Music: 8/10 Production: 3/5
Total: 11/15: B
The Octopus Project sounds like an 80s video game. It beeps and buzzes. And it uses that basic synth sound we're used to hearing out of an old TV while playing Atari. Accompanying this is modern guitars, bass, piano, drums, and a drum machine. Except for the last song there are no vocals. It makes for very unique listening. Some songs rock. Others make you want to get up and dance. The whole thing runs out of steam a bit at the end. But with 9 really good songs out of 13, it's a very fun album to listen to. Definitely worth a listen and something you'll dig up every now and then for the sheer fun of it.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga: C
Music: 6/10 Vocals: 3/5 Lyrics: 3/5 Production: 3/5
Total: 15 of 25: C
The release of Spoon's "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga" got a lot of indie hype. They were on the cover of many indie and mainstream music mags. Given this I had to see what the buzz was about.
First, this certainly isn't mainstream rock music. It's a medium tempo, laid back rock music. The singer has a catchy voice which is a bit rusty sounding. The music itself ranges from simple guitar to some horns, hand claps, piano and strings. It works but clearly isn't traditional. Listening to it, I try to image even how they went about writing it.
Two songs that clearly stick in my mind are "Got Yr. Cherry Bomb" and "My Little Japanese Cigarette Case". Both are very catchy and have some great little hooks in them.
In the end, the quirkiness is fun but not lasting. It's good for a few spins. But ultimately isn't an album I would want to replay 6 months from now.
Total: 15 of 25: C
The release of Spoon's "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga" got a lot of indie hype. They were on the cover of many indie and mainstream music mags. Given this I had to see what the buzz was about.
First, this certainly isn't mainstream rock music. It's a medium tempo, laid back rock music. The singer has a catchy voice which is a bit rusty sounding. The music itself ranges from simple guitar to some horns, hand claps, piano and strings. It works but clearly isn't traditional. Listening to it, I try to image even how they went about writing it.
Two songs that clearly stick in my mind are "Got Yr. Cherry Bomb" and "My Little Japanese Cigarette Case". Both are very catchy and have some great little hooks in them.
In the end, the quirkiness is fun but not lasting. It's good for a few spins. But ultimately isn't an album I would want to replay 6 months from now.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Chris Cornell - Carry On: B+
Music: 6/10 Vocals: 5/5 Lyrics: 4/5 Production: 4/5
Total: 19 of 25: B+
Chris Cornell has the best voice in rock. But, he's getting older (born 1964) as are his fans. Audioslave had minor success. The thought of creating the next Soundgarden is probably impossible at this point. So, Chris is evolving and somewhat mellowing. Are 14 year olds going to be cranking Carry On? No. But I will.
From a musical standpoint, the instruments paint more of a canvas for Chris' voice than stand out on its own. A few exceptions such as "No Such Thing", "Ghosts", and "Your Soul Today" show some good talent by the band. But in the end it's Chris' voice and lyrics that sell this album.
The lyrics are mostly fantastic. A lot of well written material on loves gained and lost, and on lifes trials and successes. I especially love the "Arms Around Your Love" speaking of your ex moving on and feeling the guilt and jealously that it brings. The flip side is covered on "Ghosts" where the ex comes calling but you're not the same person and have moved on.
A few bad songs sprinkle the album. "Poison Eye" kind of rocks but the lyrics and hook just don't sit well. Chris also delves into some bluesy country type songs that are okay. In fact, "Finally Forever" and "Safe and Sound" both kind of sound the same at the start.
Two interesting footnotes for the is album. Chris does a great cover of Micheal Jackson's "Billie Jean" sung with much angst and power. This album also has the James Bond theme song "You Know My Name" which is great for Bond but not so great for music.
Overall, I really like this album and recommend it. It's not going to blow you away. But it's solid and very enjoyable.
Total: 19 of 25: B+
Chris Cornell has the best voice in rock. But, he's getting older (born 1964) as are his fans. Audioslave had minor success. The thought of creating the next Soundgarden is probably impossible at this point. So, Chris is evolving and somewhat mellowing. Are 14 year olds going to be cranking Carry On? No. But I will.
