the bravery "the bravery" **

Like 80's music ?
Think current 80's revivalist need more keyboards (as opposed to more cowbell?
Ascribe to The Dead Milkmen's (must read if you don't know who The Dead Milkmen are, likewise go to artist page to see videos/hear music) theory that you will dance to anything with the corrolary that it was written before 1991 ?

Well, then the Bravery is the band for you. But for me, this is closer to the Futureheads than the other guys in that it's completely derivative and not really original. They do not write better songs nor have more talent as opposed to bands like the Killers , Franz Ferdinandand Louis XIV who are moving ahead (or at least trying to ) rather than aping their forefathers. These songs are too simple and repetitive. Also, they confuse tempo with energy - it's not the same. Usually, I listen to album a half dozen times before I even start writing (some things grow on you) - this one I was ready to go after two listenings.

As the album moves along, it does get a little better. The second half of the album shows some hints of original songwriting. The "stop, drop and roll" chorus of "Public Service Annoucement" is catchy. "Swollen summer" (coupled with the line "what if we're getting dumber") holds its own against 80's songs. But second single "Fearless" (Like the first single "An honest mistake") is typical - good riff, but by third verse, the repetiveness is getting to you and the weak guitar solo kills it for me. It is listenable, but there are better ways to spend your time.

i love my job

I love my job.

4th of July from Grandpa Feltus

4th of July

Gorillaz "Demon Days" ***

First of all, I've never loved Brit Pop. Sure, I love the odd Oasis or Blur single as much as anyone but I've never one to ascribe it as a great innovation in music. Gorillaz is an outgrowth of that with Blur's Damon Albarn joining forces with a cast of thousands, but primary cartoonist Jamie Hewlett and DJ Danger Mouse.

I listened to it several times but never really fell in love with it. It's natural growth over the first album. Overall, I would say it's more consistent than the first album. But while there are fewer lows, the highs aren't as high.

It's got some solid songs like "Feel Good Inc" (featuring de la soul doing its best Outkast) and "Dirty Harry" (sequel to "clint eastwood"?), but these are driven more by the DJ than by the music or production work. "Fire coming out of a monkey's head" with Dennis Hopper's spoken word has got to heard to be believed, although I would not recommend repeated listenings. Resurrecting Neneh Cherry and Shawn Ryder (happy mondays, black grape) is cool, but something is missing overall. Finally, looking through the credits, I realized almost every song has strings featured on it. This creates an atmosphere that is a bit of a downer. For superior use of strings, see the Magnetic Fields.

The funniest thing is EMI blamed the late release of this album (and Coldplay's) for missing last year's q4 earnings. This album is going to be huge on college campus and is solid quality, but it's not the next Thriller. Listening to tracks like "Dare," I cannot help but think that there is a great dance album trying to get out, but Damon is too cool and restrained for that. I suppose the remix album will be fantastic.

Likewise, if anyone has the Danger Mouse "grey album" I hear it is a must hear for the mash up crowd. I'm curious to hear Jay Z meets the Beatles. I just expected more.

The Magnetic Fields "i" ****

Like everyone else, I've fallen behind in my blog work. But before I move on, I had to post on the Magnetic Fields newest album because I think my comments will advance the Canon of Feltus music reviews.

This is a great album but not for everybody. The Magnetic Fields are best know for "69 love songs" - 69 two to three minute meditations on love. Over three CD's and a lyric book heavier than the average novel, I can report that there are actually only 50-something good songs and a dozen above average. A stunning piece of work and a daunting one to follow up. These guys squarely aim at the black turtle neck crowd - art school drop outs, people who actually care about the Knitting Factory, people who despair of radio or anything mainstream, people who know the difference between Reno Dakota Blue and Pantone 292 (vs. Toyo colors), people who spell Stephen with an "i".

The irony is that Stephin Merritt writes perfect pop songs. Great melodies - simple but emotional. He his master of the corny couplet. For example : "I would give my right arm/to keep you safe from harm/I would keep a little farm/chop would to keep you warm" from "I don't love you anymore" "My evil twin would lie and steal/He would stink of sex appeal" from "I wish I had an evil twin" The amazing thing is it actually comes off as sincere.

A big part of that is the interplay between his voice and the instrumentation, which is usually a cello although sometimes a piano, harpsichord or banjo. This allows a nuanced performance that other strings (ok, the ever popular electric guitar which does make an appearance) don;t allow unless you are Hendrix, Page or Clapton. While you would thing that every song is a slow orchestra number, styles is all over the place. Likewise, tempos vary and different songs high light different instrumentation.

Merritt's voice is a big part of why this works. Like Morrissey, his delivery is apparently flat, but actually has remarkable range.

"i" has every song starting with the letter I. But the songs range from new order-esque "I thought you were my boyfriend" (my favorite) to Jimmy Buffet style "If there is such a thing as love" (musically, not lyrically). We also do show tunes, operettas, and blue grass, finishing with the sublime love song "it's only time". But no matter what the style, they are basically (and I do not mean that pejoratively) great pop songs.

I only give it four stars because not everyone will like it. It takes a few listens to appreciate but it's worth it. Part of this is the first song is weak and not necessary (skip it). Likewise, "i" doesn't really work on random because it builds, like a concept album. I mean a concept album in the sense that each song is a musical step, not just a series of linked lyrics - more like a symphony of three minute pop songs (as opposed to the Wagner opera of 69 love songs). If only every "concept" album put as much effort into the music.

Make sure you get the one with Fred Tomaselli cover. Another talent.