What Are You Listening To?

[Tiggi]

Billy Corgan's first post-Pumpkins project. Fairly well panned on release, but I think it stands up to scrutiny.

As you'd expect, not much different to Smashing Pumpkins

&

Bat For Lashes - Fur & Gold



First outing for Natascha Khan, and it comes across as similar to Kate Bush or Tori Amos - plenty of piano - but a fair bit weirder.

Good album for a sunny afternoon in the garden...

[JonG]

LCD Soundsystem - All I Want from This Is Happening [DFA, 2010]

This is my favorite song from the new album. I might just purchase the CD when it is available in May. I own the two previous ones. They are the only current act that borrows heavily from the Factory Records crew that I actually like.

[Music Head]

listened online



New Yorkers Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden formed MGMT in 2005 and were signed to Columbia a year later. The first album was a world wide smash, more so in the U.K. and Australia than the U.S. Going to be hard to follow that up. Muisc from the first album was all over the tv shows and movies. They've sure had the positive press and even multiple Grammy nominations. They didn't win so they should be safe from that jinx. The duo does not plan on any singles from this album, as they want it to be heard in its entirety. That's the way I feel about most albums. I was sort of disappointed here. I never heard the entire first album, but loved what I did hear, and nothing on this seems to equal that, except maybe the title track. Of course there is that growing on you factor, and this does meet my buy ranking, so I just may end up with a copy someday.

I LIKE THIS ALBUM

Worst Track - Song For Dan Treacy

Best Track - Congratulations

Dead in the water
It's not a paid vacation
The sons and daughters of city officials
Attend demonstrations
It's hardly a sink or swim
When all is well if the ticket sells

Out with a wimper
It's not a blaze of glory
You look down from your temple
As people endeavor to make it a story
And chisel a marble word
But all is lost if it's never heard

But I've got someone to make reports
That tell me how my money's spent
To book my stays and draw my blinds
So I can't see what's really there
And all I need's a great big congratulations

I'll keep your dreams
You pay attention for me
As strange as it seems
I'd rather dissolve than have you ignore me
The ground may be moving fast
But I tied my boots to a broken mast

The difference is clear
You throw it in your cauldron
Rust and veneer, dusk and dawn
Steinways and Baldwins
You start with a simple stock of all the waste
And salt to taste

But damn my luck and damn these friends
That keep on combing back their smiles
I save my grace with half-assed guilt
And lay down the quilt upon the lawn
Spread my arms and soak up congratulations

1) It's Working - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoFKYca8GKY
2) Song For Dan Treacy - 1.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax6sEOrKdeY
3) Someone's Missing - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEV5nADIqx8
4) Flash Delirium - 2.0 - video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvSMp7T2Kes
5) I Found A Whistle - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zs4aOcjiSKo
6) Siberian Breaks - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRbONAbVpS8
7) Brian Eno - 1.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkS6x7ihljc
8) Lady Dada's Nightmare - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0rLqDZiSmo
9) Congratulations - 2.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teQKGj2obIE

Average Rating - 1.7

[Music Head]

listened online



Atlanta native Katherine King out with her fifth album. Originally an acoustic folkie, over the years she has transitioned into a rocker. Starting out as a drummer, her natural guitar skills have taken over. So she is a chameleon of sorts. She has guested on various artists albums, Tegan & Sara and the Foo Fighters, who she has toured with. Dave Grohl is a big fan. Producing a song for Miley Cyrus doesn't do much for the street cred, but hey, we can't all have good taste. Despite the hype, this didn't do much for me. With three instrumentals, meant to promote here guitar skills, and flat vocals, it just left me as usual, wondering what I was missing. With the exception of 2 good tracks, not for me.

Worst Track - Everything Has An End, Even Sadness

Best Track - Sunnyside

I wake up every morning, stretch my arms out wide
Splits my chest right open & I put my heart back inside
You used to keep it in a jar, but this metaphor has gone to far
& now it's just a work of art
On my wall & in my mind

When you get the courage, you'll swim beyond the waves
& the stillness of the ocean, will make all fear go away
Yeah, I fucked up good & well & you put me through ******* hell
But good luck finding someone, who can love you better than I

I wanted to be tangled up in someone long & blonde
So honest in my belief that nothing would go wrong
but now all we can say we have, are some photographs & a wiener dog
That chews up everything I love & all the things you left behind

You're the girl, I lost in Sunnyside
You're the girl, I lost in Sunnyside
You're the girl, I lost in Sunnyside
You're the girl, I lost to Sunnyside