From a musical standpoint, the instruments paint more of a canvas for Chris' voice than stand out on its own. A few exceptions such as "No Such Thing", "Ghosts", and "Your Soul Today" show some good talent by the band. But in the end it's Chris' voice and lyrics that sell this album.
The lyrics are mostly fantastic. A lot of well written material on loves gained and lost, and on lifes trials and successes. I especially love the "Arms Around Your Love" speaking of your ex moving on and feeling the guilt and jealously that it brings. The flip side is covered on "Ghosts" where the ex comes calling but you're not the same person and have moved on.
A few bad songs sprinkle the album. "Poison Eye" kind of rocks but the lyrics and hook just don't sit well. Chris also delves into some bluesy country type songs that are okay. In fact, "Finally Forever" and "Safe and Sound" both kind of sound the same at the start.
Two interesting footnotes for the is album. Chris does a great cover of Micheal Jackson's "Billie Jean" sung with much angst and power. This album also has the James Bond theme song "You Know My Name" which is great for Bond but not so great for music.
Overall, I really like this album and recommend it. It's not going to blow you away. But it's solid and very enjoyable.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Don Ross - Music for Vacuuming: A
Music: 8/10 Production: 5/5
Total: 13 of 15: A
Don Ross is a phenomenal acoustic guitar player. He perhaps has the best picking right hand in the business. He has won the US National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship twice.
This is an instrumental album of just Don and his one guitar. There are no overdubs. There are only other rhythm instruments on 2 songs. This is music done in one take. Little mistakes and half notes make it into the recording, but that's what makes it so human and real.
Clearly there are standouts on the album. The opening track "How to Eat an Avalanche" is a fast and furious piece with amazing up and down the fretboard movement. "Tochigi" is a swirling rhythm that hypnotizes. It gets you into a trance and then breaks out into new directions only to come back to the original. It's a very nice ride. Finally, "Never Go to Pernambuco" is a sad and soulful number making you think of loves lost on rainy days.
The only real issue is that it is very hard to write solo acoustic guitar songs that last more than 3 minutes. Nearly all Don's songs top 5 minutes. So, at times songs repeat too much or stay on the same refrain too long. I can imagine actually playing these songs or being in close proximity that it would be easy to lose yourself in the music. But the experience doesn't translate as well to the car or office.
Slightly too long songs is hardly a bad criticism, especially when the guitar is so amazing. If you like acoustic guitar or perhaps want some excellent ambient music, this is fantastic stuff. I highly recommend it and look forward to getting more albums by Don Ross.
Total: 13 of 15: A
Don Ross is a phenomenal acoustic guitar player. He perhaps has the best picking right hand in the business. He has won the US National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship twice.
This is an instrumental album of just Don and his one guitar. There are no overdubs. There are only other rhythm instruments on 2 songs. This is music done in one take. Little mistakes and half notes make it into the recording, but that's what makes it so human and real.
Clearly there are standouts on the album. The opening track "How to Eat an Avalanche" is a fast and furious piece with amazing up and down the fretboard movement. "Tochigi" is a swirling rhythm that hypnotizes. It gets you into a trance and then breaks out into new directions only to come back to the original. It's a very nice ride. Finally, "Never Go to Pernambuco" is a sad and soulful number making you think of loves lost on rainy days.
The only real issue is that it is very hard to write solo acoustic guitar songs that last more than 3 minutes. Nearly all Don's songs top 5 minutes. So, at times songs repeat too much or stay on the same refrain too long. I can imagine actually playing these songs or being in close proximity that it would be easy to lose yourself in the music. But the experience doesn't translate as well to the car or office.
Slightly too long songs is hardly a bad criticism, especially when the guitar is so amazing. If you like acoustic guitar or perhaps want some excellent ambient music, this is fantastic stuff. I highly recommend it and look forward to getting more albums by Don Ross.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Awake and Alert - Devil in a Lambskin Suit: B+
Music: 7/10 Vocals: 5/5 Lyrics: 4/5 Production: 4/5
Total: 20 of 25: B+
Awake and Alert is a fantastic new indie band out of Arizona. Maya Peart fronts the band. She has a tremendous voice. Soulful yet ethereal. Powerful yet beautiful. She is a true talent that hopefully will have a long and successful career.
