SoundSnobbing








  • Taking a Break

    We have have fallen into a pattern of Jason and I being the only reviewers week to week. Going to to take a few weeks off to appease those of you that keep giving the feedback that three albums a week is too much. Maybe you can use the time to catch up? When we return, I think I am going to cut it to one per week. Thoughts?

    Posted 2 years ago.
  • Week #13 Lady of the Sunshine - Smoking Gun http://bit.ly/Q6QKJ Selected By: Greg Friedhoff Overall Score: ________________________________________________________________________________ Jason’s Review: Creativity/Artistry: 6Talent/Instrument Skill: 6Structure/ Composition: 5Replayability: 5Growth/ Maturity: 5 Average: 5.3 Comment: When I give this record a 5.3, I’m not trying to be mean. I actually like it well enough in certain instances. Those instances, however, are few and far between. This may be really good to fall asleep to, but I can’t really see myself listening to it otherwise. Perhaps if the majority of the songs were more animated, if the singer had more energy (passion?) in his delivery, I’d have a different opinion. As it stands, this record sends me to la-la land, but not in a mean way. To me, this is entirely average in every aspect. Best Songs: N/A ________________________________________________________________________________ EDIT THIS POST TO ADD YOUR REVIEW BELOW.

    Week #13

    Lady of the Sunshine - Smoking Gun

    http://bit.ly/Q6QKJ

    Selected By: Greg Friedhoff

    Overall Score:

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    Jason’s Review:

    Creativity/Artistry: 6
    Talent/Instrument Skill: 6
    Structure/ Composition: 5
    Replayability: 5
    Growth/ Maturity: 5

    Average: 5.3

    Comment: When I give this record a 5.3, I’m not trying to be mean. I actually like it well enough in certain instances. Those instances, however, are few and far between. This may be really good to fall asleep to, but I can’t really see myself listening to it otherwise. Perhaps if the majority of the songs were more animated, if the singer had more energy (passion?) in his delivery, I’d have a different opinion. As it stands, this record sends me to la-la land, but not in a mean way. To me, this is entirely average in every aspect.

    Best Songs: N/A

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    EDIT THIS POST TO ADD YOUR REVIEW BELOW.

    Posted 2 years ago.
  • Week #13 Story of the Year - The Constant http://bit.ly/ar584x Selected By: Marcus Early Disclaimer: First and foremost, we know these guys. Please take that into account if you are a stranger reading any reviews regarding this album. Second, don’t pass these mp3s past our review circle, the album has leaked but I don’t want to contribute to it leaking further, these are meant solely for our reviewing circle and if you like it, buy it and support a local band... Thanks. Overall Score: ________________________________________________________________________________ Marcus’s Review: Creativity/Artistry: 7Talent/Instrument Skill: 8Structure/ Composition: 9Replayability: 7Growth/ Maturity: 9 Average: 8 Comment: I have been anticipating this album for weeks. Something about keeping tabs on guys I used to play with. The Constant is a very good example of a band that has matured, but knowing these guys, calling them matured puts a smile on my face… They have learned how to write songs over the span 4 albums by altering structures, changing it up, and learning to at times restrain the ballistic onslaught that this band loves to bring almost too frequently on albums like In the Wake of Determination. Instrument wise, I am stoked to be able to discern Adam’s bass playing as much as I do on this album. Would still love to see him really drive songs more and sometimes take the lead (getting tired of me wishing for this yet?). Ryan keeps his guitar in the songs more often than ever before but still finds time to throw in those small nuances that other guitarists looking for technical prowess enjoy. Years ago, I could spot his playing in a police lineup, but now I cannot differentiate him from Phil. Which to me is a good thing, it shows they may have grown together style wise. I think my only gripe with this album is with some of the lyrics. Dan sounds great, this is some of his best work to date and the background vocal placement is superb, but I wish some of what he was saying had more depth. Not really connecting with me and that’s reflected in the Replayability and Artistry ratings above. I also wish they had picked a different song for their first single, “I’m Alive” is probably the weakest song of the set. Please make a video for “Remember A Time”, it’s probably my favorite SOTY song to date. Overall, the title of the album fits the fact that they have overall, stuck to the same recipe in terms of overall sound and genre, but I still hear enormous progress from a band I was worried may have been going in the opposite direction. Best Songs: “Remember a Time” & “Eye for an Eye” & “To the Burial” ________________________________________________________________________________ Jason’s Review: Creativity/Artistry: 8Talent/Instrument Skill: 8Structure/ Composition: 9Replayability: 8Growth/ Maturity: 9 Average: 8.3 Comment: I’ve been hesitant to rush my opinions of this record. Divorcing myself of personal bias has been been somewhat challenging in the past concerning SOTY. That said, I have to admit this is a really great record, and probably their first I’ve been able to enjoy from start to finish. There a couple of iffys on here, most notably “Remember a Time” (sorry Marcus). Overall though, I am really impressed with how far they’ve come, and have been playing The Constant on repeat for most of the week. I’m always going to opt for the harder songs, but there is definitely something to be said of the ballads like “I’m Alive.” Best Songs: “I’m Alive” & “Eye for an Eye” “Won Threw Ate” & “To the Burial” ________________________________________________________________________________ EDIT THIS POST TO ADD YOUR REVIEW BELOW.

