Sleater Kinney - The Woods (2005)

Picked up towards the back end of last year this was quite a random purchase for me as I dont own any other of the bands work and for a while I struggled with this one. Finally it clicked and from there on its been a happy relationship as I've realised this quirky, clever brand of rock 'n' roll is pretty hard not to enjoy. Duelling guitars and vocals pass through soft and heavy passages as songs go from one part to another in an instance. I especially dig the drumming in this one as it just seems so bouncy and a little loose, but in a good way as this fits well with the bands overall sound. Brownstein's vocals can be slightly harsh, but the whole record is bathed in a thick layer of fuzz so it is to be expected and once again, just another piece in the jigsaw.
This is a really fun record with a lot of depth to it and well worth a try for you passers by. Must be noted that this is definitely louder than your average LP, just in case you were unsure of how hard hard these girls rock!

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Comments

I'm starting to have some visits to the page so guys and gals, leave comments! Anything is good, opinions, requests, recommendations and links to your own respective corners of the net.
In other news, a couple of my friends and I gave blood for the first time and, although a little foreign too me, it really felt good to contribute to such an important cause so if you have chance yourselves, go for it!

Elliott Smith - Either/Or (1997)

Elliott Smith has been back in the press again recently for the compilation of B-sides, named "New Moon" that was released last month. I am yet to hear it, but I thought I'd focus here on my favourite of his albums from his tragically short, but illustrious career.
Either/Or was Smith's final release on the independent Kill Rock Stars label and it finds him in fine form and at a real transition point between his early and later styles. Several of the songs feature full instrumentation with Smith playing drums, bass, keyboards and electric guitars as well as his trusted acoustic. The sound, sometimes still stripped down, hints at earlier releases but the ventures into full instrumentation also add to the songs and show the direction Smith would go on his following albums.
Throughout, the melodies are breathtaking and very catchy while still retaining a timeless sound. No second of any song seems unneccesary and that is perhaps why I fell in love with this album, the songs just seem 'right' together. Each track has very different elements and the album is filled with both very haunting and, in contrast, upbeat moments. I almost always listen to this at night, and I think that's just the nature of it, slightly eerie and suited to the evening. I'd be interested if anyone else has found this?! Although it is very hard I would say my favourite songs are the trilogy of "Angeles", "Cupid's Trick" and "2:45am" which really take you on a journey through moods in the little over 9 minutes. The way the latter broods and builds is just beautiful, as the anger in his voice seeps through the delicate guitar. You should buy this one for that song alone but in truth this is a classic to me and could be for any fan of rock, acoustic and classic songwriting.

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Frank Turner - Sleep Is For The Week (2007)

Semi-Acoustic Folk/Punk from this ex-member of UK hardcore outfit Million Dead. This was one of my slightly more random finds of the year so far and definitely one of the most refreshing. Frank Turner has a way with words and his lyrics, not only hit home in ways we can all to relate to but they also make you laugh;

"I've got friends who are bankers, and it's an easy rhyme to call them wankers"

He comments on all aspects of life, from his teens becoming a young punk to his current surroundings and balancing anarchy with his responsibilities. In all, this makes for an interesting combination and one that makes this such a facsinating listen. "Vital Signs" does stand out from the rest as a real anthem, but the whole album is solid. Variations in style, melody and pace mean that songs are easy to define and remember, unlike some in this genre. Finally, in the songs with a full band, the arrangements are fuller than you perhaps would expect and this benefits the album alot, making individual songs more memorable. Definately check this one out if you are looking for a different angle on the songwriter genre, its been one of my faves of 2007.

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Smashing Pumpkins - Zeitgeist (2007)

As one of my favourite bands I had to up this as some point and make some conclusion on it. On first listen I was happy with the album, but saw it as just an okay hard rock album and not necessarily anything more. Of course, as we all know, one brief listen is rarely enough to judge and with time this has grown on me and probably will continue to. In comparison to the other Smashing Pumpkins releases this doesn't have the same groundbreaking sound as previous, but this is a new era with no Pixies, no Nirvana and the rest and therefore how "groundbreaking" it is, should really be put into context. The fact is, there are alot of really poor rock bands out there at the moment that would have probably never made it in the early 90's and against them, Zeitgeist really kicks some ass.
Songwriting is strong, I can imagine "That's the Way" and "Starz" being sung whole heartily at festivals this summer, and Chamberlain still commands his kit like he always did. The first half of the album, in particular, thunders through at terrific pace with "Doomsday Clock" setting the agenda. My main criticism would be that after "United States" the album doesn't seem to be quite up to par with the first half however, that track mentioned is a true rock epic, possibly level with "Porcelina of the Vast Oceans" and its refreshing to hear that Corgan can still produce those magical moments. In conclusion, this isn't Siamese Dream or Gish, but what we do have is a good rock album which shows us how some bands just have "it" and others, polluting our charts at the moment, just don't.

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Lucero - Tennessee (2002)

I got this one after a recomendation, so thanks for that! Without the keys, the sound is more country and the songs seem slightly more downbeat and introspective. Upon my few listens, I like both albums equally but they show clear distinction and show off different aspects of the band's talent. My personal favourite on this album so far would be "The Last Song", which broods and builds up beautifully. Throughout the guitar work is excellent and the solo towards the end of this song combines so well with the vocals, reflecting the emotion of the song perfectly.

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Lucero - Rebels, Rogues and Sworn Brothers (2006)

I thought i'd check out this band because i've heard them linked with the Hold Steady a couple times and while it may not be quite as good, i'm still pleased I did. A definate grower, this album has charm in bundles and is a classic example of the Southern Rock sound. Whisky-soaked vocals deliver great tales and these are supported by a tight and confident band. Keys thicken out the album and the variation between songs is alot more apparent after a couple of listens. At first the songs can sound a little similar but they quickly become more defined and I think there is something here for any rock/indie fan. I'll probably like this one even more in time.

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Minus The Bear - Menos el Oso (2005)

Technical indie rock from Seattle which provides an interesting listen time and time again. The songs have definite hooks but with complex time signatures and clever musicianship this band definitely knows how to give their music real depth. In particular 'Pachuca Sunrise' and 'Fulfill the Dream' stand out, but it is difficult to pick tracks out from an album that works so well in its entirety. This could be for fans of many genres so give it a try and hopefully you'll like it as much as I do!

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Iron & Wine - Our Endless Numbered Days (2004)

Iron & Wine is the musical name of Sam Beam, an acoustic performer based in Florida. I am a big fan of this kind of southern sounding folk/country style and lately, this album has been the soundtrack to my evenings. For me, whatever I may be doing in those evenings, it works great as I chill out. Sam Beam has a warm vocal and it is accompanied by beautiful melodies on his, often lone, guitar. Of particular note are 'Naked as we Came' and the country charm of 'Teeth in the Grass'.

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Modern Life Is War - Witness (2005)

A unique brand of hardcore from Iowa, USA and a very worthy first post in my blog . Lyrically, vocalist Jeffery Eaton is dynamic and his delivery seems honest and genuine with an angsty mix of screams, shouts and clean vocals. This is set to a backdrop of epic and soaring riffs which show how different Hardcore and Metal can be. One of my favourite 'aggressive' albums and a definate download, trust me, my description nowhere near does this justice!

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