tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28798853196014830302023-11-16T02:54:38.616-08:00The Music BlogBryce Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04012670966156122386noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879885319601483030.post-1677998088778854112010-05-04T20:23:00.000-07:002010-05-04T20:23:00.132-07:00Sound WriterFor those of you who I haven't yet contacted, I have a new music blog. If you've been wondering why I haven't posted anything in awhile, well, that's the reason. It's called Sound Writer, and can be found here:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://soundwriter.blogspot.com/">http://soundwriter.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<br />
Thanks for your support!<br />
<br />
-BryceBryce Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04012670966156122386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879885319601483030.post-13383652905328959462009-07-08T02:46:00.000-07:002009-07-08T17:59:16.707-07:002009 Grades<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CBRYCEM%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073741899 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CBRYCEM%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073741899 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Now that I have graduated high school, survived an unfortunate event in my life, and am back to being mentally stable (for the most part), there will be frequent posts here. I know you have no reason to believe me, but it's true this time. To get things started, here is a list of 2009 album grades. Let me know if you want a review of any of these or if you have any questions or opinions on these.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead- The Century of Self (C+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">1349- Revelations of the Black Flame (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">311- Uplifter (C)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Absu- Absu (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Adagio- Archangels in Black (B+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Alestorm- Black Sails at Midnight (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Alexisonfire- Old Crows/Young Cardinals (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Amesoeurs- Amesoeurs (A-)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Amorphis- Skyforger (A-)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Anaal Nathrakh- In the Constellation of the Black Widow (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Animal Collective- Merriweather Post Pavilion (A)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Art Brut- Art Brut vs. Satan (B+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Black Dice- Repo (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Black Lips- 200 Million Thousand (C+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Black Moth Super Rainbow- Eating Us (B+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bob Dylan- Together Through Life (B-)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bonnie "Prince" Billy- Beware (B+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">B-Real- Smoke & Mirrors (C)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bruce Springsteen- Working on a Dream (C+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Cage- Depart From Me (C+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Cannibal Corpse- Evisceration Plague (C+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Cattle Decapitation- The Harvest Floors (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Chickenfoot- Chickenfoot (C)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Chimaira- The Infection (C)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Chris Cornell- Scream (F)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Crooked X- Crooked X (C)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Cursive- Mama, I'm Swollen (C)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">DÅÅTH- The Concealers (C+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dalek- Gutter Tactics (B-)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Depeche Mode- Sounds of the Universe (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Destroyer 666- Defiance (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Devin Townsend Project- Ki (A)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dinosaur Jr.- Farm (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dirty Projectors- Bitte Orca (A-)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">DOOM- Born Into This (C-)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dream Theater- Black Clouds and Silver Linings (C+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dredg- The Pariah, the Parrot, the Delusion (A-)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Eels- Hombre Lobo (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Eluveitie- Evocation I - The Arcane Dominion (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Eminem- Relapse (A-)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Franz Ferdinand- Tonight (D+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Goblin Cock- Come With Me if You Want to Live (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">God Forbid- Earthsblood (C+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Graveworm- Diabolical Figures (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Green Day- 21st Century Breakdown (B+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Grizzly Bear- Veckatimest (A)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hammerfall- No Sacrifice, No Victory (B-)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Heaven and Hell- The Devil You Know (B+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hurt- Goodbye to Machine (B-)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">If These Trees Could Talk- Above The Earth, Below The Sky (B+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Isis- Wavering Radiant (B-)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">J. Tillman- Vacilando Territory Blues (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">John Frusciante- The Empyrean (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Killswitch Engage- Killswitch Engage (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">K'nann- Troubadour (B+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Korpiklaani- Karkelo (B-)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">K-Os- Yes! (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Kreator- Hordes of Chaos (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Lacuna Coil- Shallow Life (D)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Lamb of God- Wrath (C+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Lazarus A.D.- The Onslaught (B+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Manic Street Preachers- Journal for Plague Lovers (A-)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Marilyn Manson- The High End of the Low (D+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Mastodon- Crack the Skye (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Meat Puppets- Sewn Together (C+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Method Man & Redman- Blackout! 2 (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Mono- Hymn to the Immortal Wind (B+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Morrissey- Years of Refusal (C)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Mos Def- The Ecstatic (B+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band- Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">My Dying Bride- For Lies I Sire (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Napalm Death- Time Waits for No Slave (B-)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Neko Case- Middle Cyclone (C)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Obituary- Darkest Day (C)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Obscura- Cosmogenesis (B+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Old Man's Child- Slaves of the World (C+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">P.O.S.- Never Better (A-)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Papa Roach- Metamorphosis (D)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Phoenix- Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pure Reason Revolution- Amor Vincit Omnia (B-)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Queensryche- Amerson Soldier (C)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Riverside- Anno Domini High Definition (A-)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Royksopp- Junior (C+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Rumpelstiltskin Grinder- Living for Death, Destroying the Rest (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sepultura- A-Lex (C)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sonic Youth- The Eternal (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Spinal Tap- Back from the Dead (D)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Stream of Passion- The Flame Within (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Street Sweeper Social Club- Street Sweeper Social Club (C+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Stuck Mojo- The Great Revival (F)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Suffocation- Blood Omen (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sun O)))- Monoliths & Dimensions (B+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tech N9ne- Sickology 101 (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Crystal Method- Divided By Night (C-)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Decemberists- The Hazards of Love (B)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Gathering- The West Pole (B+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Lonely Island- Incredibad (B-)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Mars Volta- Octahedron (C+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart- The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart (B-)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Prodigy- Invaders Must Die (B+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus- Lonely Road (C-)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">U2- No Line on the Horizon (C-)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Wilco (The Album)- Wilco (C+)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Wolves in the Throne Room- Black Crusade (A)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Yeah Yeah Yeahs- It's Blitz! (C)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Zu- Carboniferous (B+)</p> Bryce Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04012670966156122386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879885319601483030.post-46664756438305802652009-04-11T20:06:00.001-07:002009-04-11T20:21:44.256-07:00After a long delay...The Top 10 Albums of 2008Last year my list was delayed due to me being in the hospital. This year, it's delayed because the guest critic I was going to be revealing my top 10 list with is in the hospital. Once he gets out, we may still do an "Ebert & Roeper" type video blog where we discuss both of our lists, but for now this is the best I can do. No comments yet, as I'm still holding out for a chance to explain my list alongside my good friend, Noah.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">10:</span><br />Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds<br />Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNraLvHXAdJBZPYo9W1yfswJGAvURE3sgkUo5MCnmDWtAXnGTTYv8I2Ihb1h5cm8ciogybXcm0liz-7IiMku_cqwwp-Sr0pYPyzhHfp68M2TwKYLrHqkdImu75jAKIpq1QBCm4A4QZyOsc/s1600-h/dig-lazarus.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNraLvHXAdJBZPYo9W1yfswJGAvURE3sgkUo5MCnmDWtAXnGTTYv8I2Ihb1h5cm8ciogybXcm0liz-7IiMku_cqwwp-Sr0pYPyzhHfp68M2TwKYLrHqkdImu75jAKIpq1QBCm4A4QZyOsc/s200/dig-lazarus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323638352434917458" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">9:<br /></span>Gojira<br />The Way of All Flesh<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguT6XdVBxObOW67Ubj3t5UD64hfFQsFytiMXUFXvfRlhh7sgQdMRKQO-xkYYnErlzTtsIfAaoFHYTlD0JKlOell6-t3clQVEnJ_5_6WW5GRgBGbu5QNphM7Bx9MVuuIEuSfMQkDczuRcl1/s1600-h/gojira.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguT6XdVBxObOW67Ubj3t5UD64hfFQsFytiMXUFXvfRlhh7sgQdMRKQO-xkYYnErlzTtsIfAaoFHYTlD0JKlOell6-t3clQVEnJ_5_6WW5GRgBGbu5QNphM7Bx9MVuuIEuSfMQkDczuRcl1/s200/gojira.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323638538411511666" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">8:<br /></span>Fleet Foxes<br />Fleet Foxes<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6f6SijPxQu6MNQ4AdGqAHlmvmolFKZX3fFAoojHGFyJwmLd8Y0Ugv7ftmo-ztjEhy7yX7G-nXjudF9OGr-mV4IduwJF6gR3-YHpsFNb6-3WvdTTsNKX6VQbaqRtqHF_Lqj3gcdaC4iD7/s1600-h/fleet-foxes-lp.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6f6SijPxQu6MNQ4AdGqAHlmvmolFKZX3fFAoojHGFyJwmLd8Y0Ugv7ftmo-ztjEhy7yX7G-nXjudF9OGr-mV4IduwJF6gR3-YHpsFNb6-3WvdTTsNKX6VQbaqRtqHF_Lqj3gcdaC4iD7/s200/fleet-foxes-lp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323638426079498130" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7:<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>Ihsahn<br />angL<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWrnsSbZrMyXaaRnjJ5TvmXqNiC_CW01qgslRv2JyWYOR-tiEk_3bL0tOS9IKNDOwwl1WYFB-JbSX99vY_BLLZzItL7WLTeOSHTnYT20R5bRIMDQFpwdmnX3tpqBY1fHI_cXnkSWlMwX0/s1600-h/Ihsahn_cover_myspace.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWrnsSbZrMyXaaRnjJ5TvmXqNiC_CW01qgslRv2JyWYOR-tiEk_3bL0tOS9IKNDOwwl1WYFB-JbSX99vY_BLLZzItL7WLTeOSHTnYT20R5bRIMDQFpwdmnX3tpqBY1fHI_cXnkSWlMwX0/s200/Ihsahn_cover_myspace.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323638757074639762" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6:<br /></span>Sadistik<br />The Balancing Act<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlArQwTIDo5Gcu8fP3YhNiXdet8pVC5-6apdhhPsTOz8e61U2PUmfqK0TXI47Us6k5pixQov2lkHxZVOrb3aA_RFJrqjJQ2Y7HjGn3E6mRLe9R6iz_RtcWIDA0D72k1aQiJQFW7zv77_5z/s1600-h/frnt.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlArQwTIDo5Gcu8fP3YhNiXdet8pVC5-6apdhhPsTOz8e61U2PUmfqK0TXI47Us6k5pixQov2lkHxZVOrb3aA_RFJrqjJQ2Y7HjGn3E6mRLe9R6iz_RtcWIDA0D72k1aQiJQFW7zv77_5z/s200/frnt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323638486988794162" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5:<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>The Hold Steady<br />Stay Positive<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Yp_fQq7xASBmp5pEwh-YKHpxO2Os6onwtSfRSqDKL-FGd74ezdl3u1_QKFud5S7yBmPlY23mLOK4vnYlCe0rDXqfXva1pE3TXGpOStdfRz1WrfYWPK4rk0DKILeUIf1_tHdnInM-qBEx/s1600-h/the-hold-steady-stay-positive.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Yp_fQq7xASBmp5pEwh-YKHpxO2Os6onwtSfRSqDKL-FGd74ezdl3u1_QKFud5S7yBmPlY23mLOK4vnYlCe0rDXqfXva1pE3TXGpOStdfRz1WrfYWPK4rk0DKILeUIf1_tHdnInM-qBEx/s200/the-hold-steady-stay-positive.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323638660946309314" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4:<br /></span>Steven Wilson<br />Insurgentes<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXeCD70oSm41lL9LhvHixOCxhJ45ZC2YBmRDBnktUKcp4ly84QiMMzoemMOcXI-upMMNpqBGlM_tMvIV3xgSyYTLOIjKrs2H36Q8Gqqh-eID6dv0gaJWepq1MG0ymiLi8RR6a_NCqucac/s1600-h/Insurgentes_Packshot_20081209_171651.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXeCD70oSm41lL9LhvHixOCxhJ45ZC2YBmRDBnktUKcp4ly84QiMMzoemMOcXI-upMMNpqBGlM_tMvIV3xgSyYTLOIjKrs2H36Q8Gqqh-eID6dv0gaJWepq1MG0ymiLi8RR6a_NCqucac/s200/Insurgentes_Packshot_20081209_171651.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323638588974276642" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3:<br /></span>Atmosphere<br />When Life Gives You Lemons You Paint That Shit Gold<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTRUKP3cP8yUv63U4srP74f_len0wlySnrYgYFMjv50-FgXopSgYP_X2apd-SDaqcwExuUfxz1ZRIaAi0v031mxcjDx8JHWOJ3564QXh8nHk875xl5Nb6QM_OVf_GI43D9xR140QyV37t/s1600-h/Atmospherelemonsa.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTRUKP3cP8yUv63U4srP74f_len0wlySnrYgYFMjv50-FgXopSgYP_X2apd-SDaqcwExuUfxz1ZRIaAi0v031mxcjDx8JHWOJ3564QXh8nHk875xl5Nb6QM_OVf_GI43D9xR140QyV37t/s200/Atmospherelemonsa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323638167272888258" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2:<br /></span>Opeth<br />Watershed<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkiVe6K93sFfmUj1EUzyu_KDJbq4oHpznPk9ujj2rWXNE69O63h8h5NeUNe123BmjdEcPIKrF77txNUkKiXxdICqw85pPSfqpke74nWTk4zu8fl6ESSvjGXpLoCS8I97spE43Ke2Qe0vw0/s1600-h/coveropeth.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkiVe6K93sFfmUj1EUzyu_KDJbq4oHpznPk9ujj2rWXNE69O63h8h5NeUNe123BmjdEcPIKrF77txNUkKiXxdICqw85pPSfqpke74nWTk4zu8fl6ESSvjGXpLoCS8I97spE43Ke2Qe0vw0/s200/coveropeth.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323638214803980770" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1:<br /></span>TV on the Radio<br />Dear Science<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqerHm4Cz_9hic2sOqMInQXka1i0cvKcJ4ZIPnC4mQtS2jn4mxfCROj9n4dVYo9TBr-lJ0c8bRSXSNkwqIIU1tcsadU4tSXm7nwYFGD0zAzayWcsdPqGS3lZwomKWLe2o6pJfyXU2Z8Ay/s1600-h/dear-science-723601.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqerHm4Cz_9hic2sOqMInQXka1i0cvKcJ4ZIPnC4mQtS2jn4mxfCROj9n4dVYo9TBr-lJ0c8bRSXSNkwqIIU1tcsadU4tSXm7nwYFGD0zAzayWcsdPqGS3lZwomKWLe2o6pJfyXU2Z8Ay/s200/dear-science-723601.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323638281617840834" border="0" /></a>Bryce Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04012670966156122386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879885319601483030.post-30335723666093646732009-04-11T17:32:00.000-07:002009-04-11T18:34:32.924-07:00"Shallow Life"- Lacuna Coil mini-review<span style="font-weight: bold;">Lacuna Coil- Shallow Life</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0kOcb7sT3HzxBzbW15bO2NJp_hobAdS6H9LRQdFN-Ww5kO5tHw3cQH7VdfsyPsxijenORZlXssiXI9XPJ3BNCWH0K0Cf53FxLLtyAzht-2nO69VbZBH_ydPxd7g_vu0N7BaoaEhyphenhyphen9LuC/s1600-h/Shallow_Life.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0kOcb7sT3HzxBzbW15bO2NJp_hobAdS6H9LRQdFN-Ww5kO5tHw3cQH7VdfsyPsxijenORZlXssiXI9XPJ3BNCWH0K0Cf53FxLLtyAzht-2nO69VbZBH_ydPxd7g_vu0N7BaoaEhyphenhyphen9LuC/s200/Shallow_Life.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323611228834954594" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">What happened here? Although I attempt to review every album objectively, I wouldn't be reviewing albums to begin with if I didn't love music, and thus have some bands that I consider to be my personal favorites. Lacuna Coil have been a personal favorite of mine ever since I became a metalhead many years ago. While their sound has contained of heavy metal, gothic rock, and alternative, Lacuna Coil have always been a creative and often under appreciated group that has stayed far ahead of their countless imitators. Led by the duel vocals of Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro, the former being one of the absolute best female singers in rock and metal, the pure and powerful vocals have been one of the group's strongest assets. Not here though. On <span style="font-style: italic;">Shallow Life</span> both voices sound like they've gone through some "studio magic," and have become boring in the process. That's the first of many problems with <span style="font-style: italic;">Shallow Life</span>. The biggest, however, is that there are hardly any strengths to overshadow the flaws. The opening track has a nice little intro to it, but that goes to waste once the actual song starts. Every single track sounds like a radio rock song. Maybe this album will be a hit with mainstream rock fans, but anyone who remembers the days of a creative, varied, beautiful, heavy, and powerful Lacuna Coil will be flat out angered by the atrocity of <span style="font-style: italic;">Shallow Life</span>. It's doubtful that any fan of the band, even those who learned of them through the often criticized (but still solid) <span style="font-style: italic;">Karmacode</span>, will be pleased with what Lacuna Coil has released. If you're a fan of mainstream rock, there might be something here that you'll like, but if you're Lacuna Coil fan I hope you don't mind that I'll put myself out of the misery of having to think about this album and end the review here by simply telling you to avoid this album at all costs unless you're a Lacuna Coil purist that has no other choice but to give it a try.<br /><br />Grade: D</div>Bryce Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04012670966156122386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879885319601483030.post-26805260028527753022009-02-07T23:54:00.000-08:002009-02-08T00:02:14.181-08:00The Worst Song I've Ever HeardFor reasons I will likely never understand, most critics seemed to think Lil Wayne's <span style="font-style: italic;">Tha Carter III</span> was a masterful album. I am not one of them. <span style="font-style: italic;">Tha Carter <span style="font-style: italic;">III </span></span>was one of the worst albums I heard all of the last year, and in my humble opinion, is an absolute to disgrace to hip-hop. His latest single, "Prom Queen," takes things to a new low. It might not be my place to post a link to a song and then deliberately bash it, but this one deserves it. After having time to digest Lil Wanye's first single from his upcoming "rock" album, <span style="font-style: italic;">Rebirth</span>, I have come to the conclusion that it is the single worst song I have ever heard. Honestly, I'm not sure why I'm posted this other than that I'm horrified that a song like this can exist and that the artist responsible can be met with critical praise. This, my friends, is a sad time we are living in:<br /><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hKflA2xvGTE&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hKflA2xvGTE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object>Bryce Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04012670966156122386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879885319601483030.post-53262126505472117382009-01-27T22:05:00.000-08:002009-01-27T23:38:13.033-08:002009 Rockstar Energy Mayhem Tour Info<span style="font-weight: bold;">Main Stage:<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>Slayer<br />Marilyn Manson<br />Killswitch Engage<br />Bullet For My Valentine<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hot Topic Stage:<br /></span>Cannibal Corpse<br />Behemoth<br />Job For A Cowboy<br />The Black Dahlia Murder<br />Whitechapel<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jägermeister Stage:</span><br />Trivium<br />All That Remains<br />God Forbid<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tour Dates:<br /></span>Jul. 10 - Sacramento, CA<br />Jul. 11 - San Francisco, CA<br />Jul. 12 - San Bernardino, CA<br />Jul. 14 - Seattle, WA<br />Jul. 17 - Phoenix, AZ<br />Jul. 18 - Albuquerque, NM<br />Jul. 19 - Denver, CO<br />Jul. 21 - Kansas City<br />Jul. 22 - St. Louis, MO<br />Jul. 24 - Atlanta, GA<br />Jul. 25 - Indianapolis, IN<br />Jul. 26 - Chicago, IL<br />Jul. 28 - Toronto, ON<br />Jul. 29 - Scranton, PA<br />Jul. 31 - Cleveland, OH<br />Aug. 01 - Pittsburgh, PA<br />Aug. 02 - Detroit, MI<br />Aug. 04 - Boston, MA<br />Aug. 06 - Virginia Beach, VA<br />Aug. 07 - Camden, NJ<br />Aug. 08 - Hartford, CT<br />Aug. 09 - Washington, DC<br />Aug. 11 - Tampa, FL<br />Aug. 12 - West Palm Beach, FL<br />Aug. 14 - Dallas, TX<br />Aug. 15 - Houston, TX<br />Aug. 16 - San Antonio, TX<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span>I honestly wasn't expecting to be excited by this news. However, Slayer, Behemoth, and Killswitch means I'll be there on the 14th. What do you guys think of the lineup this year?<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>My personal opinion is that this is a hell of lot better than Slipknot and Disturbed, the former headlining being one of the reasons I didn't attend.Bryce Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04012670966156122386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879885319601483030.post-42105396381129494442009-01-24T17:06:00.000-08:002009-01-27T23:36:42.841-08:00First Two Reviews of 2009<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Animal Collective- Merriweather Post Pavilion</span><br /><br /><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZHGDJiskE1l6tEWv9OQKLAXekn4JjtSUcLLIJsTngVCpVZDNO7wdvCJDKiOvCFY4QJWTS94vLiyRSM2qm6OFjD5kpZBUuPl0fU4HdfHwR9vGKMgDNO7bf5X9KtRUQ_BXAQsRYEYO0Ozq/s200/200px-Animal_collective_merriweather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295033501066654978" border="0" /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Merriweather Post Pavilion</span><span> is an album that is difficult to describe, but not difficult to grade. It's hard to point out what exactly makes it a masterpiece, but it's also easy to tell that it is in fact a masterpiece. There is so much going on here that it's hard to filter out what's coming from where and how everything has been put together. That, however, is the genius of </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Merriweather Post Pavilion</span><span>. Each listener will have a completely different experience with the music, and not just in the way that you'd expect from a work of art. The album's first impression will depend entirely on what you pick up first, and Animal Collective haven't made one specific part of the album stand out more than another. Just about everything stands out, and again, it can be overwhelming. However, with each listen more and more of the album comes together, and eventually it will click. The fact that someone actually wrote music like this and recorded an album with as many layers as <span style="font-style: italic;">Merriweather Post Pavilion</span> is staggering. It's simply genius, as nothing about this album is simple other than its genius, and each song is completely different from the last. As a whole, the album is noisy, catchy, trippy, intelligent, clever, and incredibly subtle. There's more here than what one can write about, and there's more here than what one can pick up on after even a few listens. Animal Collective have crafted a gem in </span><span><span style="font-style: italic;">Merriweather Post Pavilion</span>, and any true fan of music should not only listen to it, but invest the time into understanding all that's going on in this beautifully chaotic album.</span><span></span><br /><br /><span>Grade: A</span><br /><br /><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stuck Mojo- </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Great Revival</span><br /><br /><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSkFzq41bxBB_DnGb-mOd2WDk_36laN7wNJVG8o-4hoqEZ_YOU_wUX8ljjRO9L1pRzIFuHySIDbS5rakFgIyo0X5g-t62ZxAbiaSB-Wpw96hYjtoQhdMcR8uEykrpy8W1toS4Mp8Z1OkO/s200/200px-Stuck_Mojo_The_Great_Revival.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296231122062187842" border="0" /><br /><br />I'll admit that I don't know a whole lot about Stuck Mojo. I love rap and I love metal, but the combination of the two has rarely resulted in quality music, so forgive me for not remembering much about this late 90s rap-metal act. What I can say is that whether you like rap, rock, metal, previous Stuck Mojo albums, or even music in general, you should avoid <span style="font-style: italic;">The Great Revival</span>. This is as awful of an album as there is, and I can't imagine anyone being able to stand it for more than a track or two. It is, however, hilarious. It's not trying to be, but it is. Songs like the Limp Bizkit-meets-Hannah Montana "Friends" and the nauseating cover of "Country Road" (where West Virginia randomly becomes North Carolina, even though the band is actually from Georgia) are guaranteed to make any fan of real rap or metal laugh, but most of the other tracks are just awful in the less humorous way. The songwriting is horrific on just about every level, the rapping is even worse than Fred Durst's, the lyrics are laughably bad throughout, and the same generic drop-d riff is played over and over again. On top of all of that, Stuck Mojo throws in random style changes at the most inopportune times, making it even more obvious that this band has absolutely no clue what they're doing. The "experimentation" adds nothing to the music, partly because the band doesn't seem to understand how to play the styles they add in. If <span style="font-style: italic;">The Great Revival</span> is any indication, Stuck Mojo don't understand rap, metal, or any form of music they attempt to play. Other than for comedic purposes, there is no reason to listen to this album. Please, do yourself a favor and stay clear of <span style="font-style: italic;">The Great Revival</span>. Even though it's one the first albums released in 2009, it will almost certainly be among the worst albums released all year.<br /><br />Grade: F<br /></div><span><br /></span>Bryce Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04012670966156122386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879885319601483030.post-24540092348523948042008-12-20T12:11:00.000-08:002008-12-20T12:35:40.915-08:00Holiday Buyer's Guide 08- Extreme Metal<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Sections:</span>
