tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17508140322868143012024-02-18T23:46:10.664-08:00Indie Vinyl ReviewsIndie vinyl reviews, discussion, and more!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750814032286814301.post-52804017310960059102011-10-31T16:36:00.000-07:002011-11-01T16:38:09.645-07:00List: Creepy Songs For Halloween"Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Out" by The Antlers - <i>Burst Apart</i><br />
"The Layer" by Birthmark - <i>The Layer</i><br />
"Vampirer" by Caveman - <i>CoCo Beware</i><br />
"Shankill Butchers" by The Decemberists - <i>The Crane Wife</i><br />
"The Hazards Of Love 3 (Revenge!)" by The Decemberists - <i>The Hazards Of Love</i><br />
"Activa" by Deerhunter - <i>Microcastle</i><br />
"No One Does It Like You" by Department Of Eagles - <i>In Ear Park</i><br />
"Pity Dance" by DM Stith - <i>Heavy Ghost</i><br />
"Worrier" by Glass Vaults - <i>Glass EP</i><br />
"Central And Remote" by Grizzly Bear - <i>Yellow House</i><br />
"Faded From The Winter" by Iron & Wine - <i>The Creek Drank The Cradle</i><br />
"Leather Prowler" by Liars - <i>Liars</i><br />
"Sailing To Byzantium" by Liars - <i>Liars</i><br />
"No Barrier Fun" by Liars - <i>Sisterworld</i><br />
"Maybe Sprout Wings" by The Mountain Goats - <i>Get Lonely</i><br />
"The Autopsy Garland" by The Mountain Goats - <i>All Eternals Deck</i><br />
"Conversation 16" by The National - <i>High Violet</i><br />
"As I Lay My Head Down" by Other Lives - <i>Tamer Animals</i><br />
"Song For The Dead" by Queens Of The Stone Age - <i>Songs For The Deaf</i><br />
""You Got A Killer Scene There, Man..."" by Queens Of The Stone Age - <i>Lullabies To Paralyze</i><br />
"The Gloaming. (Softly Open Our Mouths In The Cold.)" by Radiohead - <i>Hail To The Thief</i><br />
"All I Need" by Radiohead - <i>In Rainbows</i><br />
"I Say Fever" by Ramona Falls - <i>Intuit</i><br />
"The Forest Scares The Hell Out Of Me" by Say Hi - <i>Ferocious Mopes</i><br />
"Sallie's Heart Is Stone" by Say Hi - <i>Oohs & Aahs</i><br />
"Marrow" by St. Vincent - <i>Actor</i><br />
"Skip Divided" by Thom Yorke - <i>The Eraser</i><br />
"Iodine And Iron" by The Veils - <i>Troubles Of The Brain</i><br />
"I Saw The Dead" by Villagers - <i>Becoming A Jackal</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750814032286814301.post-29638484447897529062011-10-21T17:35:00.000-07:002011-10-21T17:37:10.240-07:00Glass Vaults - Glass EP<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYEvrw4geS0pgg5nWBHozu5Ty7SIMRvEE-pctoDutAYA0zxCo2rXjVB4T4XeELy_J3zYhIGqd0kvqr1xFhjIuUi8CFyGilCBnc2t-GmUhIjbgDWfgogMqYq0uFBv9AdoDro6_BGnwogA/s1600/Glass+Vaults+Glass+EP+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYEvrw4geS0pgg5nWBHozu5Ty7SIMRvEE-pctoDutAYA0zxCo2rXjVB4T4XeELy_J3zYhIGqd0kvqr1xFhjIuUi8CFyGilCBnc2t-GmUhIjbgDWfgogMqYq0uFBv9AdoDro6_BGnwogA/s320/Glass+Vaults+Glass+EP+2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Black/blue dual color vinyl</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Non-gatefold</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">No lyrics</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Album Rating: 4/5 (Great)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sound Quality: 5/5 (Perfect)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Packaging: 3/5 (Average)</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<br />
Glass Vaults is a duo hailing from Wellington, New Zealand. They create music that is both beautiful and haunting, constructing hypnotic melodies and arrangements shrouded in a veil of unease.<br />
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On their debut EP titled <i>Glass</i>, the duo mixes organic and synthetic sounds masterfully, creating a unique sound that is sure to carry them to great places in the future. While I have to admit Side A - relying more on ambiance than melody - is a bit lacking, Side B more than makes up for this with it's ambitious, melodic and still haunting atmospheres. "Worrier" is one track Glass Vaults should truly be proud of. Hard hitting drums (that sound <i>bloody </i>fantastic on vinyl by the way) emphasize the loneliness of the lyrics and atmosphere. There are even some serious Thom Yorke-esque vocals toward the end of the track.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaj72dwWR6tkfvzcjLU63WVpRWV5a6_UoU9N88QUMzfToouJVml_3JyphH7DmXs15lK1xak-FO6vN3LmANi2dTQywVYfnKY_1MoT-LwppaH85lzbGbkh-2xoCeCbZZPBCAKPSyfrP28v0/s1600/Glass+Vaults+Glass+EP+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaj72dwWR6tkfvzcjLU63WVpRWV5a6_UoU9N88QUMzfToouJVml_3JyphH7DmXs15lK1xak-FO6vN3LmANi2dTQywVYfnKY_1MoT-LwppaH85lzbGbkh-2xoCeCbZZPBCAKPSyfrP28v0/s200/Glass+Vaults+Glass+EP+1.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfx4cGgGubdV_qh47R9OedBRptROGlWktrW_-Df-SoHkOWz30m1yIwunm_z_Iq5t42HrjELvfxvWHL4DOwpBg_irQNAA2aXZZ32NQIW5rHOExhYnX0_rh5ylEvDU0_-6MkqlrQ6r_aFeI/s1600/Glass+Vaults+Glass+EP+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfx4cGgGubdV_qh47R9OedBRptROGlWktrW_-Df-SoHkOWz30m1yIwunm_z_Iq5t42HrjELvfxvWHL4DOwpBg_irQNAA2aXZZ32NQIW5rHOExhYnX0_rh5ylEvDU0_-6MkqlrQ6r_aFeI/s200/Glass+Vaults+Glass+EP+3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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The vinyl truly sound amazing, the ambiance and especially those drums are really incredible. There are two versions, one pressed on standard black vinyl and one on split black and blue vinyl (as pictured).<br />
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The packaging is standard and does not come with lyrics but does include a nice full color image of the band on a large insert.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750814032286814301.post-63837564319350850612011-09-27T23:04:00.000-07:002011-10-21T17:38:57.751-07:00The Mountain Goats - The Life Of The World To Come<div>
<div>
<b>Art</b>:</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
The expression or application of human skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.<br />
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<ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-fd-81wssG9jEgTlu_heeQBgFnvHLbtgC0CRxvcE6ncWkVgpsYuNnvkY5ECtDC_Cb-ripzLRaSjax4RR95noCTFVty-wT7AUmk2HUkO52s1Jipvk5mQJ6Ond2ngy1T0M65YFexaqW0Ek/s1600/mountain+goats+the+life+of+the+world+to+come+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-fd-81wssG9jEgTlu_heeQBgFnvHLbtgC0CRxvcE6ncWkVgpsYuNnvkY5ECtDC_Cb-ripzLRaSjax4RR95noCTFVty-wT7AUmk2HUkO52s1Jipvk5mQJ6Ond2ngy1T0M65YFexaqW0Ek/s320/mountain+goats+the+life+of+the+world+to+come+1.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Gatefold</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">No lyrics</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Purple vinyl available</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Album Rating: 5/5 (Masterful)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sound Quality: 4/5 (Great)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Packaging: 4.5/5 (Excellent)</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
The Mountain Goat's The Life Of The World To Come is art in every sense of the word. It is hauntingly beautiful; a masterpiece of emotion that will make you oblivious to the outside world - if only for an hour.<br />
<br />
The Life Of The World To Come is - for the most part - a slow paced yet extremely well-thought out album that occasionally rocks. While tracks such as "1 John 4:16" and "Deuteronomy 2:10" are slow, thoughtful piano tunes, they are no less emotionally charged than the power hungry "Psalms 40:2". If you haven't guessed by now, every track on the album is named after a Bible verse, a strange, yet nonetheless interesting decision by singer/songwriter John Darnielle.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrtCb3UpFl2IEuRj0xss90zBp-eXFh0pPpfnBnvwVz-0Uzi3NXy4Gq5WT_sAQjHu2R1exYkUOWXdZ-h4nEU_KoDwN0hxl2Vu1Phm_uEcNKnTFRT0phtn2NfGYj3OBNQz8sK33HrAmKaQ/s1600/mountain+goats+the+life+of+the+world+to+come+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrtCb3UpFl2IEuRj0xss90zBp-eXFh0pPpfnBnvwVz-0Uzi3NXy4Gq5WT_sAQjHu2R1exYkUOWXdZ-h4nEU_KoDwN0hxl2Vu1Phm_uEcNKnTFRT0phtn2NfGYj3OBNQz8sK33HrAmKaQ/s320/mountain+goats+the+life+of+the+world+to+come+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The vinyl is a wonderful edition to any Mountain Goats fan's collection, giving off a clear, crisp sound throughout the record. The version I have is a limited edition pressed on purple vinyl.<br />
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The packaging is very nicely done. It feels solid and the images look really cool on the 12" cover.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5H_zqj28rtkBb14fwamjwRat4cD2MPSfiSjFoT_dZ52i1mAP740QxUGvs2LMKGHqP_xB_6KVv035PI1sz3kJH7V7YdueDDRUk3MNw9nPksSrAe5-CLJIJ2UOLblKqduub2vY2eUZofFk/s1600/mountain+goats+the+life+of+the+world+to+come+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5H_zqj28rtkBb14fwamjwRat4cD2MPSfiSjFoT_dZ52i1mAP740QxUGvs2LMKGHqP_xB_6KVv035PI1sz3kJH7V7YdueDDRUk3MNw9nPksSrAe5-CLJIJ2UOLblKqduub2vY2eUZofFk/s200/mountain+goats+the+life+of+the+world+to+come+2.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEdSfvrhAuWX611DOwLrVVkQhfrn1enQ-pcsVqX0sXpZdecRU3hXfNVZPFEyVUQAZ0ej-VeItrsp3MI47DGN9Na18RPeNljlerdvasNt1TbC2G4tQHpPOqz6zGIaMbw_32TtAnfJuuAA/s1600/mountain+goats+the+life+of+the+world+to+come+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEdSfvrhAuWX611DOwLrVVkQhfrn1enQ-pcsVqX0sXpZdecRU3hXfNVZPFEyVUQAZ0ej-VeItrsp3MI47DGN9Na18RPeNljlerdvasNt1TbC2G4tQHpPOqz6zGIaMbw_32TtAnfJuuAA/s200/mountain+goats+the+life+of+the+world+to+come+4.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750814032286814301.post-67716750702123072892011-09-22T17:03:00.000-07:002011-09-22T17:03:27.808-07:00The Dodos - Vistiter<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCx-IR4D7ovzLSlwpeOzCRFOc0NBTq-ayyThankYbfCevRYelLerZWhekFpCr9lkEOLjwrd7w03jSUWGYtAJu5gspeplF_t8U28Q8L8pEDqaI_pCiVvJ3S9pM6MVRU8I7a7ZVNyWwP4Y4/s1600/The+Dodos+Visiter+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCx-IR4D7ovzLSlwpeOzCRFOc0NBTq-ayyThankYbfCevRYelLerZWhekFpCr9lkEOLjwrd7w03jSUWGYtAJu5gspeplF_t8U28Q8L8pEDqaI_pCiVvJ3S9pM6MVRU8I7a7ZVNyWwP4Y4/s320/The+Dodos+Visiter+1.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Non-gatefold</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">No lyrics</span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Album Rating: 4.5/5 (Excellent)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sound Quality: 5/5 (Perfect)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Packaging: 3/5 (Average)</span></li>
</ul></div><br />
<div style="font-style: italic;"><i><br />
</i></div><i>Visiter</i> is many things. <i>Visiter</i> is epic. <i>Visiter</i> is engaging. <i>Visiter</i> is unique. <i>Visiter</i> is a damn fine album.<br />
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<i>Visiter</i> is the sophomore full-length by indie-folk duo The Dodos. With a unique percussive style that will knock your socks off and some incredible acoustic guitar work by frontman Meric Long, <i>Visiter</i> is an album that captures the imagination in it's most primitive form.<br />
