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Classic CD Reviews: KK + His Shrines

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Title:  Three Hairs And You’re Mine
Release: 2001
Label: Voodoo Rhythm

1. “Three Hairs and You’re  Mine” – A
2. “Kukamonga Boogaloo” – A
3. “Don’t Walk Away Mad” – A
4. “Fool Like Me” – A+
5. “Saba Lou” – A
6. “King of the Jungle” – A+
7. “Live Fast Die Strong” – A+
8. “Que Lindo Sueno” – A
9. “Tell Me” – A
10. “Cracking Up” – A+
11. “The Mashed Potato Itch” – A+
12. “Shivers Down My Spine” – A

Comments: This is a sneak peek into what the Supreme Genius was up to when the Shrines was just an infantile big band. At least on record, these guys sound like a seasoned band, not a two year old independent outfit on a no-name label. The energy is off the chart, which is to be expected from Khan. At the time of this release he was just in his early twenties; pretty quickly after performing in a prolifically “frenetic” Canadian punk outfit called Spaceshits. On this record, Khan adds a mere teaspoon of garage punk to a clan of foreign soul/blues obsessed foreigners. This album consists of a number of tracks that later appeared on the Vice Records released greatest hits collection: most of  “Side B” and “Fool Like Me,” a poised love song ditty. “Saba Lou” is interesting. That’s because Khan has a daughter named “Saba Lou,” but was she even in born at the time of recording? I wouldn’t necessarily call this release a thing of absolute beauty (it’s close), but it’s definitely typical Shrines. Rock ‘n soul. You’ll be smiling for days after listening to this. It does serve as a decent confidence booster and a slight euphoric enhancer.

Grade: A (95)

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Title: Mr. Supernatural
Release: 2004
Label: Hazelwood Records

1. “On The Street Where I Live” – B+
2. “Mr. Supernatural” – B+
3. “Destroyer” – A-
4. “On A Brass Bed (In Paradise) – B+
5. “Pickin’ Up The Trash” – A-
6. “Stone Soup” – B+
7. “Lovesick” – B+
8. “Train No 8” – B
9. “Chatter” – N/A
10. “I Don’t Have To Tell You”  – A-
11. “Shattered” – B-
12. “Burnin’ Inside” – A+

Comments: Initially, this record is a bit of a forced effort it seems. It seems like the band’s crazy experimental factor has been reduced and the music has returned more to its roots. It’s still fun, don’t get me wrong. Even a “great hit” like “Destroyer” is a lackluster (compared to other magnificent songs) until the groovy as heck interlude “GOOD BAD UGLY…DESTROYER!” So in this respect, it’s noticeably weaker (but chiller, if that’s your thing) than probably every other KK + Shrines released. The innate catchiness just isn’t there. It’s more like a soul aficionados’ wet dream.

Final Grade: B+ (88)

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CD Review: Odd Blood (2010)

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Band: Yeasayer
Release: 2010
Label: Secretly Canadian

1. “The Children” – C-
2. “Ambling Alp” – A+
3. “Madder Red” – B+
4. “I Remember” – B
5. “ONE” – A-
6. “Love Me Girl” – C-
7. “Rome” – C
8. “Strange Reunions” – C+
9. “Mondegreen” – C+
10. “Grizelda” – B+

Comments: Sometimes robotic electronic noises can be annoying. That’s the case on the first song. It’s a stark contrast from the upbeat positively spun “Ambling Alp,” which is undeniably an instant classic, albeit a little cheesy. “Stick up for yourself, son” really Yeasayer, really? Whatever man. I really dig the pseudo neo-soul that begins “And those thunder clouds…” It reminds me of OutKast. I’m a bit unfazed with the next tune. There are some sweets licks and catchy sequences, but it starts out a bit slow. “I Remember” has a good beat. “ONE” is wanna-be Peter Bjorn and John Living Thing (meets Julian Casablancas) material, except a bit more psychedelic and outer worldly. I don’t hate it. What’s up with the Justin Timberlake-esque stuff on “Love Me Girl.” It’s got the title and chops to fit on a JT collection. It takes guts to name a song after a great song by Phoenix (Rome). Especially when your version is many times worse than the original.

