Artifice

LOL, and I was just stopping by to post that on my 4th listen, the Burbs finally clicked with me.

I had returned to Richmond VA a few years ago, on the occassion of my grandmother's passing, and went by my old neighborhood and school, and I think I experienced every feeling Win is singing about and it has stuck with me since. Had a repeat of those feelings when is was twice in PA when my other grandparents passed. I guess that makes me immature, since I'm in my mid 30's, at least by VC's collective definition.

One of the other themes that's prevalent is that of sprawl, and it always strikes me as odd whenever a band (or any other artist) expresses angst over high population. It's not overpopulation that they're usually struggling with (unless it's some relief concert) - just the complete lack of individuality and character of most of the landscape and our lives due to the homogeny that our systems support all those people with. but inherent in that criticism is the notion that all these extra people aren't worth having around... that's a little unsettling.

My friends say that they're just angst ridden over the lowest common denominator of the supply systems that our govts and businesses support us with, but I think there's a little more to it than that... however weird of a notion that may be.

There's a turf war between fans? I only compared it to High Violet as two high-profile albums to come out this year. But since you brought it up, I strongly prefer The National and Berninger's vocals. Plus their lyrics and songwriting as a whole is definitely better. At least I relate a whole lot more to what Berninger is writing about, as opposed to the same preachiness from Butler over and over again.

Cool story bro.

I guess it's the new cool to hate this album or be "unimpressed" by it.

I think it's missing some of the majesty of Funeral in key places (especially the middle tracks), but it's still easily the best thing I've heard all year long. I'm actually enjoying it more than I thought I would. Especially after folks on this board beat the snot out of the title track, which I really love.

And what's with the turf war with the National fans? First of all, it's silly, and secondly, that band will never be more than a depressing lounge act as long as Matt Berninger is outfront. His vocals = funeral dirge. It's okay to be upbeat, and it doesn't take away from the gravity of the songs. They could learn a thing or two from AF...

What Solace said re: Bethany/Best Coast.

This is certainly not the most masculine thing I've ever been hooked on, and its completely random that I'm listening to it:

Especialy the title track, the one that the girl on the cover (Alex Klobouk) sings. Whispery voice that just barely sustains a barebones track, but at the same time makes it more believable.

This is Stuart Murdoch's side project. Probably pretty far under the radar...

Love it. Can't wait to see them with Spoon!

Mark's one of my favorite singers that I've never really given much of a listen to. His songs with QOTSA are obviously awesome, and his cover of Man In The Long Black Coat is perfect. But that's really all I've heard him do.

 

I saw this album leaked, so I'm checking it out. Really neat stuff. Might finally force me to give Mark's solo/Screaming Trees material a chance.

ML & IC were the backtrack on the closing scene of Rescue Me last night. A friend told me that's not the first time the show has used one of their songs. Was pretty cool & it worked well for the scene.

What took me so long? These guys are great. I freaking love Promises & Excuses. Can't wait to get to know the rest of the album.

seconded. loving Bushwick Blues.

Try White Table too. It starts and stays slow a little too long, but I love the last third, especially the double drums.

I got an advance copy of this about a month or two ago and have been wearing it out. It's a more commercial release than Ode to Sunshine, but that's cool.

Happy to see VC coming around too - been trying to promote these guys for a while now.

I really like their bass player, Jon Jameson.

 

hmm, Midlake is the backing band.

Album of the year for me. I don't care what else comes out in 2010. This is IT.

Wow. I'm not sure about the lyrics so far, but I absolutely love the sound. I Wanna Go To Marz is fantastic.

The music aside - I always love their album covers. Dunno who does them. Isobel always looks great.

Oh yeah, NP:

I'm kinda diggin it. Not bad. Sounds a little bit like Neko Case to me.

Album of the year for me. I don't care what else comes out in 2010. This is IT.

I can't quite make out the name, but I'll admit, I'm intrigued.

This is the one that finally hooked me, which I think is unusual. From what I'm told, most people prefer Dragon Tattoo more.

hey where should i start with Big Star? i've never seen a band so few people have heard of get so much attention by one site. i must hear.

Sometimes, I get jealous of people like this. You're in for a real treat.

I thought they already said this was gonna be a double album?

Just got a few cuts from this to listen to. Can't wait!

after hearing both the US & UK singles ('Ready To Start' & 'We Used To Wait') i'm a lot more excited for the record than I was based off the first 2 songs...

SiriusXMU has been playing Ready to Start all week. I did not like it at first, but I'm starting to warm to it.

But I have to say, I wasn't paying attention to the radio when it came on, and my first reaction was to wonder why they were playing some deep album track from Morrisey...

I really like Bushwick Blues. Giving the rest of this its first spin.

I couldn't stand the Dirty Projectors album, but this is absolutely phenomenal. I drove around last night on some back roads with the windows down with this on repeat. Sublime.

(it's a free download, so I hope I'm not breaking any rules here)

Dirty Projectors - I Dreamed I Saw St Augustine (Bob Dylan cover)

Is the ATL show already sold out?? I'm trying to make arrangements so I can get down there.

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.

I loathe the new KoL, but love the old stuff. Magic Numbers' bassist is awesome. BoH aint bad either.

It's all about

Video's kinda corny, but that's a killer song.

Put it on again after another listen through its so-so follow up. Just reminds me how great this record is. I love listening to this when I'm just hours away from the weekend and some great weather.

Nice. I didnt think of MMJ, but I can see it now. I wasnt gonna do Surf Wax America, but think I just changed my mind. Dennis Wilson too, for sure. My father in law will love that.

Thanks! keep'em comin! Maybe I can do a double album.

maybe the songs just aren't to some peoples' liking. nothin wrong with that.

 

Neon Bible was/is amazing.

Sorry. I just hate seeing a band like this crushed by fans expectations of what they are supposed to do. These guys are a big part of whatever pulse music has right now. Dont think there are many bands that bring as much passion and energy to making music. That song has a more forlorn tone, but it's still very passionate, if not as excited. Give'em a chance!

bump

a little love from anyone? C'mon, it's fun to play along..