nodep5

how is the entire record? I love the two songs I've heard "Whats In It" and "Remember Last Time". Reviews have been mixed, for whatever that is worth.

I'm listeing to a lot of the Magic Numbers and Kings Of Leon and new Band of Horses

Not to be a contrarian, but all of this completely rocks and I secretly am amused at how many people blow it off as fluff. Great tunes in my book.

Ryan Adams Political Scientist (LOVE IS HELL)

top 10 all time record for me and that song is atroscious

I couldn't agree more. Ben moved back to the South a couple years ago (Mt. Pleasant in Charleston county) and you can hear it in the music. The music is more pure, less pretentious and sounds more "Charleston"... Kind of hard to describe if you haven't lived there I guess (I lived there a few years).

I vacation with my wife's family down in that neck of the woods every summer (Kiawah). I always take Cease To Begin on my ipod on that trip. I like to think of "Islands on the Coast" as my soundtrack

How about Ben performing Hunger Strike with Pearl Jam?

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6MkU0tBZ-8

 

I love this one. Ben still comes off as a bit awkward, but it seems like he was just overwhelmed by the experience. The vocals actually worked quite nicely in my opinion. Much better than All Along the Watchtower.

 

As a side note, I'm officially obsessed with Infinite Arms. I totally understand why so many people are disappointed with it, but I can't get enough.

I'm also really digging the new record. It kind of is the same experience I had with Ryan Adams Cardinology. Everyone was blasting that record also, but they just seem pure on some level. I don't know how to describe it. I listen to enough music to know these records aren't breaking new ground and that they aren't lyrical genius, but if it connects with me, who cares? I've listened to enough crap with supposed cred to last a lifetime and I still can't make it through Vectamist, so I'm over it.

I haven't heard the record yet, so I won't comment on quality of the songs, but the whole album length issue is legit in my mind. Back when there were true constraints on how much space was available it was part of the artistic process to sequence a record worry about flow from two sides of an lp, which is why a double album was such a freaking experiment. It could be the difference between artistic vision and over bloated pretentiousness. The fact that a good majority of bands these days think that they are capable of pulling off what is esentially a double album every time out is ludacris. How bout I not skip through the songs that don't hold up. How about musicians make some decisions on how to make an ideal two sided 35-40 minute listening expierence so we can get back to the record album as art concept. In today's world, use the extra for free digital eps, b-sides, 12 inch spin offs, free downloads. geez? I can think of alot of average records in the last few years that by the end of the 55 minutes were starting to become unlistenable. Conor Oberst & TMVB, Monsters of Folk, just off the top of my head.

except for my obessession with Ryan Adams who can put out a triple album for all I care.

well, fwiw i thought I'd share some initial thoughts.

I think reviews have been a tad harsh, some have labeled this record as being uninspired or lacking passion, and I don't necessarily get that. Making an album with 75% pleasant soft rock doesn't mean it is uninspired, I actually find it to be reassuring and comforting. Man between Boh and the Grand Archives there is some sweet 70's AM vibe out there (which is right up my alley).

My biggest criticism (which holds true for most bands these days) is that Boh should have stuck with the 10 song album, because the last track and On My Way Home kind of go nowhere.

Also if you are a lyric person then this is not for you, and likely Boh was never for you, because lyrically it is kind of lacking.

I think the strenght has always been capturing a mood/emotion, which this album has those moments.

I really dig this band, they seem sincere/genuine.

yes, you have noticed a certain disdain for that song and in fact any song or album by Wilco that doesn't capture the serious tone or artistic experimentation of the YHF/AGIB period. HMD being an odd one due to being a "cheesy" song a serious artistic album.

unfortunately, as a fan from the AM days, one of the byproducts of YHF was the "serious Wilco fan" which I think was reinforced by a same self serious attitude by Tweedy at the time. you know, a certain preteniousness.

Wilco to me was a band with a broader vision and artistic vision to pull it off, but anyone who saw them on the Being There tour knows they were a fun rock band. I think the fun of it all or the pureness of it all was lost during this serious period. Probably the reason a great straightforward record like SBS is dismissed as boring, pedestrian dad rock.

