(The hippest and the most hyped records cut down to size in fifty words and a letter grade)
Chooglin' - Chooglin' (Self-Released)
Grade: B+
"Hello, welcome to McRockalds, may I take your order please?"
"Yes, what can you tell me about the Chooglin' special?"
"The Chooglin' is the Minneapolis special. Horns, riffs, and some good ole' fashioned screamin' covered in thick, heavy rock sauce."
"Ooooo, that sounds delicious. I'll take it."
"Damn straight you will."
MySpace Page
----
Robert Pollard - Normal Happiness
Grade: B
The former Guided By Voices singer's second solo release of 2006 finds him achieving contentment musically but questioning it lyrically. But Pollard isn't necessarily resting on his laurels. This record proves that, at times, Pollard's anglophile streak is as it was with GBV. 16 songs, all less than three minutes long.
MySpace Page
----
Watchers - Rabble (Gern Blandsten)
Grade: B
This EP, which is an exclusive European tour-only release from the Chicago-based group, is a very good sample of the eclectic range that Watchers possess. Some tracks border on free-jazzy noise, whereas others sound more like Remain In Light-era Talking Heads. Try to find this online or as an import. It's worth picking up.
MySpace Page
----
Soft - The Soft EP (Self-Released)
Grade: B+
The Soft EP combines the effortless melodicism of early Oasis with the songcraft and vocal stylings of My Bloody Valentine. "Higher" and "All That You're Shown" are great songs that bookend three tracks which are a little more mainstream-rock sounding in comparison. It should be interesting to see which direction Soft goes in.
MySpace Page
----
...Trail of Dead - So Divided (Epic/Interscope)
Grade: C+
So Divided is an improvement over its predecessor, Worlds Apart, in that it's a mediocre record instead of a bad one. However, because the band is incredibly ambitious, So Divided is never boring. This is the sound of the mighty still falling, but I still have faith in ...trail of dead to break their fall.
MySpace Page
----
Tenacious D - The Pick Of Destiny (Epic)
Grade: B
The Pick of Destiny isn't as consistently hilarious as their self-titled debut, nor does it contain as many memorable tunes as their last effort. However, there is a surprising emphasis on the folkier aspects of Tenacious D's sound. But the record's last three songs also show that The D is not going quietly into that good, satanic night anytime soon.
In Brief: Enough chuckles and rocking to keep the listener interested.
MySpace Page
----
Clint Mansell - The Fountain: Music From The Motion Picture (Nonesuch)
Grade: A
Clint Mansell is the composer for Darren Aronofsky's latest picture, The Fountain, but it is the Kronos Quartet and Post-Rock stalwarts Mogwai who perform the score. To say that this is a match made in musical heaven is an understatement. Listen to this now. Full review on the way.
MySpace Page
----
Ho-Ag - The Word From Pluto (Hello Sir)
Grade: A-
Never afraid to test the limits of familiar time signatures, these Massachusetts natives fit in nicely with their Hello Sir brethren Cinemechanica: fast as hell and all about precision. Constantly thrashing with a cacophony of seamless riffs, Ho-Ag is relentless with its onslaught of piercing energy. The record incorporates some seriously hot ideas; "Pinhead" is particularly jaunty. There are even moments where the spirit of 80s metal raises its hand for a little attention. However, the vocals are too deep in the mix, leaving the record wanting more lyrical content. "Paint the Navy" brings out the best in the band with a bit more to hold on to and reminds of Les Savy Fav (so of course I love it).
MySpace Page
----
Birdmonster - No Midnight (Birdmonster)
Grade: B+
I'm a bit biased because I played with these guys a few months ago with Boris. They're sassy, a bit sexy and fun. They're not contentless, which is a good thing because it sells the dance-yness as authentic - it is by the way. These San Francisico indie-rockers stand up pretty well on this debut. With a little alt-country and roots-rock mixed with standard punk revival, it's surprisingly fresh for something that could be dubbed "derivative." If you like Lucero and dancing, this is for you.
MySpace Page
----
Badly Drawn Boy - Born In The UK (Astralwerks)
Grade: C
Eeek, I remember when Damon Gough completely owned (2000 when he won the Mercury Music Prize to be specific). I really like cute little brit-pop songs, but the lyrics and predictability of this one push me away. It sounds great, his voice sounds better than ever, but the songs just aren't there.
MySpace Page
----
As Tall As Lions - S/T (Triple Crown/East/West)
Grade: B
A bit of a departure from most Triple Crown acts, and a really good one. This is silky smooth brit-pop through and through. Whitewashed with reverb, these New Yorkers remind of Elbow and Badly Drawn Boy and even frontman Daniel Nigro sounds like Chris Martin from Coldplay, but it's not a bad thing. A good effort, look for a better one next time.