    Week #13

    Story of the Year - The Constant

    http://bit.ly/ar584x

    Selected By: Marcus Early

    Disclaimer:

    First and foremost, we know these guys. Please take that into account if you are a stranger reading any reviews regarding this album.

    Second, don’t pass these mp3s past our review circle, the album has leaked but I don’t want to contribute to it leaking further, these are meant solely for our reviewing circle and if you like it, buy it and support a local band... Thanks.

    Overall Score:

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    Marcus’s Review:

    Creativity/Artistry: 7
    Talent/Instrument Skill: 8
    Structure/ Composition: 9
    Replayability: 7
    Growth/ Maturity: 9

    Average: 8

    Comment: I have been anticipating this album for weeks. Something about keeping tabs on guys I used to play with. The Constant is a very good example of a band that has matured, but knowing these guys, calling them matured puts a smile on my face… They have learned how to write songs over the span 4 albums by altering structures, changing it up, and learning to at times restrain the ballistic onslaught that this band loves to bring almost too frequently on albums like In the Wake of Determination. Instrument wise, I am stoked to be able to discern Adam’s bass playing as much as I do on this album. Would still love to see him really drive songs more and sometimes take the lead (getting tired of me wishing for this yet?). Ryan keeps his guitar in the songs more often than ever before but still finds time to throw in those small nuances that other guitarists looking for technical prowess enjoy. Years ago, I could spot his playing in a police lineup, but now I cannot differentiate him from Phil. Which to me is a good thing, it shows they may have grown together style wise. I think my only gripe with this album is with some of the lyrics. Dan sounds great, this is some of his best work to date and the background vocal placement is superb, but I wish some of what he was saying had more depth. Not really connecting with me and that’s reflected in the Replayability and Artistry ratings above. I also wish they had picked a different song for their first single, “I’m Alive” is probably the weakest song of the set. Please make a video for “Remember A Time”, it’s probably my favorite SOTY song to date. Overall, the title of the album fits the fact that they have overall, stuck to the same recipe in terms of overall sound and genre, but I still hear enormous progress from a band I was worried may have been going in the opposite direction.

    Best Songs: “Remember a Time” & “Eye for an Eye” & “To the Burial”

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    Jason’s Review:

    Creativity/Artistry: 8
    Talent/Instrument Skill: 8
    Structure/ Composition: 9
    Replayability: 8
    Growth/ Maturity: 9

    Average: 8.3

    Comment: I’ve been hesitant to rush my opinions of this record. Divorcing myself of personal bias has been been somewhat challenging in the past concerning SOTY. That said, I have to admit this is a really great record, and probably their first I’ve been able to enjoy from start to finish. There a couple of iffys on here, most notably “Remember a Time” (sorry Marcus). Overall though, I am really impressed with how far they’ve come, and have been playing The Constant on repeat for most of the week. I’m always going to opt for the harder songs, but there is definitely something to be said of the ballads like “I’m Alive.”

    Best Songs: “I’m Alive” & “Eye for an Eye” “Won Threw Ate” & “To the Burial”

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    EDIT THIS POST TO ADD YOUR REVIEW BELOW.

    Posted 2 years ago.
  • Week #13 Cari Clara - It’s Our Hearts They’re After http://bit.ly/aA1XOP Selected By: Sara Friedhoff Overall Score: ________________________________________________________________________________ Marcus’s Review: Creativity/Artistry: 8Talent/Instrument Skill: 5Structure/ Composition: 9Replayability: 9Growth/ Maturity: 9 Average: 8 Comment: I have probably listened to this album 20 times in the past week. I can’t put it down. This may not be the most talented work as far as instruments are concerned, but the songs and structures are so good, and when you consider it is a one man effort… I love it. Amazing for such a low budget release. Best Songs: “The Reckoning” &  ”The Wicked Sea” ________________________________________________________________________________ Jason’s Review: Creativity/Artistry: 5Talent/Instrument Skill: 5Structure/ Composition: 6Replayability: 5Growth/ Maturity: 5 Average: 5.1 Comment: I don’t have anything to really say about this record, and that is exactly the problem. I have yet to find a hook or line that really grabs me, in any song. Every song just meanders for a bit and then it’s on to the next. It might be good for a night driving with the windows down, but otherwise I don’t really have a use for this record. Best Songs: N/A ________________________________________________________________________________ EDIT THIS POST TO ADD YOUR REVIEW BELOW.