1) The Betrayer - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8jm7M7Dm4E
2) Spit It Back In My Mouth - 1.5 - live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKz6YUl5_BY
3) Everything Has An End, Even Sadness - 1.0 - live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOnWU3cIvPI
4) Falling Day - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTmJBbGaHY8
5) The Hoopers Of Hudspeth - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itLP2AtDca4
6) My Nerves That Committed Suicide - 1.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgwaVc21kTk
7) Communist Friends - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvzXAOpjvBU
8) Hallucinations From My Poisonous German Streets - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCP-MG5-8dk
9) Death Head - 1.0 - live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KTuQn3RmXM
10) Sloan Shore - 1.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wG08jSFdw8w
11) Sunnyside - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9jXFN85ZSA

Average Rating - 1.4

[Music Head]

listened online



Philadelphia band formed in 2001, consisting of Toby Leaman (vocals, bass), Scott McMicken (vocals, lead guitar), Frank McElroy (rhythm guitar), Zach Miller (keyboard), and Eric Slick (drums). This is their 7th album, first on new label ANTI. Each album has sold progressively better. They have toured with My Morning Jacket and Wilco. This is the first I have heard the band and I rather like this album. A little retro sounding, but catchy and lyrically interesting, with 8 of the 11 tracks getting a passing grade and even a love track on first listen. That's rare for me. I hear a little Band Of Horses in some of this. Shadow People is the first single.

Worst Track - Where'd All The Time Go

Best Track - Jackie Wants A Black Eye

Jackie wants a black eye
Some proof that she's been hit
And John wants the answers
But the questions just don't quit
And we're sitting in the rain
And we're feeling like the weather.
You could say that we're alone
But we're lonely together

We're all in it together now
As we all fall apart
And we're swapping little pieces
Of our broken little hearts.

Jackie is jumping in the quicksand
But it isn't what you think.
She's safe because she knows
The more you fight, the more you sink
And John is following the black cloud
To keep him from the sun.
So he bends over now
Something has finally begun.

And we're all in it together now
As we all fall apart
And we're swapping little pieces
Of our broken little hearts.

And we've been hurting so long
That our pleasure is our pain.
Are we madly in love
Or are we madly insane?
When yesterday's love defines you
And today that love is gone
Tomorrow keeps you guessing
The roller coaster is rolling on.

And we're all in it together now
As we all fall apart
And we're swapping little pieces
Of our broken little hearts.
And we're all in it together now
As we all fall apart
And we're swapping little pieces
Of our broken little hearts.

1) Stranger - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yMe4Qf9nrg
2) Shadow People - 2.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaOc3Krw3EQ
3) Station - 2.0
4) Unbearable Why - 2.0
5) Where'd All The Time Go - 1.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0f5MHtm63k
6) Later - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3tZ1M7Eyjs
7) I Only Wear Blue - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tsf01X4fQCY
8) Someday - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LdSYLh5g_o
9) Mirror Mirror - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyA-Vax7ye4
10) Jackie Wants A Black Eye - 3.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVKfi7Rs0T4
11) Shame, Shame - 1.5

Average Rating - 2.0

[tonywoosnam]

Dark Side Of The Moon - say no more

[Music Head]

listened online



Formed in 2008 in Queens New York by frontman Judah Dadone who enlisted the help of fellow musicians Kevin Read, Doris Cellar, Jake Hyman, and Chuck Criss who all use a variety of instruments to put forth some very interesting tunes. Check out that first clip for a trip. Americas answer to Arcade Fire maybe? I could always use more of that. From performing in the subways to putting out this teaser. Too many instrumentals, but I have to get over those.

I LIKE THIS ALBUM

Worst Track - Danse Flat

Best Track - Generator Second Floor

And I could never tell as a kid
What that window door went to
Only told to stay away
I almost had an accident at age 6
When I found the key in the attic
And now the smell of these wood frames
Is the only sense I've left
So as you pull me from the bed
Tell me I look stunning and cadaverous
And since you are my friend
I would ask that you lower me down slow
And tell the man in the black cloak
He doesn't need to trouble his good soul
With those latin conjugations
And if it's all the same to them
You should tell your gathering friends
Please not to purse their faces grim
On such a lovely sunday
Don't fix my smile, life is long enough
We will put this flesh into the ground again

1) Generator 1st Floor - 2.5 - live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpvQXovrzyQ&NR=1
2) Hannah - 2.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJiCsJZ1kvU
3) Location - 2.0
4) Channels - 1.0
5) Starring - 1.0 - live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTK21NbzppM
6) Kilojoules - 2.0
7) Broken Horse - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZPvp-HRRYQ
8) Danse Flat - 1.0
9) Ghosting - 2.0 - live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZwzwxA-Sqs
10) We Could Be Friends - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g09WSFuSnF0
11) Vessels - 1.0
12) Generator 2nd Floor - 2.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1KJs_tiL5o
13) The Great Estates - 2.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZkoYWIjFZ8

Average Rating - 1.8

[Music Head]

listened online



Canadian roving garage band member who goes by numerous alias's, most notably BBQ, with his second solo album. Started in a band called Spaceshits, known for their violent stage shows on the Montreal circuit. I guess he grew up at some point and formed his own label to record local bands he liked. That would include himself for this one. Although there were a lot of borderline tracks, I found nothing I liked. Garage music I guess.

