The reviews are in…Casablancas gets a thumbs up.
Realizing that really nobody gives a hoot about this series (other than Suzanne), I enjoy highlighting music tracks I like and I’ve even picked a few hits in the past couple of years (Beyonce’s “Sweet Dreams” is super hot right now and I picked it as a hit back in May). Anyway…I can’t say this week is gonna be a barnburner of music but there are a few tracks that are HOT, HOT, HOT in my ears and you really should check ‘em out!
Julian Casablancas – “Out Of The Blue” (rock)
The lead singer of The Strokes hits with a new solo album and a hot opening track. This song is really cool and hip, much like The Strokes used to be. I dig it and predict it will be in my Top 20 favorite songs of the year!
The Temper Trap – “Sweet Disposition” (alternative)
This band is a favorite of a Beatles-hating friend of my brothers. She recommended I check them out so I did. I downloaded the entire album. Funny that I hear Beatles influence in quite a few of their songs. Anyway, THIS track is the diamond on the album. Excellent!
U2 – “The Unforgettable Fire” (alternative rock)
A re-release of the entire 1984 classic album, this is my favorite U2…song so I downloaded it again. And it is still awesome!
Diamond District – “First Time” (rap)
Very old school and heavily influenced by east coast 90’s rap, this group of producers hit it with this slow jam.
Echo & The Bunnymen – “”Do You Know Who I Am?” (alternative)
I think this band has pretty much been around forever (well…since 1978) and this is a very pop-like single for them. I dig it anyways…
Carrie Underwood – “Songs Like This” (country)
This album will be huge for her and this little gem will be buried among all the hits. But I kinda like it. Do I smell a Top 10 hit? Possibly…
Them Crooked Vultures – “New Fang” (rock)
Consisting of the drummer from Foo Fighters, the lead singer from Queens Of The Stone Age & legendary bass/keyboard player, John Paul Jones from Led Zeppelin, this supergroup has a new album (which I will be buying) coming out in mid-November. But for now, I get this track and it is wonderfully awesome. Rock at its best! Go get it…right…now! Or…you could just download the FREE track called “Mind Erasure, No Chaser” on ITunes also. Whichever suits your fancy.
The Almost – “Lonely Wheel” (pop rock)
Not exactly a groundbreaking band, but this single is not bad at all. Rocks out and is fun to listen too! Reminds me of Motion City Soundtrack. Plus the album cover is cool…
The “Oh Mah Gawd Her Career Is Already Over Before It Started” Track Of The Week: Allison Iraheta – “Friday I’ll Be Over You”
Holy crap. This track SOUNDS terrible. If you watch American Idol, you would know Iraheta as the promising female singer who belted out songs like Hearts “Alone” & Janis Joplin’s “Cry Baby”. She has amazing vocal ability but this track is so generic, I can’t even give it it’s due. Sounds like a bad cross between Pink & Kelly Clarkson. Not good…
The “It Will Get Tons Or Airplay But I Still Think It REALLY Sucks” Track of the Week: Lady GaGa – “Bad Romance”
No relenting on my thoughts that this artist is really not that original (seriously…does anyone else think “Paparazzi” sounds like a Gwen Stefani song?), this song is just plain terrible. Repetitive and…well…just plain awful. ‘Nuff said.
I look forward to this every week! : )
By: Twenty Four At Heart on November 3, 2009
at 5:29 pm
I read your music recs from time to time, and have checked out many of them on Napster. I don’t listen to current radio stations or watch music videos, so I like seeing independent reviews where people aren’t being funded by a recording label, aka have a heavy bias. Picked up some good stuff here.
Thanks Rusty! I’ve been over to your blog also. A lot of good reading there and very deep stuff! I appreciate you dropping by here from time to time. My writing is nowhere NEAR your level! LOL
By: Rusty Southwick on November 4, 2009
at 3:49 am
I LOVE when you do these posts!
By: goodbadandugly2 on November 4, 2009
at 3:09 pm
I heart Temper Trap…I think maybe one of my favorite albums of the year. Sweet Disposition is def. their hit, but I think “Fader” is actually my favorite and “Love Lost” and “Down River” are equally as loveable.
Any thoughts on Weezer or Say Anything? I have many thoughts on Weezer…hope to review soon.
I don’t know if I told you but I’m writing for a new site also now http://rockandrollreport.com. They concentrate mainly on indie and unsigned artists and I’ve found a good amount of music on there. They also hooked me up with an interview with Trevor Hall who’s one of my favorite artists right now (check him out if you haven’t already, Matisyahu meets Ben Harper). I’ll let you know when it’s up.
Keep up the great posts. The music junkie in me has now had her fix….
Temper Trap’s album IS pretty good and I agree with you on “Fader”! Excellent track! I have never been a big fan of Weezer. Not that there is anything wrong with their sound, but I’m a little older and their sound just isn’t something I HAVE to listen to. I checked out Say Anything and I can’t really say I would listen to them either. I guess I’m past my emo rock faze…for now.
I dig Trevor Hall though! Love “31 Flavors” & I will check out your site often!!!
By: calirockangel on November 6, 2009
at 9:40 pm