planetdan music

Sunday, January 30, 2005 :::

Out of the Shadow by Rogue Wave

Rating:

Why I bought it: Because someone recommended them to me.

What I think about it: It's breezy, harmonic indie pop that usually sounds like something you've already heard before, more specifically The Shins with a little Elliott Smith thrown in. That's not a bad thing. They have a good healthy vibe and a tuneful ear, and what more can you ask for from an indie pop record? A little originality, you say? Well, give them time. I think they'll develop into something quite good, especially starting out with this much talent.

Song(s) worth a listen: Be Kind & Remind ; Postage Stamp World ; Man-Revolutionary ; Endless Shovel

Listen at amazon.

::: posted by dan at 5:36 PM :: #

Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole by Martha Wainwright

Rating:

Why I bought it: I was curious about what Rufus' sister sounded like.

What I think about it: Judging from the title of this five song EP, Martha Wainwright is obviously unhappy with someone. If the title makes you think that she is one of those angry women who writes caustic songs on her acoustic guitar, you'd be right. But she's good at it, anyway. It's definitely not my cup of tea, so I won't be buying her full-length album when it's released, but if you like this sort of thing then she is probably going to be one of your favorites. She's got an interesting, earthy, powerful voice, and she's kinda like that Lily Taylor character in Say Anything who performs an endless series of mean songs about her boyfriend at their senior party, only Martha is actually good.

Song(s) worth a listen: The Title Track

Listen at amazon.

::: posted by dan at 5:24 PM :: #

Monday, January 24, 2005 :::

Our Endless Numbered Days by Iron & Wine

Rating:

Why I bought it: because it was my duty as an honest consumer.

What I think about it: See the review below about my ethical dilemma in regards to my being unable to review a CD until I own a legitimate copy of it. That being said, I've had this CD for months, too, but I finally got around to buying it. Now there are only a couple more CDs I have to buy to finally put my conscience at ease. Anyway, I wasn't too fond of the last Iron & Wine CD I bought (The Creek Drank The Cradle) because it seemed underproduced and underwhelming, but this new CD sounds professional and complete and solid from beginning to end. Sure, it's just folk music in almost the purest sense, but it's got whispy vocals and elegant harmonies and some really catchy pop hooks to boot. The guy's next EP (entitled Woman King, to be released sometime in March I think) is even better, so I think this dude is really shaping up to be one of my new favorites.

Song(s) worth a listen: On Your Wings ; Naked As We Came ; Radio War ; Cinder and Smoke

Listen at amazon.

::: posted by dan at 9:05 PM :: #

Funeral by The Arcade Fire

Rating:

Why I bought it: because it was my duty as an honest consumer.

What I think about it: I have this weird ethical dilemma in my head that tells me I cannot review a CD until I own a legitimate copy of it. That being said, I've had this CD for months, but I liked it so much that I did my duty as an honest consumer and purchased an official copy outright. Anyway, it's a great CD. It starts out better than it finishes, and I had to let it grow on me with repeated listenings, but now it's slowly become a staple of my listening routine. It's a strange mixture of The Cure (when they were relevant) and Talking Heads (when they were interesting), with some gorgeous literate lyrics that conjure fanciful images of towns buried in blizzards, cosmonaut dogs, and people dancing in police lights. The subject matter might be a little depressing at times, but the music is quite the opposite. Anyway, everyone and their mother likes this band right now, so it's not just me.

Song(s) worth a listen: Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels); Neighborhood #2 (Laika); Neighborhood #3 (Power Out); Rebellion (Lies)

Listen at amazon.

::: posted by dan at 8:52 PM :: #