Records of the Week 10/22/11: Three Great Albums From 2011

October 22, 2011 Leave a Comment

Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks – Mirror Traffic

As of now, Mirror Traffic is my favorite album of 2011.  Singer/guitarist Stephen Malkmus’ first album post-Pavement reunion (and latest in a long string of awesome solo albums) is a more focused work than some of his past efforts, which makes it a great listening experience.  While it features some of Malkmus’ trademark sillyness (Senator has the line “I know what the senator wants is a blowjob”) Mirror Traffic is a little more personal.  “Share the Red” is one of his most emotional tracks, where he contemplates being “40 with a kid, living on the grid.”  It also features few of the catchiest Jicks songs, “Forever 28″ and “Stick Figures In Love”.  “Forever 28″ has one of the most memorable vocal melodies on the album in between electric guitar freakouts while “Stick Figures” moves along at a brisk pace fueled by an infectious guitar line.  It doesn’t hurt that the album was produced by Beck, who seems to have a great handle on making Malkmus sound his best.

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Records of the Week: 9/3/11

September 3, 2011 Leave a Comment

Various Artists – Inglourious Basterds Soundtrack

Quentin Tarantino is the master of selecting music for his films.  He seems to be a huge music fan, as many of the songs he selects are fairly unknown.  And he’s a master at creating the right atmosphere with his selections.  The soundtrack for Inglourious Basterds is a great example.  Whether it’s an Ennio Morricone classic or an obscure David Bowie song, everything fits in well in the film context.  The problem with most soundtracks of this type – compilations with no original music made for the film – is that often they won’t seem as a cohesive of a listen.  But this soundtrack flows together quite well, despite the varying musical genres found on it.  But like other soundtracks, it’s much more memorable after seeing the film and learning the context in which each song is played.  One of the biggest treasures on the soundtrack is Morricone’s “Un Amico”, one of the composer’s more emotional tracks.  It seems full of longing, and it fits well with the scene it accompanies – the death of two important characters.

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Records of the Week: 7/29/11

July 29, 2011 1 Comment

Stephen Malkmus – Stephen Malkmus

While Stephen Malkmus’ work with Pavement mostly leaned towards the loud, noisy, and distorted brand of rock, 1999′s Terror Twilight – the bands penultimate album – was a sparse, more melodic affair.  Twilight is subtle in a way that every other Pavement album is not.  Many have attributed this style change to the growing control of Stephen Malkmus, who was reportedly getting fed up with the group around this time.  After hearing his first solo record (which is self-titled) it’s easy to see how people came to that conclusion.  Stephen Malkmus is arguably the singer’s most poppy album.  But while Terror Twilight’s songs meandered on a little too long, or simply never hit the mark, this album is for the most part an interesting, easy listen.  “Jenny & The Ess-Dog”, a love story about the two characters named in the title, is one of Malkmus’ most pleasant songs.  “Vague Space”‘s falsetto chorus – despite it’s short length – is one of the best parts of the album.  And even the more eclectic songs, like the ridiculously infectious “Troubbble” and the catchy “Phantasies” both work well.  If you haven’t discovered Malkmus’ work beyond Pavement, definitely give this album a few listens.

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Records of the Week: 6/27/11

June 27, 2011 Leave a Comment

that dog. – Totally Crushed Out

That Dog (not going to stylize it to that dog. repeatedly because it looks weird in text) is one of the best kept secrets of the nineties.  The group was around from 91-97 and released three records before splitting up.  The band has moved on to solo projects, although they recently – and quite surprisingly – announced two reunion shows in Los Angeles.  I’m actually attending one of those shows, so expect a review and possibly a video afterwards.  Totally Crushed Out is an excellent listen.  It’s full of crunchy guitars, catchy pop melodies, and beautiful three part harmonies.  My favorite song is the opener, “Ms. Wrong,” which might be one of the catchiest things I have heard in a while.  There’s also the single, “He’s Kissing Christian”, which received a moderate amount of airplay on MTV upon its release.  The lyrics on the album may seem a little corny to some, but I think they’re endearing and charming and fit well with the musical style.  If you’re a fan of nineties alt-rock, check this album out.

