Last album I heard:
[img]http://www.mushrecords.com/album_art_front/MH234_D.jpg[/img]
Bibio's album fi, which was released in 2005.
My grade: A+, 9.8/10
Bibio (Stephen Wilkinson) is one of my favorite artists and I rarely go a day without listening to at least one of his albums. What a terrific album. His lo-fi guitar lines and droning electronics are both accompanied by nature and found sounds, which give this album a very unique sound and feel. It's almost like I found it in a forest amongst leaves and twigs. One thing I noticed is, much like Boards of Canada, it gives off a sort of nostalgic feel. I don't know how this happens. Each song is like a vignette. They're mostly short, but meaningful. This album compliments many moods, and is always begging to be listened to, for me at least. I could compliment this album, and Bibio, for a very long time, so I'll just leave it at that. Check it out. And if not this, please check out his Warp debut album 'Ambivalence Avenue' which is probably his most accessible album (and quite different, straying away from his folktronica roots and exploring). All of his work is amazing.
Last album I heard for the first time:
[img]http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FGzxqIKdVDQ/TYON1qB8igI/AAAAAAAAAag/FMFc1qpJnao/s1600/crystal-stilts-in-love-with-oblivion.jpg[/img]
Crystal Stilts' album In Love with Oblivion, which was released in 2011.
My grade: B, 8.5/10
This was a pretty good album, I enjoyed it all the way through and found it to be an immediate repeat listen. It felt like a ride through complete chaos or something. It was literally like falling in love with oblivion.
I'm not too good at describing things.
But there ya go... ;) Cheers, everyone! Happy listening!
[QUOTE=bruceleejkd;30541932]
I'm not too good at describing things.
But there ya go... ;) Cheers, everyone! Happy listening![/QUOTE]
I order you to post here more often. :smug:
[QUOTE=AK'z;30541961]I order you to post here more often. :smug:[/QUOTE]
You got it, sir!
I must give that Crystal Stilts album a listen though, seems interesting.
Also I've been recommended Bibio a dozen times, but I'm biding my time to find the right place to start.
It's a very noisy album, so I hope you're into that.
Anytime is the right time for some Bibio, bro :buddy:
[QUOTE=bruceleejkd;30542089]It's a very noisy album, so I hope you're into that.
[/QUOTE]
Oh yeah. :smug:
[img]http://www.technodisco.net/img/tracks/d/dr.-steel/1470926-dr.-steel-people-of-earth.jpg[/img]
Doctor Steel - People of Earth (2002)
4.5/5
Pretty much just as good as his debut
I would like a new album now please
[img]http://img.maniadb.com/images/album/645/645785_1_f.jpg[/img]
Jaga Jazzist's album One-Armed Bandit, released in 2010
My grade: A-, 9.2/10
This is a nu-jazzy album with a sort of progressive rock flavor to it. It's insanely fun, and I've listened to it about a metric ass-load since it was released, and it's still an absolute joy to listen to. I'd suggest checking it out along with their other work (A Livingroom Hush, What We Must, The Stix, etc.).
[img]http://www3.airnet.ne.jp/~vzr04461/album/Chameleon.jpg[/img]
Helloween - Chameleon - 1993
[B]A[/B]
I was going into this album thinking it was going to be a straight forward power metal album. I am fully aware of the greatness that was created by the likes of Blind Guardian and Stratovarius, but this is completely different.
You can definitely see "power metal" here, but the way it's done is with a certain mindset which can only be related to (sorry to say this) Spinal Tap. :v:
I've had my fair share of hilarious albums, some being "Self Portrait" by Bob Dylan which requested people saying "This is the end of Bob Dylan"... and others like St. Anger and Duke.
It's understandbly going to divide fans and cause riots, but in the end.. what matters is that they are convincingly presenting this mindset and just stepping up to the plate with some creative sounds and vibes. I'm not going to say that this is all that experimental, but I believe the way they throw around their lyrics is completely mental. I don't want to offend because I find the hilarity uplifting, and I personally think that is what its intent was in the first place.
