LPF Album Reviews 2.0

[Stenners]

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Artist: Manic Street Preachers

Album: Send Away The Tigers

Genre: Rock/Pop

Released: May 07

First Thought: Dull uninspired mainstream british rock

 

Out of all the major releases from a british band this is one I most deffinatly wasn't looking forward to, quite frankly I believe this band descended into mediocrity around 10 years ago and should of left it there. This release promises a less angsty Manic Street Preachers as they continue to branch into their Radio 2 friendly 'maturity' lead single 'Your Love Alone Is Not Enough' kicks in typicaly at track 3 (even their track lisrtings are predictable) it's a substatantial sing along...... but it feels tired n dull as did the 2 tracks that proceeded it 'Send Away The Tigers' & 'Underdogs' perhaps I could go ahead to say the whole album does pretty much the same job.... it's acceptable but radicoulsy stale, damp and predictable..... the is absaloutly no emotion to this album & if the is it's the emotion of boredem I guess the slight exceptions would be 'Indian Summer' which has a fairly nice synth line and guitar riff 'Rendition' which sees the band tred on older territory & 'Witnerlovers' which isn't as predictable as the majority of the album.... n thats it.

At the back end look of this album this is an album with 1 dimension, an album with little creativity and shows little room of pushing any boundries, it's an album showing band stuck in a rut the rut is very grey and serves porridge with water with bread for desert. Yes it's all very bland n goes by with no real moment of dazzel but hell it could be much worse.... the could be no water at all.

 

3.75/10

[Black_Angel]

Haha that's surprising cause that albums been well hyped up over the past few weeks.

 

The Maccabees annoy me now, the guys voice is well gay! Though I do still kinda like that 'First Love' song.

[Jeezy]

Soon to come review:

 

Maroon 5 It Won't Be Soon Before Long

[Stenners]

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Artist: Dinosaur JR

Album: Beyond

Genre: Rock

Released: May 2007

 

Welcome to the 80's everyone, here you are looking at a band who along with other bands such as 'The Pixies' and 'Sonic Youth' led the way to bridging the gap between Indie and Hard Rock by lavashing noise rock riffs on top of some what restrained drumming n soft vocals. However when the band finnaly decided to call it a day way back in the day (1997 in fact) after releasing 2 ceremonously average and crappy albums in the mid to late 90's. Now the original original line up is on show here & the band has never sounded so good for so long, they pick up where the left off with the original line up, the one that did the magnificant 'You're Living All Over Me' & although not quite as strong as said record this does come very close to it, although using the same line up as said record its alot more approachable and less noise ridden & is really quite easy to get into tracks threw out are very good 'Crumble', 'This Is All It Came To' & 'We're Not Alone' being the pick of the bunch in my opinion. This is a very welcome and unexpected return from a band that left a large yet minimal imprint in the rock history books and rather then being a lame ass come back as they so often are Dino JR stumble onto one of their best records yet!

 

9/10

[Friðbjörn]

album: The fall of math

artist: 65daysofstatic

genre: math rock, post rock, instrumental rock

 

65daysofstatic is some name, and well a decent band deserves a name that stands out like that. 65days play both math rock and post rock, and don't use vocals. They play minimalistic guitar based rock songs, usually either with the start/stop antirhythms of math rock or the minimalistic soft slow guitar work of post rock, and they do a heck of a job at it. They also incorporate a lot of electronic elements. So it's odd music, but it takes you for a ride. I honestly fell in love with this album, and it's definately a keeper. To name a few good tracks I could say "This cat is a landmine", "I Swallowed Hard, Like I understood" and their most famous track "Retreat!Retreat!".

With the absense of vocals the listener gets a chance to interprete the feeling of the song entirely on his own, and so this is an album I can put on whatever mood I am in, whatever the time of day it is. And it's simply a piece I can't describe adequatly, so I hope the track from this on the playlist will be listened to.

65days are to me basically doing a lot of the things other bands are doing but better, in a different way, with a different outcome on the whole.

 

rating: 8,8/10.