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p>-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-introduction.html">Introduction</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-acessible-metal.html">Accessible Metal</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-mainstream-rock.html">Mainstream Rock</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-progressive.html">Progressive</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-alternative.html">Alternative</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08.html">Melodeath/Doom/Goth</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-indie-rock.html">Indie Rock</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-hip-hop.html">Hip-Hop</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08_19.html">Power/Folk/Symphonic Metal</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-indie-folk.html">Indie Folk</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-extreme-metal.html">Extreme Metal</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-experimental.html">Experimental</a>
<br />
<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CBRYCEM%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="Edit-Time-Data" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CBRYCEM%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_editdata.mso"><!--[if !mso]> <style> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="1036"> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Extreme Metal<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;">
<br /></span></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">One of the most misunderstood and controversial genres of music, extreme metal is truly a unique form of art. Fans of black and death metal had a number of good albums to treat themselves to over the past year, and if you’re shopping for a metalhead, here are ten of the heaviest and most brutal albums released in 2008.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;">
<br /></span></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="75" preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:formulas> <v:path extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> <o:lock ext="edit" aspectratio="t"> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 198px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk100/k185/k18564cf3zd.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Arsis</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We are the Nightmare</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s no surprise that Arsis’ latest album is good. This is one immensely talented band, and they seem to get more technically complex with each release. Purely from a guitarists’ perspective, these are some of the most complicated riffs found in any 2008 album, and once again, no death metal fan should be surprised. What may be a surprise to some, and the main reason <i style="">We are the Nightmare</i> achieves greatness, is due to the shocking amount of subtlety and progression on this record. Musically, there is far more here than great solos and complicated riffs. There is actual melody to the solos, uniqueness to the chord progression, and just a sense of true emotion that is often missing from death metal. Even things as subtle as using the same riff to start and end the album makes this a true experience, as well as a great technical death metal album. While it may be too extreme to appeal to anyone outside of the death metal community, Arsis has created an album that deserves to be listened to by any open-minded music fan.
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1027" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image003.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/53/Bloodbath_-_The_Fathomless_Mastery.jpg/200px-Bloodbath_-_The_Fathomless_Mastery.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Bloodbath</p><p class="MsoNormal">The Fathomless Mastery</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If there’s one 2008 album that exemplifies what metal is all about, it’s Bloodbath’s <i style="">The Fathomless Mastery</i>. The members of Bloodbath are comprised of members of Opeth and Katatonia (including Opeth vocalist Mikael Akerfeldt) and it’s essentially their way of paying tribute to classic death metal. Unlike Opeth and Katatonia, Bloodbath follows a specific formula, as it stays true to its death metal roots. It’s doubtful that anyone is expecting <i style="">The Fathomless Mastery</i> to be some kind of progressive concept album, as what you’re getting here is a brutal death metal album by some of the most talented musicians in the genre, but just make sure you know that isn't anything like Opeth before you buy it. If you’re into death metal, however, <i style="">The Fathomless Mastery</i> is essential. Obviously, it’s nothing the genre hasn’t seen before, but it’s a brutal tribute to the death metal gods.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1028" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image005.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drj100/j195/j19566w0u0n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Dead Congregation</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Grave of the Archangels</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dead Congregation is pure old-school death metal in its purest form. <i style="">Grave of the Archangels</i> is as heavy and brutal of an album as you’ll find, and it’s one with very few flaws. The band clearly borrows from classic death bands like Morbid Angel and Incarnation, but considering that this is a debut album that masterfully recreates the pure brutality often lost in modern death metal, it’s really more of a good than a bad. There are also some moments of atmospheric experimentation that only add to the darkness of the music. From start to finish, <i style="">Grave of the Archangels</i> is classic death metal at its finest. This is a great album for fans of old-school death metal, and anyone looking for a truly brutal experience will find it here.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1029" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:149.25pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image007.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl800/l821/l82118supb6.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Enslaved</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Vertebrae</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s hard to say exactly what genre Enslaved fits under, as they seem to consistently reinvent their sound, and it’s also hard to say just who <i style="">Vertebrae</i> will most appeal to. Regardless of whether black metal fans will appreciate Enslaved’s more progressive side, <i style="">Vertebrae</i> is a phenomenal album that deserves to find an audience. Along with Wolves in the Throne Room, Agalloch, and Emperor, Enslaved plays the most progressive and creative brand of black metal out there. <i style="">Vertebrae</i> is less of a black metal album than Enslaved purists may want, but it’s also one of the most unique and experimental albums Enslaved has put out. I’m not sure quite who to recommend <i style="">Vertebrae</i> to, other than to simply recommend it to anyone willing to listen. It’s a great album that deserves an audience from any and all open-minded metalheads.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1030" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image009.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk000/k035/k03551thctt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Hate Eternal</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Fury and Flames</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hate Eternal’s <i style="">Fury and Flames</i> is hardly an essential album, but it is another quality death metal release from Morbid Angel’s Erik Rutan. From a technical stand point, <i style="">Fury and Flames</i> is typical death metal. It features impressive musicianship, but nothing particularly unique musically or lyrically. However, Hate Eternal has put more into their brutality than most. This is not just a brutal album for the sake of being brutal, but instead an album that uses its brutality to convey emotion. While many death metal albums are an emotionless exercise in technical musicianship and brutality, Hate Eternal blends their brutality with genuine anger to create an experience that is more than just mindless brutality. Pure death metal fans might not notice it, but anyone looking for a more emotional death metal album will find it here.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1035" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:13.8pt;width:150pt;height:139.25pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image011.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 181px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk100/k169/k16971bre2p.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leviathan</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Massive Conspiracy Against All Life</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jeff Whitehead, the man behind one-man atmospheric black metal band Leviathan, and has crafted one dark and haunting album with <i style="">Massive Conspiracy Against All Life</i>. If you want an album full of dark atmospheric music that will send chills down your spine, this is as good of an album as there is. It’s appropriately disturbing and hard to listen to, and I mean that in the best way possible. Leviathan is an intentionally dark and inaccessible project that is definitely not for everyone. Anyone who appreciates dark and disturbing music, however, should check out this atmospheric black metal release. No 2008 album came close to reaching the level of darkness found in <i style="">Massive Conspiracy Against All Life</i>.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1031" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image013.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/0b/Meshuggah_-_obZen.jpg/200px-Meshuggah_-_obZen.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Meshuggah</p> <p class="MsoNormal">ObZen</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">One of the best metal albums of 2008, Meshuggah’s latest release is an essential purchase for any metalhead. <i style="">ObZen</i> is a brutal album with some of the most technical musicianship you’ll ever hear, but it’s also creative in its brutality. Few extreme bands use as many musical styles as Meshuggah, and even fewer manage to remain as brutal while doing it. The band’s problem has always been consistency, but <i style="">ObZen</i> fixes that. The albums starts off blazing with ridiculously fast drumming and brutal bass-driven riffs, and it never lets up. Even through the massive amount of variation within each song, <i style="">ObZen</i> is manages to be a pure extreme metal that is as artistic as any indie album released in 08.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl400/l462/l46272kh4da.jpg" alt="" border="0" />Nachtmystium</p><p class="MsoNormal">Assassins: Black Meddle, Part 1</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Assassins</i> is a difficult album to describe, as it really doesn’t fit into one specific genre. Nachtmystium put a multitude of influences on display, including black/death metal, progressive and psychedelic rock, and even pure heavy metal. It’s a unique combination, and at times underwhelming, but <i style="">Assassins</i> is an interesting album throughout. Fans of more ambient and progressive black metal bands like Agalloch and Wolves in the Throne Room should check out Nachtmystium’s latest this holiday season, as it’s up there with Ihsahn's <span style="font-style: italic;">angL </span>and Enslaved's <span style="font-style: italic;">Vertebrae</span> as the best "artistic" black metal album released this year. It may not be brutal enough to satisfy fans that are looking for raw black metal, but <i style="">Assassins </i>is a far better album than your standard black metal release.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1033" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:149.25pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image017.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk100/k177/k17752cf3zd.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Origin</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Antithesis</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">While Origin’s <i style="">Antithesis</i> doesn’t stray from the death metal formula, this is one of the strongest death metal albums releases this year. The musicianship here is both technically masterful and incredibly brutal, and anyone who appreciates true death metal will find a lot to love with <i style="">Antithesis</i>. The speed and technically of Origin is staggering, and again, anyone who is looking for an album full of impressive technical musicianship will find it here. <i style="">Antithesis</i> is a simple album and one that it almost pointless to analyze, but it’s also one of the best death metal albums of 2008. If you’re looking for the fastest and most brutal album of the year, <span style="font-style: italic;">Antithesis</span> is certainly an album worth looking at.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1034" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image019.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/60/Communion_cover.jpg/200px-Communion_cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Septic Flesh</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Communion</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Septic Flesh is death metal with melody. However, they are not melodic death metal. Septic Flesh is instead a technical death metal band with goth and symphonic metal influences. The result is a sound that combines the brutality of death metal with the melody of symphonic to create a rather unique mixture. Granted, Septic Flesh don't do anything new other than combining the two genres. Their brand of death metal is pretty typical, and the same can be said for their gothic and symphonic influences. Still, <i style="">Communion</i> is a death metal album with a unique sound that should appeal to fans of the genre. The technical death elements are performed expertly, and the melody shows up in all the right places. It’s not a masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination, but instead a death metal album that is very easy to recommend.</p> Bryce Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04012670966156122386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879885319601483030.post-51830876410400763072008-12-19T18:53:00.000-08:002008-12-20T12:39:31.130-08:00Holiday Buyer's Guide 08- Indie Folk<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CBRYCEM%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="Edit-Time-Data" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CBRYCEM%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_editdata.mso"><!--[if !mso]> <style> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style> <![endif]--><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="1036"> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Sections:</span>
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p>-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-introduction.html">Introduction</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-acessible-metal.html">Accessible Metal</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-mainstream-rock.html">Mainstream Rock</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-progressive.html">Progressive</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-alternative.html">Alternative</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08.html">Melodeath/Doom/Goth</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-indie-rock.html">Indie Rock</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-hip-hop.html">Hip-Hop</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08_19.html">Power/Folk/Symphonic Metal</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-indie-folk.html">Indie Folk</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-extreme-metal.html">Extreme Metal</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-experimental.html">Experimental</a>
<br />
<br /><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Indie Folk<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;">
<br /></span></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Another new category this year, indie folk is a genre of music that I admit to not being experienced in reviewing, but one that I greatly enjoy nonetheless. 2008 didn’t have an Iron & Wine for me to obsess over, but there were a still of a number of great indie albums with folk influences to warrant its own category. Whether you’re a fan of softer indie rock, traditional folk, or even someone who has already become a fan of indie folk, here are recommendable albums that at least vaguely fit into the genre.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="75" preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:formulas> <v:path extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> <o:lock ext="edit" aspectratio="t"> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk500/k520/k52031dzzz6.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Bon Iver</p> <p class="MsoNormal">For Emma, Forever Ago</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bon Iver’s debut is a different kind of indie folk album than most, but it’s also one of the best albums in the genre. From the lyrical poetry to the beautiful atmosphere Bon Iver creates, <i style="">For Emma, Forever Ago</i> is an emotionally charged album that is truly something to behold. It’s not a perfect album by any means, but the sheer beauty of the record is something that any fan of music should appreciate. If you or someone you know is looking for an album that is both original and beautiful, <i style="">For Emma, Forever Ago</i> is as good of a choice as any. This is one of the best debuts of 2008, as well as a special album in its own right.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1027" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:152.25pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image003.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 203px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk600/k664/k66438esl4e.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Bonnie “Prince” Billy</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Lie Down in the Light</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Will <st1:place st="on">Oldham</st1:place> (aka Bonnie “Prince” Billy) is one of indie folk’s most critically acclaimed and well respected musicians. This is for good reason. <i style="">Lie Down in the Light</i> is another beautiful and artistic folk album from <st1:place st="on">Oldham</st1:place>, and as a critic, it’s honestly hard not to praise everything this man touches. This has nothing to do with name or his reputation, but simply that he records creative and original music with a stunning amount of polish on just about every record. <st1:place st="on">Oldham</st1:place> has unique voice filled with passion, and it’s obvious that he loves what he does and puts a lot of care into his music. This is the kind of passionate album that exemplifies why folk music is great, and any fan of the genre should give it a listen.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1028" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:149.25pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image005.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b9/Carried.jpg/200px-Carried.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Calexico</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Carried to Dust</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">While Calexico isn’t necessarily indie folk, it has enough folk influences to earn its place on the list, and an appearance by Iron & Wine certainly helps its cause. <i style="">Carried to Dust</i> is also somewhat of an inconsistent album, but its standout moments are some of the year’s best. The single “Two Silver Trees” is mesmerizing in its beauty, and while the rest of the album doesn’t quite reach that same level, it’s still a solid album worthy of a strong recommendation. There are moments of experimentation as well, and it’s when Calexico breaks from their usual sound when this album works best. <i style="">Carried to Dust</i> ranges from mediocre to great, but there are more than enough moments of greatness to warrant a spot on your holiday shopping list.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1030" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:-.7pt;width:147.75pt;" allowoverlap="f"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image007.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 201px; height: 192px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl400/l497/l49723xh6xm.jpg" alt="" border="0" />Damien Jurado</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Caught in the Trees</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Damien Jurado has been one of the most underrated folk musicians for some time, and while <i style="">Caught in the Trees</i> is a few standout tracks short of being a masterpiece, it's another very good album to go with his other greats. This is an album that strays from Jurado’s usual darkness and subtleties, and instead focuses on simplicity. <i style="">Caught in the Trees</i> is certainly a simple album, but it’s also one of that could not be done by any other musician. This is not your typical indie folk album, as while beauty and simplicity are its strengths, the way the lyrics compliment the simple instrumentals works in ways that are rarely used in folk. Everything about <i style="">Caught in the Trees</i> is simple, except how it comes together, and it’s album that any fan of folk or indie music should pick up.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1029" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:153pt;height:153pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image009.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 198px; height: 198px;" src="http://www.subpop.com/assets/images/column2/4411.jpg?1213301865" alt="" border="0" />Death Vessel</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nothing Is Precious Enough For Us</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s hard to talk about Death Vessel without mentioning that the vocalist of this folk project is in fact a male. While that may not seem like a strange quality for an indie folk band, it’s quite hard to believe after listening to him sing. Joel Thibodeau is his name, and while his falsetto vocals can be somewhat of a distraction, Death Vessel’s music as a whole is actually very relaxing. Like one would expect from indie folk, there’s not much that's particular complex here, but again, that’s part of what makes Death Vessel such a relaxing and beautiful project. The vocals are soothing once you get used to them, and the lyrics are decent enough, although no where near the level of Iron & Wine or Bon Iver. Still, <i style="">Nothing Is Precious Enough For Us</i> is a soothing folk record that fans of simple relaxing music enjoy, even if it's a moderate step down from their debut.