Grade: B- (81)

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Classic CD Review: Hind Hind Legs

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Band: Lovely Feathers
Label: Equator
Release: 2006

1. “Pope John Paul” – A+
2. “In the Valley” – A+
3.  “I Really Like You” – A
4. “Frantic” – A+
5. “Wrong Choice” – A+
6. “Mildly Decorated” – A+
7. “Photocorners” – A+
8. “The Only Appalachian” – A
9. “Ooh You Shocked Me” – A
10. “E Man Sorrow” – A+
11. “Rod Stewart” – A++
12.  “Breakfast Cake” – A+
13. “Lion Eats The Wildebeest” – A+

Comments: Talk about a fun album! Lovely Feathers are overflowing with energy and power-pop charisma. It’s sort of synth-pop meets straight up garage-pop. A fun combination! Although it looks like I am worshiping this album or what have you, I am not. It’s damn good, though. If I was doing a normal review for this, it’d probably end up as a best album of the year candidate, not to mention one of the best albums of the decade. There is nothing epic about this one. What you hear is what you get. Fast, quirky, pseudo-dance numbers. “Rod Stewart” sort of exemplifies the spirit of this album. Heavy and catchy. Unfortunately, haters might decline to take this album seriously. That’s unfortunate for them, because sometimes sappy is much needed in music. Most of the tracks on here are multi-layered. So inevitably some parts are catchier and better than others. But I tell you that the catchy parts are really really really catchy.

Final Grade: 96 (A)

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Classic CD Review: The Libertines

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Band: The Libertines
Release: 2004
Label: Rough Trade

1. “Can’t Stand Me Now” – A+
2. “Last Post on the Bugle” – B+
3. “Don’t Be Shy” – B
4. “The Man Who Would Be King” – A-
5. “Music When The Lights Go Out” – A-
6. “Narcissist” – A
7. “The Ha Ha Wall” – B
8. “Albeit Macht Frei” – B+
9. “Campaign of Hate” – B-
10. “What Katie Did Next” – A
11. “Tomblands” – A
12. “The Saga” – B
13. “Read to Ruin” – A
14. “What Became of the Likely Lads” – A+

Comments: Our band could be your life. For a short period of time, this band was my life. Well, not quite, but I regarded them as my favorite of all time. “Can’t Stand Me Now” was quite the anthem for me, with just enough post-punk and garage pizazz. Sidenote: I’d love to see this band live and it just might be possible. At least a few credible sources have it that the ‘Tines will fully re-unite for the first time in six years in 2010. This record isn’t the band’s best because, principally, it lacks flow and direction. There are some real gems to be found, but a good chunk of these tunes aren’t really memorable. For Pete’s sake (pun intended), Grace/Wastelands kicks this album’s ass. Speaking of album closers and such, “What Became”  is among my favorites. It’s arguably the best song on here.

Final Grade: A- (90)

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Classic CD Review: Funeral

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Band: Arcade Fire
Release: 2004
Label: Merge

1. “Neighborhood  #1 (Tunnels)” – A+
2. “Neighborhood #2 (Laika) – A+
3. “Une Annee Sans Lumiere” – A-
4. “Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)” – A-
5. “Neighborhood #4 (7 Kettles)” – A
6. “Crown of Love” – A+
7. “Wake Up” – A+
8. “Haiti” – A++
9. “Rebellion (Lies)” – A++
10. “In the Backseat” – A

Comments: As the good man Matt alluded to a few posts back , this is truly a beautiful record. It does have tear-jerking attributes as well as uplifting pump-your-fists kind of moments. There isn’t much to critique, though I’d opine that some tracks definitely have more of an epic factor than others. Take “Crown of Love,” for instance. I don’t know whether to feel happy or sad. It’s like one of those feelings you get when you feel like you are going to pull through, yet you still feel a shitload of remorse. I guess that’s the best quality of this album: you can connect with it in a plethora of ways. I’m not good at interpreting songs from a lyrical point of view (at least the first time around), so I can’t comment too much on what’s actually going on during these ditties. It’s something amazing, though. Don’t know about your thoughts, but the transition from “Crown” to “Wake Up” is fucking incredible. You know the little old school jitter-and-jive on “Wake Up” gets me every time. It’s so random, yet so fitting. I’m going to wager “Haiti” to be my favorite song on here. It’s just about perfect. Not quite there, but just about. Ask your average AF fan, and they’ll probably say “Rebellion” is their flava-fave and it’s damn great, don’t get me wrong. In fact, it’s probably the most epic song of all time. Or something like that.

