The Republic of Wolves - The Cartographer [2011]

Ah, back in the saddle again. I meant to post this album several months ago, but never quite got around to it. Before we move onto the new stuff, lets go over my favorite album of the year.

What it is: a simple seven song album from the indie rock outfit, Long Island natives the Republic of Wolves.

At least, that's what I expected upon my first listen.

What I got, however, was a variable Smörgåsbord of different genres from song to song, with the album swinging between post-rock, to indie rock, to folk, to shoegaze, to metal, and heading right back to alternative with the album closing. All with the same topic; that is, the wide open ocean and maps. They, in these seven songs, manage to encompass all my favorite genres, and do so flawlessly. How they manage to perform in so many different circumstances is beyond me, but hell, it sounds incredible. Truly my personal, if not THE album of the year so far.

If only more bands managed to do this... (in a semi acceptable/decent fashion.)

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.

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".