Monday, December 16, 2002
Christmas by Low
Everybody's favorite band from Duluth takes on Christmas in their own quirky style. Starting off surprisingly up tempo they jingle through "Just Like Christmas." After that things become more what one expects from the band who plays everything slowly. A somber reflection on the journey of the Magi in "Long Way Aound the Sea" is followed by a fuzzy rendition of "Little Drummer Boy." Returning to original material they wonder what would happen "If You Were Born Today" concluding, "we'd kill you by age eight." Throughout, Low, offers their own sly perspective on Christmas, from the whistfulness of taking down the tree, to deep, spiritual engagement. The final song closes with the lyrics, "After we've spent all the money, on nieces and nephews, and a couple of friends, there'll be just enough left for one special gift.....for one special guest."
posted by Jeremy Keillor at 2:55 PM
The Darkest Night of the Year by Over The Rhine
I recently gave this album to a friend describing it as "the sexiest Christmas Album of all time." Maybe not what everyone is looking for in a Christmas disc, but there's something deeply sensual about these dark, somber arrangements of classic carols and originals. Ultimately it represents the antithesis of the shopping mall muzak so often associated with Christmas. And Linford's essay in the liner notes about the church Christmas pageants of his childhood is a beautiful companion to a delightful album.
posted by Jeremy Keillor at 2:35 PM
Wednesday, December 11, 2002
Divine Discontent by Sixpence None the Richer
It’s been literally five years since Sixpence came out with their last CD, the self-titled album that included the chart-topping hits “Kiss Me” and “There She Goes.” Their last album expressed the frustration of dealing with money-hungry record companies, and guess who you can thank for Divine Discontent’s delay? The album seems to lack a mega-single like “Kiss Me,” but it does have another cover song gem with “Hey Now.” Over all, the album is full of the melody and rich instrumentation you’d expect from Sixpence. They lyrics are thoughtful and introspective. Divine Discontent is everything Christian music should be and isn’t.
posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 3:35 PM
Come Away with Me by Norah Jones
The smooth jazzy single “Don’t Know Why” has made a mark on the radio simply by being different. It’s a high quality album and Jones has a voice reminiscent of all things jazz. Perhaps if radio ventured out on a limb more often and played something outside the usual confines of genre Jones wouldn’t seem so refreshing. But they don’t, so Jones is a breath of fresh air.
posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 3:34 PM
Monday, November 11, 2002
The Best of 1990-2000 by U2
The biggest rock band in the world just released their second greatest hits album, a compilation of songs from 1990-2000. These are the years of experimentation and mistrust, when the band lost their youthful idealism and began to show a darker side. It’s also the time when they began experimenting with techno music, fusing disco beats and rock ‘n roll. It's definitely not the U2 of the 1980s, but it’s definitely cool. Overall, this CD is a decent introduction to their work from the 1990s, but it is lacking. Several key songs are missing, and the inclusion of a few songs will leave you scratching your head. It includes two new songs (from 2002, not exactly within the time frame of the title) and a few remixes of old songs. The CD also comes as a 2-disc set with the B-sides from the 1990s. This is a collection of b-sides and remixes for the fanatical U2 fan. And if you buy the project early you can get a free DVD thrown in as well. It includes a live video of “Please” from the Pop Mart tour, a video of “Beautiful Day” filmed in France, a trailer to the upcoming Best of DVD, and a “History Mix,” which features footage from the 1990s.
posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 7:57 PM
Last One Picked by Superchick
Last year they came screaming on the scene with an incredible debut. It had fresh sounds, witty lyrics and it found itself in 40 different TV and movie placements, like Gilmore Girls and Legally Blonde. Now Superchick is back with their sophomore debut, and it’s just as good. The lyrics delve into the issues that teens struggle with, like being accepted or trying to live up to the cover of Seventeen. The sound is a little more punk, but just as fun. They even threw in an impressive piano ballad. Check it out.
posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 7:47 PM
Saturday, October 26, 2002
Hi-Fi Revival by the Supertones
After a few so-so albums searching for that successful post-ska formula the Supertones have finally found it. Hi-Fi Revival is a mix of rock, punk and a softer version of the rap-rock hybrid, with some brass thrown in for good measure. The album is solid and the production is tight. Definitely worth a listen, especially if you haven’t liked the Supertones’ last fast few albums.
posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 9:39 AM
Friday, September 06, 2002
Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys
A departure from their earlier surf-rock, Brian Wilson, the creative genius behind The Beach Boys, turned inward and created an album as simple, direct, and beautiful as any made in the last half-century. From the wistful "Wouldn't It Be Nice" to the melancholy "Sloop John B" and "God Only Knows," this is an album for the casual music fan and the hard-core music analyst.
posted by timothy paul yenter at 10:08 PM
Friday, August 30, 2002
Midnite Vultures by Beck
There may be no artist today as creative, inventive, and genre-defying as Beck. Although his greatest radio success was with songs from Odelay, Mutations was a better conceived and impeccably accomplished album, and Midnite Vultures was a further leap beyond that. It is simultaneously the perfect party album and a masterpiece that music fans can spend hours dissecting, investigating, and mining for the nuggets of golden song-writing hidden in the lyrical whimsy and melodic dance-ability. One has to go back to Sgt. Pepper-era Beatles to find a comparison. A must-have.
posted by timothy paul yenter at 9:32 PM
Monday, August 05, 2002
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot by Wilco
This is my first encounter with Wilco, and on the merits of this album I have decided to award them a prominent place in my musical pantheon. Starting with the haunting "I am trying to break your heart" the band traces an eclectic path passing through dissonant intros and a few alt. country inspired tracks. Here and there you uncover hints of Radiohead and Ben Folds along with a whole host of others. Lyrically I wonder what is meant by the line "I assassin down the avenue" but on the whole, Jeff Tweedy's lyrics succeed in combining words in unique and strangely meaningful ways.
posted by Jeremy Keillor at 6:36 PM
Thursday, July 11, 2002
Let Go by Avril Lavigne
Yet another 17-year-old with a record contract. But believe it or not, this one actually has a voice of her own. Avril Lavigne is a punk rocker. She writes her own songs, plays guitar, and would rather jump around stage and skateboard with the boys than bounce her way through choreographed dance moves and sell Pepsi. She has a pop-punk sound that's been heavily polished in places to make her sound more like her choreographed contemporaries, but the rough punk rawk sound wins out and it's glorious.
posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 9:17 PM
Monday, May 13, 2002
Blood Money by Tom Waits
Absolutely Tom Waits with the rambling calliope sound and his trademarked vocal growl. Lyrically rather bleak, the album opens with "Misery Is the River of the World" and "Everything Goes to Hell." Musically Blood Money combines the slower pacing of Closing Time with the harsher sounds of Rain Dogs. If you're a fan, grab this album; if you're not, leave it on the shelf; and if you haven't heard Waits before, well, if you prefer Dylan to Simon and Garfunkel this album's for you.
posted by Jeremy Keillor at 12:35 PM
Friday, May 03, 2002
100% Fun by Matthew Sweet
Contrary to the title, this album is one of Sweet's darker productions. A master of songwriting, Sweet's folk-rock tunes grow on the listener a little more each time through. A very rewarding buy.
posted by timothy paul yenter at 10:23 AM
Monday, April 01, 2002
Control by Pedro the Lion
Lyrically this is the edgiest CD by a "Christian" band. Ten songs tell of a marriage gone wrong. Always the enemy of easy answers David Bazan leaves the listener with the lines, "wouldn't it be wonderful if everything were meaningless but everything is so meaningful and most everything turns to s***" Musically there is a tougher rock sound with hints of punk on a couple songs. My opinion: get this album.
posted by Jeremy Keillor at 1:54 PM
Wednesday, February 27, 2002
Loaded by The Velvet Underground
Okay, okay. So I'm about 35 years late for the whole Velvet Underground bandwagon. But, wow, did they make great music. Loaded was their last studio album, and by this time Lou Reed was producing as well as writing for the band. Each of these songs is a lesson in how to write great music, from the false happiness of "Who Loves the Sun" to the bluesy jam session "Oh! Sweet Nuthin'". A must-have for a serious rock-and-roll collection.
posted by timothy paul yenter at 9:51 AM
Saturday, February 02, 2002
The Ultimate Collection by The Temptations
The Ultimate Collection series offers a great selection of the original versions of songs by artists from the last 50 years. The Jackson 5 collection spent months in my car, and now The Temptations' collection - the best of the Motown artists - has become the perfect Saturday album. Sexy, smooth, soulful - these guys could sing like no one else, and their mid-60s tunes rank among the best songs ever recorded.
