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A few quick comments on what I've been listening to, before the summer rush of new releases.
I'm usually despairing at this point, because the lack of new releases. But 2011 is so far the year of the disappointing follow up. Its not these albums are bad, they just aren't clicking or haven't clicked yet, like TV on the Radio or Jason Isbell, but I havent given up on yet. Fall into categories like Strokes (not that good), Radiohead (why bothers) or Twilight Singers (well crafted but no there there, I was so excited for this album post-Powder Burns) and some I haven't decided yet (hayes carll, peter bjorn, lupe fiasco). Other notes:
Adele - I have surrendered after resisting the critics but it is that good. no beats, pure emotion. Automatic BOF (best of feltus)
New Guys but high hopes: Bon Iver, Dawes, Death Cab, Volume 2 of Old 97's
Classic R&B - premiere of Charles Bradley (he's like 60), Meters (should of known these guys a long time ago), Fitz - money grabber (already got a spot on BOF)
Aloe Black - Liz hates this song but its the bumper music on the sports talk radio we wake up to every morning and I think its catchy
Baseballs - Elvis-like versions of todays hits by Germans - why isnt this number one?
Hugo - mumford meets Jay - Z. proves the genius of Rick Rubin.
Rural Alberta Advantage - Pumpkins with a dollop of alt country? guy really does sound like Billy Corgan (When we still cared)
!!! - best groove band ever. could listen to this stuff forever. Others misses from 2010 include Janelle Monae (biggest miss but not xx level) and Frightened Rabbit (who did get best album title "winter of mixed drinks" which now go to Apex Manor's "year of magical drinking" because it adds beer and wine as well as a year round theme)
Digitalism - Cut Copy goes into the "listened to but didn't take category" have more hopes for this album. Heck, they make the Strokes sound good (see Forrest Gump)
Yuck - BOF. So they sound like Sonic Youth/Dinosaur Jr. that is not a bad thing - heck this beats the J Mascius solo album. But if you're a hater listen to this one which is more in the Posies/Teenage Fanclub/Big Star category. These guys are 21 and on their second buzz band. There is hope for the future.
Candles - you will never hear of them again (unless they go BOF) and thats too bad.
Baseball Project - Dont call them twinkies (1) return to form of Hold steady's Craig Finn (2) supposedly more "baseball centric" but I think the songs are more "pure" and that makes them more accessible to everyone. Its REM/Hold Steady jangly alternative rock but well done.