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The first single, "Fools", is a perfect demonstration of The Dodo's charismatic approach to the acoustic-folk style. If you are new to The Dodos, "Fools" is a great starting point. Other standouts include the sprawling, fast-paced foot stomper of a track, "Jodi", and the beautifully crafted, atmospheric "Ashley". "The Season" is a melodic and aggressive climax to the album that really shows off just what The Dodos are capable of in their songwriting. The questioning, repetitive, and sarcastic nature of the closing track, "God?", wraps everything up sweetly.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxPQbuvDEO8clCEjGdw427bqn_7hDgmwKBHQGJZMN2kxH7IZx04nhXDQ3Yge6h47jMPU6YJE2HvGIpkuMf75p4PcWPHocip4iPG4DWTTNApkKqgKfELAEmkp66UDDrU2YHAGT0IzhUK8/s1600/The+Dodos+Visiter+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxPQbuvDEO8clCEjGdw427bqn_7hDgmwKBHQGJZMN2kxH7IZx04nhXDQ3Yge6h47jMPU6YJE2HvGIpkuMf75p4PcWPHocip4iPG4DWTTNApkKqgKfELAEmkp66UDDrU2YHAGT0IzhUK8/s200/The+Dodos+Visiter+2.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpV3QvTRn3zIxBZ3Q97pPvv-rHPK7pVtd3jTiFlnMtynxxsoQQtKnaSMEyKNRV-6DA5j9MJIHNds5PlVUT3HVkCmTEtQauHQbqYwqv1tVnS7WLMtfNy93VJ5PnAOfyg1zS41P6vQiTug/s1600/The+Dodos+Visiter+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpV3QvTRn3zIxBZ3Q97pPvv-rHPK7pVtd3jTiFlnMtynxxsoQQtKnaSMEyKNRV-6DA5j9MJIHNds5PlVUT3HVkCmTEtQauHQbqYwqv1tVnS7WLMtfNy93VJ5PnAOfyg1zS41P6vQiTug/s200/The+Dodos+Visiter+3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Due to the organic nature of <i>Visiter</i>, the vinyl version of the album sounds absolutely incredible! This is NOT an album to be listened to on headphones, this is an album meant to be felt all around you. It is crisp, clear, and the percussion will make your mouth water.<br />
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The packaging is basic, but nothing to complain about. It does come with some interesting drawings!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750814032286814301.post-75998097208359048932011-09-09T01:56:00.000-07:002011-09-09T01:56:14.021-07:00List: Top 10 albums Of 2009<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoAzIeJWc2SWUJwwS_XcHa5KPDsOmO1ILT4bQc9FU23Y26xGpIoBTYOf4ADOYfbJcDfOzTc7M3CIrdh6fMIZhwIc_a9SZ7vWhU13uE3BTp90LIgIcD1Xe6-_wLTC1qng20eEnQAYqlhk/s1600/phoenix+wolfgang+amadeus+phoenix+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoAzIeJWc2SWUJwwS_XcHa5KPDsOmO1ILT4bQc9FU23Y26xGpIoBTYOf4ADOYfbJcDfOzTc7M3CIrdh6fMIZhwIc_a9SZ7vWhU13uE3BTp90LIgIcD1Xe6-_wLTC1qng20eEnQAYqlhk/s200/phoenix+wolfgang+amadeus+phoenix+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div>10. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix<div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-Umb7pEWvkdvasU6z6C9TCabsBkEVl3x7IDnKD1NufOxqB3cvGOoGgGaLgEmQ_eizIgliWf7IfPkrtEeJ4i4lt319ArhSfTLUxvb_xPV_8zdWq2w5ntioANn8M87dYxQf4ah42fUnbI/s1600/say+hi+ooh%2527s+and+aah%2527s+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-Umb7pEWvkdvasU6z6C9TCabsBkEVl3x7IDnKD1NufOxqB3cvGOoGgGaLgEmQ_eizIgliWf7IfPkrtEeJ4i4lt319ArhSfTLUxvb_xPV_8zdWq2w5ntioANn8M87dYxQf4ah42fUnbI/s200/say+hi+ooh%2527s+and+aah%2527s+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div>9. Say Hi - Oohs & Aahs</div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIPG8JbAc-udWTmM30TmCOgbU_H6J9U3Gtl2yoYF9MEGy4VHwR8qj1j2D5QyjtMhTWdao6RG4WCaZKoZs4P4SGxloUlvjWl5pnU2NVIVYvYrk-nKZ7Czp6h9taoVmPuPXyMUFJNiMn94/s1600/sea+wolf+white+water+white+bloom+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIPG8JbAc-udWTmM30TmCOgbU_H6J9U3Gtl2yoYF9MEGy4VHwR8qj1j2D5QyjtMhTWdao6RG4WCaZKoZs4P4SGxloUlvjWl5pnU2NVIVYvYrk-nKZ7Czp6h9taoVmPuPXyMUFJNiMn94/s200/sea+wolf+white+water+white+bloom+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div>8. Sea Wolf - White Water, White Bloom</div><div><br />
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</div><div>7. St. Vincent - Actor</div><div><br />
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</div><div>6. Yawn - Yawn EP</div><div><br />
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</div><div>5. The Mountain Goats - The Life Of The World To Come</div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QPvfKzipnGkVJbEv6uvZ2VUnDz0mSJEMYzHyaesLduT7fC4Te9d4atDxRvQLHfn0OGZdsKOIHg4MhZGAUDGEUp_y0Gr6bC-jHQNNERAROKLxOEX4gqYJwwj4x0zTbuQyZFeprmtSbHg/s1600/animal+collective+merriweather+post+pavillion+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QPvfKzipnGkVJbEv6uvZ2VUnDz0mSJEMYzHyaesLduT7fC4Te9d4atDxRvQLHfn0OGZdsKOIHg4MhZGAUDGEUp_y0Gr6bC-jHQNNERAROKLxOEX4gqYJwwj4x0zTbuQyZFeprmtSbHg/s200/animal+collective+merriweather+post+pavillion+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div><br />
</div><div>4. Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion</div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2abCfkgjV6Hszj1Ftg6IR_nNwZQ14ahX3N-5nljf9FQs5S0f_T2YHgPNrVNjFVVHJAWtmzh-6SpDvfbONL-yJQEkSYIHf7d-iqjtNzFYJxWG-xMofPqcKQ1iy5JeB0owLi-kPNr0j-o/s1600/andrew+bird+noble+beast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2abCfkgjV6Hszj1Ftg6IR_nNwZQ14ahX3N-5nljf9FQs5S0f_T2YHgPNrVNjFVVHJAWtmzh-6SpDvfbONL-yJQEkSYIHf7d-iqjtNzFYJxWG-xMofPqcKQ1iy5JeB0owLi-kPNr0j-o/s200/andrew+bird+noble+beast.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div><br />
</div><div>3. Andrew Bird - Noble Beast</div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSk7Yh8Elvh4pGbU3sEbQ7ZhZTF4f7z24gfKcdo9DwWmEob6LdEZ7JQ7r0RqMiqZuL1QyiwrSR0IUiq_EErZT1mPh59DBAUjq85-lIjbEBrzFBCDQ4IroTqsJdtxqLuhs8tnCi10t88A/s1600/the+decemberists+the+hazards+of+love+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSk7Yh8Elvh4pGbU3sEbQ7ZhZTF4f7z24gfKcdo9DwWmEob6LdEZ7JQ7r0RqMiqZuL1QyiwrSR0IUiq_EErZT1mPh59DBAUjq85-lIjbEBrzFBCDQ4IroTqsJdtxqLuhs8tnCi10t88A/s200/the+decemberists+the+hazards+of+love+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>2. The Decemberists - The Hazards Of Love</div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00E-FQrHF-MZMkb22becxjU_P7Z_2JVbp_8oQQYM_34WmLjiDeQ5IWmcMpzbIfywgTyL7MGB2PNW7R_mV90StuLjKjZ8nQm2wttbY7U-2WGOAFYcnT8gi6UZ8UpLJz8Bmz575e9wIv5s/s1600/grizzly+bear+veckatimest+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00E-FQrHF-MZMkb22becxjU_P7Z_2JVbp_8oQQYM_34WmLjiDeQ5IWmcMpzbIfywgTyL7MGB2PNW7R_mV90StuLjKjZ8nQm2wttbY7U-2WGOAFYcnT8gi6UZ8UpLJz8Bmz575e9wIv5s/s200/grizzly+bear+veckatimest+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div><br />
</div><div>1. Grizzly Bear - Veckitamest</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750814032286814301.post-83778206154506658882011-09-02T17:22:00.000-07:002011-09-02T17:22:26.010-07:00Handsome Furs - Sound Kapital<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_QQ3ay08yjkwGRYp9cr5cFJ0xjCP8T7zXOAGXCyP4AgYVxQRLXtSjopf5ieNuUg1VWAZ-W_J0lrMMJdc2OV1xQMQqp5uFvE7pz36JINl0AdfIliJ8TjxA2dZYTD6_L0rDjw9uRI6vGM/s1600/handsome+furs+sound+kapital+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_QQ3ay08yjkwGRYp9cr5cFJ0xjCP8T7zXOAGXCyP4AgYVxQRLXtSjopf5ieNuUg1VWAZ-W_J0lrMMJdc2OV1xQMQqp5uFvE7pz36JINl0AdfIliJ8TjxA2dZYTD6_L0rDjw9uRI6vGM/s320/handsome+furs+sound+kapital+1.jpg" width="320" /></a><ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Marble orange vinyl</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
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</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Album Rating: 4.5/5 (Excellent)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sound Quality: 4/5 (Great)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Packaging: 3.5/5 (Good)</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
One thing can be said with confidence about Montreal-based duo Handsome Furs: They are never boring. Consisting of Wolf Parade's Dan Boeckner and his wife, Alexei Perry, these indie-electro-punk rockers put out their third album, titled <i>Sound Kapital</i> in June.<div>
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<i>Sound Kapital</i> starts off on a strong note with "When I Get Back", and never slows down afterward. Every track is upbeat, exciting, and surprisingly emotional for an album consisting almost entirely of electronics. Boeckner belts out lyrics that are as intimate as the electronics are captivating, a blend that works extremely well, and proves that electronic music does not have to be the robotic, emotionless drivel that its critics say it is.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyagn4zmQvcPdTtCb-dk4dlbJYGoxGkfALYEOIfUKI6HZrkrb-K3OwGS7cOYxZEG6h2H1-AQ7tvZRtP5kK3SPBK4Y2lmrWAEyTe5_KbHVPS4Lt2kwx3uFSehjv3b8V4Zd2REb8t2xCRs/s1600/handsome+furs+sound+kapital+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyagn4zmQvcPdTtCb-dk4dlbJYGoxGkfALYEOIfUKI6HZrkrb-K3OwGS7cOYxZEG6h2H1-AQ7tvZRtP5kK3SPBK4Y2lmrWAEyTe5_KbHVPS4Lt2kwx3uFSehjv3b8V4Zd2REb8t2xCRs/s320/handsome+furs+sound+kapital+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div>
The vinyl is warm and welcoming, bringing out the complimenting sounds on the album wonderfully. It is pressed on heavy marbled orange wax.</div>
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<div>
The packaging is also quite well done. It is not a gatefold jacket, but the cover is thick and glossy. The inner jacket is a translucent orange plastic that looks great with the orange vinyl inside it.</div>
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<div>
Purchase <i>Sound Kapital</i> on vinyl here: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sound-Kapital-Handsome-Furs/dp/B004YKB5VK?ie=UTF8&tag=wiggyboard&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Sound Kapital</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wiggyboard&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B004YKB5VK" style="border-bottom-style: none !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-width: initial !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc121_awU24bnlUtqqvGL9Fs32r3T8l8Hj9S9wAlrUjAqYq0TdpxPT3orV6SH4oaD9XkTGLGqzryVca9b86T72hZME6aVUnyduQDCtNHZJYE2QMh8bp0jOW93Ybjy6rnd-5UswPuJYUTs/s1600/handsome+furs+sound+kapital+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc121_awU24bnlUtqqvGL9Fs32r3T8l8Hj9S9wAlrUjAqYq0TdpxPT3orV6SH4oaD9XkTGLGqzryVca9b86T72hZME6aVUnyduQDCtNHZJYE2QMh8bp0jOW93Ybjy6rnd-5UswPuJYUTs/s320/handsome+furs+sound+kapital+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750814032286814301.post-34339396909881965582011-08-27T14:01:00.000-07:002011-08-27T14:01:50.436-07:00Death Cab For Cutie - Codes And Keys<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnvCNa6dKRJgYKGos3p67IXeHzWkoMfzT8JNaWEy2efi3cM6bNJMSY8JXlypnTLzoNY8e-nEYGEMPfp8JGfAFDPOg-uBcMVmL0S40s9_tk42XRWfioLDpxsLeC8tpUPzRHL6m2mvDvUk/s1600/death+cab+for+cutie+codes+and+keys+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnvCNa6dKRJgYKGos3p67IXeHzWkoMfzT8JNaWEy2efi3cM6bNJMSY8JXlypnTLzoNY8e-nEYGEMPfp8JGfAFDPOg-uBcMVmL0S40s9_tk42XRWfioLDpxsLeC8tpUPzRHL6m2mvDvUk/s320/death+cab+for+cutie+codes+and+keys+1.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Gatefold</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Lyrics included</span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Album Rating: 4.5/5 (Excellent)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sound Quality: 5/5 (Perfect)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Packaging: 4.5/5 (Excellent)</span></li>
</ul></div><br />
<br />
For Death Cab's seventh studio album, <i>Codes And Keys</i>, lyricist Ben Gibbard took a different approach to his songwriting than in past efforts. This is an upbeat, life-affirming album through and through.<br />
