What Are You Listening To?

[Music Head]

listened online



New York band formed in 2007, consisting of singer/songwriter, Michael Grace, Jr., guitarist Darren Amadio, bassist Gil Abad, keyboardist Kurt Brondo, vocalist Erin Dermody, drummer Tod Karsik and vocalist Lisa Ronson, daughter of guitarist Mick Ronson. No doubt Lisas experience as a backup singer for Ian Hunter landed her the job after answering an ad. Grace and Amadio are former members of My Favorite. This is the first full length, after an ep in 2008. This is a pretty good, with only one track I didn't like at all. Really like the 2 female vocalists sound.

I LIKE THIS ALBUM

Worst Track - Sister Rose

Best Track - God Save The Runaways

1) Johnny Anorak - 1.5 - video
YouTube - The Secret History - Johnny Anorak (Official Video)
2) Our Lady Of Stalingrad - 1.5 - audio
The Secret History ? Our Lady of Stalingrad ? Free listening at Last.fm
3) God Save The Runaways - 3.0 - audio
YouTube - the secret history - god save the runaways
4) Love Theme - 1.5 - audio
The Secret History ? Love Theme (from The World That Never Was) ? Free listening at Last.fm
5) Death Mods - 2.0 - audio
The Secret History ? Death Mods ? Free listening at Last.fm
6) Our Lady Of Palermo - 2.5 - audio
YouTube - The Secret History - Our Lady of Palermo
7) My Life With The Living Dead - 2.0 - audio
The Secret History ? My Life with the Living Dead ? Free listening at Last.fm
8) Sex With Ghosts - 2.0 - audio
The Secret History ? Sex with Ghosts ? Free listening at Last.fm
9) Johnny Nightmare - 1.5 - live
YouTube - The Secret History - Johnny Nightmare [Live Groupee Session, 2008]
10) Sister Rose - 1.0 - audio
The Secret History ? Sister Rose ? Free listening at Last.fm
11) Count Backwards (Rock 'n' Roll Never Dies) - 1.5 - audio
The Secret History ? Count Backwards (Rock 'n' Roll Never Dies) ? Free listening at Last.fm
12) How I Saved My Life - 2.5 - audio
The Secret History ? How I Saved My Life ? Free listening at Last.fm

Average Rating - 1.9

[Music Head]

listened online



Name is from a Dutch tv program host, Betty Stoeve and actually means Bettie serves, as she is a Wimbledon tennis player from 1977. Band formed in Amsterdam in 1986 and consists of Carol van Dyk (vocals and guitar), Peter Visser (guitar), Herman Bunskoeke (bass) and Berend Dubbe (drums), with their first album in 1992. Dubbe departed after some time and they have had numerous replacements. They have toured with Dinosaur Jr. and Counting Crows. While being quite successful in their homeland, they have yet to strike it big elsewhere, but they are still plodding away and hope to do so with this 9th studio effort. With the exception of a couple of tracks, it didn't click with me. Sort of reminds me of Belly.

I DO NOT LIKE THIS ALBUM

Worst Track - What They Call Love

Best Track - Change 4 Me

1) Deny All - 1.5 - video
YouTube - Bettie Serveert - Deny All
2) Semaphore - 1.5 - live
YouTube - Bettie Serveert - Semaphore
3) Love Lee - 1.0 - live
YouTube - Bettie Serveert - The Pharmacy
4) Mossie - 2.0 - live
YouTube - Bettie Serveert - Mossie (live bij Der Rudy op 3FM)
5) The Pharmacy - 1.5 - live
YouTube - Bettie Serveert - The Pharmacy
6) Souls Travel - 1.0
7) Calling - 1.5
8) Change 4 Me - 2.5 - live
YouTube - Bettie Serveert - Change for me
9) What They Call Love - 1.0 - live
YouTube - Bettie Serveert - What They Call Love - Ontzettend Leiden 2009 - LVC

Average Rating - 1.5

[Music Head]

listened online



Vermonters Kyle Thomas (aka King Tuff), Chris Weisman, and Ruth Garbus formed Happy Birthday in 2008. They got together to play a gig in their hometown of Brattleboro, and five gigs later were signed to Sub Pop to put out this debut. Sounds like a low budget enterprise to me. And the label went all out on that sleeve. That's not necessarily bad. but in this case only the last track did anything for me, and of course there is no clip for that. Pop/punk I guess I'd call this.

