I always get incredibly nervous listening to the new album of a band I love. It was no different while hearing the sophomore record of the alternative, London-based White Lies. Having only listened to one track before purchasing the album, I didn't really know what to expect. Which is why I nearly panicked when I heard a different-sounding White Lies ring through my speakers, more uptempo and less dreary; a definite change from their dark and gloomy debut, To Lose My Life. However, after accepting this adjustment and deciding to give it a chance, I soon discovered what Ritual had to offer. It's power-driven and more upbeat, complete with sing-along-choruses, dominant guitar riffs, resounding electronic echoes and hints of industrial clattering. It truly gets more and more addictive with each listen.
The album plays on common themes of love, death and figuring out life, incorporating some religious references and some 80's style electro-pop. “Streetlights,” a catchy synth-pop track gives off a Paul Newman vibe, while “Turn The Bells” seems to be inspired by early Depeche Mode. The only drawback of the album is that some of the lyrics seem a tad dull and meaningless. Take some verses from “Streetlights” for example: “I'm falling like rain for you. So tired and picking skin. Just 'cause it's something to do.” The band will certainly need to work on lyrics in the future. Otherwise, the album is fantastic. Standout tracks include: “Is Love,” “Holy Ghost,” “Strangers” and “Peace & Quiet.” If you loved To Lose My Life, then you will inevitably fall for Ritual. It may take a little time, but it is worth it. You will eventually have it in your head, with its synth-filled hooks following you everywhere you go.
This week I chose the London-based, alternative rock quintet, The Vaccines. The band was formed less then a year ago, but are already garnering tons of praise from the likes of Spin, NME, Clash and even the BBC. They've already started touring, without having an EP or LP out! Their debut album, What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?, will be released on March 21st.
Three singles have already been unleashed, one of which being “Blow It Up.” The melodic track consists of ringing guitar rhythms, and drifting bass, complete with a sing-along-chorus. It's definitely worth the listen. Also check out “Post Break-Up Sex” and “Wreckin' Bar.” Another record to look forward to. 2011 sounds pretty good thus far.
Friendly Fires, the alternative-dance trio of St Albans, England have confirmed the title of their second album which they plan to release this spring. The record is entitled, Pala, after the fictitious, Buddhist sanctuary in Aldous Huxley's 1962 novel, Island. Personally, I'm pretty excited about this. Friendly Fires are by far one of the most awesome bands I've come across in the last few years. Not to mention, they put on a great live show and live up to their name; they're actually really friendly! I met frontman Ed Macfarlane two years ago at Lee's Palace. We talked about restaurants in Toronto and how cheese makes you gassy, especially before going on stage. Can't wait for this album! It was co-produced by Paul Epworth, so we should expect greatness.
According to Spin, hip hop giant, Jay-Z, has confirmed that he will be co-producing a remake of Annie, staring Willow Smith. I hate remakes which I guess makes me completely biased in thinking this is going to be a sinking ship. But, seriously? Just because she's a “Smith” and her brother cut it in TheKarate Kid, doesn't mean she needs to reinvent the original Carrot Top.
The gloves are still not off between Glee's Ryan Murphy and Kings of Leon. According to Rolling Stone, Murphy sent an email to Perez Hilton (of all people) accusing drummer, Nathan Followill of being a homophobe (read Followill's tweet in the post below). The Glee creator continued to say that the cast loves KOL's music, but “cannot condone or even laugh at their clear disdain of gay people.” Followill replied through a tweet which read: “I'm sorry for anyone that misconstrued my comments as homophobic or misogynistic. I'm so not that kind of person. I really do apologize.” Will the madness ever end? Why can't we all just get along?
Today the Brooklyn electro-dance-punk duo, Sleigh Bells, released the music video for their latest single, “Rill Rill,” which you can find on their loud debut, Treats. Singer Alexis Krauss plays the role of a murderous schoolgirl, abandoning her beaten bandmate, guitarist Derek Miller, after throwing him out of her car while in the desert. Then she's off to school. Check it out! It's a good track, I promise.
It's no surprise that over the past few years Tennessee royalty, Kings of Leon, have gained incredible mainstream success. They went from that cool indie-blues band that people knew of, but didn't, to a massive arena rock band, with Grammy nominated anthems and constant radio play. A drastic change we can thank North America for. The Followill boys recognize they have become sellouts, as their fans put it, getting offers to appear in this and have music featured in that. One of those offers being from the teenage musical hit, Glee. According to Spin, bassist Jared Followill says the group turns down tons of offers and haven't sold-out nearly as much as people think.
