Mars Volta – Amputechture

The third studio album from the better half of At the Drive-In has, unfortunately, delivered the same old hat. Don’t get me wrong, the songs are still good, but it seems that the boys have used up all their tricks on the previous two albums. Amputechture is almost … sleepy. Everything that made Deloused in the Comatorium and Frances the Mute exciting and interesting – namely the raw intensity and unexpected volatility of it all – aren’t delivered with the same fervor. It nearly sounds forced. Read more

Death Cab for Cutie – Transatlanticism

Ben Gibbard and company have delivered something truly worth keeping in one’s musical library. Transatlanticism is chock-full of lyrics written with the literalness of Morrissey and the beauty of true innocence. The method of storytelling is what I love best, I have to be honest. Stories of young love, inadvertent relationships and the introspection of everyday events are prevalent. The haunting embellishments that come and go, like so many memories, throughout the album it makes for more than a straight ahead Indie record. Read more

Echobrain – Self Titled Release

Combine one part Stone Temple Pilots, one part Queens of the Stone Age, one part Pablo Honey- era Radiohead and one part 311; mix and serve over light beer. The result is a meandering songwriter with no clear destination paired with a fantastic rhythm section. The lead singer/ guitar player writes the most lackadaisical and (almost) hook-less guitar parts; it’s clear why these cats never made it beyond the Bay Area (even with Jason Newsted, formerly of Metallica, on bass). Read more

The Color Fred – Bend to Break

Standard feel good Alternative, Indie-Pop in the vein of Weezer and Flickerstick. The Color Fred cranks out songs that are as equally likely to be played at a college frat-party as Dashboard Confessional; though more likely to make you actually feel good about listening to them. Tight, concise guitar work, clear and enticing vocals and simple lyrics all lead to a readily enjoyable album – no matter the setting you’re in. Read more

We Were Promised Jetpacks – These Four Walls

With a name like this, I was excited at the possibility of some super-smart, tongue firmly-in-cheek; party rock ‘n’ roll. What I didn’t expect to receive was some Explosions in the Sky inspired atmospheres combined with inspiring youthful-energy infused vocal work. The end result is a level of urgency consistent with a “do or die” mentality running side-by-side with a Romeo and Juliet level of adolescent lust oozing out of your speakers in the most delightful fashion. Read more

Music play list for the week ending December 27, 2009

Top 25  - In no particular order -

The Adicts – Get Adicted
Havoc – Selective Service
Frank Sinatra – Put Your Dreams Away
Operation Ivy – Yellin In My Ear
Manic Hispanic – Wasted
FEAR – Fuck Christmas
The Slackers – Pets of the World
The Germs – What We Do Is Secret
AFI – The Days Of The Phoenix
Decry – Falling
AFI – Days Of The Phoenix
Good Riddance – Man Of God
Code Of Honor – Code Of Honor
NOFX – Glass War
The Sweet – Ballroom Blitz
Smashing Pumpkins – Cherub Rock
Gary Numan – Cars
Iron Maiden – 2 Minutes to Midnight
DRI – Couch Slouch Read more

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