Final Grade: A (96)

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Why Top 5?

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1) Black Lips- Los Valientes Del Mundo Nuevo (2007, Vice)-
“This is going to be the best live record of all time!” I couldn’t agree more with you Jared. The album begins with the perennial shouting “ohhhh,” then we are held in suspicion as some Mexican dude is rapidly shouting something in Spanish, which culminates to him shrieking “THE BLACK LIPS!” Then we get strapped in for the roller coaster that is “MIA.” Next we float around like Boomerangs until we slide down the “Sea of Blasphemy.” More classics follow, including “Stranger,” “Not A Problem,” “Hippie, Hippie Hoorah,” and others. Particularly, for me the tracks “Fairy Stories” and “Dirty Hands” always get me going. FS is a great dancing number and is the closest the Lips get to a Beatles song. I love how lyrically this song is sooo menacing: “My daddy has a gun, it’s not a toy, but it’s loads of fun!” and yet musically, it’s completely joyous. DH is one of the best sing a longs ever, perfect for campfires. Lastly, the group finishes with their signature song (if they have one) “Juvenile.” Every track is a classic and this is the closest you get to the live experience on a Black Lips album. As with their shows, on this record there is never a dull moment.

2) Jay Reatard- Matador Singles ’08 (2008, Matador)-
This was the first Jay Reatard album I ever heard; prior to hearing this record, I knew very little of Jay’s music. I had seen some youtube videos, but that wasn’t enough. Even seeing him live, didn’t shake me. So, I tossed on this compilation and I was blown away at how catchy these songs were. I know most people will disagree with me, but this is seriously one of the greatest pop records of all times. These motherfuckers stick to your brain! The repetitious vocals, the simple guitars, memorable lyrics. it’s all here. Favorites include “See/ Saw,” “Screaming Hand,” “An Ugly Death,” “Always Wanting More,” “Trapped Here,” “I’m Watching You,” amongst others. Two tracks in particular should be noted: “No Time” and “You Were Sleeping.” These softies are incredible. Sure, they are probably the wimpiest diddies Reatard has ever had the courage to release to his garage punk aficionado fans, but that’s what makes this LP a classic.

3) The King Khan & BBQ Show- What’s For Dinner? (2006, In the Red)-
Baayyyy Beee Why Don’t You Lie like Rolling Stone magazine when they didn’t include this masterpiece amongst their bests of the decade lol. Seriously though, if you are looking for fun filled old school rock n roll, doo wop, garage punk numbers, this is your album. Unlike their garage rock revival counterparts, the Black Lips and Jay Reatard, the KKBBQS, both lyrically and musically is all about the good old times when kids were kids and danced their ass off with the Zombies at the hop. This LP includes numerous classics: you have the great doo woppy sensitive pop numbers in “I’ll Never Belong,” “Into the Snow,” and “Why Don’t You Lie?” Then you have your fast rockers with “Treat Me Like a Dog,” “Zombies,” and “Dock It#8.” And then there’s the in-betweens. Specifically, “Too Much In Love” is my favorite tune and is soo damn catchy. I could complain more about the severe lack of recognition this LP and this band in general does not receive, but then again , I DON’T GIVE A FUCK!

4) Jay Reatard- Blood Visions (2006, In the Red)-
So, you name your debut Blood Visions and the cover is you naked covered in (real) blood; does it get more badass than that? I hope not! You don’t even need to listen to this album to know what it is about. Just look at the cover. It’s a portrait of a man, who is giving you his internal emotions in his music, he’s not hiding anything from we, creeps. In this sense, there’s plenty of vulnerability in his music, but it never gets the best of him. To this day, his set lists comprise mostly (or at least a good chunk) of BV songs and it’s not hard to see why with such essential, vintage Reatard: “Blood Visions,” “It’s So Easy,” “My Shadow,” “Nightmares,” “Fading All Away,” “Waiting For Something,” and others. It’s a pop classic, it’s a punk classic, but it’s not pop punk lol. Great, unpolished, garagey production. Just the way I like it.