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1031" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:-.7pt;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image011.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/01/Fleet_foxes.jpg/200px-Fleet_foxes.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Fleet Foxes</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Fleet Foxes</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s astonishing that Fleet Foxes’ self titled album is their first full length release. In a year that contained some of the most original music I’ve ever heard, the Fleet Foxes have released one of the most original, polished, and overall best albums of 2008. This album is guaranteed to be in my top 10 list, and could very well be called the best album released all year. This little indie band from <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Seattle</st1:place></st1:city> has crafted a truly unique sound that populates an album full of subtleties and beautiful melodies. One album in, the Fleet Foxes have created a masterpiece. Any music lover that has yet to purchase this album needs to take care of that as soon as possible. I honestly can’t imagine anyone not finding something to like in this album, even if you're the type of person that laughs at the idea of indie folk, and I assume that the majority of listeners will love just about every minute of it.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><i style=""><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1032" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image013.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl400/l450/l45065eef61.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Horse Feathers</p> <p class="MsoNormal">House with No Home</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">More of a pure folk album than any other on this list, Horse Feather’s <i style="">House with No Home</i> is a unique record that I’m proud to say comes from the Northwest. <i style="">House with No Home</i> is every bit as beautiful as the other indie folk albums found in this guide, but there’s far more here musically than just a poet with a guitar. Banjos, violins, cellos, and female vocals add a great deal of musical variety to the typical indie folk sound, and anyone looking for a true folk album will find one here. <i style="">House with No Home</i> is another simple yet beautiful record lyrically, but it’s also an album that isn’t afraid to try new things. It’s not only the closest thing to a pure folk record you’ll find in indie music, but it’s also one of the most original albums in the genre.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1033" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image015.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 199px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk500/k518/k51871nfq14.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Lau Nau</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nukkuu</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">While metalheads know that <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Finland</st1:place></st1:country-region> is filled with many artistic metal bands, less music fans are aware of the amazing folk scene they have. Lau Nau may very well be the absolute best of the Finnish folk artists, and believe me when I say that is high praise. <i style="">Nukkuu </i>is her second full length album, and it’s one of the most beautiful albums of 2008. While the lyrics are performed in Finnish, the physical copy of the album comes with English translations, and even translated the lyrics are poetic. The music itself is also full of beauty and passion, and it wouldn’t be a stretch to call <i style="">Nukkuu</i> the best pure folk album of the year. This is music in its most beautiful form, and it's worth tracking down for anyone who enjoys beautiful art.
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1034" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:148.5pt;height:148.5pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image017.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 203px; height: 195px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk000/k058/k05854k0x9d.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Sun Kil Moon</p> <p class="MsoNormal">April</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In terms of originality, Sun Kil Moon’s <i style="">April </i>pales in comparison to the likes of Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, Lau Nau, and some of the top folk-influenced indie albums released in year full of great indie folk albums. However, Mark Kozelek, best known for fronting the indie rock group Red House Painters, understands the most important aspect of folk music. Sun Kil Moon understands emotion and how to convey in through music. The emotion found in <i style="">April </i>is what makes this album special. Lyrically and musically, it’s not a drastic change from the average indie folk record, but the emotion found in both the vocals and musicianship of Kozelek is nothing short of magnificent. If a purely emotional album is what you’re looking for, Sun Kil Moon’s <i style="">April</i> is just about the best you’ll find.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1035" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:151.5pt;height:151.5pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image019.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 201px; height: 197px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bc/Heretic_pride_cover.jpeg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->The Mountain Goats</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Heretic Pride</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Mountain Goats are the epitome of indie folk. If you’re a fan of the genre, chances are you know this band, and should know what they can do. <i style="">Heretic Pride</i> is not the best album they’ve put out, but it’s still solid, as well as one of the best albums for anyone looking to start their indie folk collection. For those who aren’t quite sure what indie folk is, The Mountain Goats, along with Iron & Wine, are probably the first artists to look into. Their sound is closer to indie rock than what one would typically associate with folk, but replace the rock and roll influences found within quality indie rock, and you have The Mountain Goats. It’s a simple concept with a simple sound, but a beautiful one nevertheless.</p> Bryce Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04012670966156122386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879885319601483030.post-21034605284008574892008-12-19T15:13:00.000-08:002008-12-20T12:37:31.389-08:00Holiday Buyer's Guide 08- Alternative<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Sections:</span>
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p>-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-introduction.html">Introduction</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-acessible-metal.html">Accessible Metal</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-mainstream-rock.html">Mainstream Rock</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-progressive.html">Progressive</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-alternative.html">Alternative</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08.html">Melodeath/Doom/Goth</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-indie-rock.html">Indie Rock</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-hip-hop.html">Hip-Hop</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08_19.html">Power/Folk/Symphonic Metal</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-indie-folk.html">Indie Folk</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-extreme-metal.html">Extreme Metal</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-experimental.html">Experimental</a>
<br />
<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CBRYCEM%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="Edit-Time-Data" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CBRYCEM%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_editdata.mso"><!--[if !mso]> <style> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style> <![endif]--><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="1036"> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><u>Alternative<o:p></o:p></u></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;">
<br /></span></o:p></u></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">Last year, I grouped indie rock and alternative into one list. This was because 2007 was somewhat of a lackluster year for alternative rock. However, 2008 is a very different story. Indie rock has moved into a completely separate genre, and the ten albums left in the alternative category are even stronger than last year. If you are a fan of alternative rock or are shopping for, you have a number of great albums to chose from without having the settle for the Coldplay and Nickelback albums that the industry wants you to buy.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;">
<br /></span></o:p></u></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="75" preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:formulas> <v:path extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> <o:lock ext="edit" aspectratio="t"> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl500/l589/l58914sehi4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Dead Confederate</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Wrecking Ball</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dead Confederate is a band that exemplifies the greatness of rock music. Yes, the band is more associated with alternative and indie than mainstream and hard rock, but that has more to do with the indie community’s appreciation for new and artistic sounds than the actual sound of Dead Confederate. There is a heavier grunge influence here than just about any post-grunge album released in the last decade, yet this isn’t a grunge album in the slightest. <i style="">Wrecking Ball </i>is raw, gritty, and full of passion, something that pure rock music has been deeply lacking in recent years. The album also contains a far share of ballads, none of which feel forced or out of place in the album’s context. <i style="">Wrecking Ball</i> is one of my personal favorite albums of 2008, and while some filler keeps from being an A-quality record from an objective standpoint, I love this album to death, and I highly recommend it.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1027" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image003.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk300/k317/k31739jl30e.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Elbow</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Seldom Seen Kid</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">While Elbow is often classified as indie rock, <i style="">The Seldom Seen Kid</i> is an album that should please any fan of alternative music, not just the indie crowd. Their sound is just as accessible and radio friendly as that of any other band in this category, which is why I think it fits better into the general alternative section on this list. It’s really quite amazing that this band isn’t a household name at this point, as fans of bands like Modest Mouse, Death Cab for Cutie, and other famous indie rock bands should be obsessing over Elbow. <i style="">The Seldom Seen Kid</i> is the evolution of accessible indie rock, and it has something for just about any alternative fan. Trust me when I say that when that uniformed pre-teen you’re buying for asks for the new Coldplay or Death Cab for Cutie album, he really means this one. He just doesn’t know it yet.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1028" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:147.75pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image005.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 197px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drj900/j974/j97412zh2ls.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Gnarls Barkley</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Odd Couple</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">While nothing on Gnarls Barkley’s second album received as much radio play or mainstream exposure as their hit “Crazy,” <i style="">The Odd Couple</i> is every bit as good and catchy as their first album. In a world where idiotic pop music is far more widespread than the intelligent form of the genre, Gnarls Barkley are the rare group that makes pop music that is as catchy and fun as it is creative and intelligent. Danger Mouse’s production is top notch and Cee-Lo Green’s vocals are as powerful and unique as they were on the band’s debut. <i style="">The Odd Couple</i> is certainly an odd album, but it’s also a surprisingly polished one that is at times beautiful, consistently fun, and always creative. Whether you’re a fan of alternative, pop, soul, funk, or hip-hop, <i style="">The Odd Couple</i> has something for you. It’s a very solid choice this holiday season for just about any music fan.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1029" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:148.5pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image007.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 198px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/5a/Red_2_2.jpg/200px-Red_2_2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Murder By Death</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Red of Tooth and Claw</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Featuring deep vocals, unique hard rock riffs, creative lyrics, a beautiful violin, and the imagination to hold it all together, Murder By Death’s <i style="">Red of Tooth and Claw</i> is one of the easiest albums to recommend from this past year. Murder By Death doesn’t fit it any particular category of rock music, yet they are one of the purest rock bands left. They play a blend of alternative rock that is unlike anything else out there, and rather accessible to boot. Anyone from metalheads to indie fans to straight up rockers should give <i style="">Red of Tooth and Claw</i> a try. It’s a gorgeous gem of an album that sees one of rock’s best kept secrets reaching their full potential.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1030" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image009.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk400/k481/k48138fiwfn.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Nine Inch Nails</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Slip</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Originally released as a free album earlier in the year, <i style="">The Slip</i> came out of nowhere to be the best Nine Inch Nails album since <i style="">The Downward Spiral</i>. If you downloaded the album for free, there really isn’t any reason to buy the physical copy other than to support the artist (unless you want the DVD that comes packaged with the album), but anyone that missed out on <i style="">The Slip</i> last spring should not miss it this holiday season. The album strikes a balance between hard and soft, accessible and unique, and formulaic and experimental. <i style="">The Slip</i> had a large amount of hype when it first released, so it’s hard to imagine a fan of Trent Reznor that doesn’t already own this in some form. However, this is a great starting point for anyone new to Nine Inch Nails, and any old fans who lost interest after NIN’s more mainstream period may want to give this album a chance. It truly is the best Nine Inch Nails record in more than a decade.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><i style=""><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1031" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image011.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/85/R.E.M._-_Accelerate.jpg/200px-R.E.M._-_Accelerate.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->R.E.M.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Accelerate</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Accelerate</i> is an album for R.E.M. fans. It’s been over a decade since R.E.M. released even a decent album, and while <i style="">Accelerate</i> isn’t necessarily a great album, it’s the closest thing the band has had to one in far too long. R.E.M. sounds like R.E.M. again, and <i style="">Accelerate</i> marks the return of deep lyrics and intelligent songwriting to R.E.M.’s sound, as well as the return of true guitar driven music with substance. While the album is short, there’s no filler to speak of, and it’s a huge step in the right direction. If you know an R.E.M. fan or happen to be one yourself, <i style="">Accelerate</i> makes for a solid purchase.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1032" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image013.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk100/k171/k17195lu99i.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Spiritualized</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Songs in A&E</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Not unlike the band that made it, <i style="">Songs in A&E</i> is somewhat of an underrated little album. It rarely has moments where it does anything particularly spectacular in comparison to other alternative albums, but it remains consistently simple and beautiful from start to finish. This is an album that’s difficult to criticize and very easy to like, even if it isn’t one of the 10 or 20 best albums released in the past year. Spiritualized sticks to what their good at, and the result is an album that is just that. <i style="">Songs in A&E</i> is just a solid beautiful alternative album that anyone can appreciate. For that reason, it makes a great holiday gift, as it’s hard to imagine a music fan not finding something to like in Spiritualized’s sound.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1035" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:2.3pt;width:147.6pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image015.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 193px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/18/The_Butterfly_Effect_-_Final_Conversation_Of_Kings_Cover.jpg/200px-The_Butterfly_Effect_-_Final_Conversation_Of_Kings_Cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->The Butterfly Effect</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Final Conversation of Kings</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Although it was somewhat overlooked, few albums showed as much improvement as The Butterfly Effect’s <i style="">Final Conversation of Kings</i>. At first glance it may seem like a huge departure from the post-grunge and hard rock sound of the band’s previous albums, but what separates The Butterfly Effect from other bands in the genre has always been their willingness to experiment with alternative and progressive rock. <i style="">Final Conversation of Kings</i> is a full transition into alternative rock, and it has more in common with experimental alternative bands than generic radio rock artists. The songs are longer and more varied, and the band has struck the perfect mixture between mainstream accessibility and more obscure experimentation. The Butterfly Effect have finally reached their potential, and <i style="">Final Conversation of Kings</i> is an album well worth getting for any fan of alternative rock.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1034" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image017.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 194px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl400/l407/l40752eq0c9.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->The Gaslight Anthem</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The ’59 Sound</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">2008 was not an especially great year for punk music, but that doesn’t mean The Gaslight Anthem’s <i style="">The ’59 Sound</i> is the best punk album of the year by default. While it didn’t have a lot of competition, this is the one 2008 album that punk fans need to get. The Gaslight Anthem play punk in its purest and most raw form, and in doing so put most modern punk to same. They don’t do anything particularly unique here, but they do it better than just about anyone else. If you listen to punk, you’ll know what to expect once you hear the opening of the first track, but you’ll also love the album for it. It uses classic punk conventions the way they should be used, and it’s the type of raw rebellious album that has becoming increasingly rare in punk over the last few years. If you’re looking a punk album this Christmas, this is by far the best once released in the past year.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1033" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:147pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image019.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 196px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drj400/j408/j40831z0ub8.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->The Mars <st1:place st="on">Volta</st1:place></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Bedlam in Goliath</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In what turned out to be a year full of “A” quality albums, The Mars Volta’s <i style="">The Bedlam in Goliath</i> was the first release to make my “Essential Albums” list in 2008. To say it’s unique would be stating the obvious, as The Mars Volta have been one of the unique bands in music for the past decade. This, however, is different even for them, as it’s their heaviest, fastest, and most focused album to date. The Mars Volta have taken a number of risks in making this album, and most of them pay off. From the first note of the opener “Aberinkula” all the way to album’s end, <i style="">The Bedlam in Goliath</i> plays out like an energetic jam session that could be described as a far more focused version of their live show. The lyrics are as cryptic as you’d expect from The Mars Volta, and despite its massive energy, this is an intelligent and challenging album that is nearly impossible to classify. <i style="">The Bedlam in Goliath</i> is the most focused Mars Volta album yet, but it’s the one that takes the most risks and ends up being the most unique. Anyone willing to take a few listens to get used to it should find this to be a very enjoyable album.</p> Bryce Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04012670966156122386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879885319601483030.post-4151377526876306182008-12-19T14:04:00.000-08:002008-12-20T12:38:15.767-08:00Holiday Buyer's Guide 08- Indie Rock<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Sections:</span>
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p>-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-introduction.html">Introduction</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-acessible-metal.html">Accessible Metal</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-mainstream-rock.html">Mainstream Rock</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-progressive.html">Progressive</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-alternative.html">Alternative</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08.html">Melodeath/Doom/Goth</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-indie-rock.html">Indie Rock</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-hip-hop.html">Hip-Hop</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08_19.html">Power/Folk/Symphonic Metal</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-indie-folk.html">Indie Folk</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-extreme-metal.html">Extreme Metal</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-experimental.html">Experimental</a>
<br />
<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CBRYCEM%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="Edit-Time-Data" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CBRYCEM%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_editdata.mso"><!--[if !mso]> <style> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style> <![endif]--><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceType"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceName"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="1036"> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Indie Rock<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;">
<br /></span></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">No genre had a better year in 2008 than indie rock. Last year, I had to group alternative albums together into one list, but things are different this year. Indie rock has its own guide, and no list had more competition than this one. Some tough sacrifices had to be made, and believe me when I say that all ten of these albums are great choices for any fan of indie or alternative rock.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;">
<br /></span></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="75" preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:formulas> <v:path extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> <o:lock ext="edit" aspectratio="t"> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drj400/j411/j41142mwqe4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]--><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Black</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In the Future</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">In the Future</i> can be described almost as a progressive psychedelic indie rock album, and anyone who thinks that sounds as awesome as it is does to me will likely love this album. It doesn’t have the staying power of Deerhunter’s <i style="">Microcastle</i>, the creativity of TV on the Radio’s <i style="">Dear Science</i>, or the lyrics of The Hold Steady’s <i style="">Stay Positive</i>, but <i style="">In the Future</i> is one of 2008’s hidden gems that got far less attention than it deserved. Regardless of where it stands on the long list of great indie rock albums from 08, <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Black</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place> have crafted a very creative piece of art that I highly recommend. From a subjective standpoint, this is one of my personal favorite albums released this past year, and I doubt I’m the only person who will love it.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1027" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image003.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/92/Deerhunter-Microcastle.jpg/200px-Deerhunter-Microcastle.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Deerhunter</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Microcastle</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If looked at as a shoegaze record, Deerhunter’s <i style="">Microcastle</i> is the best album in the genre since My Bloody Valentine’s <i style="">Loveless</i>. However, <i style="">Microcastle</i> is far more than just a shoegaze album. This is one of the most unique indie albums you’ll find, and it combines shoegaze, ambient, rock, and punk influences together to create something that walks the line between noise rock, indie rock, and shoegaze. If you know what those genres are, chances are you’re a fan of more obscure indie rock, and <i style="">Microcastle</i> will be exactly what you’re looking for. However, you don’t need to be an indie rock fan to enjoy it. This is a very unique album that is unlike anything else out there, but it’s also the most accessible album in Deerhunter’s discography. In what turned out to be a phenomenal year for indie music, <i style="">Microcastle</i> is one of the best indie rock albums of 2008, and it’s an experience that you can’t get anywhere else.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1028" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150.75pt;height:150.75pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image005.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 188px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/1f/Drdog_fate_splash.jpg/200px-Drdog_fate_splash.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Dr. Dog</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Fate</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Compared to many of the other albums on this list, Dr. Dog’s <i style="">Fate</i> is a bit basic. It’s a fairly standard indie rock album laced with dream pop and psychedelic influences, and it’s one that rarely goes beyond solid. Regardless, <i style="">Fate</i> is an example of quality indie rock that is consistent throughout and original enough to separate itself from the legions of generic indie rock groups flooding the market. Dr. Dog is a band that’s easy to like, as they have a very accessible and simple sound that is without a ton of flaws. It’s what the band doesn’t do that makes <i style="">Fate</i> a merely good album, but very little of what is here can be faulted. It’s a solid indie rock album that fans of the genre should enjoy.