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Musically, the album takes on a much more experimental form than we've seen from Gibbard and co. in the past. The production is phenomenal, intertwining Death Cab's excellent musicianship with new and exciting soundscapes that enhance the listening experience tenfold. For examples of this, look no further the opening track, "Home Is A Fire". The first single from the album, "You Are A Tourist", is almost over the top in its positive, upbeat energy. That said, it is <i>not</i> over the top, but somehow manages to balance itself perfectly within the album.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrMudD9cy0oaOZUgYUyfjHoVFDqkkBBi42ks8aRXVsRRqognl9NLrM0aV7IiIdw4vcaUGNQPZmAfcG-OCdVAgk6sZnTW20l5HAxZmvREarKd0TOEHg8L7LpeeKkq0ipScaAYShTZHWrE/s1600/death+cab+for+cutie+codes+and+keys+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrMudD9cy0oaOZUgYUyfjHoVFDqkkBBi42ks8aRXVsRRqognl9NLrM0aV7IiIdw4vcaUGNQPZmAfcG-OCdVAgk6sZnTW20l5HAxZmvREarKd0TOEHg8L7LpeeKkq0ipScaAYShTZHWrE/s320/death+cab+for+cutie+codes+and+keys+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The vinyl is absolutely delicious. It is candy to the ears. Atlantic Records certainly did not waste the amazing production value of this album on cheap plastic; it's pressed on 180 gram vinyl that brings out all the sounds and musicianship wonderfully.<br />
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The packaging is excellently done as well. The two vinyl records are housed in a thick gatefold sleeve and come with lyrics on a separate sheet of paper.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQBPf2TeihH5DGmcgGdz6ooasbPTMDU6r7t2WGy_2SCm8CjefISkqGtSgD_eTOOFK8qO-55RvrKJR9bt17qsx_YsThBbzOLerqKEYOLQ_w15qOAA_g7pcC11Jd3WnOMAMYhXvX5Bc5KU/s1600/death+cab+for+cutie+codes+and+keys+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQBPf2TeihH5DGmcgGdz6ooasbPTMDU6r7t2WGy_2SCm8CjefISkqGtSgD_eTOOFK8qO-55RvrKJR9bt17qsx_YsThBbzOLerqKEYOLQ_w15qOAA_g7pcC11Jd3WnOMAMYhXvX5Bc5KU/s200/death+cab+for+cutie+codes+and+keys+2.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-XcGJy7ibmWY4XM04oc9ywS0VaSWnNavh0yTFYRN3dxnrh71E9rurr8eqWPrqQZNZpo8kG4KnaL9piwD5CsKXRvWSgK03s39HumDd_LxXc0hUOnOl8tWSHjNYZebuiFOt5E5rxZKtd4/s1600/death+cab+for+cutie+codes+and+keys+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-XcGJy7ibmWY4XM04oc9ywS0VaSWnNavh0yTFYRN3dxnrh71E9rurr8eqWPrqQZNZpo8kG4KnaL9piwD5CsKXRvWSgK03s39HumDd_LxXc0hUOnOl8tWSHjNYZebuiFOt5E5rxZKtd4/s200/death+cab+for+cutie+codes+and+keys+4.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
If you're a fan of Death Cab For Cutie and the awesome power of vinyl, I urge you to pick up this record! Buy it here (Amazon): <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Codes-Keys-Death-Cab-Cutie/dp/B004XD03PC?ie=UTF8&tag=wiggyboard&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Codes & Keys</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wiggyboard&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B004XD03PC" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750814032286814301.post-39097913732906320112011-07-31T21:09:00.000-07:002011-07-31T21:09:52.457-07:00The Mountain Goats - We Shall All Be Healed<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBatUIEfEEPeLxtiCaxaPfjsqcu4AKIVZ5fT_7nrX8C8nHAXhzwjz113WxD9T4ShL41GbAWz4VXvSdusDdNLhPHyucadSGktD4YUNeaZvxOYKZPZ6VE93_nrxVDaOEzsDNlFRm2LEt-YY/s1600/The+Mountain+Goats+We+Shall+All+Be+Healed+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBatUIEfEEPeLxtiCaxaPfjsqcu4AKIVZ5fT_7nrX8C8nHAXhzwjz113WxD9T4ShL41GbAWz4VXvSdusDdNLhPHyucadSGktD4YUNeaZvxOYKZPZ6VE93_nrxVDaOEzsDNlFRm2LEt-YY/s320/The+Mountain+Goats+We+Shall+All+Be+Healed+1.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Non-gatefold</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">No lyrics</span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Album Rating: 4.5/5 (Excellent)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sound Quality: 4/5 (Great)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Packaging: 3/5 (Average)</span></li>
</ul></div><br />
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Apologies for the month long hiatus from posting, it's been a busy couple of months but I'm back now with plenty of vinyl to review, so let's jump right in!<br />
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<i>We Shall All Be Healed</i> is singer/songwriter John Darnielle's semi-fictional telling of his teenage years with his friends involved in the methamphetamine scene. The lyrics are heartfelt and at times inspiring. It's clear that Darnielle did not hold back on this one. This is The Mountain Goat's second album to be recorded in a studio and as a full band, the first being the previous album,<i> Tallahassee</i>. Standout tracks include "Your Belgian Things" and "Palmcorder Yajna", the latter of which is one of my personal favorite Mountain Goats tracks.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5Rt8sr8gFc2aSSdfm42398kJRwqzOS7zOBeKddrY7pGWQfDHf62Q-dIQBSgU00ccNjxtfu1xJcMeV_49WHr4fCNHjCsIfKuowUaZHsHZ4yeZ7LsUNUAZ_-VuGGo1SDJAeMwTLsi00Tw/s1600/The+Mountain+Goats+We+Shall+All+Be+Healed+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5Rt8sr8gFc2aSSdfm42398kJRwqzOS7zOBeKddrY7pGWQfDHf62Q-dIQBSgU00ccNjxtfu1xJcMeV_49WHr4fCNHjCsIfKuowUaZHsHZ4yeZ7LsUNUAZ_-VuGGo1SDJAeMwTLsi00Tw/s320/The+Mountain+Goats+We+Shall+All+Be+Healed+3.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
The vinyl sounds great, adding a layer of depth that you just don't get from the digital version. The packaging is slightly subpar, consisting of a non-gatefold sleeve and no included lyrics, but it does the job.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVsvZ47OC-HOgCu7Mqk1mmuJLK3SJVK-2B4F85XKVsuYu_YcZM6kwpqFRB-FSczM1BhKoyHpuwWz2kLJzS8O1WZPfWJCS1aeTiVtYTBv2b-GFV_85yXHOsaLaqHsQTO_eOhpf-t4hyUQ/s1600/The+Mountain+Goats+We+Shall+All+Be+Healed+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVsvZ47OC-HOgCu7Mqk1mmuJLK3SJVK-2B4F85XKVsuYu_YcZM6kwpqFRB-FSczM1BhKoyHpuwWz2kLJzS8O1WZPfWJCS1aeTiVtYTBv2b-GFV_85yXHOsaLaqHsQTO_eOhpf-t4hyUQ/s320/The+Mountain+Goats+We+Shall+All+Be+Healed+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750814032286814301.post-48923166244005171002011-06-16T17:39:00.000-07:002011-06-16T17:42:19.271-07:00List: The Decemberists Power Ranking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDOQZUAlX_XBNAMjouzbXpHaYh6eZGOmMqE4UHSSqMISr3l03CpZZ6od-W1Ztdgk1oLlNvEBpWepIHimdXwHUDsxb0eIMILCGFJJ9b1mONUmjw-OTvGbL6cy1m4ZQtTSTT8vFFovH-lA/s1600/the+decemberists+her+majesty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDOQZUAlX_XBNAMjouzbXpHaYh6eZGOmMqE4UHSSqMISr3l03CpZZ6od-W1Ztdgk1oLlNvEBpWepIHimdXwHUDsxb0eIMILCGFJJ9b1mONUmjw-OTvGbL6cy1m4ZQtTSTT8vFFovH-lA/s200/the+decemberists+her+majesty.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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6. <b>Her Majesty</b><br />
Album Rating: 3.5/5 (Good)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1lNbhBrdNIv0U6iobrerudGNHBRmGVUtfS83XlLoM58HXe4OC4Z3rmnNf3YUtm6tlgTsrayhX4DFUC68Yk85Uac_9SBmgASuemgcNxhXcQ0eQyl829OGDDODQlnK5PEKRhGYLOTxKjE/s1600/the+decemberists+castaways+and+cutouts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1lNbhBrdNIv0U6iobrerudGNHBRmGVUtfS83XlLoM58HXe4OC4Z3rmnNf3YUtm6tlgTsrayhX4DFUC68Yk85Uac_9SBmgASuemgcNxhXcQ0eQyl829OGDDODQlnK5PEKRhGYLOTxKjE/s200/the+decemberists+castaways+and+cutouts.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">5. <b>Castaways And Cutouts</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Album Rating: 4/5 (Great)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4z9L1Bnqr2EvSqt1gpyYSmtBJMWdBc01LqfcnA2gnUNDbPSjyt3drJKYdLfGq1hW_gw-tSkKzGL3ZDhtB9GOlhhhwsl8B3dfFJ6JWvJ66-HLho7NIjX9g9_X3eeIh6KI_8ftgUGIPvo/s1600/the+decemberists+the+crane+wife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4z9L1Bnqr2EvSqt1gpyYSmtBJMWdBc01LqfcnA2gnUNDbPSjyt3drJKYdLfGq1hW_gw-tSkKzGL3ZDhtB9GOlhhhwsl8B3dfFJ6JWvJ66-HLho7NIjX9g9_X3eeIh6KI_8ftgUGIPvo/s200/the+decemberists+the+crane+wife.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">4. <b>The Crane Wife</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Album Rating: 4/5 (Great)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOntSFD0mLLiyUu8K2KbRroCdRcEll00lreaVSwc-TNAy2CYTjc0fxJhNbRv-h6epwqXlQD_ScJmXJo9szLc_ArAl0HOQRgUc8dRE5FlDQQQ7JhtWd0aSD6usiyn-jch1DH9pnL7_8zxY/s1600/the+decemberists+the+king+is+dead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOntSFD0mLLiyUu8K2KbRroCdRcEll00lreaVSwc-TNAy2CYTjc0fxJhNbRv-h6epwqXlQD_ScJmXJo9szLc_ArAl0HOQRgUc8dRE5FlDQQQ7JhtWd0aSD6usiyn-jch1DH9pnL7_8zxY/s200/the+decemberists+the+king+is+dead.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">3. <b>The King Is Dead</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Album Rating: 4/5 (Great)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8OwMXe_DcWT9pEM3aUxVXbzS43pUCPbnS_NqT25zKJql_XNat7wmR1bxo27ilx1Ryk9RldYAy8CNUVqT-AJ_SpbedJHr8rmxDKE0f09UGRd-i8vDCBowC26tsCUudIY6jgeKzqbri5w/s1600/the+decemberists+the+hazards+of+love+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8OwMXe_DcWT9pEM3aUxVXbzS43pUCPbnS_NqT25zKJql_XNat7wmR1bxo27ilx1Ryk9RldYAy8CNUVqT-AJ_SpbedJHr8rmxDKE0f09UGRd-i8vDCBowC26tsCUudIY6jgeKzqbri5w/s200/the+decemberists+the+hazards+of+love+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">2. <b>The Hazards Of Love</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Album Rating: 5/5 (Masterful)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbd3X3dfEqkhcouIgJePqVSPCuvba6bZXvMu5SYLIZqXE85IoC4-bNbCC5isBxhOAaD0a18VQCNj_LcQBynCBBLdLnw4h-vJbKlAxMRvHMsJOEHj05M8EcInlLcniG5qCftDvJ3ZTlhvg/s1600/the+decemberists+picaresque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbd3X3dfEqkhcouIgJePqVSPCuvba6bZXvMu5SYLIZqXE85IoC4-bNbCC5isBxhOAaD0a18VQCNj_LcQBynCBBLdLnw4h-vJbKlAxMRvHMsJOEHj05M8EcInlLcniG5qCftDvJ3ZTlhvg/s200/the+decemberists+picaresque.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1. <b>Picaresque</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Album Rating: 5/5 (Masterful)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750814032286814301.post-43169034584953642982011-06-10T21:04:00.000-07:002011-06-10T21:06:02.573-07:00Arcade Fire - Funeral<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibE-NLFWuoJQUMaaIfC2apuEwAg5oq6VFrsNA5j86PVuxZDbvdaccDYwIng2xI8X0E44sAP-M681B5rPi48_ZLcSomFrEM06THtAQDAR7ydFq91L9zyHPR7rQ7c3sJy8QhQBo0ux5N1UA/s1600/arcade+fire+funeral+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibE-NLFWuoJQUMaaIfC2apuEwAg5oq6VFrsNA5j86PVuxZDbvdaccDYwIng2xI8X0E44sAP-M681B5rPi48_ZLcSomFrEM06THtAQDAR7ydFq91L9zyHPR7rQ7c3sJy8QhQBo0ux5N1UA/s320/arcade+fire+funeral+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Gatefold</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Lyrics included</span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Album Rating: 5/5 (Masterful)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sound Quality: 5/5 (Perfect)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Packaging: 4.5/5 (Excellent)</span></li>
</ul></div><br />
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Here it is! I finally managed to pick it up at Best Buy a few nights ago! So without further adieu, here is the review of Arcade Fire's 2004 debut album, <i>Funeral</i>.<br />
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Before <i>Funeral</i>, Arcade Fire's only release to date was a self-titled EP that was met with mixed reactions. <i>Funeral</i>, however, showed the world just what these kids from Canada could do. Hailed as a modern classic, <i>Funeral</i> is undoubtedly one album no one should miss.<br />
