I'm really digging the two Final Fantasy's EPs that have leaked recently. If the upcoming LP is better than this (and I hope he left the best stuff for the long play), I will have no choice but welcome it to my top20. If this happens, 'Heartland' will join Mount Eerie's 'Lost Wisdom', which is absolutely gorgeous. At first I thought it was rather boring but it has grown on me greatly and now I'm completely sold. I've heard some complaints that it's too short (roughly 23minutes long) and it should be classified as EP. Well, it is really short, but what's most important, it feels like LP. I'm really glad that it's not a minute longer. It sounds complete. Sometimes less is more.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: JACOK,

I've been digesting a lot of new stuff lately.

Women's record is great. Really getting into that one.

Deerhunter's new one is also awesome, though it took a couple listens to get used to the more straightforward style they're going for. In any case, way cool.

the new one by The Dead Science is probably not going to have a huge audience, but I love it. Super creepy, like recent Scott Walker mixed with Deerhoof.

Gang Gang Dance, though, that one is pretty spectacular. If you haven't heard that yet, check it out.

Thoughts on the new Blitzen Trapper record, Furr:

The most accessible album yet from the band.

Spirituality, good and evil are the major themes of the record.

Best song on the album is "Saturday Nite". A funky 2 minute piano-driven song.

"Furr" and "Black River Killer" are the best of the rest. Both of which are alt-country songs with Eric Early in storyteller mode.

The album is solid through 8 tracks, but "Love U" featuring a screaming Early and a raise of about 20 decibels totally ruins the flow and the album never quite recovers. The next few songs are forgettable.

"Echo/Always On/EZ Con" starts out driven by a piano, before some vintage Blitzen Trapper electronics kick in and a cool bassline ends off the song. The last song, "Lady on the Water" is another alt-country tune, and also pretty forgettable.

Overall not a bad album. I enjoyed the first half a lot, but I lost interest after the dud and Blitzen Trapper were never really able to sustain the good moments from the second half of the album, so that left a sour taste in my mouth.

6.8/10

+
Where the land is low is where the water flows to.

Thanks for the review of Furrr. I'm really looking forward to that one. What did you think of their last one, by chance?

quote:

Originally posted by Shadrach:
Thanks for the review of Furrr. I'm really looking forward to that one. What did you think of their last one, by chance?

I really enjoyed it. I don't know how many times I listened to the title track when it first came out...it's infectious.

Wild Mountain Nation was more of a rock record, with some acoustic/folk/country songs mixed in whereas Furr is more of an alt-country/acoustic record with some rock songs mixed in.

Thinking back to when I first heard the whole record, I probably enjoyed it less than Furr because of the more out-there/weird songs on the record, like "Woof & Warp of the Quiet Giant's Hem" or "Hot Top/Tough Cub" but I warmed up to it eventually and came to the consensus that it was a pretty good record. (I gave it a 7.8/10)

With Furr, I enjoyed a lot of the songs right away, because they were easier to like right out of the shoot, but I don't think this album is going to grow on me as much as the last one did. So I don't think my original 6.8 score is going to raise that much with repeated listens.

(Sorry for the use of numbers, but it kinda helps me remember how much I enjoyed the record. It gives me a sense of clarity... and it helps me when I have a lack of words to describe my thoughts and feelings towards a record.)

quote:

Originally posted by anbc:
(Sorry for the use of numbers, but it kinda helps me remember how much I enjoyed the record. It gives me a sense of clarity... and it helps me when I have a lack of words to describe my thoughts and feelings towards a record.)

Ha! No, I'm an engineer. I understand the need to quantify everything, includeing emotions. I'm actually working on a grading ruberic for albums which will allow me to critically score different aspects that I value as important, and then will derive a score from it based on the weight of a particular feature. I have an especially hard time objectively comparing albums when one came out four months ago and the other came out last week. I'm hoping to keep some records of numbers. My dream is to someday have my year end list be the end result of a program.

So basically, yeah, I understand.

So you're saying... you're an operator... with a pocket calculator?!

The new Fujiya & Miyagi is actually pretty damn solid. It's nothing that will take over the world, but it mixes some fairly interesting touchstones (Air, LCD, Krautrock) into something quite accessible and fun. Sure, it sounds like their last album, but it may have an edge over it in my opinion (still processing it).

Also, Feral Children released a great album that sort of makes up for the lack of an Animal Collective full-length this year.

And Snowman have the punk-rock album of the year in my opinion, though Capillary Action's isn't without its charms.