    Week #13

    Cari Clara - It’s Our Hearts They’re After

    http://bit.ly/aA1XOP

    Selected By: Sara Friedhoff

    Overall Score:

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    Marcus’s Review:

    Creativity/Artistry: 8
    Talent/Instrument Skill: 5
    Structure/ Composition: 9
    Replayability: 9
    Growth/ Maturity: 9

    Average: 8

    Comment: I have probably listened to this album 20 times in the past week. I can’t put it down. This may not be the most talented work as far as instruments are concerned, but the songs and structures are so good, and when you consider it is a one man effort… I love it. Amazing for such a low budget release.

    Best Songs: “The Reckoning” &  ”The Wicked Sea”

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    Jason’s Review:

    Creativity/Artistry: 5
    Talent/Instrument Skill: 5
    Structure/ Composition: 6
    Replayability: 5
    Growth/ Maturity: 5

    Average: 5.1

    Comment: I don’t have anything to really say about this record, and that is exactly the problem. I have yet to find a hook or line that really grabs me, in any song. Every song just meanders for a bit and then it’s on to the next. It might be good for a night driving with the windows down, but otherwise I don’t really have a use for this record.

    Best Songs: N/A

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    EDIT THIS POST TO ADD YOUR REVIEW BELOW.

    Posted 2 years ago.
  • Week #12 RJD2 - Colossus http://bit.ly/5fPb5P Selected By: Marcus Early Overall Score: 7.8 ________________________________________________________________________________ Marcus’s Review: Creativity/Artistry: 8Talent/Instrument Skill: 7Structure/ Composition: 8Replayability: 8Growth/ Maturity: 9 Average: 8 Comment: I love RJD2. The Magnificent City Instrumentals is one of my favorites to listen to while I do just about anything. This is his newest release which features some guest vocalists which add a touch (Kenna, etc.) but I feel he is at his best when he sticks to the instrumental songs. Nice beats, awesome samples. Please give this a fair shot. Best Songs: “A Spaceship for Now” & “The Stranger” ________________________________________________________________________________ Jason’s Review: Creativity/Artistry: 8Talent/Instrument Skill: 6Structure/ Composition: 7Replayability: 7Growth/ Maturity: 7 Average: 7.5 Comment: I really hated the direction RJD2 took with his last record, which is to say he sang a lot on it. I prefer him more when he does straight beats with guest vocalists. I’m glad he’s somewhat returned to his older days with The Colossus. As with his other releases, there are some duds on here, but there are also a few gems. In terms of ranking it with his previous output, The Colossus is pretty average. Though I’m happy to hear new stuff from him, “Since We Last Spoke” is still the pinnacle for me. Best Songs: “Giant Squid” & “The Stranger” ________________________________________________________________________________ EDIT THIS POST TO ADD YOUR REVIEW BELOW.

    Week #12

    RJD2 - Colossus

    http://bit.ly/5fPb5P

    Selected By: Marcus Early

    Overall Score: 7.8

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    Marcus’s Review:

    Creativity/Artistry: 8
    Talent/Instrument Skill: 7
    Structure/ Composition: 8
    Replayability: 8
    Growth/ Maturity: 9

    Average: 8

    Comment: I love RJD2. The Magnificent City Instrumentals is one of my favorites to listen to while I do just about anything. This is his newest release which features some guest vocalists which add a touch (Kenna, etc.) but I feel he is at his best when he sticks to the instrumental songs. Nice beats, awesome samples. Please give this a fair shot.

    Best Songs: “A Spaceship for Now” & “The Stranger”

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    Jason’s Review:

    Creativity/Artistry: 8
    Talent/Instrument Skill: 6
    Structure/ Composition: 7
    Replayability: 7
    Growth/ Maturity: 7

    Average: 7.5

    Comment: I really hated the direction RJD2 took with his last record, which is to say he sang a lot on it. I prefer him more when he does straight beats with guest vocalists. I’m glad he’s somewhat returned to his older days with The Colossus. As with his other releases, there are some duds on here, but there are also a few gems. In terms of ranking it with his previous output, The Colossus is pretty average. Though I’m happy to hear new stuff from him, “Since We Last Spoke” is still the pinnacle for me.

    Best Songs: “Giant Squid” & “The Stranger”

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    EDIT THIS POST TO ADD YOUR REVIEW BELOW.

    Posted 2 years ago.
  • Week #12 The Jam - Sound Effects http://bit.ly/bJs2RZ Selected By: Mike Koehler Overall Score: 6.8 ________________________________________________________________________________ Marcus’s Review: Creativity/Artistry: 7Talent/Instrument Skill: 6Structure/ Composition: 8Replayability: 4Growth/ Maturity: 7 Average: 6.8 Comment:You have to respect a band that has ”eighteen consecutive Top 40 singles in the United Kingdom, from their debut in 1977 to their breakup in 1982, including four number one hits.” It might have lost some replayability in my library over the past 30 years, but I can still dig it. the bass is the best part of the whole band. Some groovy lines walking behind almost every song. The guitar is disconnected and doesn’t fit the bass and drums a lot of the time. Its refreshing to hear a band driven this way though. The guitar is almost an afterthought. Not so big on the vocals. You should expect that from me by now though. Best Songs: “Scrape Away” ________________________________________________________________________________ EDIT THIS POST TO ADD YOUR REVIEW BELOW.