I DO NOT LIKE THIS ALBUM

Worst Track - Girls FM

Best Track - Fun

1) Girls FM - 1.0 - audio
YouTube - Happy Birthday - Girls Fm
2) Shy - 1.0
3) Cracked - 1.5 - audio
YouTube - Happy Birthday - Cracked
4) Perverted Girl - 1.0
5) Subliminal Message - 1.0 - audio
YouTube - Happy Birthday - Subliminal Message (not the video)
6) Eyes Music - 1.0 - audio
YouTube - Happy Birthday - Eyes Music
7) Maxine The Teenage Eskimo - 1.0 - audio
YouTube - Happy Birthday - Maxine The Teenage Eskimo
8) I Want To Stay (I Run Away) - 1.0 - audio
YouTube - Happy Birthday - I Want To Stay (I Run Away)
9) Pink Strawberry Shake - 1.0 - audio
YouTube - Happy Birthday - Pink Strawberry Shake
10) Zit - 1.5 - audio
YouTube - Happy Birthday - Zit
11) Fun - 2.0

Average Rating - 1.2

[Music Head]

listened online



Denmark based duo formed in 2009 by Robin Braun and Coco O. BBC DJ Gilles Peterson heard their self produced Slippin' and gave them some airplay leading to Plug research label signing them for this debut. A lot of genres mixed in here, pop/jazz/r&b/electronic, so when I'm that confused I end up here. Only thing I liked was Pressure, which I assume is the single since there is a video for it.

I DO NOT LIKE THIS ALBUM

Worst Track - Buster Keaton

Best Track - Pressure

1) Buster Keaton - 1.0
2) Slippin' - 1.5 - audio
YouTube - Quadron "Slippin"
3) Day - 1.0 - audio
YouTube - Quadron / "Day"
4) Jeans - 1.0 - audio
YouTube - Quadron Jeans
5) Pressure - 2.0 - video
YouTube - Pressure by Quadron
6) Horse - 1.5
7) Average Fruit - 1.0 - audio
YouTube - Quadron - Average Fruit
8) Unpatience - 1.0
9) Far Cry - 1.5 - audio
YouTube - FAR CRY
10) Tone - 1.0
11) Simili Life - 1.5 - audio
YouTube - Simili Life - Quadron

Average Rating - 1.3

[Music Head]

listened online



Debut from Canadian band consisting of Jeff Innes (guitar, vocals), Brandon Scott (guitar, vocals), Graham Jones (drums, vocals), and Adam Newton (bass). After recording the album, Newton has already departed to become a tattoo artist. Thanks for the support dude. They built up a following on the Canadian festival tour last year and hope to further that here. Nothing cutting edge here, with pretty much a pop feel, but not bad pop. Of what I've heard recently, Title Tracks comes to mind. It was actually pretty mediocre till I got towards the end, and wouldn't you know it, no clips for the last two.

I LIKE THIS ALBUM

Worst Track - Kumiko Song

Best Track - Loyal Man

1) Rather Be With You - 1.5 - audio
YouTube - Yukon Blonde - Rather Be With You
2) Blood Cops - 1.5 - audio
YouTube - Yukon Blonde - Blood Cops
3) Kumiko Song - 1.0 - audio
YouTube - Yukon Blonde - Kumiko Song
4) Wind Blows - 2.0 - video
YouTube - Yukon Blonde "Wind Blows"
5) Trivial Fires - 1.0 - audio
YouTube - Yukon Blonde - Trivial Fires
6) Brides Song - 1.5 - audio
YouTube - Yukon Blonde - Brides Song
7) Babies Don't Like Blue Anymore - 1.5 - live
YouTube - Yukon Blonde - Babies Don't Like Blue Anymore
8) 1000 Years - 2.5 - live
YouTube - Yukon Blonde "1000 Years" - Streaming Cafe
9) Ghosts On Film - 2.5
10) Loyal Man - 3.0

Average Rating - 1.8

[Music Head]

listened online



English band formed in 2003 and signed while playing in a local bar by the owner who also happened to own Domino Records. This is their third release for the label. Consisting of Sam Windett – vocals, guitar, Dorian Hobday – bass, guitar and Mark (aka Arp) Cleveland – drums. Mostly garage punk I guess, and nothing that interested me. Dont care for the distorted vocals. Sharks Tooth is the first single. Maybe some Black Rebel Motorcycle Club in here.