Also, i know they just got the Best New Music nod, but Flying Lotus' "Los Angeles" is great.

quote:

Originally posted by Chamberk:
So you're saying... you're an operator... with a pocket calculator?!

Sometimes I even dress like a robot, and no one even notices.

Portugal. The Man - Censored Colors has caught my attention. It's being released September 16 in the U.S. but the whole album is streaming for free on Luisterpaal.

To describe their sound is tough, but it definitely falls in the 'indie' genre. Lots of backing vocal harmonies, similar to Grizzly Bear, and they kind of have a vintage progressive sound to them circa 1970's. Also some soul and folk peppered in as well.

Give it a listen

quote:

Originally posted by Borachon:
Also enjoying Spark Large by Marching Band, who are a Swedish duo in a similar vein to I'm From Barcelona (apart from the duo bit!), but less sugary and more consistent. Catchier than syphilis, great harmonies and imaginitive instrumentation. The whole album is very strong. If you like Swedish pop (and who doesn't?) you should check them out.

I got this one too, it's insanely catchy. I like it a lot, despite thinking it's a bit too repetitive sometimes. (the end of "Make No Plans", for example) But certainly one of the better pop records this year.

quote:

Originally posted by CleverName84:
Also, i know they just got the Best New Music nod, but Flying Lotus' "Los Angeles" is great.

I've been jammin' on that one for months, and it's awesome.

Also, Blitzen Trapper's latest is pretty awesome.

quote:

Originally posted by CleverName84:
The new Fujiya & Miyagi is actually pretty damn solid. It's nothing that will take over the world, but it mixes some fairly interesting touchstones (Air, LCD, Krautrock) into something quite accessible and fun. Sure, it sounds like their last album, but it may have an edge over it in my opinion (still processing it).

Also, Feral Children released a great album that sort of makes up for the lack of an Animal Collective full-length this year.

And Snowman have the punk-rock album of the year in my opinion, though Capillary Action's isn't without its charms.

Also, i know they just got the Best New Music nod, but Flying Lotus' "Los Angeles" is great.

Please tell me you plucked Feral Children from here: http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=27040

I'm digging that album pretty hard. Good looks.

Ya Flying Lotus, pitchfork is late to the party blah blah. Great album but is upstaged by Blue Sky Black Death and Metaform.

To address Vypa's Portugal. The Man post. I haven't heard the new stuff but Church Mouth was one of my least favorite albums of 2007. Just the most obnoxiously jangly piece of crap rock stuff I've heard in a while. I hope they turned it around. At least on their first album they were ripping off interesting bands (The Mars Volta). Last album sounded like Bon Jovi gone indie.

quote:

Originally posted by mark f:
OK, I'm very happy that Metacritic members love music. I have always been happy about that; well, at least until about four months ago. Somewhere, about four months ago, the fact that a few too many people started tooting their own horn and made it sound like they love their own opinions more than they love new music turned me into a "perfect reverse barometer" (to quote Little Big Man). I haven't bought a new album for at least three months, and I basically haven't listened to one for just as long. I am seriously discusted with something which has made me happy for over 40 years. So, now, I'm offering all of you, who either respect me or think I'm an idiot, to explain to me why my current moritaurium on new music is ridiculous, makes sense, is troublesome or just par for the course. There is not a single year in the past 40 years where I have bought less than 15 albums, but I might this year. Once again, I don't think music has gone downhill. I just believe that the way which music has been made available is enough for somebody old-school to question why they should care anymore. It's an old-fart thing, but it's very deep for old farts! HA!

Hey Mark f:

Just reading this now (don't know why i scrolled back to this month) but know exactly how you feel. I'm approaching 40 as well and have had lulls (months) where I feel nothing new in the music world has any importance to me. I've noticed you haven't posted since, but I've left the site for months too (same time frame almost) and try to get excited with what is written here by the other 'critics' and 'fans' of music.
You'll get that spurt of energy again to find something you like. I've been there a few times in the past 5 years.... but then comes the new Sigur Ros which just leaves me speechless....or something I havn't heard before like Flying Lotus or Lindstrom and hopefully I'll like one or two of them after a few listens.
Sometimes hearing over and over that (example) Bon Iver or Fleet Foxes is the next best thing but it just don't float your boat can get tiresome because you think that YOU are missing something.
Maybe I'm off base, but, just think, the old farts can pick and choose these new bands more easily because we like what we know!

So...picked up the new Amy Ray (of Indigo Girl fame) and liking it.