    Week #12

    The Jam - Sound Effects

    http://bit.ly/bJs2RZ

    Selected By: Mike Koehler

    Overall Score: 6.8

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    Marcus’s Review:

    Creativity/Artistry: 7
    Talent/Instrument Skill: 6
    Structure/ Composition: 8
    Replayability: 4
    Growth/ Maturity: 7

    Average: 6.8

    Comment:You have to respect a band that has ”eighteen consecutive Top 40 singles in the United Kingdom, from their debut in 1977 to their breakup in 1982, including four number one hits.” It might have lost some replayability in my library over the past 30 years, but I can still dig it. the bass is the best part of the whole band. Some groovy lines walking behind almost every song. The guitar is disconnected and doesn’t fit the bass and drums a lot of the time. Its refreshing to hear a band driven this way though. The guitar is almost an afterthought. Not so big on the vocals. You should expect that from me by now though.

    Best Songs: “Scrape Away”

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    EDIT THIS POST TO ADD YOUR REVIEW BELOW.

    Posted 2 years ago.
  • Week #12 DJ Z-Trip & DJ P - Uneasy Listening: Vol. 1 http://bit.ly/ycx5K http://bit.ly/bVkOVp Selected By: Alex Kahn Overall Score: 5.2 ________________________________________________________________________________ Mike’s Review: Creativity/Artistry: 7Talent/Instrument Skill: 3Structure/ Composition: 4Replayability: 2Growth/ Maturity:3 Average: 3.8 Comment: I have never been a fan of mix albums like this or mash ups, and I don’t think I ever will. I felt no emotion or passion from this. It felt like they just randomly picked songs, putting them together, and threw some beats over them. Some of the mash ups were ok, particularly Beds Are Burning with For Whom The Bell Tolls, but most are just uninteresting and disjointed. This isn’t something I would care to listen to again. Best Songs: And Throwing Them In ________________________________________________________________________________ Marcus’s Review: Creativity/Artistry: 8Talent/Instrument Skill: 10Structure/ Composition: 6Replayability: 7Growth/ Maturity:6 Average: 7.4 Comment: I am amazed. I was going to start out my review with “Who doesn’t love mash-up albums?” and then I read the review above. To each his own, but I love this album. Old songs I loved, made fresh with added beats and intertwined with interesting samples, mix-ups, etc. Crap songs I would never like, somehow mixed into something I find myself tapping my foot to. I had to give this a talent/skill rating of 10 because I am overwhelmed with the talent it takes to do something like this. I know I couldn’t. Best Songs: “The Air” & “Body-Rocking” ________________________________________________________________________________ Jason’s Review: Creativity/Artistry: 5Talent/Instrument Skill: 4Structure/ Composition: 4Replayability: 5Growth/ Maturity:3 Average: 4.5 Comment: Though I am generally a fan of mash-ups, I couldn’t really get into this as a whole. I actually found myself fast forwarding through most of the songs, especially when they changed things up. The movie samples and classic 80s song parts were probably the best part of this record. Having said all this, I’d keep this record around mainly for something different in the background every now and again. Best Songs: “The Air” “No Title (Herbie Hancock)” ________________________________________________________________________________ EDIT THIS POST TO ADD YOUR REVIEW BELOW.

    Week #12

    DJ Z-Trip & DJ P - Uneasy Listening: Vol. 1

    http://bit.ly/ycx5K

    http://bit.ly/bVkOVp

    Selected By: Alex Kahn

    Overall Score: 5.2

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    Mike’s Review:

    Creativity/Artistry: 7
    Talent/Instrument Skill: 3
    Structure/ Composition: 4
    Replayability: 2
    Growth/ Maturity:3

    Average: 3.8

    Comment: I have never been a fan of mix albums like this or mash ups, and I don’t think I ever will. I felt no emotion or passion from this. It felt like they just randomly picked songs, putting them together, and threw some beats over them. Some of the mash ups were ok, particularly Beds Are Burning with For Whom The Bell Tolls, but most are just uninteresting and disjointed. This isn’t something I would care to listen to again.

    Best Songs: And Throwing Them In

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    Marcus’s Review:

    Creativity/Artistry: 8
    Talent/Instrument Skill: 10
    Structure/ Composition: 6
    Replayability: 7
    Growth/ Maturity:6

    Average: 7.4

    Comment: I am amazed. I was going to start out my review with “Who doesn’t love mash-up albums?” and then I read the review above. To each his own, but I love this album. Old songs I loved, made fresh with added beats and intertwined with interesting samples, mix-ups, etc. Crap songs I would never like, somehow mixed into something I find myself tapping my foot to. I had to give this a talent/skill rating of 10 because I am overwhelmed with the talent it takes to do something like this. I know I couldn’t.

