The Decemberists - The King is Dead

A fitting title to the previous "The King of Limbs" it seems.

I recently got into The Decemberists, A LOT. After hearing about this new album at the very beginning of the year, I gave it a listen and found an alt-rock, alt-country, folkish sounding sound that was present in each of their songs. Listening to a few you will either want to get down and square dance, or pick up an acoustic guitar and walk down some railroad tracks for miles. But if you dislike country, like I do, (I really do hate that shit [more power to you if you listen to it]) this album will not convey any sort of tractor loving-girlfriend beating cacophony of drunken superstars. The use of an orchestra and other instruments besides the norm add to the beautiful sound that is "The King is Dead".

Lyrically, it's pretty good. Not amazing, but just good. But after listening to their previous albums I just figured that was the norm. If you are looking for a great fall-winter and maybe even spring album, check this out.

Radiohead - The King of Limbs [2011]

I'm sure i've outgrown Radiohead. Actually, i'm positive I have. That being said, I decided to give their new album a listen and found a satisfactory piece at best. Nothing new seems to have been experimented and in some cases that's not terribly a bad thing. Thom is still cranking out some "deep" verses, and the music is about par with any other 7 minute long drum line and a syth heavy track. It just seems a bit, lackluster, boring. But maybe I'm just comparing this to previous albums that scored monumental success. Being that the album released earlier than expected, on a weekend, and with much press on it, most Radiohead fanatics will already have this by now and be paying homage to their closet Yorke statues in the near future.

Iron & Wine - Kiss Each Other Clean [2011]

As a new found Iron & Wine fan, I became drawn into the intricate folk and rhythmic patterns of their previous albums. Poetic and what it seems like, story driven lyrical themes etc. etc.

After hearing the new album, "Kiss Each Other Clean", It's easy to see how the band has evolved into a newer and stronger sound than before. With Added electronic-sounding ambiance, and instruments from around the world it makes for a interesting listen. From what it seems, and coming from a new listener of Iron & Wine, their new music direction is straying away from their folk roots on such albums as "Our Endless Numbered Days".