The rest of the band is good but not fantastic. They do much more than a typical backup band of a Norah Jones or Fiona Apple. But they're not quite a stand alone band either. They provide a very diverse canvas for Maya to sing upon. It ranges from dark and brooding to cinematic and even an occasion at rock.
Being a relatively new band, I see a few junior mistakes. There are definitely hooks in the music and lyrics. But too often it all meanders a bit. All the songs sort of blur together until the hook in most of them hits and then you remember the song. Hopefully they will all find their way on their 2nd album.
The lyrics are mostly personal of relationships gone wrong. Nothing trite and most of the lyrics are original.
One of the highlights is the vastly beautiful "Let Autumn Lift Me". It is a great showcase of Maya's vocal talents. The title track is a nice rocker for the band. Finally, "Hollow Bodies" provides some very memorable music and a great vocal hook in the chorus. These are the three that stand out the most but everything else is good. There are no clunkers on this album.
Given the music industry is in shambles right now, I wouldn't be surprised if this band never sees the real light of day. Especially since they are not mainstream. But, they do deserve better. Hopefully they will get some airplay and be given the opportunity to mature over the next several years. Do yourself a favor and get on board with Awake and Alert.
Total: 20 of 25: B+
Awake and Alert is a fantastic new indie band out of Arizona. Maya Peart fronts the band. She has a tremendous voice. Soulful yet ethereal. Powerful yet beautiful. She is a true talent that hopefully will have a long and successful career.
The rest of the band is good but not fantastic. They do much more than a typical backup band of a Norah Jones or Fiona Apple. But they're not quite a stand alone band either. They provide a very diverse canvas for Maya to sing upon. It ranges from dark and brooding to cinematic and even an occasion at rock.
Being a relatively new band, I see a few junior mistakes. There are definitely hooks in the music and lyrics. But too often it all meanders a bit. All the songs sort of blur together until the hook in most of them hits and then you remember the song. Hopefully they will all find their way on their 2nd album.
The lyrics are mostly personal of relationships gone wrong. Nothing trite and most of the lyrics are original.
One of the highlights is the vastly beautiful "Let Autumn Lift Me". It is a great showcase of Maya's vocal talents. The title track is a nice rocker for the band. Finally, "Hollow Bodies" provides some very memorable music and a great vocal hook in the chorus. These are the three that stand out the most but everything else is good. There are no clunkers on this album.
Given the music industry is in shambles right now, I wouldn't be surprised if this band never sees the real light of day. Especially since they are not mainstream. But, they do deserve better. Hopefully they will get some airplay and be given the opportunity to mature over the next several years. Do yourself a favor and get on board with Awake and Alert.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Smashing Pumpkins Zeitgeist: C
Music: 7/10 Vocals: 2/5 Lyrics: 1/5 Production: 4/5
Total: 14 of 25: C
Half of the Smashing Pumpkins (Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlin) return for their first album since 2000. Being arguably the most successful 90's rock band, can this be the reunion to bring the back to their former glory?
First, Billy was never a good singer. So, his voice still sounds like a bandsaw drenched in lemon juice.
Second, Billy never really wrote very good lyrics. Most are horrible and then a few great ones come through.
Third, Jimmy is the best rock drummer alive today. Period.
Forth, Billy plays a real mean guitar.
Fifth, Billy writes some pretty crappy music sometimes.
So, Zeitgeist kind of sums up all of these points. Their good songs are really good, and their bad songs are really bad. Unfortunately, there is more bad than good. Out of the 12 songs on the album, I keep 7 on my iPod though I could easily trim that to 5.
The highlight is "Tarantula". A super saturated guitar with angry lyrics and booming drums. Oh, and lets not forget the rusty chainsaw guitar solo that melts into a turn reminiscent of their awesome song "Mayonnaise". A song that could easily be on any of their previous albums except Adore.
