Post by Chad Wilkens on Feb 27, 2004 17:22:52 GMT -5
Blue Man Group / The Complex - Despite the fact that Bob thinks this CD reminds him of the soundtrack to Miami Vice, it still rocks. Whereas their first CD contained music from the now-famous show, this CD builds on that by adding in guess artists, and then mixed their styles with BMG's. The result is a phenominal mix of percussion and techno-influenced goodness, worthy of a listen, and perhaps a purchase. Guest Dave Matthews makes Sing Along a fun one to sing along to, Venus Hum takes I Feel Love soaring, and Persona is one of the most haunting songs I've heard in while. With a constant theme, focusing on human existance, emotional drain, and escape from reality, The Complex gets my vote as Surprise of the Year.
Venus Hum / Big Beautiful Sky - I saw that Venus Hum was involved on BMG's The Complex, so when I saw their newest CD, Big Beautiful Sky, on the amazing iTunes Music Store (www.itunes.com), I gave it a shot. And I'm not disappointed. As most anyone who reads the site knows, I'm a huge sucker for female voices, so a band with a female lead vocalist already has a lot going for it in my book. The first four tracks are great, ranging from the fast paced Soul Sloshing to the lost longing of Wordless May (an incredible ode to lost love). The group really explores its techno background after that, building alternating simple and complex soundscapes in what becomes a slightly predicatable fashion, but one that still gratifies. Well worth a listen.
Evanescence / Fallen - Ok, the latest trend of bands with X-treme guitars and screaming, heartbroken scribes has really gotten on my nerves, and so when I started hearing Evanescence's Bring Me To Life every hour, on the hour on the radio, I wrote them off as yet another loud, angst-filled amusement. Well, maybe I was a little wrong... as stated previously, the female voices go a long way for me, and that is the case this time around as well. Yes, the guitars are heavy, but throwing in orchestral elements is another weakness of mine, and it's done pretty well here, as well. This band has a lot of Stabbing Westward influence in it, which is not a bad thing... in fact, it's probably what pushed me over the edge and made me like this CD. Give it a shot; you may be surprised as well.
Gotan Project / La Revancha Del Tango - One of the coolest CDs ever made. Tango mixed with an oh-so-slight electronic influence makes for a smooth, enjoyable beat and a cool, slick feeling. This is THE perfect music for a party... just put it in the background and let it go. The epitome of Smoove.
Delgados / Hate - Where the hell did this come from? The local punk DJ was apeshit about this, and so I gave it a chance, not expecting much. And it's great. I have no idea how to describe Hate, except that it's in the same realm as Departure Lounge and Spiritualized, which is good company in my book. Songs like Coming In From The Cold are catchier than hell, feature light, multi-tiered guitars, and dreamy vocals. That is the best way to descrive this CD: Dreamy. Or maybe surreal, since some of the song topics seam a bit out there. I really don't know where the hell this came from, but damn, I'm impressed. Check it out, now.
The White Stripes / Elephant - Rock and Roll. Novel concept. This will be the CD that people rmember the White Stripes for. Despite the fact that Fell in Love with a Girl, the Stripe's biggest hit to date came from their previous effort, this is the stronger CD, by a mile. Practice makes perfect, and with this being their fourth CD, they're just well nearly mastered this whole garage rock deal.
David Poe / The Late Album - In addition to being a sucker for female voices, I have a big weakness for singer-songwriters, and David Poe's been the latest fodder for that obsession. His second CD, The Late Album, brings the usual singer-songwriter faire, but it also has a sad realization about it, as if Poe knows that cards are against him in life, yet he carries on desite the fight. There is a certain sadness in Poe's voice, a hurt that can connect with the disallusioned and left behind.
Venus Hum / Big Beautiful Sky - I saw that Venus Hum was involved on BMG's The Complex, so when I saw their newest CD, Big Beautiful Sky, on the amazing iTunes Music Store (www.itunes.com), I gave it a shot. And I'm not disappointed. As most anyone who reads the site knows, I'm a huge sucker for female voices, so a band with a female lead vocalist already has a lot going for it in my book. The first four tracks are great, ranging from the fast paced Soul Sloshing to the lost longing of Wordless May (an incredible ode to lost love). The group really explores its techno background after that, building alternating simple and complex soundscapes in what becomes a slightly predicatable fashion, but one that still gratifies. Well worth a listen.
Evanescence / Fallen - Ok, the latest trend of bands with X-treme guitars and screaming, heartbroken scribes has really gotten on my nerves, and so when I started hearing Evanescence's Bring Me To Life every hour, on the hour on the radio, I wrote them off as yet another loud, angst-filled amusement. Well, maybe I was a little wrong... as stated previously, the female voices go a long way for me, and that is the case this time around as well. Yes, the guitars are heavy, but throwing in orchestral elements is another weakness of mine, and it's done pretty well here, as well. This band has a lot of Stabbing Westward influence in it, which is not a bad thing... in fact, it's probably what pushed me over the edge and made me like this CD. Give it a shot; you may be surprised as well.
Gotan Project / La Revancha Del Tango - One of the coolest CDs ever made. Tango mixed with an oh-so-slight electronic influence makes for a smooth, enjoyable beat and a cool, slick feeling. This is THE perfect music for a party... just put it in the background and let it go. The epitome of Smoove.
Delgados / Hate - Where the hell did this come from? The local punk DJ was apeshit about this, and so I gave it a chance, not expecting much. And it's great. I have no idea how to describe Hate, except that it's in the same realm as Departure Lounge and Spiritualized, which is good company in my book. Songs like Coming In From The Cold are catchier than hell, feature light, multi-tiered guitars, and dreamy vocals. That is the best way to descrive this CD: Dreamy. Or maybe surreal, since some of the song topics seam a bit out there. I really don't know where the hell this came from, but damn, I'm impressed. Check it out, now.
The White Stripes / Elephant - Rock and Roll. Novel concept. This will be the CD that people rmember the White Stripes for. Despite the fact that Fell in Love with a Girl, the Stripe's biggest hit to date came from their previous effort, this is the stronger CD, by a mile. Practice makes perfect, and with this being their fourth CD, they're just well nearly mastered this whole garage rock deal.
David Poe / The Late Album - In addition to being a sucker for female voices, I have a big weakness for singer-songwriters, and David Poe's been the latest fodder for that obsession. His second CD, The Late Album, brings the usual singer-songwriter faire, but it also has a sad realization about it, as if Poe knows that cards are against him in life, yet he carries on desite the fight. There is a certain sadness in Poe's voice, a hurt that can connect with the disallusioned and left behind.