Stereolab - Chemical Chords. I'm trying to like it too much. I hope I come around and give it a full listen before writing it off....

Winter Gloves - downloaded a song and they sound promising.

Any other listen to the aforementioned Flying Lotus or Lindstrom new releases???? They are in my itunes shopping cart as I've just read about them and interested!!

quote:

Originally posted by jayman:

quote:

Originally posted by mark f:
OK, I'm very happy that Metacritic members love music. I have always been happy about that; well, at least until about four months ago. Somewhere, about four months ago, the fact that a few too many people started tooting their own horn and made it sound like they love their own opinions more than they love new music turned me into a "perfect reverse barometer" (to quote Little Big Man). I haven't bought a new album for at least three months, and I basically haven't listened to one for just as long. I am seriously discusted with something which has made me happy for over 40 years. So, now, I'm offering all of you, who either respect me or think I'm an idiot, to explain to me why my current moritaurium on new music is ridiculous, makes sense, is troublesome or just par for the course. There is not a single year in the past 40 years where I have bought less than 15 albums, but I might this year. Once again, I don't think music has gone downhill. I just believe that the way which music has been made available is enough for somebody old-school to question why they should care anymore. It's an old-fart thing, but it's very deep for old farts! HA!

Hey Mark f:

Just reading this now (don't know why i scrolled back to this month) but know exactly how you feel. I'm approaching 40 as well and have had lulls (months) where I feel nothing new in the music world has any importance to me. I've noticed you haven't posted since, but I've left the site for months too (same time frame almost) and try to get excited with what is written here by the other 'critics' and 'fans' of music.
You'll get that spurt of energy again to find something you like. I've been there a few times in the past 5 years.... but then comes the new Sigur Ros which just leaves me speechless....or something I havn't heard before like Flying Lotus or Lindstrom and hopefully I'll like one or two of them after a few listens.
Sometimes hearing over and over that (example) Bon Iver or Fleet Foxes is the next best thing but it just don't float your boat can get tiresome because you think that YOU are missing something.
Maybe I'm off base, but, just think, the old farts can pick and choose these new bands more easily because we like what we know!

So...picked up the new Amy Ray (of Indigo Girl fame) and liking it.

Stereolab - Chemical Chords. I'm trying to like it too much. I hope I come around and give it a full listen before writing it off....

Winter Gloves - downloaded a song and they sound promising.

Any other listen to the aforementioned Flying Lotus or Lindstrom new releases???? They are in my itunes shopping cart as I've just read about them and interested!!

Hey Mark F.

I'm in my early forties as well, and have been feeling a bit in the same vein as you lately...I think it's a combination of factors...

1) Variety is the spice of life, but sometimes one needs more than just a different sound to invest in...they need something other than music all together. My sense is your subconscious is telling you quite clearly...dude...let's get into something totally different for a change...be it sports, another entertainment form, social work...who knows...sounds to me like keeping up with music has become a bit of a rut and it just isn't giving you the satisfaction it used to...don't fight it. Walk away, and I'm sure at some point down the line it will start to feel fresh again.

2) Age definitely plays a part...the older one gets, the rarer it is for an album to truly surprised, not only that, there is just a passion that feels for music in their youth because it is so much more tied to one's identity...As LCD Soundsystem once beautifully put in Losing My Edge..."You're only what you really want." In youth one's sense of personal identity is much more tied to one's tastes and style...as one ages, one realize that one's tastes do not define who they are, but merely what they like. Not only that, as one ages, I think one loses patience for investing time in albums that feel less than excellent...I find myself much quicker to discard an album now if it doesn't connect with me after a few listens than when I was in my twenties and thirties...basically, that mindset that life is too short for me to waste precious time on an artist that has failed to wow me from the onset.

3) The music scene as a whole just moves too fast now...while individual bands put out new albums far less frequently than say in the 60s, when the Beatles and Dylan where cranking out a masterpiece every six months, there are so many bands out there, and the average quality is so much higher than decades ago, that it is simply impossible to keep up with all that might be notable...thus for those of us who would like to, it becomes more chore than pleasure. I Hit this wall last year...I bought way too many releases in 2007 and have felt like the last 6 months was a chore to finish wading through them...and I don't want to feel like listening is a chore.

