Tuesday Stroll
The Elite Five
1. Beck: The Information
Yeah, a large percentage of the world ran out and bought the Killers today; and yeah, that percentage of the world probably only buys a couple of releases a year. But any week where Beck releases an album, it is the album release of the week. Brandon Flowers can eat shit and kill himself -- seriously. That I haven’t already found a leak for this and been listening to it for weeks is a testament to a crazy work schedule combined with my constantly indie-ifying musical taste, but that will be rectified ASAP. Guero’s reviews were mixed, but I thought it was decent and I own every other Beck album; that streaks continues.
2. The Killers: Sam's Town
Terri pointed out that Rolling Stone gave a rather scathing review to Sam’s Town, which is remarkable as they’d probably give a couple stars to the sound your shit makes when it hits the bowl. Seriously though, the backlash that the Killers are getting right now is insane. While it is not entirely undeserved, I do think many people are losing their sense of objectivity. I’ll say this, I think Brandon Flowers is a complete douchebag and not overly talented, but I heard the album and it honestly wasn’t that bad. That really hurt to say.
3. The Hold Steady: Boys and Girls in America
Pitchfork gave this a 9.4! That is a score of astronomical proportions from a site that doesn’t often offer such praise. Now, if they are to name the top scoring album on their website the album of the year then The Hold Steady are in good shape. Alas, that isn’t at all what they do, and for reasons unbeknownst to me it might not even crack their top ten. Seperation Sunday cracked our top 50 list last year and I can’t wait for my promo copy of this to arrive for review. It might not be the biggest name releasing music this week, but it’s more than likely the best album.
4. Thunderbirds Are Now!: Make History
I’d love this band even more if their ridiculous name were Thundercats are Now! but I still like them a fair bit. What seems like an eternity ago, Brandon sent a song for Track-Fu and I thought meh, but then Cameron put one on his year end list and it was freakin’ awesome and I’ve been cozied up with the Thunderbirds ever since. I worry a bit about the energy level on the album since the lineup was rejigged and it is touted as being poppier, but I will give the boys the benefit of the doubt.
5. The Decemberists: The Crane Wife
Rounding out the top five during what is just an enormous week for music releases are The Decemberists. Anyone reading this site probably can rattle off five bands that are beloved but that they have never personally invested any time in trying to understand what the love is all about. Here are mine: Joy Division, Sonic Youth, Belle & Sebastian, Sigur Ros and of course, The Decemberists. I’m not sure if that will change this time around. It still doesn’t change that Colin Meloy is one of the most recognizable names in indie rock.
Remember Me?
6. Evanescence: The Open Door
And Amy Lee, that door is going to remain open, for you to get the fuck out of the music industry all together. Between the Killers, Evanescence and the next band I am going to mention, I can only imagine how many copies of those albums were sold. That thought makes me and baby Jesus cry.
7. Jet: Shine On
Or burn out -- that would be better for all of us, wouldn’t it? Cute story about Jet: well, before you ever heard a song from them, “Are You Going To Be My Girl” was featured in NHL 2004, which my roommates and I played about seven million times, so we heard the song about four million times. Imagine how bad that song became with that level of scrutiny? Before any of that happened I bought the album, which did nothing but collect dust for years. Overplay can teach you a thing or two about a band; the thing it taught me about Jet is that they fuckin’ suck. Again, it pains me to give props to Pitchfork, but they reviewed the album by putting up a video of a gorilla scratching itself. Reluctant props go out to whoever thought of that.
Not My Bag - Maybe Yours?
8. Sleepy Brown: Mr. Brown
Who is Sleepy Brown? You know that name is familiar, but can’t figure out where the hell you know it from, right? He is that guy who delivers the hooks on the majority of recent popular Outkast songs. And now he finally is dropping his album on the masses. It all sounds like something to be excited about, but remember that dude who sang the “Gangsta’s Paradise” hook? I had to look it up on Google, but his name was LV and his solo career didn’t exactly flourish. I predict a similar fate for Mr. Brown.
9. The Dears: Gang of Losers
I somewhat like this CD, which speaks of the depth of the releases for the week more than anything else. I place it here more because of it being a largely being a disappointment to me. We’ve had this release in Canada for a while now, but you Americans had to wait till now to be disappointed by it. That wait is now officially over!