Monday, November 19, 2007
So sorry for the lack of updates! It's been hectic the past month or so and I haven't been able to update and review new cds. Unfortunately our DJ meeting this Sunday was a bust with about 15 people showing up (out of atleast 70!! why?!?). So, here are the new cds of this month!:
The Owls - Daughters and Suns
Ween - La Cucaracha
Up up Down Down Left right left Right B a Start - Worst Band Name Ever
Nicole Atkins - Neptune City
Madison Project - I Am The target
Luna Hal0 - Luna Halo
Bela Karoli - Furnished Rooms
The Caribbean - Populations
Ready The Jet - New Record Highs
Brimstone Howl - Guts of Steel
Neil Young - Chrome Dreams II
Brad Laner - Neighbor Singing
Joe Lally - Nothing is Underrated
The Wagner Logic - Easiest to Grab
Kiss her For The kid - Prettier Than Me
Half Acre Day - Fourteen Trips Around The Sun
The Mary Onettes - The Mary Onettes
Saturday Looks Good To Me - F*** Up The Room
Georgie James - Places
Coconut Records - Nighttiming
Please keep these on the left side if you use them AND DON'T STEAL! Just bring your computer in and burn them, takes 5 minutes. So remember, keep these cds listed above on the top left side (paper divider tells you). 10 DIFFERENT ADDS PER SHOW! that means from 10 different cds, 10 different tracks. Thank you! Happy turkey week!
-Brandon
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
New Atlantic - The Streets The Sounds and The Love
Coming Soon
Monday, October 29, 2007
Nellie McKay - Obligatory Villagers
Nellie McKay's third and newest cd is very short, but full of her beautiful voice and witty compositions. This cd, she completely wrote and orchestrated all parts. She was very much so the composer. She continues her style of Broadway-esque music but while similar to Sufjan Stevens, is more orchestrated than Sufjan...
...Opening the cd is Mother of Pearl. It's got witty lyrics, a staple of hers, about females. It's a great sample into what the entire cd will be like. With the different random voices talking, and chorpophones (clapping etc.) while keeping her jazzy style. Which brings us to Oversure that slams you into her world with the brass chords. Here we are dipped into the song, and feel as if we are in a music. Then comes the verse followed by a "Pajama Game" style instrumental work. "Gin Rummy" to me is as close as she can get to her first cd Get Away From Me. It also has a great catchy chorus with its great melodic line of ooh's into almost a sitcom style theme song. "Identify Theft" has a caribbean feel to it, but continues to put her witty flare despite its happy summer time feeling. It's such a cute song on such satirical words. "Galleon" is a track in a modern style like Spamalots - Lancelot likes to dance a lot. Very upbeat, and even has an electric guitar in it and a sick saxophone solo in the middle on top of a groovy drum setting us into a disco coma. Then, the guitar takes over and if you listen carefully, Nellie McKay is actually singing the solo as well! While this is a great tune, my favorite is "Politan" with its Spanish feel, but very cool guest singers (not listed on wikipedia! OH NO!). Regardless, it's also one of the best jazz style songs on this cd. I think the sax solo proves so. The lyrics feel very intimate but as usual, they are satirical lyrics. One of the best tracks on the cd. "Testify" is exactly what you would think at this point, Nellie's take on southern gospel that is noticeable in the chorus that only grows each time. Before that, it has a gentle Simply Red, 90's alternative feel to it. "Zombie", a track no one has an idea what it really means. Very funny in its comical style but musically, so strong and intelligently done.
Overall, this cd is nothing more than Nellie McKay satisfying her personal needs writing what she loves regardless if anyone loves it. I love it, as its musically satisfying, jazzy, swingy, broadway-esque, and witty. While I suggest you listen to this if you like Sufjan Stevens songs "The Tallest Man the Broadest Shoulders" or "Come on! Feel The illinoise" as they are in the style of 50's band/broadway. Both are amazing composers, writers, and story tellers. Nellie McKay is said to be in works on her next album as well, and here's to hoping its another good one..