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Kicking things off with the beautiful and catchy "Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)", <i>Funeral</i> somehow manages to maintain its momentum throughout the entirety of the LP. "Wake Up", a track that is equal parts triumphant, hard-hitting, and unmistakably beautiful, is one that is sure to be remembered for decades. While songs such as "Une Année Sans Lumiere" and "Neighborhood #4 (7 Kettles)" slow down in tempo, they are no less powerful, creating a sense of balance that makes this album what it is.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4J-Be4kFToLHtyqMwEC8kF5cWS_JreGVIVU3K0yZrHw7Lhy4QANZdhCNiR4ejsQMZyiBscuuXRSQ0rfG0TPaSVDeEklSTWWSE51b00CmR5kSyrB65o0yrsnamtpNfwd3AAG9VGuPGoI/s1600/arcade+fire+funeral+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4J-Be4kFToLHtyqMwEC8kF5cWS_JreGVIVU3K0yZrHw7Lhy4QANZdhCNiR4ejsQMZyiBscuuXRSQ0rfG0TPaSVDeEklSTWWSE51b00CmR5kSyrB65o0yrsnamtpNfwd3AAG9VGuPGoI/s320/arcade+fire+funeral+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<i>Funeral</i> on wax is absolutely amazing. Turn it up nice and loud for a listening experience you won't soon forget. It was newly reissued on 180-gram vinyl.<br />
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The packaging is very well done, featuring a nice thick gatefold jacket that is even embossed. A small booklet is also included, with lyrics and credits featured inside.<br />
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Do not miss this album! Get <i>Funeral</i> on vinyl here (Am<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">azon): <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Funeral-180-Gram-Vinyl-Download/dp/B002WY64HA?ie=UTF8&tag=wiggyboard&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Funeral (180 Gram Vinyl + Download)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wiggyboard&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002WY64HA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPVgreOr-pGXD4oinMQqXovKtV9Yzt641qi5FiIvjNZwXsETknLyPNkOTm9zGjneCEbN7RUNx-n1i4wtc1W0U_q2dfdJLOPaLNOd5v05NasUK5IrOwJ2KQFEPdOveoTCMepHpLQ-yrMs/s1600/arcade+fire+funeral+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPVgreOr-pGXD4oinMQqXovKtV9Yzt641qi5FiIvjNZwXsETknLyPNkOTm9zGjneCEbN7RUNx-n1i4wtc1W0U_q2dfdJLOPaLNOd5v05NasUK5IrOwJ2KQFEPdOveoTCMepHpLQ-yrMs/s200/arcade+fire+funeral+3.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7GLEcmdNCHlrP3LKUISyrH-4CxaHOTABl9FUsWWTQCW3PsDbCbxn4bisH1KSKKYKreS22QZo8z4OiqWsFNBfwblITGxwXk3Os6d_UgSZkw7ZrhSJWwnfu-SpgKlTl5FRXQOgWQgjJ5k/s1600/arcade+fire+funeral+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7GLEcmdNCHlrP3LKUISyrH-4CxaHOTABl9FUsWWTQCW3PsDbCbxn4bisH1KSKKYKreS22QZo8z4OiqWsFNBfwblITGxwXk3Os6d_UgSZkw7ZrhSJWwnfu-SpgKlTl5FRXQOgWQgjJ5k/s200/arcade+fire+funeral+5.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750814032286814301.post-50542550693230439842011-06-05T16:06:00.000-07:002011-06-05T16:06:37.510-07:00List: Spoon Power RankingIt looks like the <i>Funeral</i> review will have to be postponed for a little while longer. I went to two Best Buys and both were out of stock! I did check with them and they told me they would be ordering more soon. In the meantime, here's my Spoon power ranking!<br />
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7. <b>Telephono</b><br />
Album Rating: 3/5 (Average)<br />
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6. <b>A Series Of Sneaks</b><br />
Album Rating: 3.5/5 (Good)<br />
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5. <b>Transference</b><br />
Album Rating: 4/5 (Great)<br />
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4. <b>Gimme Fiction</b><br />
Album Rating: 4/5 (Great)<br />
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3. <b>Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga</b><br />
Album Rating: 4.5/5 (Excellent)<br />
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2. <b>Girls Can Tell</b><br />
Album Rating: 4.5/5 (Excellent)<br />
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1. <b>Kill The Moonlight</b><br />
Album Rating: 5/5 (Masterful)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750814032286814301.post-11838648828876693172011-05-31T23:32:00.000-07:002011-05-31T23:32:00.158-07:00Best Buy Gift Card Poll Results<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCjewZYHBLUR-I3Oqug-Vftfg8C-WjVwTeI_1VVFHi6p63KpvjBSnncWSC1D-mEu-hrj5M3cEF_tf9iDYG0iVMxg5UY4Wq6uPPpZZtKsvyNJjND1VZ4mjflHQrHeS7Xwzc09NjGdHhzI/s1600/arcade+fire+funeral+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCjewZYHBLUR-I3Oqug-Vftfg8C-WjVwTeI_1VVFHi6p63KpvjBSnncWSC1D-mEu-hrj5M3cEF_tf9iDYG0iVMxg5UY4Wq6uPPpZZtKsvyNJjND1VZ4mjflHQrHeS7Xwzc09NjGdHhzI/s320/arcade+fire+funeral+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>You voted and I will listen (and review)! Arcade Fire's <i>Funeral</i> blew away the competition for the album you want me to review! Tomorrow I will be purchasing <i>Funeral</i> on vinyl with my Best Buy gift card, and will have a review of the vinyl edition of the album up in the coming days! So stay tuned!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750814032286814301.post-35884108879346775892011-05-29T17:42:00.000-07:002011-05-30T17:43:50.689-07:00Wolf Parade - Expo 86<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7zSpkhn-92ylQOWWEdtUKxbkck_fY4TWdJ3BPd2Dm97YXJCu3_4zjjvxA5UEn4vek6YkydPpIhodbYLfH4hDJ_Zx7WHyE78mz-yIcKqcheQz5C88wlDcO6cNPn5cSQ6dIxcJOyCBDMY/s1600/wolf+parade+expo+86+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7zSpkhn-92ylQOWWEdtUKxbkck_fY4TWdJ3BPd2Dm97YXJCu3_4zjjvxA5UEn4vek6YkydPpIhodbYLfH4hDJ_Zx7WHyE78mz-yIcKqcheQz5C88wlDcO6cNPn5cSQ6dIxcJOyCBDMY/s320/wolf+parade+expo+86+1.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Gatefold</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Lyrics included</span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Album Rating: 4.5/5 (Excellent)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sound Quality: 4/5 (Great)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Packaging: 4/5 (Great)</span></li>
</ul></div><br />
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Wolf Parade's third studio album, <i>Expo 86</i>, was released in 2010 to very positive critical acclaim and about as much commercial success as is possible for a slightly off kilter indie rock band such as Wolf Parade. Wolf Parade is graced with not one, but two fantastic songwriters; Spencer Krug and Dan Boeckner alternate songwriting/vocal duties in a Lennon/McCartney fashion.<br />
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<i>Expo 86</i> is a shining example of great indie rock; it's quirky and charming in all the right places while still being supported by the excellent musicianship of the band. Standout tracks include "What Did My Lover Say? (It Always Had To Go This Way)" and "Ghost Pressure". "Yulia" tells the tale of a Russian cosmonaut that was allegedly lost in space after a failed mission to the Moon. This is of course only an urban legend, but Wolf Parade's interpretation is uncharacteristically heartfelt, displaying a side to the band that has yet to be seen.<br />
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The album comes on two heavy pieces of wax and sounds great. The vinyl brings out the many different soundscapes created by the band wonderfully.<br />
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<i>Expo 86</i> is packaged in a full-color gatefold jacket. It features lyrics and credits on the backs of the two inner sleeves.<br />
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Purchase <i>Expo 86</i> on vinyl here (Amazon): <a href="http://www.amazon.com/EXPO-86-Wolf-Parade/dp/B003KIR1S8?ie=UTF8&tag=wiggyboard&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">EXPO 86</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wiggyboard&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B003KIR1S8" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Non-gatefold</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Red or blue vinyl</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Lyrics included</span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Album Rating: 3.5/5 (Good)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sound Quality: 4/5 (Great)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Packaging: 3.5/5 (Good)</span></li>
</ul></div><br />
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Brooklyn-based experimental rock band, Bear In Heaven released their second album, <i>Beast Rest Forth Mouth</i> in 2009, garnering mostly positive critical reception including being awarded the honor of "Best New Music" by Pitchfork.<br />
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Utilizing electronically distorted instruments and a few instances of tribal drum beats, it is hard to classify <i>Beast Rest Forth Mouth</i> into an exact genre. It's certainly psychedelic enough, incorporating elements of Kraut rock, making for a fairly unique, and very fresh sounding record. Standout tracks include "Beast In Peace", "Wholehearted Mess", and "You Do You".<br />
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</div>The LP is pressed on an equal number of translucent red and blue colored vinyl. It has a very warm, inviting sound to it and should not be missed if you're a fan of the band.<br />
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The red vinyl edition is packaged in a blue cover, while the blue vinyl edition is packaged in a red cover. Both versions feature the same artwork. Lyrics and credits are displayed on a large newspaper foldout.<br />
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Purchase <i>Beast Rest Forth Mouth</i> on vinyl here (Amazon): <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beast-Rest-Forth-Mouth-Vinyl/dp/B002LFPA66?ie=UTF8&tag=wiggyboard&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Beast Rest Forth Mouth [Vinyl]</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wiggyboard&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002LFPA66" style="border-bottom-style: none !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-width: initial !important; cursor: move; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5hgwJ_3nwzC6P0QlAOViYiScCZ_tKA3wOYWb__NmDbcETuRpHqWPvJdU2ErXrr8sUlSUciIlTCR-Hx7ZD7DDr84xvNT_C0GUs7z-LW0Go0dqhQUsBplcPmSvKC0LW5N8xw7bRrXw9dc/s1600/bear+in+heaven+beast+rest+forth+mouth+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5hgwJ_3nwzC6P0QlAOViYiScCZ_tKA3wOYWb__NmDbcETuRpHqWPvJdU2ErXrr8sUlSUciIlTCR-Hx7ZD7DDr84xvNT_C0GUs7z-LW0Go0dqhQUsBplcPmSvKC0LW5N8xw7bRrXw9dc/s320/bear+in+heaven+beast+rest+forth+mouth+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750814032286814301.post-57782393508424747042011-05-19T16:48:00.000-07:002011-05-19T16:55:03.348-07:00Aloha - Home Acres<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufUPFg7I8IQXXlpUJuBoZxpCnVu-Ki68mmgBbTV33b88sMT28E5qbI3FRkCDwq4HYmQb2imaya9RDHYRlGOeLcya8jqyV0JlKylEBZBFtcV7IflutovED7fQz0TrSsWCmO2obieFghJk/s1600/aloha+home+acres+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufUPFg7I8IQXXlpUJuBoZxpCnVu-Ki68mmgBbTV33b88sMT28E5qbI3FRkCDwq4HYmQb2imaya9RDHYRlGOeLcya8jqyV0JlKylEBZBFtcV7IflutovED7fQz0TrSsWCmO2obieFghJk/s320/aloha+home+acres+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Gatefold</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Lyrics included</span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Album Rating: 3/5 (Good)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sound Quality: 4/5 (Great)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Packaging: 4/5 (Great)</span></li>
