Deserves higher than a 9.2 imo. Lion In a Coma has that annoying rubber band sound, making it the only real apparent flaw that I can think of. Amazing album. Agreed with AOTD comment. It will indeed be a contender.
Ben Gibbard is a brilliant song writer and has witten numerous albums since transatlanticism. Although i do think that transatlanticism is still currently the best Death Cab album, Plans has a brilliant array of songs that still has that great sound that Gibbard potraits.
Another point i would like to bring up is your comment on how you think that Death Cab songs are generically ’sappy’. I disagree with your opinion a lot. There are may Death Cab songs that are NOT sappy in any way, for example ‘Sound of Settling’, ‘New Year’, ‘Crooked Teeth’, ‘No Sunlight’.
This was actually pretty interesting. The inclusion of the horns sold me. A really fun, up beat cover of a fantastic song. Like it’s been said, not a big Hold Steady fan, but I enjoy this.
I can’t believe people actually write critiques and “historical” analysis of something as arbitrary as a genre title for music. No one can see the historical significance, if any, of a handful of bands during a period of less than twenty years and their alleged influence on each other. This is why people can’t get over the sixties. If you attach historical significance to a titular singularity, then the artist or performer and the audience loses any immediate experience they may have of pure listening or performing or creating. The same reason my favorite “jazz” musicians never really say they play jazz. I suppose i’m just in agreement with nick up there, but really, I can’t stand the kind of insular diatribe so many bedroom critics like Jacob pass as journalism, fact or significant. If you think a band sucks, start your own damn band. If your band sucks, then shut the hell up.
If you’re not interested in what Jacob is saying, do what everyone else does and just move the fuck on. If you’re actually interested in how musicians write music then I advise you to at least consider the following points:
The reason people write about genres is that it’s a useful way of addressing musicians’ influence over one another. The strict term “genre” obviously doesn’t apply to the artists who have a broad spectrum of influences, but for those who work in a community, who influence each other, then it can make sense. It’s a fool who denies that musicians aren’t influenced by one another. Any sociologist will tell you that a genuine human singularity is extremely rare, existing only when a person has never had any contact with any other human: this is obviously not the case with Godspeed You!. We’re all a product of our influences. The term “genre” is just a way of dealing with musicians’ influences and you need to come to terms with that.
Secondly, just because someone describes something as a genre, doesn’t necessarily imply that it is historically important. There’s a difference between something being objectively important in music history, and something being interesting to a bunch of indviduals with a specialised interest. If you’re not interested in it, don’t read it. Come to terms with the fact that other people are interested in it. I don’t like the fact that people listen to Mariah Carey but I don’t spend hours of my life writing rants on the internet about it.
Thirdly, I totally agree with you that if you focus too much on the historicality of something then you are in danger of missing out on the actual experience of listening and enjoying music but – and it’s a big but – understanding something’s context can help you to enjoy something more. Jacob obviously loves Godspeed You! and he’s interested in their context. Your last two sentences don’t do anything to strengthen your argument. I too have a problem with non-musicians dissing music, especially when it’s obvious that they don’t understand it. I DON’T have a problem with people who love music wanting to talk about it.
These ghosts have started other bands and are expanding in their own directions off of the old music, incase you didnt know jacob. You just didnt seem to consider it in your writting thats all.
Is the point of Jacob’s piece that Godspeed was faced with only two options after Yanqui U.X.O.: one of which would have resulted in a relatively poor, or “lacking, and hollow” record necessarily attached to the electronic elements of more modern post rock, and the other, a record that would have been similarly disappointing in that the band wouldn’t have been capable of doing something significantly different from previous albums?
If this is so I feel like he is undermining the band. If you can get your hands on live recordings I think there is a good deal of evidence there that Godspeed was capable of deviating from the sound of their albums in truly novel and beautiful ways. This suggests to me that they could have very well put out more records that were new and exciting and still GODSPEED, without adapting any specific elements of the newer post-rock genres. I think “Outro” on Constellation’s Song of the Silent Land compilation is a decent example.
Like most live stuff that’s around prior to release it doesn’t fill me with confidence. I’m sure this will be decent though, I didn’t mind Sky Blue Sky and I doubt they could do worse than that.
[...] this album is an absolutely must in the world of undiscovered treats. Be sure to read Micah’s review of the album as well. – Matthew Tsai The Samuel Jackson Five – Easily Misunderstood (2005) This [...]
No. When april comes, it’ll probably will be set for December. Then when december comes, it’ll probably be set for March again. v.v
Don’t completely expect it for april. Partially expect it to be set again. There are 3 or more dates rumored. april 7, 27, and 28 are the ones I know of.
I don’t think we will see GY!BE together again unfortunately. I saw A Silver Mt. Zion in Cambridge in 2006. Someone in the crowd asked Efrim when GY!BE was getting back together. He said “When are you going to get back together with your ex-girlfriend? I hear she’s with a dentist now.”
I need to process the Bright Eyes review a bit. See, I fell in love with Bright Eyes a long, long time ago – way before the general public knew him. I grow weary of the Dylan comparisons because I don’t believe Dylan has, nor should be allowed, a stranglehold on singer/songwriters (Johnny Cash, Neil Young?). In fact, Dylan himself owes a great debt to Neil Diamond – the FIRST singer-songwriter who penned some wonderful work early in his career. Dylan, for me, is a poet. If I had to choose between singers, Conor wins hands down. Lyrically, Conor has matured in his work, not regressed – he’s not nearly as self-absorbed or self-pitying. On his solo album, Conor explores some new territory, but to expect him to be the next Dylan, then to act put off or disappointed when he’s not measuring up to a mythologically high standard is ridiculous. I’ve always seen Bright Eyes related much more closely to The Cure, Morrissey, Joy Division then to Bob Dylan. But if people hear Dylan in him, then it’s a compliment. I don’t think falling short of Dylan status is a failure. In addition, the idea that Dylan remained aloof, observing as a god from on high (as the reviewer writes) discounts Dylan’s active role in the political climate of his day. He was involved. Conor is also getting in on the conversation. Conor is a (relatively) young man recovering from alcoholism and drug abuse and is finally waking up to the world around him, rightfully sharing his observations. Dylan? Maybe not. But John Mayer and Jack Johnson? I put my money on Oberst. Ever hear any Commander Venus? Then, you can hear how far he’s come lyrically and musically.
I’d have to agree with much of David’s input. His lyrical scope has broadened by a huge margin since the Fevers And Mirrors days which has made for a decidedly less annoying approach to songwriting. The quivering has toned down and Oberst seems to perform with more conviction and belief in his work. The Moz/Joy Division/Cure point is also quite interesting. Had Bright Eyes remained anchored in the doom and gloom, it might be dead on. As for the Dylan parallels, they’re there, and they’re tenuous.
While Kraftwerk doesn’t exactly match my personal taste all that well, the line-up looks amazing with Elbow, Anthony, Wainwright and Lou Reed among my personal favourites. Too bad it’s during the Premier League off-season, otherwise I might have actually considered taking a trip for it if I could combine it with a visit to Sir Matt Busby Way!
I really enjoyed your reflections on Dylan’s journey. I think God and Jesus are still important for him but he seems to have done the ‘organised religion’ thing. It wasn’t all that long ago that he said Jesus is his hero and he has been playing’ Gotta Serve Sombody’ and ‘I Believe In You’ recently. Must still be with him somewhere.
This review made me pretty sad. I would love to see a new album. and I would very much like to see them play. As much as I like the direction post rock is headed, it’s sad to think that the genre has evolved so much just a few years that it has no place for one of it’s founding fathers.
thanks for this write-up! i am loving this CD though it took a few listens to get into it. i especially love that you translated some of the welsh, i have had ‘Lliwiau Llachar’ stuck in my head for days with no idea what it meant!
Interesting (yet dizzying) to read your interpretation of the new album. As probably the biggest non-English, non-Welsh fan of SFA (I’m a Norwegian), it’s somewhat satisfying to see that people who have a better understanding of the two languages suffer from the same confusion as I do. To me, you hit the nail on the head when you say “lyrics are often a kind of music in and of themselves”. Because even though I think it’s great when the furries come up with lines like “…another Cuban cigar crisis/ Honestly, do we need to know if he really came inside her mouth”, and such (and btw, I don’t think these kind of lyrics are as much political statements, as they are a comment to the focus of the media), SFA teaches me to appreciate the pure musical qualities, and leave whatever I don’t understand to imagination. To me, the mix of cryptic English and incomprehensible Welsh, creates a kind of international language of music.
Cheers guys. kjell, you’ve probably already heard them but on the official site you can download Bunf’s soundscapes, which give a real sense of just how broadminded their definition of “music” is. Maybe “music” isn’t quite the right word – “interesting sound”?
There’s a difference between a quality rock opera and a pretentious rock opera (that Razia’s Shadow trash). Good thing this is a quality rock opera. Good review
rick – i actually really enjoy it, but i think you have to listen to it as a narrative to do so. putting it on random would not work. the first time i listened through with the lyrics in front of me was almost as good as seeing a good show in the theatre, which i think is what they were aiming for. i guess the extent to which you actually enjoy it will depend on the extent to which you enjoy theatre stuff, or to which you want to transfer the theatre experience onto a cd.
sorry to keep you waiting, joe, we’d rather take our time and say it right than rush it out and get it wrong. and writing this, i’ve just noticed a minor typo…
This really is a good review at the core. Cut out a couple of the paragraphs that contain the backstory, the several repeated namedrop of other classic albums, and I think you’d have a fantastic review.
I don´t think we´ll ever see Godspeed together again too. I saw Silver Mt. Zion in NY once. A girl screamed godspeeeeeed twice, and Efrin said something like “There´s a crazy girl in the audience”. And it´s pretty bad, because GYBE is the best band ever!
indeed… m83 vs tv on the radio? wtf, sasquatch? and why are the decemberists invited? they should be banned from the gorge for their crappy prog rock! =(
I listened to it over 2 weeks and each time it kept getting better. I gave it the score I did because I honestly think that it is an important crossover record perhaps only bettered by Relationship of Command within this genre. I like that it is causing debate.
They should have stepped one track further on the record, and made Savior a single instead. My ability to judge chart-potential might be a bit distorted by taste, but it seems like a perfect single – Very similar to and with the same pop-appeal as the “heavier” tracks that My Chemical Romance became public property with.
Hero of War is good though, I won’t argue with that!
good review, and i think you nailed it as far as if they do end the band, these four albums show a great journey of Aaron, and hopefully the other band members as well.
another good review. i’ve loved grandaddy for a long time and this album definitely shows that jason is still going to be making great, creative music. hopefully he’ll tour.
Great review Micah, but as you already know, I would have the score at least a point lower. The final song on the record is the worst thing this band has ever written.
‘The Runaway’ sounds wonderful but I didn’t listen to the live tracks since I tend to stay away from those. Regardless, I adore this band. Most anticipated of 09.
This article was the impetus for my discovering and falling in love with American Water. This was an absolutely fantastic read and one of the best pieces of writing published on Sun on the Sand thus far. Thanks for making the rest of us look like hacks, Vinh.
Soon, someone will realize that there is still hope for godspeed. You know that they all have to miss that band in some way. but if its not meant to be, its not meant to be. But everyone is keeping there hopes up for godspeed, and i don’t see that as a bad thing at all. The way i look at it, is everyone should quit there bitching, listen to there old stuff and respect that, because its beauty. If you’re so concerned about keeping with a genre, start your own damn genre.
the fact that, like so many people, I find myself googling GYBE every so often makes me realise how I’d love to hear more. I arrived too late, never saw them play. Having listened to a lot of the bands that have come out of Godspeed You, I’ve been left wanting. The only album that I think has continued the curve is Sam Shalabi’s “Shalabi Effect”, an album I love.
I’m a long time fan of them. And as an old fan, I couldn’t disagree more about what you’ve said. Tell All Your Friends changed my life back then too, but those were another times. It was ages ago, man. I was a different person with different interests and more important than that, naive. The seasons changed and so did I. I do miss those times, but I think I’m a better person now. You see, I think that what most of the angry rabid TBS fans are failing to understand is that it isn’t just Tell All Your Friends you are missing. It’s what it was like back then. They cant write teenage poetry forever, man. I’ve listened all their albums back to back yesterday. My conclusion is that my favorite album of them is New Again. But let me explain first before you go all angry on me too: I honestly think that even though TAYF is an amazing and beautifully crafted album, it’s way overrated. Yeah it’s a really good album, but isn’t the second coming. It served me well during my more naive years. It’s one of my most beloved albums, the perfect soundtrack for the years back then. But New Again is the perfect soundtrack for the man I am right now. I’m proud of them for not going in the easier route. See, I think that a lot of people are wrong in comparing Brand New with TBS. Both Adam and Jesse are skilled songwriters and musicians in their own ways. But they aren’t going for the same things. I see TBS as a band that grew up, and that’s a good thing, in a world where bands like blink basically write teenage music when their almost in their fourties. I feel sorry for your disappointment, I can see why you’re disappointed but honestly, this is in my vision their best album to date. And there’re more people thinking this way too. Maybe will grow in you, maybe you will outgrow TBS. Who knows? Only time will tell. John Nolan is through with the past. Taking Back Sunday is through with the past. Why the fans can’t let it go?
i can agree with you on tayf, it holds a lot of nostalgia for me and i don’t think it’s as amazing as i once did but it will always be one of my favorite albums.
i think it should also be said that i don’t have a problem with progression. what i do have a problem with is such an obviously mainstream-oriented grasp at relevance. they might have changed, but i would not say that they have progressed.
to progress, you have to grow, not just change. progression implies a change for the better. what is better here? although their lyrics have never been brilliant, and they have never really written a song (just collections of one-liners), the lyrics on tayf were quite witty. what can you honestly say is a clever line here? (except for the chorus of everything must go, goddamn that rules.) i feel like the band knows they’ll never match the way they used to be and are instead trying to stay in the limelight. there is no magic here in my eyes, no talent.
thanks for not being a complete idiot and actually writing intelligent thoughts, by the way. it’s a lot more than i expect from most.