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1029" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:5.4pt;width:147.6pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image007.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 195px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/02/MMJ_EvilUrges.jpg/200px-MMJ_EvilUrges.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->My Morning Jacket</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Evil Urges</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Rarely is a band criticized for becoming more experimental, but it’s happened to My Morning Jacket. What were once a southern rock group have turned into a full experimental indie act with traces of psychedelic, funk, country, and progressive rock. They’ve certainly changed, but the criticism of their change is more based on how great they were before, not how they sound now. In all actuality, My Morning Jacket have created another excellent album, and one that can be wholeheartedly recommended to anyone who understands that this band has changed. They’ve matured, become more intelligent songwriters, and have opened up their sound to more than just southern rock. It’s really a brilliant album indie album that if looked at it objectively, is really quite stunning.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1030" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image009.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 198px; height: 199px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/42/Nick_Cave_%26_the_Bad_Seeds_-_Dig%2C_Lazarus%2C_Dig%21%21%21_coverart.JPG" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]--><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Nick</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Cave</st1:placename></st1:place> & the Bad Seeds</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Nick</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Cave</st1:placename></st1:place>’s brilliant <i style="">Dig!! Lazarus Dig!!!</i> has been overshadowed by the slew of impressive indie rock albums released in the latter half of 2008, but looking back upon the year as a whole, this is still one of the absolute best albums released all year. <i style="">Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!</i> is a hilarious thought-provoking album by one of the most creative and respected musicians in the history of the genre. While it may not be the definitive indie rock album of 2008, it’s an “A” quality album that is as entertaining as any album available. Whether you interpret it as a serious look at religion, a laugh out loud comedy, or a bit of both, <i style="">Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!</i> is an album any music fan should consider when putting on your holiday wishlist.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1031" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image011.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/3d/Shearwater_rook.jpg/200px-Shearwater_rook.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Shearwater</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Rook</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Rook</i> is yet another great album from Shearwater. If you like your indie rock beautiful, epic, and powerful, then <i style="">Rook</i> is the album for you. It’s quite a simple album, but like indie music should be, it’s wildly creative within its simplicity. <i style="">Rook</i> is the type of spine-tingling tense album that does an excellent job of creating an emotional connection between the artist and the listener. On the surface, Shearwater doesn’t do anything particularly different in sound than their peers, including frontman Jonathan Meiburg’s former and much more generic project, <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Okkervil</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">River</st1:placetype></st1:place>. However, like most good indie rock, Shearwater’s true beauty comes from the subtleties of their sound. Everything from the chord progression to the passionate vocals make <i style="">Rook</i> better than the sum its parts, and the result is a tense album that would make a great pick for any indie fan.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1032" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:148.5pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image013.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 198px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drj500/j565/j56571ps8he.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Sons & Daughters</p> <p class="MsoNormal">This Gift</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">This Gift</i> was one of the first great albums released in 2008, and 11 months later it still stands out as one of the best indie rock albums of the year. Sons & Daughters do a fantastic job of mixing male and female vocal harmonies in ways that are reminiscent of indie bands varying from Sonic Youth to Rilo Kiley to even Sleater-Kinney from strictly the perspective of the females vocals. <i style="">This Gift</i> doesn’t necessarily take a lot of chances, as it features the same upbeat sound with emotionally varied lyrics that has become typical of indie rock, but the album uses that as more a positive than a negative. Sons & Daughters clearly have a formula that they build off, but they’ve made their formula by taking the best of their influences and putting their own spin on it. It’s not groundbreaking stuff, but a safe pick that delivers the goods for indie rock fans.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1033" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image015.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/5d/Real_emotional_trash.jpg/200px-Real_emotional_trash.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Real Emotional Trash</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Real Emotional Trash</i> is a different type of Stephen Malkmus album, but it’s still a solid indie offering that should please any fan of the genre. The former Pavement frontman, also aided by former Sleater-Kinney drummer Janet Weiss, focuses more on jamming and experimenting instrumentally here than he has in the past, and it’s safe to say that this album is pretty much the opposite of classic Pavement. Malkmus does show why he’s a legend though, both in his songwriting abilities and in his incredible musicianship. While he still hasn’t quite found a distinct sound, Malkmus uses the lack of a focus to his advantage, and creates some truly remarkable moments that seem to come out of nowhere. <i style="">Real Emotional Trash</i> isn’t the best album Stephen Malkmus has been a part of, but it’s another very good that indie fans should not miss.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1034" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:149.4pt;height:149.4pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image017.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 204px; height: 189px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/27/Holdsteadystaypositive.jpg/200px-Holdsteadystaypositive.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->The Hold Steady</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Stay Positive</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Simply, The Hold Steady’s <i style="">Stay Positive</i> is a masterpiece in every respect. The album as a whole is a masterful collection of stories that come together to paint a beautiful picture of life. On their own, each song is a masterpiece, as each contains a poetic story full of vibrant characters dealing with genuine issues, but the concept that the stories make is even better. <i style="">Stay Positive</i> is an album that anyone can relate to, and it’s unique musically as well. The lyrics are deep and poetic, and it’s easy to get lost in thought interpreting the stories and metaphors. This is an album for music lovers, poetry lovers, and intelligent listeners, and if you fit into one of those categories, make sure to get yourself a copy.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1035" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image019.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/43/Dear_science_album_cover.jpg/200px-Dear_science_album_cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->TV on the Radio</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dear Science</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">How good is TV on the Radio’s <i style="">Dear Science</i>? Let’s just say that if you buy one album in the next ten years, I recommend this one. Years from now, this very well may be the record that defines this decade in indie rock. <i style="">Dear Science</i> is the modern day equivalent to the Pixies’ <i style="">Doolittle</i> and Neutral Milk Hotel’s <i style="">In the Aeroplane Over the Sea</i>. That is to say, it’s a jaw dropping masterpiece of creativity, lyricism, poetry, and experimentation. It exemplifies what modern indie music is all about, and in a year where dance-punk has been the major indie trend, TV on the Radio have introduced just enough of that into sound to show how much better than the rest of the indie rock crowd they really are. <i style="">Dear Science</i> is an unbelievable masterpiece, and it belongs in the collection of every music fan.</p> Bryce Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04012670966156122386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879885319601483030.post-65484504721737117672008-12-19T13:18:00.000-08:002008-12-20T12:39:50.967-08:00Holiday Buyer's Guide 08- Experimental<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Sections:</span>
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p>-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-introduction.html">Introduction</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-acessible-metal.html">Accessible Metal</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-mainstream-rock.html">Mainstream Rock</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-progressive.html">Progressive</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-alternative.html">Alternative</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08.html">Melodeath/Doom/Goth</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-indie-rock.html">Indie Rock</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-hip-hop.html">Hip-Hop</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08_19.html">Power/Folk/Symphonic Metal</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-indie-folk.html">Indie Folk</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-extreme-metal.html">Extreme Metal</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-experimental.html">Experimental</a>
<br />
<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CBRYCEM%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="Edit-Time-Data" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CBRYCEM%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_editdata.mso"><!--[if !mso]> <style> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style> <![endif]--><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="1036"> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Experimental<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><b style=""><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CBRYCEM%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> </p><p class="MsoNormal">From the unique to the weird to the truly bizarre, 2008 was filled with a number of interesting experimental albums. Anyone looking for something out of the ordinary or just an alternative album with a bit more experimentation than your average indie rock album will find ten quality choices in this guide.</p>
<br /><b style=""><u><o:p></o:p></u></b><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="75" preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:formulas> <v:path extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> <o:lock ext="edit" aspectratio="t"> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/04/David_Byrne_and_Brian_Eno_--_Everything_That_Happens_Will_Happen_Today_Album_Cover.jpg/200px-David_Byrne_and_Brian_Eno_--_Everything_That_Happens_Will_Happen_Today_Album_Cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->David Byrne & Brian Eno</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Everything That Happens Will Happen Today</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The collaboration album between David Byrne and Brian Eno is a vastly different one than some might expect. In actuality, its weirdness is what makes it such a great listen, and Bryne’s willingness to experiment and go in odd directions is part of what made Talking Heads great. <i style="">Everything That Happens Will Happen Today</i> is somewhat of an upbeat alternative gospel album that is every bit as strange as it sounds. The album’s brilliance comes from its experimentation and pure oddity, and it’s certainly not something for those who don’t understand how being weird can make an album brilliant. However, David Byrne and Brian Eno are two vastly imaginative musicians who know weird and no how to be truly unique and brilliant within their weirdness. For fans of the artists, <i style="">Everything That Happens Will Happen Today</i> makes a great gift.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1027" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image003.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drj700/j780/j78051ak532.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Fuck Buttons</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Street Horrrsing</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Believe me when I say that the debut album from Fuck Buttons is only for those who like their music to be as weird as possible. Even for experimental music, <i style="">Street Horrrsing</i> is out there, and it’s certainly not an easy album to listen to. To make matters worse, variety is not one of the album’s strong points, so while there is noticeable progression between the songs, the many listeners who will be repulsed by the Fuck Buttons sound at first listen aren’t likely to change their opinion as the album goes on. Still, this is a great album for those who like weird music, and the combination of post-rock, electronica, and black metal is one of the strangest you’ll ever hear. If you’re looking for the absolute weirdest album of the year, it's a toss up between this one and The Bug's <span style="font-style: italic;">London Zoo</span>.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1028" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image005.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl800/l806/l80600eq0c9.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Gang Gang Dance</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Saint Dymphna</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In a year where indie electronica was a popular “experiment” for indie rock bands, Gang Gang Dance is the one indie electronica group that actually manages to experiment. <i style="">Saint Dymphna </i>is a weird little record that is as much fun as an album by a band called “Gang Gang Dance” should be, but also as creative as an one would expect of an experimental album. If you’re looking for an album that’s both fun and weird, you can't go wrong with what Gang Gang Dance have done here. <i style="">Saint Dymphana</i> is far from perfect, but it's a genuinely experimental electro-pop album that puts its more popular peers to shame.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1029" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image007.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl900/l902/l90210r5nrs.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->God Is An Astronaut</p> <p class="MsoNormal">God Is An Astronaut</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">God Is An Astronaut’s self-titled fourth album is one of the most challenging listens you’ll find in instrumental rock. This is a beautiful album that takes multiple listens to fully appreciate, and while it may seem like a typical post-rock offering at first, it’s really far more. <i style="">God Is An Astronaut</i> is actually an astonishing and complex album that goes in directions rarely found in post-rock. The band is willing to experiment with electronica and hard rock, among other genres, and does so in a ways that build tension and create truly unique and engaging sounds. This is far from the same thing done over and over again, as care has been put into every moment of every song, and as a fan of music, it’s pure bliss to listen to. Take some time and really immerse yourself in the experience. This is an album full of beauty and subtlety, and it’s an experience that doesn’t come around very often.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1030" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150.75pt;height:150.75pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image009.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.brooklynvegan.com/img/music2/doomsdayers.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Grails</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Doomsdayer’s <st1:place st="on">Holiday</st1:place></p><p class="MsoNormal"><st1:place st="on">
<br /></st1:place></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If the album artwork doesn’t give you the impression that the Grails are one completely demented band, then their music almost certainly will. This is one seriously odd album, and I mean that mostly in a good way. <i style="">Doomsayer’s Holiday</i>, like the Grails past work, is entirely instrumental, but judging by the oddity of the music at hand, it's probably for the best that we don't get to hear what kind of perverted lyricism might go along with the music. Grails sound is one that is very different from most instrumental groups, not just in sound, but in structure. Their sound is closer to Mr. Bungle than Mogwai, and while the musicianship is both impressive and creative, the strength of the album comes from the psychedelic and almost perverse nature of the music. It’s quite odd and difficult to describe, but that’s the nature of experimental music, and anyone who is intrigued by the strange and bizarre is likely going to enjoy <i style="">Doomsdayer’s Holiday</i>.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1031" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image011.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl800/l881/l88103wf0fd.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Grouper</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dragging a Dead Dear Up a Hill</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If pure ambiance and beauty is what you desire, than look no farther than Grouper’s <i style="">Dragging a Dead Dear Up a Hill</i>. This is an essential experimental ambient pop album, and yes, it just as unique as it sounds. However, experimental music rarely sounds as natural and purely beautiful as it does here. While the sound is relaxing and full of melody, there is an extensive amount of subtlety to appreciate. Grouper has made one of the finest, most challenging records of the year, but also one of the most beautiful and relaxing. It doesn’t necessarily remind the listener of a dragging a dead dear up a hill, but the sound is of a very pure naturalist form, and it’s one of the most beautiful experiences to be had in music.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1032" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:149.25pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image013.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk300/k357/k35761oix91.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Jamie Lidell</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jim</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">While nothing on his studio albums can compare to Jamie Lidell’s incredible live show, <i style="">Jim</i> is a solid neo-soul album with a unique sound. It’s hard to describe what exactly Jamie Lidell does musically or who he will appeal to, but anyone looking for a fun and unique album will find it here. <i style="">Jim</i> is far less experimental than past Lidell albums, which is a somewhat of a disappointment for fans of his ectronica side, but as mentioned before, what makes Jamie Lidell great is found more in his amazing live shows and less on his merely fun studio albums. It’s not a great album by any means, but <i style="">Jim</i> is a still a fun and moderately creative album by a musician that deserves far more attention than he gets.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1035" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:7.65pt;width:150pt;height:147.75pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image015.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 197px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk000/k034/k03484rs5fu.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Portishead</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Third</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s been 11 years since Portishead released their self-titled sophomore album, and despite the efforts of many clone groups, there hasn’t been a trip-hop album like it since, nor has their been one as good. Portishead’s <i style="">Third</i> might not be quite as good as the group’s first two albums, but it’s certainly the best trip-hop album to be released in those 11 years. Part of what makes it so good is that <i style="">Third</i> is not just another Portishead album. This album sees Portishead reinventing their sound in ways that only the masters of the genre could do. <i style="">Third</i> is an even stranger and more experimental album than Portishead’s first two, but it’s also pure trip-hop in that it uses the formula the group invented and takes in a more modern direction. This is an album that even those aren’t into trip-hop and experimental can enjoy, and it’s an album that any alternative or experimental fan would love.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1033" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image017.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl100/l109/l10924rouct.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->The Bug</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">London</st1:place></st1:city> Zoo</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">London Zoo</i> is as strange of an album as you’re ever going to find. It also happens to be one of the best albums released in 2008. British producer Kevin Martin, who goes by the name “The Bug,” has created some truly original and bizarre songs that must be heard to be believed. It may turn listeners away at first, but stick with it, and <i style="">London Zoo</i> becomes one of the most fun, original, and even enjoyable albums you’ll find. It’s impossible to decipher all of the influences of The Bug, and the genre the album is in is apparently “dancehall dubstep,” a genre which I admit to not being well versed in. Regardless of how little I know of other albums in the genre, I can assure that there is nothing quite like <i style="">London Zoo</i>. It’s a strange and original record that anyone willing to listen to the truly bizarre should look into.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1034" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image019.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/cf/1d9d494b75df310469c4bbc9fa018c5e.jpg/200px-1d9d494b75df310469c4bbc9fa018c5e.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->The Sound of Animals Fighting</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Ocean and the Sun</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">The Ocean and the Sun</i> is the album where The Sound of Animals Fighting finally live up to their potential. This incredibly unique and experimental group features rotating members, a vast number of instruments, and even a number of different vocalists. Their albums are kind of prog operas in a way, but with alternative rock artists and experimentation to the point of incoherency. The Sound of Animals Fighting have always been an ambitious band, but this is their first album that sounds like more than an experiment. While obviously experimental, <i style="">The Ocean and the Sun</i> is a deep and challenging album that is just simply great. It’s beautiful and intelligent, and something can be enjoyed by deep thinking listeners, not just appreciated by experimental fans.</p> Bryce Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04012670966156122386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879885319601483030.post-11230832820058867482008-12-19T12:24:00.000-08:002008-12-20T12:39:06.164-08:00Holiday Buyer's Guide 08- Symphonic/Power/Folk Metal<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Sections:</span>
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p>-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-introduction.html">Introduction</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-acessible-metal.html">Accessible Metal</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-mainstream-rock.html">Mainstream Rock</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-progressive.html">Progressive</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-alternative.html">Alternative</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08.html">Melodeath/Doom/Goth</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-indie-rock.html">Indie Rock</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-hip-hop.html">Hip-Hop</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08_19.html">Power/Folk/Symphonic Metal</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-indie-folk.html">Indie Folk</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-extreme-metal.html">Extreme Metal</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-experimental.html">Experimental</a>
<br />
<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CBRYCEM%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="Edit-Time-Data" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CBRYCEM%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_editdata.mso"><!--[if !mso]> <style> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style> <![endif]--><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="Street"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="1036"> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Symphonic/Power/Folk Metal<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;">
