Titus Andronicus

Titus Andronicus - The Monitor

Holy... Living... Fuck... If not the album of the year, The Monitor is definitely in the Top 5. Following up their solid debut (2009's The Airing of Grievances), Titus Andronicus' sophomore effort was creating a very ruckus, and ambitious concept album about the Civil War. A concept about as crazy as making an album about Anne Frank. The former concept was made into one of the finest indie albums ever recorded and the latter... well time will tell its place in history, but, fuck, if it isn't great right now. Using segments of speeches from Abe Lincoln, Walt Whitman, and references to the epic battle between the ironclads ("The Battle of Hampton Roads'), Titus Andronicus have created an utterly unique allegory about the perils and downtroddenness of living in New Jersey. Despite all of it's high-falutin' ideas, The Monitor cannot hide the fact that it is one kick ass rock album, which is hard enough to accomplish in these days. To fully understanding of the epicness of The Monitor, listen to it at an extremely obscene volume, with drunken friends, and morally ambiguous amounts of whiskey. In other words, buy it now and thank me later.

Grade: A

Owen Pallett

Owen Pallett - Heartland

Heartland is the first album Owen Pallett has released under his own name (he was previously Final Fantasy, until Squaresoft put the kibosh on that) has a reputation for his sonically complex live performances with just his violin, a loop pedal, and a really good singing voice. Think Andrew Bird without the whistling and a huge flare for dramatics. Anyways, Heartland sounds and plays like a mini-rock opera except really good. Utilizing the Czech Symphony Orchestra, as everyone seems to do these days, Pallett has outdone himself, composing wildly orchestrated songs that are engaging to listen to, but a little to over-the-top sometimes. Those moments are easy to roll your eyes at and move on, because when Heartland nails it, it is a thing of beauty.

Side note: I cannot wait to see Owen Pallett open up for the National in October! A post-show blog will follow.

Grade: B+

The National

The National - High Violet

I am a huge fan of the National. They first wow-ed me with Alligator and The Boxer is an unbelievable follow-up (even though it is a bit of a grower), so needless to say I was a little excited when High Violet was released. Snarky, downtrodden lyrics about fights, and the fear and nervousness about being a new father, High Violet runs the gamut of sadness. The National do this better than anybody in the industry and High Violet is no exception. My only knock (and not a big one) is that the album is, again a "grower". It took me three listens for the album to go from good to stellar. I do not need instant gratification from listening to an album, but it does not hurt. The real gem of High Violet is at the midway point of the album. "Bloodbuzz Ohio". A dense song that piles on a heavy, churning melody with driving keyboards, tight rhythm section, all overlain with Berninger's baritone voice, and you have not only the quintessential National song, but the makings of an indie epic.

Grade: A-

Ty Segall

Ty Segall - Melted

I walked in to Luna Music on Friday (greatest music store of all time) and was instantly struct by the song being blasted in the store. That song was "Girlfriend" from Ty Segall's album Melted. Add one part Beck, one part Strokes, one part late-Beatles era John Lennon, a shitload of distortion and feedback, add even more fuzz in the production process, and punk sensibilities and you have one of the best albums of the year, so far. Needless to say I purchased it immediately. Melted holds up to its name because that is exactly what it does to your face. The only oddity on the album is a song called "Mike's Coke", in which Segall asks you to drink Coca-Cola with him. Over and over again. It is not bad, just really fucking weird and only lasts a little over a minute. Other than that, this album is a slice of fried gold.

Grade: A

Beach House

Beach House - Teen Dream

I have to admit, I had not heard anything by Beach House before Teen Dream. I am now very embarrassed. Teen Dream is a near flawless album. I am not over-exaggerating when I say this. Teen Dream is all about establishing mood and atmosphere, and Beach House does it as well as anyone. "Walk in the Park" illustrates why Teen Dream works so well. This stand-out track is the dreamiest of the dreamy songs on this album. "Walk in the Park" has you floating through outer space with its tinkling synths and lush, yet distorted vocals. It is music robots would make out to. From the great opener "Zebra", to the warped synth of "Norway", Beach House has you experiencing love, outer space style; and it is a feeling I could really get to.

Grade: A

New Reviews

Bear with me people. I have a ton of new music to get through and will have new reviews for Joanna Newsom, Shearwater, Lightspeed Champion, Titus Andronicus, Owen Pallet, Surfer Blood, and Zeus (just to name a few). Hopefully, I can crank these out and let the masses know what goodness awaits.

Local Natives

Local Natives - Gorilla Manor

Gorilla Manor is the debut album from new indie buzz band, Local Natives. Bringing in a blend of Jump Little Children and Fleet Foxes, this LA band can really, really sing and harmonize well. With the 1-2-3 punch of opening tracks "Wide Eyes", "Airplanes", and "Sun Hands", these guys had me completely hooked, which made for what happened next very disappointing. Like most albums released today it is very top-heavy, and sadly the album quickly peetered out and started slogging along with forgetable and completely interchangable songs. Not until the final two tracks, "Stranger Things" and "Sticky Thread" do Local Natives get back to some of the magic they created with the opening tracks. Gorilla Manor (ridiculous name, by the way) is a decent enough album and Local Natives do show a lot of potential. Once these guys find their sound, they will produce some great songs.

Grade: B-

Vampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend - Contra

Hype surrounding Vampire Weekend’s sophomore effort, Contra, has been almost as big as their self-titled debut. Most bands would crumble under the weight of such lofty expectations, but the New York-based quartet delivers on all levels. While not having the frantic energy of their debut (with the exception of standout “Cousins”), Contra displays Vampire Weekend expanding their sound a little more. Contra still sounds like Graceland-era Paul Simon, but they add little things like a bit of synth and going T-Pain (or Cher, take your pick) on “California English”. Trust me; it is not annoying like it sounds. Overall, Contra is a great follow-up to an already outstanding early career for Vampire Weekend. I can’t wait for the next one.

Grade: A-