Well, and here we go disagreing again. It’s very hard for me to understand how some people aren’t perceiving how much they have progressed. And I mean this in every single part of their sound, from Adam’s vocals and lyrics to their musicianship. I can’t agree that writing cryptic and very personal lyrics (as Adam has been doing since the beginning and I think it’s perfected in New Again) about very complex subjects like separation, drug abuse, betrayal and longing and living up to the expectations of others as something mainstream ready. Yeah, they made it relatable and catchy as hell, but I can’t see this is a bad thing. Sink Into Me is probably one of the most catchiest songs in their whole carreer. I agree about Tell All Your Friends having really good one-liners, but I love a lot of new ones in this album. You see, I think it’s all about perspective. Actually my personal feelings about this album is that it isn’t for everyone, I find amazing people claiming they are trying to stay on the limelight by doing mainstream attempts. But let me explain that. This album is to people who have been through some shit in their lives. Their biggest fanbase are young teens and young men and women. Fine. But most of those people have being through some experiences that are related in the album. I dont think that many teenagers that enjoy TBS have gone through real drug abuse or even a more real and palatable situation: separation. Real separation. Not the kind that’s sang in Tell All Your Friends. Carpathia is the name of the little boat that saved some Titanic survivors back then. And it’s the name of one of one song that have some of the most personal lyrics that I’ve seen my whole life. I can go on here all day telling you how much this album is amazing and providing you some real strong points about it, but I’ve come to the realization that it’s useless. I’ve been through some shit in my life. I was living together with my ex-girlfriend and I’ve betrayed her. And it was and still is a very difficult situation. There’re people that identify themselves with Lacey. The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me is mostly about how devastated he was by the whole deal he had with Sherri Dupree-Bemis. I see Jesse as an amazingly skilled songwriter and vocalist, but I can’t identify myself with him most of the times. There’re people who will find themselves devastaded for losing a girl, there’re people who will go through some things that I consider more intense. I’ve been through the both ends. I’ve been ditched and I’ve ditched some people. Adam is a guy that since Tell All Your Friends, I relate with. For bad or for good, some shit he went through and is singing about it now, are things that I really relate with. I don’t know nothing about your personal life. But what I can say is that people when they grow, they’ll be both heroes and villains. Good guys and bastards. I don’t see Adam as a guy who would apologize with his one last gasping breath for bleeding in someone else’s shirt anymore. Back then, maybe. And I could identify myself with that so good back then. But as he grew up, so did I. Right now lines like I’d like to see our roles reversed to watch you hang on every word and others in New Again are way more relatable to me. I don’t know if New Again was their right move. What I know is that it’s an honest to God move, and I think it’s amazing a band show progression in their lyrics and tapping in very personal and complex subjects and still be relatable for the major part of their fanbase. They would be doing a disservice for them and for the fans if they dumbed down their sound to fit the standards they’ve setted in the past. I’ll write my own review on this album in this weekend, maybe if you’re interested in see my specific thoughts about the album, I can hook you up.
I was thrilled to see Todd Kearns list The Thermals “Now We Can See” as number four of the year so far. It is not often that I see the Thermals acknowledged as I think they should be. Also, as someone who has certainly enjoyed a song or two by The War on Drugs in passing, I am intrigued by the review of Kurt Vile’s “God Is Saying This to You…” and am determined to at least give it a listen. In addition, although never having heard the band before, Blind Pilot’s re-release of 3 Rounds and A Sound sounds fantastic and I can’t wait to hear it.
Oh, and, I’m getting bored with seemingly everyone’s obsession with Animal Collective.
God Is Saying This To You… is a decent effort. Not all that similar to Wagonwheel Blues if that’s your point of reference. Personally, I prefer Granduciel over Vile as a frontman and lyricist.
I appreciate the feedback. I agree, it’s very self-indulgent, but at the same time, I hesitate to kill the backstory and exposition as it were, because of how deliberate it is: a self-conscious rambling to explain myself just as The Ugly Organ is the same thing for Kasher. It’s almost a “concept review” if you will, though the namedrops could be written out a bit.
I would hate that more than anything.. Saw them last week and were on top form as usual. Hoping the lyrics are okay with Vin doing them more so than Jesse
Only Joni Mitchell, The Band, and Neil deserved a spot of those 10. Atrocious list that further displays how worthless a publication Spin is. Oh, mall indie? Let’s put that junk in ahead of Leonard Cohen.
Can i just say mr.James, i appreciate your opinion but i am from gl;asgow and i love paolo nutini dearly, i listen to htis album religously away from religon, all of it, meaning that from my aspect all of his songs are great, i particularly disagree with you on growing up beside you, this is wa wonderful song about loving somone all your days and the tune, the tone of his voice and the passion he has for his music are all treflcted in this piece. So i suggest that you are more carefull on what you call to be “dissapointing,” because it could mean a lot to other people.
Great review, thank you! You should definately come over to Gothenburg and check them out live. I have seen them five times and their perfect blend of happiness and sadness brings me to tears. Every fucking time. How often does that happen?
I heard the festival this year was awesome…I definitely should have skipped my cousin’s wedding and went..haha! Thank god Fuse is airing it on TV on Sat. so I’ll at least feel like I was there: http://fuse.tv/tours/lollapalooza2009/index.html
[...] a lesbian scene in every irreverent teen comedy ever. Oh, and remember what was said in the Boxer review about token instrumentals on indie records? Guess what the band offers up with ‘Between An [...]
If you wanted the review to be taken more seriously you should have dug a deeper before flinging the ‘Belle & Sebastian’ mud. The cover art for ‘Memoirs’ is a homage to the 60’s Blue Note/Verve/Film Soundtrack covers typically found in that era. If it shares any simularities with any of Belle’s covers it’s probably because of a shared love of the same source material. Truth be told, many of Belle’s covers owe a particular degree of gratitude to Morrissey’s design sensibilities with ‘The Smiths’ so in the future, I’d be cautious about throwing around accusations of who’s stealing from whom if you’re not willing to connect A to B to C.
As irritated as you were from this review (and judging by the tone of many of your reviews on your site…you sound pretty darn irritated in general) like many things in life, you either like it or you don’t. Thankfully, around one person does the world not spin.
I’m well aware of the bearing soundtrack covers have had on Murdoch and company. That’s precisely why I find the artwork for Memoirs so annoying; B&S have employed this shtick for what, 15 years now?
“You either like it or you don’t”. I don’t and as a reviewer for this site, voiced my rationale. I fail to see the issue. As for my writing in general, I don’t make it a point to tackle solely artists I enjoy. Consequently, there will be albums that garner lower scores than ardent fans may deem appropriate. The average score I dole out sits at roughly 6.0 which isn’t particularly scathing anyway.
Regardless, I appreciate the feedback and am glad one of us enjoys the album.
Again, never posited that listeners were “crazy for soundtrack pop” but rather cinematic indie-pop. There’s a distinction to be made. Similar acts off the top of my head would be Club 8, The Owls, This Is Ivy League, Math And Physics Club, Au Revoir Simone, Tahiti 80, Saturday Looks Good To Me, etc.
Eddie, you were supposed to maintain their streak of sparkling wordplay centered around my name. Osama Vinh Laden?
Most of the bands you mention do not fall under that category. Do you mean Stereolab, The Hgh Llamas, Goldfrapp, Broadcast, Camera Obscura, Arling & Cameron?
And the one comment was right, B&S’s covers were more odes to Smiths LPs than the 60s movie soundtrack designs the postmarks seem to be going for.
While the record isn’t my fave, it’s definitely not bland.
No, I don’t. Stereolab’s music isn’t brushed with the dainty melancholy pervading much of the indie-pop spectrum, The High Llamas’ arrangements are far more evocative, Goldfrapp is significantly sultrier than The Postmarks, and so on. Granted, Camera Obscura is close enough.
I’m not sure why I’m even responding to this seeing as “cinematic” is a qualifier with parameters firmly planted in individual perception. You’ll hear what you hear and likewise on my end.
i love the dandys. my friend is like in love with courtney taylor-taylor. i like pete holmstrom better. i think hes hotter. but im really glad about the blackbird deal. i was listening to welcome to the monkey house when i heard the news about michael jackson, and i was like ‘didn’t i just hear his name two songs ago??’ i didn’t actually know what blackbird was, but it’s cool now. =] GO THE DANDYS!!! xD
I don’t know what it is, but this review feels incredibly biased. Maybe it’s because you can tell you’re a fanboy, or maybe it’s the ridiculous 9.5 you gave it. I didn’t enjoy it at all(others may have) and it definitely shouldn’t be compared to any of the best albums of all time.
I gave this one a listen awhile back, and 9.5 is a bit much (For this site, maybe not for pitchfork). It’s definitely not for everyone. I’d say it’s in the 7-8 range, but now we’re just playing favorites.
One of my all time favorites, came out during that incredibly dismal winter I spent in Edmonton. The first winter after Bill’s death.
Funny thing is I met Bill during an even more dismal winter a couple of years previously at a ukrainian church that had been converted into a chinese restaurant which on this occasion was hosting the Bill Evans Trio. He was playing Suicide is Painless, the Theme form MASH. It was easy enough to feel his suffering…what was really strange was spending the next few years witnessing his exploration of that pain from the perspective of a young woman in love.
He showed me how to persist nonetheless, with one foot planted in the brumous melancholy and the other in cautious optimism.
You have not been paying attention? Believe it or not old foggies such as myself have been saying this for years. Successive governments east and west have been using dubious policies,FEAR,MORE FEAR, to make the easily led ,pliable more appathetic to everything that surrounds them. Since the end of world war 2, AMERICA and its bedfellows(underlings) have systematically stipped the citizens of the west any real say in what goes on. Yes you can vote for whoever you like but theres no choice, no real choice their all the same.The east is just another problem the US will bomb,steal and instate its puppet leader to the detrement of the indiginous people.Im glad something as simple as a song opened your eyes.I am 44 and was lucky enough to come from a family who take politics seriously,but still laidbacked to enjoy life.The revolution will come(not in my lifetime) eventually, people will wake up and be able live life their way not the goverments,the media or the banks.Those who take no interest in politics are destined to be governed by their inferiors.
I have been growing more and more aware of these same issues over the past year. Coincidentally the same year that RH has taken the Beatles place as my favorite band… Great read.
This guy is worth nothing without Morrissey so he may as well talk about it, it’s the only reason people are interested in hearing anything from his boring mouth.
“In the world of emotionally-tinged soft rock side projects, Anchor & Braille’s long awaited debut album has been the Chinese Democracy of the past few years as a release has been hinted at for at least two and a half years yet it didn’t come out until last month.”
Stop talking about Michael Jordan and write an informative review.
“After the fifth track, the release loses steam that is never recovered”
No mention of already home (arguably kanyes best work in a long time”, on to the next one, star is born with an outro by the upcoming freshman J.Cole who arguably has the best verse on the CD?, no mention of forever young? Re-dic-u-lous. Granted his lyricism had lost steam from reasonable doubt, but it is still better then most out there right now. Give me a break. His flow, albeit slower is still on point and the guest spots (besides Rihanna and Jeezy) are all AAA.
Did you even listen to the second half?
Now, don’t get me wrong. This isnt his best work, but its his best since the black album. (better production, better lyrics, better guest spots)
Reasonable doubt was a loooong time again. Move on. Stop focusing on the past and enjoy a solid album.
I agree – definitely one of the best videos of the year! Even though I’m from Montreal, this song really makes me feel like NYC is home! Great song about a great city, can’t wait ’til I’m back there.
hmm, i can’t figure out if this is a big joke or if Mr Dylan is taking this serious. I heard his rendition of ‘Here Comes Santa Claus’ and the only thing I can say is that it’s best kept away from small children whose whole christmas magic and dreams will end up in tears and fear should they hear it.
Only listened to the Christmas album once, some decent songs and some pretty poor renditions. Still bought it to support the cause. I would of loved to attend the party in this video though.
Hmmm…I like the sports comparison. Well done, but I must agree with JB.
The three songs you noted are singles (Empire State…being the latest) but out of the first 5 tracks, D.O.A, Run This… and ESOM all pale in comparison lyrically to Thank You and What We Talkin’ About. Already Home is most likely the best all around track on the album (Lyrically and production wise) and then, as mentioned, you have a great guest spot from Jeezy and the first “new” artist on Roc Nation, J. Cole (who is turning into one of hip hops best new forces…check out his mixtapes everyone!), and who can deny the back and forth banter on Haters?
To each their own, but with this album I find people were looking for flaws, when in my opinion the only real flaw was the hook for Reminder (its painful at best), and even that song is lyrically strong once you get thru the so so beat and annoying hook.
Id give it a solid 8/10 as I think it has tons of replay value, great production and a pissed off Jay Z on 95% of the tracks (even when hes doing the “club” songs, he goes hard with some great word play and metaphors…V vs M)
That was a dope review! Couldn’t of put it better myself… It is worth a listen but definately doesn’t live up to previous work. I haven’t seen any of your reviews before.. Someone put this guy on! Keep up the good work. I’ll be lookin out
[...] Girls’ is debatably the band’s crowning achievement and one of this year’s best tracks. Some have drawn comparisons to past classics, like The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds. I’m not sure [...]
One of the most perfect albums that I know of. Although my favorite RH album is usually the one that I’m listening to at the moment… Great pick/article, and I would definitely suggest watching “Reckoner” From The Basement. Flawless and kind of funny for the reason you stated.
“Then there’s ‘Reckoner’, which I always imagine being performed with someone spending the whole song concentrating very hard so as not to mess up the rhythm of the tambourine.”
I think my favourite moment on In Rainbows is ‘All I Need’. When they played that at Lollapalooza it was one of those chills down the spine moments. Nice write up Krista.
[...] honest here: I had little to no interest in hearing this album until I read Ben’s review. After hearing comparisons to Pet Sounds, I knew I had to check this out. Meshing [...]
I enjoyed reading this – I feel their ‘revolutionary’ release methods eclipsed the music in most people’s attention spans upon its release, though. Glad to see some appreciation.
This is my least-listened-to BFF album, simply because it’s too intense. It’s an experience. It’s perfect. Glad to see it in the spotlight, honestly, because not enough people give credit to BFF.
Cat Power? Let me guess, one of your editors got married and a Cat Power song was “their song”. Please. It’s good, but one of the best 10 album of the decade? It’s a decently written album that sounds like Sheryl Crow recording with a budget 4-track and a dusty cassette.
After reading this I really need to listen to ‘You And Whose Army?’. I love that song and haven’t heard it in a while. Very enjoyable read, cheers Max.
Fantastic review Micah. Being an Illinoisan myself, I feel that this album really does an incredible job of explaining my home state and bridges the gap between the urban north and more rural south. One of my favorites from this decade.
Given how many people we had contributing to this list, I think it’s pretty impressive to have Boxer at #3. I don’t believe any notable site has it higher than us.
And this really is your best work Rick, these articles just keep getting better and better.
To be perfectly honest, I’m not a fan of the opening paragraph or two, but once I get past that less than captivating start, the rest is excellent. There are some great lines in this. Good job.
That’s really too bad, other than that it was a good list although one could raise questions as to how certain albums, like Transatlanticism (a good but elementary album), could be on the list and Moon (the dark, complex, sometimes difficult but ultimately life-affirming magnum opus of Isaac Brock) did not
I really liked the Apologies to the Queen Mary review as well as For Emma
This is STILL going on? It’s like, what, the middle of January already? Just post them all at once. No one really reads these anymore, especially when they’re all the same albums everyone else is slapping on their EOTY lists.
The write-up for #1 is a fair deal longer than your average paragraph so we decided to run it as a standalone piece and 25-2 looked funny for some reason. Besides, the year-end content will be through by Wednesday so it’s not some endless wait for regular publishing to return.
Wow, MPP at #2? That’s a shocker. I guess there’s only one album that I can think of that isn’t on here. If said album isn’t on this list, I will be shocked.
Sounds like an awesome show, I’m so sorry I was out of town and missed it! Mostly for the awesome adventures had by all. Haha. Let me know when they’re playing next, I for suuure want to see this action going down.
Man, Chris and Dorian are some of the best guys in this city. They aren’t assholes, burnouts or misogynists. They’re post-irony. They are also kinda sexy in a weird way but don’t tell anyone.
Yeah! I agree with Joshua Moore. Piss off, you Pitchfork wannabies. Also, I like Bono a lot. Why is there no Bono on this site? I guess if girls in carigans liked Bono, you guys would be all up in to him. He’s saving the planet, man!
Go do something to yourself that you find unpleasant!
I really like this song. I wonder if Albarn made Gruff Rhys apologize for selling the Mogwai ‘Blur:Are Shite’ t-shirts at SFA gigs before letting him get involved here?
How did it take Sibylle Baier’s album so long to be released? Three and a half decades seems like quite a long time. Colour Green is a pretty album, though. I’ll have to pick it up when I get the chance.
