3x3 New listens noted. Recommendations appreciated.
U2 – Achtung Baby: The idea of “chopping down” The Joshua Tree is almost a perfect way to describe this album. U2 clearly learned from the bloated mess that was Rattle and Hum and fired back with a record that was wildly different than anything they had done prior and even took the hard edge off the band. When people complain that U2’s music is too “boring” and “similar”, it’s as if they didn’t listen to the transition from 1988-1991. It’s pretty remarkable. I do think that fans of the band overrate this record to a degree (Zooropa is superior), but there’s no denying how important it was, and I’d contend that “One”, while not my personal favorite song by the band (though, it’s up there), is without a doubt their best song. It’s perfect. Favorite Tracks: “One”, “The Fly”, “Mysterious Ways”, “Zoo Station”
Future Islands – Singles: In what is 2014’s best album, Future Islands was able to streamline their music into a tight, 10 track, no frills record, that doesn’t skimp on a catchy yet diverse tracklist. The title Singles is perfect because each track is strong enough to stand on its own, and it makes for the band’s best effort yet. The most remarkable thing about the record, however, is that it is able to deliver perfect synth-pop hits like “Seasons” and have a trio of darker songs on tracks 7-9 that hold their own and don’t sound out of place. “Light House” is a top tier track that compared 1:1 to “Seasons” may feel out-of-place, but within the progression of the tracklist, it’s perfect. This is easily, in my opinion, one of the best album of the last 5 years. 9.75/10
The Smiths – Strangeways, Here We Come: And just like that, the revisit to The Smiths discography is complete, and they go out with what I find to be their weakest effort. It’s unfortunate, because there are some great tracks here, but the album has no identity, and no all-time Smiths songs. Due to its shorter length, the album never become unbearable, but it doesn’t “wow” like the previous records did. Favorite Tracks: “Girlfriend in a Coma”, “Stop Me…”, “I Won’t Share You”, “I Started Something…” 7.5/10
Phantogram – Voices: This was a pleasant revisit. I don’t have much in the way of analysis other than the fact that the production value is top-notch and that the tracklist is catchy and somewhat dynamic. The tracks that feature the guy on lead vocals both get repetitive, but it doesn’t tank the album. Favorite tracks: “Bad Dreams”, “Howling at the Moon”, “Fall in Love”, “Black Out Days” 7.75/10
NEW LISTENS
Beach House – Teen Dream: I actually listened to this one because /u/indievidual noted that “Lover of Mine” was his/her favorite Beach House song. After listening to the album, I can safely say it’s far and away the best on the record. As for the album as a whole, there is a lot to like. I like the lyrics of most of the songs, and as usual, the use of backing vocals are great. I did find it a little more direct than Depression Cherry (being the only BH album I’ve heard beside this and TYLS), which I prefer DC’s more spacey sound. Not a bad listen. Might listen to another BH record next week. Favorite Tracks: “Lover of Mine”, “Walk in the Park”, “Better Times”, “10 Mile Stereo” 7.5/10
Kanye West – Graduation: This is a pretty good album, especially the first half. It really takes a dip with tracks like “Drunk and Hot Girls” and “Barry Bonds”, though. I will say that I love Kanye’s delivery on these earlier tracks. The lyrical work is also quite strong, especially compared to some of the nonsense on TLoP (which I still think is a great album). I also can’t get over how perfect a song “Flashing Lights” is. Top-shelf beat on that one. Favorite Tracks: “Flashing Lights”, “Homecoming”, “Champion”, “I Wonder”, “Stronger” 7.75/10
Porches – Pool: An alright album. It does have a dark/mysterious vibe to it, which is nice, but the songs can become a little samey at times. The lyrics do a great job of sounding sad yet hopeful, and the synth calls back to greats like Depeche Mode. It’s a short enough album to where a listen doesn’t feel like a waste of time. Favorite Track: “Mood” 6.25/10