I DO NOT LIKE THIS ALBUM

Worst Track - You Have A Right To A Mountain Life/One Up On Yourself

Best Track - Run Gospel Singer

1) Magnetic Warrior - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kR3w_XZUsYI
2) Sharks Tooth - 1.0 - video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=be-70wKAFgI
3) Hoola - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJVW7tGzUH0
4) Wild Strawberries - 1.0 - video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iPWLH6GYRA
5) Chunk - 1.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezYBnwty8uw
6) You Have A Right To A Mountain Life/One Up On Yourself - 1.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4mq2PImekk
7) Bite It & Believe It - 1.5 - video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=835T-E1LD7I
8) Hunt You Down - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY8ovjlAOt8
9) Harness (Bliss) - 1.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vA0OcGFRwNQ
10) Run Gospel Singer - 1.5 - video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6v4VnNnEdpY

Average Rating - 1.3

[Music Head]

from my library (cd)



Third release from the post-punkers and the first with drummer Travis Barker after Scott Raynor was given the boot. Signing by major label MCA did not change the sound. The album heightened the bands popularity as it reached #9 on the U.S. charts with the single of All The Small Things peaking at #6.

I LIKE THIS ALBUM

Worst Track - Dysentry Gary

Best Track - All The Small Things

All the, small things
True care, truth brings
I'll take, one lift
Your ride, best trip

Always, I know
You'll be at my show
Watching, waiting, commiserating

Say it ain't so, I will not go, turn the lights off, carry me home
Na, Na.......

Late night, come home
Work sucks, I know
She left me roses by the stairs
Surprises let me know she cares

Say it ain't so, I will not go, turn the lights off, carry me home
Na, Na......

Say it ain't so, I will not go, turn the lights off, carry me home
Keep your head still I'll be your thrill, the night will go on, my little
redmill
Say it ain't so, I will not go, turn the lights off, carry me home
Keep your head still, I'll be your thrill, the night will go on, the night will
go on, my little redmill


1) Dumpweed - *** - live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfJvpJkRafQ
2) Don't Leave Me - ** - live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vEkTeYhWqY
3) Aliens Exist - *** - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yda38oRlEfM
4) Going Away To College - *** - live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkgMa12pYEI
5) What's My Age Again? - * - video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7l5ZeVVoCA
6) Dysentry Gary - * - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYog7aSma74
7) Adams Song - *** - video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MRdtXWcgIw
8) All The Small Things - *** - video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ht5RZpzPqw
9) The Party Song - * - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TROZL3iijvk
10) Mutt - ** - live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DJYHeSa4Zg
11) Wendy Clear - ** - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIC6TQedvBE
12) Anthem - ** - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZeXQ0exDMQ

3's - 5
2's - 4
1's - 3

Rating - 2.2

[Music Head]

listened online



Debut release from California all girl group trying to bring back that garage rock pop sound. They failed. Tapes were sent to former Go-Go's, Blondie producer Richard Gottehrer, who got them signed to Sub-Pop. I would have expected more. The band was not formed till after this recording and all this was put together by front girl Dee Dee. Must be in the bathroom, which I guess is Sub-Pops thing. Just too lo-fi for me. Plus every track sounds pretty much the same. Not a bad cover of a Sonny and Cher song though.

I DO NOT LIKE THIS ALBUM

Worst Track - Bhang, Bhang, I'm A Burnout

Best Track - Blank Girl

1) It Only Takes One Night - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1wefQm533s
2) Bhang, Bhang, I'm A Burnout - 1.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JD3AwqbJh-o
3) O Mein M - 1.0
4) Jail La La - 1.0 - live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qjmofkZQg0
5) Rest of Our Lives - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F61Xr2E5sUg
6) Yours Alone - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-znktNUohU
7) Blank Girl - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEcDOTkI4W8
8) I Will Be - 1.0
9) Lines Her Eyes - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UdRftbFwwg
10) Everybody's Out - 1.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8nRhaeczv0
11) Baby Don't Go - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWIhAjI1G5k

Average Rating - 1.3

[Music Head]

listened online



The ninth album from the Canadian ladies and the first after the departure of founding member Steven Page. Although Page was their lead vocalist, that duty was shared with Ed Robertson, who picks up the slack rather nicely singing lead on most tracks here, with keyboardist Kevin Hearn and bassist Jim Creeggan on the others. While the novelty band tag will undoubtedly stick to these guys, with tracks like Four Seconds, they are doing their best to be taken serious on most of this. First single of the beautiful You Run Away is the gem here for me, with a few other really nice tracks.