Tracks:
1: Mother Of Peal (2:10)
3: Gin Rummy (2:59)
5: Identity Theft (3:28)
6: Galleon (3:22)
7: Politan (4:18)
9: Zombie (5:56)
NYC Smoke - Musique Noir
NYC Smoke is a band I met at CMJ by accident, and so glad that I did. Without a doubt, they play amazingly well on stage and I hope on their next album they capture that sound and energy they gave off at the show I saw. This cd is pretty good, and while it won't make the top lists of the best of 2007, it is without a doubt a band I will be looking into and hoping that they will grow with support of a label as their sound is catchy, great and fun...
...speaking of fun the cd starts out with an jamming introduction done by Pearl Jam it seems, a gentle 90's rock feel to it. It then kicks into "Stay" the first real track. The guitar sound is snarling, but the keys float on top of it. When the words kick in at 1 min, you get hooked as the verse is amazing. So well done. The guitar starts and stops fit perfectly into the working of the verse. It is here we understand the movement of this piece, as it was stuck "staying" into its chords until broken up by the words and music. While there is a huge break in the piece, I wish it had more explosive drum rebound. Regardless, this track is catchy no doubt and a good introduction to NYC Smoke..
"I Can't Hardly Wait" stars like a Fleetwood Mac song (geez, I've done a lot of Fleetwood Mac referencing lately...new trend?). It pulls you in, and the chorus ooh-oohs just fit so well on top of it. It kinda has a Matt Pond PA feel to it, but different. I think it's Howie's (lead singers) voice that kinda resembles Matt Pond's lower sound. A definitely head swinging track but feels like it could use something more. At the same time, i feel as if it was appropriately done to get that I can't hardly wait feel until the very end where it breaks free.
"You Wear Your Sin" opens up almost like an old Queens Of The Stone Age guitar feel. It continues this feel as it drives like QOTSA's "Go With The Flow" as its driving guitar and drumming work it out.
"Use You" kinda has an Artic Monkey's "A Certain Romance" for the verse
One of my favorite tracks is "Heaven" as it has that good vibe you get from The Strokes and Arctic Monkeys (A Certain Romance). It's gotta be that awesome guitar sound they achieve that makes me revert to this all the time, but honestly its great! The guitar lick, is infectious as hell and gets stuck in your head. On of the better choruses as well and this track is definitely one of the standout songs. Also, a sick bridge at that to...
"Guilty" a slower track, but a good one at that. A gently acoustic guitar picks away and has nice keys plucking away over it. A great chord progression helps this song move a lot as it's very pleasing to the ear. The choruses contain the electric guitar, snarling away again but it's done tastefully and fits the song so.
"Give Me An Issue" is a great rock song in general. It has a good pounding guitar chord work and good verse. It even has a short guitar solo in the beginning thats great. The background vocals fit oh so nicely on this track as well. Kinda feels if the Donnas were serious about their rock as it drives so well, its hard to not ignore. Towards the end is the guitar solo we were looking for and had a tease of in the beginning. Pretty good stuff on this one, another favorite track.
"Man On Fire" is maybe the indie-esque track some are looking for, as it has a nice guitar sweeping feel, and glides along. The chorus part is also killer. It's a great pop chorus, and moves well. Great feel on this track and catchy as well!
"Secret Machines" contains a drum machine. WOO! Kinda has the drum machine sound of Tegan and Sara's "Are You Ten Years Ago" but disbands this feel after a minute and goes into a gentle song that has a Stars feel to it. The drums go back to a real kit and give a good gentle pulse to it. The vocals on this one are well done to. Good easy track no doubt.
"Bone, Blood and Cell" is the track that catches you. All around. What a great verse and chorus. This is the other standout track as its instrumentation makes it hard not to listen. A definite head swinger, but the vocals in this one is also fantastic. I really love the melody on this one, and the general vibe you get from it. They ride this train to the end of the song where it climaxes and perfectly transforms back to the catchy rhythm placed in the beginning.