It seems Glee creator, Ryan Murphy, doesn't take rejection too well. “F*ck you, Kings of Leon,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. “They're self-centered assholes.” He continued to say that his popular show has helped raise awareness of different artists, and boosted sales, while introducing a younger audience to a variety of music which he believes to be educational. He went on about how KOL should take advantage of this and how they could inspire so many of Glee's younger viewers.
The band's frontman, Caleb Followill, replied to Murphy's harsh comments by stating that none of them have even watched Glee and denied the request, not because they hate the show, but because they were asked for the rights to use the song, “Use Somebody,” at the end of a long, tiring tour promoting it. “We're not sure where the anger is coming from,” he added.
Drummer, Nathan Followill took a different route. Today he charmingly tweeted: “Dear Ryan Murphy, let it go. See a therapist, get a manicure, buy a new bra. Zip your lip and focus on educating 7yr olds how to say f*ck.”
I'm sure he got the message and probably won't bug KOL for song rights again any time soon.
I am extremely excited that English, electropop sensation, Metronomy, is finally returning. It's been over two years since the release of their last LP, Nights Out; an addictive jumble of synth, bass-filled electronic beats that in all honesty, just makes you want to dance. Their third album, The English Riviera, is set to be released this April, but til then, the band has offered us its first single, “She Wants.” The track is to be officially released on January 31st and will be available as a free download off the band's website. It's a little different, more groovy, and has more of a laid back feel then past Metronomy work. However, before you know it, it's in your head; with its emphatic drum beat, irresistible bassline, monotonous, humming synth and Joseph Mount's consistent tone of short-strung lyrics. It's an interesting change. Whatever the case, I cannot wait until April, I need this album now.
Just two months after the release of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, and about a month or two until his collaboration with Jay-Z hits record stores, Kanye West is already back at work. Through a series of tweets, he promised fans that his sixth solo album will be released this coming summer. He also mentioned that “THIS IS HIGH END RAP MUSIC,” in Kanye-caps fashion. High end rap music? What exactly does that mean? I think it's safe to assume some classical music will be involved. A later tweet read: “I just threw some bassoon on this muthaf**ka.” Interesting; so we can expect some heavy bass in the mix.
Amy Winehouse is finished working on her next album, a follow-up to the jazzy Back to Black. According to Spin, the troubled, English singer met up with Cee Lo Green while in St. Lucia and recorded a song together. It may be included on her third record which is currently in the hands of her label. I think their soul-driven sounds would work well with one another. No word yet on when it will be released.
In film related news, Twilight star and teen-magnet, Robert Pattinson, is interested in playing the role of Jeff Buckley in a biopic of the late singer's life. According to NME, the biopic is in the works, with Michelle Sy rumoured to be its producer. Apparently, Pattinson is “obsessed with landing the role.” Personally, I think it could work. RPattz does play guitar and sings mellow music (see for yourself here and here) and his scruffy look is comparable to Buckley's. Yet, can he pull it off? Will we be able to see him as the Almighty Jeff Buckley and not a glittering vampire?
This week I bring you the British rapper-singer-songwriter, Ben Drew, primarily known as Plan B. The 27-year-old phenom (who is also an actor and director) fuses hip hop and soul to create songs with a Motown feel, yet adds modern touches with his quick, polished rapping. “Prayin',” the third single off his second album, The Defamation of Strickland Banks, tells a small piece of a complex story. The album is centred around a fictitious character, Strickland Banks, a British soul singer who becomes famous for his sweet love songs, such as the album's opener “Love Goes Down.” Banks ventures out with his entourage to celebrate his success, meets a neurotic woman who is obsessed with his music, has a one night stand, she falls in love, he rejects her, causing her to accuse him of rape. Long story short, he loses everything and ends up in prison for a crime he didn't commit. There is much more to the story, but that is the bare-bones version. “Prayin'” in particular is a catchy, rhythmic track with poetic lyrics and a funk-layered beat. I've had it stuck in my head for weeks. I also suggest “The Recluse,” and “She Said.”
I wonder what Plan B has in store for his third effort, The Ballad of Belmarsh, which will be released later this year. Another plot-driven album perhaps?