</ul></div><br />
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Aloha has a long history of releases stretching back to 1999. With their latest LP, <i>Home Acres</i>, Aloha is back in full form with more insanely catchy tunes and guaranteed fun times.<br />
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The songs on this album are upbeat and playful, with Cale Park's signature drumming driving the melodies ever onward. Standout tracks include "Moonless March", and my personal favorite on the album, "Blackout". Both songs are fast paced and exciting, displaying the energy that the band seemingly puts forth so easily.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeChAI7zJzl8GhU1n0jn9cpYkE07V4EwgroWgO8WEeqPXdS0HxHdGAm_jb1JXM7AMk-w2PRNeuBZAqAtVP0D5BBKQ1G2PLxSbDNVK-Q8M-BSU39JyUVqQBt-i-ZsmgEDZOyPIqxf6ze7M/s1600/aloha+home+acres+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeChAI7zJzl8GhU1n0jn9cpYkE07V4EwgroWgO8WEeqPXdS0HxHdGAm_jb1JXM7AMk-w2PRNeuBZAqAtVP0D5BBKQ1G2PLxSbDNVK-Q8M-BSU39JyUVqQBt-i-ZsmgEDZOyPIqxf6ze7M/s320/aloha+home+acres+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The vinyl sounds great, especially the drums. It is pressed on black vinyl and also translucent maroon vinyl (pictured) that is limited to 700 copies. Both versions are 180 gram.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8CebpzclpjGnCPlJKUOfr62Y-fkJS5vBgjREn66HYuCAKn111ijHFTL41MAfG62B1FFJrKamGXMPqLKNvfT0KSqMnA2PR9O-cQ2fUp8e3T6v0BT_dmOzs_wz2erO91_suKF5ydB4JjA/s1600/aloha+home+acres+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8CebpzclpjGnCPlJKUOfr62Y-fkJS5vBgjREn66HYuCAKn111ijHFTL41MAfG62B1FFJrKamGXMPqLKNvfT0KSqMnA2PR9O-cQ2fUp8e3T6v0BT_dmOzs_wz2erO91_suKF5ydB4JjA/s200/aloha+home+acres+5.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIs8J7ooheFNOWI3WrviI1f_P8ludaYVv3i-0ilaqD10U9HODNuChxCVmqPdkPYxssvTSeUBasm2y1eaWSjVC2iuBW9fBz6McvJIdekNOYe4yvQ-Rsee-MWV43BGFXI5Z-ncVO0qYWnI/s1600/aloha+home+acres+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIs8J7ooheFNOWI3WrviI1f_P8ludaYVv3i-0ilaqD10U9HODNuChxCVmqPdkPYxssvTSeUBasm2y1eaWSjVC2iuBW9fBz6McvJIdekNOYe4yvQ-Rsee-MWV43BGFXI5Z-ncVO0qYWnI/s200/aloha+home+acres+4.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
The packaging is nicely done. It comes in a gatefold jacket with lyrics included on the inner sleeve. If you order from Polyvinyl Records, a poster and an Air Heads candy is also included!<br />
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Purchase <i>Home Acres</i> on vinyl here (Amazon): <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Home-Acres-2-LP-Vinyl/dp/B003102JFU?ie=UTF8&tag=wiggyboard&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Home Acres (2 LP) [Vinyl]</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wiggyboard&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B003102JFU" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
*Note: There is actually only one LP, not two.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPd8MjN3kAYfnJzuS0CTTPRIufPqDMyw3R1FingQy3VKz2BT4pOvWLn3sraUrlWpmXqsJR9tjivdoVPoptoFhBbuUQiWIGXP3YM-tEzJtIapL7fbXPuzdzDb17Nl6sdP8laZeGRcFIi04/s1600/aloha+home+acres+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPd8MjN3kAYfnJzuS0CTTPRIufPqDMyw3R1FingQy3VKz2BT4pOvWLn3sraUrlWpmXqsJR9tjivdoVPoptoFhBbuUQiWIGXP3YM-tEzJtIapL7fbXPuzdzDb17Nl6sdP8laZeGRcFIi04/s320/aloha+home+acres+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750814032286814301.post-3440571462297874952011-05-08T23:37:00.000-07:002011-05-14T14:06:13.079-07:00Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI84cSLhFDf3Jvn6hqXHRoEPM3Fy8evqhKrzfXVxSN84L_HvZ59GEyyWGAHsxLrNSKS-4b8GTV_D_1gmMD49FlzSAIwH2fQyXrMMCVIIO_B0Ayx00ENrSXvaTAuzEKbBG0vAU5xy5kfdX7/s1600/fleet+foxes+helplessness+blues+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI84cSLhFDf3Jvn6hqXHRoEPM3Fy8evqhKrzfXVxSN84L_HvZ59GEyyWGAHsxLrNSKS-4b8GTV_D_1gmMD49FlzSAIwH2fQyXrMMCVIIO_B0Ayx00ENrSXvaTAuzEKbBG0vAU5xy5kfdX7/s320/fleet+foxes+helplessness+blues+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Gatefold</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Lyrics included</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Album Rating: 4.5/5 (Excellent)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sound Quality: 5/5 (Perfect)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Packaging: 4.5/5 (Excellent)</span></li></ul></div><br /><br />Fleet Foxes have done it again! It's been slightly less than three years since the group released their self-titled debut album that garnered overwhelmingly positive reception and showed the world that 60's era folk-rock isn't dead yet.<br /><br />With their sophomore full-length, <i>Helplessness Blues</i>, the Seattle-based indie giants haven't altered their formula much since 2008; maintaining a steady balance of folksy, playful instrumentation and sweeping, Simon and Garfunkel-esque harmonies. While all the simple charm of the first album is present on the new one, the track "The Shrine/An Argument" shows an untapped potential that we have yet to see from the Fleet Foxes. This epic, 8 minute song with tempo-changes abound introduces a stranger side to frontman Robin Pecknold's songwriting. Incorporating an odd blend of dissonant strings and horns reminiscent of <i>Bitches Brew</i> era Miles Davis; a far cry from Fleet Foxes' usual sound.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiop1O8NOI8nsVXXyarWHFqcJgbeYymCrIb1Z_KeQpAhSuPJWdWNGmj-oPQOV9S4k0hjPzE_NLXhqTU7qZ5_G05YhopK9BavCDSawV74Jp9Hxoponm2SjVBhvrtRdeCFsFVmUrd6SDu54sM/s1600/fleet+foxes+helplessness+blues+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiop1O8NOI8nsVXXyarWHFqcJgbeYymCrIb1Z_KeQpAhSuPJWdWNGmj-oPQOV9S4k0hjPzE_NLXhqTU7qZ5_G05YhopK9BavCDSawV74Jp9Hxoponm2SjVBhvrtRdeCFsFVmUrd6SDu54sM/s320/fleet+foxes+helplessness+blues+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Tracks such as "Helplessness Blues" and "Someone You'd Admire" return to the folksy style we've come to know and love from the Fleet Foxes. Simple, catchy melodies and acoustic guitar-driven songs dominate the album, but an underlying ambition is evident from start to finish; something that sets Fleet Foxes apart from other indie-folk acts of today.<br /><br />The vinyl sounds incredible, showcasing the powerful harmonies and musicianship astoundingly well. If you're only opting for the mp3s of <i>Helplessness Blues</i>, you're missing out on what is sure to be one of the best sounding records of the year.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIsLj_NR0-wCyUlhAV_XX0jIxlDe9zsQulXYFYk590lsw37glBnn8TFAuP2AsckSwGF1mtO9yYAAwq6h_0U2FwyJ-hGXJU0dFUZsMTBWleuegwlmUVJe9mEuPf0kB7VVnaANj9_2VyPO-K/s1600/fleet+foxes+helplessness+blues+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIsLj_NR0-wCyUlhAV_XX0jIxlDe9zsQulXYFYk590lsw37glBnn8TFAuP2AsckSwGF1mtO9yYAAwq6h_0U2FwyJ-hGXJU0dFUZsMTBWleuegwlmUVJe9mEuPf0kB7VVnaANj9_2VyPO-K/s200/fleet+foxes+helplessness+blues+2.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9x22zfjYqyP3dfHN8EUNYYS8e0eoDOkenG0_TlXuAS1J2GE-xxyvgzvwV7qGpTsxaaacjghiDLjR7An-9C63JICBfVOj9ksSFa3IMktGFvxQWdRvGwCO3q_wQL3Wbwnvv_u-MEg5JLAcq/s1600/fleet+foxes+helplessness+blues+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9x22zfjYqyP3dfHN8EUNYYS8e0eoDOkenG0_TlXuAS1J2GE-xxyvgzvwV7qGpTsxaaacjghiDLjR7An-9C63JICBfVOj9ksSFa3IMktGFvxQWdRvGwCO3q_wQL3Wbwnvv_u-MEg5JLAcq/s200/fleet+foxes+helplessness+blues+4.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The two heavy pieces of wax are packaged in a gatefold jacket that feels nice and solid. On the inside of the gatefold are the lyrics to each song. My version also came with two posters and a sticker. I am unsure whether these come with every release or are just goodies thrown in by pre-ordering from Sub Pop.<br /><br />Purchase <i>Helplessness Blues</i> on vinyl here (Amazon): <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Helplessness-Blues-Fleet-Foxes/dp/B004LL1HMY?ie=UTF8&tag=audio040-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Helplessness Blues</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=audio040-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B004LL1HMY" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycdKpUKmZhyphenhyphenpqEclX8OKsca07y3_l7NP7JOXwcY6PBPc6bWjPzCkg-S3GmM1Lob1v6gxw8itjZZuQR7FBFi_zriklz64hfKshYwAqgx13JgHhPNiif-Jzxlnei_amTX-qtWhjkJfsKs6n/s1600/fleet+foxes+helplessness+blues+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycdKpUKmZhyphenhyphenpqEclX8OKsca07y3_l7NP7JOXwcY6PBPc6bWjPzCkg-S3GmM1Lob1v6gxw8itjZZuQR7FBFi_zriklz64hfKshYwAqgx13JgHhPNiif-Jzxlnei_amTX-qtWhjkJfsKs6n/s320/fleet+foxes+helplessness+blues+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750814032286814301.post-62164978541706114892011-05-05T16:23:00.000-07:002011-05-14T14:06:13.079-07:00The Head And The Heart - The Head And The Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6Hd3A_Pdhyt7RVfbJRVvO7DHB1ZQ_RO6zvLVjzQMrj-rtqEq_CLcwyAwIdqrzInaLPbqNXJTNmcw44tZ9Ijd8gvV-RpSw8ixWVHOLTa9N4a5uL_fua2c8GvcItizqfO1HDoP4y0MGQce/s1600/the+head+and+the+heart+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6Hd3A_Pdhyt7RVfbJRVvO7DHB1ZQ_RO6zvLVjzQMrj-rtqEq_CLcwyAwIdqrzInaLPbqNXJTNmcw44tZ9Ijd8gvV-RpSw8ixWVHOLTa9N4a5uL_fua2c8GvcItizqfO1HDoP4y0MGQce/s320/the+head+and+the+heart+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Gatefold</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Lyrics included</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Album Rating: 4/5 (Great)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sound Quality: 4/5 (Great)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Packaging: 4.5/5 (Excellent)</span></li></ul></div><br /><br />A newcomer to the indie scene, Seattle based band The Head And The Heart are already making their way into the hearts (and the heads) of music lovers around the world.<br /><br />The Head And The Heart's self-titled debut album features unpretentious folk-tinged indie rock in its purest form. Every song is as catchy as the last and there's not a filler track to be found, making for a beautiful and cohesive (albeit short. ~35 minutes) debut album.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nRXZPk2N8ccVvi6_-S-DMclJn0t2Ml2slHpRKTqrPgCP_H8TFqbh33uzLDKdguMFuhE5fbcrP3FU604ShGkb8dSJi3lRIOKYCTORBhw3xU9a1VwGuWbcE4lsA3ZGQdrcj4HRDLtbf9Jf/s1600/the+head+and+the+heart+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nRXZPk2N8ccVvi6_-S-DMclJn0t2Ml2slHpRKTqrPgCP_H8TFqbh33uzLDKdguMFuhE5fbcrP3FU604ShGkb8dSJi3lRIOKYCTORBhw3xU9a1VwGuWbcE4lsA3ZGQdrcj4HRDLtbf9Jf/s320/the+head+and+the+heart+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Originally released in 2010, <i>The Head and the Heart</i> was later re-released on vinyl in April of 2011 after signing on with Sub Pop. The wax feels heavy and sounds very good; giving new life to the beautiful harmonies and instrumentation.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIZNqudKRk1rqicOAQZzvv3WLzW45fz4kXfIBddXi2haPKagJKfYMgKQz6G9p9y962YK_QTGazIY2FNMKJRCGRRrJOj6sZ2ZulvqTM8EO3a1DvM9AebDJnL5pXoAeZ10LtMXSUxGA22S1/s1600/the+head+and+the+heart+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIZNqudKRk1rqicOAQZzvv3WLzW45fz4kXfIBddXi2haPKagJKfYMgKQz6G9p9y962YK_QTGazIY2FNMKJRCGRRrJOj6sZ2ZulvqTM8EO3a1DvM9AebDJnL5pXoAeZ10LtMXSUxGA22S1/s200/the+head+and+the+heart+2.