Among the madness we have some nice grooves here and there with "Revolution Now" and "Music", but other than that this is a really believable piece of work.
I'll have to give this more listens to get close to what they're on about, but for now I'll just laugh for a bit.
[img]http://www.vacayvitamins.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/LifeOfLeisureEP3-600x600.jpg[/img]
Washed Out's album (EP) Life of Leisure, released in 2009
My grade: A+, 9.6/10
I don't know if you like the whole chillwave movement or not, but if you do, then you have undoubtedly heard of Washed Out. This EP screams of summer. It is so easy to get absolutely immersed in this music. So very relaxing. This man's sonic expertise is astounding. The textures are so rich, I swear you could drown in it the music. I recommend you listen to this and just 'Feel it All Around'. :keke:
[QUOTE=bruceleejkd;30544495][img]http://www.vacayvitamins.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/LifeOfLeisureEP3-600x600.jpg[/img]
Washed Out's album (EP) Life of Leisure, released in 2009
My grade: A+, 9.6/10
I don't know if you like the whole chillwave movement or not, but if you do, then you have undoubtedly heard of Washed Out. This EP screams of summer. It is so easy to get absolutely immersed in this music. So very relaxing. This man's sonic expertise is astounding. The textures are so rich, I swear you could drown in it the music. I recommend you listen to this and just 'Feel it All Around'. :keke:[/QUOTE]
Saw the album art
went "hipster"
checked out it on last.fm
[url]http://www.last.fm/music/Washed+Out/+tags[/url]
bwahaha
[img]http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/519CKLl1v3L._SS500_.jpg[/img]
Ted Hawkins - Watch Your Step - 1982
[B]A-[/B]
Undoubtedly an overlooked work in the soul world. What he reminds me of is a truly rugged, raspy version of Al Green. This might put people off because what his rasp adds to the music, takes from the "soulfulness" of the record. I personally thought this haggard sound was incredible, he knows no bounds and is charasmatic in his delivery. What else needs to be asked?
Well he is blues oriented, which becomes a lot more obvious due to the guitar being the [I]control[/I] here.
Could I say it's grooveable as most soul records are? Maybe not, but it's definitely filled with heart and I have sympathy for him because it is known that he was a drug addict and has been on the other side of the law a few times landing him in prison. But he's lived a hard life and passed away at a ripe age of 58.
If only he were discovered earlier and given more of a push would he have gone all the way. Thankfully his next work was more popular and actually charted in places in Europe. :iia:
[h2]Julian Casablancas - Phrazes For The Young[/h2]
[i]Dunno if it has been reviewed already.[/i]
[img]http://images.wikia.com/lyricwiki/images/9/9d/Julian_Casablancas_-_Phrazes_for_the_Young.jpg[/img]
The solo debut of The Strokes' frontman Julian Casablancas comes packed with great dance rhythms and awesome, progressive guitar riffs, making a perfect blend between synthesizers and guitars, between the classic and the new. You'll oftenly find good old folk-like songs with a clever twist of new trends, songs like "Ludlow St." and "4 Chords of The Apocalypse" have great, complex drum patterns on top of really classy, catchy tunes.
Other songs like "11th dimension" and "30-Minute-Boyfriend (iTunes bonus track)" represent New-Wave at its best, with a cool mix of Synthpop that will have you dancing and humming them for hours.
And underneath all these tracks a clear message stands out making direct reference to the album title: Phrazes for the young. The whole song writing really feels like a personal advice from Julian to you, some songs that clearly convey this message are "11th Dimension", "Out of The Blue" and "Tourist", that have raw and sincere critique to different matters of life, and a strong word of advice mixed in between.