 

 

more to come:

The showdown - temptation come my way

[Toxic1]

album: The fall of math

artist: 65daysofstatic

genre: math rock, post rock, instrumental rock

 

65daysofstatic is some name, and well a decent band deserves a name that stands out like that. 65days play both math rock and post rock, and don't use vocals. They play minimalistic guitar based rock songs, usually either with the start/stop antirhythms of math rock or the minimalistic soft slow guitar work of post rock, and they do a heck of a job at it. They also incorporate a lot of electronic elements. So it's odd music, but it takes you for a ride. I honestly fell in love with this album, and it's definately a keeper. To name a few good tracks I could say "This cat is a landmine", "I Swallowed Hard, Like I understood" and their most famous track "Retreat!Retreat!".

With the absense of vocals the listener gets a chance to interprete the feeling of the song entirely on his own, and so this is an album I can put on whatever mood I am in, whatever the time of day it is. And it's simply a piece I can't describe adequatly, so I hope the track from this on the playlist will be listened to.

65days are to me basically doing a lot of the things other bands are doing but better, in a different way, with a different outcome on the whole.

 

rating: 8,8/10.

 

 

more to come:

The showdown - temptation come my way

 

 

I remembered that album a few years back whenever it came out. Some nice dynamics.

[Friðbjörn]

yeah

it's from 2004 I think

[Friðbjörn]

album: temptation come my way

artist: the showdown

genre: metal, metalcore, southern rock, christian rock

 

It was actually not until after listening to the album once that I went to Wiki and learned that this is a christian band. The opening track Fanatics and whores definately suggests otherwise at least.

I had a kinda funny feeling about this band. I didn't really hear so much of the southern influence (except in It drinks from me), I got a hardcore/metalcore vibe from this album, with a touch of softer rock. The singing style reminded me very much of the singer of Papa Roach. Another thing. I would be very surprised if I heard that these guys don't listen much to Metallica, cause if they do listen to Metallica, a lot of the songs are under a heavy influence from them, for example the title track IMO.

If I were to place The Showdown, I'd say they're better than the metal wannabes and averages, but they don't quite reach the top. Now, there's better stuff out there, but that doesn't mean this one's slack. Sometimes the riffs and such get kinda typical, but there isn't really much to complain about. It's a fairly good hard heavy metalcore album. You've got the skilled soloes, doublekick drum moments. The singing's a lot of the time remniscant of pop punk. And I don't know if it's a blessing or a curse, but I think this is one of those bands that just sound better live.

Among interesting tracks is It drinks from me, a story of abusive parents played on an acoustic in a southern style, then later one going into slightly more of a metallic nature.

 

Rating: 7,0/10.

 

and I've got nothing for the moment so I'm free for any requests...

[Stenners]

I request ur 5 tracks dude it should be up by now (the playlist) baba

[Friðbjörn]

ahh right

hehe sorry

 

you'll have them shortly

[Stllmn8j]

album: temptation come my way

artist: the showdown

genre: metal, metalcore, southern rock, christian rock

 

It was actually not until after listening to the album once that I went to Wiki and learned that this is a christian band. The opening track Fanatics and whores definately suggests otherwise at least.

I had a kinda funny feeling about this band. I didn't really hear so much of the southern influence (except in It drinks from me), I got a hardcore/metalcore vibe from this album, with a touch of softer rock. The singing style reminded me very much of the singer of Papa Roach. Another thing. I would be very surprised if I heard that these guys don't listen much to Metallica, cause if they do listen to Metallica, a lot of the songs are under a heavy influence from them, for example the title track IMO.

If I were to place The Showdown, I'd say they're better than the metal wannabes and averages, but they don't quite reach the top. Now, there's better stuff out there, but that doesn't mean this one's slack. Sometimes the riffs and such get kinda typical, but there isn't really much to complain about. It's a fairly good hard heavy metalcore album. You've got the skilled soloes, doublekick drum moments. The singing's a lot of the time remniscant of pop punk. And I don't know if it's a blessing or a curse, but I think this is one of those bands that just sound better live.

Among interesting tracks is It drinks from me, a story of abusive parents played on an acoustic in a southern style, then later one going into slightly more of a metallic nature.

 

Rating: 7,0/10.

 

 

and I've got nothing for the moment so I'm free for any requests...