...While not a killer album, its a good album at best. And from what I heard on their new tracks at CMJ, their new cd could possibly be that killer album that they need to put themselves more out there. They've got a good basis, catchy and their live performances are stellar. I'm hoping that this band sticks it out, and pulls through with their strengths (catchy choruses, strong guitar sound, great vocals) and carry up their weakness (not catchy that awesome live sound they had!!!). I promise you, watch out for this band, as their next CD will be all around fantastic and make them known.
The Mohawk Lodge - Wildfires
coming soon
Misfortune 500 - Before This Winter Ends
coming soon
Stars - In Our Bedroom After The War
So finally here is my delayed post on a fantastic album. Stars have become quite famous in the music world for their beautifully crafted LP Set Yourself Of Fire. That CD, defined for me a great year. It was beautiful from beginning to end. What topped it off, was that I saw them with Death Cab For Cutie at Lupo's, front row about 3 years ago (lucky right?) and now they headline their own shows. Glad they've made it (almost) as they are widely apart of Broken Social Scene and Canada's indie movement. Not to mention Torquil's side project Memphis or Amy Milan's solo career are also blooming as well. Enough about that, Stars album actually leaked back in June (around the 30th) and Arts & Craft , as well as the band, decided to let it be bought digitally immediately after the leak. Boy did it work. Finally someone got it right. Good thing to, because this album is another great chapter in Stars discography...
... we open up with an M83 style opening, that leads us right into the first single "The Night Starts Here". One of my favorite tracks, it starts as if a b-side of their Heart LP but about a little over a minute it kicks into an amazing bass beat tracked under excellent, well crafted drums. Amy's voice sounds just as sweet over it all and then the guitar and orchestra swell under Torque's verse. About 2 and a half minutes comes this great guitar riff. It's so driven along with everything else. It's absolutely a great track and a standard in describing Stars sound.
Next comes "Take Me To The Riot" that opens as if it was a U2's Bloody Sunday, but then we are brought back to the sweet vocals of Amy and Torquil (those blips in the beginning yeah?). The pre chorus also has a great hook that leads us into a great chorus. At the end it just gets more epic, truly another standout track.
One of the few tracks that really give Amy Milan's voice a chance to shine is "My Favourite Book". It is perfectly suited for her. It kinda has a Fleetwood Mac chorus to it, and kinda a Natalie Imbrulia (Torn? remember that tune?) emotional sound to it (All the ways you moveeee). Could just be the harmonizing on that section though... Regardless it has a great bridge and a sweet orchestral moment with snarling violins with steady vibrato.
"Midnight Coward" pulses like a march with its driven drums and bass line. The keys in this are outstanding (and mandolin!). They fit into this one perfectly. That's one thing I love about Stars, they can be very expansive in their instrumentation but it works so well. You can hear the upright piano, grand piano and electronica keys but it sounds great. Torquil also showcases his best vocal performance yet.
So the next track "The Ghost of Genova Heights" I thought was the intro to Michael Jackson's "I Wanna Rock with you". That snare just sounds so damn familiar. Anywho, this track is mostly Torquil and is a gentle sweet tune. Kinda disco-y after the chorus! and i love it! While not the best, it doesn't fill like a filler track at all. It ends beautifully like a Stars track should.
One of the most interesting tracks is "Personal". It has a sick guitar riff in the distant on delay/reverb bouncing around in background. A gentle piano, and gentle limited guitar notes provides a very touching track, which is indeed why its called "Personal". An interesting track about two strangers meeting and it keeps this tone throughout. Interesting, but a favorite for its artsy appeal connecting title with its feel.
"Barricade" is a good track for Torquil but feels to 80's for me because the chorus. It doesn't match the feel that the Stars generally have. It contains a riot chant in the middle and end which is interesting, but this is not a standout track in my opinion...
"Window Bird" starts with Amy Milan possibly singing the highest I've ever heard her. Sounds sweet, a bit straining but emotionally driven. The end is what really sells the song for me as it reminds me of "He Lied about Death" from their last cd. While slower that "He Lied About Death" it gets disjunct, dissonant but appropriately done.