Next is the real oddball "Starz" (yes with a totally 13 year old teenager spelling). The lyrics about, well, Stars in the sky are absolutely horrible. Perhaps the worst he's ever written. But the crunchy guitar is spot on. And the drum. My god the drums. It is a masterpiece in drum work. The music alone makes this song a 10 but the lyrics bring it to an 8.
There are other good songs such as "Doomsday Clock" and "Come On (Let's Go)" which range from pure rock to more pop.
But then there is the other half of the album. I really don't care about Billy's revolution talk in "United States". Just let it rock. It doesn't. Oh, and it's over 9 minutes long. Crappy lyrics. Boring music. Terrible song.
There are others like the plodding "Bleeding the Orchid". Why does Billy love these types of songs? There's always one on every CD and it always sucks (except for the decent "Blue Skies Bring Tears"). Or how about the song that sounds like it was written and recorded in someone's basement "Pomp and Circumstances".
To sum it up, delete half the album and call it an EP and this thing is an A-. Throw in lots of crap? C.
Total: 14 of 25: C
Half of the Smashing Pumpkins (Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlin) return for their first album since 2000. Being arguably the most successful 90's rock band, can this be the reunion to bring the back to their former glory?
First, Billy was never a good singer. So, his voice still sounds like a bandsaw drenched in lemon juice.
Second, Billy never really wrote very good lyrics. Most are horrible and then a few great ones come through.
Third, Jimmy is the best rock drummer alive today. Period.
Forth, Billy plays a real mean guitar.
Fifth, Billy writes some pretty crappy music sometimes.
So, Zeitgeist kind of sums up all of these points. Their good songs are really good, and their bad songs are really bad. Unfortunately, there is more bad than good. Out of the 12 songs on the album, I keep 7 on my iPod though I could easily trim that to 5.
The highlight is "Tarantula". A super saturated guitar with angry lyrics and booming drums. Oh, and lets not forget the rusty chainsaw guitar solo that melts into a turn reminiscent of their awesome song "Mayonnaise". A song that could easily be on any of their previous albums except Adore.
Next is the real oddball "Starz" (yes with a totally 13 year old teenager spelling). The lyrics about, well, Stars in the sky are absolutely horrible. Perhaps the worst he's ever written. But the crunchy guitar is spot on. And the drum. My god the drums. It is a masterpiece in drum work. The music alone makes this song a 10 but the lyrics bring it to an 8.
There are other good songs such as "Doomsday Clock" and "Come On (Let's Go)" which range from pure rock to more pop.
But then there is the other half of the album. I really don't care about Billy's revolution talk in "United States". Just let it rock. It doesn't. Oh, and it's over 9 minutes long. Crappy lyrics. Boring music. Terrible song.
There are others like the plodding "Bleeding the Orchid". Why does Billy love these types of songs? There's always one on every CD and it always sucks (except for the decent "Blue Skies Bring Tears"). Or how about the song that sounds like it was written and recorded in someone's basement "Pomp and Circumstances".
To sum it up, delete half the album and call it an EP and this thing is an A-. Throw in lots of crap? C.
Tokyo Police Club: C-
Tokyo Police Club hails out of Canada. They have a few EPs and singles. I checked out 12 of their tracks which is pretty near their full catalog. Given I only listened to them once, this is an abbreviated review.
The best way to describe TPC is they sound exactly like a clone of The Strokes "Is This It?" In fact, I thought it could be the B sides to that whole album. Everything from the quirky rhythms to the warble of the singers voice. Given the Strokes have moved a bit away from their original sound, this album may be exactly what you need to keep that sound going. Otherwise, buy the Strokes and play that until the bits wear off and leave Tokyo Police Club on the shelf.
The best way to describe TPC is they sound exactly like a clone of The Strokes "Is This It?" In fact, I thought it could be the B sides to that whole album. Everything from the quirky rhythms to the warble of the singers voice. Given the Strokes have moved a bit away from their original sound, this album may be exactly what you need to keep that sound going. Otherwise, buy the Strokes and play that until the bits wear off and leave Tokyo Police Club on the shelf.
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