4. Pop music is no longer a cultural unifier like it was thirty year...for all the independence and opportunity the internet and niche radio has brought, it has also fragmented the audience into micro-niches of increasingly small size. Thirty years ago...eighty percent of the best music would have reached the radio and the ears of most people...try walking into a grocery store or mall today and see how many people have even heard of The National or LCD Soundsystem or Arcade Fire or Animal Collective or Beirut or Sleater-Kinney or My Morning Jacket, etc. etc.,...the % will be shockingly, shockingly small. These are arguably some of the most notable bands of the decade, but in a very real sense, they are almost utterly irrelevent from a cultural standpoint...something you could never say about the great sixties or seventies acts. Today, it seems sites like these are the only place one can reach out and find like-minded fans...but I'm sorry, the internet is no communcal substitute for chilling at home with a group of good friends with some new classic spinning on the turntable.

5. Finally, as to why this year...another factor...2008 just hasn't been very good, weaker than all of the previous 4 IMHO.

quote:

Originally posted by Illiniq:
2008 just hasn't been very good, weaker than all of the previous 4 IMHO.

I strongly second this. While I don't hate the year, as it has produced a few fruitful albums, it has not been a great year. And no, this isn't because "the big acts" (whoever those are) didn't put out new albums. Especially compared to last year's very strong lineup of albums, this year doesn't compare.

quote:

Originally posted by FragileKidA:

quote:

Originally posted by Illiniq:
2008 just hasn't been very good, weaker than all of the previous 4 IMHO.

I strongly second this. While I don't hate the year, as it has produced a few fruitful albums, it has not been a great year. And no, this isn't because "the big acts" (whoever those are) didn't put out new albums. Especially compared to last year's very strong lineup of albums, this year doesn't compare.

Not to be negative, but I also agree. It has been probably a month and a half since I discovered something that interested me enough to buy it. I've started listening to Audiobooks in my car, rather than music even. Audiobooks. Maybe I'm getting burnt out. Maybe I'm getting old.

Best album of the year is the audiobook version of "The Road" by Cormac Mcarthy.

And I think everyone should be required by law to read/listen to "Animal Farm" during an election year.

Well...it's not just you 3 that have been thinking that, I have too, and just recently has my negativity for this years' music become even stronger. This point was drilled home while looking at my favorite records of the year. There's no Illinois, Z, Runners Four, Alligator, Feels, or Apologies to the Queen Mary quality. All of those came out in 2005. As much as I love Sam Roberts and Beck, both of those albums don't deserve to be at the top of my list. To further my negative thoughts on 2008's music...I listened to Spiritualized (yawn) then Deerhunter's Weird Era Cont. (yawn) today. These two albums, which a lot of people have considered good albums for this year just don't hit a good nerve in my body. I'm hoping PB&J's new instrumental (which I've heard is pretty good) will turn things around, since it leaked today. 2008 could still turn around, after all... Deerhoof and Tom Morello are releasing albums this month! And who knows, maybe U2's new album will actually be decent.

quote:

Originally posted by Shadrach:

quote:

Originally posted by FragileKidA:

quote:

Originally posted by Illiniq:
2008 just hasn't been very good, weaker than all of the previous 4 IMHO.

I strongly second this. While I don't hate the year, as it has produced a few fruitful albums, it has not been a great year. And no, this isn't because "the big acts" (whoever those are) didn't put out new albums. Especially compared to last year's very strong lineup of albums, this year doesn't compare.

Not to be negative, but I also agree. It has been probably a month and a half since I discovered something that interested me enough to buy it. I've started listening to Audiobooks in my car, rather than music even. Audiobooks. Maybe I'm getting burnt out. Maybe I'm getting old.

Best album of the year is the audiobook version of "The Road" by Cormac Mcarthy.

And I think everyone should be required by law to read/listen to "Animal Farm" during an election year.

LOL. Audiobooks. Crap, and I've been listening to Sports Radio and Dr. Laura to fill the time!!

I didn't mean to drudge up any harsh feelings for 2008, but glad to see some of us feel the same at times. Off to Hawaii in a few weeks so I'll be listing a few Hawaiian compilations in the annual year-end Top 20!! Hope to be re-juvenated when I return and see if Mark returns.....

quote:

Originally posted by FragileKidA:

quote:

Originally posted by Illiniq:
2008 just hasn't been very good, weaker than all of the previous 4 IMHO.

I strongly second this. While I don't hate the year, as it has produced a few fruitful albums, it has not been a great year. And no, this isn't because "the big acts" (whoever those are) didn't put out new albums. Especially compared to last year's very strong lineup of albums, this year doesn't compare.

I'm probably the one who's been most obnoxiously pointing out that 2008 is a weak year, but even when the "big acts" don