    Best Songs: “The Air” & “Body-Rocking”

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    Jason’s Review:

    Creativity/Artistry: 5
    Talent/Instrument Skill: 4
    Structure/ Composition: 4
    Replayability: 5
    Growth/ Maturity:3

    Average: 4.5

    Comment: Though I am generally a fan of mash-ups, I couldn’t really get into this as a whole. I actually found myself fast forwarding through most of the songs, especially when they changed things up. The movie samples and classic 80s song parts were probably the best part of this record. Having said all this, I’d keep this record around mainly for something different in the background every now and again.

    Best Songs: “The Air” “No Title (Herbie Hancock)”

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    EDIT THIS POST TO ADD YOUR REVIEW BELOW.

    Posted 2 years ago.
  • Week #11 Blakroc - Blakroc http://bit.ly/8rlUpR Selected by Marcus Early Overall Score: 7.2 ______________________________________________________________________________ Marcus’s Review: Creativity/Artistry: 6Talent/Instrument Skill: 7Structure/ Composition: 8Replayability: 7Growth/ Maturity:7 Average: 7.2 Comment: My attempt to add something to the lacking hip-hop/rap reviews on this site. I have been listening to this a lot over the past couple of weeks. I love the real sounding instrument samples and the overall “live” sound that comes through on this album. Great to work to. I can dig it. Best Songs: “What You Do to Me” “Stay off the F*%$#n’ Flowers” ________________________________________________________________________________ EDIT THIS POST TO ADD YOUR REVIEW BELOW.

    Week #11

    Blakroc - Blakroc

    http://bit.ly/8rlUpR

    Selected by Marcus Early

    Overall Score: 7.2

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Marcus’s Review:

    Creativity/Artistry: 6
    Talent/Instrument Skill: 7
    Structure/ Composition: 8
    Replayability: 7
    Growth/ Maturity:7

    Average: 7.2

    Comment: My attempt to add something to the lacking hip-hop/rap reviews on this site. I have been listening to this a lot over the past couple of weeks. I love the real sounding instrument samples and the overall “live” sound that comes through on this album. Great to work to. I can dig it.

    Best Songs: “What You Do to Me” “Stay off the F*%$#n’ Flowers”

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    EDIT THIS POST TO ADD YOUR REVIEW BELOW.

    Posted 2 years ago.
  • Week #11 Mates of State - Rearrange Us http://bit.ly/3wuQcu Selected by Alex Kahn Overall Score: 6.2 ______________________________________________________________________________ Jason’s Review: Creativity/Artistry: 8Talent/Instrument Skill: 7Structure/ Composition: 5Replayability: 6Growth/ Maturity:6 Average: 6.8 Comment: I’ve known about this duo for ages, but could never get into them. This record is more accessible than most of their earlier releases. I think my main hang up with Mates of State is their somewhat silly lyrical delivery in most songs. And I’m not really a big fan of piano throughout entire songs. Best Songs: “My Only Offer” ______________________________________________________________________________ Mike’s Review: Creativity/Artistry: 5Talent/Instrument Skill: 5Structure/ Composition: 8Replayability: 5Growth/ Maturity:5 Average: 5.6 Comment: I really wanted to like this one. I certainly appreciate what they are trying to accomplish and they certainly can write well structured songs, however after listening several times I found myself kind of bored with it. It is nice to see more “pop” music like this instead of the crap that passes for pop music in this day and age. I don’t know, I might like this more with further listens. Best Songs: ________________________________________________________________________________ EDIT THIS POST TO ADD YOUR REVIEW BELOW.

    Week #11

    Mates of State - Rearrange Us

    http://bit.ly/3wuQcu

    Selected by Alex Kahn

    Overall Score: 6.2

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Jason’s Review:

    Creativity/Artistry: 8
    Talent/Instrument Skill: 7
    Structure/ Composition: 5
    Replayability: 6
    Growth/ Maturity:6

    Average: 6.8

    Comment: I’ve known about this duo for ages, but could never get into them. This record is more accessible than most of their earlier releases. I think my main hang up with Mates of State is their somewhat silly lyrical delivery in most songs. And I’m not really a big fan of piano throughout entire songs.

    Best Songs: “My Only Offer”

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Mike’s Review:

    Creativity/Artistry: 5
    Talent/Instrument Skill: 5
    Structure/ Composition: 8
    Replayability: 5
    Growth/ Maturity:5

    Average: 5.6

    Comment: I really wanted to like this one. I certainly appreciate what they are trying to accomplish and they certainly can write well structured songs, however after listening several times I found myself kind of bored with it. It is nice to see more “pop” music like this instead of the crap that passes for pop music in this day and age. I don’t know, I might like this more with further listens.

    Best Songs:


    ________________________________________________________________________________

    EDIT THIS POST TO ADD YOUR REVIEW BELOW.