MySpace Page
----
Eric Bachmann - To The Races (Saddle Creek)
Grade: B-
Former frontman of Archers of Loaf and Crooked Fingers member Eric Bachmann comes out with a slow wandering record. Sounds a bit like Nebraska-era Bruce Springsteen with a bit of Tom Waits thrown in the mix. A soft, kind listen.
MySpace Page
----
Cinemechanica - The Martial Arts (Hello Sir)
Grade: B+
My first thought when I heard these guys was as follows: "Holy fuck these guys are fast." This Athens, Ga. foursome knows how to party and lay down the killer riffs. If you're a fan of the STNNNG, this is definitely a logical step - but with two drummers. "I'm tired of Paul McCartney" is the gem of the record, download it below.
In Short: Damn fast and damn complicated. Not meant for the faint of heart.
Download: "I'm tired of Paul McCartney"
----
So Many Dynamos - Flashlights (Skrocki)
Grade: A-
I'm hoping to get a feature up on these guys in the near future, but they tour so much, it's hard to get them to settle down and do an interview. Energetic as always, Flashlights expands on the standard Dynamos sound to incorporate horns, piano, large choral arrangements, and even a banjo. Garnering a 7.8 on ze Pitchfork, the guys are on the rise and rightly so. Plus, "In Every Direction" rips off the "Thong Song" and is just plain tastey.
In Short: Excellent second effort that will hopefully help them get what they deserve.
Download: "In Every Direction"
----
The STNNNG - Fake Fake (Modern Radio)
Grade: A-
An excellent follow-up to an excellent debut. I little harder, a little bigger, a little better, and even a little bassier, this might be just what the doctor ordered in order to get the STNNNG on that bigger label. Feature pending.
Two Words: Recommended buy.
Download: "The Spider & The Typewriter"
----
Oxford Collapse - Remember The Night Parties
Grade: B+
Three words: Jangle, Jangle, Jangle. Perhaps we could call the lead singer Mr. Bojangles. No, that's a terrible idea. This record rings out for days, with music and lyrics reminiscent of Pavement and Tapes 'n Tapes. Lots of catchy, smart stuff on here. Full review will appear later in the week. (Graef)
Two Words: College heroes?
----
Pearl Jam - Live At Easy Street
Grade: B-
This live EP, which was released exclusively to independent record stores, features servable renditions of lesser-known PJ songs along with some very choice covers of The Dead Kennedys and X. Recorded at the Easy Street record store located in West Seattle. Sound is raw, worth tracking down for the covers. (Graef)
Download: "American in Me"
----
El Perro Del Mar - El Perro Del Mar
Grade: B-
Swedish singer Sarah Assbring's self-titled debut, just released in the US of A, sounds like Johanna Newsom fronting Belle and Sebastian for poppy if a little too precious goodness. We'll see how it holds up on multiple listens. Full review on the way. (Graef)
Two Words: Pop preciousness.
----
Fiery Furnaces - Bitter Tea
Grade: C+
The Fiery Furnaces rebound from the debacle that was Rehearsing My Choir (quick review: if you listened to the album in its entirety, you're dumber than I am) but still don't reach the heights of EP and Blueberry Boat. Still, an improvement all the same. (Graef)
Download: "Waiting To Know You"
----
Bob Dylan - Modern Times
Grade: B+
Stylistically, it's very similar to Love and Theft, but at this point, Dylan has more than earned the right to coast. I can't figure out why he's thinking about Alicia Keys, but it's hilarious all the same. Another worthy addition to Dylan's mindblowing catalog. (Graef)
Download: "Spirit On The Water"
----
Califone - Roots & Crowns
Grade: A-
Certain points of this record sounds as if someone took a pair of scissors, chopped it up into precise little pieces and spliced it back together with scotch tape in the most perfect way possible. The underlining songs are truly beautiful amongst the clutter of sound. (Frenette)
Two words: layers, layers.
----
The Hold Steady - Boys and Girls In America
Grade: A
I just picked up an advanced copy this weekend. I've only had the opportunity to listen through it twice, but so far, fucking awesome. I will be interviewing the guys on Tuesday and will have a feature up in two weeks before their shows at First-Avenue on Oct. 24/25.
In Short: Clocking as one of the top five of the year.
Download: "First Night"
----
Brazilian Girls - Talk to La Bomb
Grade: B
Neither Brazilian nor French (the techno tongue featured on the album), the Girls make art/electronica/dance music that somehow makes lyrics like "Drinking wine and tequila ... throwing up" kinda sexy.
In Short: Weird dance party pick.
----
Ben Kweller - Ben Kweller
Grade: B
A little slower, a little nice, a little less interesting but still charming. I like it but it will be interesting to see whether or not it has any staying power. Full review on the way.