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Records of the Week: 4/30/11

May 1, 2011 Leave a Comment

Red Hot Chili Peppers – Blood Sugar Sex Magik

The Red Hot Chili Peppers sometimes get a negative reputation because a lot of their fanbase consists of “bros.”  Considering the fact that they are one of the most popular bands of the past twenty years,  it’s natural that they have some fans who aren’t necessarily part of a likable demographic.  It’s a shame they have this reputation, because they are a great band with amazing chemistry.  Blood Sugar Sex Magik is the group’s second effort with guitarist John Frusciante (who left the band recently amicably) and it’s the album where his creative ability skyrocketed.  Blood Sugar is one of the most interesting records of the 90′s musically.  It consists of some funk songs (like “If You Have To Ask” and “Power of Equality”) and melodic songs (like “I Could Have Lied” and arguably their biggest hit, “Under the Bridge.”).  Flea – the band’s bassist – switched from constant “popping and slapping” basslines to more sparse, melodic playing, and Frusciante begun shaping his own style into something of his own rather than an emulation of the group’s previous guitarist, Hillel Slovak.  If you haven’t heard any of the band’s albums or only know the popular stuff, check this one out.

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Records of the Week: 4/23/11

April 23, 2011 1 Comment

Sorry about getting this to you guys a few days late – but between watching NBA Playoff Basketball and playing music/hanging out with friends Thursday and family business Friday, I simply didn’t have the time.  I’m kind of bothered by that fact, but oh well – this is certainly better than nothing.  Next week’s ROTW will be up on time on Thursday, and expect some actual reviews this week (finally).  I’m really excited to share these albums with you guys though!

Titus Andronicus – The Monitor

If you can imagine the emotion of Arcade Fire and Neutral Milk Hotel with a punk energy played by a bunch of guys (and a girl) from New Jersey, you get a good idea of the sound of Titus Andronicus.  Their second record, The Monitor, is a concept album loosely based on the Civil War.  It’s got everything you want in an album of that type – reprises, long songs with multiple parts, and seemless transitions between each song.  Titus is really talented at writing poetic, realistic lyrics that are fun to sing along to, and it’s one of the things that makes The Monitor instantly great.  There’s a reference to fellow New Jerseyan Bruce Springsteen in the opener “A More Perfect Union” (“Tramps like us/baby we were born to die!) and catchy refrains throughout.  My favorite track is “Four Score and Seven” which starts out as a ballad before turning into a heavy rock song during the course of eight and a half enjoyable minutes.  The lyrics and melodies are memorable, the instrumentation is great and the album sounds very cohesive.

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Records of the Week: 4/14/11

April 14, 2011 Leave a Comment

Ok, ok.  I know I originally wanted to compile three of the best albums from the first nine weeks of Records of the Week, but I’ve been enjoying these albums a bit lately.  So maybe I’ll hold off on that idea until the twenty-fifth or fiftieth post or something.  I’d have a lot more albums to choose from, and most of you guys wouldn’t remember some of the earlier stuff.  We’ll see.  But in the meantime…onto this week’s albums!

PJ Harvey – Let England Shake

PJ Harvey is one of those artists who always seem to get glowing reviews from critics, but rarely receive any real mainstream success.  PJ’s music would probably sound great on rock radio and be an interesting change, so it’s a real shame that she isn’t bigger than she is.  This album Let England Shake is her first since 2007′s White Chalk, and it actually charted in the top 10 in many countries (although it only reached 32 in the US).  It’s hard to classify PJ as one specific sound, and this album is tough to put a label on as well.  In simplest terms it’s an indie rock record, but it’s so much more than the average album of that type.  It has really interesting melodies and great instrumentation.  “In The Dark Places” is my favorite song.  It has a really cool bassy keyboard sound and an amazing melody (check out the song to get a good feel of her sound).