"Bitches In Tokyo" grabs your intention with loud tom drumming but settles into a cymbal and snare hit. Then the chorus pulls you in with the shortest "song" on the album. A great track nonetheless and it carries itself well with the drumming and piano. The bridge rocks everything up with explosive drumming and some great keyboard work.
"Life 2: The Unhappy Ending" is a great track. One of Torquil's best yet. I just love the drumming and instrumentation for this track. From the xylophone's, orchestration, guitar, keyboards, and singing its all around one of the more impressive instrumentally done tracks. The drums in this are perfect for the song and is understandably one of the best tracks on the cd. Very well done lyrically and done perfectly as I would expect them to do with their lyrics.
"In Our Bedroom After The War" is the title track, and last song. So epic, its unbelievable. It's as if they took the whole storytelling thing to heart and in the end wrote a movie. It builds gently but strongly when it hits its climax. It feels like a big hoorah, and that the war is finally over and now rest and peace can be achieved. And at the end, the camera pans out to the ending, leaving us and satisfying us with a great record...
...A lot of people compare this cd with Set Yourself On Fire which isn't fair. Stars have grown a lot since then experiencing new things, solo and side band, and learning to grow. Lyrically, its as good as Set Yourself On Fire and instrumentally done just as well. I think people were expecting a charged cd like "What I'm Trying To Say" but i feel as though they've been juggling with writing well crafted songs in their "elegant pop" style. They have done this perfectly well as it almost feels as if its painted, just like the cd cover. A well done cd, and a cd they should be proud of because it showcases great growth and sign of a good direction. The next cd will no doubt be their best yet, as they have found their balance of their dance rock and elegant pop finally.
tracks:
2: The Night Stars Here
3: Take Me To The Riot
4: My Favourite Book
5: Midnight Coward
7: Personal
11: Life 2: The Unhappy Ending
13: In Our Bedroom After The War (6:47)
Sunday, October 28, 2007
The Most Serene Republic - Population
Another Arts and Crafts band from Canada is The Most Serene Republic. Fantastic band live that I saw at CMJ and even met the lead singer Adrian in the bathroom. Mostly, I greatly compare this band with its math indie rock style to Anathallo. They both use their instruments intelligently, and with a progressive indie style to it. oh, and there are trumpets...
... "Compliance" is a track I remember from the show and is also track 2 on the cd. I tried to figure out the meter for this song and couldn't do it. I have no idea how the drummer can keep whatever time signature he is using, when it seems so out of place or more likely unconventional, but everything soars comfortably on top of it. Musically, this song is top notch. Listening wise, its top notch. A great introduction into the world of The Most Serene Republic with great harmony and instrumental work. "The Men Who Live Upstairs" starts out kinda like Death Cab For Cutie's "this Is The New York" but changes the hard chords that appear in that song, to a full acoustic guitar sound, and beautiful harmonies (told ya i was sucker didn't i?). It builds up with drumming and violins strewn on top of it all. Gorgeous. "Present Of Future End" is one of those great songs, with a chanting chorus, and sweet vocal action going on. Another amazing track and the piano part is sick. The guitars on this track are perfectly woven together along with the vocals from Adrian and Emma. "A Mix of Sun and Cloud" ah, here it is, the trumpet with some sick jazz drumming. Perfect, not to mention i feel like I'm on a cruise ship, then brought into it's elevator with another fun jazz piano segment. Just a great instrumental song all around. "Why So Looking Back" is one of my favorite tunes with a great verse. It's constructed with a drummer that knows not only how to play, but that plays it like its a voiced instrument, following the vocalists. Of course, the hand clap helps you get stoked for the chorus and bridge. It also folds itself into a Sufjan Stevens ending of Chicago Multiple Personality version with its guitar trilling and piano floating a mist. "Sherry and Her Butterfly Net" builds itself on silence for about 30 seconds when the piano comes in (like Mae sounding stuff, beautiful) and then the wall of sound hits you a minute into it. I swear to you, this drummer is amazing. He knows what he's doing. The guitar lick in this is great to as it's placed perfectly, sounding as if it is struggling to break, then it does. Another standout track, as it keeps the upbeat quality and complexity."Solipsism Millionaires" has to be their most accessible song as it sounds like American Football when the verse kicks in. The pre-chorus is sick by the way. Best one on the cd. Also, one of the best tracks on the cd hands down. I can't put the right label on it, but it feels almost as if Coldplay smashed Editors together on the chorus. It's brilliant and should be their single... Next up is "Multiplication Desks" another standout track. Strong in every way possible, it grows and grows. This would be my 2nd favorite track. Vocals in low-fi, then explode 2 minutes in and doesn't stop. "Neurathenia" is the last track, starting off low-key and quiet then once again, becoming more than what it seems. This band just keeps impressing me with every track. Unfortunately its the last, and it ends rightfully slow, as an orchestration follows a piano and choir chant until all that is left, is the piano droning its notes.