 

That Fanatics And Whores song has caused a lot of controversy for them,they had to print a new edition without that track in order to get it sold in Christian stores

[Friðbjörn]

yeah I read that

quite a brave topic

[Stllmn8j]

yeah I read that

quite a brave topic

 

1. Fanatics And Whores

 

You with the bible belt buckling the knees of the world

And you rattletrap dogma in tow

You with the tie and that smile green in your eyes

Selling Jesus on your TV show

 

Fanatics and whores

And rumors of war

Bring us collapse

This breath, these bones can take no more.

 

Pious and blind you are the thorn in and the spear in the side

Of the body you would claim to believe

We are revolt we are the fire in our father’s eyes

Your Armageddon only set us free

OH YEAH

You won’t forget us

And we won’t be satisfied

Till we bring in down

Down around that self serving smile

[Friðbjörn]

oh hell yeah

strong lyrics, good song

[Stllmn8j]

and I've got nothing for the moment so I'm free for any requests...

 

I'd like to request The Almost-Southern Weather

[Friðbjörn]

sure I'll have that done in 3 months

maybe earlier even.

 

 

 

but yeah lol I'll do it

[Friðbjörn]

thanks to Still I finally gave in and listened to the album...

 

album: Minutes to midnight

artist: Linkin Park

genre: pop

 

track by track:

 

wake:

different from the rest, being an intro. more extensive than I expected, and shorter than I would've liked. would've liked to see worked more on this one, could've become something more.

 

given up:

I had actually already heard this one live, and my opinion hasn't changed. I hope to god that LP wrote the chorus or something first, and then the verse. Cause if they wrote the verse, which is a good one, and then the rest, then they blow a hell of a chance of makin a fantastic song. The 17 sec scream is good stuff and all, but the chorus and the rest are too simple and boring, nothing new, especially the guitar.

 

leave out all the rest:

electronic and soft. a little bit of a typical pop song, but I guess it's better than most crap you hear on your radio.

 

bleed it out:

death party rap hoedown someone said. I guess that's actually a good description. the rap comes as a bit of a surprise, in context with Rick's approach of "singing? no, let's try rap". The rap actually works, quite well so, although I would love for once for Mike to spit something a little more complex, especially since he doesn't have the excuse this time that the lyrics have emotion enough to cancel out complexity. The singing parts though and the rest, are a disappointment to me.

 

Shadow of the day:

probably one of the best songs on the album, beautifully crafted. at concerts: lighters up and running. unfortunately for LP though, this song's been written about 3 times before already.

 

what I've done:

unfortunately one of the stronger songs IMO. I don't really like it that much, have mixed feelings about it. Could've been better, shall we say.

 

hands held high:

when they said they weren't political, I guess they were lying. But yeah I'll forgive that when the message is this humane. the rap is one of the best I've heard from Mike in a long time. and with the style and topic and everything, this track sounds like Like toy soldiers and Mosh, both by Eminem, put into one. The harmonized "amen" is the only thing that really gets me. It boarderlines being really really cheesy. I don't know though if it crosses that line.

 

no more sorrow:

guitar work is pretty heavy, and sounds very metallica-ish. but again, there's only one aspect of the song I really like, and that's in this case the guitar.

 

valentine's day:

I expected the most emo song in the world. not to worry, I like emo, when it's well done. like everything else. this one's a decent track.

 

in between:

props for this. doesn't start off too well but once more instruments come in, things start to click. really reminds me of some song or band which I don't remember what was, but I remember I liked it. excellent song.

 

in pieces:

different song from the rest. a direction I would've wanted to hear more from, after hearing the whole album. kinda ambient feel, and then finally a touch of guitar brilliance from Brad. well done, although cutting the solo off like that really takes out a lot of its effect.

 

the little things give you away:

a little too typical for a song like that, but lyrically very beautiful, and as it progresses it only gets better.

 

 

 

Overall I guess I could rant on forever. But I guess it comes down to the fact that although I still like a lot of their old stuff, I was 12 when HT came out, and 14 when Meteora came. I'll be 19 soon. I've changed more than I know myself. So has Linkin Park. I realize I can't stay in the bubble of hoping they'll keep their style and all, but I really hoped they had kept at least some numetal, especially when they showcased Qwerty. But yeah, can't always have what you want.

I'm not sure whether to consider this album a disappoinment. but the fact that I am, is not a good sign. however I couldn't really decide, since the tracks were about as diverse as they were many. LP still has their diversity, which means I'll definately be waiting for what they bring next time around.

