Band: Real Estate
Release: 2009

1. “Beach Comber” – 9.5
2. “Pool Swimmers” – 8.7
3. “Suburban Dogs” – 8.3
4. “Black Lake” – 8.8
5. “Atlantic City” – 8.8
6. “Fake Blues” – 9.2
7. “Green River” – 9.4
8. “Suburban Beverage” – 9.3
9. “Let’s Rock The Beach” – 9.3
10. “Snow Days” – 9.4

Comments: For all you Boston area folk the best I can do in describing Real Estate is to say I hear Faces on Film. Real Estate is less minimalistic, heavier, and generally more accessible than Faces to the non “zomg I <3 folk” diehards of the world. I also hear a little Built to Spill here and there and I might as well throw in Cotton Jones as a similar band as well. I’m not going nuts over this album, but it doesn’t lack in the chill department. It’s soothing, depressing, and exciting. I like hearing songs called “Atlantic City” that remind me of the old boardwalk and the feel-good resort casino atmosphere. Speaking of feel-good, how can the “Fake Blues” riff not make someone smile?  “Green River” is almost a perfect tune for this time of year. It’s sad in a way, at least for me, because it reminds me of opportunities missed. The instrumentals make the latter part of this album. Just awesome stuff.

Grade: 9.1