Cursive – The Ugly Organ
January 15, 2010
Cursive’s The Ugly Organ is a lot of things all at the same time: dramatic, dark, vulnerable, ugly and strangely beautiful. With modern takes on standard fairytales (“Driftwood”) to the lamentations over one’s personal life (“A Gentleman Caller”); this album runs the gamut of emotions and textures just like the human emotional core. The vocal squeals, moans and roars with pent up hormonal rage and violent emotional psychosis. The rest of the band composes sonic-scapes that are reminiscent of truly demented. Besides, how can you ever go wrong with a cello in your band? "Sierra", "Art is Hard", and "Red Handed Slight of Hand" are all my personal suggestions.
Captain Morgan
Big Wheel Music Contributor
Music from the Used Record Bin
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The Dresden Dolls – Self Titled Release
January 14, 2010
When I first heard about The Dresden Dolls I was a sophomore in high school and constantly craving new music to discover and listen to. Someone recommended The Dresden Dolls in a message board, so I went to Best Buy and bought the album because I was too afraid to download it illegally and get caught. What I then discovered upon listening to the Dresden Dolls' self-titled album was too incredible and beautiful to find the words of proper description right away. Even if I take the time to think of what phrases could describe the unique content of the Dresden Dolls' self-titled wonder, I still cannot provide a precise description.
Originally released through Eight Foot Records, the album mixes the strangest sounds and attitudes together to provide a spectacular arrangement involving Punk, cabaret, and alternative rock. Vocalist Amanda Palmer uses her piano-playing so skillfully and with such vivid personality that the theatrics of the music seem to come to life anywhere you decide to listen to it. It's almost unbelievable that the Dresden Dolls are made up of only two individuals, because the music in the group's self-titled album is so extravagant that you'll think it's the recording of an entire musical-theater production. While The Dresden Dolls' self-titled album is about 7 years old now, upon listening to it you'll feel as though the album is a new and young addition to music that is much needed. Let the Dresden Dolls amaze you and change your perception of cabaret... and even Punk rock.
-Stephanie M.-
Big Wheel Online Magazine
Music from the Used Record Bin
Check out other records in the used bin HERE
Funeral for a Friend – Hours
January 12, 2010
It's hard to follow up the epic (and mildly stereotypical) Casually Dressed and in Deep Conversation, but Funeral for a Friend has managed to do it. Hours is a giant step in the direction of true maturity for a group that could be the house band for hopeless romantics anonymous. Hardly a scream on the album from a group signed when the whole "heart-core/scream-o" scene was hot. It's simply fantastic and I can’t understand why there were so many albums in the used section for a while there. Some of the best tracks include “Streetcar” and “Drive”.
Captain Morgan
Big Wheel Music Contributor
Music from the Used Record Bin
Check out other records in the used bin HERE
Chiodos – All’s Well that Ends Well
January 11, 2010
Somewhere between The Mars Volta and Saosin, there's a breed of bands that combine true musicality with the predictability of heart-core. Chiodos embraces both of those elements and dances with them well. They stay away from ridiculously "deep" lyrics for the most part and tend to just keep it simple allowing the instruments to do the dirty work. The music is complicated with intertwining maniacal drums, frantic guitars and far from sane keyboard parts. It’s not for the faint of heart, rather the die-hard experimentalist looking for something new to boggle their mind with.
Captain Morgan
Big Wheel Music Contributor
Music from the Used Record Bin
Check out other records in the used bin HERE
The Descendents – Cool to be You
January 11, 2010
Cool to Be You is the last “official” full length release by the Descendents, and their overall sound has matured while still maintaining their signature skate Punk with “Mass Nerder". However, with age and maturity does not make a good Punk rock album make (see The Offspring for example). There are some decent songs however; " 'Merican" is actually my personal favorite and "Dog and Pony Show" is pretty good too. Pretty good background music, you can nod your head to it; but for the most part just let her lie.
Captain Morgan
Big Wheel Music Contributor
Music from the Used Record Bin
Check out other records in the used bin HERE
A Dozen Furies – A Concept from Fire
January 10, 2010
If it weren’t for the MTV show "Battle for Ozzfest" this band would never have been noticed. They're, for the most part, stereotypical metalcore headbangers with a distinct nod to traditional hardcore. The singer is average at best and the guitar work is just ok. Song titles are intriguing however, "An Idea and some Rope" or "Nightmare of a Martyr". All in all, unless it’s selling for less than 4 bucks, it’s not really worth your time. Sorry guys, better luck next time.
Captain Morgan
Big Wheel Music Contributor
Music from the Used Record Bin
Check out other records in the used bin HERE
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