In Short: It's still Ben Kweller.
----
Awesome Snakes - Venom
Grade: B+
Yes! Ex-Soviettes members rock it like looks could kill. This bass/drums/vocals duo keep the minimalism to a minimum and write some authentically catchy punk-rock songs. Worth owning, for sure.
In Short: A recommended buy.
Download: "Awesome Party"
----
Cat Power - The Greatest
Grade: B+
You can go home again if you're Chan Marshall. Returning to the South with Ardent Studio's brass backing her, Cat Power releases her best and most cohesive album to date.
In Short: Gorgeous Memphis soul.
Download This: Lived in Bars
----
The Starlight Mints - Drowaton
Grade: B-
On their third album, the Oklahomans leave the lollipop-colored world of psychedelia and retreat to the jangly pianos and soaring harmonies of pop-rock. Drowaton sounds like an album Dan Wilson would have made. In 1996.
In Short: Agreeable piano rock.
----
Neko Case - Fox Confessor Brings the Blood
Grade: A-
With haunting imagery from Ukrainian folklore and urban America coupled with Case's full-blooded voice, this album launches Case into the wet dreams of many a music critic. One of the most impressive albums of the new millennium.
In Short: A must.
Download This: Star Witness
----
Camera Obscura - Let's Get Out of the Country
Grade: A-
"Dory Previn" is Scottish Twee's answer to the Supreme's "Where did our Love Go?" Twangy guitars and big organs fill the record and prevent it from drowning in the preciousness of Tracyanne Campbell's vocals.
In Short: Let it break your heart.
Download: "If Looks Could Kill"
----
A.F.I. - Decemberunderground
Grade: C+
I remember when I liked A.F.I. I don't regret those days, but A.F.I. owned a bit of soul back then. Granted, it's pop-punk, but they sure as hell shouldn't have lost "Best Video" at the MTV Music Awards to those little Panic! At The Disco fucks. Plus, "Miss Murder" is a pretty good song. Worth burning, even owning if you have the old stuff.
In Short: Don't go out of your way to buy, or avoid, just let it happen.
Download: "Love Like Winter"
----
Destroyer - Destroyer's Rubies
Grade: B+
Another New Pornographers emigre makes a great solo album. Dan Bejar reaches for a fuller, more instrumental sound on this album with great success.
In short: Fantastic songwriting.
----
The Submarines - Declare a New State!
Grade: B+
Blake Hazard and John Dragonetti make beautiful sunny harmonies on this album, which is about their breakup. By the end of Declare the couple is reunited, making for a reaffirming listen.
In short: Excellent pop melodies.
----
The Raconteurs - Broken Boy Soldiers
Grade: B+
Ideally the pairing with Brendan Benson would have led Jack White to some crazy Jagger-Richards epiphanies. Instead the album indulges itself in its musical roots. Get over the Velvet Underground already.
In Short: Indulgent but worth it (it is Jack White).
----
Band of Horses - Everything All the Time
Grade: B-
Ben Bridwell may overextend into Built to Spill-wannabe status on this album, but tracks like "The First Song" and "The Funeral" see the band shining in all the right places. Not creatively impressive, but not unimpressive either.
In Short: High highs and low lows.
Download: "Love Like Winter"
----
Justin Timberlake - FutureSex/LoveSounds
Grade: C
Yes, a bit of a guilty pleasure and most of the record is just pop exposition, however, "Damn Girl" is actually a good song (aside from the awful rap during the bridge). I say the record is worth knowing about and giving a listen just so you know what the young people seem to like these days.
In Short: Download "Damn Girl" and consider it even.
Download: "Damn Girl"
----
Okkervil River - Black Sheep Boy Appendix
Grade: B
Black Sheep Boy was one of last year's most overlooked releases. Will Shef is a country-rock with an emo howl, and Black Sheep Boy hit highest when Shef barks at the moon, heart on torn and dusty sleeves. Aptly titled, Appendix picks up where BSB left off, although I understand why these songs became leftovers - some of the material is still too raw. Still, "Last Love Song For Now," "No Key, No Plan" and "Black Sheep Boy #4" find Austin's finest in all their Southern Goth glory.
In Short: Fans can't miss this well-priced addendum to one of 2005's hottest releases.
----
The Roots - Game Theory
Grade: B+
The Roots sound postively menacing on Game Theory, undoubtedly the group's tightest record to date. Eschewing the experimental jams of the inconsistent Phrenology, Game Theory is exactly what The Tipping Point was supposed to be: a taut, intelligent rap album that plays to the group's considerable strengths, namely Black Thought's impressive (and underrated) talents as an MC. Unfortunately, the second side drags a little bit, but The Roots come very close to delivering the great album they've always threatened to make.