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQ6xeZhZrL4eITXuKPXa5DGvk8w3rX9apghlaPKb0EXXyipR9L13v1qZcnxKxxweIVn5myumzvGQiuQtGxibSoFYnrPH8-uElrS_U8WRsV04jFtYLB5VmcdiFxCf09H06acPFh7Pphv6o/s1600/the+head+and+the+heart+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQ6xeZhZrL4eITXuKPXa5DGvk8w3rX9apghlaPKb0EXXyipR9L13v1qZcnxKxxweIVn5myumzvGQiuQtGxibSoFYnrPH8-uElrS_U8WRsV04jFtYLB5VmcdiFxCf09H06acPFh7Pphv6o/s200/the+head+and+the+heart+3.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />The album is packaged in a heavy-duty gatefold jacket and includes a booklet with pictures, lyrics, and credits inside. If you pre-ordered the vinyl from Sub Pop, a limited edition photo scrapbook compiled by the band is also included.<br /><br />Purchase <i>The Head and the Heart</i> on vinyl here (Amazon): <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Head-Heart/dp/B004OKFIQ8?ie=UTF8&tag=audio040-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Head & the Heart</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=audio040-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B004OKFIQ8" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX8ZY5AJgxEUlTFbge8mowxJCXwv2-sIEzXQCRXHbqhrppAkWJnwAeGBqLxlIK4UNEc5wFv6AENc2I1SDJRRwJzvz0Ae8l7QPxyoD3qYEXLlBNZBB6mMC19itBmr3C-m5bB__M4eFpS25/s1600/the+head+and+the+heart+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX8ZY5AJgxEUlTFbge8mowxJCXwv2-sIEzXQCRXHbqhrppAkWJnwAeGBqLxlIK4UNEc5wFv6AENc2I1SDJRRwJzvz0Ae8l7QPxyoD3qYEXLlBNZBB6mMC19itBmr3C-m5bB__M4eFpS25/s320/the+head+and+the+heart+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750814032286814301.post-33504613135647774542011-05-03T16:58:00.000-07:002011-05-14T14:06:13.079-07:00Queens Of The Stone Age - In My Head 7"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgx_PxQgLqeiwLrgRX85qj7fJe9gfOdBBinSe-9qog36Easqwqr235ofUJSyp9I3yk2CK43PjQeG1XIxckheFMIaYP8DONKJVtJm37lbzh7E7A9OGRdYMCYWJjzkxqOvYq6eDrFdN0bO78/s1600/queens+of+the+stone+age+in+my+head+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgx_PxQgLqeiwLrgRX85qj7fJe9gfOdBBinSe-9qog36Easqwqr235ofUJSyp9I3yk2CK43PjQeG1XIxckheFMIaYP8DONKJVtJm37lbzh7E7A9OGRdYMCYWJjzkxqOvYq6eDrFdN0bO78/s320/queens+of+the+stone+age+in+my+head+1.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><br /><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Picture disc</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Import</span></li></ul><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Album Rating: 4/5 (Great)</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sound Quality: 0.5/5 (Atrocious)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Packaging: 3/5 (Average)</span></li></ul></div><br /><br />The second single off of Queens Of The Stone Age's 2005 stoner-rock album, <i>Lullabies to Paralyze;</i> "In My Head" is one of many songs that shows off the softer side of QotSA.<br /><br />One of my favorite QotSA songs, "In My Head" delivers a catchy, guitar oriented melody and haunting vocals by frontman Josh Homme. Unfortunately, this 7" picture disc does not do the song justice by any stretch of the imagination.<br /><br />Although picture discs are cool to look at, the sound quality on them is typically less than average. This one, however, is downright atrocious. And it's not just the normal pops and crackles either - the song sounds like it was recorded underwater - you're likely to find higher fidelity from a Last.fm preview.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uUOFMmT9KUkOKNcvmOe0iItF5HJ2XMwbJnUk3JXxjhd5guGiodss7UpWjyfb2ubIMxqGPlvWDIu4C97M3i5lL2KFzYV7yfatTEgoQHadiTleA3MAvGcuEcpqPJkInkfJFTCNkTrYvNEw/s1600/queens+of+the+stone+age+in+my+head+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uUOFMmT9KUkOKNcvmOe0iItF5HJ2XMwbJnUk3JXxjhd5guGiodss7UpWjyfb2ubIMxqGPlvWDIu4C97M3i5lL2KFzYV7yfatTEgoQHadiTleA3MAvGcuEcpqPJkInkfJFTCNkTrYvNEw/s200/queens+of+the+stone+age+in+my+head+2.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwsWRbZINSF9YVINZjkJUMNOprDluXAr0hMJO1Wg4ZdGzF4m3haN9lK3Vj35i7zsNtLjjmhOuFWJkAGogPx2Nq15jtXEp_3g-lvsdcERiKUULJRsmU951FI3W7x6kgeH4RrF_tdGp4j9R/s1600/queens+of+the+stone+age+in+my+head+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwsWRbZINSF9YVINZjkJUMNOprDluXAr0hMJO1Wg4ZdGzF4m3haN9lK3Vj35i7zsNtLjjmhOuFWJkAGogPx2Nq15jtXEp_3g-lvsdcERiKUULJRsmU951FI3W7x6kgeH4RrF_tdGp4j9R/s200/queens+of+the+stone+age+in+my+head+3.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />On side B is a live version of "I Think I Lost My Headache", the last track off QotSA's 2000 masterpiece,<i> Rated R</i>. Strangely enough, this song works much better with the unbelievably bad sound quality, giving it a grungier, dirtier feel that makes it slightly more acceptable.<br /><br />It is packaged in a standard clear-plastic sleeve, and the pictures themselves do look good (even if they ruin the sound quality). This is a limited release, although I'm not sure how many actually exist. All in all, you should really only get this 7" for the novelty of it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750814032286814301.post-78700914586203247682011-05-01T17:21:00.000-07:002011-05-14T14:06:13.079-07:00Interpol - Turn On The Bright Lights<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv8yw0vi_cj5PgGhm9wNxcJTcC725D7tU7EUoXFkKc5wkB-sIk8lMShylCC2lLMTAB0KadOEfkcf9bxUw6v7F1HJMJgHBF3mofNkyKI1p3nOdxCLovsi6BNLDRbyYof2-ak4FWiBhUrP_/s1600/interpol+turn+on+the+bright+lights+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTv8yw0vi_cj5PgGhm9wNxcJTcC725D7tU7EUoXFkKc5wkB-sIk8lMShylCC2lLMTAB0KadOEfkcf9bxUw6v7F1HJMJgHBF3mofNkyKI1p3nOdxCLovsi6BNLDRbyYof2-ak4FWiBhUrP_/s320/interpol+turn+on+the+bright+lights+1.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Non-gatefold</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">No lyrics</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Album Rating: 4/5 (Great)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sound Quality: 4/5 (Great)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Packaging: 3/5 (Average)</span></li></ul></div><br /><br />Arguably one of the best debut albums of the 00's, Interpol's <i>Turn on the Bright Lights</i> captivated it's audience with catchy melodies, sonic atmospheres, and a post-punk sound that has grown to define them over the last decade.<br /><br />Starting off on a strong note with one of my personal favorite opening tracks on any album, the somewhat ironically titled "Untitled" sets up the rest of the album perfectly. <i>Bright Lights</i> maintains a perfect balance of pacing throughout the album; it never feels rushed and never slows down too much, contributing to it's integrity as a solid album, especially for a debut.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqXwzN9uoxEamRHXYaUxe3CaKISpF1p0BK7NxSxrL8J1woK3gtdDzpFjyyVJz7NmFWmQJiLs6PRETXo6FftAOICvSYjIdrVs7mWujRDQkbfmUDW2EtEs5ZSM_WDfzLrVRqQRL9xpUxVwR/s1600/interpol+turn+on+the+bright+lights+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqXwzN9uoxEamRHXYaUxe3CaKISpF1p0BK7NxSxrL8J1woK3gtdDzpFjyyVJz7NmFWmQJiLs6PRETXo6FftAOICvSYjIdrVs7mWujRDQkbfmUDW2EtEs5ZSM_WDfzLrVRqQRL9xpUxVwR/s320/interpol+turn+on+the+bright+lights+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />The vinyl version of <i>Bright Lights</i> makes for a very different listening experience than its MP3 and CD counterparts. It is warm and full of color; the pops and crackles adding to the album's charm. The re-release is featured on 180 gram vinyl or the less expensive 120 gram vinyl.<br /><br />The packaging is a standard, non-gatefold sleeve that does not include lyrics. However, it does feel like a solid package, presented on a nice glossy paper.<br /><br />Purchase the <i>Turn on the Bright Lights</i> LP here (120 gram) (Amazon): <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Turn-Bright-Lights-Interpol/dp/B003Y01JL2?ie=UTF8&tag=audio040-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Turn On The Bright Lights</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=audio040-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B003Y01JL2" style="border-bottom-style: none !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-width: initial !important; cursor: move; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTi-Etf31LkW4HfjCoA9LoPxn-FGr2BpTbASEH2T5bpwQ5UayL9BqNBQgHWc1-2fnH58spBGD41zIMwEsrPFf44mrEV6ImFnpgMebDwps6mzKQwYu6T8JjxMAe44TQdSzoiOL8VCYNCDoM/s1600/interpol+turn+on+the+bright+lights+13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTi-Etf31LkW4HfjCoA9LoPxn-FGr2BpTbASEH2T5bpwQ5UayL9BqNBQgHWc1-2fnH58spBGD41zIMwEsrPFf44mrEV6ImFnpgMebDwps6mzKQwYu6T8JjxMAe44TQdSzoiOL8VCYNCDoM/s320/interpol+turn+on+the+bright+lights+13.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750814032286814301.post-80169121875714296132011-04-30T00:05:00.000-07:002011-05-14T14:06:13.079-07:00Arcade Fire - Neon Bible<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAH9Aki22eaSPyLHmUmDE47dqwd1F0dW3-gV5YiQ7ALRXNSJVV_zrrSsw4nRvI7R_s7LAsS0Qj_U2yaC5Aa7q990eDY3Qz8zBgjLdprOBLR1BCauHU2Duwp7dLm1cq1zY_TFC6sT57tV4N/s1600/arcade+fire+neon+bible+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAH9Aki22eaSPyLHmUmDE47dqwd1F0dW3-gV5YiQ7ALRXNSJVV_zrrSsw4nRvI7R_s7LAsS0Qj_U2yaC5Aa7q990eDY3Qz8zBgjLdprOBLR1BCauHU2Duwp7dLm1cq1zY_TFC6sT57tV4N/s320/arcade+fire+neon+bible+1.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Gatefold</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Lyrics included</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Etched</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Album Rating: 4.5/5 (Excellent)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sound Quality: 4/5 (Great)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Packaging: 5/5 (Perfect)</span></li></ul></div><br /><br />The second album in Arcade Fire's trilogy of commercially successful and critically acclaimed works; <i>Neon Bible</i> delivers classic indie rock with all the emotional ups and downs of its predecessor, <i>Funeral</i>. Often referred to as baroque pop, Arcade Fire's music is intricate enough to hold interest even on repeated listens, and still accessible enough for the casual listener to enjoy.<br /><br /><i>Neon Bible</i> bears many similarities to <i>Funeral</i>, but it is still very much it's own album. With a moodier atmosphere and an underlying loneliness, <i>Neon Bible</i> clearly defines what indie rock can truly be capable of. From the anthemic "No Cars Go" to the soul-shattering "My Body is a Cage", Arcade Fire creates music that takes their listeners on a roller coaster ride; they bring you up on one song only to throw you back to the ground on the next.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTz9RH1sB9SDjbPRjrNNA7kHykNgy2V17bk2EdPf8NFFH1daQP89Vh7_g1UagRBPYrHg31xBcAVrNwkmE4v69BfiBst27mAMGOqFCBPhz3CzFb69UdpwpXsC7U5VuBg2iq-luP7japjWNk/s1600/arcade+fire+neon+bible+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTz9RH1sB9SDjbPRjrNNA7kHykNgy2V17bk2EdPf8NFFH1daQP89Vh7_g1UagRBPYrHg31xBcAVrNwkmE4v69BfiBst27mAMGOqFCBPhz3CzFb69UdpwpXsC7U5VuBg2iq-luP7japjWNk/s320/arcade+fire+neon+bible+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><i>Neon Bible </i>is a great addition to any vinyl enthusiast's collection. It sounds great, presenting in the best possible way the beautiful instrumentation and musicianship that Arcade Fire is known for. It is pressed on two 180 gram vinyl records.