And although there's definate downsides, there's also things to give props for. Such as the diversity and in trying out new things like new instruments, arrangements, timing, etc.

it's a hard one to give any pinpoint rating, as it goes all over, but mixed as it is, it had to be around the 5, and I think I'll stick to that.

rating: 5,0/10.

 

 

and don't worry Still, I'm getting The Almost's album, although slow, lol

[Victim]

Request: We are Pilots by Shiny Toy Guns

[DarknessLover]

I agree completely with your review dude!

[Stenners]

Back Catalouge:

 

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Artist: Mystery Jets

Album: Making Dens

Genre: Indie Rock/Pop

Released: 2006

 

The is something quite quirky n charming bout a father son combonation in a band, sure it's sure as hell going to generate some sort of press coverage and interest come album release time. This album originally released back in 2006 is a pop rock indulgance which isnt afraid to take risks & push the envelope just that little bit more full of both obvious alternative rock, pop and prog rock influences this album really does have alot to offer for fans of various genres.

The album opens with an intro which mixies together the entire album in a mere 1minute, this then progresses to one of THE pop songs of 2006 'You Can't Fool Me Dennis' deliverd in such a way that its rather uplifiting despite being about the slow death of a man, following this is the equally infectious 'Purple Prose' which offers both a strong hook and some fairly strong harmonies. Most of the record goes on this unothordox pop structure 'Soluble In Air' which is piano laced is one of the standouts of the album its truley a charming song with it the bands quirky charecteristics staying entirley in tact.... though it's not all bout the pop sound here 'Zoo Time' displays a far more psych rock approach to it, as a result is the most interesting moment in the album 'Little Bag Of Hair' is a rather catchy and very easy listening experiance sounding unlike most of the album yet feels right at home! 'Diamonds In The Dark' is another fine example of what a pop rock song SHOULD sound like in fact the isn't a true weak track amongst the bunch though the band at times can sound a little bit cheesey and samey.

This is a pretty special lil gem of a pop rock album offering hooks a plenty, abundance of charm and even a spark of creativity though this does get a little repetetive at times it's nice to see such a charmingly approachable band show that yes u can push the envelope with pop music without allienating the music buying public, this isn't a bunch of music boffins who will disown u if u dont appriciate the subtle undertoones of music nor are they alientated to it, this is a band who is open to everyone and could be everyones best friends.

 

Standout Tracks: You Can't Fool Me Dennis, Purple Prose, Soluble In Air, Zootime, Little Bag Of Hair & Diamonds In The Dark

 

8/10

[Jeezy]

What happened to the playlist?

[Stenners]

Fri only just sent me his tracks, I will probably put it up later tonight! I had second thoughts bout my choices haha

[Friðbjörn]

yeah apologies heh...

[Toxic1]

Fri only just sent me his tracks, I will probably put it up later tonight! I had second thoughts bout my choices haha

 

You should've gotten mine a half a month ago!

[Stenners]

2 Playlists will be up by tonight!

 

Sorry for the delay, for ur extreme paitence with me I have decided to release 2 playlists, the usualy monthly dooo dar and an additonal playlist.

 

Here is the trakclisting for the additonal playlist: Electronic Grooves

Theme - Electronicly laced/Electronic music u can dance and sing along to. Like Linkin Park these are the bands/artists that combine both rock music with elements of electronic and in some cases hip hop music.... only done better if u dont mind me saying so =D

 

01. New Young Pony Club - Ice Cream

02. CSS - Alala

03. Goose - Bring It On

04. LCD Soundsystem - North American Scum

05. !!! - Yadnus

06. Beck - Cellphones Dead

07. Barbara Morgenstein - The Operator

08. Justice Vs Simian - We Are Your Friends

09. Peter Bjorn & John - Amsterdam

10. Mylo Ft. Freeform Five - Muscle Car

11. Le Tigre - TKO

12. Stars - One More Night

13. Matmos - Steam and Sequins For Larry Levan

14. Shy Child - Preassure To Come

15. Klaxons - Atlantis To Interzone

16. Justice - Phantom

17. The Go! Team - Ladyflash

18. Hot Chip - Over & Over

19. Tom Vek - C-C (You Set The Fire In Me)

 

Hope u enjoy that on top of the other playlist =) which again will be up later today/tonight