<br /></span></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As is true with many good albums in the symphonic, power, and folk metal genres, a number of the albums on this list blend all three styles into their own unique sound. While some albums are certainly more power metal based, while others primarily feature folk metal, fans of any of the genres should look into the other two if they haven’t already. There’s a reason they’re grouped together, and while there weren’t any “album of the year” contenders released in any of the three genres this year, here are ten solid choices for fans of symphonic, power, and folk metal.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;">
<br /></span></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="75" preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:formulas> <v:path extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> <o:lock ext="edit" aspectratio="t"> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 201px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl800/l801/l80176hv7de.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Battlelore</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Last <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Alliance</st1:place></st1:city></p><p class="MsoNormal"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">
<br /></st1:place></st1:city></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Battlelore is a very strange band to say the least. Their sound combines a wide variety of metal subgenres, most notably power, folk, symphonic, and melodic death metal. <i style="">The Last Alliance</i> doesn’t do anything to change their sound, but consistency is one of Battlelore’s strong points. Their sound is unique, their lyrics relating to <i style="">The Lord of the Rings </i>are appropriately nerdy and over-the-top, and anyone who isn’t shaking their head at the description will likely love what these guys are doing. It’s very unique, and despite its ridiculous nature at times, Battlelore’s sound is one of the most epic in metal. If artistic songs about epic fantasy battles don’t completely turn you away, this album is for you.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1027" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150.75pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image003.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 201px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl700/l741/l74167dr53t.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Dawn of Destiny</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Rebellion in Heaven</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ll admit it. I’m a sucker for female-fronted power/symphonic metal. I love the combination of beautiful female vocals with blazing guitar riffs and melodic keyboards. Chances are, I’m not the only person who loves this style of music, and if you’re like me, you’ll love Dawn of Destiny’s <i style="">Rebellion in Heaven</i>. Dawn of Destiny is closer to power than symphonic metal, and is a very solid entry in the power genre. The vocals are consistently powerful and melodic, and there is quite a bit of variation and originality in Dawn of Desinty’s sound. Fans of power metal and female-fronted metal would be wise to give <i style="">Rebellion in a Heaven</i> a place on your Christmas list.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1028" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image005.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl800/l874/l87468kaufk.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Edguy</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tinnitus Sanctus</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">While one could argue that Edguy’s formula is starting to wear thin, it’s hard to listen to them without smiling. This is an immensely talented power metal band that doesn’t take their music seriously in the slightest. <i style="">Tinnitus Sanctus</i> is a slightly more mature record than what fans may be used to be, but it’s still a fun, lighthearted, and comedic metal album with some of the most impressive musicianship and intelligent songwriting of Edguy’s career. Just because <i style="">Tinnitus Sanctus</i> isn’t vastly different from typical Edguy doesn’t imply that Edguy is just your average power metal band. The humor, musicianship, and even the variety within the songs themselves makes Edguy a band that even those who aren’t into power metal can listen to and appreciate. This album has yet to release in the <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region></st1:place>, so you’ll have to wait until January to buy it if you’re an American Edguy fan, but European metalheads should consider adding <i style="">Tinnitus Sanctus</i> to their wishlist this holiday season.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1029" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:148.5pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image007.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 198px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drj800/j839/j83996fsif2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Eluveitie</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Slania</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Eluveitie is a very unique folk metal band, and thus <i style="">Slania</i>, the second album from the band, is a very unique album. If you’re not a fan of folk metal, then you really don’t have much of a reason to listen to it, but Eluveitie’s impressive combination of folk and melodic death metal makes for one of the most interesting sounds in folk metal. <i style="">Slania</i> is the type of album that takes folk metal in completely new directions, not only by fusing it with melodeath, but also by playing folk metal itself in a non-formulaic way. There are songs here that remove the metal elements entirely, as well as songs that use typical folk instruments in ways not normally used in folk metal. While most other bands of the genre have been reusing the same formula again and again, Eluveitie have created their own and are willing to stray from it. In doing so they have made an album that all folk metal fans should hear.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1030" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image009.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/14/Two_Tragedy_Poets_cover.jpg/200px-Two_Tragedy_Poets_cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Elvenking</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Two Tragedy Poets (...and a Caravan of Weird Figures)</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Two Tragedy Poets</i> is an acoustic folk rock album from power/folk band Elvenking. While that may sound like career suicide to some, this is actually a very good album. Elvenking doesn’t exactly posses the lyrical quality necessary to make a typical folk album, which is why <i style="">Two Tragedy Poets</i> is anything but a typical folk rock album. The songs are still structured like power metal tracks, and the songwriting is intentionally fun and over-the-top. While an acoustic folk album could have been a huge failure, Elvenking not only do a great job of tweaking their sound to work in an acoustic setting, but they also do a great job of tweaking the acoustic folk formula to fit their style. The result is a purely fun album that anyone looking for a fun folk metal experience should enjoy.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1031" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:149.25pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image011.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl000/l005/l00550bwo3n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Equilibrium</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sagas</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Sagas</i> is an epic and often ridiculous metal album that blends elements of folk, viking, and even black metal into one completely over-the-top sound. This is a fun and epic album that is mostly a folk metal release at its core, but crunching riffs and harsh vocals make it not only much heavier than the typical folk metal album, but also more fun. The musicianship is incredibly solid, the vocals are appropriately over-the-top, and it comes together to create what can only be described as a brilliant mess. If you like folk metal, <i style="">Sagas</i> is an interesting and unique take on the genre that is definitely worth getting this holiday season.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1032" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:149.25pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image013.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk300/k301/k30118intu6.jpg" alt="" border="0" />Korpiklaani</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Korven Kuningas</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Korven Kuningas</i> isn’t a drastic departure from Korpiklaani’s formula. In fact, there is little here to distinguish <i style="">Korven Kuningas</i> from other Korpiklaani albums. Still, Korpiklaani’s formula is not one that needs a lot of tweaking. <i style="">Korven Kuningas</i> is another fun folk metal album that never takes itself seriously, and it’s one that fans of the band will almost certainly enjoy. If you’ve yet to discover Korpiklaani’s unique brand of folk metal, <i style="">Korven Kuningas</i> is a good place to start. It’s a fun album with a unique sound, and while it won’t be anything new to fans of Korpiklaani, it’s still a folk metal album that’s hard not to like.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1033" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:153pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image015.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 204px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl400/l471/l47144nd8v3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]--><st1:street st="on">Manilla Road</st1:street></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Voyager</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Voyager</i> is exactly the kind of album that <st1:street st="on">Manilla Road</st1:street> fans wanted and expected. That is to say, it’s a musically stunning album filled with epic songs and rough vocals. Manilla Road isn’t exactly going to be gaining any popularity with this album, but those who know what this vastly underrated band can do were in for a treat this year. <i style="">Voyager</i> is yet another solid <st1:street st="on">Manilla Road</st1:street> album, and fans of power/epic metal should give this band a listen. Regardless of whether you get <i style="">Voyager</i> or one of the many solid past albums, just make sure you look into them. They’re one of the most talented bands in metal, and they’ve been one of the metal underground’s most underappreciated acts for the last 20 years.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1034" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:147pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image017.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 196px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk700/k788/k78811jxy36.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Pyramaze</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Immortal</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pyramaze’s third release, and first and only release with Matt Barlow (Iced Earth) on vocal duty, is one of the most surprising albums of 2008. Pyramaze was known almost exclusively for vocalist Lance King, who left after two albums. Oddly enough, <i style="">Immortal </i>is quite possibly Pyramaze’s best album to date. The musicianship has improved dramatically, and Matt Barlow works exceptionally well with the rest of the band. This is power metal at its best, and in a year that featured disappointing new albums from Iced Earth, Evergrey, and DragonForce, <i style="">Immortal</i> has come out of practically nowhere to become the one of the most essential power metal releases of 2008.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1035" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:149.25pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image019.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl700/l799/l79954kkuu7.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Perpetual Flame</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Perpetual Flame</i> is another one of the year’s most surprising albums. Of course Malmsteen’s guitar work is technically impressive, but it’s the vocals from Tim “Ripper” Owens that makes <i style="">Perpetual Flame</i> more than just your typical speed metal album. Yngwie’s guitar playing still lacks the passion that he has been missing for most of his career, but the riffs he’s come up with here are some of his most technical and even some of his most unique. There’s no denying his technical skills, but Owens’ vocal performances adds a much needed dimension to the music that makes <span style="font-style: italic;">Perputal Flame</span> a good album. If you’re a fan of Malmsteen, power metal, or blazing fast guitar skills, <i style="">Perpetual Flame</i> is a solid choice.</p> Bryce Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04012670966156122386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879885319601483030.post-71422943251209427912008-12-19T11:51:00.000-08:002008-12-20T12:37:55.533-08:00Holiday Buyer's Guide 08- Melodeath/Doom/Goth<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CBRYCEM%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="Edit-Time-Data" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CBRYCEM%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_editdata.mso"><!--[if !mso]> <style> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style> <![endif]--><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceType"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceName"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="1036"> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Sections:</span>
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-introduction.html">Introduction</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-acessible-metal.html">Accessible Metal</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-mainstream-rock.html">Mainstream Rock</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-progressive.html">Progressive</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-alternative.html">Alternative</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08.html">Melodeath/Doom/Goth</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-indie-rock.html">Indie Rock</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-hip-hop.html">Hip-Hop</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08_19.html">Power/Folk/Symphonic Metal</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-indie-folk.html">Indie Folk</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-extreme-metal.html">Extreme Metal</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-experimental.html">Experimental</a>
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Melodeath/Doom/Goth<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;">
<br /></span></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Grouped together for the second straight year, melodic death, goth, and doom metal all had their fair share of great albums. While melodeath occupied most of the list last year, 2008 had a number of great doom metal albums, as well as few great goth metal releases. Whether a fan of melodeath, goth, doom, or even all three, here are ten albums from the past year that I recommend to you.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;">
<br /></span></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="75" preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:formulas> <v:path extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> <o:lock ext="edit" aspectratio="t"> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/51/Amon_Amarth_-_Twlight_of_the_Thunder_God.jpg/200px-Amon_Amarth_-_Twlight_of_the_Thunder_God.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Amon Amarth</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Twilight of the Thunder God</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Amon Amarth is a band that cannot be accurately described. They just simply have their own unique style of metal that must be heard before being judged. If you’re a metalhead, give Amon Amarth a try. They’ve improved and farther polished their sound with each new album, and <i style="">Twilight of the Thunder God</i> is their best effort yet. It’s a heavy, brutal, oddly melodic, and wonderfully over-the-top album that is one of the best of 2008. Few bands are so unique in their brutality, and Amon Amarth continue to harness a truly unique sound with a ton creativity and some of the tightest and most technical musicianship you’ll ever hear. <i style="">Twilight of the Thunder God</i> is an essential metal album, and it makes a great gift for metalheads.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1027" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image003.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/0d/Album_CoL_EternalKingdom.jpg/200px-Album_CoL_EternalKingdom.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]--><span style="">Cult of Luna<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><span style="">Eternal</span></st1:placename><span style=""> <st1:placetype st="on">Kingdom</st1:placetype></span></st1:place></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><st1:place st="on"><span style=""><st1:placetype st="on"></st1:placetype></span></st1:place><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Cult of Luna is easily one of the most creative bands in modern metal. <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><i style="">Eternal</i></st1:placename><i style=""> <st1:placetype st="on">Kingdom</st1:placetype></i></st1:place> is in no way the definitive Cult of Luna album, and it was a disappointment to a certain extent, but it still comes highly recommended. Not only will this band appeal to fans of doom and prog metal, but also to fans of post-rock bands like Explosions in the Sky and Mogwai. Cult of Luna is widely regarded as post-metal, and they could very well be called the definitive band in that genre. Once again, <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><i style="">Eternal</i></st1:placename><i style=""> <st1:placetype st="on">Kingdom</st1:placetype></i></st1:place><i style=""> </i>doesn’t necessarily show what Cult of Luna are capable of, but it’s still a solid metal album, and easily the best post-metal album of 2008.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1028" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:147.75pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image005.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 197px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk800/k857/k85765namjk.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Daylight Dies</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Lost to the Living</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Daylight Dies is an immensely talented doom metal band that have shown a great deal of potential. <i style="">Lost to the Living</i> is an example of what this band is capable of doing while at the top of their game. This is a very original melodic doom album that captivates the listener in more ways than one. It’s full of beautiful melodies and brutal riffs, and the combination of the two is simply stunning. <i style="">Lost to the Living</i> is an album that shows both the talent and emotion of Daylight Dies, and in a year filled with great doom metal albums, this stands out as one of the best. If you’re looking for either a great doom metal album or just an emotional and melodic work of art, <i style="">Lost to the Living</i> is the album for you.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1029" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:149.25pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image007.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl000/l036/l03668t69vp.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Esoteric</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Maniacal Vail</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If you’re a fan of doom metal, you should already own this album. If you’re a doom fan that somehow hasn’t yet discovered Esoteric, one of the most unique and talented funeral doom bands out there, then put this one at the top of your holiday list. <i style="">The Maniacal Vail</i> is everything doom metal should be, and it’s simply a brilliant album from start to finish. As the title implies, funeral doom metal is neither the most accessible nor happiest genre of music in the world, but Esoteric’s latest album is one of the most beautiful and artistic albums released in any genre of music all year. It’s certainly depressing, but also wonderfully artistic and ambient, and it comes highly recommended.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1030" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150.75pt;height:150.75pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image009.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 202px; height: 202px;" src="http://www.funeralopolis.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/folder1.jpg" alt="" border="0" />In Mourning</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Shrouded Divine</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In Mourning’s debut album has drawn comparisons to Opeth, both in the style of their music and even the quality. While <i style="">Shrouded Divine</i> isn’t anywhere near Opeth’s <i style="">Watershed</i>, it is a strong melodic death metal album with enough progressive elements to please prog fans. Where In Mourning shines is in the melodeath elements of their music, and that’s where the band separates themselves from other heavy prog metal bands, as well as why there included them in the “melodeath” section of this guide. <i style="">Shrouded Divine</i> sounds like Opeth’s heavier elements mixed with the Gothenburg sound. It’s not necessarily the most original sound out there, but one that works exceptionally well despite its flaws.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1031" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150.75pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image011.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 201px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk300/k340/k34058ligot.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Mar de Grises</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Draining the Waterheart</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Mar de Grises’ <i style="">Draining the Waterheart</i> is not only one of the best doom metal albums of 2008, but it’s one of the best doom metal albums released in the last decade. This is an album that reaches the same level as Katatonia, My Dying Bride, and Swallow the Sun, and fans of those three bands would be wise to give this album a look. It’s one of the most unique takes on the doom metal genre in some time, and it’s another brilliant album that went mostly unnoticed in 2008. I don’t even know how to describe their sound other than to say it’s the most unique and artistic doom metal this side of Katatonia. If you’re a fan of either doom metal or simply indescribable metal, this is an album well worth seeking.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1032" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:149.25pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image013.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk600/k662/k66233tjqej.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Moonspell</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Night Eternal</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">One of the most famous and most influential goth metal acts, Moonspell continue to evolve with their latest album, <i style="">Night Eternal</i>. This is a heavy yet beautiful atmospheric album that exemplifies what goth metal should be. The heavy riffs combined with beautifully melodic keyboards is nothing new for Moonspell, but they continue to find ways to mix and match the two to create new atmospheres under which to work. The strength of <i style="">Night Eternal</i> is definitely its atmosphere, as Moonspell knows how to create atmosphere that is dark, haunting, and surprisingly varied. Within that atmosphere they expertly craft beautiful goth metal than can be appreciated by just about any metalhead. If you’re a fan of goth metal, you should already own this album, and if even if you’re not, <i style="">Night Eternal</i> is worth checking out.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1033" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:149.25pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image015.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl000/l036/l03671ligot.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Scar Symmetry</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Holographic Universe</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s unfortunate that vocalist Christian Alvestam parted ways with Scar Symmetry over the summer, as his performance on <i style="">Holographic Universe</i> is one of the best vocal performances of the year. Much of the album stays all too close to 2006’s masterful <i style="">Pitch Black Progress, </i>which is both a strength and weakness of <i style="">Holographic Universe</i>, but it’s still an album that stunningly blends melodeath heaviness with beautiful melody. This is found both in Alvestam’s vocals, as well as with the music behind him. If you have yet to become a fan of Scar Symmetry’s unique sound, get <i style="">Pitch Black Progress</i> first, but any fan that has held out on the new album this long should get it this holiday season. It’s one of the better metal albums released this year.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1034" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image017.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.sputnikmusic.com/images/albums/31655.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Skepticism</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Alloy</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">2008 has been an amazing year for funeral doom metal. Two of the best metal albums of the year are from that genre, and Skepticism’s <i style="">Alloy</i> is one of those well deserving two. Heavier and even more epic than Esoteric’s <i style="">The Maniacal Vail</i>, <i style="">Alloy</i> is a very different yet equally brilliant funeral doom effort. This is an album that takes the typical doom metal sound, and infuses it with new ideas while still executing the formula to perfection. <i style="">Alloy</i> is epic in scale and beautiful at heart, and it’s an example of doom metal at its finest, nevertheless the epitome of funeral doom.
