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.

Interpol - Interpol (Self Titled) [2010]

I'm not going to lie, I'm not a veteran to Interpol. I listened to and appreciated Turn On The Bright Lights and Antics. Particularly TOTBL more so. The general consensus including my own opinion lean more towards calling TOTBL one of their "catchier" and more rounded albums they have produced. With that being said, it's hard to beat an already great album with an even greater one. I wouldn't say that their new self titled album is any better, however it shares the same qualities as some of the more popular songs on previous albums that really "get back to where they should be" in terms of choral compositions and so on so forth. I actually purchased this album a few days ago, and as of yet its still like 5 bucks. It's really cheap. Really, Really, just go out and buy it, cheap.

Here's the new song, "Memory Serves" off the album.

Former Constellations - Meridian [2010]

Well, let's kick off this new blog with a little suburban gem. The band is Former Constellations (formerly know as The Gulls,) coming straight out of Glen Rock, New Jersey. The band itself has it's fair share of difficulties in making their music. Vocalist Mark Lock is a while away from the rest of the band, and as such, has to record his own vocals and send them to the band in New Jersey (Guitarist Chris Stone, Drummer Jack Biamonte, Bassist Alex Profaci.) This also means, of course, Live performances are limited to just the New Jersey crew. What's most impressive, though, is how their music comes together into seamless works of art. Even as young as this group is, in their music, you can hear the maturity that has already occurred in the music they are putting out. This is a perfect example of what every Indie band should strive to be. Just the music: free from publishers and recording companies telling one what to do. This is an example of true indie. Music for music's sake. So if you would like some more Psychedelic rock, pop onto their Facebook Page , and download Meridian. The entire album hints at your typical dad rock, Animal Collective, and Arcade Fire (among others). Its the balance between all of these that makes this album truly worth a listen.