What "Phrazes For The Young" fails to achieve is consistency. You'd expect this from Julian, and his multiple musical backgrounds, but the album itself switches too fast between genres. You might be listening to a really soft folk ballad to rapidly find yourself listening to a chaotic Synthpop tune such as "River Of Brakelights".
To wrap it up, Phrazes For The Young is a really great debut album from Julian Casablancas that it's clearly influenced by Julian's past work with The Strokes and his personal taste and it clearly influences the new album by The Strokes.
[b]Rating[/b]
[img]http://www.facepunch.com/fp/ratings/winner.png[/img] [img]http://www.facepunch.com/fp/ratings/winner.png[/img] [img]http://www.facepunch.com/fp/ratings/winner.png[/img] [img]http://www.facepunch.com/fp/ratings/winner.png[/img] [img]http://www.facepunch.com/fp/ratings/winner.png[/img] [img]http://www.facepunch.com/fp/ratings/winner.png[/img] [img]http://www.facepunch.com/fp/ratings/winner.png[/img] [img]http://www.facepunch.com/fp/ratings/winner.png[/img]
[i]8/10 stars[/i]
[img]http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kDGX6DYxbQE/Tac1VMCPM-I/AAAAAAAAAPw/k_AvWoa6dHU/s400/moondog.jpg[/img]
Moondog - s/t [1969]
Moondog is not a band name or a stage name, it's what he goes by. The picture on the album is him, in what he usually wears. He's a blind hobo who invents instruments and blends jazz with classical compositions and occasional spoken word. That's my review.
8/10
[img]http://nobrasil.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/captain-beefheart.jpg[/img]
Captain Beefheart - Safe as Milk
Really fun to listen to. Bizarre blues songs with a total outsider appeal, consistently awesome.
8.5/10
Lady Gaga - Born this Way
8/10
It's trippier than before, most of the songs are catchy, but some are just a bit to retarded for my taste.
[QUOTE=bruceleejkd;30541932]Last album I heard for the first time:
[img]http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FGzxqIKdVDQ/TYON1qB8igI/AAAAAAAAAag/FMFc1qpJnao/s1600/crystal-stilts-in-love-with-oblivion.jpg[/img]
Crystal Stilts' album In Love with Oblivion, which was released in 2011.
My grade: B, 8.5/10
This was a pretty good album, I enjoyed it all the way through and found it to be an immediate repeat listen. It felt like a ride through complete chaos or something. It was literally like falling in love with oblivion. [/QUOTE]
lol that was one of my random listens on Spotify a while back. Honestly didn't really pay attention though. Maybe I'll go back to it eventually.
[QUOTE=AK'z;30543837][img]http://www3.airnet.ne.jp/~vzr04461/album/Chameleon.jpg[/img]
Helloween - Chameleon - 1993
[B]A[/B]
I was going into this album thinking it was going to be a straight forward power metal album. I am fully aware of the greatness that was created by the likes of Blind Guardian and Stratovarius, but this is completely different.
You can definitely see "power metal" here, but the way it's done is with a certain mindset which can only be related to (sorry to say this) Spinal Tap. :v:
I've had my fair share of hilarious albums, some being "Self Portrait" by Bob Dylan which requested people saying "This is the end of Bob Dylan"... and others like St. Anger and Duke.
It's understandbly going to divide fans and cause riots, but in the end.. what matters is that they are convincingly presenting this mindset and just stepping up to the plate with some creative sounds and vibes. I'm not going to say that this is all that experimental, but I believe the way they throw around their lyrics is completely mental. I don't want to offend because I find the hilarity uplifting, and I personally think that is what its intent was in the first place.
Among the madness we have some nice grooves here and there with "Revolution Now" and "Music", but other than that this is a really believable piece of work.
I'll have to give this more listens to get close to what they're on about, but for now I'll just laugh for a bit.[/QUOTE]
[quote][B]A[/B][/quote]
[quote][...]this is a really believable piece of work. [/quote]
What?
