ambivalent imbroglio has some summer music recommendations, so I thought I’d chime in with my latest purchases…
Good News for People Who Love Bad News – Modest Mouse
I know you’ve heard “Float On” since it’s everywhere at the moment. It’s good pop tune, but not the best on the album… I like “Ocean Breathes Salty” and “Dig Your Grave” but “The View” has to have some of the catchiest pop licks on the album. Overall, the whole album is a good listen, but my fav Modest Mouse offering is still Lonesome Crowded West.
You Are the Quarry – Morrissey
Yes, I am a child of 80s alternative rock. C’mon. I was weaned on The Smiths, I had to buy this. The single, “Irish Blood, English Heart” is a decent song, and the rest of the album doesn’t disappoint… it’s some of Morrissey’s most biting and cynical lyrics yet… but man, the music on his solo works have never held up… where’s Johnny Marr when you need him?
Van Lear Rose – Loretta Lynn/Jack White
Wow. If you thought country sucked (and “radio” country generally does) then pick up this album and hear what good country music sounds like. I was worried that this would be a White Stripes album with Loretta Lynn but it’s not… it’s Lynn through and through, and Jack White does an amazing job as her producer… even his appearances on the album are appropriate and add quite a lot.
Chutes Too Narrow – The Shins
I’m still trying to decide if I like The Shins or if I’m ambivalent about The Shins. One minute, they sound like a well-polished pop band, and another they sound all whiny and moody. I dunno. I think this is a “listen to it a few times in a row until you get it kinda album. I know a lot of people who are way into them though, so you know. But then again I know a lot of people who were into the Flamming Lips… puke.
A Ghost is Born – Wilco
Obligatory. First, I freakin’ loved Uncle Tupelo. Second, I live in Chicago. I think there’s a city ordinance that you have to buy every new Wildo release. That said, I actually like the album… and I actually liked Being There, Summer Teeth and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot too, so who am I kidding? But I still think Tweedy was the lesser song writer from Uncle Tupelo… Jay Farrar was amazing, and the first Son Volt album, Trace is better than anything Wilco’s done. But I’m getting off on a tangent…
I think I’m also going to pick up Franz Ferdinand’s album, because I can’t get “Take Me Out” outta my damn head… what a catchy, well crafted pop tune… and I’m super psyched to hear Interpol’s followup to Turn On the Bright Lights I’ll get that as soon as it’s released…