    Posted 2 years ago.
  • Week #11 Motion City Soundtrack - My Dinosaur Life http://bit.ly/77BDrr Selected by Jason Dickman Overall Score: 7.4 ______________________________________________________________________________ Jason’s Review: Creativity/Artistry: 8Talent/Instrument Skill: 8Structure/ Composition: 7Replayability: 9Growth/ Maturity: 8 Average: 8 Comment: I don’t know that I like My Dinosaur Life as a whole quite as much as some of the previous MCS records. The record progresses well enough until you hit History Lesson, which feels completely out of place, and was to me a total mood killer. There are of course the requisite quirky songs that will no doubt be crowd-pleasers. What excites me about this record are the rougher-edged songs like Disappear. The bonus alternate versions are mostly acoustic, so I doubt I listen to them much. Overall My Dinosaur Life is a good record, but for the first time I feel like I’m taking the bad with the good, as opposed to the good with the bad, if that makes sense. Best Songs: “Disappear” “Delirium” “Hysteria” “The Weakends” ________________________________________________________________________________ Marcus’s Review: Creativity/Artistry: 7Talent/Instrument Skill: 6Structure/ Composition: 8Replayability: 7Growth/ Maturity: 6 Average: 6.8 Comment: I have always wanted to get really into this band. It just always feels like its missing something. The lyrics seem more nonsensical than Weezer, if you can believe that. Vocals tend to be catchy, yet start to blend together by the third song. Drums are okay; bass hides in the background. The guitars are solid, but not special. I think that pretty much sums up my review of this album. Solid but not special. Best Songs: “A Lifeless Ordinary” “History Lesson” ________________________________________________________________________________ EDIT THIS POST TO ADD YOUR REVIEW BELOW.

    Week #11

    Motion City Soundtrack - My Dinosaur Life

    http://bit.ly/77BDrr

    Selected by Jason Dickman

    Overall Score: 7.4

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Jason’s Review:

    Creativity/Artistry: 8
    Talent/Instrument Skill: 8
    Structure/ Composition: 7
    Replayability: 9
    Growth/ Maturity: 8

    Average: 8

    Comment: I don’t know that I like My Dinosaur Life as a whole quite as much as some of the previous MCS records. The record progresses well enough until you hit History Lesson, which feels completely out of place, and was to me a total mood killer. There are of course the requisite quirky songs that will no doubt be crowd-pleasers. What excites me about this record are the rougher-edged songs like Disappear. The bonus alternate versions are mostly acoustic, so I doubt I listen to them much. Overall My Dinosaur Life is a good record, but for the first time I feel like I’m taking the bad with the good, as opposed to the good with the bad, if that makes sense.

    Best Songs: “Disappear” “Delirium” “Hysteria” “The Weakends”

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    Marcus’s Review:

    Creativity/Artistry: 7
    Talent/Instrument Skill: 6
    Structure/ Composition: 8
    Replayability: 7
    Growth/ Maturity: 6

    Average: 6.8

    Comment: I have always wanted to get really into this band. It just always feels like its missing something. The lyrics seem more nonsensical than Weezer, if you can believe that. Vocals tend to be catchy, yet start to blend together by the third song. Drums are okay; bass hides in the background. The guitars are solid, but not special. I think that pretty much sums up my review of this album. Solid but not special.

    Best Songs: “A Lifeless Ordinary” “History Lesson”

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    EDIT THIS POST TO ADD YOUR REVIEW BELOW.

    Posted 2 years ago.

  • Ten Weeks In!

    Russian Circles – Geneva – Score: 9.0 (4 reviews)

    Sunny Day Real Estate - Diary (Re-mastered) – Score: 8.4 (2 Reviews)

    Manchester Orchestra - Mean Everything to Nothing - Score: 8.2 (2 Reviews)

    Sigur Ros - () – Score: 8.2 (1 Review)

    Insomnium - Above the Weeping World – Score: 8.0 (2 Reviews)

    Silversun Pickups - Swoon - Score: 7.9 (4 Reviews)

    New Pornographers - Twin Cinema – Score: 7.9 (2 Reviews)

    Mastodon - Crack the Skye – Score: 7.8 (3 Reviews)

    Weezer - Raditude - Score: 7.8 (2 Reviews)

    Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix - Score: 7.7 (4 Reviews)

    The Snake The Cross The Crown - Cotton Teeth - Score: 7.5 (4 Reviews)

    Passion Pit – Manners – Score: 7.5 (3 Reviews)

    Kylesa - Static Tensions – Score: 7.5 (3 Reviews)

    My Morning Jacket – Z – Score: 7.3 (3 Reviews)

    30 Seconds to Mars - This is War – Score: 7.2 (2 Reviews)

    Throwdown – Deathless – Score: 7.0 (3 Reviews)

    Beth Gibbons - Out of season - Score: 7.0 (3 Reviews)

    Built to Spill - You in Reverse - Score: 7.0 (1 Review)

    Them Crooked Vultures - Them Crooked Vultures - Score: 7.0 (1 Review)

