She Wants Revenge - She Wants Revenge *****What an album ! Remember Joy Division. Dark synthasizer music but interesting. Anyone who grew up on 1980's alternative music must own. At first, I was skeptical although intriguied (tear you apart). But they sustain it for the whole album. No filler.
Gnarls Barkley - St. Elsewhere ****
Strangely, I've only been really listening to what I would call traditional alternative or alt. Country lately. the exception is this album. I don't know what to call. It's a little rap, a little funk, a little pop. Not every song is good but it a delicisous weird mix that goes places no one else is even thinking about (Danger Mouse's other project Danger Doom is just regular rap). The song "crazy" is everywhere (including a crazy cover by Twilight Singers which is headed to the best of 2006) which is only an average song. Not for everyone, but definitely interesting to listen to.
Ryan Adams - 29 ****
Alt country begins with Ryan Adams. I'm still working through last years massive album output. While the four albums have their share of filler, this guys talent is undeniable and there is enough there to make it worth it. Add in more Son Volt, Golden Smog and Old 97's among others, alt country rules the day. The old thing is that I revisited Wilco and found it not even interesting.
Crown Victoria - Fireworks on TV ****
An older album but well worth listening to. A side project of Buffalo Tom's Bill Janovitz. I bought it last year but it really only started to gel lately. It falls in that alt country/roots rock of Twilight Singers, Built to Spill and Jose Gonzalez but shares a lot with the above mentioned bands. all these guys are a little deeper, a little blusier but still alternative. Bob Perkins also fed this category with his excellent mix cd.
Billy Bragg - the re-issues ****
My favorite communist. But his songs have great hooks and are filled with real emotion. He never lets politics dominate the tunes. I still like Worker's Playtime as his masterpiece (not reissued) but there is enough on the first albums to entertain. "Help save the youth of America" is a great sing along regardless of your political stripes (although I would steer clear of "the international" - communist anthems may have worked in 1983 but didn't last long).
Pearl Jam
As Doonesbury put it, "now they don't suck anymore." I don't know if that is the case but having a record company promote you sure seems to get the thing played more. They should have called it "Pearl Jam Sells Out." The album is more like a late 80's rush album than an alternative album. It's a great t0 rock out with. These guys were always more into 70's AOR than alternative anyways.
Growing on Me :
Dresden Dolls - Yes Virginia
Bram once said to me that "a little Pixies goes a long way." Dresden Dolls falls into that category too. Boston art rockers, my first impression was that this was not as good as their first. However, it is as intense and just as weird. Song order might be part of the problem as it is growing on me.
Prince - 3121
If you're curious, 3121 means no way. Also, if you are curious, Prince still has the licks and nmatched musicianship. Are the hooks good enough ? At first, I wrote this off but a musician friend of my gave it the thumbs up so I've gone back.
Clap Your Hands! Say Yeah!
Darling of the critics. Talking Heads meets Violent Femees updated to today. First half of album sucks...second half strong.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Show your bones
Another darling of the critics. First listen of new album left me completely underwhelming. But then a flight back from Europe, a song popped up on the Rio. Same great drums as first album. Same intense lyrics. Great hook. Maybe there hope.
Sufian Stevens - Illinoise
A Liz pick. His talent is undeniable. However, his concept album approach (each album is about one state) is just trying a little too hard for the hipster crowd. The melodies are beautiful but I have to question his heart.
TBD:
Thome Yoke (Radiohead)
Wolfmother (sounds promising)
The Decemberists (Perko gives thumbs up)
The Gourds (Houston Nate's recommendation - so far so good)
Alejandro Escoveda (alt country forefather)
Johnny Cash (skip the movie)
Neko Case (alt country chick)
Avoid
Morrissey "Ringleader of the Tormentors" A great showcase of his vocals and his "sound" but no hooks. More like a Sinatra album than the last one which was loaded with singles.
Matisyahu -"Youth" While worth buying, not up to the same emotional high of "live at stubs"
Pink - one entertaining song (stupid girl) but nothing good
Eels with London Phil. - Solid but adding strings doesn't add anything. go to the original.
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