the magnetic fields – distortion (2008)

The Magnetic Fields
Distortion
[Nonesuch/Jan 15]

Horrible cover art aside (yes, that album cover is actually real), Stephin Merritt’s latest thematic undertaking is drenched in reverb — brilliantly accentuating Shirley Simms’ sugary vocals, which in turn act as delicious adversaries to Merritt’s deep, miserablist delivery.
High point: I’ll Dream Alone
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
RIYL: Witty lyricisms, The [...]

the big sleep – forever (2008)

The Big Sleep
Sleep Forever
[Frenchkiss/Feb 19]

Brooklyn band’s second full-length is a wall of post-rock guitars interlaced with shoegazy post-punk influences. Sleep Forever dares to kick some ass one minute and cry in the rain the next — what you would get if you mixed Black Sabbath with Explosions in the Sky.
High point: Pinkies
[Audio clip: view full [...]

nada surf – lucky (2008)

Nada Surf
Lucky
[Barsuk/Feb 5]

Nada Surf’s fifth full-length is an unfortunately bland addition to an impressive recent discography. The splendid mellow harmonies found on their past few releases have been dulled down into a mired pit of average indie rock.
High point: See These Bones
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
RIYL: Indie rock that would sound good on [...]

thinking machines; a great way to start off 2008

Thinking Machines
A Complete Record of Urban Archaeology
[Catapult/Jan 1]

This Philadelphia trio’s third full-length is an exclamatory blend of post-punk dynamism and melodic cacophony that seamlessly connects to its roots and never denies its willingness to explore new sonic territory. An early frontrunner for best-of-2008.
High point: Fire
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
RIYL: No Knife, Les Savy [...]

2007’s biggest disappointments :’(

As much of a holy omfgical year in music it was for me, there were also some huge disappointments. Here were the biggest:

:’(

Smashing Pumpkins
Zeitgeist
[Reprise/Jul 10]

The first new Pumpkins album in 7 years was a horribly-produced, steaming pile of shit with Corgan’s vocals turned up 5,313 decibals louder than anything else. Even the album cover is [...]

the best albums of 2007 (yes, there are 75 albums on this list, omg); part III

PART III (#25-#1)
OMG.

2007 has been the greatest year of new music in my lifetime. When I began writing this, I had over 140 albums to whittle down into some sort of cohesive, OCD-styled best-of list. I chose 75 because that is where the cutoff appears to be (the albums I absolutely love vs. the albums [...]