To begin with, this past week I finally listened to a record from 2008 from a band called Plants and Animals. The album is "Parc Avenue". WOW! In a perfect world this would have been a "hit" somewhere in 2008! It's so sad. This is such a fantastic record by an obvious bunch of talented people. I can't rave about it enough.
I tried to enjoy Josh Ritter-Live At Vicar Street 2006 but the damn audience turned it into karaokeville (no, I don't approve). Who knew Josh had such a following where they knew every word he ever uttered! UGH!!!!!! It comes with a DVD. If I watch it sometime perhaps I can throw darts at the offenders. Enough said.
I broke down and purchased something SEMI popular. Owl City-"Ocean Eyes" (2009) I will say I do like the single "Fireflies" as insipid as it may have become. Since I don't ever do radio that sort of thing never affects me. I control my own musical destiny, I don't need it shoved at me and told what to listen to and which untalented idiot this week needs to be made rich. UGH!!!!!!! Ok, off my tangents there. This album is pretty good. There are moments of goodness. However, the Dentist song is so lyrically adolescent and rather unforgivable. I appreciate his one man show in the studio but sometimes you have to objectively admit that it's NOT something you should release. Perhaps I will check out the 2 previous Owl City albums....
God Help The Girl-"S/T" (2009) Stuart Murdoch of Belle & Sebastian back with a project that is a play turned into an album. It's ok. It's NOT B&S. The girl is pretty good and I like some of this more than others. Perhaps its a grower...
Levon Helm-"Electric Dirt" (2009) Good old Levon from The Band. It's nice that he's still working as hard as he does. I wish I loved this material but it's just a bit too hokey for me. I won't deny the talent on here it's just kind of not my thing I guess. A couple of songs I really enjoyed and the rest is just kind of there....
Wilco-"Wilco (The Album)" (2009) It started off really strong and then was up and down afterwards. I'll have to revisit soon and see if it hits me stronger. I didn't dislike it and the band does sound quite strong. I can't quite put my finger on it so I'll have to check it out again sometime.
Amazing Baby-"Rewild" (2009). Hmmm, this is an interesting debut this year. It's a bit all over the place stylistically which is fine. The latter half is definitely stronger and more engaging than the beginning was. I will return to this record and reassess....
A new 2010 release from the band By Divine Right-"Mutant Message" (2010) is another sketchy affair. They are difficult to pin down. Some of this record is really good and some is really blah. I don't think it will appear on my best of 2010!
Deer Tick-"More Fuel For The Fire" EP (2010). Only 4-tracks, 1 is live. It's ok but the latest album from them is 5 stars EXCELLENT! I'm definitely interested in this band and hope they follow up in 2010 with a full length.
Until next time when I discuss the first few releases coming out this Tuesday Jan 5, 2010.
Happy New yeaR!!!
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