Average Rating: 3.36 Rating Variance: 2.03 Objectivity Score: 72% (Fairly Balanced)
Sort by: Rating | Release Date | Rating Date | Name5.0 classicCaptain Beefheart and His Magic Band Trout Mask ReplicaDirty Projectors Rise AboveTalking Heads Remain in Light4.5 superbBattles MirroredI wouldn't quite call Battles math rock, since most songs are in 4/4 or 6/8, but I would say that Mirrored is an amazing album. For some reason, I get a Mostly Ape-era Drums & Tuba feel from the band, but it's not to their downfall or even as a minus. I still need to go and pick up their EPs, since Mirrored has left me craving more.Big Black Songs About FuckingDan Deacon Spiderman of the RingsDirty Projectors Slaves' Graves & BalladsDirty Projectors Bitte OrcaExtra Life Secular WorksRadiohead In RainbowsSt. Vincent Marry MeI took a risk when I bought this at Amoeba when it first came out--simply put, it's an amazing album that never wears on me or feels dull.The Microphones The Glow Pt. 2 (Re-release)Easily one of the best albums ever, but sometimes the bonus disc tends to drag. The new version of The Moon with just organ, vox, and saxes is gorgeous and lends itself nicely to the story told in the lyrics. And it's nice to have the alternate version of Lanterns. Having heard both the original issue and now owning the reissue, the apparent remaster hasn't changed the sound of the album at all--thank god.Venetian Snares Moonglow/This Bitter Earth4.0 excellentAnimal Collective Strawberry JamThis is definitely one of the highlights of this last quarter of the year. I'd say Person Pitch is better by a hair, but this disc is pretty incredible, too. I actually kind of like Peacebone, but it's nothing next to Chores or For Reverend Green. A good review, by the way, even in spite of the supernumerary parenthetical statements.Aphex Twin DrukqsdrukQs is a logical step forward, in my opinion. It shows definite growth and leanings towards music like John Cage or even Nancarrow made. Songs like Avril 14th and Father are gorgeous, and the faster electronic songs are as good as anything else released by Aphex Twin. Justice †One of the best electronic and dance albums of this year and of the past few years. It's one of those discs that just grows on you. Stronger songs like Newjack and Stress make up for The Party.Mastodon Crack the SkyeMount Eerie Black Wooden Ceiling OpeningI think that BWCO is rather fantastically done. The heavier sound fits some of the mellower songs like In Moonlight and any version of Don't Smoke is going to be great. Phil Elverum's goal of creating heavy music with natural influences (get it--black wooden, not black metal) has been achieved. Plus the physical version rocks: 10" white vinyl, two posters--one of which is the cover folded out--and a CD version with a kickass live version. You can't lose.Nico Muhly MothertongueAn impressive second disc from composer Nico Muhly, Mothertongue is glitched out vocals and electronics combined with beautiful orchestral swoops. The title suite is full of microscopic vocal syllables loops to create a disorienting backing over which strings, percussion, and piano accompany vocals. The second suite is mostly brass and percussion with more glitches, and is more tender (and ominous) than Mothertongue. Closing suite, The Only Tune, features one of my favorite artists Samamidon singing a melancholic story about two sisters over banjo tweaks. All in all, an amazing offering. Skeleton Crew Learn To TalkVenetian Snares The Chocolate Wheelchair AlbumWeen Friends3.0 goodMF DOOM Born Like This2.5 averageDirty Projectors Stillness Is The Move2.0 poorThe Chemical Brothers We Are The NightA rather bad album, save for a few songs. Salmon Dance is brutality sauce on eggs a la pain. I actually really like Saturate, which a lot of people don't for some reason...1.5 very poorArcade Fire Neon BibleEminem RelapseThis fucking sucks. Plain and simple, this album is just not good.Limp Bizkit Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored WaterPaolo Nutini These Streets1.0 awfulAkon Konvicted (Deluxe Edition)Fall Out Boy From Under the Cork TreeFall Out Boy Infinity on HighJames Blunt All the Lost SoulsLady Gaga The Fame
Bands: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