Baier’s recordings were never meant to see the light of day, really, so they stayed locked up somewhere — presumably in her house. Her son Robby was at the root of Colour Green’s belated release, putting the CD together and presenting copies to family members. He also offered one to J Mascis (of Dino Jr.) who in turn relayed it to Orange Twin Records and the rest is history.
Brian’s been on a pretty big Sun Araw kick as of late, huh? Guess I should give that album a shot. I’m also curious about Pearls Before Swine, just because I recognize that cover from art history. Hieronymus Bosch for the win. We spent a lot of time on Garden of Delights just the other week.
I saw them at Lollapalooza a couple of years ago and I thought they more than justified being headliners with their performance. You can find many faults with some of their albums but, in the right setting, live they are pretty damn good.
I agree completely, Matt. That Lolla set was great. I haven’t listened to the new album through, but I enjoyed the others quite a bit, though Origins is my favorite by far.
So if the tape came with a mission statement you’d get it? Suggestion: turn your ego off for a minute and just decide if you like it or not. Game over. I can take a dump and it doesn’t matter what my intentions were – it’s still a dump. Same goes for a meal. It might add to the experience of being around the dump/eating the meal, but it doesn’t change it.
[...] of my peers at the Tiny Pitch Stones, I immediately think of my initial effort for Sun On The Sand. My article regarding Cursive’s The Ugly Organ was less a breakdown of the album, its concept, or how it [...]
I think you misunderstand what I was saying here. I do like the album but think that it ultimately lacks the focus to make it something great, and I do say that in the review. The point of the banter about intentions is to give the album some historical perspective in the context of both the genre and the artist’s career. Is this going to stand as a paradigm to the artist’s works down the road? Are we looking at a few rough patches from someone starting out that will ultimately get ironed out? Will this supposed boldness have any effect on how others in the genre will approach their music? Is this daft, or is it just plain amateurish? I try to address these kinds of questions in my reviews to have my readers understand it more, not to figure out if I like it more myself. At any rate, I always appreciate the constructive criticism and will take it to heart.
I’d say the lyrics are quite a bit above average. Especially on ‘Airplanes’, which deals with the death of his grandfather, I find the lyrics to be mesmerising.
I am typically hesitant of stating things in absolute terms, but this is probably one of the most sincere and engaging music reviews I have ever read. So thanks, Brian. You’re a fantastic writer, and keep it up.
Hey, I just watched the movie Free Willy 4 and heard a song and I’m pretty sure the name of it is Roof tops. It goes like this……”Over the rooftops and over the city I’m callin’ your name. When no one else to turn to, it’s eaisier to stay in a state of dreamin’.” And so on. Do you know where I can get this song, I-tunes, youtube, hulu, anywhere?
I’ve only witnessed the Bradford Cox experience in its pre-Logos Atlas Sound form, but I’ve heard plenty of great things about Deerhunter’s live show. Needless to say, I’m a bit jealous.
WOW! Dee- I am incredibly impressed. Such a terrific interview. And I had no idea that Morgan has such an astounding background…I always just loved her as a sweet, classy, terrific drummer whose company and conversation I thoroughly have enjoyed. Thank you s much for educating me on lovely M’s talents and history. GOD! I really miss her. Do you think she would be offended if we kidnapped her and spoiled her rotten as our guest? LOL! Meanwhile, Sheila and I will keep out eyes and ears open for any news of a Andy Kim gig anywhere near us, both now, in NY, and later when we are in Vegas.
putting it out on cd was absolute rubbish. looking forward to your steve mason ‘boys outside’ review (it’s going to happen right?) from a distant european land emilio
I had Ronnie Dio sign a styrofoam cup in the late 60’s after a small town Saturday Night Dance complete with smashing a guitar on stage. Ronnie Dio and the Profits….WOW.
Really? As weak as their output has been this past decade, I still see this as a pretty big downgrade. Classic U2 is the bomb, and from what I hear they’re still excellent live. (Not that this really affects me…lol.)
I think the first half of the album is brilliant but it just loses momentum after ‘I can Change’ and never really fully recovers, hence the disappointment.
Nice one Jeremy. I’m assuming you are familiar with the second Simple Kid album aswell which I consider to be his best work. A very underrated musician.
I like the way this made reference to current artists to help people understand the points in perspective. For those who may not have been around or who were too young to appreciate the impact that was made @ the time, this shows just how Duran Duran changed the face of the music landscape.
Added Denver and I bought my ticket today. Can’t wait to see this legend in action. Expecting a great performance and I know he will deliver. If you haven’t already got tickets I would get them now.
pretty much agreed. kind of difficult to follow-up ‘the satanic satanist’ though (which is one of the best listens during a london underground journey…imho).
Ah, yeah. Shame he only came into his own on his final quality record. You can still hear traces of overly polished Ben (‘O Plebeu’) but all in all, it’s delightfully funky.
In an interview with Pitchfork, Berglund said that nothing official has been decided with the future of TTA, and that they haven’t actually broken up. If I had to put money on it, I’d bet that they’ll end up recording together in the future.
Awesome. Nice article. I wish i could have made it but had to work a street fest in the city that weekend. All Good has been on my list for years… maybe next?! Yonder!
UIC Pavilion in Chicago is one of the worst venues I’ve been to. Absolutely no atmosphere in that place (probably not helped by the fact they don’t sell any alcohol). I was looking forward to this until now.
Our weekly staff recommendations are published every Tuesday and feature gems both past and present. See all of our picks and what we have to say about them HERE or by clicking on the artwork.
Menomena
Ben
Not listened to Spirit of Eden more than a few times. Perhaps now would be a good time to change that.
Feb 6th, 2009 at 12:46 pmTyler (Kid B)
Deserves higher than a 9.2 imo. Lion In a Coma has that annoying rubber band sound, making it the only real apparent flaw that I can think of. Amazing album. Agreed with AOTD comment. It will indeed be a contender.
Feb 6th, 2009 at 5:20 pmBen
I think you’re the only person who thought I didn’t go far enough with the praise.
Feb 6th, 2009 at 5:39 pmMax
The album is somewhere around a 8.6-8.8 for me. Love the top and bottom half, the middle is just alright.
Feb 6th, 2009 at 5:46 pmMax
There seems to be a lot of people obsessed with this band, are they worth listening to?
Feb 6th, 2009 at 8:56 pmBen
If you like trivial but hugely anthemic songs sung in thick Cockney accents yes. Otherwise no.
Feb 6th, 2009 at 9:37 pmMax
Sounds like the band I’ve been waiting for all my life!
Feb 6th, 2009 at 11:21 pmBen
The Hold Steady have never really struck a chord with me. I like this because I really like the song but again it kind of wears on me.
Feb 7th, 2009 at 2:10 pmMax
I’m not a fan of his vocals, but this isn’t a bad cover.
Feb 7th, 2009 at 7:41 pm>:(
Ben Gibbard is a brilliant song writer and has witten numerous albums since transatlanticism. Although i do think that transatlanticism is still currently the best Death Cab album, Plans has a brilliant array of songs that still has that great sound that Gibbard potraits.
Another point i would like to bring up is your comment on how you think that Death Cab songs are generically ’sappy’. I disagree with your opinion a lot. There are may Death Cab songs that are NOT sappy in any way, for example ‘Sound of Settling’, ‘New Year’, ‘Crooked Teeth’, ‘No Sunlight’.
Feb 8th, 2009 at 11:56 pmChris
This was actually pretty interesting. The inclusion of the horns sold me. A really fun, up beat cover of a fantastic song. Like it’s been said, not a big Hold Steady fan, but I enjoy this.
Feb 9th, 2009 at 12:39 amMax
“even manages to cut out the sappiness which so often plagues Death Cab records”
He never said anything about individual songs.
Feb 9th, 2009 at 3:44 amalldreamsfalldown
I have always been hoping and still will.
Feb 9th, 2009 at 3:12 pmEric
Eric…
If you truly want to learn more see this article…
Feb 9th, 2009 at 6:46 pmJohn
Love THS and Bruce but this cover is straight up do not want.
Feb 9th, 2009 at 9:54 pmJohn
Good article.
Feb 10th, 2009 at 12:44 amNick
I like to think that artists would not be influenced by the “scene”.
Hopefully that holds true for Godspeed, but I guess I’ll never know.
Feb 10th, 2009 at 6:12 pmdumbledore
Stay tuned as Green Day desperately tries to stay relevent.
Feb 10th, 2009 at 10:51 pmMatthew
engaging read
Feb 11th, 2009 at 4:09 amAlyx
It’s a good thing that Max’s voice drowns out Conley’s. I think Conley’s voice is pretty much what turned me off to this project.
Feb 13th, 2009 at 4:00 pmJohn
I like everything on here that I’ve heard, will check out the others.
Feb 14th, 2009 at 3:10 pmcavemancyborg
I can’t believe people actually write critiques and “historical” analysis of something as arbitrary as a genre title for music. No one can see the historical significance, if any, of a handful of bands during a period of less than twenty years and their alleged influence on each other. This is why people can’t get over the sixties. If you attach historical significance to a titular singularity, then the artist or performer and the audience loses any immediate experience they may have of pure listening or performing or creating. The same reason my favorite “jazz” musicians never really say they play jazz. I suppose i’m just in agreement with nick up there, but really, I can’t stand the kind of insular diatribe so many bedroom critics like Jacob pass as journalism, fact or significant. If you think a band sucks, start your own damn band. If your band sucks, then shut the hell up.
Feb 15th, 2009 at 11:31 pmGarreth
If you’re not interested in what Jacob is saying, do what everyone else does and just move the fuck on. If you’re actually interested in how musicians write music then I advise you to at least consider the following points:
The reason people write about genres is that it’s a useful way of addressing musicians’ influence over one another. The strict term “genre” obviously doesn’t apply to the artists who have a broad spectrum of influences, but for those who work in a community, who influence each other, then it can make sense. It’s a fool who denies that musicians aren’t influenced by one another. Any sociologist will tell you that a genuine human singularity is extremely rare, existing only when a person has never had any contact with any other human: this is obviously not the case with Godspeed You!. We’re all a product of our influences. The term “genre” is just a way of dealing with musicians’ influences and you need to come to terms with that.
Secondly, just because someone describes something as a genre, doesn’t necessarily imply that it is historically important. There’s a difference between something being objectively important in music history, and something being interesting to a bunch of indviduals with a specialised interest. If you’re not interested in it, don’t read it. Come to terms with the fact that other people are interested in it. I don’t like the fact that people listen to Mariah Carey but I don’t spend hours of my life writing rants on the internet about it.
Thirdly, I totally agree with you that if you focus too much on the historicality of something then you are in danger of missing out on the actual experience of listening and enjoying music but – and it’s a big but – understanding something’s context can help you to enjoy something more. Jacob obviously loves Godspeed You! and he’s interested in their context. Your last two sentences don’t do anything to strengthen your argument. I too have a problem with non-musicians dissing music, especially when it’s obvious that they don’t understand it. I DON’T have a problem with people who love music wanting to talk about it.
Feb 16th, 2009 at 12:04 pmbleak and uncertain
These ghosts have started other bands and are expanding in their own directions off of the old music, incase you didnt know jacob. You just didnt seem to consider it in your writting thats all.
Feb 19th, 2009 at 7:05 amBen
He is well aware of their current projects.
Feb 19th, 2009 at 7:27 amJohn
How to Save a Life is such a good song.
Feb 19th, 2009 at 2:07 pmJohn
Wonderful review; I need this.
Feb 20th, 2009 at 5:29 pmjohn
KURT COBAIN!!! MY GOD MY SAVOIR!!
Feb 20th, 2009 at 8:42 pmJohn
I should really cut down on the size of my blurbs.
Feb 20th, 2009 at 9:21 pmMatthew
I thought the length was appropriate. And I like this feature.
Feb 22nd, 2009 at 7:15 amMatthew
Wow, great review.
Feb 22nd, 2009 at 7:17 amHenry
Is the point of Jacob’s piece that Godspeed was faced with only two options after Yanqui U.X.O.: one of which would have resulted in a relatively poor, or “lacking, and hollow” record necessarily attached to the electronic elements of more modern post rock, and the other, a record that would have been similarly disappointing in that the band wouldn’t have been capable of doing something significantly different from previous albums?
If this is so I feel like he is undermining the band. If you can get your hands on live recordings I think there is a good deal of evidence there that Godspeed was capable of deviating from the sound of their albums in truly novel and beautiful ways. This suggests to me that they could have very well put out more records that were new and exciting and still GODSPEED, without adapting any specific elements of the newer post-rock genres. I think “Outro” on Constellation’s Song of the Silent Land compilation is a decent example.
Feb 23rd, 2009 at 5:02 amJohn
Looooved this review, especially the closing.
Feb 23rd, 2009 at 9:09 pmDave
Very deserving, such great guys.
Feb 24th, 2009 at 4:47 pmMatthew
Great review. The album was decent, if not every bit generic
Feb 25th, 2009 at 2:48 amChris Visser
Good band, expect a review of AIW,AIS from me soon.
Feb 26th, 2009 at 6:44 pmMatthew
Your writing continues to amaze me Vinh. Fabulous article, I wish I was as knowledgeable as you.
Feb 28th, 2009 at 12:28 amBen
Like most live stuff that’s around prior to release it doesn’t fill me with confidence. I’m sure this will be decent though, I didn’t mind Sky Blue Sky and I doubt they could do worse than that.
Feb 28th, 2009 at 8:09 amMax
Thanks for reading! Expect a review of the new album in a little over a week.
Mar 2nd, 2009 at 2:28 amMax
I really like ‘One Wing’. If that’s the sound they are aiming for with the new album, I will be very happy.
Mar 2nd, 2009 at 2:30 amSun On The Sand » What We’re Listening To - Volume 4
[...] this album is an absolutely must in the world of undiscovered treats. Be sure to read Micah’s review of the album as well. – Matthew Tsai The Samuel Jackson Five – Easily Misunderstood (2005) This [...]
Mar 2nd, 2009 at 5:10 pmKeagan
I thought this album was pretty good. Nothing too groundbreaking but a great record.
Mar 2nd, 2009 at 8:03 pmMicah
Yeah, they said this in a blog on MySpace. My day got a bit worse.
Mar 2nd, 2009 at 8:11 pmMax
Sorry Micah, I had a feeling this might happen.
Mar 2nd, 2009 at 8:43 pmjohn
thanks
Mar 3rd, 2009 at 7:18 amal
No. When april comes, it’ll probably will be set for December. Then when december comes, it’ll probably be set for March again. v.v
Don’t completely expect it for april. Partially expect it to be set again. There are 3 or more dates rumored. april 7, 27, and 28 are the ones I know of.
Mar 4th, 2009 at 1:43 pmMax
27th is the UK release date
Mar 5th, 2009 at 1:20 amJohn
Hell of a review/album.
Mar 6th, 2009 at 10:44 pmMicah
WOOOHOOOOOOO
Mar 7th, 2009 at 3:06 amJohn
Too many albums fall into this trap. Good review.
Mar 9th, 2009 at 9:10 pmInfatteuttery
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Infatteuttery
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Max
Thanks for adding us!
Mar 10th, 2009 at 3:38 pmMatthew
i liked this album. catchy stuff.
Mar 10th, 2009 at 8:27 pmlogan5
where oh where has gybe gone……….come back.