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4-gSkM5VwaMhIGLPbfmhDruzxJqanZg-prGcWU4wX9PJrWUNUz8KT1g2W_7doc30dz3B_pWcdR7efHxmhBuMzKFn89voQJz8XDE-FmguEw1emQx3ktTd3M4lPpzhLYaSBpcKeA9QVXxq/s1600/arcade+fire+neon+bible+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4-gSkM5VwaMhIGLPbfmhDruzxJqanZg-prGcWU4wX9PJrWUNUz8KT1g2W_7doc30dz3B_pWcdR7efHxmhBuMzKFn89voQJz8XDE-FmguEw1emQx3ktTd3M4lPpzhLYaSBpcKeA9QVXxq/s320/arcade+fire+neon+bible+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />The album is packaged in a gatefold jacket that includes lyrics and credits on the individual vinyl sleeves. <i>Neon Bible's</i> eleven tracks are spread over three sides, with the fourth side featuring an etching of the titular neon bible, an added bonus that gives the album a well deserved uniqueness to it. The fourth side is of course unplayable.<br /><br />Buy <i>Neon Bible</i> on vinyl here (Amazon): <a href="http://www.amazon.com/NEON-BIBLE-Vinyl-ARCADE-FIRE/dp/B000MGUZMA?ie=UTF8&tag=audio040-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">NEON BIBLE [Vinyl]</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=audio040-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000MGUZMA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60IrVyjIn0VtXyyONLe12Cuze2p3zVQGXeGMp706gzNVLffhYnb06H0rP5ozvMXF4qeDutkHU3k13i-bWZkk2nOLuJqjvm8AfZzqeAwYOQkRp7eyRdasAh1oDym7zIYsairjsSjVmqEN5/s1600/arcade+fire+neon+bible+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60IrVyjIn0VtXyyONLe12Cuze2p3zVQGXeGMp706gzNVLffhYnb06H0rP5ozvMXF4qeDutkHU3k13i-bWZkk2nOLuJqjvm8AfZzqeAwYOQkRp7eyRdasAh1oDym7zIYsairjsSjVmqEN5/s200/arcade+fire+neon+bible+2.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVs82mG9vH8gZjurg4i-CAnRcFYJMuEIuVQnxH3Sop-oa-vcmT6d0s-H06PyM29gXfdWg9QOkVLhoQPHcBFqEVdUABxLjhfkkCC53P3kvV2WxwktID59jCq9WfVCskSJ1bYSQihTGbX8F/s1600/arcade+fire+neon+bible+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVs82mG9vH8gZjurg4i-CAnRcFYJMuEIuVQnxH3Sop-oa-vcmT6d0s-H06PyM29gXfdWg9QOkVLhoQPHcBFqEVdUABxLjhfkkCC53P3kvV2WxwktID59jCq9WfVCskSJ1bYSQihTGbX8F/s200/arcade+fire+neon+bible+5.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750814032286814301.post-7334387110963783792011-04-27T15:38:00.000-07:002011-05-14T14:06:13.080-07:00Deerhunter - Microcastle/Weird Era Cont.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuaiu1zStxCH3u1q1NDsSyY_YyV_PypqxO6X84KMCsP79Q4-QgX7ro3hddVyEiEDIXOIpPHIt8fJccyvWxzLQ_DsX4ebLMTS0eTw9tEiCspg66wScQn7a_FaT-GM2JD9sGFIZYdCGEdnTH/s1600/deerhunter+microcastle+weird+era+cont+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuaiu1zStxCH3u1q1NDsSyY_YyV_PypqxO6X84KMCsP79Q4-QgX7ro3hddVyEiEDIXOIpPHIt8fJccyvWxzLQ_DsX4ebLMTS0eTw9tEiCspg66wScQn7a_FaT-GM2JD9sGFIZYdCGEdnTH/s320/deerhunter+microcastle+weird+era+cont+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Gatefold</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">No lyrics</span></li></ul></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Album Rating (<i>Microcastle)</i>: 4/5 (Great)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Album Rating (<i>Weird Era Cont.</i>): 3/5 (Okay)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sound Quality: 4/5 (Great)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Packaging: 4.5/5 (Excellent)</span></li></ul><br /><br />With Deerhunter's third studio album, titled <i>Microcastle</i>, the band began to experiment with a more mature, pop-oriented sound that would later be fully realized on <i>Microcastle's</i> successor; <i>Halcyon Digest</i>. Although Deerhunter did have a loyal following before the release of this album, it was the band's prominent shift in direction from ambient-shoegaze to more mainstream indie rock (while still maintaining their shoegaze roots) that solidified their position as a band to follow in the indie rock scene.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCP5ueoq2gN55BFAT9sevFpTiuOqzuzHwSRlup226f79KPYoLyFAPZ0HWvmokk6IMLblNwQ-qG-rPbOPkysa-xYUmVyjzF6fg-uDUER4vE2z4yrpz8n9YOKjHImaB4t_Whb4wkDvDpQTD/s1600/deerhunter+microcastle+weird+era+cont+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCP5ueoq2gN55BFAT9sevFpTiuOqzuzHwSRlup226f79KPYoLyFAPZ0HWvmokk6IMLblNwQ-qG-rPbOPkysa-xYUmVyjzF6fg-uDUER4vE2z4yrpz8n9YOKjHImaB4t_Whb4wkDvDpQTD/s320/deerhunter+microcastle+weird+era+cont+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><i>Microcastle</i> is a great album from start to finish. From the melodic "Agoraphobia", sung by guitarist Lockett Pundt, to the epic standout track "Nothing Ever Happened". The middle of the album is significantly slower paced than the beginning and end, featuring tracks that incorporate ambient atmospheres together with the beautiful melodies that define the album.<br /><br />As if one album wasn't enough, Deerhunter decided to make this release a double-album. On the second disc is <i>Weird Era Cont.</i>, a collection of mostly less than stellar b-sides from <i>Microcastle</i>; it still has some excellent tracks that are definitely worth a listen, and considering it's free of charge, you really can't go wrong.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcClQcFu7Mv4TQei2cVF5rhX2oTiwp2j-ohS0YxKZLytfkodRBb-SenHzRW99tVsnvMv36PgVONhFInbCDjst1Vvwhzmm1T24I7qlZYBuDFQkteOrHQ4HeFtbpI_64L5TV2-9VaKpXMIhD/s1600/deerhunter+microcastle+weird+era+cont+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcClQcFu7Mv4TQei2cVF5rhX2oTiwp2j-ohS0YxKZLytfkodRBb-SenHzRW99tVsnvMv36PgVONhFInbCDjst1Vvwhzmm1T24I7qlZYBuDFQkteOrHQ4HeFtbpI_64L5TV2-9VaKpXMIhD/s320/deerhunter+microcastle+weird+era+cont+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />The vinyl sounds great; certainly not on par with it's successor <i>Halcyon Digest</i>, but still a solid recording that should not be missed.<br /><br />The original vinyl release of <i>Microcastle</i> features alternate cover art and is pressed on white vinyl. The re-release version (the one that I have) is packaged in a heavyweight gatefold sleeve and is pressed on black.<br /><br />Buy <i>Microcastle/Weird Era Cont.</i> on vinyl here (Amazon): <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Microcastle-Vinyl-Deerhunter/dp/B001EDKZW0?ie=UTF8&tag=audio040-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Microcastle [Vinyl]</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=audio040-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001EDKZW0" style="border-bottom-style: none !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-width: initial !important; cursor: move; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRLD-Io0N9Af_Sgw-POgr23kqzDZpJr5K6Ki_B5BsamFeOD2geOHrQL8iwtfwNPw5ejJYySiCCBZwJ1eTmlsbd3yVoQBNZ3tkViDyClwyYKBvvZVjLeeYOZkcNHNgneMbC4kefAfLmKXX/s1600/deerhunter+microcastle+weird+era+cont+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRLD-Io0N9Af_Sgw-POgr23kqzDZpJr5K6Ki_B5BsamFeOD2geOHrQL8iwtfwNPw5ejJYySiCCBZwJ1eTmlsbd3yVoQBNZ3tkViDyClwyYKBvvZVjLeeYOZkcNHNgneMbC4kefAfLmKXX/s320/deerhunter+microcastle+weird+era+cont+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750814032286814301.post-52618211430561815312011-04-24T22:26:00.000-07:002011-05-14T14:06:13.080-07:00Travis - 12 Memories<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8qjZRWu3CwYYlCxPeDfykrsmD6i3WE0eowyyJdXF4aoNjbOhSlqLg5gSKepeBeRCbJmZqHlDMyjEVlks8EKKwn1EuxvGr5ptecH1aaAgmHs-F2BhJtOHgRlgagC5D061yfCVsuz6KBsk/s1600/travis+12+memories+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8qjZRWu3CwYYlCxPeDfykrsmD6i3WE0eowyyJdXF4aoNjbOhSlqLg5gSKepeBeRCbJmZqHlDMyjEVlks8EKKwn1EuxvGr5ptecH1aaAgmHs-F2BhJtOHgRlgagC5D061yfCVsuz6KBsk/s320/travis+12+memories+1.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Non-gatefold</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Lyrics included</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Import</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Album Rating: 4/5 (Great)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sound Quality: 4.5/5 (Excellent)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Packaging: 3/5 (Average)</span></li></ul></div><br /><br />I picked this one up used at Amoeba Records in Hollywood last week. Any Travis album is pretty difficult to find on vinyl, so needless to say I was pretty stoked to find an import of this excellent LP for only 25$. Although used and containing a bit more pops and skips than I would have liked, it is still a great addition to my growing collection and most of the tracks still sound great!<br /><br />Travis is often credited for influencing acts such as Coldplay and Starsailor, creating gentle, melodic rock that makes metalheads roll in their graves. On their fourth studio album <i>12 Memories</i>, the Scottish quartet continues to do what they do best; combining rich textures, beautiful melodies, and memorable lyrics. Standout tracks include "Re-Offender" and "Love Will Come Through". Both are dangerously catchy and infinitely fun to listen to.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0PR-AtOZS39nKkNfNrY_n4arkE1WP4BGhq7iujPryAfOTaOtvj42tgVDX1k5J1XiwrsWu0uTEvZeVu29aD32-hJQiulRK9xurmstyiahWPxCYSyyQ-EskwBoJneboKIXvHRqK1WFh9GA/s1600/travis+12+memories+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0PR-AtOZS39nKkNfNrY_n4arkE1WP4BGhq7iujPryAfOTaOtvj42tgVDX1k5J1XiwrsWu0uTEvZeVu29aD32-hJQiulRK9xurmstyiahWPxCYSyyQ-EskwBoJneboKIXvHRqK1WFh9GA/s320/travis+12+memories+2.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The vinyl sounds great even if the previous owner didn't take the best care of it. Putting that aside, the production quality is top notch and every song sounds crisp and clean, beautifully accentuating the band's musicianship and lead singer Fran Healy's clean vocal style.<br /><br />The packaging (sans the marks made by the previous owner) is typical. The vinyl is housed in a standard, non-gatefold sleeve and comes with lyrics on the flip side of the inner sleeve.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibA6dAcGmTZzxa5AGhBMm17yD8o9JrluJsl9mq_Tza5grjGP-a5VbFAzzijcR1FJ_KAd45gpevicIu73g74m7-nPFmXYF7sFpyvqyyCWSjuA-d1MGpHv2rXq758zjy_51K4wOQldGyhzIh/s1600/travis+12+memories+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibA6dAcGmTZzxa5AGhBMm17yD8o9JrluJsl9mq_Tza5grjGP-a5VbFAzzijcR1FJ_KAd45gpevicIu73g74m7-nPFmXYF7sFpyvqyyCWSjuA-d1MGpHv2rXq758zjy_51K4wOQldGyhzIh/s320/travis+12+memories+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I highly doubt you'll find the vinyl version of <i>12 Memories</i> on Amazon anytime soon, but here's the link for it anyway (out of stock): <a href="http://www.amazon.com/12-Memories-Vinyl-Travis/dp/B0000DBDJ9?ie=UTF8&tag=audio040-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">12 Memories [Vinyl]</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=audio040-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0000DBDJ9" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750814032286814301.post-3490968745111046662011-04-22T23:10:00.000-07:002011-06-06T01:00:09.143-07:00List: Radiohead Power Ranking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Just for fun I thought I'd do another list. This time it's my ranking of my personal favorite band, the almighty Radiohead. Again, this list does not take the vinyl editions into account; there will be separate vinyl reviews for each album listed eventually. So here it is, my Radiohead power ranking:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfPCYEw6gKvC_Y9zxwkqxfuPEGXWKTtCoHlcl_5HiToeWeEYuBhND3NTi8iH4m5pt6t34il7MgnXTwMYI-j9GSxXVtWJ0uhR7DFPURnTDLh3lwlJfpEETxuXyVOhSsOcvDOi8hGJcaksX/s1600/radiohead+pablo+honey+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfPCYEw6gKvC_Y9zxwkqxfuPEGXWKTtCoHlcl_5HiToeWeEYuBhND3NTi8iH4m5pt6t34il7MgnXTwMYI-j9GSxXVtWJ0uhR7DFPURnTDLh3lwlJfpEETxuXyVOhSsOcvDOi8hGJcaksX/s200/radiohead+pablo+honey+1.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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8. <b>Pablo Honey</b><br />