This band, is epic no doubt. If I had to give one good description, it would be a wall of sound, but a wall made of clouds with sun rays bouncing through all the clouds and a perfect sun on top. It's an epically good wall of sound. The Most Serene Republic only shows a promise of growing with a never ending supply of great instrumentals, melodies, harmonies, and beautifulness. Let's hope they keep going, as I'd be willing to stick around and wait to hear their growth.
Tracks:
2: Compliance
4: Present of Future End
6: Battle Hymn Of The Republic
7: Why So Looking Back?
8: Sherry and Her Butterfly Net
11: Solipsism Millionaires
12: Multiplication Desks
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Bat For Lashes - Fur and Gold
Natasha Kahn from England brings us her all girl band from England with a record actually released in 2006. However, it was just brought over to the US and thank god...
...Opening track "Horse and I" starts out with a computer processed harpsichord. Slowly, the song grows with simple drumming with drum rolls and a lovely theramin. Its then silenced by a bit of pizzicato then the drums come back in. The ending, is my favorite part of this song. I'm a sucker for great harmonizing when it comes down to it. It almost has a feel of Bjork's "Human Behavior" as its almost tribal yet soaked in Feist melodies. "Whats a Girl To Do" is the new single for the US and has a heartbeat drum to it. It also has a nice electronic drum snare and the lovely harpsichord again. This is also the song with the most standout chorus in my opinion. Not to mention, the video for this is different, yet cool as well as it captures the eerieness of it. "Sad Eyes" is the "gatekeeper" from Feist. Very raw, with just piano arpeggiating chords and very open. "Prescilla" was another single released in the UK. Another very accessible song, it also has a poppy chorus, and catchy verse as well. A definitely enjoyable tune. "Bats Mouth" is where we finally see the piano used fully, and less just note picking. Filled with a simplistic orchestra, it escalates into a wonderful song with great harmonizing and strong vocals. "Seal Jubilee" is the first time a guitar is distinctively heard and the song itself sounds like an early Eisley song (head against the sky?) but uses a guitar instead of a keyboard. I think what I'm trying to get at is that it has a cold, eerie beginning. Although, this song does blossom and warm up with a gentle cello. Definitely a slow song, it moves very well, as its fluid from beginning to its end. "Sarah" opens just like a Quentin Tarantino movie would with a slick bass line. It then follows the harmonizing slapped with reverb and gives it an airy choir sound. This song could easily be their 3rd single as the chorus is very well done. It even features a brass section and some cool drumming. Don't forget the clapping either!
To simply put it, this cd is a unique listen without a doubt. It's almost tribal in certain characteristics with the instruments selected, and how the instruments are used. Piano is very raw and simplistic, and orchestrations are limited, yet appropriately done. The vocals are tenderly innocent just like Feist. Definitely give this one a try, as its pretty cool.