5) Jay Reatard- Singles ’06-’07 (2008, In the Red)-
Ok, I’ve sucked enough Reatard and Garage Rock dick like Rolling Stone gives Radio head. So, I’m going to make this short and sweet. More classic, essential singles and new acoustic, low fi versions of old favorites, as well as some of Jay’s best love/pop songs: “I Know A Place,” “Don’t Let Him Come Back,” “It’s So Useless,” “Let It All Go.”

Chris

Entertainment, EP Review, Music

EP Review: Behave Yourself (2010)

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Band: Cold War Kids
Release: 2010
Label: Downtown/Universal

1. “Audience of One” – A+
2. “Coffee Spoon” – B+
3. “Santa Ana Winds” – A
4. “Sermons” – A+
5. “Baby Boy” – N/A

Comments: “Audience of One” is pretty damn slick. The bridge is absolutely fantastic, but in general it’s a great song. “Coffee Spoon” is pretty chill with a neat drum sequence, but it’s nothing worth going crazy over. “Santa Ana Winds” is reminiscent of “Audience of One” in terms of what it has: a great flow and a great bridge. “Sermons” is the foremost soul/gospel number on this EP and is quite addicting. I didn’t really want to assign “Baby Boy” a grade because it’s over before it is started and is three sentences long. This probably will turn out to be one of my favorite EPs of 2010, but considering it’s Christmas Day 2009, it’s still early.

Final Grade: A (94)

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CD Review: Sisterworld (2010)

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Band: Liars
Release: 2010
Label: Mute

1. “Scissor” – C
2. “No Barrier Fun” – D+
3. “Here Comes All The People” – C
4. “Drip” – D+
5. “Scarecrows On A Killer Slant” – B-
6. “I Still Can See An Outside World” – C+
7. “Proud Evolution” – B
8. “Drop Dead” – B-
9. “The Overachievers” – B+
10. “Goodnight Everything” – C
11. “Too Much, Too Much” – B-

Comments: Based on what I’ve read about Liars, I was expecting something along the lines of No Age on this album. I hate the term “alternative rock,” but does this boil down to anything other than that? It’s the kind of freaky experimental rock that wouldn’t disappoint metal-heads or hard-rockers who appreciate sub-mainstream modern roll. I have more fun listening to Lady Gaga than this! But wait! After four miserable tunes, things brighten up for these folk who now call Berlin there home. They change-up their style from straight up eclectic to pop-eclectic (art rock). “Scarecrows” is a kind of ode to the noise-surf of Wavves. It still blows (a little bit), but it’s a very nice departure. “I Still” is the equivalent of aVeckatimest B-Side until some fuzzy noise enters. I can definitely see bitchfuck media raving about this album in the same way they did Veckatimest, perhaps hailing it as some major breakthrough experimental crossover in “chill-wave” or whatever the kids are going to call it in 20-10s since “chill-wave”  is soooo 2009. “Proud Evolution” is Liars’ best attempt at duplicating The Verve’s sound. It’s a corny repetitive ditty that is admittedly somewhat catchy thanks to it’s rock solid beat. You can only be so artsy before becoming too corny. I’ll give them props on “The Overachievers.” That’s a really catchy one. For freaks sake, they should just cut to the chase and open up with noise. Quit messing around!

Final Grade: C (76)

Entertainment, humor, Music

Black Lips Fan Boy!

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I saw you guys last night at Terminal 5, opening for the Raconeturs. With all due respect, you guys SUCKED. Seriously. I don’t usually go out of my way to criticize, and I try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, but in all honesty, your guys’ set may have been the most awful experience of my life.

Too much yelling, too much use of that stupid echo mic, too much sounding like the 4th place contestant at my high school battle of the bands. I actually boo’ed you guys but you were so loud and obnoxious that nobody else could hear it.

And another thing, when the lights come up, and the PA music starts playing, GET THE FUCK OFF STAGE. You are the shitty opening act, nobody wants to hear another shitty song from your repertoire.