Mar 11th, 2009 at 5:39 amKathy
Don’t forget to go to mtv and watch New Found Glory’s video for “Listen to your Friends” – http://www.mtv.com/videos/new-found-glory/349132/listen-to-your-friends.jhtml#artist=1011154
Mar 11th, 2009 at 6:58 pmdrew
joos discussing your esteem for AW:
Mar 13th, 2009 at 2:40 pmhttp://dragcity.com/dcforums/viewtopic.php?t=682&sid=7dbd10175443a3be70cf052802ebb4c0
Vinh
They don’t seem to grasp the premise of the Moment In The Sun column. Oh well.
Mar 13th, 2009 at 4:52 pmnj
Spot on review.
Mar 14th, 2009 at 2:36 amHallvardur Asgeirsson
I think it would be a great and exciting album.
Mar 15th, 2009 at 6:54 pmNate
I don’t think we will see GY!BE together again unfortunately. I saw A Silver Mt. Zion in Cambridge in 2006. Someone in the crowd asked Efrim when GY!BE was getting back together. He said “When are you going to get back together with your ex-girlfriend? I hear she’s with a dentist now.”
Mar 16th, 2009 at 8:29 amJohn
Wonderful, wonderful review. One of SotS’ best.
Mar 16th, 2009 at 9:11 pmShannon
I am sure this album will get excellent reviews. I mean after all at his age, this is like riding a bicycle, he will defiantly end on a high note.
Mar 17th, 2009 at 6:03 pmDavid Obney
I need to process the Bright Eyes review a bit. See, I fell in love with Bright Eyes a long, long time ago – way before the general public knew him. I grow weary of the Dylan comparisons because I don’t believe Dylan has, nor should be allowed, a stranglehold on singer/songwriters (Johnny Cash, Neil Young?). In fact, Dylan himself owes a great debt to Neil Diamond – the FIRST singer-songwriter who penned some wonderful work early in his career. Dylan, for me, is a poet. If I had to choose between singers, Conor wins hands down. Lyrically, Conor has matured in his work, not regressed – he’s not nearly as self-absorbed or self-pitying. On his solo album, Conor explores some new territory, but to expect him to be the next Dylan, then to act put off or disappointed when he’s not measuring up to a mythologically high standard is ridiculous. I’ve always seen Bright Eyes related much more closely to The Cure, Morrissey, Joy Division then to Bob Dylan. But if people hear Dylan in him, then it’s a compliment. I don’t think falling short of Dylan status is a failure. In addition, the idea that Dylan remained aloof, observing as a god from on high (as the reviewer writes) discounts Dylan’s active role in the political climate of his day. He was involved. Conor is also getting in on the conversation. Conor is a (relatively) young man recovering from alcoholism and drug abuse and is finally waking up to the world around him, rightfully sharing his observations. Dylan? Maybe not. But John Mayer and Jack Johnson? I put my money on Oberst. Ever hear any Commander Venus? Then, you can hear how far he’s come lyrically and musically.
Mar 19th, 2009 at 12:51 pmVinh
I’d have to agree with much of David’s input. His lyrical scope has broadened by a huge margin since the Fevers And Mirrors days which has made for a decidedly less annoying approach to songwriting. The quivering has toned down and Oberst seems to perform with more conviction and belief in his work. The Moz/Joy Division/Cure point is also quite interesting. Had Bright Eyes remained anchored in the doom and gloom, it might be dead on. As for the Dylan parallels, they’re there, and they’re tenuous.
Mar 19th, 2009 at 3:54 pmLars-Christian
While Kraftwerk doesn’t exactly match my personal taste all that well, the line-up looks amazing with Elbow, Anthony, Wainwright and Lou Reed among my personal favourites. Too bad it’s during the Premier League off-season, otherwise I might have actually considered taking a trip for it if I could combine it with a visit to Sir Matt Busby Way!
Mar 20th, 2009 at 2:56 pmJacob
This was a fantastic read. Well done sir.
Mar 21st, 2009 at 12:03 amSinging Bear
I really enjoyed your reflections on Dylan’s journey. I think God and Jesus are still important for him but he seems to have done the ‘organised religion’ thing. It wasn’t all that long ago that he said Jesus is his hero and he has been playing’ Gotta Serve Sombody’ and ‘I Believe In You’ recently. Must still be with him somewhere.
Keep up the fine work.
Mar 23rd, 2009 at 7:41 pmBrandon
This review made me pretty sad. I would love to see a new album. and I would very much like to see them play.
Mar 24th, 2009 at 4:52 amAs much as I like the direction post rock is headed, it’s sad to think that the genre has evolved so much just a few years that it has no place for one of it’s founding fathers.
Sun On The Sand » Dragon Chinese Cocktail Horoscope Re-Released
[...] re-released today on SideCho Records. Pick it up in stores and don’t forget to check out our review of the [...]
Mar 24th, 2009 at 9:02 pmSherrrrrridan
fantastic, i loved it. well done, sir.
Mar 31st, 2009 at 1:03 amcooltudor
nice info ty never miss it
Mar 31st, 2009 at 7:54 pmSun On The Sand » Mirah - (a)spera
[...] our second Retrospectacular installment, we examined the inextricable relationship between Bonnie “Prince” Billy and Americana. [...]
Apr 3rd, 2009 at 5:18 pmsarah
thanks for this write-up! i am loving this CD though it took a few listens to get into it. i especially love that you translated some of the welsh, i have had ‘Lliwiau Llachar’ stuck in my head for days with no idea what it meant!
Apr 3rd, 2009 at 10:30 pmkjell
Interesting (yet dizzying) to read your interpretation of the new album. As probably the biggest non-English, non-Welsh fan of SFA (I’m a Norwegian), it’s somewhat satisfying to see that people who have a better understanding of the two languages suffer from the same confusion as I do. To me, you hit the nail on the head when you say “lyrics are often a kind of music in and of themselves”. Because even though I think it’s great when the furries come up with lines like “…another Cuban cigar crisis/ Honestly, do we need to know if he really came inside her mouth”, and such (and btw, I don’t think these kind of lyrics are as much political statements, as they are a comment to the focus of the media), SFA teaches me to appreciate the pure musical qualities, and leave whatever I don’t understand to imagination. To me, the mix of cryptic English and incomprehensible Welsh, creates a kind of international language of music.
Apr 4th, 2009 at 1:48 amGarreth
Cheers guys. kjell, you’ve probably already heard them but on the official site you can download Bunf’s soundscapes, which give a real sense of just how broadminded their definition of “music” is. Maybe “music” isn’t quite the right word – “interesting sound”?
Apr 4th, 2009 at 10:37 pmtpb
all we are given sometimes is something to think about.
Apr 6th, 2009 at 8:24 pmMatthew
There’s a difference between a quality rock opera and a pretentious rock opera (that Razia’s Shadow trash). Good thing this is a quality rock opera. Good review
Apr 6th, 2009 at 9:50 pmRick
Great review. This album is easy to respect and hard to enjoy, and this review provides a very good explanation of the score you gave it.
Apr 6th, 2009 at 10:12 pmTyler
Old news…?
Apr 7th, 2009 at 12:29 amMax
We never posted it as news, so we felt it was our duty to promote an upcoming Iron & Wine release.
Apr 7th, 2009 at 12:34 amClayton
It’s old news, sure, but that doesn’t make me less excited about seeing it.
Apr 7th, 2009 at 5:29 pmJoe
Nice review Vinh.
Apr 8th, 2009 at 3:52 pmJoe
Interesting review, been waiting to see one from you guys for a few weeks. I am still not sure how i feel about it.
Apr 8th, 2009 at 3:53 pmVinh
Thanks.
Apr 8th, 2009 at 3:57 pmJoe
Really like this album Vinh, nice review
Apr 8th, 2009 at 6:28 pmRick
Wow. Vinh gives an 8.2. Better listen to this one.
Apr 8th, 2009 at 7:14 pmGarreth
rick – i actually really enjoy it, but i think you have to listen to it as a narrative to do so. putting it on random would not work. the first time i listened through with the lyrics in front of me was almost as good as seeing a good show in the theatre, which i think is what they were aiming for. i guess the extent to which you actually enjoy it will depend on the extent to which you enjoy theatre stuff, or to which you want to transfer the theatre experience onto a cd.
sorry to keep you waiting, joe, we’d rather take our time and say it right than rush it out and get it wrong. and writing this, i’ve just noticed a minor typo…
Apr 8th, 2009 at 7:22 pmGarreth
i’ll second that rick, 8.2 from vinh is high praise indeed.
Apr 8th, 2009 at 7:28 pmThis Is War
This really is a good review at the core. Cut out a couple of the paragraphs that contain the backstory, the several repeated namedrop of other classic albums, and I think you’d have a fantastic review.
Apr 12th, 2009 at 12:20 amno one
I don´t think we´ll ever see Godspeed together again too.
Apr 13th, 2009 at 7:10 pmI saw Silver Mt. Zion in NY once. A girl screamed godspeeeeeed twice, and Efrin said something like “There´s a crazy girl in the audience”. And it´s pretty bad, because GYBE is the best band ever!
Rick
I’ll be checking this one out
Apr 15th, 2009 at 6:03 pmJacob
I’m also compelled to give them a listen.
Apr 15th, 2009 at 6:31 pmplatypusrex256
indeed… m83 vs tv on the radio? wtf, sasquatch? and why are the decemberists invited? they should be banned from the gorge for their crappy prog rock! =(
Apr 18th, 2009 at 11:32 pmRick
Nice review, Vinh. I’ve been meaning to check this guy out for a while. Now seems like a good time.
Apr 21st, 2009 at 4:04 amjake abbey
hell yeah this article
Apr 22nd, 2009 at 10:01 pmJoe
Great read.
Apr 23rd, 2009 at 3:00 pmrj4 cables
I’ve got to get into blogging.
Apr 25th, 2009 at 1:57 amJohn
hahaha. amazing interview. great job. i just love that front page picture.
Apr 25th, 2009 at 6:04 pmkavkaz
Man, that’s great…Thanks for providing such a good info………
Apr 29th, 2009 at 9:20 amGianetta
Wonderfull…
May 1st, 2009 at 9:35 amBrad
Conor should stay by himself, much better that way.
May 4th, 2009 at 10:30 pmJohn
nice piece, clearly well-thought out.
May 7th, 2009 at 10:42 amkim
i kept hoping that at the end of this article he was going to say that they had made another album and it was awesome
May 7th, 2009 at 3:20 pmNils
I know this is an old post, but i doubt that godspeed you black emperor was concerned with keeping up with the “genre” that they created.
May 11th, 2009 at 4:40 pmMax
While I may not agree with the score, this is a great review.
May 12th, 2009 at 1:37 amMatt
I listened to it over 2 weeks and each time it kept getting better. I gave it the score I did because I honestly think that it is an important crossover record perhaps only bettered by Relationship of Command within this genre. I like that it is causing debate.
May 12th, 2009 at 1:47 amMax
Great review Vinh.
May 13th, 2009 at 10:14 pmJohn
love that album cover.
May 15th, 2009 at 8:16 pmjohn
lol avril. oh, clayton. <3
May 17th, 2009 at 2:10 pmJohn
great interview. good band, too. probably the closest thing to a good local band that i have haha.
May 17th, 2009 at 8:30 pmJoe
Nice review Matt, really like this album.
May 19th, 2009 at 2:03 pmLars-Christian
They should have stepped one track further on the record, and made Savior a single instead. My ability to judge chart-potential might be a bit distorted by taste, but it seems like a perfect single – Very similar to and with the same pop-appeal as the “heavier” tracks that My Chemical Romance became public property with.
Hero of War is good though, I won’t argue with that!
May 20th, 2009 at 1:24 pmbrad
good review, and i think you nailed it as far as if they do end the band, these four albums show a great journey of Aaron, and hopefully the other band members as well.
May 20th, 2009 at 3:47 pmbrad
another good review. i’ve loved grandaddy for a long time and this album definitely shows that jason is still going to be making great, creative music. hopefully he’ll tour.
May 20th, 2009 at 7:37 pmJoe
The more i listen to it the more i can’t decide how i feel about it.
May 20th, 2009 at 11:29 pmMax
Great review Micah, but as you already know, I would have the score at least a point lower. The final song on the record is the worst thing this band has ever written.
May 21st, 2009 at 2:42 amMax
I’d like to point out that it’s been almost six months since we first heard this album, and if anything, MPP sounds better than when I first heard it.
May 21st, 2009 at 5:55 amJoe
Nice review Vinh, gonna check this out.
May 22nd, 2009 at 5:54 pmJohn
Loved reading this. Very interesting.
May 25th, 2009 at 10:25 pmJacob
These songs sound incredibly promising.
May 26th, 2009 at 9:33 pmVinh
‘The Runaway’ sounds wonderful but I didn’t listen to the live tracks since I tend to stay away from those. Regardless, I adore this band. Most anticipated of 09.
May 26th, 2009 at 10:08 pmMax
I can’t get over how old they look.
May 26th, 2009 at 10:57 pmRick
Entertaining review. Haha I like how I knew this was Vinh’s review after reading the little introduction thing on the home page.
May 28th, 2009 at 7:10 pmTyler
One of my favorite records in a long time.
May 31st, 2009 at 3:34 amBrice
great analysis, from a die-hard folds fan this is top quality.
Jun 2nd, 2009 at 8:33 pmMax
Good review Vinh
Jun 3rd, 2009 at 2:18 amJohn
sweet brag, micah. haha
Jun 3rd, 2009 at 11:01 amTodd Kearns
This article was the impetus for my discovering and falling in love with American Water. This was an absolutely fantastic read and one of the best pieces of writing published on Sun on the Sand thus far. Thanks for making the rest of us look like hacks, Vinh.
Jun 4th, 2009 at 8:47 pmMicah
About damn time.
Jun 5th, 2009 at 5:11 amSimon Beaver
I hear this is basically a cover of “Since You’ve Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson. Is this true, Sun On The Sand team?
Jun 6th, 2009 at 10:06 amShanal
Soon, someone will realize that there is still hope for godspeed. You know that they all have to miss that band in some way. but if its not meant to be, its not meant to be. But everyone is keeping there hopes up for godspeed, and i don’t see that as a bad thing at all. The way i look at it, is everyone should quit there bitching, listen to there old stuff and respect that, because its beauty. If you’re so concerned about keeping with a genre, start your own damn genre.
Jun 6th, 2009 at 3:05 pmMax
Not going to lie Simon, that’s all I could hear when I listened to the song.
Jun 6th, 2009 at 11:45 pmkashi
the fact that, like so many people, I find myself googling GYBE every so often makes me realise how I’d love to hear more. I arrived too late, never saw them play.
Having listened to a lot of the bands that have come out of Godspeed You,
I’ve been left wanting.
The only album that I think has continued the curve is Sam Shalabi’s “Shalabi Effect”, an album I love.
rock-postrock-nupostrock blah blah blah
Jun 7th, 2009 at 7:17 amJohn
is this the song that features kanye west? lol irony
Jun 7th, 2009 at 2:11 pmSimon Beaver
I’m not surprised. I’ve always seen a distinct similarity between the look of these two magnificent artists.
Jun 9th, 2009 at 8:53 amMicah
Doesn’t feature Kanye, but it was produced by him.