Definite standout tracks:
4: What's a Girl To Do
1: Horse and I
7: Prescilla
8: Bats Mouth
10: Sarah
Saturday, October 27, 2007
The Pipettes: We Are The Pipettes
What more can I say about The Pipettes. They are absolutely fun, basically Grease style music. The Pipettes consist of RiotBecki, Gwenno, and Rosay. Their shows consist of simple choreography, polka dot dresses and good fun. The lyrics are genuine, not corny, but mature with that great 50's-60's style of music. Because of this, I'm going to make lots of references to pop, and the lovely doo-woopish age. But, these three girls are kick ass, know their pop and the first single proves it so...
... "Your Kisses Are Wasted On Me" is the first single, and a standout track giving you a great view on how the whole cd will sound like. With a great bass line and the chant that Avril Lavigne stole what could go wrong? nothing! in fact there is the perfect key change at the end just to really top it off with a cherry on top. "Judy" is personally one of my favorites. Its quinessential slow 60's pop. "Sex" seems to showcase the best of pop and the 50 and 60s. With it Oh's and Ah's and amazing harmonies it really is fantastic pop. "Pull Shapes" is another song like Your Kisses Are Wasted On Me that is very fun, upbeat and has a great chant. The harmonizing on this song is key and the orchestra at the end is fantastic. Any fan of "On the boardwalk" will enjoy "Because It's not Love" as the bassline is so reminiscent of it. It then kicks into another damn catchy chorus.
Honestly, all these songs are fantastic, and genuine 50s-60's pop. I could do every track and how great each one is, but they all would just be labelled as 50/60's pop. This cd puts me in such a good mood. It's pop at its finest, and done perfectly. There is not a moment on this cd where I drift away, or fall asleep. I'm constantly dragged in to their beautiful harmonies, and good fun music. Try this cd please, because these girls deserve a spin or 2 and you'll have fun living a great style from our music past.
Tracks:
all
Caribou is Daniel V. Snaith's solo name hailing from Canada. He mainly creates electronica album but from this cd, he creates electronica rock in the style of Animal Collective relying heavily on percussion yet with poppier and a gentle voice. Pitchfork gave this cd an 8.3, and I'd have to agree for once in my life...
...the cd starts out with "Melody Day", an infectiously catchy song. Dan's voice gently glides over the accompaniment and is backed by a simple, almost beatles good, drum beat. At the end, it tricks you out, but finishes a great song. "Sandy" has a Beach Boys style singing and followed by a flute matching the melody. The drums are simple again, and very beachy feeling. "After Hours" in the beginning reminds me of U2's New Year's Day, but this is one of the electronica tracks mainly, filled with excellent drumming and a short melody as the rest is instrumental. "She's The One" starts of almost as an Animal Collective track and the melody line is similar to Flaming Lips "Mr. Ambulance Driver". "Desiree" has an Andrew Bird feel, with great orchestration, and once again Dan provides a great chorus by harmonizing his vocals. "Sundialing" is another major instrumental track that is put together with a nice simple guitar. "Irene" is the heaviest the electronica gets, and has a Hefner feel to it. "Niobe" seems to recap everything with a great instrumental track, with the drums placed in the middle and at the end, lyrics that are then put into another Animal Collective track style.
A great cd, I enjoy listening to this one when I'm calm or just studying. It's got a great melodic feel and the voice is perfect for the style of music. Dan's voice seems airy, but appropriate to his style of soft electronica. Enjoy as this cd will probably be gone next week!
Tracks:
1: Melody Day
2: Sandy
4: She's The One
5: Desiree
8:Irene
Carina Roun
d: Slow Motion Addict
From England comes this new cd from Carina Round. Currently, she is on tour with Anne Lennox. This cd, while released in June 2007, is by far one of my favorites this year a
nd I keep it up because of this. Her style, if you will, is if My Brightest Diamond, met Imogen Heap and did it with PJ Harvey. She also has Bjork elements to her, but nonetheless it is something you should hear.