Anyway, just in case no one wants to cop to this attitude, I thought I would throw this out there

agree! it's definately a fun pop album. it's the best 'power pop' album i've heard since weezer's first album & matthew sweet's 100%. it's hard not to like it.

 

now playing:

A tad disapointed in the new Ritter. His last two were great esp Animal Years. The new record for me gets bogged down with too many long winded slow tempo story songs. It is defintely a lyrical album, but not one for an easy car ride listen. I guess it is like a mid 60's Dylan album or something

 

Just ordered this on vinyl. Can't wait.

I'm lucky to have an original on vinyl. This a top ten no depression album for me. amazing

In terms of the Crowes, I can't believe it isn't stated here more often, but for me at least they were hugely instrumental in my identifying legit rock and roll vs. 90% of crap out there. I would have been a sophomore in highschool when Southern Harmony came out. I was huge into the alt music, but that record in particular opened my mind to stuff like Uncle Tupelo and more traditional roots and rock music. It is kind of crazy to look at the records they were putting out in context of the times and it never felt gimmicky or insincere. In my mind, take away Lions (that may not even be fair) and their whole lot stands up. I don't know the Crowes have suffered some disservice along the way (some their own doing) but some people limit them to Shake Your Money Maker and others throw them in with jam band pot smoking scene. I don't think it ever completely fit. They are just a great Rock Band.

Compliments is my fave of the 3 songs so far, hoping for better w/ the record tho (or at least just to enjoy it more than the 2nd album, first was brilliant)

I love both records, but for me Cease To Begin is top notch. There is something about that record that resonates emotionally more so than just loving the sound of the first record.

I'm kind of becoming a huge fan, like they are becoming one of my favorite bands going right now. I always think of seeing them open up for Iron & Wine back in 06 I believe (when they were still just called Horses). Anyway, I'm really looking forward to the new release more than anything else.

I was let down (probably due to my unrealistic expectations) upon first hearing "Compliments" and "Factory", but then when I heard "Laredo", I got all goose bumpy again. Man, anyone who blatantly rips Neil Young and does it that well is a winner in my book. I love that song.

I think I'm off from a lot of people on the Black Keys, but Magic Potion is my favorite with Attack and Release taking the longest for me to warm up to. I'm avoiding hearing the new one till release day. We'll see, I liked the rawness prior to the Danger Mouse involvement.

So, what's the DBT tune like? Haven't tracked it down yet...

IMO, two complete throw aways. They are playful, but non essential in every way.

I'm kind of thinking that next year they may need to up the number of copies available and continue to improve the distribution. I love record store day, but the thought of camping out and running into a record store to grab a 7 inch before some other hipster gets their grubs on it, is not my idea of a cool record store experience. This could be like our version of wal mart on black friday.

Anyway, just a fear.

I was hoping to pick up the new Josh Ritter and the Modest Mouse re issue (the store didn't get either)

I picked up the DBT 7 in and Neil Young 7in (so cool)

I also picked up thre non record store day vinyls

Damien Jurado Caught In The Trees

Devendra Banhart Smokey Rolls...

and Midlake Courage of Others

I've learned with two previous experiences that ONE: When you sneak backstage the artist may not respond in an overly warm fashion to you.

TWO: when you follow (stalk) an artist around town prior to their show in said town they also don't respond warmly.

I don't think Jeff will ever talk to me again (if he happens to remember)

So the news it out that the album will be released on May 18th, however the odd thing is, is that no one can confirm what record label it will come out on. So first of all, I will be shocked if we see it on May 18th and secondly what happened to Sub Pop?

Sub Pop has lost the Shins and now potentially Band of Horses. If I were in a band I would love to be on Sub Pop (from the perspective I have). They are great about their vinyl and vinyl prices, the have a certain cred and name recognition. Other great bands on the label. What is going on?