Jun 9th, 2009 at 7:02 pmJohn
I’m a long time fan of them. And as an old fan, I couldn’t disagree more about what you’ve said. Tell All Your Friends changed my life back then too, but those were another times. It was ages ago, man. I was a different person with different interests and more important than that, naive. The seasons changed and so did I. I do miss those times, but I think I’m a better person now. You see, I think that what most of the angry rabid TBS fans are failing to understand is that it isn’t just Tell All Your Friends you are missing. It’s what it was like back then. They cant write teenage poetry forever, man. I’ve listened all their albums back to back yesterday. My conclusion is that my favorite album of them is New Again. But let me explain first before you go all angry on me too: I honestly think that even though TAYF is an amazing and beautifully crafted album, it’s way overrated. Yeah it’s a really good album, but isn’t the second coming. It served me well during my more naive years. It’s one of my most beloved albums, the perfect soundtrack for the years back then. But New Again is the perfect soundtrack for the man I am right now. I’m proud of them for not going in the easier route. See, I think that a lot of people are wrong in comparing Brand New with TBS. Both Adam and Jesse are skilled songwriters and musicians in their own ways. But they aren’t going for the same things. I see TBS as a band that grew up, and that’s a good thing, in a world where bands like blink basically write teenage music when their almost in their fourties. I feel sorry for your disappointment, I can see why you’re disappointed but honestly, this is in my vision their best album to date. And there’re more people thinking this way too. Maybe will grow in you, maybe you will outgrow TBS. Who knows? Only time will tell. John Nolan is through with the past. Taking Back Sunday is through with the past. Why the fans can’t let it go?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaJGPdXFUjg
Jun 9th, 2009 at 7:21 pmJohn
i can agree with you on tayf, it holds a lot of nostalgia for me and i don’t think it’s as amazing as i once did but it will always be one of my favorite albums.
i think it should also be said that i don’t have a problem with progression. what i do have a problem with is such an obviously mainstream-oriented grasp at relevance. they might have changed, but i would not say that they have progressed.
to progress, you have to grow, not just change. progression implies a change for the better. what is better here? although their lyrics have never been brilliant, and they have never really written a song (just collections of one-liners), the lyrics on tayf were quite witty. what can you honestly say is a clever line here? (except for the chorus of everything must go, goddamn that rules.) i feel like the band knows they’ll never match the way they used to be and are instead trying to stay in the limelight. there is no magic here in my eyes, no talent.
thanks for not being a complete idiot and actually writing intelligent thoughts, by the way. it’s a lot more than i expect from most.
Jun 9th, 2009 at 7:58 pmJohn
Well, and here we go disagreing again. It’s very hard for me to understand how some people aren’t perceiving how much they have progressed. And I mean this in every single part of their sound, from Adam’s vocals and lyrics to their musicianship. I can’t agree that writing cryptic and very personal lyrics (as Adam has been doing since the beginning and I think it’s perfected in New Again) about very complex subjects like separation, drug abuse, betrayal and longing and living up to the expectations of others as something mainstream ready. Yeah, they made it relatable and catchy as hell, but I can’t see this is a bad thing. Sink Into Me is probably one of the most catchiest songs in their whole carreer. I agree about Tell All Your Friends having really good one-liners, but I love a lot of new ones in this album. You see, I think it’s all about perspective. Actually my personal feelings about this album is that it isn’t for everyone, I find amazing people claiming they are trying to stay on the limelight by doing mainstream attempts. But let me explain that. This album is to people who have been through some shit in their lives. Their biggest fanbase are young teens and young men and women. Fine. But most of those people have being through some experiences that are related in the album. I dont think that many teenagers that enjoy TBS have gone through real drug abuse or even a more real and palatable situation: separation. Real separation. Not the kind that’s sang in Tell All Your Friends. Carpathia is the name of the little boat that saved some Titanic survivors back then. And it’s the name of one of one song that have some of the most personal lyrics that I’ve seen my whole life. I can go on here all day telling you how much this album is amazing and providing you some real strong points about it, but I’ve come to the realization that it’s useless. I’ve been through some shit in my life. I was living together with my ex-girlfriend and I’ve betrayed her. And it was and still is a very difficult situation. There’re people that identify themselves with Lacey. The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me is mostly about how devastated he was by the whole deal he had with Sherri Dupree-Bemis. I see Jesse as an amazingly skilled songwriter and vocalist, but I can’t identify myself with him most of the times. There’re people who will find themselves devastaded for losing a girl, there’re people who will go through some things that I consider more intense. I’ve been through the both ends. I’ve been ditched and I’ve ditched some people. Adam is a guy that since Tell All Your Friends, I relate with. For bad or for good, some shit he went through and is singing about it now, are things that I really relate with. I don’t know nothing about your personal life. But what I can say is that people when they grow, they’ll be both heroes and villains. Good guys and bastards. I don’t see Adam as a guy who would apologize with his one last gasping breath for bleeding in someone else’s shirt anymore. Back then, maybe. And I could identify myself with that so good back then. But as he grew up, so did I. Right now lines like I’d like to see our roles reversed to watch you hang on every word and others in New Again are way more relatable to me. I don’t know if New Again was their right move. What I know is that it’s an honest to God move, and I think it’s amazing a band show progression in their lyrics and tapping in very personal and complex subjects and still be relatable for the major part of their fanbase. They would be doing a disservice for them and for the fans if they dumbed down their sound to fit the standards they’ve setted in the past. I’ll write my own review on this album in this weekend, maybe if you’re interested in see my specific thoughts about the album, I can hook you up.
Jun 9th, 2009 at 9:33 pmTyler
Well written review.
Jun 10th, 2009 at 11:46 pmTyler
1.4? Wow. Haven’t listened, but won’t after reading this. Never dug this band very much.
Jun 10th, 2009 at 11:47 pmPaul
I’m not sure I believe this tracklisting to be true
Jun 23rd, 2009 at 9:05 amMax
Neither do I Paul, neither do I…
Jun 24th, 2009 at 7:17 amRick
Wow. Great album here. Nice review.
Jun 26th, 2009 at 1:32 amSomeGuy
Todd is awesome, good stuff.
Jun 26th, 2009 at 8:39 pmErin
I was thrilled to see Todd Kearns list The Thermals “Now We Can See” as number four of the year so far. It is not often that I see the Thermals acknowledged as I think they should be.
Also, as someone who has certainly enjoyed a song or two by The War on Drugs in passing, I am intrigued by the review of Kurt Vile’s “God Is Saying This to You…” and am determined to at least give it a listen.
In addition, although never having heard the band before, Blind Pilot’s re-release of 3 Rounds and A Sound sounds fantastic and I can’t wait to hear it.
Oh, and, I’m getting bored with seemingly everyone’s obsession with Animal Collective.
Jun 26th, 2009 at 11:08 pmVinh
As a writer here, I know the feeling Erin.
God Is Saying This To You… is a decent effort. Not all that similar to Wagonwheel Blues if that’s your point of reference. Personally, I prefer Granduciel over Vile as a frontman and lyricist.
Jun 27th, 2009 at 3:52 amTodd Kearns
Thanks for leaving me a shoutout, Erin.
Jun 27th, 2009 at 4:32 amJames
Love this cd. Good review
Jun 28th, 2009 at 11:37 amMatt
Anyone else having Chappelle show flashbacks here?
Jun 28th, 2009 at 11:48 pmClayton
Excellent, completely agree :)
Jun 30th, 2009 at 12:20 amJacob
Oh my gosh I wish I could go to Europe.
Jun 30th, 2009 at 6:21 pmTodd Kearns
I appreciate the feedback. I agree, it’s very self-indulgent, but at the same time, I hesitate to kill the backstory and exposition as it were, because of how deliberate it is: a self-conscious rambling to explain myself just as The Ugly Organ is the same thing for Kasher. It’s almost a “concept review” if you will, though the namedrops could be written out a bit.
Jun 30th, 2009 at 8:18 pmRick
Link needs to be fixed.
Jul 1st, 2009 at 5:36 pmMax
Link fixed, sorry about that.
Jul 2nd, 2009 at 3:02 amPaul
I would hate that more than anything.. Saw them last week and were on top form as usual. Hoping the lyrics are okay with Vin doing them more so than Jesse
Jul 2nd, 2009 at 9:43 amRustyWaffle
Sweating bullets and spirit of radio!!! Awesomeness on drums.
Jul 8th, 2009 at 11:27 pmMegan
I must say I am disappointed by the Arcade Fire absence.
Jul 9th, 2009 at 8:52 amVinh
Only Joni Mitchell, The Band, and Neil deserved a spot of those 10. Atrocious list that further displays how worthless a publication Spin is. Oh, mall indie? Let’s put that junk in ahead of Leonard Cohen.
Jul 9th, 2009 at 6:29 pmmito
these guys are amazing, everyone i recomend taking a listen, it will blow you away.
Jul 10th, 2009 at 3:51 pmMax
I had no clue Mr Cohen was from Canada, that is a pretty shocking omission. Arcade Fire’s absence is a little puzzling as well.
I agree Vinh that a lot of those artists don’t belong on there, but I believe BSS is a little above the mall indie acts…
Jul 11th, 2009 at 5:16 amMatt
Thanks for the kind words. I try to have a couple of reviews posted each week.
Jul 11th, 2009 at 6:04 pmRick
Terrible list, and I’m usually fairly forgiving with these. At least Neil Young is there.
Jul 12th, 2009 at 2:31 amsbeaver
hahaha I love the Dandy Warhols
Jul 12th, 2009 at 10:14 amMatt
Pretty much anything by Bowie in the 70’s is ace.
Jul 15th, 2009 at 2:45 amPaul
Looking forward to this.
I enjoyed the EP’s, but they weren’t up to the high standards they usually set with their albums
Jul 17th, 2009 at 11:35 amMegan
At least they’re ripping off a band other than Radiohead. /obligatory joke
Jul 23rd, 2009 at 12:34 amJohn
haha
Jul 26th, 2009 at 11:44 pmPaul
Can’t wait to hear this
Jul 27th, 2009 at 8:59 amChris
“Burning Bridges, Breaking Hearts” is not a new song. They played on the Funeral tour in 2004.
Jul 31st, 2009 at 1:38 pmLiam
Can i just say mr.James, i appreciate your opinion but i am from gl;asgow and i love paolo nutini dearly, i listen to htis album religously away from religon, all of it, meaning that from my aspect all of his songs are great, i particularly disagree with you on growing up beside you, this is wa wonderful song about loving somone all your days and the tune, the tone of his voice and the passion he has for his music are all treflcted in this piece. So i suggest that you are more carefull on what you call to be “dissapointing,” because it could mean a lot to other people.
Liam.
Aug 3rd, 2009 at 12:19 pmpaul
Muse have lost it
Aug 5th, 2009 at 1:04 pmMax
Looks like they have really lost their ability to write quality songs. Hope that I am wrong…
Aug 6th, 2009 at 7:10 amChristian Jansson
Great review, thank you!
Aug 7th, 2009 at 11:06 amYou should definately come over to Gothenburg and check them out live. I have seen them five times and their perfect blend of happiness and sadness brings me to tears. Every fucking time. How often does that happen?
Chris Visser
Actually, I’ll be using my personal account now:
Aug 7th, 2009 at 12:24 pmtwitter.com/chrisvisser.
w00t!
James
Great review. I really enjoy this album
Aug 9th, 2009 at 4:49 pmblend77
Phil!
Aug 11th, 2009 at 4:16 pmYou rule! Such a great interview.
^_^
Tim (From NYC!!)
Andy
Phil is amazing. One of my favorite people currently alive on this planet.
Aug 12th, 2009 at 2:34 amA&A
paul
Excited for this album
Aug 13th, 2009 at 8:15 amBill
I heard the festival this year was awesome…I definitely should have skipped my cousin’s wedding and went..haha! Thank god Fuse is airing it on TV on Sat. so I’ll at least feel like I was there: http://fuse.tv/tours/lollapalooza2009/index.html
Aug 13th, 2009 at 3:52 pmsbeaver
WOO! Simon Beaver requests more photos of Sufjan Stevens looking pensive and hot!
Aug 15th, 2009 at 8:54 amben
beverly shoutout, haha
Aug 15th, 2009 at 4:13 pmRick
Great interview
Aug 15th, 2009 at 6:56 pmJohn
But Vinh, he was in Sunny Day Real Estate! =(
Aug 30th, 2009 at 1:12 amSun On The Sand » Los Campesinos! – We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed
[...] a lesbian scene in every irreverent teen comedy ever. Oh, and remember what was said in the Boxer review about token instrumentals on indie records? Guess what the band offers up with ‘Between An [...]
Aug 31st, 2009 at 6:07 pmVinh Chiesel
If you wanted the review to be taken more seriously you should have dug a deeper before flinging the ‘Belle & Sebastian’ mud. The cover art for ‘Memoirs’ is a homage to the 60’s Blue Note/Verve/Film Soundtrack covers typically found in that era. If it shares any simularities with any of Belle’s covers it’s probably because of a shared love of the same source material. Truth be told, many of Belle’s covers owe a particular degree of gratitude to Morrissey’s design sensibilities with ‘The Smiths’ so in the future, I’d be cautious about throwing around accusations of who’s stealing from whom if you’re not willing to connect A to B to C.
As irritated as you were from this review (and judging by the tone of many of your reviews on your site…you sound pretty darn irritated in general) like many things in life, you either like it or you don’t. Thankfully, around one person does the world not spin.
c’est la vie!
Aug 31st, 2009 at 6:22 pmVinh
I’m well aware of the bearing soundtrack covers have had on Murdoch and company. That’s precisely why I find the artwork for Memoirs so annoying; B&S have employed this shtick for what, 15 years now?
“You either like it or you don’t”. I don’t and as a reviewer for this site, voiced my rationale. I fail to see the issue. As for my writing in general, I don’t make it a point to tackle solely artists I enjoy. Consequently, there will be albums that garner lower scores than ardent fans may deem appropriate. The average score I dole out sits at roughly 6.0 which isn’t particularly scathing anyway.
Regardless, I appreciate the feedback and am glad one of us enjoys the album.
Aug 31st, 2009 at 6:36 pmVihn D. Kated
“Cinematic indi pop craze?” wow… Had no idea the kids were crazy for soundtrack pop… which bands are these?
Aug 31st, 2009 at 9:20 pmEddie Offord
What’s the expression- “Blogs are like opinions, everyone has one”??
Aug 31st, 2009 at 9:31 pmVinh
Again, never posited that listeners were “crazy for soundtrack pop” but rather cinematic indie-pop. There’s a distinction to be made. Similar acts off the top of my head would be Club 8, The Owls, This Is Ivy League, Math And Physics Club, Au Revoir Simone, Tahiti 80, Saturday Looks Good To Me, etc.
Eddie, you were supposed to maintain their streak of sparkling wordplay centered around my name. Osama Vinh Laden?
Aug 31st, 2009 at 10:04 pmVihn D. Loo
Most of the bands you mention do not fall under that category. Do you mean Stereolab, The Hgh Llamas, Goldfrapp, Broadcast, Camera Obscura, Arling & Cameron?
And the one comment was right, B&S’s covers were more odes to Smiths LPs than the 60s movie soundtrack designs the postmarks seem to be going for.
While the record isn’t my fave, it’s definitely not bland.
Sep 1st, 2009 at 1:24 amVinh
No, I don’t. Stereolab’s music isn’t brushed with the dainty melancholy pervading much of the indie-pop spectrum, The High Llamas’ arrangements are far more evocative, Goldfrapp is significantly sultrier than The Postmarks, and so on. Granted, Camera Obscura is close enough.
I’m not sure why I’m even responding to this seeing as “cinematic” is a qualifier with parameters firmly planted in individual perception. You’ll hear what you hear and likewise on my end.
Sep 1st, 2009 at 2:58 amkg8r78
You have an inquisitive mind:)
Sep 2nd, 2009 at 11:11 pmJohn
In other, more important news, The Rolling Stones are still around. What the hell?