    Nas - Illmatic: 10th Anniversary Platinum Edition - Score: 6.9 (2 Reviews)

    Generation X - Generation X – Score: 6.8 (4 Reviews)

    M83 - Saturdays=Youth – Score: 6.8 (2 Reviews)

    The Swell Season - Strict Joy - Score: 6.6 (2 Reviews)

    Super Furry Animals - Dark Days Light Years - Score: 6.6 (2 Reviews)

    Freeland -  Cope – Score: 6.4 (2 Reviews)

    Dinosaur Jr. – Farm - Score: 6.2 (2 Review)

    Souls of Mischief - 93 ‘til Infinity - Score: 5.6 (1 Review)

    Slayer - World Painted Blood - Score: 5.0 (4 Reviews)

    Crash Kings - Crash Kings - Score: 3.0 (2 Reviews)

    Street Sweeper Social Club – Score 2.78 (2 Reviews)

    Posted 2 years ago.
  • Week #10 My Morning Jacket - Z http://bit.ly/8IwfO4 Selected by Mike Koehler Overall Score: 7.3 ______________________________________________________________________________ Marcus’s Review: Creativity/Artistry: 7Talent/Instrument Skill: 8Structure/ Composition: 10Replayability: 8Growth/ Maturity: 7 Average: 8.0 Comment: I really didn’t like this band for a long time. I don’t know if it was just that the excerpts I heard were just bad cuts, or if I just didn’t like it because Sara wanted me to (happens a lot). I saw the live DVD of this and all of that changed. They put on such a good show and now I love this album. The instrument skill is above average, but what really sells it is the song structures. Maybe seeing it live will work for you as well, if you aren’t so into it: http://bit.ly/5JmG2f http://bit.ly/4YDrmZ A talented band. Probably their best album. The newest didn’t live up to this one as far as I was concerned. Best Songs: “Lay Low” <-ending is awesome. ______________________________________________________________________________ Jason’s Review: Creativity/Artistry: 7Talent/Instrument Skill: 8Structure/ Composition: 7Replayability: 5Growth/ Maturity: 5 Average: 6.0 Comment: I’m not a huge fan of music from the late 60s or the majority of the 70s for that matter, and that’s what most of this record reminds me of. While I can appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of the record, I can’t see myself listening to “Z” after finishing these thoughts. Aside from the fleeting Pink Floyd inspired riff now and again, there’s little that makes me want to listen this again. Best Songs: “Anytime” ______________________________________________________________________________ Mike’s Review: Creativity/Artistry: 7Talent/Instrument Skill: 8Structure/ Composition: 10Replayability: 8Growth/ Maturity: 7 Average: 8.0 Comment: Such an amazing band. As Marcus said, the song structure is out of this world. Jim James can craft a song unbelievably well. Lyrically, he continues to grow, especially on this album. Gone from previous albums is the heavy reverb on the vocals. Unlike many of the rabid Jacket fans, I don’t have an issue with it. JJ doesn’t sing to you or at you, but through you. His voice to me doesn’t need to be buried in heavy echo to be magical. Muscially, JJ and Carl weave in and around each other effortlessly on guitar. Perfect example is Lay Low and the duel guitar harmonies in the second half of the song. Actually, this is not my favorite Jacket album, but I do love it. For me it’s still a tie between the alt-country masterpiece At Dawn and the Allman Bros meets The Band It Still Moves. I would highly recommend to anyone to watch Okonokos, their live DVD. They are such a force live and this album is heavily featured on it. The amazing thing is they were fairly sedate on it in comparision to normal, especially JJ. He was very sick with pnumonia at the time they filmed it. Best Songs: Lay Low, Anytime, Dondonte (it’s f’n epic especially 2:50 on) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mm7LL55EUrQ ________________________________________________________________________________ EDIT THIS POST TO ADD YOUR REVIEW BELOW.

    Week #10

    My Morning Jacket - Z

    http://bit.ly/8IwfO4

    Selected by Mike Koehler

    Overall Score: 7.3

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Marcus’s Review:

    Creativity/Artistry: 7
    Talent/Instrument Skill: 8
    Structure/ Composition: 10
    Replayability: 8
    Growth/ Maturity: 7

    Average: 8.0

    Comment: I really didn’t like this band for a long time. I don’t know if it was just that the excerpts I heard were just bad cuts, or if I just didn’t like it because Sara wanted me to (happens a lot). I saw the live DVD of this and all of that changed. They put on such a good show and now I love this album. The instrument skill is above average, but what really sells it is the song structures. Maybe seeing it live will work for you as well, if you aren’t so into it:

    http://bit.ly/5JmG2f http://bit.ly/4YDrmZ

    A talented band. Probably their best album. The newest didn’t live up to this one as far as I was concerned.

    Best Songs: “Lay Low” <-ending is awesome.