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1035" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:-.7pt;width:150pt;height:147pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image019.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 196px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drj700/j750/j75000nu38h.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]--><span style="">Virgin Black</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Requiem- Fortissimo</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Fortissimo </i>is the second album in Virgin Black’s <i style="">Requiem</i> trinity, and it had a lot to live up to. Last year’s <i style="">Mezzo Forte</i> was a somewhat overlooked masterpiece that established Virgin Black as an elite metal band. It was an album that was as good as any goth metal album out there, and also one of the most unique and beautiful metal offerings released in some time. <i style="">Fortissimo</i> is another beautifully unique album from Virgin Black, but it’s also a moderate step down from <i style="">Mezzo Forte</i>. The sequel is a heavier album that features more growling and less classical influences, and in doing so is much closer to a typical doom metal album. Regardless, <i style="">Requiem- Fortissimo</i> is a great album, and is worth picking alongside the essential <i style="">Mezzo Forte</i>.</p> Bryce Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04012670966156122386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879885319601483030.post-36637276070925164752008-12-19T11:06:00.000-08:002008-12-20T12:37:04.624-08:00Holiday Buyer's Guide 08- Progressive<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CBRYCEM%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="Edit-Time-Data" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CBRYCEM%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_editdata.mso"><!--[if !mso]> <style> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="1036"> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Sections:</span>
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-introduction.html">Introduction</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-acessible-metal.html">Accessible Metal</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-mainstream-rock.html">Mainstream Rock</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-progressive.html">Progressive</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-alternative.html">Alternative</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08.html">Melodeath/Doom/Goth</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-indie-rock.html">Indie Rock</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-hip-hop.html">Hip-Hop</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08_19.html">Power/Folk/Symphonic Metal</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-indie-folk.html">Indie Folk</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-extreme-metal.html">Extreme Metal</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-experimental.html">Experimental </a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>
<br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Progressive</u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CBRYCEM%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> </p><p class="MsoNormal">If you’re a fan of art rock, progressive rock, or progressive metal, 2008 has been good to you. This past year was filled was excellent prog albums, many of which rank among the absolute best albums released in 08. Nearly all of the albums in this category are essential, even if you’re not a huge fan of the genre.</p> <b style=""><u><o:p></o:p></u></b><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;">
<br /></span></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="75" preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:formulas> <v:path extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> <o:lock ext="edit" aspectratio="t"> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drj600/j614/j61456oix91.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Avantasia</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Scarecrow</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In what was an incredible year for progressive music, the third album from Tobias Sammet’s Avantasia is a great album that was almost left off of this guide. Even though <i style="">The Scarecrow</i> is the tenth most essential prog album of 2008, I highly recommend getting all ten. This isn’t nearly as good as <i style="">The Metal Opera</i> albums that Avantastia are known for, nor does it come anywhere close to matching Ayreon’s <i style="">01011001</i>, the other progressive metal opera released last year, but it’s still a great album with an interesting story and some very impressive musicianship. Although Tobias Sammet is the leader and songwriter of the group, he’s not the only talent involved. Nearly every musician involved in the project pulls their weight, and unlike Ayreon’s latest, <i style="">The Scarecrow</i> does not suffer from having too many vocalists. There is far less coherency than what one would expect from a prog opera, but there’s still a number of solid progressive power metal tracks featuring some of the most talented musicians in metal. To fans of progressive music, it comes highly recommended.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1027" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image003.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/61/01011001.png/200px-01011001.png" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Ayreon</p> <p class="MsoNormal">01011001</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s easy to compare Ayreon’s latest metal opera to 2004’s brilliant masterpiece <i style="">The Human Equation</i>, and focus on this album’s faults in the process. Yes, there are too many vocalists, the lyrics are often cheesy, and the story drags in the middle, but this is still one of the absolute best progressive metal operas available. If you’re looking for a story on the same level as Arjen Lucassen’s best, you’re in for a disappointment. However, if you’re looking for a musically varied album with outstanding vocal performances and epic prog metal songs, this album is for you. It’s not <i style="">The Human Equation</i>, but it’s still one of the most creative albums of the past year, as well as one of the most underrated and overlooked. Far too few copies of this album have been sold, so support great music and give Ayreon’s latest a purchase this Christmas.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1028" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image005.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/38/Traced_In_Air_Cover.jpg/200px-Traced_In_Air_Cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Cynic</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Traced in Air</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s taken 15 years for a follow up to Cynic’s classic <i style="">Focus</i>, and while not a whole lot has changed, <i style="">Traced in Air</i> is a worthy follow up that belongs in the collection of every metal and prog fan. Cynic’s unique combination of technical death metal and jazz fusion is just as impressive now as it was 15 years ago, and finding a more instrumentally complex album as this is just about impossible. However, it’s not just the music itself that makes <i style="">Traced in Air</i> a great album. The emotion the band has put into their music is staggering, and it’s safe to say that <i style="">Traced in Air</i> is the most passionate and emotionally involving technical death metal album since <i style="">Focus</i>. Whether it’s for a fan of progressive rock, death metal, or even a jazz fan that doesn’t mind the occasional growl, <i style="">Traced in Air</i> is one of the best albums you can get this holiday season.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1029" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image007.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/16/Gojira_-_The_Way_of_All_Flesh_-_2008.jpg/200px-Gojira_-_The_Way_of_All_Flesh_-_2008.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Gojira</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Way of All Flesh</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If you like music, buy this album. It’s as simple as that. <i style="">The Way of All Flesh </i>is a masterpiece that is filled with 75 minutes of truly unique progressive metal. From the absolutely stunning lyrical content to mind blowing musicianship to the incredibly varied and practically unclassifiable blend of genres, this album is incredible. Few albums reach the heaviness and brutality that Gojira perform almost effortlessly here, but the focus is on the progressive elements and intelligence that the band displays throughout the album. When an album is as heavy as <i style="">The Way of All Flesh</i>, rarely is it as creative. Comparisons can be made to Meshuggah and Strapping Young Lad in the way that Gojira is creative within their heaviness, but even compared to their influences Gojira takes it a step farther. This is a masterful record that builds off the groundwork laid by Meshuggah and other extreme and progressive metal bands, and in a year where Meshuggah released what may be their own masterpiece, <i style="">The Way of All Flesh </i>stands up to it and even surpasses it in many ways. Metalheads or even general music fans should not start 2009 without hearing this album.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1030" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image009.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/1e/Ihsahn_angL.JPG/200px-Ihsahn_angL.JPG" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Ihsahn</p> <p class="MsoNormal">angL</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The second solo album from Emperor frontman Ihsahn, is far better than the first. <i style="">angL</i> has all of the ambition and creativity of his solo debut, but this time around Ihsahn has lived up to his ambition in just about respect. This is a progressive black metal masterpiece that expertly blends genres and sounds in ways that no one could have expected. As part of Emperor, Ihsahn has made some of the best and most iconic black metal albums ever released. This, however, his is masterpiece to date. <i style="">angL</i> is a stunning and unique album that is a perfect combination of extreme and progressive metal. It’s unlike anything else in music, and is a must buy for any fan of metal or progressive music.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1031" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image011.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 204px; height: 185px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/af/No-man_-_schoolyard_ghosts.jpg/200px-No-man_-_schoolyard_ghosts.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->No-Man</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Schoolyard Ghosts</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">No-Man, a collaboration between Tim Bowness and Porcupine Tree’s Steven Wilson, has become a prog band worthy of being called one of the best in the genre. Stylistically, it’s very different from Porcupine Tree, as <i style="">Schoolyard Ghosts</i> is an atmospheric album that ranges from dream pop to post-rock to more ambient progressive rock, but it still contains much of what makes Porcupine Tree great. As one would expect, the songwriting is superb, and the album as a whole makes for a deep and challenging experience. No-Man is far more than just a Porcupine Tree side project, and <i style="">Schoolyard Ghosts</i> is far more than just another Steven Wilson album. This is a brilliant record full of beautiful ambiance, deep lyrics, and moments of sheer amazement. Any fan of progressive rock should give this album a strong look this holiday season.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1032" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150.75pt;height:152.25pt;" allowoverlap="f"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image013.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 203px; height: 203px;" src="http://www.femforgacs.hu/userfiles/Image/2008-07-15/oceans_of_sadness-the_arrogance_of_ignorance-cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" />Oceans of Sadness</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Arrogance of Ignorance</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Oceans of Sadness are another odd experimental metal band in the spirit of Mr. Bungle, uneXpect, and Diablo Swing Orchestra. Their style is far more serious and contained than the aforementioned groups, but the use of unusual instruments, constantly changing styles, and moments of pure oddity work to a far greater extent than they should. <i style="">The Arrogance of Ignorance</i> could be described as what a heavier Mr. Bungle would sound like if they decided to record a serious album. Somehow it works, and it works beautifully at that. For those who like their metal unique and inventive, Oceans of Sadness have put out a great record. It may be difficult to find, but it’s worth tracking down.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1033" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image015.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 201px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk500/k521/k52110s2hfr.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Opeth</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Watershed</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Even for an Opeth album, Watershed is outstanding. Words cannot describe the mastery at which Opeth works, and <i style="">Watershed</i> is Opeth at their best. The contrast of soft and heavy, beautiful and brutal, and lyrical and musical poetry, is one that is at a level of high art few bands are ever able to achieve. This is an album that is dark, beautiful, and poetic, and one that is built on individual moments. Each moment is masterful within itself, but comes together to create a series of masterful tracks that also come together to create a powerful masterpiece of an album. <i style="">Watershed</i> is simply as good as music gets. It takes many listens to fully appreciate, but it’s a beautiful and powerful experience that is among the best this critic has had the honor of being a part of. I can’t recommend this album highly enough, and in a world where garbage floods the market and dominates album sales, it’s depressing that a truly beautiful magnificent piece of art like this one goes unnoticed to many. Even most critics have denied <i style="">Watershed</i> a place on their top 10 lists, and I honestly believe there is no excuse for that. This is an album that makes me proud to be a critic and music lover, and I urge and plead any and all fans to treat yourself to <i style="">Watershed</i> this Christmas.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1034" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:13.95pt;width:156.6pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image017.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]-->
<br /><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 205px; height: 192px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/17/Steven_Wilson_Insurgentes.jpg/200px-Steven_Wilson_Insurgentes.jpg" alt="" border="0" />Steven Wilson</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Insurgentes</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Steven Wilson already made this list with his side project No-Man’s incredible <i style="">Schoolyard Ghosts</i>, and he’s created masterpiece after masterpiece in Porcupine Tree. With his first solo album, <i style="">Insurgentes</i>, Steven Wilson has created another unbelievable masterpiece. <i style="">Insurgentes</i> features more alternative focused music that is reminiscent of Porcupine Tree, but also very different in that it's is a more personal album that could not be done under Porcupine Tree. This is a different but equally artistic side of Steven Wilson that anyone, even cynics of Porcupine Tree, should purchase. This is one of the best albums of the year, and while the only way to order it is through Steven Wilson’s website, it’s an absolutely essential addition to any prog fan’s collection.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1035" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:153pt;height:153pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image019.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl700/l788/l78869dwe8t.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Suspyre</p> <p class="MsoNormal">When Times Fades…</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Listening to Suspyre’s <i style="">When Times Fades…</i> is an absolutely mesmerizing experience. Even within the progressive genre, this album is immensely creative and unlike anything else out there. With influences ranging from progressive metal bands like Opeth and Symphony X to various classical musicians, Suspyre’s sound is both varied and beautiful, but it also surprisingly polished. Musically, this is one of the tightest metal albums released this past year, and it also happens to be one of the most unique. Much like Opeth, brutality and melody are intertwined seamlessly, and the use of choirs, grand pianos, and even a saxophone are superb. This is one of 2008’s best releases, and just about any fan of beautiful music would love it.</p> Bryce Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04012670966156122386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879885319601483030.post-63215042707201353142008-12-18T20:41:00.000-08:002008-12-20T12:38:46.491-08:00Holiday Buyer's Guide 08- Hip-Hop<span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Sections:</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">
<br />
<br /></span>-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-introduction.html">Introduction</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-acessible-metal.html">Accessible Metal</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-mainstream-rock.html">Mainstream Rock</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-progressive.html">Progressive</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-alternative.html">Alternative</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08.html">Melodeath/Doom/Goth</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-indie-rock.html">Indie Rock</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-hip-hop.html">Hip-Hop</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08_19.html">Power/Folk/Symphonic Metal</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-indie-folk.html">Indie Folk</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-extreme-metal.html">Extreme Metal</a>
<br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-experimental.html">Experimental</a>
<br />
<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CBRYCEM%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="Edit-Time-Data" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CBRYCEM%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_editdata.mso"><!--[if !mso]> <style> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="1036"> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Hip-Hop</u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CBRYCEM%7E1%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> </p><p class="MsoNormal">This is the first year I’ve included hip-hop on my Holiday Buyer’s Guide, but with the possible exception of indie rock, no section had stronger competition. 2008 was an unbelievable year for underground rap, and while even legends like Nas have said that hip-hop is dead, the underground is alive and doing better than ever. Whether you’re a fan of underground rap or someone who has yet to hear what real hip-hop music is like, there are number of great albums for you to choose from.</p> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><b style=""><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="75" preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:formulas> <v:path extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> <o:lock ext="edit" aspectratio="t"> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/75/Atmospherelemonsa.jpg/200px-Atmospherelemonsa.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Atmosphere</p> <p class="MsoNormal">When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Atmosphere’s <i style="">When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold</i> is an intelligent, mature, and poetic album that belongs in the collection of every music fan. Regardless of how much or how little you like rap, this is an album that you should own. <i style="">When Life Gives You Lemons</i> is an example of what rap music can be when in the hands of true artists. The amount of subtle touches in production, lyrics, and delivery of the album is staggering, and this is the type of album that is both immensely deep while also beautiful in its simplicity. That may seem like a contradiction, but it’s the contrast of ideas that gives this album depth. A few sentences cannot describe just how incredible this album is, and if you’re a music fan who has yet to experience this unbelievably beautiful work of art, there’s really no excuse for ending the year without it.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1027" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:144.75pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image003.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 193px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk300/k358/k35803tsgd7.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Blue Sky Black Death</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Late Night Cinema</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In a genre capable of such raw and powerful lyricism, it’s somewhat surprising that one of the year’s most recommendable hip-hop albums is an instrumental one. However, Blue Sky Black Death’s <i style="">Late Night Cinema</i> is more than just an album of catchy hip-hop beats. This is a beautiful and even emotionally tense album that tells a story through some of the most creative beats found in hip-hop. <i style="">Late Night Cinema</i> is reminiscent of DJ Shadow’s classic <i style="">Entroducing…</i> in the way that it creates truly unique music through pure sampling. It’s both an experimental instrumental album and powerful hip-hop poetry, and it’s far and away the best instrumental hip-hop album of 2008.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1028" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:149.25pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image005.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk500/k518/k51874rf9kc.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Flobots</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Fight with Tools</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Known mostly for the breakout single “Handlebars,” which received significant air time on alternative rock stations this past year, the Flobots are actually a very different band than advertised. This is a unique political rap group that has much more in common with underground hip-hop acts than alternative rap-rock bands or mainstream rap. No other songs on this album have much of a chance to get radio play, so it’s not something that fans of catchy pop music are going to like. This is serious political rap, and the Flobots never stray from that. Musically, the use of a violin, as well as traditional rock instruments allow them to create tension that goes well with the lyrics and message. The Flobots are one of one of the most deserving groups to get radio play in some time, and this is a great album for anyone looking for hip-hop with a real message.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><i style=""><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1029" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:146.25pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image007.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 195px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl300/l366/l36632prbmv.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->GZA/Genius</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pro Tools</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Even though he may not be the most recognizable member in the mainstream, Wu-Tang Clan’s GZA is truly the genius of the group. He’s a masterful lyricist with a flow to match, and he has been one of the most influential artists in the hip-hop underground. GZA’s <i style="">Pro Tools</i> is an album written from an underground perspective, and its focus is primarily on lyrics. There are few choruses, as GZA opts for mostly short songs comprised of deep poetry and clever rhymes, and it takes an approach directly opposite of mainstream rap. There’s even a full song dedicated to 50 Cent, where GZA tells him he “still window shops for lyrics” and “got rich robbing those in the industry.” It may be an obvious pun, but GZA lives up to his nickname. <i style="">Pro Tools</i> is one of the best albums this genius has done since his classic <i style="">Liquid Swords</i>, and it belongs in the collection of any true rap fan.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1030" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image009.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://raptalk.net/website/images/stories/childrenofgod.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Hasan Salaam</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Children of God</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hasan Salaam is proof that even in the underground, there is no justice in hip-hop. While he’s far too intelligent and lyrical to appeal to radio rap fans, Hasan Salaam deserves to be a household name. He’s one of the best emcees in hip-hop today, both in terms to flow and lyrics. He raps with as much swagger as the best of them, his metaphors are deep, and his rhymes are real. Like Immortal Technique, Hasam Salaam is real hip-hop, and <i style="">Children of God </i>is one of the best rap albums of 2008. If you respect real lyricism and true rap music, then support real hip-hop and get yourself a copy of <i style="">Children of God</i>. It’s raw, real, and oddly inspiring.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1031" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:146.25pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image011.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 195px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/75/Image011.jpg/200px-Image011.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Ill Bill</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Hour of Reprisal</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ill Bill isn’t the only rapper that claims to be influenced by metal, but he makes better uses of his metal influences than just about anyone. Containing guests spots from metal musicians such as Howard Jones from Killswitch Engage, Max Cavalera from Soulfly, and two members of Bad Brains, as well as guest rappers Immortal Technique, Raekwon from Wu-Tang Clan, Vinnie Paz from Jedi Mind Tricks, B-Real from Cypress Hill, Everlast from La Coka Nostra, among others, <i style="">The Hour of Reprisal</i> is an overblown rap-metal record that succeeds by the strengths of its guests. Ill Bill himself is a talented enough emcee, as well as one of the most hardcore and controversial lyricists in the hip-hop underground, but it’s the guests that will make and break the album for you. If the guest list sounds like something you’d like, either on the metal or hip-hop side of things, then <i style="">The Hour of Reprisal</i> is a worthwhile to purchase this holiday season. Just make sure you can stand lyrics influenced by politics, horror films, metal, and porn.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1032" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:149.25pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image013.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk800/k858/k85806t7rrr.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Immortal Technique</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The 3<sup>rd</sup> World</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s unfortunate that <i style="">The 3<sup>rd</sup> World</i> is Immortal Technique’s first album in five years. It’s really more of a mixtape than an actual album, and compared to his powerful <i style="">Revolutionary</i> albums, <i style="">The 3<sup>rd</sup> World</i> is somewhat of a disappointment. However, this is a mixtape that is as good as any rap album released this year, and while not as cohesive as his past work, it contains some of Tech’s best individual tracks. Immortal Technique is real hip-hop with a powerful message that isn’t for the faint of heart, but instead for anyone willing to hear the truth in the form of hip-hop. <i style="">The 3<sup>rd</sup> World</i> is easily the most raw album released in 2008, and while it’s no <i style="">Revolutionary Vol. 2</i>, it’s one of the absolute best hip-hop albums of the year.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1033" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:147.75pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image015.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 197px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl000/l070/l07019cpy8s.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Nas</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Untitled</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nas has received some likely desired controversy and a massive amount of undeserved criticism for his untitled ninth album, originally pegged to use the n-word as its title. Regardless of what the album is called, Nas has made an album that is anything but a gimmick. This is one of the best lyrical albums released since Nas revolutionized hip-hop with his classic <i style="">Illmatic</i>, and it’s the second masterpiece of Nas’ career. While many have been quick to criticize the beats, the point of the album is in the lyrics. Lyrically, this is a poetic and analytic account of racism, both in modern times and history. Nas raps with clarity that is rarely heard in hip-hop, and the words he speaks are powerful. Nas’ untitled masterpiece is an essential album, not just because of its quality, but also for its message. Any human being willing to listen to an album for the lyrics and what the artist has to say should do so with this one. It’s one of the most important albums of the past year.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1035" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150.75pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image017.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 201px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl700/l792/l79228lpzf2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->The Mighty Underdogs</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Droppin’ Science Fiction</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">While most hip-hop albums on this list focus on deep lyrics and a serious message, the first album from “supergroup” The Mighty Underdogs is a purely fun hip-hop record. It’s far from a club album, but instead an album of clever rhymes and unique production. The songs range from soulful jams to parody to the just plain crazy, and it makes for an incredibly fun experience. Great guest spots from MF DOOM, Mr. Lif, DJ Shadow, Akrobatik, and others add to the album. There are some seriously talented people involved in this album, and it’s clear that all had a great time working on it. Trust me, you’ll have a great time listening as well.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1034" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image019.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk300/k329/k32938xztga.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->The Roots</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Rising Down</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Rising Down</i> is a moderate step down from The Roots’ brilliant 2006 album, <i style="">Game Theory</i>, but that’s not to say it isn’t a solid album. Actually, <i style="">Rising Down</i> is solid to a fault. Every song on the album is purely solid, nothing more, nothing less (unless you include the iTunes bonus track “Birthday Girl,” which is nothing short of awful). The Roots can do better than this, but no other hip-hop group could make this album. The Roots stand out from other hip-hop groups by using live instruments and actual band members as opposed to samples, and the talent of the musicians at hand allows The Roots to get more creative musically than their peers. It also helps that The Roots’ lyrics exemplifies what real hip-hop should be. It’s not as poetic as Atmosphere or as hardcore as Immortal Technique, but it is real music with an actual message, and even just an average Roots album like <i style="">Rising Down</i> is enough to be one of the most recommendable hip-hop albums this holiday season.</p>