Album Rating: 3.5/5 (Good)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpk26BNRWxrRjdwQ-1t-QfxBntD1hogvaMW0grqSgLysxVdTIKcC-m4Xg34ECTdiZ34VRTk6dUPmEh0StTTgHGkj5A_46cMGk2e7olVMpbTTJ8IWZ9yFh-hG7BEu_5P8IFT0qbjp59AyN_/s1600/radiohead+the+bends+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpk26BNRWxrRjdwQ-1t-QfxBntD1hogvaMW0grqSgLysxVdTIKcC-m4Xg34ECTdiZ34VRTk6dUPmEh0StTTgHGkj5A_46cMGk2e7olVMpbTTJ8IWZ9yFh-hG7BEu_5P8IFT0qbjp59AyN_/s200/radiohead+the+bends+1.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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7. <b>The Bends</b><br />
Album Rating: 4/5 (Great)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKd1gXxOgjbXP_cgQyrxbq71uip-8ac5QezmRQlDXpqvkIfHPK4KKVcpC_oRCKsWSyDqdN1UdVrNt1vR7CfwXCOwf7SLTETU_wFOsWg7PFVqjc9xFdSM-EGbkMsKUs5Vv7w1lraar9adS/s1600/radiohead+amnseiac+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKd1gXxOgjbXP_cgQyrxbq71uip-8ac5QezmRQlDXpqvkIfHPK4KKVcpC_oRCKsWSyDqdN1UdVrNt1vR7CfwXCOwf7SLTETU_wFOsWg7PFVqjc9xFdSM-EGbkMsKUs5Vv7w1lraar9adS/s200/radiohead+amnseiac+1.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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6. <b>Amnesiac</b><br />
Album Rating: 4.5/5 (Excellent)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyd0yVxpLIcERxaydFb6cul5MMwb9OK6pmuc5MMA-Ojh84Pbh4RwH2MktqSyCSCakjnBHvD7LVVi9KtTVbmHyj5L-KoR8S9qPbNllk_phAo-gAvUnW7KhHg4BGotMtPq4-0KUKeA0qXV-N/s1600/radiohead+hail+to+the+thief+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyd0yVxpLIcERxaydFb6cul5MMwb9OK6pmuc5MMA-Ojh84Pbh4RwH2MktqSyCSCakjnBHvD7LVVi9KtTVbmHyj5L-KoR8S9qPbNllk_phAo-gAvUnW7KhHg4BGotMtPq4-0KUKeA0qXV-N/s200/radiohead+hail+to+the+thief+1.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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5. <b>Hail To The Thief</b><br />
Album Rating: 4.5/5 (Excellent)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWn2my6i9wlgNuTTp8q51N852UfzteXxki0wt-9OTe_D42grLssGUpePm1hh3XI_pe2kb2uBdj2fB5jPPvKdXjj5sZ3GdO46Cq6kEQeEbrOZswT1kmZFOhwyDwbKlSgwBMFlPRKP6897Ii/s1600/radiohead+the+king+of+limbs+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWn2my6i9wlgNuTTp8q51N852UfzteXxki0wt-9OTe_D42grLssGUpePm1hh3XI_pe2kb2uBdj2fB5jPPvKdXjj5sZ3GdO46Cq6kEQeEbrOZswT1kmZFOhwyDwbKlSgwBMFlPRKP6897Ii/s200/radiohead+the+king+of+limbs+1.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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4. <b>The King Of Limbs</b><br />
Album Rating: 4.5/5 (Excellent)<br />
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3. <b>In Rainbows</b><br />
Album Rating: 5/5 (Masterful)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgsdNRW2Xjmm7VZbZpEZygRCnbT5UjcgO3HiqqNp7Icv2pEKXgTRKodDyPVCcHeLheBi1PrjveU8WbZOwB1xqoTJ1tU9xrZBIDvrYcK3Ssf80crEJ-HekL5RoEng-bDqEb2A5mXGSncHN/s1600/radiohead+ok+computer+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgsdNRW2Xjmm7VZbZpEZygRCnbT5UjcgO3HiqqNp7Icv2pEKXgTRKodDyPVCcHeLheBi1PrjveU8WbZOwB1xqoTJ1tU9xrZBIDvrYcK3Ssf80crEJ-HekL5RoEng-bDqEb2A5mXGSncHN/s200/radiohead+ok+computer+1.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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2. <b>OK Computer</b><br />
Album Rating: 5/5 (Masterful)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPovxvxcPYuHMR-yL-u2FpBDWAnYPCWxdr51gu3-aPUT7iIdsELT4JgealqNneimGVxY-ZPKgZEpPtvpQBZhTnhvVqmpLyZt6qy946KBThAy4m0mpiyLCEzqL05WjZi3wvryc9ZWntaFOR/s1600/radiohead+kid+a+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPovxvxcPYuHMR-yL-u2FpBDWAnYPCWxdr51gu3-aPUT7iIdsELT4JgealqNneimGVxY-ZPKgZEpPtvpQBZhTnhvVqmpLyZt6qy946KBThAy4m0mpiyLCEzqL05WjZi3wvryc9ZWntaFOR/s200/radiohead+kid+a+1.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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1. <b>Kid A</b><br />
Album Rating: 5/5 (Masterful)<br />
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Radiohead fans: What do you think? List your Radiohead Power Ranking in the comments section below!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750814032286814301.post-42295279579940009632011-04-22T16:42:00.000-07:002011-05-14T14:06:13.080-07:00Iron & Wine - Our Endless Numbered Days<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Wrto-cxkRN6bLy-ZCCRmQhd0D6Jfb9CM9wtCPVWCYXkVNvR_hBEgYYDDOtR8gPu9QOl2DMa8P81Z43hlcXPWYQzKragJZiaW5iP15AItBoKOGKzft5UHNVEascrwqH47TlSjST33SZ9o/s1600/oend1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Wrto-cxkRN6bLy-ZCCRmQhd0D6Jfb9CM9wtCPVWCYXkVNvR_hBEgYYDDOtR8gPu9QOl2DMa8P81Z43hlcXPWYQzKragJZiaW5iP15AItBoKOGKzft5UHNVEascrwqH47TlSjST33SZ9o/s320/oend1.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Non-gatefold</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Lyrics included</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Album Rating: 4.5/5 (Excellent)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sound Quality: 5/5 (Perfect)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Packaging: 3/5 (Average)</span></li></ul></div><br /><br /><br />An indie folk staple of the modern age, Iron & Wine's 2004 classic <i>Our Endless Numbered Days</i> is a soft, easy-going album that no one should miss out on. Singer/songwriter Sam Beam mixes beautiful lyrics, whispered vocals, and simple folk melodies like nobody else.<br /><br />From the rhythmic opening track "On Your Wings" to the spirits-lifting closer "Passing Afternoon", Beam never ceases to create an atmosphere that makes you long for a simpler life. Songs like "Radio War" and "Fever Dream" float along lazily, while tracks such as "Teeth In The Grass" and "Free Until They Cut Me Down" are faster paced and exciting, while still managing to retain Beam's signature mellow style.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4a7PkSM7NYgaAb6qzYI4faS7t9Hz4oTPZcu8ZvzMbVEJfJLv2umC1paMOy2Xw7RP3PTVNjnSb39YDggR3AakibeykJudUi0-JOCbeD4t7SLVICS8NpOXPXTYkboKXMUnNuLozRZSV6sBF/s1600/oend2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4a7PkSM7NYgaAb6qzYI4faS7t9Hz4oTPZcu8ZvzMbVEJfJLv2umC1paMOy2Xw7RP3PTVNjnSb39YDggR3AakibeykJudUi0-JOCbeD4t7SLVICS8NpOXPXTYkboKXMUnNuLozRZSV6sBF/s320/oend2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Due to the acoustic, folksy nature of <i>Our endless Numbered Days</i>, it sounds absolutely perfect on vinyl. I would even venture to say that it's one of the best sounding LPs I've heard. It is pressed on black only.<br /><br />The packaging is pretty basic. It is non-gatefold but does include an insert with lyrics.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvzomNYRlEseNJYkxhI0WwqFsSM4wswyQayzxCA_YLIlzf0Zhp72jnjoKb4O5NTxhWALyVcWLbiLAMM6LBaxDKXTuEPd41yPJq7A8rjNEJPILDvy2X3TWT3Cgdw7Cf2RCnnXkrfsBGI6L/s1600/oend3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvzomNYRlEseNJYkxhI0WwqFsSM4wswyQayzxCA_YLIlzf0Zhp72jnjoKb4O5NTxhWALyVcWLbiLAMM6LBaxDKXTuEPd41yPJq7A8rjNEJPILDvy2X3TWT3Cgdw7Cf2RCnnXkrfsBGI6L/s320/oend3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Purchase <i>Our endless Numbered Days</i> on vinyl here: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/OUR-ENDLESS-NUMBERED-DAYS-Vinyl/dp/B0001ENX5O?ie=UTF8&tag=audio040-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">OUR ENDLESS NUMBERED DAYS [Vinyl]</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=audio040-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0001ENX5O" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1750814032286814301.post-79024893620411855232011-04-21T15:02:00.000-07:002011-05-14T14:06:13.081-07:00St. Vincent - Actor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JRCk6HDpdSeoA_1MahPD6MXaqJaKuw9V0JjhIK3JPWxxkWi1xr18ct1tewG7PE3vFiPqyjDgGbNW_fD-Tozs_tABOR1yE-zhcnz-1yLJfjKJFORFa-uL9ggyJvSEzoKsmofut8A1_dG5/s1600/actor1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JRCk6HDpdSeoA_1MahPD6MXaqJaKuw9V0JjhIK3JPWxxkWi1xr18ct1tewG7PE3vFiPqyjDgGbNW_fD-Tozs_tABOR1yE-zhcnz-1yLJfjKJFORFa-uL9ggyJvSEzoKsmofut8A1_dG5/s320/actor1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Gatefold</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Lyrics included</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Album Rating: 4/5 (Great)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sound Quality: 3.5/5 (Good)</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Packaging: 4/5 (Great)</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div></div><br /><br />Annie Clark, a.k.a. St. Vincent released her sophomore album <i>Actor</i> in 2009, and has since become a rising star in the indie rock scene. She has opened for prominent acts such as Arcade Fire, Grizzly Bear, Xiu Xiu, and Death Cab For Cutie.<br /><br /><i>Actor</i> is a fascinating blend of beautiful vocals, catchy melodies, and rather odd instrumentation (Odd in a good way of course). Orchestral strings, horns, and flutes are layered atop heavily distorted guitars, producing a unique sound that is endlessly enjoyable to listen to. Clark's lyrics are surprisingly morbid considering the source. The words are dark and haunting, an interesting contrast to Clark's own voice as well as much of the instrumentation, all working toward what I would describe as a very schizophrenic album (Again, in a good way).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wPbhheZ6MV9bRTyLw2ZDHWtmsznZVH3GjuybWdpfb04SGo-svLjwa-I4HperWW5jvdMN59etKSqTzNn_nuKoW7YpEFrFQ51fzLiMgKEPPoeH0qsR7Dn-X3_hy59bkRfVYYh9ddPlUKRU/s1600/actor2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wPbhheZ6MV9bRTyLw2ZDHWtmsznZVH3GjuybWdpfb04SGo-svLjwa-I4HperWW5jvdMN59etKSqTzNn_nuKoW7YpEFrFQ51fzLiMgKEPPoeH0qsR7Dn-X3_hy59bkRfVYYh9ddPlUKRU/s200/actor2.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZH_-M2axDr_x-HyxUY9fLex-1rRygRvcqWEqK1nJvHe_UzrmlBF266yJdHeBrdo8Ui1uIJFN6XVaIf7eaEMxff3j3NfWdoK073kTp3WjGKqeryeP7qBzumy12USP_s4bfEvMP1SUADtj/s1600/actor+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZH_-M2axDr_x-HyxUY9fLex-1rRygRvcqWEqK1nJvHe_UzrmlBF266yJdHeBrdo8Ui1uIJFN6XVaIf7eaEMxff3j3NfWdoK073kTp3WjGKqeryeP7qBzumy12USP_s4bfEvMP1SUADtj/s200/actor+4.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />The vinyl sounds good but is far from outstanding. The drums are hard hitting and sound fantastic, but some of the more layered tracks can sound a bit muddled. I think this is more due to the nature of the album itself than the pressing process, but it's still well worth a listen.<br /><br />The packaging is well put together, consisting of a gatefold jacket with lyrics on the inside fold. The jacket itself is made of a thick, glossy, full color paper that looks really nice.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEecWwqUIKALizVVDv4pSKRsTwlaciqrCr0vuzd8s5rnMFnES-mQNzL3XpxqCm_hrMCvUTcrFUpydHGVFLLSpUSid05bC56GCLrcSdnAUFpsPAWLG4LUXYGk-BlViAbQ-m2awhPN0Oj_xz/s1600/actor3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEecWwqUIKALizVVDv4pSKRsTwlaciqrCr0vuzd8s5rnMFnES-mQNzL3XpxqCm_hrMCvUTcrFUpydHGVFLLSpUSid05bC56GCLrcSdnAUFpsPAWLG4LUXYGk-BlViAbQ-m2awhPN0Oj_xz/s320/actor3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Buy <i>Actor</i> on vinyl here: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Actor-Vinyl-St-Vincent/dp/B001W63DQE?ie=UTF8&tag=audio040-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Actor [Vinyl]</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=audio040-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001W63DQE" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com22