[img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/11/The_Offspring-Ixnay_on_the_Hombre.jpg[/img]
The Offspring - Ixnay On The Hombre
Year 1997
I give it a 8/10
Great album of the Offspring but not the best one, I recommend it.
[QUOTE=R. Cookie;30556844]What?[/QUOTE]
Makes sense if you read the whole thing!
If you're still confused it's about how they didn't come off as "trying to be different for the sake of it".
And as for the grade, it's damn true. :smugdog:
[QUOTE=Aleckza;30558869][img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/11/The_Offspring-Ixnay_on_the_Hombre.jpg[/img]
The Offspring - Ixnay On The Hombre
Year 1997
I give it a 8/10
Great album of the Offspring but not the best one, I recommend it.[/QUOTE]
Yeah, I'd say Americana > Splinter > Ixnay on the Hombre > everything else is subpar.
[QUOTE=AK'z;30559280]Makes sense if you read the whole thing!
If you're still confused it's about how they didn't come off as "trying to be different for the sake of it".
And as for the grade, it's damn true. :smugdog:[/QUOTE]
Cannot say I was a fan.
[QUOTE=AK'z;30559280]Makes sense if you read the whole thing!
If you're still confused it's about how they didn't come off as "trying to be different for the sake of it".
And as for the grade, it's damn true. :smugdog:[/QUOTE]
It doesn't even make sense. You gave it an a, but you complimented 2 tracks, then said that "besides that, it is a really believable piece of work", implying the latter was boring as they lacked the former. Also the fact that the word "unbelievable" is used as a compliment.
[QUOTE=mikeyt493;30559378]Cannot say I was a fan.[/QUOTE]
It was good, but the tracks were too hit and miss. Windmill, Crazy Cat and Step Out of Hell were just awful tracks. Longing, Giants, I Believe and Music are on the other hand very memorable.
Also AK'z, if you want more of material similar to that album and are disappointed that Helloween didn't continue in that vein, get the extended version. It has the b sides of the singles which adds up to 8 tracks. Kind of like another mini-album.
[QUOTE=R. Cookie;30563719]It doesn't even make sense. You gave it an a, but you complimented 2 tracks, then said that "besides that, it is a really believable piece of work", implying the latter was boring as they lacked the former. Also the fact that the word "unbelievable" is used as a compliment.[/QUOTE]
Depends if you take my grade based on "Critical", "Enjoyment" or "Artistic".
I personally don't think the grades matter much because they are likely to change.
[editline]19th June 2011[/editline]
[QUOTE=R. Cookie;30563808]are disappointed that Helloween didn't continue in that vein[/QUOTE]
Yeah I'm not too bothered. That's the first album of theirs I have heard.
[QUOTE=AK'z;30563868]Depends if you take my grade based on "Critical", "Enjoyment" or "Artistic".
I personally don't think the grades matter much because they are likely to change.
Yeah I'm not too bothered. That's the first album of theirs I have heard.[/QUOTE]
While I'm at it I see you like the comedy aspect of Helloween. Thankfully they've always had it, Gorgar (1985), Dr Stein (1988) most of Pink Bubbles Go Ape (1991) and Master of the Rings (1994) and Mr Torture (2000)
[editline]19th June 2011[/editline]
Really though, get that expanded edition of Chameleon. You'll love it
Amorphis - Skyforger:A+.
CombiChrist - Making Monsters: A+.
A+ isn't a rating you just throw around, it has to be near perfect, done tight in every way, imfluenced and influential, and more impotantly, A+ is the highest actual rating, meaning that nothing will be better than it.
[QUOTE=R. Cookie;30564182]A+ isn't a rating you just throw around, it has to be near perfect, done tight in every way, imfluenced and influential, and more impotantly, A+ is the highest actual rating, meaning that nothing will be better than it.[/QUOTE]
Different people have different reasons to give an A+.
[url]http://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/bk-cg70/grades.php[/url]
The difference is tht Robert Christgau is a fuckhead.
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