<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>Bryce Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04012670966156122386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879885319601483030.post-50146412859944712262008-12-09T22:03:00.000-08:002008-12-20T12:36:44.343-08:00Holiday Buyer's Guide 08- Mainstream Rock<b style=""><u><o:p></o:p></u></b> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Sections:</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span>-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-introduction.html">Introduction</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-acessible-metal.html">Accessible Metal</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-mainstream-rock.html">Mainstream Rock</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-progressive.html">Progressive</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-alternative.html">Alternative</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08.html">Melodeath/Doom/Goth</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-indie-rock.html">Indie Rock</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-hip-hop.html">Hip-Hop</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08_19.html">Power/Folk/Symphonic Metal</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-indie-folk.html">Indie Folk</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-extreme-metal.html">Extreme Metal</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-experimental.html">Experimental</a><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></span><b style=""><u>Mainstream Rock</u></b> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Good mainstream rock albums are getting harder and harder to find. In a day where free radio is dying and radio play is dictated by major labels persistent on forcing the same material over and over again onto listeners, the quality of mainstream rock has greatly decreased. Still, there are quality mainstream rock bands to found, and here are ten recommendable albums for fans of radio rock.<br /><br /><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="75" preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:formulas> <v:path extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> <o:lock ext="edit" aspectratio="t"> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk500/k508/k50882btfcr.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->10 Years<br />Division<br /><br />10 Years’ sophomore album isn’t a huge improvement from their debut, but it’s a more praise worthy album than most other post-grunge releases. While it’s not saying much, <i style="">Division</i> is quite possibly the best post-grunge album of 2008. Fans of the genre looking for some solid tracks should be satisfied with what 10 Years have produced. It’s not terribly original, but that’s to be expected. Instead, the album’s strength is in its lyrics, which range from personal reflections to politically conscious protests. Once again, it’s nothing new, but <i style="">Division</i> is decent enough. Unfortunately for post-grunge fans, you can’t say that about many other post-grunge albums released this past year.<br /><br /><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1027" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:147.75pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image003.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 197px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk500/k518/k51898xo5ff.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Another Black Day<br />Another Black Day</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The self titled debut from hard rock band Another Black Day is admittedly a rather generic album. That being said, it’s not trying to do anything new or groundbreaking. This is simply solid hard rock that is much tighter, heavier, and intelligent than most of what’s on the radio these days. If you have either a guilty pleasure for radio rock or are a proud fan of mainstream hard rock, this is a much better option than almost any other radio rock album from 2008. If you or the person you’re shopping for is looking at the new Nickelback or Hinder albums, get them this instead. It’s a far better in just about every respect, and is even a good album in its own right.<br /><br /><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1028" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image005.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl100/l139/l13908i194m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Black Stone Cherry<br />Folklore and Superstition</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Black Stone Cherry is a bluesy hard rock group with a sound that ranges from post-grunge to southern rock to heavy metal. They’ve received some criticism because of this, as their sound too grunge-like for some southern rock fans, and they sound too southern for many radio rock fans. Their sound is certainly unique compared to that of other mainstream rock acts though, and more open-minded hard rock fans may find this to be a solid addition to their collection. Variety is not one Black Stone Cherry’s strong points, as not much as changed since their first album, but there’s more than enough solid tracks to keep <i style="">Folklore and Superstition</i> ahead of the radio rock pack. It’s not a great album, and I’m hoping to see some progression for their next release, but Black Stone Cherry have done enough to earn a recommendation.<br /><br /><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1029" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image007.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk300/k390/k39040uw1k8.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Disturbed<br />Indestructible</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Indestructible </i>is another solid album from Disturbed that sees the band making just enough improvements to sound fresh without changing who they are. This is an album that fans of Disturbed should be pleased with, and it’s easily one of the best mainstream rock albums released in 2008. Some will still fault Disturbed for not being heavy enough or not having enough variety, but it’s pretty clear that Disturbed isn’t concerned with being heavy. They stick to their sound, and within that sound, and they’ve made some solid improvements for this record. Just like their first three albums, <i style="">Indestructible</i> is front-loaded. Still, the front half of the album is filled with hard-hitting rock songs with surprisingly great lyrics. <i style="">Indestructible</i> is an album that should please any and all hard rock fans, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s one of the easiest 2008 releases to find in stores.<br /><br /><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1030" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150.75pt;height:150.75pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image009.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.waytooloud.com/wp-content/themes/waytooloud/images/albums/Janus%20-%20Red%20Right%20Return%201.jpg" alt="" border="0" />Janus<br />Red Right Return</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Janus’ <i style="">Red Right Return</i> is somewhat of a hard album to recommend. Not because of it’s quality, as it’s actually a very good album, but it’s that the post-hardcore genre has become populated with so many awful bands that I’m not quite sure who to recommend this album to. This is a far more progressive, unique, and intelligent album to appeal to fans of the garbage on MTV, but it’s also hard to imagine a fan of artistic music truly enjoying a post-hardcore band with an emo looking frontman. To anyone looking for a quality post-hardcore album that actually strays from the norm and takes the genre into new territory, this is an album worth getting. Fans of bands like 30 Seconds to Mars and The Used willing to try something a bit more progressive should give this album a chance, and anyone who is intrigued by a quality accessible hardcore album should not be deterred by the comparison to the aforementioned bands. This is actually a very solid album, and it’s far better than anything the mainstream form of the genre has seen in some time.<br /><br /><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1031" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image011.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/df/ATRFinal.jpg/200px-ATRFinal.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Rise Against<br />Appeal to Reason</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There has been and will likely continue to be mixed reactions to Rise Against’s <i style="">Appeal to Reason</i>. On one hand, this album marks a fairly drastic change in the band’s style. No longer can they be called hardcore punk, as the screaming is gone, the riffs have been slowed down, and the songs have become more radio friendly. One could say that this new style is more similar to the MTV punk bands than the true punk rockers Rise Against have been influenced by, but within this style Rise Against have made some necessary improvements. In doing so, the band has proved once again that they are far superior to any other modern mainstream punk band. Despite the oddly non-aggressive style of many of the songs, the change doesn’t seem forced. The songwriting is more intelligent than ever, and Rise Against’s political message is never comprised. Regardless of whether you like mainstream rock or hardcore punk, Rise Against’s <i style="">Appeal to Reason</i> is a solid choice, and by far the best mainstream punk album released in 2008.<br /><br /><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1032" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:147pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image013.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 196px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl200/l236/l23696fiwfn.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Scars on Broadway<br />Scars on Broadway</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Scars on Broadway, the new project from System of a Down guitarist Daron Malakian, is different enough from System of a Down to warrant a new project, but also similar enough in areas to recommend wholeheartedly to fans of SOAD. Malakian has made a straight up hard rock album with a fair share of experimentation. It’s weird, intelligent, and is every bit as good as Serj Tankian’s solo album from last year. As a whole <i style="">Scars on Broadway</i> is highly recommended to fans of System of a Down, and even open-minded cynics of the band might be wise to give it a chance, as its best moments are when it strays from System’s formula.<br /><br /><br /><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 198px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drj900/j974/j97406eef61.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Sevendust<br />Chapter VII: Hope and Sorrow</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sevendust’s seventh studio album is a lot like the first six. <i style="">Hope and Sorrow</i> has the same problems of past Sevendust albums, most notably consistency, but it also has moments of true greatness. If you’re the type of person who downloads single songs, just get the single “Prodigal Son” and skip the full album. There are, however, enough solid songs to warrant a purchase for rock fans who prefer buying full albums. Sevendust is a band that I cannot recommend highly enough to fans of rock, but this particular album has a bit to much filler to warrant a high recommendation. Still, <i style="">Chapter VII</i>, is a decent enough album that is as good as any in Sevendust’s discography, and when it’s at its best it’s far better than anything else played on active rock radio.<br /><br /><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1034" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image017.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/d0/Tesla_Forever_More.jpg/200px-Tesla_Forever_More.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Tesla<br />Forever More</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tesla have been around for over 20 years now, so it’s a bit unfair to call them mainstream rock. They actually have a large audience with fans of classic hard rock and heavy metal than with active rock fans, but Tesla’s <i style="">Forever More</i> is a pure rock ‘n roll album that really doesn’t fit anywhere else on this guide. Still, if you’re a fan of hard rock, definitely give this album a shot. In a year where <i style="">Chinese Democracy</i> has been the most hyped album for classic hard rock fans, Tesla’s lesser known <i style="">Forever More</i> is the far better option. Great vocals, solid guitar work, and some of rock’s most intelligent songwriting this year make <i style="">Forever More</i> a very solid album for rock fans this Christmas.<br /><br /><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1035" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:149.25pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image019.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl400/l450/l45036cxuox.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Underoath<br />Lost in Sound and Separation</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The latest album from post-hardcore band Underoath is quite possibly the last album I expected to be good. From a subjective standpoint, I’m never going to like anything they do, simply because this really isn’t my style of music. Still, I must give Underoath credit for making a great album. <i style="">Lost in Sound and Separation</i> is a surprisingly accessible, intelligent, and original album that has features vastly improved songwriting and musicianship. Underoath have shed themsevles of the forced angst and emo influences, and for the first time, the group sounds honest. I can’t believe I’m recommending this album, but honestly, this is one of the best albums in this category, and any fan of hard rock or metalcore should give it a chance. It’s probably the year’s most surprisingly good album, and also one of the best the genre has seen in some time.</p>Bryce Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04012670966156122386noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879885319601483030.post-72323090765324095812008-12-09T19:11:00.000-08:002008-12-20T12:36:29.143-08:00Holiday Buyer's Guide 08- Acessible Metal<!--[if !mso]> <style> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style> <![endif]--><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; 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margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="1036"> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Sections:</span></p><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-introduction.html">Introduction</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-acessible-metal.html">Accessible Metal</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-mainstream-rock.html">Mainstream Rock</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-progressive.html">Progressive</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-alternative.html">Alternative</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08.html">Melodeath/Doom/Goth</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-indie-rock.html">Indie Rock</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-hip-hop.html">Hip-Hop</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08_19.html">Power/Folk/Symphonic Metal</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-indie-folk.html">Indie Folk</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-extreme-metal.html">Extreme Metal</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-experimental.html">Experimental</a><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><br /></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u>Accessible Metal<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">While it was a great year for metal music as a whole, many of the best albums of the year are in heavy or obscure genres that will unfortunately turn away listeners. Most “mainstream” metal albums tend to be awful, as generic trends were once again more widespread than actual creative art. If you’re looking to get into metal for the first time, or just looking for a metal album that’s easier to get into, here are ten quality accessible metal albums from this past year.<!--[if !mso]> <style> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="1027"> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="75" preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:formulas> <v:path extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> <o:lock ext="edit" aspectratio="t"> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="75" preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:formulas> <v:path extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> <o:lock ext="edit" aspectratio="t"> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk500/k558/k55846ipzkd.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->36 Crazyfists</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Tide and Its Takers</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If there’s one album in this guide that will not and should not win any awards, it’s 36 Crazyfists’ <i style="">The Tide and Its Takers</i>. This is an album lacking in variety and standout moments. Still, it gets a pass largely due to the weakness of most other metalcore albums. 36 Crazyfists at least have a sound that can be recommended, even if the album as a whole is decent as best. The group is tight musically and is also one of the few metalcore acts with an aggressive edge to their sound. This isn’t an album for anyone other than metalcore fans, but if you like metalcore, it’s worth checking out. You could certainly do a lot worse than <i style="">The Tide and Its Takers</i>, and with the onslaught of awful metalcore albums released this year, that’s good enough to be called one of the best metalcore albums of 2008.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1027" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:149.25pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image003.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl500/l589/l58917iffzd.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->All That Remains</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Overcome</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Overcome</i> is a much more mainstream release than typical All That Remains, as the vocals feature far more clean singing than screaming. However, now matter how accessible and commercial their sound has become, All That Remains is still one of the best bands metalcore has to offer. If you’re a fan of more well known melodic metalcore acts like Bullet for My Valentine, As I Lay Dying, and Atreyu, make sure to check this album out. It might be the weakest album in All That Remains’ discography, but it’s also their most accessible, and far better than the usual metalcore offering.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1028" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image005.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drj000/j010/j01030cwitd.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Apocalyptica</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Worlds Collide</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Worlds Collide</i> is a much more accessible and commercially friendly album than what Apocalyptica fans may have wanted, but it still earns a spot on this list and a strong recommendation. Apocalyptica is a metal band comprised of three cellists and a drummer, and the music they create is absolutely astonishing. Guests such as Cristina Scabbia from Lacuna Coil and Dave Lombardo from Slayer add to the album, making <i style="">Worlds Collide </i>a different yet still great Apocalyptica experience. The songs here range from hard rock to heavy metal to symphonic music, and with the exception of a few generic tracks, it works tremendously well. This is an album that any fan of metal, classical, or symphonic music should enjoy, and it’s a rare metal album that finds accessibility without comprising quality and originality.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1029" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image007.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drj600/j614/j61420yhhz9.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Heaven Shall Burn</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Iconoclast</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s Heaven Shall Burn has been one of the absolute best metalcore bands for some time now. <i style="">Iconoclast</i> doesn’t see the band drastically improving their sound, but the album has just enough variation to sound fresh. Heaven Shall Burn is a metalcore band that is good enough to appeal to just about any metalhead, and heavy enough to be appreciated by extreme metal fans. Still, their brand of metal is accessible enough to recommend to fans of more popular hardcore bands. <i style="">Iconoclast</i> isn’t an essential album, but it’s in a completely different league from just about every other 2008 metalcore album, and it will make a good stocking stuffer for most metalheads. Whether you get <span style="font-style: italic;">Iconoclast</span> or one of their previous, just make sure to give this band a look.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1030" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image009.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/09/Metallica_Death_Magnetic.jpg/200px-Metallica_Death_Magnetic.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Metallica</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Death Magnetic</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s been 17 years since Metallica has recorded anything worthy of praise. After the absolutely horrendous <st1:place st="on"><i style="">St.</i></st1:place><i style=""> Anger</i> in 2004, it’s a miracle that <i style="">Death Magnetic</i> turned out good enough to warrant a spot on this list. Surprisingly, <i style="">Death Magnetic</i> isn’t just a huge step up from <st1:place st="on"><i style="">St.</i></st1:place><i style=""> Anger</i>, nor it is simply the best Metallica album since the black album. <i style="">Death Magnetic</i> is a good metal album in its own right, and it’s sure to please just about any fan of the band. What makes <i style="">Death Magnetic</i> great is not that the album sounds like classic Metallica, which is does at times, but more that there is actually some genuinely original music being played. The lyrics, one of the most underrated aspects of early Metallica, are great once again, and the album strikes a balance between old-school thrash and modern heavy metal. <i style="">Death Magnetic</i> is a return to form in many respects, but it’s not a stuck in the past. It’s simply a good solid album that you can find on sale just about anywhere, and is definitely worth picking up.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1031" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:148.5pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image011.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 198px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drj500/j564/j56498o8oly.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Protest the Hero</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Fortress</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Protest the Hero’s <i style="">Fortress</i> is easily the best metalcore album of 2008. Words cannot do justice to what Protest the Hero have achieved, not because <i style="">Fortress</i> is an especially amazing album, but because the album has absolutely no reason to be as good as it is. <i style="">Fortress</i> sounds like a bunch of random styles randomly thrown together to create a complete mess of a prog album, but it somehow comes together and works. This is progressive music with metalcore screams and breakdowns, but it’s also a metalcore album with experimentation, style changes, and obscure time signatures. <i style="">Fortress</i> gets better with each listen, and while there will be many who will unable to get past the metalcore base, those who are looking for a different kind of metalcore album should take a good look at Protest the Hero’s latest.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1032" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:147pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image013.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 196px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk800/k869/k86987jvxr1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Soulfly</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Conquer</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Originally a run of the mill nu-metal band in the mid-90s, Soulfly have improved tremendously and become a solid and unique heavy metal band in the process. <i style="">Conquer </i>is the most experimental Soulfly album yet, but it’s also their most consistent. Every song is musically tight and stylistically varied, and the album as a whole is surprisingly great. There’s little to no filler, and the riffs are heavier than anything Soulfly have done in the past. It may be hard to believe, but <i style="">Conquer</i> is a true heavy metal album. It’s solid throughout, and while it certainly won’t change the way metal is played, it’s a far more original album than anyone could have expected.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1033" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:147pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image015.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 196px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk300/k357/k35742ljmb9.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Testament</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Formation of Damnation</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Okay, Testament isn’t exactly “accessible metal,” but if I’m going to recommend the new Metallica and Soulfly albums, I feel the need to put the best trash metal album of the year on the same list. Testament’s <i style="">The Formation of Damnation</i> is far and away the best thrash metal album of 2008, and it’s one of the overall best metal albums of the year as well. It took 9 years to make, and it’s the first album with Testament's original lineup in 16 years, but it’s also one of the finest albums this classic band has ever released. This is what thrash metal should sound like, and fans of the genre should love this album. If you’re looking for a new album for a thrash metal fan in your life, you can’t do much better than <i style="">The Formation of Damnation</i>.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1034" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:150pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image017.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk800/k805/k80500oczjs.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->Textures</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Silhouettes</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Progressive metalcore had a surprisingly strong year in 2008<span style="font-style: italic;">, </span>and<i style=""> Silhouettes</i> is one of two solid albums this year to combine metalcore with progressive elements. While Textures’ album is heavier than the other, <i style="">Fortress</i> by Protest the Hero, it is also the weaker of the two. Still, Textures have more extreme metal influences than Protest the Hero, and unlike Protest the Hero, this is a more polished album with experimental and ambient elements. If that sounds like more of your thing, then give this is a listen, as it’s a very solid album in its own right. If you’re neutral though, and you can only get one progressive metalcore album, I recommend <i style="">Fortress</i> over <i style="">Silhouettes</i>, but you can’t go wrong with either.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1035" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:150pt;height:149.25pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\BRYCEM~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image019.png" title=""> <w:wrap type="square"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk100/k170/k17037t7rrr.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><!