The first track Stolen, is what sold me. It fires up immediately and the chorus is so damn catchy, and instant fave of mine. "How Many Times" reminds me of Katy Roses' "I Like" but a lot more mature. "Gravity Lies" enters with a drum machine and a disjunct guitar followed by a soft breaking voice until the chorus. Utter emotion is spurred all over this album. Another upbeat track is "Ready To Confess" filled with a definite Pj Harvey spilled chorus. The dissonant solo is broken by her hitting the whistle range and giving a quick high note. This one is more punkier than the rest. "Want More" starts out as if Bloc Party was giving the instrumentals. Catchy pre-chorus and as always, another great chorus. Her voice is strong yet fragile as it quivers sometimes but appropriately. "Down Slow" is one of the quieter tracks but is balanced out by "Come To You" an almost new age Fleetwood Mac style song. "January Heart" is a love song, that kicks it up at the end as she continues to say "you got me with a heavy heart".
A great enjoyable cd no doubt, and it pains me to have to take this cd down next week. I play Stolen on every show, and she is a great musician. I can't wait to hear more from this rising artist.
Tracks:
1: Stolen
8: Come To You
4: Ready to Confess
10: January Heart
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Hey DJs, this is one of the music directors Brandon. One of the main goals of this blog is to give you all heads-up on the cds we have in the add bin and new ones that just came out! So here is the Say Anything review!:
Say Anything - In Defense Of The Genre :
October 23rd brings us the release of Say Anything's new highly anticipated album "In Defense Of The Genre". One can only guess this title derives from Max's conflict with indie/emo legend Mike Kinsella (ex Cap'n Jazz). In a fueded arguement, both sent letters to a magazine where Mike Kinsella offered that all the new bands that came out recently, to disband in order to save music. Max, defends the genre saying how Mike started this emo genre with his endless important bands and refutes all of Mike's statements. Which brings us to In Defense Of The Genre..
... An epic cd no doubt, one can immediately notice the 27 tracks spanned across 2 cds and would be surprised. Ambitious? Of course, but worth it. The longest songs seem to breeze by and not drag out. Even tiny songs such as "Hangover song" give decent one liners and quite catchy making one wish it was longer. Looking at the first single "Baby Girl, I'm a Blur" feels like a Hellogoodbye b-side (touring with btw) but nonetheless a good track. Not the best lyrics Bemis has supplied but still support the catchy song. Another Hellogoodbye sounding track is "No Soul" but is better in my opinion. One of the standout tracks to me (based on first listening) is Shiksa (Girlfriend) that starts out with a background choir singing blah over Max. It then kicks into a tiny The Anniversary keyboard moment, then into good ole Say Anything rock. Rumor has it, this will be the second single and rightfully so. The title track "In Defense of the Genre" starts out very much so like a metal garage band would sound like. It then kicks up at 0:30 perfectly into another great song. Even Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance is featured in this song!
What's cool about the newest cd from Say Anything, is that it features guest vocalists from Pete Yorn, Anthony Green of Circa Survive, Chris Conly of Saves The Day, Adam Lazarra and Fred of Taking Back Sunday, Hayley of Paramore, Chad and Jordan of New Found Glory, Chris Carraba of Dashboard Confessional, and others! The only thing that upset me about the guest vocals are really Hayley's parts. With the capabilities with her voice, I feel as though she could've been used more to harmonize and accent her lines better. Otherwise, the other guest vocalists are used appropriately and at great spots.
Luckily for us DJs this cd is edited so worrying about those swear words won't be an issue as the original has some fucks in it. As for a recap of the cd, its a great cd for 2007 and while not the best this year, still a great cd for the end of 2007. While the whole cd is great (and i'm sure you'll find your faves) my favorite tracks are:
cd1:
4: Surgically Removing The Tracking Device
7: Shiksa (Girlfriend)
8: Baby Girl I'm A Blur
13: Sorry Dudes My Bad
cd2:
2: In Defense Of The Genre
7: You're A Wanker If Anyone Is
11: Hangover Song
12: Goodbye Young Tutor, You've now Outgrown Me
14:Plea
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