy-handed variety. And yes, it’s really good. But the level of quality is very hard to quantify how great this debut is: soaring choruses….very soulful….but still every much a “rock” album. There are lots of album review that spit hyperbole about it. Slightly overhyped, but probably one of the best albums of the year – and one of the best debuts (easily) in a long while. I think it just needs to be heard. Recommended.

Pick of the Day – September 30th: Deerhunter – Halcyon Digest

September 30, 2010

Deerhunter – Halcyon Digest

Awesome. Basically describes the album to a tee. It’s sort of everything the Atlanta, GA band seemed like they might be capable of, and them actually doing a little bit of it. It’s not a concentrated album, but it’s almost not necessary. The songs, individually, are outstanding (especially the track/video below.) It’s a coming-on-age album or sorts, specifically of an age located in between post-collegiate and pre-family. Maybe some in their late 20s, who’s sort not in a phase…but looking for something specific, but intangible. Maybe even looking in the recent past for something familiar to press forward into future with. A lot of the tracks are current, and of the times, but are situated next to wistful, older sounding tracks. It makes for a little bit of a disjointing listen toward the end. But, as stated before, the songs are so dope….it almost doesn’t even matter. Unfortunately, I can’t say it’s perfect, if only for that reason. However, it’s definitely one of the year’s very best – HIGHLY recommended.

Pick of the Day – September 18th: Blonde Redhead – Penny Sparkle

September 18, 2010 — 1 Comment

Blonde Redhead – Penny Sparkle

As a fan of this group, I like to stay up on them – but this sort of snuck on me…..to the point that I only remembered because Dave told me he had it. (…Just not enough time in the day – I probably need to start notating release dates of albums.) This album is a lot more synthetic than previous album, especially 23. But they found a way, to give the synths some heart and depth. Of course the lithe vocals help a lot. I actually read that the recording experience was a bit unsettling, but it still seems as smooth as ever. It’s one of the those albums you can just put on while you’re doing something…anything really. It’s just hella easy to listen to from track to track. Some people may not like the path they taken to today’s version – but I think it’s a very mature direction. Still challenging, but relaxed enough to chill out on. Recommended.

I don’t really like the whole VEVO situation, but this is a good live performance