In short: Philly boys deserve to break big with this one.
----
Calexico/Iron & Wine - In the Reigns
Grade: A-
I can't take this collaboration out of my CD player. Calexico are the perfect backing band for Beam - they color in his whispered vocals with lush, cinematic instrumentation. On Iron & Wine's other releases, Beam's paper-thin voice can barely prop up his equally tender arrangements. Here, Calexico add appropriate grandeur to his delicate melodies, and the result is oft-stunning.
In short: Sounds like Iron & Wine with some muscle.
----
The Futureheads - News and Tributes
Grade: B
I'm not sure if you've noticed, but the Futureheads are pretty sweet. They're a little out there in the sense that their harmonies are on another planet, but they consistently project serious Clash fan vibes, which always works well for me.
----
Glass Candy - Brittle Women Demo
Grade: B
Aside from all of the dance-craze implications of this song, what these guys are doing is a total riot. Complete with unintelligible lyrics and blaring cymbals - there is almost no bottom to the recording at all - this is one of the more abrasive recordings I've heard in some time. But it's pretty cool. With an obvious disregard for what is the norm and a more-than-passing love for Dinosaur Jr., this noise-dance song could hold down an album with a little elbow-grease and a handful of faders.
----
The Gossip - Standing in the Way
Grade: B-
Another dance band yes, but this one has some soul. With a female lead vocalist that can really belt it, they're a trifle more convincing than some of their contemporaries. Although the recording quality leaves me wanting more, their energy translates pretty well to record. Most of the record is standard dance-rock with a bit of attitude, but to its credit, it's pretty fun. The lyrics are a little on the repetitive side, but that's really not what this band is about.
---
Off With Their Heads - Hospital
Grade:B
Absent of common punk-rock sloganeering and frequent song construction pitfalls, Off With Their Heads made a really good, solid punk-rock record. They are obviously fans of Dillinger Four - but really, who isn't? The vocals are definitely above par and put many more popular punk-rock bands to shame. The hot track is "Die Today"; an anthemic opener that carries the record. GTTHRN (Go To Treehouse Right Now).
----
Antelope - Antelope (Dischord)
Grade: A-
I saw these guys open for Q and Not U a few years back, and they've got what it takes. Their songwriting is top-notch and are very creative. Working over complicated time signatures and consequently phat beats, their vocals are eerie and simplistic, but chaulk-full of that dischord-ish sense of dispassion. Really, really good band.
In short: Go to Treehouse and buy it.
----
The Editors - The Back Room (Kitchenware)
Grade: F
What an amazing disappointment. Granted, they are British, but that doesn't give them the right to rip off our greatest export: Interpol. I am actually offended that this recording is popular and if I were Paul Banks, I'd be turning in my grave.
In short: Interpol did it.
----
Angels and Airwaves - We Don't Need To Whisper (Geffen)
Grade: C
Well, I really hoped that Tom DeLonge would pull it off, but he didn't. It's cool in theory, I guess. But it is really just a lot of reverb-drenched-U2-like guitars with a lot of delay on, well, everything. So, I can't really tell if the songwriting is good, or bad - but we're guessing bad. DeLonge's voice sounds fine, but his pop-punk shrill doesn't really translate into this new "Earth-shattering" genre-fusing band.
In Short: The next album will be better.
----
Motion City Soundtrack - Commit This To Memory (Epitaph)
Grade: B
I like pop-punk, so what? Wanna fight about it? Plain and simple: this album is one pop-punk hit after pop-punk hit. Beautifully produced by ex-Blink-182er Mark Hoppus, the album drips both precision and a big budget. Fast and catchy, the band makes up in melodic accessibility what they lack in lyrical prowess - but when it comes to pop-punk, how much does it really matter?
Best Track: "Better Open The Door" - An undeniable chorus with a bring-it-down bridge that is just contagious.
In Short: Best pop-punk album in recent memory.
----
Pretty Girls Make Graves - Elan Vital (Matador)
Grade: C-
Okay. So we really like Pretty Girls Make Graves, but this sucked. The album is instrumentally strong - like all their others - but the lyrics and vocal performances are seriously lacking. Clearly, they tried to rehash the past with this album, but rather than being a cool throw-back it actually just feels tired. Better luck next time.
Best Track: "The Number"
In Short: We didn't even put it on our iTunes.
----
The Boy Least Likely To - The Best Party Ever (Too Young To Die)
Grade: A-
Okay, so we're a little late on this one, but we finally picked up this record the other week and it rocks. It's kid stuff, really--toy pianos, banjos and casio keyboards dominate the records--but the strong melodies save the record from descending into adolescent schlock.
Best Track: "Hugging My Grudge"
In Short: Twee-pop for the Belle & Sebastian set.
----
