12-25-07: Band of Horses, Britney Spears, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, The Thrills, Jose Gonzalez, Maximo Park, Jay Clifford, Japancakes, The Bird and the Bee, Kanye West
Lots of great music this past fall. When school’s in session it’s almost next to impossible to write about it. Today is Christmas and I’ve found some time to post a blog before people open presents!
Oh…. here is a link a playlist if you want to hear these guys (you have to have Rhapsody): Click Here!
Band of Horses – Cease to Begin & Everything All The Time
Forlorn crooning with a Southern drawl from Washington State. Bittersweet and powerful melodies that pack a punch and leave you asking for more. I love the sound of these guys.
Britney Spears – Blackout
Further proof that it’s who you know, not what you know. The songs on the album are fun, danceable, and beat-rific. Whoever mixed the album and laid down the tracks should get the credit. The rest is just her obnoxious, breathy voice. Oh – one of my students point this out. Britney sounds like she’s throwing up when shes says “more” in “Gimme more.” Seriously. Listen for it the next time you hear the song.
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss -Raising Sand
Yes! The queen of Bluegrass and the king of Classic Rock team up to create a surprisingly GREAT folk album. Their voices form a perfect union with the light rock backdrop.
The Thrills – Teenager
These guys channel the essence of Californian adolescence. Ever since their album ” ” I’ve envied those that spend their youth on the West Coast. Then I discovered that these guys are from Ireland? It’s a strange, strange world.
Jose Gonzalez – In Our Nature
Smooth voice, smooth guitar, smooth sounds all around.
Maximo Park – A Certain Trigger
Not as polished as their most recent album, but still a good album. Be careful – some of these pop rock songs might leave a mark if you’re not too careful.
Jay Clifford – Driving Blind
Jump, Little Children (one of my favorite bands) broke up. Jay Clifford, their front-man, now carries the torch alone. The brooding crescendos that haunt your dreams from JLC are gone, but the magic of his brooding voice still brings his solo album alive.
Japancakes – Giving Machines & Loveless
Reasons why I like this band: 1. They are from Athens, Georgia. 2. They are instrumental. 3. They use a slide guitar. 4. They use a slide guitar. 5. They use a slide guitar.
The Bird and the Bee – The Bird and the Bee
Quirky yet catchy pop duo that mix electronica with instruments to create a sparse yet flush sound.
Kanye West – Graduation
Wasn’t a big fan of him slowing down Daft Punk’s song. But the other tracks are great – especially the one with Chris Martin. Plus, that one’s all about Chicago which makes it especially awesome.