The first single off Lady Gaga's third effort, Born This Way, won't be released until February 13, but the creative pop sensation has offered fans a peek by releasing an untitled remix. The song debuted at a Paris fashion show for her personal stylist, Nicola Formichetti and appears in a video of men strutting down a runway and tattooed beings, complete with skeletal make-up, wrapping themselves in black shawls. Strange, but could we expect anything less? The remix includes hard, house dance beats and chanting in German. You can pick out what the actual release might sound like midpoint on. Another Gaga anthem I'm sure. You can check the video out here.
In other news, letters and drawings by late Beatle, John Lennon, are going to be published in a new book. Hunter Davies, a Beatles' biographer convinced Yoko Ono to sell the rights to Lennon's collection of letters to record companies, news publications and fans, as well as several personal drawings. The book does not currently have a title, but will be released in October of 2012, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Fab Four's debut single “Love Me Do.”
As a Beatles fan, I'm excited for this to be released, more so because I'm interested in seeing the types of things Lennon would draw. But then again, don't even The Beatles deserve some form of privacy? Till now, these personal letters and drawings have never been seen by the public. Should it not be kept this way? I know it's just another cash-grab, but I feel like this is an invasion of privacy Lennon probably wouldn't be extremely pleased with.
The 2011 Coachella Lineup has been announced! The three day musical event takes place April 15-17 in the sweltering heat of Indio, California. Top headliners include: Kings of Leon, The Strokes, Arcade Fire, and Kanye West, as well as The Black Keys, Interpol, Animal Collective, Bright Eyes, Mumford and Sons, Lauryn Hill, Duran Duran and PJ Harvey. And of course, that's not nearly the end of it. Other notable performers include: Sleigh Bells, Chromeo, Cee Lo Green, Klaxons, The Drums, Scissor Sisters, Foals, The Presets, CSS and more. For the full list of bands hitting up this year's Coachella, click here.
Every passing year, I dream of going to this festival, which is most often an event of epic musical proportions. This year is no different. Anyone want to start a “Send Vanessa to Coachella Fund”? If cost permits, I promise to take some of you along!
Personally, I was shocked to see that Canadian dance-punk duo, Death From Above 1979 will be reuniting to play the event on closing night. Since their split to work on solo projects in 2006, I have dreamed of seeing Sebastian Grainger, now of Sebastian Grainger and the Mountains, and Jesse Keeler, now of MSTRKRFT, join forces again. I'm going to start working on that fund.
Here's a little Strokes to get you in the Coachella mood:
The Swedish trio, Peter, Bjorn & John, have released the first single from their upcoming album, Gimme Some. The short and punky track, “Breaker, Breaker,” is not like the PB&J we have come to know, even though some songs on their sophomore record, Living Thing, were pretty mean-spirited, such as “Lay It Down,” for example. The new track is more aggressive, faster – both instrumentally and in elapsed time; the song is under two minutes long! According to Spin, the song was written about a music journalist the band doesn't like. That's nice, considering some of the lyrics include: “Before you break my heart. Before you run. I’m gonna break your nose and sing about it.” In any case, it's a pretty good track and I expect great things from their next album which is out this March.
Here's the music video and you can download the song for free on the PB&J website!
Adam Yauch, aka MCA of the Beastie Boys has directed a short film entitled Fight For Your Right Revisited, a sequel to the music video that puts most house parties to shame. The classic video from the late 80's for “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party!)” is centered around a drunken gathering the Beastie Boys start by crashing the home of an unsuspecting nerd. Yauch has enlisted the help from an incredible amount of celebrities, including the likes of Seth Rogen, Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom, Susan Sarandon, Jason Schwartzman, Steve Buscemi and tons more. The film is set to debut at the Sundance Film Festival this week and the entire cast list can be found here.
Pictured above: Seth Rogen as Mike D, Elijah Wood as Ad-Rock, and Danny McBride as MCA.
In tour-related news, Australian synth-pop band Cut Copy, English alternative quintet Foals and indie-pop duo Dodos have announced upcoming tours. Something nice to look forward to. Go get your tickets!
What better way to spend a snowy Saturday night than at a gig supporting one of Canada's own. Toronto's Kool Haus was packed with teenagers and 20-somethings; everyone shuffling through coat-check lines, around the merch table and the most pivotal stop for those of age, the bar.
First up was PS. I Love You; a two-piece band from Kingston, Ontario. The truth is they could play their instruments extremely well. The band's only guitarist, Paul Saulnier, could shred his guitar like nobody's business, but his vocals sounded more like shrill yelps then the tone I'm sure was intended. They somewhat reminded me of a dancey Wolf Parade. With that said, they are definitely worth checking out. Do that here!
