3x3 Nothing new. Recommendations appreciated
Future Islands – In Evening Air: I really consider this album the band’s debut. Wave Like Home is a bit of a mess (some great tracks still), but this album is a cohesive and raw effort that serves as a great starting point for what is likely my favorite band. Obviously Sam Herring delivers a truly emotional vocal performance, but the lyrics are up to task as well. The synth and bass work is also stellar, particularly on tracks like “Inch of Dust”. The opener is a perfect song, and probably in my top 20 ever. I will say that the drum machine pales in comparison to the live drummer used now and the closing track is… not their best, let’s say. Still a strong effort! Favorite Tracks: “Walking Through That Door”, “Tin Man”, “Swept Inside”, “Inch of Dust” 8.25/10
Hummingbird – Local Natives: Never has such an average band been given so much attention… maybe that’s a bit harsh, but this sub posts about them every week (at least). I picked up this album in December, listened a few times, and liked a bit of what I heard, but never felt compelled to revisit it as a whole. The same tracks that stood out then, still stand out. The same tracks that I never remember, even after just listening, are still just as forgettable. I will say this album has a track 1-5 opening that stacks up against some of the best albums. The problem is that the 7 songs after it don’t come close to being memorable. I feel like I’m listening to less interesting variations of the same track. Favorite tracks: “You and I” (fantastic song), “Ceilings”, and “Breakers” 6.75/10
U2 – War: Released just over 33 years ago, this album has an urgency and a sound that doesn’t come close to sounding dated. The theme of this album is quite consistent and the immediate nature of nearly every track is very welcome. The rhythm section on this album is particularly strong with fantastic drumming on “Sunday Bloody Sunday”, “New Year’s Day” and “40”. Adam Clayton is prominently featured on tracks like “New Year’s Day” and “Two Hearts Beat as One” to great effect. I do feel the album comes to a major halt with “Drowning Man”, but it quickly picks up steam afterwards and closes better than probably any U2 album ever (close with MLK on The Unforgettable Fire). I think War is an album that even non-U2 fans can enjoy, and it contains two songs (SBS and NYD) that most non-fans “admit” are great. Favorite Tracks: “Sunday Bloody Sunday”, “Seconds”, “New Year’s Day”, “Two Hearts Beat as One”, “40” 8.75/10
David Bowie – Blackstar: I revisited this one after not listening for a while, and it just keeps getting better. I mentioned this in a thread yesterday, but I think the highest praise this album can receive is that it was great before people knew he was dying. “Blackstar” is such a fantastic, sweeping opener that really starts the album off with a bang. The album itself, now more apparent than before, is so thematically strong and striking that it pays to listen to the entire 7 track run. I do think the 7 track-listing is a bit of a downer, especially considering two are not necessarily new, but they fit in well enough, although “Sue” is my least favorite on the album. I also think there was an opportunity for another grand transition (similar to the opener) on “Girl Loves Me”, but it instead repeats the same line over again (still a great track). This is certainly my AotY. Favorite Tracks: “Blackstar”, “Dollar Days”, “Lazarus” 8.5/10
The Master Soundtrack – Jonny Greenwood: This is my favorite movie ever, and whenever I tell people about it, I always mention how great I think the soundtrack is. The combination of both original and classic music is stellar listening through the entire 15 track run is a great reminder of how incredible the film is. Favorite Tracks: “Overtones”, “Back Beyond”, “No Other Love”, “Changing Partners”, “Sweetness of Freddie” 8.25/10
The Smiths – Louder Than Bombs - If this compilation was just the first 13 tracks+”Asleep”, it could very well be the best album by the band. I’m nonetheless grateful that they released it, because tracks like “Is It Really so Strange” is one of my favorites by the band. Looking at the list now, I can’t really believe how much of a drop off the album seems after those first 13 great tracks. First half: 9/10 Second half: 6/10------Arbitrary “average”: 8/10