--[endif]-->The Sword</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Gods of the Earth</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Faulting The Sword for sounding too much like Black Sabbath is like faulting Ozzy Osbourne for not having a great voice. It may be true, but it misses the point entirely. The Sword is essentially a Black Sabbath tribute band, and while the album is comprised of all original songs, the one major influence is clearly Sabbath. Unlike most retro-rock bands, however, The Sword do a commendable job of paying tribute to their influences with copying their style. They avoid recycling Sabbath riffs, and none of the songs are reminiscent of any specific classic. It’s just a new band doing their own thing while paying tribute to their heroes. Yes, it’s an unessential album lacking in originality, but it’s also an album that achieves just about everything it attempts. If you’re a fan of early Sabbath, The Sword’s <i style="">Gods of the Earth</i> makes for a worthwhile listen.</p>Bryce Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04012670966156122386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879885319601483030.post-34205663592380872432008-12-09T17:58:00.000-08:002008-12-20T12:40:47.725-08:00Holiday Buyer's Guide 08- Introduction<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="font-family: lucida grande;" class="MsoNormal">2008 has been another unbelievable year for music. Unfortunately a trip to your local music store may not give you that same impression. These days, there are more bad albums being released than good albums, and it’s hard to find the many great bands of today without digging through a large amount of the bad ones. That’s why it’s important to know what to look for if you plan to buy albums for you and your loved ones this holiday season. Well, I’ve dug through all of the crap and compiled a list of 110 albums from this past year that I can recommend for any music fan in your life. Whether you’re having trouble deciding which albums to put on your Christmas list, or you’re looking for a gift for a special music lover in your life, this Holiday Buyer’s Guide is for you! Unlike other sites that have included music recommendations in their holiday buyer’s guides, I’ve listened to more than just what’s popular, and I’ll answer any and all questions. The 110 albums will be divided into 11 categories that will be revealed over the next few days, with ten albums in each section. So whether you or that special someone is a prog fan, alternative rocker, hip-hop fanatic, or even a hardcore headbanger, there’s a category that should fit your needs.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sections:</span></p>-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-acessible-metal.html">Accessible Metal</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-mainstream-rock.html">Mainstream Rock</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-progressive.html">Progressive</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-alternative.html">Alternative</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08.html">Melodeath/Doom/Goth</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-indie-rock.html">Indie Rock</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-hip-hop.html">Hip-Hop</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08_19.html">Power/Folk/Symphonic Metal</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-indie-folk.html">Indie Folk</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-extreme-metal.html">Extreme Metal</a><br />-<a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-buyers-guide-08-experimental.html">Experimental</a>Bryce Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04012670966156122386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879885319601483030.post-17562780747912868862008-12-07T17:16:00.000-08:002008-12-08T11:05:56.146-08:00Not a review, but a sloppy rant regarding Common's new albumI like Common. I really do. Not as much as Immortal Technique, Atmosphere, or many of the greats in underground rap these days, but there's no denying that Common is a deeper, more poetic emcee than 95% of rappers that have achieved the same level of commercial success. Common will release his latest album, <span style="font-style: italic;">Universal Mind Control</span> on Tuesday, and will be selling it for a mere $0.99 on the Zune marketplace. If you've been following this story, this shouldn't be news to you, as Common announced this a few weeks ago. At that point, it was hard to imagine any fan of music justifying passing on the album. I got a chance to hear the album last week, and after a week of thinking and re-listening, I've come to the conclusion that this album is awful. Not only is it by far Common's weakest album, but it's also one of the worst albums I've heard this year, and honestly of the same quality as your average mainstream hip-hop garbage. <span style="font-style: italic;">Universal Mind Control </span>is a flat-out terrible album, and while Common did say beforehand that this one was going to be a "club" album, it's unfortunate that one of hip-hop's better lyricists couldn't at least make a club album that was good in comparison to other club albums. The lyrics are awful, the beats are awful, and I'm actually torn as to whether this album is even worth $0.99. You can listen to it in its entirety at Common's <a href="http://www.myspace.com/common">myspace page</a>, and if you think it's worth it, you can find more information on how to get it for 99 cents <a href="http://social.zune.net/artist/Common/08380400-0600-11db-89ca-0019b92a3933/overview">right here</a>.Bryce Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04012670966156122386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879885319601483030.post-31082249434064366982008-12-04T18:15:00.000-08:002008-12-04T18:33:14.912-08:00A Message to Anyone Who CaresI don't want to make excuses for my inactivity, but the truth is that I love reviewing music, writing about music, and discussing music. This is my passion, and believe me when I say that I am fighting to be able to keep doing it. Those who know me know that I am a verbose person, and rarely will I simplify a situation to a single phrase, nonetheless a profane one, but I can't describe what I'm going through other than to call it simply shit. I've been through stuff this past year that I honestly I'm not sure how I got through, and I'm both shocked and grateful to still be alive and in a position where I can continue to follow my passion. Regardless of the work that I will have to do in order to stabilize myself and reach a state of mind where I can be safe, I will make time to write. I don't care what anyone says. If I didn't have this passion, I would not be alive right now. I would have given up and I literally would be dead. My wonderful friends who have supported me through this process, and even those who don't know what I've been through and have never met me in person, but continue to comment and support me, you are also the reason why I am alive today. I owe you all my life, and for what I've been through I owe myself more than what I have been able to give. Fuck everything else. Reviewing music is now my priority.<br /><br />No excuses. No delays. Updates are coming.Bryce Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04012670966156122386noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879885319601483030.post-76165713734047122572008-09-08T22:47:00.000-07:002008-12-04T18:34:01.056-08:00Album Catch-Up Part 4<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />RZA- Digi Snacks</span><br /><br /><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk800/k857/k85717pph7b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><br /><br />The third album in RZA's "Bobby Digital" trilogy is an album that is hard to not praise. At the same time, it's also one that is hard not to fault. On one hard, RZA's <span style="font-style: italic;">Digi Snacks</span> is something entirely new and experimental. No other Wu-Tang Clan member has strayed as far from the Wu-Tang forumula than RZA does here, often to a fault. There is a distinct difference between the production RZA uses on his "Bobby Digital" albums, as opposed to the many other works he has been credited with producing, including much of Wu-Tang's material. This not only allows RZA to truly craft his interesting Bobby Digital character through both his rapping and production, but also allows the sound of the record to have a distinct sound that nearly flawlessly creates a science-fiction and martial arts setting that compliments the character of the album, as well as RZA's flow and lyrics. From that stand point, <span style="font-style: italic;">Digi Snacks</span> is a wonderfully fun hip-hop album that truly sets itself apart from everything else in hip-hop. The problem is that this is the third album in RZA's trilogy, and it still feels like an experiment. As great as the Bobby Digital character is, there really isn't much here that has a whole lot to do with. The production and flow of the album have finally come together in a way that feels distinct, but much of it goes to waste. Often times, it's hard to tell exactly what RZA is trying to do, and while some fans may praise the album's weirdness for that reason, it's certainly disappointing that such a unique and creative concept isn't more focused on the actual concept at hand. What makes matters even more conflicting is that the listener does in fact get a taste of what could have been. There are moments of pure hip-hop bliss that amounts to some of the most unique and purely enjoyable hip-hop of 2008. However, RZA's constant and often unnecessarily experimentation makes the album as a whole simply an experiment, instead of a truly great piece of art. Simply, fails at living up to its concept, is all over the map lyrically, and is not as fun of a hip-hop album as RZA intended it to be. It has its moments, and it's hard to fault an artist for trying something new, but <span style="font-style: italic;">Digi Snacks<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span>is the epitome of a mixed bag.<br /><br />Grade: B-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Flight of the Conchords- Flight of the Conchords</span><br /><br /><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk200/k269/k26928ps8he.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><br /><br />Saying that Flight of the Conchords' full length debut is funny is like stating that the sun is bright and Antarctica is cold. It may be an opinion, but one that any rational human being would have a hard time disputing. It goes without saying then, that <span style="font-style: italic;">Flight of the Conchords</span> is one hilarious album. However, this is isn't the definitive way to experience the hysteria that is Flight of the Conchords. At times the album versions of these songs feel overproduced, and those who are used to group's always hilarious improvisational lines will be surprised to find that many of the lines they chose as studio replacements in the songs are lacking in comparision. It's not that new versions of these songs are bad, it's just that none of the songs are really very new at all, and the bits that have been altered are almost always for the worse. Obviously, some glaring omissions have been made to the track list, including the masterful "If You're Into It," but it's hard to argue with what is found on the album. Every track is funny in its own right, as <span style="font-style: italic;">Flight of the Conchords</span> is great when looked at as purely an album on its own. Still, fans of the band have heard these songs and heard better versions of them, and newcomers to the band would be better suited watching their TV series or seeing them live to get a taste of the band at their absolute best.<br /><br />Grade: B-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Staind- The Illusion of Progress</span><br /><br /><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drl100/l156/l15608xllrj.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><br /><br />The fact that Staind has actually titled this album <span style="font-style: italic;">The Illusion of Progress</span> must be some kind of inside joke. Considering this album as no progression whatsoever from past Staind albums, or even the illusion of it, it's practically begging critics to go crazy with puns. The sad truth is though, Staind is giving themsevles too much credit. It's obvious that progress was not the band's intention, but if Staind was trying to create the illusion of progress on this record, they failed miserably. Actually, if they were trying to create anything more than your standard post-grunge album, they failed miserably. This is a prime example of your standard post-grunge release. It's basic, both lyrically and musically, and it makes absolutely not attempts whatsoever to stray from the proven formula that got Staind radio play. Granted, that's not necessarily a bad thing to fan's of the band, as anything expecting the same old Staind will not be disappointed. However, it's impossible to recommend an album this bland and generic to anyone who isn't already a huge fan of the band. It's not necessarily bad, nor is it any worse than what else is played on the radio these days, but after six albums, even the illusion of progress isn't too much to ask.<br /><br />Grade: C<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ihsahn- angL</span><br /><br /><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk500/k575/k57587xtnhs.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><br /><br />It's really no coincidence that Mikael Akerfeldt appers on what are essentially the two best metal albums released in 2008 thus far. Not only is Akerfeldt the frontman of Opeth, who released yet another masterpiece this year with <span style="font-style: italic;">Watershed</span>, but Mikael also lends his voice to the track "Unhealer" from Ihsahn's <span style="font-style: italic;">angL</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;">angL</span> may not be as good of an album as Opeth's <span style="font-style: italic;">Watershed</span>, but that doesn't mean it isn't a legitimate masterpice in its own right. Even the other 8 tracks that don't feature Akerfeldt are nearly flawless. Ihsahn, who is best known as the frontman of black metal legends Emporer has created an album here that is far more unique, progressive, and down right better than anything he has ever done with Emporer. And make no mistake, Emporer have relased some A-quality albums throughout their career. However, <span style="font-style: italic;">angL</span> is an album that seemlessly bends the line between black and progressive metal, creating a sound that is unlike anything else in music. Quite simply, <span style="font-style: italic;">angL</span> is phenomenal, and there's not much more that can be said without being redudent. Go pick it up as soon as possible.<br /><br />Grade: A<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Meshuggah- ObZen</span><br /><br /><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drj600/j613/j61381iwjbf.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><br /><br />Taken from my review of the album...<br /><br />"Like many technical metal albums, <span style="font-style: italic;">ObZen</span> does start to develop a common formula near the end, but that's a small flaw considering that the highs of this album far exceed what is usually found in the genre, as well as that the album has numerous moments of progression. The absolutely phenomenal "Bleed" is an example of that, as the song is a nearly flawless mixture of Meshuggah's uncanny brutality and the band's integration of melodic elements. Not every song on the album mixes those elements at such a high level of success, but the number of tracks that come close (the title track, "Combustion," "Electric Red," and "Pravus" for example) are simply staggering. <span style="font-style: italic;">ObZen</span> is a brutal album from start to finish, but it's not brutal for the sake of being brutal. The album still has enough melody, progression, and varied songwriting to make it a great album period, not just a great extreme metal album. That, in essence, is what metal should be, and <span style="font-style: italic;">ObZen</span>, for better or for worse, is about as metal of a record as there is."<br /><br />Grade: A-<br /><br />The longer version of the review can found as part of the feature <a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/04/10-new-albums-you-should-buypart-25.html" target="new">10 New Albums You Should Buy</a><br /></div>Bryce Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04012670966156122386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879885319601483030.post-44118177478901161142008-09-07T23:54:00.001-07:002008-09-08T00:47:58.367-07:00Schedule for Next WeekI know I do this a lot, but I once again find myself apologizing for recent inactivity. The start of school, as well as some personal issues have kept me from posting, but I will return to posting as much as I can starting tomorrow. This week will feature daily updates consisting of the work I've been doing, including a full of review of the latest Metallica album, <span style="font-style: italic;">Death Magnetic</span>. I also will going to the midnight release of Rock Band 2 with a group of friends, and as my friends will tell you, I have become rather obsessed with its release (much to their annoyance I'm sure). I don't do much with gaming on here, but since some of you know me from the Gamespot community, it shouldn't be a surprise that I am a huge fan of the first Rock Band. For that reason, I will be posting a review of the Rock Band 2 set list next week, after I get a chance to play all of the songs. I also will be blogging my first impressions of the game next Sunday. The full schedule for next week will be as follows:<br /><br />Monday: Album Catch-Up Part 5<br />Tuesday: Album Catch-Up Part 6 (I also will be seeing Nightwish and Sonata Arctica tonight)<br />Wednesday: Review of Nightwish/Sonata Arctica Concert<br />Thursday: Album Catch-Up Part 7<br />Friday: Review of Metallica's <span style="font-style: italic;">Death Magnetic</span><br />Saturday: A Review of either Nas' <span style="font-style: italic;">Untitled</span> or Opeth's <span style="font-style: italic;">Watershed</span><br />Sunday: <span style="font-style: italic;">Rock Band 2</span> Impressions<br /><br />In order to keep myself more focused on this blog, which I want to make a priority, I will likely be doing more of these schedules. This will hopefully keep me on track and will prevent me from getting even farther behind.<br /><br />I also will be doing another Top 100 feature in the near future. This one will be of my 100 Favorite Albums. Unlike my reviews, where I do my best to be as objective as possible, this list will be purely subjective. This will be a list of my 100 absolute favorite albums of all-time, and why I love them. During my stay in the hospital, I wasn't able to listen to music, so these are the albums I came back to when I got home, and the albums that have helped me find passion in my life. I guess you could say this will be a very personal list, and one that have put a lot of care into. I hope you guys enjoy it, and I thank all you for sticking around and continuing to read what I have written. It truly means a lot to me.Bryce Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04012670966156122386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879885319601483030.post-86222397748715959802008-08-25T13:17:00.000-07:002008-08-25T13:30:30.894-07:00In Flames Tour (w/ presale password)In Flames recently announced a North American headlining tour with All That Remains, Gojira, and 36 Crazyfists supporting. Even though I was disappointed by In Flames' new album, <span style="font-style: italic;">A Sense of Purpose</span>, they are still one of the best live acts in metal, and Gojira is another amazing band that I've been told puts on one hell of a show. Say what you will about All That Remains, but they also have known to put on great live shows, and 36 Crazyfists isn't all that bad either. The tour dates are as follows:<br /><br />Nov. 06 - Montreal, QC @ Metropolis<br />Nov. 07 - Toronto, ON @ Sound Academy<br />Nov. 08 - Detroit, MI @ Emerald Theater<br />Nov. 10 - Chicago, IL @ House Of Blues<br />Nov. 12 - Minneapolis, MN @ Myth<br />Nov. 14 - Calgary, AB @ MacEwan Hall<br />Nov. 15 - Edmonton, AB @ Events Center<br />Nov. 17 - Vancouver, BC @ Commodore<br />Nov. 18 - Seattle, WA @ Showbox Sodo<br />Nov. 19 - Portland, OR @ Roseland<br />Nov. 21 - San Francisco, CA @ Warfield<br />Nov. 22 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Nokia Club<br />Nov. 23 - Las Vegas, NV @ House Of Blues<br />Nov. 24 - Phoenix, AZ @ Marquee Theatre<br />Nov. 25 - Albuquerque, NM @ Midnight Rodeo<br />Nov. 26 - Denver, CO @ Fillmore<br />Nov. 28 - Dallas, TX @ Palladium<br />Nov. 29 - Austin, TX @ La Zona Rosa<br />Nov. 30 - Houston, TX @ House Of Blues<br />Dec. 02 - Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Live<br />Dec. 03 - Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle<br />Dec. 04 - Norfolk, VA @ The Norva<br />Dec. 05 - Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live<br />Dec. 06 - Worcester, MA @ Palladium<br />Dec. 07 - New York, NY @ Terminal 5<br />Dec. 09 - St.Louis, MO @ Pageant<br />Dec. 10 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave<br /><br />The tickets for this tour are around $20 before service charges, and even though the tickets don't go on sale to the general public until September 5, you can go to this site- <a href="http://tixx1.artistarena.com/inflames/" target="new">http://tixx1.artistarena.com/inflames/</a> and log in with the following information starting tomorrow to get your tickets ahead of time:<br /><br />Username: inflames<br />Password: tickets<br /><br />Although I'm not sure how much the service charge will be, they claim it will be far less than the usual ticket outlet fees, which is definitely a good thing. Even if In Flames did slip with their new album, this tour is highly recommended, and very affordable for the quality of bands you're getting.Bryce Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04012670966156122386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2879885319601483030.post-82699398251535020362008-08-21T00:40:00.000-07:002008-08-22T14:22:08.491-07:00Album Catch-Up Part 4<div style="text-align: justify;"><span>In order to get these out more frequently, I'm switching from 10 albums to 5 albums per post. I had to take a few weeks for various reason, and since I'm still not really all that stable (I have a feeling that's been coming across in my writing), I may have to do that every now and then.</span><br /><br />Anyway, 4 albums that are pretty much essential listens, and one that was surprisingly decent here.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Opeth- Watershed</span><br /><br /><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk500/k521/k52110s2hfr.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><br /><br />Does anyone really need a review for this album? Like the rest of Opeth's discography, <span style="font-style: italic;">Watershed</span> is masterful in nearly every way. This is the type of high art that only Opeth could pull off, but it's also an album that sees Opeth genuinely progressing within the incredibly varied and artistic style they've done such a wonderful job of mastering within throughout their career. <span style="font-style: italic;">Watershed</span> is yet another masterpiece in a long line of Opeth masterpieces, and everything from Mikael Akerfeldt's passionate growls to the beautiful melodies works to perfection. It's more melodic than the typical Opeth album, but that's not to say it isn't heavy. Like all Opeth albums, <span style="font-style: italic;">Watershed</span> is about moments, and while many of the album's moments are some of the softest melodies of Opeth's career, there are also moments of pure brutality. However, what sets Opeth apart from other bands, even within these moments, is that Opeth's brand of death metal is not brutal for the sake of being brutal. Instead it's passionate heavy music that personifies Akerfeldt's dark poetry in musical form. There is both a rhyme and reason for everything Opeth does, both musically and lyrically, and it comes together to create a masterpiece that I could not recommend higher. This is how music is done.<br /><br />Grade: A<br /><br />NOTE: I will be doing a full review of this album at some point in the future<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Immortal Technique- The 3rd World</span><br /><br /><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk800/k858/k85806t7rrr.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><br /><br />Many of the flaws on Immortal Technique's first album in 5 years are often because the album is so good. Much of this has to do with the fact that <span style="font-style: italic;">The 3rd World</span> is technically more of a mix-tape with DJ Green Lantern than a full length album, but most of the material here is powerful enough to work on a full length Immortal Technique album, and for the most part, it would have worked better had it been treated as a full album. From a lyrical stand point, this isn't Immortal Technique's most poetic work, but it still has the same aggressive style that effictively gets its message across. Of course, the message is the most important part of Immortal Technique's music, and while the album's message as a whole isn't as powerful or coherent as <span style="font-style: italic;">Revolutionary Vol. 2</span>, this is still some of the most important and truthful music out there. The problem is that the message and lyrics, the most important part of Tech's music, are as intelligent as ever. The reason that's a problem is that the material here is hurt by the album's attempt to be a mix-tape. Although DJ Green Lantern's beats are good by themselves, they take away from the lyrics and message at times, most notably on songs like "The 3rd World" and "Mistakes," where the songs take far too long to actually start due to Green Lantern's constant starting and stopping of the track. If this were a normal hip-hop album, the production could be called top notch. However, it isn't, and if the production didn't get in the way, this might have been a true successor to <span style="font-style: italic;">Revolutionary Vol. 2</span>. Still, what's here is some truly great hip-hop, and it's one of the most important albums of the year.<br /><br />NOTE: Once I get caught up, I plan to do a track-by-track review of the album.<br /><br />Grade: B+<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Motley Crue- Saints of Los Angeles</span><br /><br /><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk900/k905/k90571e9yd5.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><br /><br />It really shouldn't be much of a surprise that Motley Crue's <span style="font-style: italic;">Saints of Los Angeles</span> is a forgettable album, but it may surprise some that the album isn't all bad. It seems that Motley Crue has remembered what they're good at, and while <span style="font-style: italic;">Saints of Los Angeles</span> doesn't bring anything new to the table, it is effective in spots at being a fun and catchy hard rock album. The album runs into trouble everytime Crue tries to bring a ballad or more serious song into the mix, as the lyrics here are just as awful as ever, but songs like the title track do more than a respetable job at recreating the same fun and catchy sound the band became famous for the in the 80's. It goes without saying that this an album only for Crue fans, but considering that the band has done very little that could be enjoyed by anyone in quite some time, this is not only an improvement, but also a return to form.<br /><br />Grade: C+<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bon Iver- For Emma, Forever Ago</span><br /><br /><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drk500/k520/k52031dzzz6.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><br /><br />It's hard to listen to an album like Bon Iver's solo debut without comparing it to Iron & Wine, the artistic standard for modern poetic indie folk. Of course, <span style="font-style: italic;">For Emma, Forever Ago</span> does not at the same level as Iron & Wine, but just the fact that Justin Vernon, the man behind Bon Iver, has come close on his first solo record is astonishing. This is quite simply a beautiful album from start to finish, and even though Vernon's influences are noticeable, the album's sound is certainly genuine. Every instrumental you hear is played by Vernon, and while the complicated musicianship certainly isn't the album's focues, he has certainly established himself as a talented muscian. However, the most staggering part of the album is its atmosphere. Unlike Iron & Wine, the lyrics aren't quite poetic enough to work as poetry on their own, but what Bon Iver does best is in the atmosphere of the sound. Every sound on the album works to some degree to bring the lyrics to life, and that is in no way an easy feat. <span style="font-style: italic;">For Emma, Forever Ago</span> is filled with musical subtleties and poetry in both the musicianship and the lyrics, and the sound it creates is almost always beautiful. Not one aspect of Bon Iver's sound is especially impressive, but it's how everything comes together that makes this album special.<br /><br />Grade: B+<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Mars Volta- The Bedlam in Goliath</span><br /><br /><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drj400/j408/j40831z0ub8.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><br /><br />Taken from my review of the album...<br /><br />"An album like <i style="">The Bedlam in Goliath</i> should not be judged on small flaws, but instead the many things it does well. An album like this one should be praised for doing more and having minor flaws that go along with large amount of unique content than making a perfect album that doesn’t do quite as much. Not everyone is going to be able to understand it, and even many who do might find small things that perturb them. However, the risks The Mars Volta take make this one of the most original rock albums to come along in some time. To call it one of the best albums of its kind would simplifying it to an absolute, and thus selling it short, but <i style="">The Bedlam in Goliath</i> is an album that should not be missed under any circumstances."<br /><br />Grade: A-<br /><br />Go <a href="http://musicreviews666.blogspot.com/2008/01/review-of-bedlam-in-goliath-by-mars.html" target="new">here</a> to read the full review<br /><br />Thanks for reading! Sorry for the long wait.<br /></div>Bryce Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04012670966156122386noreply@blogger.com0