Next was Two Door Cinema Club, the indie-pop band from Northern Ireland. They nearly played a full set that it might as well have been a double bill. They were fantastic, dancey and in tune, not to mention incredibly friendly, praising the crowd with plenty of thanks. Stand out tracks included: "What You Know,” “I Can Talk,” “Eat That Up, It's Good For You” and the new infectious melody, “Handshake.”
Finally, the reason everyone had come; Tokyo Police Club took the stage, all smiles and ready to rock. A little shakier then I have seen in past performances, but the Newmarket, Ontario natives were as energetic and fun-loving as always, definitely pleasing a packed venue of screaming fans. Playing a good variety of their three works, they focused most on their third effort, Champ, but had fans chanting and jumping most to tracks off their debut, A Lesson In Crime. The young quartet asked willing fans to clap and sing along; the most complex of clapping patterns took place throughout Elephant Shell's “Tessellate.” During the performance of “Graves,” Dave Monks, TPC's moppy-haired lead singer, had the crowd repeat after him. Expecting to “ooooo” to the beat, fans were surprised by Monks' choice of words which included: “Toronto,” “disco balls” and “Daft Punk is Playing at My House” (a nod to LCD Soundsystem). The boys soon ended the night only to return for a quick encore that involved Two Door Cinema Club joining them on stage. The two clubs performed a cover of The Strokes popular hit, “Last Night, ” which had everyone joyfully singing and dancing along. “This song is 10 years old,” exclaimed Monks' in a shocked tone, “I can’t believe this song is 10 years old.” This was a great way to end the night and combined all the energy and excitement that built up to the moment the bassline was heard. Stand out tracks included the punky TPC classics “Nature of the Experiment,” and “Citizens of Tomorrow,” as well as newcomers “Hands Reversed,” “Breakneck Speed,” and “Bambi.”
It was a good time. I give this show a solid 3 ½ out of 5.
Below are some pictures I took myself, enjoy!
Drake has already started working on his second album, Take Care, and has recruited the help of Jamie Smith from English new wave group, The xx. They are recording a single track to appear on the record. The Canadian rapper is also planning to collaborate with the almighty Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine for a song to be included on her next album. I'm excited to see how this turns out. Hopefully fusing artists from two genres works as well for Drake as it did for Kanye West. The hip-hop powerhouse included indie folk group Bon Iver on his latest release, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, which turned out to be a success. Check out Drake performing “Fireworks” at the Hammersmith Odeon in London, with Florence Welch replacing Alicia Keys, embedding lyrics from her dreamy track “Cosmic Love.”
La Roux is also currently working on her second effort. Elly Jackson, lead of the electropop group, told NME that she has been writing with friends from an established indie band. The rumour is that this “established” band is the dark and gloomy White Lies. Hmmm, another interesting match-up. White Lies are definitely talented, but I'm not sure how their writing style will work with the 80's synth-style pop artist.
In other news, Gucci Mane got a massive tattoo of an ice cream cone. On his face. It's planted for life across his cheek with “brrr” scripted on its side, complete with three scoops and red lightening bolts replacing maraschino cherries. Apparently, Gucci wanted to remind his fans that he's “cool as ice.” What would possess anyone to do something like this?! Well, he is fresh out of a mental health institution... You can check out a picture of his new tat and the Rolling Stone article about it here.
Lykke Li has come a long way since 2008's Youth Novels and has altered her sound just enough to showcase how she has matured as an artist. The Swedish songstress has returned with the track “Get Some” to be released on her upcoming album Wounded Rhymes, out March 1st. A little less quirky, and bubbly and a lot more mysterious, darker and provocative. Lyrics such as “Like a shotgun, I can't be outdone. I'm your prostitute, You gon' get some,” are a definite change from her previous body of work. The song in particular consists of a powerful, African drum beat and tribal howls throughout the chorus. Li herself sounds much less fragile and more in control. “I Follow Rivers,” is another track that has been recently released and will also be included on her sophomore album. If these singles are any indication, everyone is gon' want a piece.
The Fame got me with the singles. The Fame Monster had me completely intrigued. I can only imagine what Born This Way will do. I'm sure dancing will be part of it.
The Strokes: TBA
The Strokes have announced through their Facebook page that their new album, which remains nameless, will be released on March 22.