Sep 3rd, 2009 at 3:08 pmTom
I’ve heard rumors of him playing some solo shows as well…
Sep 3rd, 2009 at 9:40 pmMax
They really need to call it a day, 67 year old men should not be going on tours…
Sep 3rd, 2009 at 10:09 pmMatt
I think we could all come up with a different top 50. Norwegian Wood #9? Piss off.
Sep 9th, 2009 at 6:08 amsandra742
Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog. :) Cheers! Sandra. R.
Sep 9th, 2009 at 2:10 pmDom
Nice first review man. You’re right, the album cover is quite misleading.
Sep 12th, 2009 at 10:59 pmSharyn Jones
i love the dandys. my friend is like in love with courtney taylor-taylor. i like pete holmstrom better. i think hes hotter. but im really glad about the blackbird deal. i was listening to welcome to the monkey house when i heard the news about michael jackson, and i was like ‘didn’t i just hear his name two songs ago??’ i didn’t actually know what blackbird was, but it’s cool now. =]
Sep 15th, 2009 at 6:14 amGO THE DANDYS!!! xD
Paul
So so good.
Sep 16th, 2009 at 8:00 amMax
Good thing I’m going to see them on Sunday.
Sep 17th, 2009 at 3:01 amDom
I don’t know what it is, but this review feels incredibly biased. Maybe it’s because you can tell you’re a fanboy, or maybe it’s the ridiculous 9.5 you gave it. I didn’t enjoy it at all(others may have) and it definitely shouldn’t be compared to any of the best albums of all time.
Sep 21st, 2009 at 9:52 pmMax
Never thought about giving this a listen, will have to do so.
Sep 23rd, 2009 at 12:18 amdave
Max: Dont worry about the old rolling stones, baby. they tour first class and still kick most 20 somethings ass.
Sep 23rd, 2009 at 9:52 pmBrady
Upon first listen of the album…i feel this rating may be slightly low. This could be my album of the year.
Sep 25th, 2009 at 1:22 pmBrady
Nice work Rick. This album is a dissapointment.
Sep 25th, 2009 at 1:23 pmBrady
You’re a Nut! You’re Crazy in the Coconut! – The Avalanches
Sep 25th, 2009 at 1:25 pmBrady
Very Impressed with this Review.
Sep 25th, 2009 at 1:25 pmMax
Good song, really looking forward to hearing this album.
Sep 25th, 2009 at 8:21 pmMax
Will have to give this a listen.
Sep 25th, 2009 at 8:31 pmbuilt to pwn
Seeing them tomorrow, can’t see this topping any of the really great stuff in their discography but it should be good.
Sep 26th, 2009 at 9:23 pmAlec
I gave this one a listen awhile back, and 9.5 is a bit much (For this site, maybe not for pitchfork). It’s definitely not for everyone. I’d say it’s in the 7-8 range, but now we’re just playing favorites.
Sep 27th, 2009 at 8:45 amlaurie verchomin
One of my all time favorites, came out during that incredibly dismal winter I spent in Edmonton. The first winter after Bill’s death.
Funny thing is I met Bill during an even more dismal winter a couple of years previously at a ukrainian church that had been converted into a chinese restaurant which on this occasion was hosting the Bill Evans Trio. He was playing Suicide is Painless, the Theme form MASH. It was easy enough to feel his suffering…what was really strange was spending the next few years witnessing his exploration of that pain from the perspective of a young woman in love.
He showed me how to persist nonetheless, with one foot planted in the brumous melancholy and the other in cautious optimism.
Sep 30th, 2009 at 3:17 pmMax
Well done Todd.
Oct 6th, 2009 at 5:57 amscott
You have not been paying attention? Believe it or not old foggies such as myself have been saying this for years. Successive governments east and west have been using dubious policies,FEAR,MORE FEAR, to make the easily led ,pliable more appathetic to everything that surrounds them. Since the end of world war 2, AMERICA and its bedfellows(underlings) have systematically stipped the citizens of the west any real say in what goes on. Yes you can vote for whoever you like but theres no choice, no real choice their all the same.The east is just another problem the US will bomb,steal and instate its puppet leader to the detrement of the indiginous people.Im glad something as simple as a song opened your eyes.I am 44 and was lucky enough to come from a family who take politics seriously,but still laidbacked to enjoy life.The revolution will come(not in my lifetime) eventually, people will wake up and be able live life their way not the goverments,the media or the banks.Those who take no interest in politics are destined to be governed by their inferiors.
Oct 6th, 2009 at 11:16 amJoe
Great article Todd, really well written
Oct 6th, 2009 at 3:03 pmCole
I have been growing more and more aware of these same issues over the past year. Coincidentally the same year that RH has taken the Beatles place as my favorite band…
Oct 6th, 2009 at 3:16 pmGreat read.
Cole
Joe… do you know what a deal is?
Oct 6th, 2009 at 7:08 pmJoe
Haha, those are how the deals i make work. But if you can think of a decent trade off i’d be all ears
Oct 6th, 2009 at 8:26 pmMax
The band should change their name, this new album will erase any dignity the name “Weezer” had left.
Oct 7th, 2009 at 2:47 amMax
:facepalm: x1000
Oct 15th, 2009 at 4:53 pmPaul
This guy is worth nothing without Morrissey so he may as well talk about it, it’s the only reason people are interested in hearing anything from his boring mouth.
Oct 16th, 2009 at 10:34 ammoe
Hell yeah! It’s true! be checking your i tunes baby!
Oct 16th, 2009 at 3:59 pmMilli Vanilli
Futures > Clarity
Oct 17th, 2009 at 4:48 amRico Suave
“In the world of emotionally-tinged soft rock side projects, Anchor & Braille’s long awaited debut album has been the Chinese Democracy of the past few years as a release has been hinted at for at least two and a half years yet it didn’t come out until last month.”
Fragment
Oct 17th, 2009 at 4:55 amJoe
I’ll be excited to see what this sounds like
Oct 17th, 2009 at 2:47 pmbk
Joe, who is this kid, who does he think he is tellin ME about Brand New
Oct 22nd, 2009 at 3:35 amJoe
You are a funny guy BK, i guess i’ll let this comment slide after that madden beat down i handed you today
Oct 22nd, 2009 at 3:40 amJB
Stop talking about Michael Jordan and write an informative review.
“After the fifth track, the release loses steam that is never recovered”
No mention of already home (arguably kanyes best work in a long time”, on to the next one, star is born with an outro by the upcoming freshman J.Cole who arguably has the best verse on the CD?, no mention of forever young? Re-dic-u-lous.
Granted his lyricism had lost steam from reasonable doubt, but it is still better then most out there right now. Give me a break. His flow, albeit slower is still on point and the guest spots (besides Rihanna and Jeezy) are all AAA.
Did you even listen to the second half?
Now, don’t get me wrong. This isnt his best work, but its his best since the black album. (better production, better lyrics, better guest spots)
Reasonable doubt was a loooong time again. Move on. Stop focusing on the past and enjoy a solid album.
Oct 22nd, 2009 at 4:15 amThomas Walsh
Well that was very kind of you Matthew, thank you.
Thomas Walsh.x
Oct 24th, 2009 at 5:48 amMax
I’m currently spinning Pinkerton as well Joe. The emotional punch the album packs is almost enough to make me forget about Raditude.
Oct 27th, 2009 at 10:05 pmDeMoor
I’m convinced of the hex, but that’s the difference between us.
Nov 2nd, 2009 at 12:23 pmJoe
Like this album a lot, would give it somewhere between 7.5-8
Nov 2nd, 2009 at 1:55 pmMax
Not gonna lie: this is quite good.
Nov 2nd, 2009 at 4:05 pmRick
haha Thanks for reading, Adam.
Yeah, Joe. Hard album to criticise, and I’ve really been enjoying it the past couple weeks.
Nov 2nd, 2009 at 4:16 pmSinoun
I agree – definitely one of the best videos of the year! Even though I’m from Montreal, this song really makes me feel like NYC is home! Great song about a great city, can’t wait ’til I’m back there.
Nov 3rd, 2009 at 5:44 pmMax
Excellent first review Shane. Never listened to any chillwave bands before, so I should probably give this a listen.
Nov 9th, 2009 at 3:08 pmRick
Nice first review, buddy.
Nov 12th, 2009 at 6:32 pmDom
Well done pal. I’ll have to check this out.
Nov 12th, 2009 at 7:30 pmDeMoor
Hey thanks boys. Glad ya like it.
Nov 13th, 2009 at 5:06 pmDeMoor
Haha you just made Devendra say “Uncle”.
Nov 13th, 2009 at 5:07 pmTodd Kearns
For those unaware, this is the band formerly known as The Muslims.
Nov 16th, 2009 at 5:43 pmMatt
hmm, i can’t figure out if this is a big joke or if Mr Dylan is taking this serious. I heard his rendition of ‘Here Comes Santa Claus’ and the only thing I can say is that it’s best kept away from small children whose whole christmas magic and dreams will end up in tears and fear should they hear it.
Nov 16th, 2009 at 8:21 pmJoe
Only listened to the Christmas album once, some decent songs and some pretty poor renditions. Still bought it to support the cause. I would of loved to attend the party in this video though.
Nov 16th, 2009 at 8:37 pmMax
You did me proud with At Dawn Vinh. Excellent job everyone.
Nov 18th, 2009 at 12:12 pmBrian Riewer
Great blurb about the Glow Pt. 2, Rick. You and I both know it should be higher than 33.
Nov 18th, 2009 at 4:28 pmJoe
Agreed, had it at 10 on my list
Nov 18th, 2009 at 9:49 pmMax
Damn, I was hoping they wouldn’t be increasing the ticket prices. $250 is pretty steep…
Nov 19th, 2009 at 12:36 pmShane
I thought $250 was what it cost last year. $300 if you did the payment plan.
Nov 19th, 2009 at 4:39 pmMax
Wasn’t it like $215 last year? Or was that for the pre-sale?
Nov 19th, 2009 at 11:20 pmShane
Nice work on Apologies Paul. Like the Oasis comparison, lol.
Nov 22nd, 2009 at 4:41 pmRick
Nice job on this one, Krista.
Nov 22nd, 2009 at 5:26 pmRick
Thanks a lot, Brian. haha Yeah we know what’s up.
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 10:00 amPrimeau
Hmmm…I like the sports comparison. Well done, but I must agree with JB.
The three songs you noted are singles (Empire State…being the latest) but out of the first 5 tracks, D.O.A, Run This… and ESOM all pale in comparison lyrically to Thank You and What We Talkin’ About. Already Home is most likely the best all around track on the album (Lyrically and production wise) and then, as mentioned, you have a great guest spot from Jeezy and the first “new” artist on Roc Nation, J. Cole (who is turning into one of hip hops best new forces…check out his mixtapes everyone!), and who can deny the back and forth banter on Haters?
To each their own, but with this album I find people were looking for flaws, when in my opinion the only real flaw was the hook for Reminder (its painful at best), and even that song is lyrically strong once you get thru the so so beat and annoying hook.
Id give it a solid 8/10 as I think it has tons of replay value, great production and a pissed off Jay Z on 95% of the tracks (even when hes doing the “club” songs, he goes hard with some great word play and metaphors…V vs M)
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:16 pmMatthew James
NIce shout out. I love me some Queen.
Nov 24th, 2009 at 7:18 pmJoe
Really nice job on these.
Nov 25th, 2009 at 9:47 amRick
Sweet.
Nov 25th, 2009 at 2:21 pmBanks
That was a dope review! Couldn’t of put it better myself… It is worth a listen but definately doesn’t live up to previous work.
I haven’t seen any of your reviews before.. Someone put this guy on!
Keep up the good work. I’ll be lookin out
Peace
Nov 25th, 2009 at 8:22 pmSun On The Sand · Top Albums Of The Decade: 20–11
[...] Girls’ is debatably the band’s crowning achievement and one of this year’s best tracks. Some have drawn comparisons to past classics, like The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds. I’m not sure [...]
Nov 29th, 2009 at 9:32 pmRick
Very nice take on The Shepherd’s Dog, Vinh. Was a great read.
Nov 30th, 2009 at 3:58 pmCole
One of the most perfect albums that I know of. Although my favorite RH album is usually the one that I’m listening to at the moment… Great pick/article, and I would definitely suggest watching “Reckoner” From The Basement. Flawless and kind of funny for the reason you stated.
Dec 2nd, 2009 at 8:50 amRick
Nice work, Krista. You provided a strikingly accurate description of the album.
Dec 2nd, 2009 at 10:25 amJoe
Well done, Krista. Great read.
Dec 2nd, 2009 at 10:48 amErin
“Then there’s ‘Reckoner’, which I always imagine being performed with someone spending the whole song concentrating very hard so as not to mess up the rhythm of the tambourine.”
Awesome.
Dec 2nd, 2009 at 1:17 pmMatt
I think my favourite moment on In Rainbows is ‘All I Need’. When they played that at Lollapalooza it was one of those chills down the spine moments.
Dec 2nd, 2009 at 7:53 pmNice write up Krista.
Sun On The Sand · Top Albums Halfway Through 2009 (Part 1)
[...] honest here: I had little to no interest in hearing this album until I read Ben’s review. After hearing comparisons to Pet Sounds, I knew I had to check this out. Meshing [...]
Dec 2nd, 2009 at 8:50 pmRick
Shane delivers once again. Good job.
Dec 3rd, 2009 at 8:16 amEvan
I enjoyed reading this – I feel their ‘revolutionary’ release methods eclipsed the music in most people’s attention spans upon its release, though. Glad to see some appreciation.
Dec 3rd, 2009 at 12:13 pmBrian Riewer
…And boom goes the dynamite.
Dec 3rd, 2009 at 12:26 pmMax
Well done Shane, one of the most intriguing albums I own.
Dec 3rd, 2009 at 12:32 pmEvan
This is my least-listened-to BFF album, simply because it’s too intense. It’s an experience. It’s perfect. Glad to see it in the spotlight, honestly, because not enough people give credit to BFF.
Dec 3rd, 2009 at 12:36 pmMax
Not going to believe it until we get a more reliable source than NME. At least Billboard has some credibility.
Dec 3rd, 2009 at 2:03 pmEvan
Could still be true.
Nonetheless, Arcade Fire in 2010 is confirmed. Rejoice.
Dec 3rd, 2009 at 2:51 pmRick
“And I can honestly say that For Emma, Forever Ago did the same for me.”
Dec 4th, 2009 at 8:40 amWell said, John.
Shane
Very nice write-up for a great album. Great work John.
Dec 4th, 2009 at 10:07 amJohn
Thanks for the kind words. =)
Dec 5th, 2009 at 5:33 ammike
Solid review to a solid EP! He definately has turned me into a believer as well,
Dec 5th, 2009 at 7:10 amLets hope the album doesnt dissapoint!
Banks
Another dope critique by my main main B.B.
Dec 7th, 2009 at 2:50 amKeep it up! I see you!
Evan C.
I honestly believe Radiohead and Arcade Fire are the only ones on here who can touch this list.
Dec 7th, 2009 at 12:33 pmMark
Cat Power? Let me guess, one of your editors got married and a Cat Power song was “their song”. Please. It’s good, but one of the best 10 album of the decade? It’s a decently written album that sounds like Sheryl Crow recording with a budget 4-track and a dusty cassette.
Dec 7th, 2009 at 12:55 pmMax
Well done Shane.