I DO NOT LIKE THIS ALBUM

Worst Track - Icicles

Best Track - I Am The End

1) Icicles - 1.0 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLbz8Haiy_U
2) Don't Look Back - 1.0
3) Ten Of Hearts - 1.5
4) Status - 1.0
5) I Get Nothin' From My Girl - 1.5
6) Go Berserk - 1.5
7) I Am The End - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSEdXyzGFTo
8) Misery's Upon Us - 1.5 - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqzYCOSXfss
9) I'll Be Lovin' You - 1.5 - live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmXHm2Yc2KM
10) Waiting For Me - 1.0
11) Just To Hold You - 1.0
12) Catastrophe - 1.0
13) Nobody But You - 1.0

Average Rating - 1.2

[Music Head]

from my library (digital)



Seventh album from the L.A. party dudes who started in 1992. Only have one other album which is the debut, and haven't heard any of the others entirely. As usual, the single off of this album of (If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To, I did not even care for at first. Of course after a few 100 radio and tv plays it sort of grew on me. That was released back in August, and I don't understand the lack of a follow up. But what do I know? I'm just a consumer. There are three tracks on here I love, but they'll probably never see the light of day as singles. My favorite is Can't Stop Partying even if it does feature Lil Wayne. That oughta give 'em some street cred. Maybe they inspired him to do that sucky rock album.

I LIKE THIS ALBUM

Worst Track - Love Is The Answer

Best Track - Can't Stop Partying

I can't stop partying, partying
I can't stop partying, partying
I gotta have Patron, I gotta have the beat
I gotta have a lot of pretty girls around me

Oh, I can't stop partying, partying
I can't stop, partying, partying
I gotta have the cars, I gotta have the jewels
and if you was me, honey, you would do it too

Monday to Sunday I hit all the clubs
And everybody know me when I pull up
I got the real big posse with me, yeah I'm deep
And if u lookin for me I'm in vip

Just follow the smoke; they're bringing bottles of the goose
And all the girls in the corner getting loose
Screw rehab I love my addiction
No sleep no sleep I am always on a mission

Cuz I can't stop partying, partying
I can't stop partying, partying
I gotta have Patron, I gotta have the beat
I gotta have a lot of pretty girls around me

Oh, I can't stop partying, partying
I can't stop, partying, partying
I gotta have the cars, I gotta have the jewels
and if you was me, honey, you would do it too

(Lil Wayne)

Uh party like tomorrow is my funeral
Gotta stop mixin alcohol with pharmaceuticals
And the unusual is the fuckin usual
Man my life is beautiful and my girls are mutual

Okay bitch, it's weezer and it's weezy, Upside-down MTV
Please don't shoot me down because i'm an endangered species
It's the days of our lives but my night just started
I pray the killer doesn't take the life of the party

(Rivers Cuomo)

Cuz I can't stop partying, partying
I can't stop partying, partying
I gotta have Patron, I gotta have the beat
I gotta have a lot of pretty girls around me

Oh, I can't stop partying, partying
I can't stop, partying, partying
I gotta have the cars, I gotta have the jewels
and if you was me, honey, you would do it too

Oh
(Can't stop, Can't Stop the partying)
(Can't stop, Can't Stop the partying)
(Can't stop, Can't Stop the partying)
(Can't stop, Can't Stop the partying)
(Can't stop, Can't Stop the partying)
(Can't stop, Can't Stop the partying)
(Can't stop, Can't Stop the partying)
(Can't stop, Can't Stop the partying)

1) (If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To - ** - video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDIzMGh94vo
2) I'm Your Daddy - ** - video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qu0b_W6KLOE&feature=fvst
3) The Girl Got Hot - *** - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdpw-ZkRXm4
4) Can't Stop Partying - *** - live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=it6DjTy_dHo
5) Put Me Back Together - ** - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_SCVHWpwrY
6) Tripping Down The Freeway - ** - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUCEVQ0x2D8
7) Love Is The Answer - * - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rD_53jRElEY
8) Let It All Hang Out - ** - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhOmgq_p5q8
9) In The Mall - * - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_iZqU2dvRs
10) I Don't Want To Let You Go - *** - audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQAk26dT8k0

Rating - 2.1

[CMB1888]

Frank Turner - Hold Your Tongue

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvrwpqT7etM

Not his best song but I really like how you can see the roots of later work in this. I love intelligent song-writing.