Wanna quickie? Quick review, that is...those are the only kind of quickies we give out for free around here, y'know! Reviews by Eric Morris, except where noted.
Death Cab for Cutie, Transatlantacism
Grade: C
If this is your first Death Cab, it'll be fine. If it's your 4th...you'll be bored.
The Exploding Hearts, Guitar Romantic
Grade: B
What a tragedy that this will be the lone release from this band, after three of its members were killed in a car accident earlier this year. These young lads were on to something that could've been good for them...and great for punk music lovers.
Swell, Whenever You're Ready
Grade: B-
Swell's been flying under the radar for six albums now, but they've always been damn solid. This effort is no different, which may be the problem. It's not a whole lot different. While I still have soft spot for their sound, Swell pushes the limit a bit with this nearly 60-minute record of material not unlike what they've been doing for a decade or so.
Massive Attack, 100th Window
Grade: B
With only one original member present, there's still enough talent for a solid album.
Fugazi, The Argument
Grade: A-
These guys may get older...but they may get better, too. Every time you think you've heard their last album, they come out with a new, superior one.
Broken Social Scene, You Forgot it in People
Grade: A+
Another thing to tout Toronto for, beyond its excellent subway, Portland-like neighborhoods and SCTV, is this gaggle of musicians blending pop, jazz and classical sounds into an album that somehow makes me want to be covered in lover's spit, lying on the floor, dreaming about ... Canada. -Kiersten Lawson
31Knots, It Was High Time to Escape
Grade: B
From "hey nonny nonny" to math rock renaissance and beyond in the time it takes to drive just over 31 knots (that's 36 mph to us landlubbers) in the musically engrossing streets of progressive Portland. -Kiersten Lawson
Read Eric Morris' full review here.
The Joggers, Solid Guild
Grade: B
Extraordinarily good indie pop from Portland...not known for its pop scene.
Mogwai, Happy Songs for Happy People
Grade: C
Dunno...this one just didn't work. After re-listening to Young Team and Rock Action, this one just seems flat.
The Notwist, Neon Golden
Grade: A-
The extra tracks on the USA release are noodling and annoying, but the greatness of the original UK release still isn't compromised.
Crooked Fingers, Red Devil Dawn
Grade: A
Former Archers of Loaf frontman is back for his third album with his "band" Crooked Fingers. But, make no mistake, this is Eric Bachman at the helm with songs about drinkin' and bummin'. It's as if Neil Diamond covered all of the great Springsteen songs. That's a good thing, really.
Queens of the Stone Age, Songs for the Deaf
Grade: B
This ain't their first album, folks, it's their third. This is just their first with Dave Grohl poundin' the skins.
Super Furry Animals, Phantom Power
Grade: B
Their sound should be getting old by now. But...it's not. Although Guerrilla remains my favorite (or does it?), Phantom Power is another album like Rings Around the World. Not mind-blowing...but who needs it to be?
Radiohead, Hail to the Thief
Grade: A-
I still think these guys are fuckin' geniuses. My friend Matthew described this album as "a Radiohead greatest hits album of all new material." It fits.
MC Honky, I Am the Messiah
Grade: D+
With the exception of a couple of tracks, Eels frontman "E" (who perpetuates his pretentiousness by claiming this is not an album by him, but a guy he knows) tries his best to imitate DJ Shadow...but falls flat on his face. Some songs are so annoying that I skipped them the first time I heard them. That's not good. The messiah, you ain't.
The Decemberists, Her Majesty The Decemberists
Grade: A
On first listen I thought it couldn't compare with the previous album; by listen two, the debate was on, as the impeccable lyrics and music rolled out a beautiful new collection of unforgettable, heart-rending and raucous stories. -Kiersten Lawson
New Pornographers, Electric Version
Grade: B
Actually the laws haven't changed much since Mass Romantic but, like the collective's native Vancouver, B.C., there's something rousing and harmonious "swinging you around" with each new experience. -Kiersten Lawson
The White Stripes, Elephant
Grade: B
In the cold cold night, Meg's voice is beguiling as ever, and Jack continues to thump some bluesy trash rock roots an increasing number of rabid fans are tapping into. For those of us who've been along for the ride for a while now, "Elephant" is still a big solid intelligent beast of an album. -Kiersten Lawson
Ween, Quebec
Grade: B
These weirdos' albums usually delight and deter me in equal measure -- Quebec leans strongly toward the former, whether because I've grown accustomed to the insanity or this outing accidentally overlaps with my partiular weird tastes, I cannot say. But I keep listening. -Kiersten Lawson
Read Eric Morris' full review here.
Blur, Think Tank
Grade: B
Albarn amuck? If so, it "seems very beautiful to me." To make Think Tank without Coxon is another sign that Damon is one of the most talented musicians of our time, whether he's mocking the "teenage industry" or sweetly reminding me that "sometimes everything is easy." The music's made that way, indeed. -Kiersten Lawson
Read Eric Morris' full review here.