Dec 7th, 2009 at 1:04 pmMax
You are aware this is not our list, right? Our decade coverage is here: http://sunonthesand.com/2009/top-albums-of-the-decade-50-41-2/
Dec 7th, 2009 at 1:08 pmMax
And Evan I would disagree with you there, Stankonia and The Blueprint are two of the best hip hop albums of the decade in my book.
Dec 7th, 2009 at 1:14 pmMatt
After reading this I really need to listen to ‘You And Whose Army?’. I love that song and haven’t heard it in a while. Very enjoyable read, cheers Max.
Dec 7th, 2009 at 8:08 pmBrian Riewer
Fantastic review Micah. Being an Illinoisan myself, I feel that this album really does an incredible job of explaining my home state and bridges the gap between the urban north and more rural south. One of my favorites from this decade.
Dec 8th, 2009 at 8:16 amRick
Good job, Micah. Was an enjoyable read.
Dec 8th, 2009 at 9:46 amMax
His voice sounds as good as ever.
Dec 8th, 2009 at 12:16 pmRick
Great, delightful write-up that complements the style of the album very nicely. Good job, Vinh.
Dec 8th, 2009 at 11:45 pmBrian Riewer
Too low?
Dec 9th, 2009 at 10:13 amMax
Really enjoyed this Matt, there is no end to my love of this album.
Dec 9th, 2009 at 11:14 pmEvan C.
One of my favorite albums. I really enjoyed reading this.
Dec 10th, 2009 at 8:54 amJoe
Should of been #1
Dec 10th, 2009 at 9:42 pmDom
Wow Rick, that was your best work yet.
You can almost smell the liquor on his breath as he sarcastically raises his “heavenly glasses to the heavens”
Dec 10th, 2009 at 10:23 pmCouldn’t agree with you more.
Max
Given how many people we had contributing to this list, I think it’s pretty impressive to have Boxer at #3. I don’t believe any notable site has it higher than us.
And this really is your best work Rick, these articles just keep getting better and better.
Dec 10th, 2009 at 10:56 pmBrian Riewer
Bomb shit yo.
Dec 11th, 2009 at 10:45 amAdam
I think I’m getting teary…
Dec 11th, 2009 at 2:12 pmI’m not crying. I got something in my eye…
Great job brother, one sweet piece of art.
Tim Hardie
To be perfectly honest, I’m not a fan of the opening paragraph or two, but once I get past that less than captivating start, the rest is excellent. There are some great lines in this. Good job.
Dec 12th, 2009 at 8:04 amShane
Awesome write-up Matt. Fantastic album.
Dec 12th, 2009 at 9:51 amAndrea
Very captivating piece of writing…
I can’t even express how much I love this band.
Dec 12th, 2009 at 1:16 pmRick
Thanks for reading, guys.
Dec 12th, 2009 at 1:22 pmRick
Nice job, Micah. Really enjoyed this one.
Dec 14th, 2009 at 7:56 amJoe
Had it at #2 myself, well done Micah.
Dec 14th, 2009 at 6:58 pmMax
This is possibly the most difficult album on our list to write about, and you did an exceptional job with it.
Dec 14th, 2009 at 10:51 pmMax
Absolutely fantastic Paul, an incredible piece of writing to cap off our coverage.
Dec 14th, 2009 at 11:54 pmMicah Wimmer
Thank you all for the kind words. They are much appreciated.
Dec 15th, 2009 at 12:35 amEvan C.
I’ll be honest, after seeing Kid A at #2 yesterday, I was a little skeptical. But this is fantastic. Great piece of writing for an amazing album.
Dec 15th, 2009 at 8:30 amRick
Good job, Paul.
Dec 15th, 2009 at 12:15 pmOmari Newton
Nice review as always P. Thanks for the warning.
Dec 29th, 2009 at 7:18 amBen
Where is The Moon and Antarctica?
Jan 2nd, 2010 at 11:14 pmPaul
Stay tuned for our ‘Honorable Mentions’, Ben, although I was sad to see it didn’t make it, too.
Jan 3rd, 2010 at 5:47 amMax
It was album number 51 I believe.
Jan 4th, 2010 at 8:29 amBen
That’s really too bad, other than that it was a good list although one could raise questions as to how certain albums, like Transatlanticism (a good but elementary album), could be on the list and Moon (the dark, complex, sometimes difficult but ultimately life-affirming magnum opus of Isaac Brock) did not
I really liked the Apologies to the Queen Mary review as well as For Emma
Jan 4th, 2010 at 10:28 amMax
Just barely beat me to the punch Joe! But I was able to add their tour plans.
Jan 11th, 2010 at 9:31 amBrian Riewer
Oh shit. Now I have no excuse to skip P4k this year.
Jan 11th, 2010 at 2:31 pmBrian Riewer
Tarot Sport should be higherrrrr….
Jan 15th, 2010 at 3:10 pmJohn
This is STILL going on? It’s like, what, the middle of January already? Just post them all at once. No one really reads these anymore, especially when they’re all the same albums everyone else is slapping on their EOTY lists.
Jan 15th, 2010 at 7:45 pmVinh
The write-up for #1 is a fair deal longer than your average paragraph so we decided to run it as a standalone piece and 25-2 looked funny for some reason. Besides, the year-end content will be through by Wednesday so it’s not some endless wait for regular publishing to return.
Jan 15th, 2010 at 10:48 pmTodd Kearns
I’m grabbing tickets to the March show. I saw them a year and a half ago and it was a darn good show. They’re solid.
Jan 18th, 2010 at 7:25 pmBrian Riewer
I’m surprised what album is No. 1. Not that it doesn’t deserve it, just didn’t think it would end up there.
Jan 18th, 2010 at 7:25 pmDom
Wow, MPP at #2? That’s a shocker. I guess there’s only one album that I can think of that isn’t on here. If said album isn’t on this list, I will be shocked.
Jan 18th, 2010 at 11:34 pmEvan
It’s asinine blasphemy to call this better than Leonard Cohen.
Jan 19th, 2010 at 8:00 amBrian Riewer
As asinine or blasphemous as calling “Never Better” the album of the decade?
Jan 19th, 2010 at 8:30 amAaron
tl;dr
Jan 19th, 2010 at 1:29 pmVinh
Elaborate, Evan.
Jan 19th, 2010 at 2:34 pmTodd Kearns
Evan, though I appreciate the read, didn’t you just discover music whose members weren’t dipped in neon last week?
Jan 19th, 2010 at 5:28 pmAndrea
Good read, Todd. The album is gorgeous. I particularly like how you described it as a sort of “existential calamity” for Callahan.
Jan 19th, 2010 at 6:33 pmDom
Some great stuff on this list. Would have liked to see a review for a few of those.
Jan 21st, 2010 at 1:34 pmALLONE
JUST CURIOUS DO YOU FOLKS REVIEW/FEATURE UNKNOWN ARTISTS? IF SO, HOW WOULD ONE PROCEED? THANKS AND SMOOTH SAILING
Jan 26th, 2010 at 9:50 amVinh
We’ll gladly cover smaller artists if we dig what we hear. Send me or any of our staffers an email and we’ll set something up if you like.
Jan 26th, 2010 at 12:39 pmMax
Sounds like a record I would enjoy, good review Paul.
Jan 28th, 2010 at 12:46 pmMax
Brian’s going to be really confused when he reads this haha
Jan 28th, 2010 at 10:49 pmBrian
Oh Todd, you think about me while you’re at work? I’m touched.
Jan 29th, 2010 at 9:12 amJohn
Really cool feature guys.
Jan 29th, 2010 at 1:47 pmTodd Kearns
They brought you up (explaining that you’re new, but not appearing on this thing). I just said “fuck you,” because, you know, fuck you and all.
In conclusion: no one thinks of you…ever.
Jan 29th, 2010 at 2:25 pmEvan C.
Missoula is in Montana, not Missouri.
Jan 29th, 2010 at 3:27 pmBrian
Oops, I posted it without really looking into it. It’s fixed now.
Jan 29th, 2010 at 6:20 pmMegan
Awesome idea! How ever did you think of such a thing? Good read.
Jan 29th, 2010 at 9:09 pmJoe
Nice Review Paul. Liking this album a lot more than I thought I would
Feb 2nd, 2010 at 9:23 amPaul
Thanks for the comments guys. I was impressed with the album, too.
Feb 2nd, 2010 at 1:39 pmKat
Sounds like an awesome show, I’m so sorry I was out of town and missed it! Mostly for the awesome adventures had by all. Haha. Let me know when they’re playing next, I for suuure want to see this action going down.
Feb 2nd, 2010 at 3:17 pmLola
Man, Chris and Dorian are some of the best guys in this city. They aren’t assholes, burnouts or misogynists. They’re post-irony. They are also kinda sexy in a weird way but don’t tell anyone.
Feb 2nd, 2010 at 7:45 pmBrad Buchanan
Great to see my favorite harpist getting some respect!
Speaking of Newsom, Roan Press’s “Visions of Joanna Newsom” book is now available for pre-ordering: http://www.roanpress.com/ourbooks.html
You can see the blurbs at http://www.roanpress.com/news.html
Feb 2nd, 2010 at 8:32 pmMax
Great review Rick, looking forward to giving this a listen.
Feb 3rd, 2010 at 3:07 pmJoshua moore
you dont know what your talking about you fucking cunt!!!
great album from someone who listens to decent music, none of this passion pit crap
go fist yourself !
Feb 4th, 2010 at 11:12 amEvan C.
I’m not sure I understand how lauded this album is. I’ve never heard anything else in the genre, but this really just isn’t my cup of tea.
Feb 7th, 2010 at 3:34 pmTodd Kearns
Yeah! I agree with Joshua Moore. Piss off, you Pitchfork wannabies. Also, I like Bono a lot. Why is there no Bono on this site? I guess if girls in carigans liked Bono, you guys would be all up in to him. He’s saving the planet, man!
Go do something to yourself that you find unpleasant!
Feb 8th, 2010 at 2:51 pmMax
Whoa, certainly getting this as soon as possible.
Feb 9th, 2010 at 9:49 amIan
Nice review man. Good work.
Feb 10th, 2010 at 8:25 pmMax
I wish he would just stop recording at this point. A tour with him and Macca before they both call it quits would be great though…
Feb 11th, 2010 at 11:31 amJoe
Haven’t listened but I have no doubt this is terrible. I really didn’t like Memory Almost Full either
Feb 11th, 2010 at 3:53 pmBrian
Niiiice.
Feb 11th, 2010 at 8:39 pmJoe
I’ll probably buy it for my uncle, he loves the stooges.
Feb 11th, 2010 at 9:41 pmBrian Riewer
You didn’t include the butt picture? I’m disappointed, Joe.
Feb 15th, 2010 at 12:03 pmTodd Kearns
If Boys II Men were playing, I’d go.
Feb 16th, 2010 at 3:36 pmJoe
I almost did but then I pussyed out
Feb 16th, 2010 at 6:47 pmJoe
Will be attending one of the NY shows
Feb 18th, 2010 at 12:06 pmBrian
You’re killing me, Joe.
Feb 18th, 2010 at 4:34 pmMax
Very disappointing record, was definitely expecting something more.
Feb 18th, 2010 at 6:15 pmJoe
Haha, why is that?
Feb 18th, 2010 at 7:47 pmBrian
I published the same thing like a minute after you did.
Feb 18th, 2010 at 11:27 pmMax
Joe’s very sneaky like that ; )
Feb 19th, 2010 at 2:08 amMatt
I really like this song. I wonder if Albarn made Gruff Rhys apologize for selling the Mogwai ‘Blur:Are Shite’ t-shirts at SFA gigs before letting him get involved here?
Feb 26th, 2010 at 1:19 amJoe
Nice review, Paul. Loving this
Feb 26th, 2010 at 3:51 pmMichael Fredericks
I’m so glad to see that Amelia Curran is getting some of the recognition she deserves.
Feb 26th, 2010 at 8:41 pmPaul
Thanks Joe. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is in my top 5 at the end of the year.
Feb 26th, 2010 at 11:50 pmJoe
The “dance motherfucker” line on ‘I Built Myself a Metal Bird’ is pretty haunting.
Feb 27th, 2010 at 11:06 amJoe
I hope we get some full band versions of these songs when he does the Atoms For Peace shows.
Feb 27th, 2010 at 11:07 amPaul
Absolutely. His voice sometimes makes it difficult to make out the lyrics, but there are some pretty powerful moments in there.
Mar 1st, 2010 at 12:31 amMax
I love Godspeed, but I’ve never listened to any of the Silver Mt. Zion stuff. Should do that soon….
Mar 2nd, 2010 at 5:33 pmMatt
While not a fan of their past work I will defend OK Go on their new album. This video is also rather cool.
Mar 4th, 2010 at 2:34 amPaul
This album is pretty good, and you’re spot on with the blues and old-school R&B influences. Good review.
Mar 4th, 2010 at 9:25 amTim Hardie
How did it take Sibylle Baier’s album so long to be released? Three and a half decades seems like quite a long time. Colour Green is a pretty album, though. I’ll have to pick it up when I get the chance.
Mar 4th, 2010 at 11:35 pmSun On The Sand · The National New Album Will Be Titled: High Violet
[...] National’s follow-up to Boxer finally has a title: High Violet. It will be out on May 11st (via Beggars Banquet), Aaron [...]
Mar 5th, 2010 at 3:58 amJohn
Loving the love for Quique.
Mar 5th, 2010 at 6:56 amTim Hardie
I’m pumped.
Mar 5th, 2010 at 9:40 amVinh
Baier’s recordings were never meant to see the light of day, really, so they stayed locked up somewhere — presumably in her house. Her son Robby was at the root of Colour Green’s belated release, putting the CD together and presenting copies to family members. He also offered one to J Mascis (of Dino Jr.) who in turn relayed it to Orange Twin Records and the rest is history.
Glad you enjoy the album, Tim.
Mar 5th, 2010 at 5:06 pmAndrea
Interesting name choice. I am looking forward to this.
Mar 5th, 2010 at 5:27 pmJoe
Song fucking rules
Mar 8th, 2010 at 1:10 amMax
Great to see they’ll be playing shows before Lollapalooza, pretty much confirms they’ll be there.
Mar 8th, 2010 at 11:56 amJoe
Wish they had played a song of their first album, it is so much better than Contra
Mar 8th, 2010 at 1:57 pmTyler
I disagree, Joe. I prefer the first one but I’d say they’re pretty even in terms of quality.
Mar 8th, 2010 at 7:50 pmMax
I actually like Contra more than their self-titled.
Mar 9th, 2010 at 12:05 amJoe
Interesting, can’t say I’ve listened to Contra more than twice, found it to be extremely boring compared to their self titled.
Mar 9th, 2010 at 12:12 amTim Hardie
Brian’s been on a pretty big Sun Araw kick as of late, huh? Guess I should give that album a shot. I’m also curious about Pearls Before Swine, just because I recognize that cover from art history. Hieronymus Bosch for the win. We spent a lot of time on Garden of Delights just the other week.
Mar 9th, 2010 at 12:26 pmBrian
Contra definitely kind of really sucks.
Mar 9th, 2010 at 12:26 pmBrian
Not exactly Tim, I just sat on writing that blurb for a month.
And Laura, applause for Hounds of Love. That album is delicious.
Mar 9th, 2010 at 12:29 pmBrian
Yorke-Ellison is the ultimate musical power couple.
Mar 10th, 2010 at 4:07 pmMax
Yeah Joe I never go back to the self-titled, still really digging Contra.