Kanye West and Jay-Z: Watch the Throne EP
A five song album with two hip-hop giants joining forces seems pretty sweet right? As long as the other four songs don't sound like the EP's first single, “H.A.M” which is...well, just not very good.
Coldplay: TBA
The band mentioned in many interviews that they want their next effort to be more acoustic, deeper and more intimate. A return to 2000's Parachutes would be a pleasant surprise.
Lil Wayne: Tha Carter IV
Will Lil' Wayne be able to duplicate the crazy success of Tha Carter III on his upcoming album? We'll have to wait and see.
Lykke Li: Wounded Rhymes
It is said to be a much more mature and provocative sound when compared to 2008's Youth Novels and is set for release this March.
Dr. Dre: Detox
Detox is rumored to be Dre's final album. It was intended to be released in 2004, but choosing to be a producer forced Detox to the back burner. It's been over ten years since he had an album out. Does he still have it in him?
Death Cab For Cutie: Codes and Keys
Death Cab albums always make for a good time, in a sweet, depressing kind of way. This album is supposedly inspired by Brian Eno, so it should be interesting.
Radiohead: TBA
I seriously don't know what to expect from Radiohead, but I'm sure whatever it is, it will be awesome. I'm really interested in seeing how they will be releasing their music this time around, since so many played copy-cat on the pay-what-you-want digital download idea.
Arctic Monkeys: TBA
The boys of Sheffield are currently working on their fourth album with producerJames Ford of Simian Mobile Disco and hope to release it later this year. Ford worked on their last albums which were all superb, let's hope he does it again!
Fleet Foxes: TBA
Due to intense touring, the release of a second album was continuously pushed back. Yet with it's completion on the horizon, Fleet Foxes are hoping for an early spring release. Two contenders for album names include Deepwater Horizon and Slaughternalia.
U2: Songs Of Ascent
U2 will be releasing their 13th album later this year. A summer 2010 release was inevitably pushed back when the band chose to concentrate on their 360 World Tour. Let's see if they have any more anthems in store for us.
What will 2011 bring to the realm of music? The end of J-Biebs career? A Miley Cyrus + Waka Flocka Flame collabo? Who knows, but I'm sure it'll be good.
The Grammy's are about a month away. The nominees have been announced and people are taking their picks. I'm going to put my money on Lady Gaga to win everything. Even the awards she's not nominated for. Just 'cause.
Current Grammy News:
1. Arcade Fire at the Grammy's! Not only will the large group of Canuks be performing, but they're also nominated for not one, not two but three Grammy's this year, including Album of the Year, up against Eminem's Recovery and Lady Gaga's The Fame Monster. Hmmm...Tough.
2. The Recording Academy has announced that along with Arcade Fire, Eminem, Cee Lo, and Katy Perry will also be performing. As well as....wait for it...Lady Gaga! What will she sing?! Better yet, what will she wear?!
3. Stephen Colbert forced a sell-out off between Vampire Weekend and The Black Keys to gain his vote for Best Alternative Music Album. As Colbert won the Best Comedy Album last year for A Colbert Christmas, he is entitled to vote for this year's nominees. He decided that the best alternative bands came between the NYC indie darlings and the Ohio-based blues-rock duo. He chose to settle the debate by seeing which band has music featured in more commercials. He brought out VW's Ezra Koenig and both Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney of the Keys. Best part is when Ezra is challenged by Patrick, grabs a bat and says: “I'm gonna bash those ironic glasses right through your skull.” To which Dan replies, “Bring it on Cape Cod!” Ha, love it! You can watch the clip here.
Don't forget to tune in on February 13th at 8pm for “music's greatest honor.” Or not.
Best Album of the year: Arcade Fire – The Suburbs: From start to finish, this album is fantastic. The Canuk group of eight put together a wonderfully crafted third album that is intense in both it's musicality as well as it's lyrics. Win Butler croons throughout the record about how heartless and hopeless we have all become, while assisted by pulsating bass lines, bursts of folk guitar and calming piano. The statement-making album tells an honest story leading us to believe that we have indeed forgotten where we come from. Therefore, a drive through the suburbs is exactly what we need.