posted by timothy paul yenter at 1:40 PM
Thursday, January 31, 2002
Lost and Gone Forever by Guster
This three-man band boasts a unique sound of acoustic guitar and hand percussion. The earthy sound is light and refreshing, with harmonies and melodies that lift each song. The skillful production of Steve Lillywhite keeps the entire CD interesting. These guys are worth checking out.
posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 8:55 PM
Wednesday, January 30, 2002
Come Together by Third Day
Third Day is doing absolutely nothing new in this album. However, if you liked any of their previous albums, you're pretty much guaranteed to like this one. If you haven't liked their previous music, don't bother taking a look at this one.
posted by Neal T Redman at 10:14 AM
Untitled by The Benjamin Gate
If you don't enjoy a grittier rock sound, this album is not for you. However, the Benjamin's Gate combination of rock and techno/electronica make this a very interesting record to listen to. Also, the lyrics and singing convey a passion and depth of feeling not often heard in music these days (including Christian music), making this one worth checking out.
posted by Neal T Redman at 10:12 AM
White Ladder by David Gray
While songs from White Ladder have definitely been overplayed on the radio, this is an album with songs that are enjoyable to listen to no matter how many times you've heard them. Through the use of simple percussion beats, guitar, and piano melodies, Gray creates a distinct sound that I like immensely. However, David Gray's unique voice has been known to annoy a few people, so make sure you like it before you buy this album.
posted by Neal T Redman at 9:28 AM
Parachutes by Coldplay
Parachutes is one of those rare music experiences where every song is perfect. Coldplay matches beautiful guitar melodies and piano ballads to make a sonic experience everyone should have. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about this album, which is saying a lot for a sarcastic 20-something. The only person that would not like this album is someone who listens exclusively to hard rock or rap. If you're not one of them, you'll love it.
posted by Neal T Redman at 9:20 AM
Wednesday, January 23, 2002
7 by U2
7 is a collection of seven (how clever) b-sides and remixes from All That You Can't Leave Behind, released exclusively at Target. Before you rush out to buy this disc, it helps to remember that b-sides are b-sides because they didn't make it on the album. They're usually a little rough around the edges, but like most U2 they're still pretty good. Four remixes from All That You Can't Leave Behind finish out 7, the best of which is the single version of 'Walk On' that ends with a chorus of hallelujah's. 7 is for the U2 fan in need of a fix, and if you're not a hardcore U2 fan, you'll live without it.
posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 7:49 AM
Friday, January 04, 2002
Rock Steady by No Doubt
This album is a crafty amalgamation of styles, sounds, grooves, producers, and guest artists. It's a long way from No Doubt's earlier ska sound, but at this point it's time to come to grips with the fact that they've grown musically and aren't going back. Rock Steady is instead laced with hip hop, dance grooves, funk, and reggae. It plays fun and loose, and the only downside may be the repetitiveness. On the lyrical side it's not incredibly deep, mainly dipping into those so-often ignored topics of sex and relationships.
posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 7:59 AM
Thursday, December 13, 2001
Bleed American by Jimmy Eat World
Modern rock with attitude, edge, and introspective, hopeful lyrics. They know when to hit hard and heavy, and they know when to lay back and let the music build slowly. It’s well-produced and still has plenty of attitude. This is a disc worth checking out.
posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 7:48 PM
Sunday, December 09, 2001
Electric Boogaloo by Five Iron Frenzy
The Denver-based band is back with their newest album ever, and you might be in for a surprise. They've left the off-beats of third wave ska behind for the greener pastures of musical diversity. If you're looking for another FIF CD of skankin' hits, this isn't it. After the shock wears off, you'll find another album of passionate lyrics set to passionate music. Of course they don't leave their character craziness behind: they start the album with a cut titled 'Pre-Ex-Girlfriend.' It's a bold step for Five Iron that will leave many skankin' fans upset, but one that will also pull in many new fans.
posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 8:55 PM
Thursday, December 06, 2001
Momentum by Toby Mac
The final solo venture from one-third of dc Talk, and by far the best. Aggressive and eclectic, it spans the confines of urban hip-hop with some well polished hits that stick in your head. If you buy one CD this year, this is it.
posted by Kevin D. Hendricks at 9:59 PM