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Records of the Week: 4/7/11

April 7, 2011 Leave a Comment

Television – Marquee Moon

It’s funny how some records just seem to gain steam years after their release.  While Television’s Marquee Moon was well received by critics upon its release in 1977, the album didn’t manage to sell well in the United States at all (although it did manage to reach #28 in Britain).  It’s quite a shame that it wasn’t regarded as one of the classic albums of the era until relatively recently, when sites like Pitchfork put it high up on “Best of the Decade” lists.  Marquee Moon is really one of the most interesting, polished, and well-produced records of the time and holds up extremely well today.  The guitar playing is some of the best ever.  The entire album is full of great riffs.  The post chorus riff in “Venus” (played by Tom Verlaine) is extremely pleasant to the ear, and the title track is an eleven minute display of fantastic guitar playing from both of the band’s guitar players.

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Records of the Week: 3/31/11

March 31, 2011 Leave a Comment

I really enjoy doing these Records of the Week posts, because it gives me a chance to be a little less analytical with my writing and a little more personal.  Since these are simply the albums I’ve listened to a lot and really enjoyed this week, I don’t feel the need to change my mindset from “music listener” to “music reviewer” so much.  I think it gives the blog a new dynamic as a whole, and I hope you guys enjoy these recommendations and actually listen to some of these albums (or even just songs).  Anyways, onto the records!

ABBA – ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits

This may seem like an interesting choice, especially considering the type of music I’ve reviewed on my blog recently – but I’ve always loved pop music.  And even forty years after the Swedish group started releasing singles, ABBA is still the cream of the crop when it comes to catchy and relatable mainstream music.  The songs are incredibly well composed, and it’s crazy how much more advanced they are compared to a lot of mainstream music released today.  ABBA was a group with four very talented people, and there was no real studio tricks to help them in those days.  My favorite songs on this greatest hits collection are “Knowing Me, Knowing You” and “S.O.S,” two songs that are very impressive for their musical dynamics and absolutely incredible backing vocals.  The contrast between the minor-key verses and major key choruses in the latter make each part of the song memorable in its own way.  I’m sure most people visiting this blog have heard ABBA before, but they’re worth a serious listen without a doubt.  (I know a few years ago, I would have called them corny pop music and never would’ve given them a chance).  Also, check out my friend’s humorous ABBA blog.

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Records of the Week: 12/18/10

December 18, 2010 Leave a Comment

I can’t believe this, but I’m actually posting a “Records of the Week” a week after I posted the last one!  Finally I stay on schedule.  Now let’s get down to business, folks.  This week’s “Records of the Week” are rather “indie/folk-y” at least to me.  By the way, I’m going to try to post a ROTW on Christmas, but I’m not sure how much time I’ll have due to family commitments.  If it’s not posted Christmas Day, it’ll be posted Christmas Eve or the day after Christmas.

She and Him – Volume One and Two


She and Him is best known for the fact that popular (and adorable) actress Zooey Deschanel is their lead singer and primary songwriter.  The fact that an actress is a singer may immediately discourage some from listening to the project, but both She & Him records, Volume One and Volume Two are pure pop bliss.  The reason why I decided to combine them is because they’re in the same vein musically, and I’ve been enjoying them both this past week. The “Him” in the band is M. Ward, who plays guitar and produces the record.  His playing style, which is sparse and not very intrusive, fits the music well.  And Deschanel is a more than capable singer.  Her voice fits in very well with the old-timey arrangements and musical structures.  Its very reminiscent of popular music from the sixties and seventies.  Her voice has a very “warm” feel to it, and it’s very pleasant to the ear.  “This Is Not A Test” from Volume One is one of my favorite tracks – it’s a good example of the catchy brand of pop that you’ll find on both records..  Volume Two is quite similar to the first record in almost every aspect, but it doesn’t end up sounding too “samey” at all.  The best analogy for it would be that they’re different “volumes” (see what I did there?) in the same series of novels.  Both albums also end with vocal only tracks – an excellent cover of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and “Sleep,” (a song penned by Deschanel) which really does sound like something you would listen to while going to sleep.  If you’re into the kind of poppy, 60s/70s era type thing, definitely check these albums out.

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