Billy Ocean "Greatest Hits"
Hmm. I mean, I knew I was in for a bumpy ride when I ordered this one from the library. But just like with Lionel Richie, you never know. I put Mr. Ocean below Lionel though on mildly annoying 80s singers though, as about 50% of this collection was too groanworthy for me to make it through each complete song. That said, "Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)" and "Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car" are legendary for a reason: they've got great hooks. The instrumental backing tracks are predictable. They are no big surprises for you in this review; it's average 80's pop. A few fun & slightly embarrassing songs but honestly, don't spend money on this.
Destroyer "Destroyer's Rubies"
I was very pleased with my first listen to Destroyer. So the voice of the New Pornographers here takes on an indie rock project. Wait. Well, I guess this project is a little more rough around the edges, a little less radio, a little more Stephen Malkmus. A lot of piano on this record, along with a healthy dose of rock and roll/country guitar, funky percussion, organ. Recommended for fans of Pavement (very evident influence here), but also the Flaming Lips, Of Montreal, and other gritty and unusual indie rock. Bring on more Destroyer!
Yeasayer "Odd Blood"
Amazon and iTunes have been so relentless in recommending that I listen to Yeasayer that I finally caved. Well thanks for that because I am totally down with Odd Blood. The first track took me into another world, kind of like a fever-induced hallucination of Wayne Coyne. Track 2 took me back to the 80s with a Depeche Mode vibe. At times they remind me of Peter Bjorn and John as well. The music itself is pretty eclectic and is definitely a sensory experience, with various electronic and acoustic sounds coming from all directions. Instruments real and virtual, processed and unprocessed vocals, wacky samples and loops converge to form some semblance of compositional form, and you know what? I buy it. Yeasayer is one to watch.
Takagi Masakatsu "Journal For People" (2006)
This random CD purchase (I had no idea what this was) turned out to be very satisfying. Takagi Masakatsu is an musician, filmmaker and visual artist. This package contains a CD and a DVD. The CD is 13 amazingly soothing electronic works, but there's no way this is Pure Moods all over again. It's engaging and modern. It utilizes the "glitch" effect, where short samples that are roughly cut and spliced, when put in a particular order, create a rhythm and a pattern that either is looped for the duration of the piece or adjusted. In addition to the electronic sounds, there is a layer of acoustic grand piano, very interesting, emotionally gratifying, and to this listener's ears, even more soothing and beautiful. It makes sense that many of these traits are either causes or effects of his accompanying video (found on the DVD). Among the videos are illustrations of birds rapidly changing, slow motion video of fireworks, a view from under green water, closeups of children, etc. It all makes sense when you see and hear his work simultaneously. Alone, both the music and the video are commendable and without a doubt are works of art, but working in conjunction the two bring across a very enriching experience. I will be on the lookout for exhibitions featuring this Japanese artist and on the hunt for more of his releases. So it seems it was worth the $2.
No Doubt "Return of Saturn"
Even if you listen to just about everything, some bands are bound to fall through the cracks. So this was my first listen to No Doubt. I enjoyed it and to my surprise, more than in just a casual listening way, actually. You just don't hear bands use chords outside diatonic scale anymore. Hell, when I hear a diminished vii chord it gets me all excited. Secondary dominants, maybe. What pleased my ears more than anything on this record is just the sonorities. I appreciate how they work (and they do) but I'm just happy that a band that used them was successful in making music that many people listened to. Here's a fun exercise: put on a No Doubt song, then imagine that the singer from Muse is the one who recorded the vocal only they sped the tape up. It kind of works. In conclusion, I will be listening to more No Doubt, no doubt. (Sorry, I had to.)
Devo "Something For Everybody"
A 2010 release from the crazy electro guys of the 80's? Seems crazy, but it's true. And actually, they've managed to update their sound a bit without losing their signature sound. Mostly they've upgraded their gear. The samples and all electronically produced sounds come from a decidedly post-2000 library, so that's something. It seems like they have taken some hints from Daft Punk (which pleases me...) but they still retain their dorky two-step beats and simple, repetitive rhythms. The album definitely starts off on a good foot, runs out of good ideas by halfway, and peters out (like so many albums). If you're a Devo fan, or a modern "dance" music fan, you should listen to this and see how they managed to meet.
Best Coast "Crazy For You"
Ok, Best Coast, you win. You fit right in at Urban Outfitters store displays. West Coast (apparently the better coast) lo-fi is the name of the game. Simple instrumentals, tones, and--for some reason--a heavy handed dose of reverb on the vocals. Why is this a trend nowadays? I find it a little annoying but I guess it works with the music. This music kind of sounds like being lazy at the beach, and not surprisingly, that's what a lot of it is supposed to be about. Don some bizarre sunglasses and listen to Best Coast.
Stars "The Five Ghosts"
Stars delivers with their 2010 release The Five Ghosts. There is a much larger electronic component than in past efforts, and it really suits them. The same immediately lovable melodic lines and interesting harmonies abound but now picture expansive synths, drums and reverb filling up the stereo image. This effect reminds me of a characteristic of one of my favorite bands, M83, so fans of theirs will want to listen up to this album especially. Stars enthusiasts should also watch three members perform three of these songs "acoustic" at the NPR offices as part of the Tiny Desk Concerts. Do you know about these? They are amazing! So many free downloads, mainly audio but some (like this one) are also video, available as podcasts. Just search for NPR in the iTunes Store under Podcasts and prepare to be overwhelmed. Or visit http://www.npr.org/series/tiny-desk-concerts. Anyway, indie kids everywhere will love The Five Ghosts.
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