The Gleam EP's are the Avett's best work bar none (especially the first one, all 5 of those songs are in my top 10 Avett Bros songs), then Mignonette for me.

I too love the Gleam Ep's. I think those are intended to show the softer/acoustic side and not as much the rambunctious side, but they do the soft/acoustic thing really well. I'd agree that "Sanguine" "When I Drink" "If It Is The Beaches" "Murdered In The City" "St. Joseph" are top 10 Avett songs.

Bobby Bare Jr. - Young Criminals Starvation League (hit and miss, but when it hits it hits)

Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest (I've tried and tried and just can't get it, at its best it feels like an unhappy Fleet Foxes, at its worst it completely loses my interest)

Evand Dando - Baby I'm Bored (a true gem, underappreciated, simple but meaningful)

any other word on what will be available (i found was john lennon, josh ritter, soundgarden, and sex pistols)? I may make a special trip to Laurie's.

 

the record store day website says i should follow them on twitter to learn the special releases but i don't do twitter.

the website will post a full list of potentially available items as it gets closer to the day. the past few years have seen distribution issues, which is why I use the words potentially available. Maybe that will be resolved since this is to promote reasons for still going to record stores.

a couple of tidbits I've come across for that day

Josh Ritter (early release of new album on vinyl only for Record Store Day) via josh ritter email

Hold Stady (700 copies available of new album on vinyl for Record Store Day) via muzzleofbees.com

I have tried and tried with this band. I've seen them live and bought a few albums, and while I like a few songs I just really can't understand what the big deal is. There was a great Mumford and Sons review on Pitchfork a few days back (I have not listened to that album enough to say whether I agree with the 2.1 rating, but it was extremely well-written) that mentioned them borrowing some "exaggerated earnestness on consignment from the Avett Brothers," and I think that's pretty dead on.

of course pitchfork is going to hate anything that resonates on a sincerely emotional level. but that being said I do agree that the earnestness on the most recent avett brothers record was not as natural or geniune as I percieved it to be on previous records.

I get where you are coming from. The current Wilco tour in support of (The Album) is the first tour I have not seen them on. I personally have found them to be hit and miss live since the SummerTeeth tour. To me, there is certain comfort about the Wilco shows on recent tours that has left me at times underwhelmed. Wilco use to be emotionally intense in a live setting, now it kind of feels like a band playing their hits (of course there are no hits) but you get what I'm saying. I can't speak for the current tour however.

I know I am going to get killed on here for my opinions. However, The Avett Brothers are the best thing going today. I & Love & You is a solid progresion to me. Easily some of the best lyrics out there today. Head full of doubt is an excellent song, so is Laundry Room and Ill with Want. I could only wish that Wilco is half as interesting both on cd/vinyl and live as these guys. I have no clue as why people even bother to post Wilco setlists any longer. Except for 1 or 2 songs a night it is the same old line. My last few Wilco concerts I have been able to predict almost the entire set list from reading them on Via Chicago. Simply put the last Wilco concert I attended was boring. The Avetts on the other hand, provide an energetic and diverse set list every night and for my money way more bang for the buck. I miss the days of the unpredictable Wilco sets. Sorry to disappoint or incite a riot but Wilco is by far not the most interesting recorded or live band anymore. I prefer the Avett Brothers and My Morning Jacket anyday. Still Love me some Wilco but it just isn't the same anymore. Perhaps time for Jeff to shake things up a bit? Now start throwing your stones at me.

my wife and I had a conversation on the way home from the show about who is better live the Avetts (currently) or Being There era Wilco. We both agreed that nothing would likely ever top Being There era Wilco in terms of intensity and the "what the hell is going to happen next" factor. However The Avetts right now are just killing it live.

The whole Wilco vs. The Avetts thing, I don't know, I for one am still disappointed with I and Love and You and after Emotionalism and the Gleam Ep's I was expecting huge huge things and was let down. That being said, I think Avetts vs. Wilco is apples and oranges and I will always have room for both. I will concede that one band is peaking and the other has already peaked, for what that is worth.