Mar 10th, 2010 at 4:27 pmMax
Love this, can’t wait to see them live this summer.
Mar 10th, 2010 at 10:33 pmBrian
I like Fight Softly, but I don’t think I 8.4 like Fight Softly.
Mar 11th, 2010 at 12:51 amPaul
That’s fair. Personally, it’s easily the most consistently engaging and enjoyable album I’ve heard this year.
Mar 11th, 2010 at 10:03 amBrian
I just think High Places did the sound way better on Vs. Mankind.
Mar 11th, 2010 at 3:09 pmPaul
I haven’t listened to that one yet, but I’ve heard mixed reviews.
Mar 11th, 2010 at 8:35 pmH
I´m stoked!
Mar 15th, 2010 at 5:58 pmJoe
Nice job on the rec’s guys. A lot of good stuff here
Mar 16th, 2010 at 12:29 pmMatt
I saw them at Lollapalooza a couple of years ago and I thought they more than justified being headliners with their performance. You can find many faults with some of their albums but, in the right setting, live they are pretty damn good.
Mar 17th, 2010 at 2:25 amPaul
I agree completely, Matt. That Lolla set was great. I haven’t listened to the new album through, but I enjoyed the others quite a bit, though Origins is my favorite by far.
Mar 17th, 2010 at 2:49 amPaul
WOOOO!
Mar 17th, 2010 at 6:21 pmTodd Kearns
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5713941098825043515&ei=FZmfS9jhA46mqgK405X4Bw&q=ondi+timoner+dig!&hl=en&client=firefox-a#
Mar 19th, 2010 at 2:19 pmDJB
http://soundcloud.com/djbethell/entrominutestop50-voi-parlate-bethell-hounds-several-thousand-bass
Mar 21st, 2010 at 3:16 pmSHAGGY
CLAM SALAD
Mar 22nd, 2010 at 6:36 pmHuck
So if the tape came with a mission statement you’d get it? Suggestion: turn your ego off for a minute and just decide if you like it or not. Game over. I can take a dump and it doesn’t matter what my intentions were – it’s still a dump. Same goes for a meal. It might add to the experience of being around the dump/eating the meal, but it doesn’t change it.
Mar 22nd, 2010 at 6:55 pmSun On The Sand · My Little Corner Of The World – Volume 49
[...] of my peers at the Tiny Pitch Stones, I immediately think of my initial effort for Sun On The Sand. My article regarding Cursive’s The Ugly Organ was less a breakdown of the album, its concept, or how it [...]
Mar 23rd, 2010 at 12:57 amBrian
I think you misunderstand what I was saying here. I do like the album but think that it ultimately lacks the focus to make it something great, and I do say that in the review. The point of the banter about intentions is to give the album some historical perspective in the context of both the genre and the artist’s career. Is this going to stand as a paradigm to the artist’s works down the road? Are we looking at a few rough patches from someone starting out that will ultimately get ironed out? Will this supposed boldness have any effect on how others in the genre will approach their music? Is this daft, or is it just plain amateurish? I try to address these kinds of questions in my reviews to have my readers understand it more, not to figure out if I like it more myself. At any rate, I always appreciate the constructive criticism and will take it to heart.
Mar 23rd, 2010 at 1:32 pmPaul
Nice review, Matt. I saw them open foe Manchester Orchestra a coue of years ago and I was impressed then, too. I’d definitely see them again.
Mar 24th, 2010 at 2:55 amMatt
I guess the word on the street is they will do their own tour later this year. Maybe they’ll show up at lollapalooza aswell.
Mar 24th, 2010 at 3:13 amMax
They will be at a festival in Japan the weekend of Lollapalooza, so it doesn’t look like it will happen.
I was at the same show Paul was at, and I was impressed as well.
Mar 24th, 2010 at 2:46 pmSHAGGY
MARIAH FOUND A NEW HUNK HUH
Mar 24th, 2010 at 5:41 pmSun On The Sand · The Tallest Man On Earth Unveils New Song, Pre-Order Details
[...] favorite The Tallest Man On Earth has just posted a new song from his upcoming sophomore album The Wild [...]
Mar 25th, 2010 at 3:05 pmMax
A cover of ‘Graceland’? I gotta hear this….
Mar 25th, 2010 at 3:17 pmBrian
Secretly Canadian didn’t specify that in the press release, but Discogs is claiming it’s a Paul Simon cover.
Mar 25th, 2010 at 3:47 pmGalvi
Perfect description of the album! Da iawn
Mar 26th, 2010 at 1:58 pmJacob
I’d say the lyrics are quite a bit above average. Especially on ‘Airplanes’, which deals with the death of his grandfather, I find the lyrics to be mesmerising.
Mar 28th, 2010 at 4:31 amJoe
Would be pretty cool if they reunited, still listen to Shape of Punk to Come a fair amount
Mar 28th, 2010 at 1:24 pmTyler
I would be excited for this to happen, but I’m not getting my hopes up.
Mar 28th, 2010 at 3:18 pmAndi
I am typically hesitant of stating things in absolute terms, but this is probably one of the most sincere and engaging music reviews I have ever read. So thanks, Brian. You’re a fantastic writer, and keep it up.
Apr 4th, 2010 at 3:26 amJason
Hey, I just watched the movie Free Willy 4 and heard a song and I’m pretty sure the name of it is Roof tops. It goes like this……”Over the rooftops and over the city I’m callin’ your name. When no one else to turn to, it’s eaisier to stay in a state of dreamin’.” And so on. Do you know where I can get this song, I-tunes, youtube, hulu, anywhere?
Apr 5th, 2010 at 8:32 pmMax
Agreed, well done Brian.
Apr 6th, 2010 at 2:43 amBrian
I’ve only witnessed the Bradford Cox experience in its pre-Logos Atlas Sound form, but I’ve heard plenty of great things about Deerhunter’s live show. Needless to say, I’m a bit jealous.
Apr 7th, 2010 at 5:00 pmPaul
They were quite good.
Apr 7th, 2010 at 5:41 pmMax
Holy. Shit.
Apr 8th, 2010 at 9:36 pmJoe
My thoughts exactly
Apr 8th, 2010 at 10:10 pmEvan
Hey guys,
You’ve spelled our name wrong. We’re One Thirty BPM.
One Thirty Bit is some crazy awesome hybrid of One Thirty BPM and Twenty Four Bit.
Apr 12th, 2010 at 12:15 amJoe
Haha, Apologies Evan, that spelling error was my fault
Apr 12th, 2010 at 10:25 amEvan
This is a contender for the greatest album of all time. Will be there.
Apr 12th, 2010 at 4:27 pmBrian Dongelewic
WOW! Dee- I am incredibly impressed. Such a terrific interview. And I had no idea that Morgan has such an astounding background…I always just loved her as a sweet, classy, terrific drummer whose company and conversation I thoroughly have enjoyed. Thank you s much for educating me on lovely M’s talents and history. GOD! I really miss her. Do you think she would be offended if we kidnapped her and spoiled her rotten as our guest? LOL! Meanwhile, Sheila and I will keep out eyes and ears open for any news of a Andy Kim gig anywhere near us, both now, in NY, and later when we are in Vegas.
Apr 13th, 2010 at 7:55 pmJoe
Nice review, Vinh. Agree on the rating as well, solid album
Apr 15th, 2010 at 10:28 amPaul
I’ve been meaning to check this one out. Very good work, Vinh.
Apr 15th, 2010 at 10:45 pmM*
I LOVE THEIR ALBUM COVER
Apr 22nd, 2010 at 12:15 amBrian Riewer
Mmmmmmmmm.
Apr 28th, 2010 at 4:21 pmJoe
New Iron & Wine this year would be yummy
May 5th, 2010 at 8:28 pmMax
This is very bad, possibly the most talented member of the band.
May 9th, 2010 at 10:52 pmMax
Crucial Max Logan contribution: “Haha”
Awesome.
May 10th, 2010 at 1:35 amMax
While I believe they hit the mark more than you do, this is a fantastic read. Well done.
May 11th, 2010 at 2:21 pmJoe
I like him more and more everyday
May 11th, 2010 at 5:41 pmJames
This sounds not like a new track at all but purely a cover. Am I missing something?
May 13th, 2010 at 7:42 pmEmilio
putting it out on cd was absolute rubbish.
May 18th, 2010 at 4:49 pmlooking forward to your steve mason ‘boys outside’ review (it’s going to happen right?)
from a distant european land
emilio
Matt
I’ll get right on that sir.
May 18th, 2010 at 9:13 pmMatt
what a great picture for that story!
May 19th, 2010 at 12:12 amJoe
Haha, pretty much symbolizes exactly what I think of this story
May 19th, 2010 at 11:22 amMax
hahahaha
May 20th, 2010 at 3:24 pmTom
I had Ronnie Dio sign a styrofoam cup in the late 60’s after a small town Saturday Night Dance complete with smashing a guitar on stage. Ronnie Dio and the Profits….WOW.
May 25th, 2010 at 8:51 pmMatt
Well that is something of an upgrade.
May 26th, 2010 at 9:00 pmTim Hardie
Really? As weak as their output has been this past decade, I still see this as a pretty big downgrade. Classic U2 is the bomb, and from what I hear they’re still excellent live. (Not that this really affects me…lol.)
May 26th, 2010 at 11:43 pmEmilio
no! how? why? why is this happening?
May 27th, 2010 at 1:33 pmi guess we’ll have to agree to disagree on this one mr. m. james
Emilio
it’s a casio on a muddy beach
May 27th, 2010 at 1:43 pmJoe
I will also slightly disagree, would of given it something in the 7.5 range
May 27th, 2010 at 2:08 pmMax
Hate to admit it, but this review sums up my thoughts perfectly. Really could never get into the second half of this album.
May 27th, 2010 at 2:10 pmMatt
I think the first half of the album is brilliant but it just loses momentum after ‘I can Change’ and never really fully recovers, hence the disappointment.
May 27th, 2010 at 9:16 pmRick
Though you know how I feel about 4′33″, this is a fine piece of writing. Well done, Brian.
May 28th, 2010 at 5:52 pmPaul
Nice review, Jennifer. I like this album a lot more than I thought I would.
Jun 1st, 2010 at 2:08 pmEmilio
100% agreed…great album
Jun 3rd, 2010 at 2:17 pmMax
I love ‘Older’ :(
Jun 7th, 2010 at 9:46 pmBrian Riewer
I love Now and Later candy :(
Jun 8th, 2010 at 12:35 amMatt
Nice one Jeremy. I’m assuming you are familiar with the second Simple Kid album aswell which I consider to be his best work. A very underrated musician.
Jun 9th, 2010 at 1:26 amBrian Riewer
WOO!
Jun 9th, 2010 at 3:27 pmBrian Riewer
HOO!
Jun 9th, 2010 at 3:27 pmMax
At Dawn!?!?!? Gahhhhh why couldn’t they do this in Chicago!
Jun 9th, 2010 at 4:43 pmPaul
Sorry Max, it was just too cheesy for me. I felt like I could hear something similar on a pop-country radio station.
And Brian, so do I. It made that line that much harder to swallow. ; )
Jun 9th, 2010 at 11:41 pmTodd Todd Todd
Brian, let’s make out. Sincerely, Todd.
Jun 9th, 2010 at 11:59 pmAndrea
Aren’t all of these comments approved by Brian…?
Jun 10th, 2010 at 3:42 pmMissNovemberTuesday
I like the way this made reference to current artists to help people understand the points in perspective. For those who may not have been around or who were too young to appreciate the impact that was made @ the time, this shows just how Duran Duran changed the face of the music landscape.
Jun 11th, 2010 at 6:26 pmRick
Nice review Brian. You always sound so angry! ha
Jun 14th, 2010 at 10:30 amTBlanchard
Added Denver and I bought my ticket today. Can’t wait to see this legend in action. Expecting a great performance and I know he will deliver. If you haven’t already got tickets I would get them now.
Jun 14th, 2010 at 5:25 pmEmilio
pretty much agreed.
Jun 16th, 2010 at 3:26 pmkind of difficult to follow-up ‘the satanic satanist’ though (which is one of the best listens during a london underground journey…imho).
Malcom
Such a great record.
Jun 17th, 2010 at 2:14 amRick
Good album. Good review.
Jun 18th, 2010 at 7:09 pmAndrea
Ha, why do you always have to mention ‘chillwave?’ Anyway, love this album. Cool review as well.
Jun 19th, 2010 at 5:23 pmJoe
Really like that album Vinh
Jun 22nd, 2010 at 2:14 pmVinh
Which one? Regardless, glad to hear it.
Jun 22nd, 2010 at 4:25 pmJoe
Africa Brasil, really good stuff
Jun 22nd, 2010 at 5:28 pmVinh
Ah, yeah. Shame he only came into his own on his final quality record. You can still hear traces of overly polished Ben (‘O Plebeu’) but all in all, it’s delightfully funky.
Jun 22nd, 2010 at 5:48 pmRick
ha You’re really good at bashing this band. Nice review.
Jun 23rd, 2010 at 1:05 pmTyler
Meh, ‘Born Free’ is much better thaan this.
Jun 29th, 2010 at 5:56 pmA
TTA have Broken up, i’m waiting for furst to go solo…
Jul 5th, 2010 at 3:24 pmBrian Riewer
In an interview with Pitchfork, Berglund said that nothing official has been decided with the future of TTA, and that they haven’t actually broken up. If I had to put money on it, I’d bet that they’ll end up recording together in the future.
http://pitchfork.com/news/39189-meet-ceo-inside-the-mind-of-eric-berglund-of-the-tough-alliance/
Jul 5th, 2010 at 4:08 pmTim
Awesome. Nice article. I wish i could have made it but had to work a street fest in the city that weekend. All Good has been on my list for years… maybe next?! Yonder!
Jul 16th, 2010 at 11:04 amJeremy
Thanks Tim. It would definitely be worth checking out next year if you can make it.
Jul 16th, 2010 at 2:32 pmTom
It sounds like an inspiring, life changing event. It must have been, as my son proposed to his girlfriend, and she said “yes”!
Great article Jeremy!
Jul 17th, 2010 at 12:58 pmPaul
I really like these guys. I saw them play in Toronto and got to talk to them for a bit. Very cool band.
Jul 18th, 2010 at 10:47 amJason
Caught the Spree opening for Bowie years ago. I loved the show and was ready to drink the musical kool-aid.
Jul 20th, 2010 at 9:53 pmkatie
beautifully writ jason – you have a great way with words! I like the sound of emotional roots..
Jul 21st, 2010 at 2:45 amMax
I’m a huge Arcade Fire fan, but there’s no fucking way this album will be better than OK Computer.
Jul 21st, 2010 at 8:18 pmMatt
You’re about to eat your words, Mr. Max.
Jul 23rd, 2010 at 8:10 pmRebecca Hiscott
A truly incredible album, which I learned from reading this review!
Jul 26th, 2010 at 12:11 amMatt
This has to be the best news story of the year. Those pigeons have done to them what they have been doing to my ears for the past few years.
Jul 26th, 2010 at 4:15 pmJeremy
This is the best music news I’ve read since Dave Matthews Band dropped their crap on a Chicago riverboat.
Jul 26th, 2010 at 4:30 pmMatt
UIC Pavilion in Chicago is one of the worst venues I’ve been to. Absolutely no atmosphere in that place (probably not helped by the fact they don’t sell any alcohol). I was looking forward to this until now.
Jul 27th, 2010 at 8:59 pmJeremy
This is a great clip!
Jul 29th, 2010 at 3:40 pm