I LIKE THIS ALBUM

Worst Track - Summertime

Best Track - You Run Away

You run away
You could turn and stay
But you run away from me

I tried to be your brother
You cried and ran for cover
I made a mess, who doesn’t
I did my best but it wasn’t enough

You run away
You could turn and stay
But you run away from me

I’ll give you something can cry about
One thing you should try it out
Hold a mirror shoulder high
When you’re older look you in the eye
When you’re older look you in the eye

I tried but you tried harder
I lied but you lied smarter
You made me guess who was it
I did my best but it wasn’t enough

OOOOHHHHHHHOOOHHH

You run away
You could turn and stay
But you run away from me

You run away (I tried to be your brother)
You could turn and stay (You cried and ran for cover)
But you run away from me (I made a mess, who doesn’t, I did my best but it wasn’t enough)

But that’s not something to cry about (crrryyyy!)
It’s not something to lie about

You run away (I tried to be your brother)
You could turn and stay (You cried and ran for cover)
But you run away from me (I made a mess, who doesn’t, I did my best but it wasn’t enough)


1) You Run Away - 3.0 - live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BakmkmXmlA[url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upFR8xzIpbM][/url]
2) Summertime - 1.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33X8kw6b4Qk
3) Another Heartbreak - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLDvpIC2Sa4
4) Four Seconds - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mztZO4KGeA8
5) On The Lookout - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEr1yKkaDnM
6) Ordinary - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfpfyZGkA5Q
7) I Have Learned - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KG8Nnalm5oU
8) Every Subway Car - 2.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMyFpddfjC0
9) Jerome - 2.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ME69Fm0I25Q
10) How Long - 1.0
11) Golden Boy - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjom45k1fsM
12) I Saw It - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1shlXcpIGc
13) The Love We're In - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkDv3MLHuyo
14) Watching The Northern Lights - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spTdhOkjOcg

Average Rating - 1.9

[Music Head]

from my library (digital)



Will have to pick up the hard copy of this at some point. Third release from this NYC band formed in 2000 with vocalist and pianist Karen O, guitarist and keyboardist Nick Zinner and drummer Brian Chase, who are complemented in live performances by second guitarist David Pajo, who joined as a touring member in 2009 and replaced Imaad Wasif who had previously held this role. Produced by Nick Launey (Nick Cave, Arcade Fire, Talking Heads). I had heard a few tracks off of the previous album and liked them, so I had high hopes here, and they were not denied for a change. A little heavy on the electronic side, but I got over it. Love Karens vocals and she's fun to watch. Not too dramatic, but keeps you watching. Have seen them on various shows. This album was grammy nominated for best alt album of 2009. I know, that's supposed to be a bad thing, but in this case, they got it right. The album reached #22 on the U.S. charts.

I LOVE THIS ALBUM

Worst Track - Dull Life

Best Track - Hysteric

No Longer No Longer
What You Ask
Strange Steps
Heels Turned Black
The cinders the cinders
They light the path
Of these strange steps
Take us back take us back

Flow sweetly hang heavy
You suddenly complete me
You suddenley complete me
Flow sweetly hang heavy
You suddenly complete me
You suddenly complete me

Oh oh aaayyy
Oh oh ayyee
Hysteric
Oh oh aaayyy
Oh oh ayeee
Hysterical

No wonder no wonder,
Other half, strange steps
Heels turned black.
The cinders they splinter
And light the path
Of these strange steps
Trace us back trace us back

Flow sweetly hang heavy
You suddenly complete me
You suddenly complete me
Flow sweetly hang heavy
You suddenly complete me
You suddenly complete me

Hysteric
Hysteric
Hysteric
Hysteric
Hysteric
Hysterical.

1) Zero - *** - live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8m55NDHvPY
2) Heads Will Roll - *** - video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auzfTPp4moA
3) Soft Shock - ** - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqyqHZEDbRI
4) Skeletons - *** - video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZnIDwnWJtA
5) Dull Life - * - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGKefxnyT6E
6) Shame And Fortune - ** - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_mveq8NYLY
7) Runaway - *** - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QqArc12juQ
8) Dragon Queen - ** - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzEdAwT_Jh4
9) Hysteric - *** - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqKjIquR5Bc
10) Little Shadow - *** - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXfFH-7g1cs

3's - 5
2's - 4
1's - 1

Rating - 2.5