Best Break Out Act: Florence and the Machine: 2010 was certainly the year for Florence Welch and her backing band. Although the group was formed in 2007, it was last year when the London based band fully embraced mainstream success. Sold out tours, numerous television performances, songs featured in successful films, tons of radio play and of course, lots more fans. Her theatrical debut album, Lungs (and one of my personal favourites), sold over 100, 000 copies, which is pretty damn good, considering the state of sales in the music industry. Her awe-inspiring voice, which probably has the ability to crack a glass with one of her sweet, yet powerful croons, is what makes her such an outstanding artist. It's rare to come across singers who can sing as well as they have been recorded, which is why Welch deserves much applause.
Biggest Surprise: It's a tie between the Klaxons and Foals.
Klaxons – Surfing the Void: The new rave, alternative band was forced by their label to return to the studio and rerecord their sophomore album after deeming previous efforts as “too experimental.” This made fans a little antsy, having to wait nearly 3 years since the release of their Mercury Prize winning album, Myths of the Near Future. Were they going to maintain their synthy-experimental sound or were they going to drastically reinvent themselves? It had me worried, but in truth, it was worth the wait and turned out to be amazing.
Foals – Total Life Forever: The quintet from Oxford, England returned last year with a completely different sound, which was a little hard to get accustomed to at first. Yet after a couple listens, I had the album on a continuous loop. Yes, TLF isn't nearly as dancey as Antitodes, but it's a gem nonetheless.
Biggest Letdown: Kings of Leon – Come Around Sundown: Kings of Leon were once a small band from Nashville who didn't care whatsoever about what anyone thought of their music. Their initial upbeat, southern blues sound generated a cult of devoted fans who would eventually see the group of brothers, plus cousin, transform into their polar opposite; a mainstream, arena rock band. With the more alternative-sounding Only By the Night, released in 2008, they gained North American success and prepared themselves for world domination. It was a different kind of KOL, one that even some of the band members didn't necessarily enjoy. In numerous interviews they mentioned how they wanted to return to their southern-indie sound with their fifth record. Sadly, I don't think they quite did that. CAS isn't a horrible album. I taught myself to enjoy it overtime, yet I was disappointed that despite how the band felt about their previous effort, they chose to maintain a more mainstream sound. I'll get over it someday.
Most Over-hyped: Drake – Thank Me Later. Don't get me wrong, I love Drake. Homegrown talent who rose to fame having only released an EP and partaking in collaborations with some of hip-hop's best. But his first full length album did not live up to the intense hype it received. There were definitely some stellar tracks; all the singles plus another song or two are certainly worth the listen. However, the majority of the album was much too slow a pace and lacked the power he entered the game with.
Best Track: Kanye West – “Power”: Only Kanye could get away with a teaser for the first single on an upcoming album and have absolutely everyone intrigued. Although he spends the song telling us how awesome he is and crediting himself for being gifted and almighty powerful, he reclaims who he is as an artist after the controversial VMA moment that left a sour taste in people's mouths. If anything, he created a track that sounds like nothing found in most modern hip-hop.
Worst Track: Angelina Pivarnick – “I'm Hot.” Seriously? Her winning personality couldn't cut it on Jersey Shore, why even attempt to record a song about herself, and think people would actually like it? With the rapping help of some guy who I'm sure is the most awesome guido-gorilla-juicehead in town, Pivarnick's constant nasal tone is auto-tuned to add to the track's pop factor. “I take a shot. It hits the spot. Then dance a lot. Until I drop. I shop. I just can't stop.” These lyrics put all songwriters to shame.
Best Album Cover: Klaxons – Surfing the Void. Who can seriously beat an astronaut cat?! Exactly.
Worst Album Cover: Interpol – Interpol. I felt somewhat ripped off by these New York City boys as they obviously put next to zero effort into the album cover. The black theme with jumbled, cement-styled letters spelling the band's name flowed throughout the rest of the artwork. A total bore. Album is great, artwork not so much.
Honorable Mentions
Awesome Albums of 2010 I Couldn't/Can't Get Enough of:
Best Coast – Crazy For You
Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Vampire Weekend – Contra
Sleigh Bells – Treats
Marina and the Diamonds – The Family Jewels
The Black Keys – Brothers
Surfer Blood – Astro Coast
Hi, my name is Vanessa and welcome to listening is bliss! This blog is going to be my new home on the Internet. A place for me to share my thoughts, opinions and rants about one of the few things I can never get enough of; music. I'll be posting reviews of songs, albums and concerts, music news (with my colorful commentary of course) and lots more. I hope you enjoy your visit and please don't be a stranger, come back soon!
