The Decemberists :: Picaresque

This album caught me immediately when I heard it. The lead singer Colin Meloy has a distinctive voice (there is a definite Morrissey influence) and an art for story telling. Each songs has a story about sailors, pirates, child princes, and sports heros. Even the slow songs like “Eli, the Barrowboy” are sincerely haunting and atmospheric. But quite a few of the songs are rollicking and upbeat. Overall, a very solid album and a worthwhile listen.

Devendra Banhart :: Rejoicing in the Hands

Two years ago, I would have told you that the only think that came out of the 60s that I liked was Neil Young. Everyone else had died or didn't make it. So, in a sense I dismissed an entire generation of music. Of course now I realize that a lot of the music I listen to is inspired by the 60s garage rock movement and psychedelic. I was reacting against the hippie stereotype and flower power in general. And Beatle mania while I was at it. Of course, it is hard to completely dismiss any music. Some is just more worth my time that other stuff. But since a few of the bands I always like said they were influenced by folk, I was always respected the style. Devandra is probably the closest to an actual folk record I have really liked. If you want to call it folk. It reminds me that the acoustic guitar can be more that just an instrument to play an “soft” version of you loud guitar rockin' hit. With the right vocals and engaging strumming, truly good music can be created. New Weird America, here I come. And “Fall” is my favorite song here.

R.E.M. : Country Feedback

I think I would call this my favorite R.E.M. song. It is sad, brooding, emotional, and has become a live favorite. In fact, live it can run 3 minutes longer as Buck takes opportunity to solo at the close (which may not seem much for most bands, but is quite unusual for this band). Probably R.E.M. at their most Neil Young-ish, and that is a good thing. The album version makes good use of a pedal steel guitar and minimal percussion. Vocals are shared with Stipe, Berry, and guest Kate Pierson. But, Stipe's vocals standout as he tells us "You wear me out" but "I need this".

LCD Soundsystem : Losing My Edge

It's like a hipster's cheatsheet! Where else can you find a list of some of the best overlooked and obscure but influential and important must of the last 40+ years. I have made it project to look up the artist I don't know and find out more about them. James Murphy also shows his musical diversity by namechecking everyone from Captin Beefheart to Daft Punk. And the outro list..."This Heat, Pere Ubu, Outsiders, Nation of Ulysses, Mars, The Trojans, The Black Dice, Todd Terry, the Germs, Section 25, Althea and Donna, Sexual Harrassment, a-ha, Pere Ubu, Dorothy Ashby, PIL, the Fania All-Stars, the Bar-Kays, the Human League, the Normal, Lou Reed, Scott Walker, Monks, Niagra, Joy Division, Lower 48, the Association, Sun Ra, Scientists, Royal Trux, 10cc, Eric B. and Rakim, Index, Basic Channel, Soulsonic Force ("just hit me"!), Juan Atkins, David Axelrod, Electric Prunes, Gil! Scott! Heron!, the Slits, Faust, Mantronix, Pharaoh Sanders and the Fire Engines, the Swans, the Soft Cell, the Sonics, the Sonics, the Sonics, the Sonics." Even forgetting the lyrics, that bassline is lots of fun too.

The White Stripes :: Get Behind Me Satan

I remember reading an interview a while ago where Jack said something like "I am going to concentrate on the guitar and forget the harmonica". What happened Jack? After the garage-blues-rock monster Elephant, it seems like the Stripes could have made another record of primarily guitar/drums songs and completly demolished the competion via another "Seven Nation Army"-style romp. Instead, the Stripes take a left hand turn, and I am very glad for it. The album covers a lot of material stylistically and instrumentally, but retains the themes of sin and betrayal. I immediately loved "My Doorbell" for its simplicity and Jack's weird way of slurring the word "I'vebeenthinkin'bout my doorbell / When ya gonna ring it? / When ya gonna ring it?" The piano definitely works for me, and Jack's vocal styling gets highlighted more than ever. I think the record is engaging and although initially confusing in the amount of ground covered, rewards the listener with anther solid album by the Stripes.