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Jason’s Review:

    Creativity/Artistry: 7
    Talent/Instrument Skill: 8
    Structure/ Composition: 7
    Replayability: 5
    Growth/ Maturity: 5

    Average: 6.0

    Comment: I’m not a huge fan of music from the late 60s or the majority of the 70s for that matter, and that’s what most of this record reminds me of. While I can appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of the record, I can’t see myself listening to “Z” after finishing these thoughts. Aside from the fleeting Pink Floyd inspired riff now and again, there’s little that makes me want to listen this again.

    Best Songs: “Anytime”

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Mike’s Review:

    Creativity/Artistry: 7
    Talent/Instrument Skill: 8
    Structure/ Composition: 10
    Replayability: 8
    Growth/ Maturity: 7

    Average: 8.0

    Comment: Such an amazing band. As Marcus said, the song structure is out of this world. Jim James can craft a song unbelievably well. Lyrically, he continues to grow, especially on this album. Gone from previous albums is the heavy reverb on the vocals. Unlike many of the rabid Jacket fans, I don’t have an issue with it. JJ doesn’t sing to you or at you, but through you. His voice to me doesn’t need to be buried in heavy echo to be magical. Muscially, JJ and Carl weave in and around each other effortlessly on guitar. Perfect example is Lay Low and the duel guitar harmonies in the second half of the song.

    Actually, this is not my favorite Jacket album, but I do love it. For me it’s still a tie between the alt-country masterpiece At Dawn and the Allman Bros meets The Band It Still Moves. I would highly recommend to anyone to watch Okonokos, their live DVD. They are such a force live and this album is heavily featured on it. The amazing thing is they were fairly sedate on it in comparision to normal, especially JJ. He was very sick with pnumonia at the time they filmed it.

    Best Songs: Lay Low, Anytime, Dondonte (it’s f’n epic especially 2:50 on) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mm7LL55EUrQ

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    EDIT THIS POST TO ADD YOUR REVIEW BELOW.

    Posted 2 years ago.
  • Week #10 M83 - Saturdays=Youth http://bit.ly/4PQ9tI Selected by Alex Kahn Overall Score: 6.8 ______________________________________________________________________________ Marcus&#8217;s Review: Creativity/Artistry: 8Talent/Instrument Skill: 6Structure/ Composition: 6Replayability: 6Growth/ Maturity: 8 Average: 6.8 Comment: &#8220;M83&#8217;s fifth studio album, was released in April 2008.The album features a more focused approach to song structure and form, and Gonzalez stated that the main influence of the album came from music of the 1980s: &#8220;I think that 80s music is such a brilliant period for music history. It was the occasion for me to do a tribute to this 80s music, but also a tribute to my teenage years. Because the main theme of the album is being a teenager, and being a teenager means a lot to me.&#8221;&#8221; -Wikipedia (link above) I added this to remind what the point of this album is supposed to be. The songs lean a little too ethereal for my tastes. Can almost lack direction at times. It sounds more like movie music from the eighties than anything billboard. I&#8217;m very impressed with this record overall though. Best Songs: &#8220;Graveyard Girl&#8221; ______________________________________________________________________________ Jason&#8217;s Review: Creativity/Artistry: 8Talent/Instrument Skill: 6Structure/ Composition: 6Replayability: 6Growth/ Maturity: 8 Average: 6.8 Comment: For me, there&#8217;s only a few modern bands that can truly pull off an 80s sounding record. I would say m83 does it pretty damn well. Several of the songs sound almost exactly like something you&#8217;d hear on a John Hughes soundtrack. The rest of the songs border on a more modern, ethereal sound, which is also pretty good. I don&#8217;t know if there are all that many hooks in it to keep me interested for the long-haul, but I like this record a lot. Best Songs: &#8220;Graveyard Girl&#8221;, &#8220;Kim &amp; Jessie&#8221; ________________________________________________________________________________ Mike’s Review: Creativity/Artistry: 6Talent/Instrument Skill: 6Structure/ Composition: 6Replayability: 6Growth/ Maturity: 6 Average: 6.0 Comment: I have a feeling this one will be a grower with me and I won&#8217;t be able to stop listening in a month. On the surface, yes this may sound 80&#8217;s, but having grown up in the 80&#8217;s I actually hear more dream pop from the earlier 90&#8217;s then 80&#8217;s. I didn&#8217;t expect this to be as ethereal as it was, which isn&#8217;t necessarily a bad thing. Very lush. Best Songs: Kim &amp; Jessie, Graveyard Girl ________________________________________________________________________________ EDIT THIS POST TO ADD YOUR REVIEW BELOW.

    Week #10

    M83 - Saturdays=Youth

    http://bit.ly/4PQ9tI

    Selected by Alex Kahn

    Overall Score: 6.8

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Marcus’s Review:

    Creativity/Artistry: 8
    Talent/Instrument Skill: 6
    Structure/ Composition: 6
    Replayability: 6
    Growth/ Maturity: 8

    Average: 6.8

    Comment: “M83’s fifth studio album, was released in April 2008.The album features a more focused approach to song structure and form, and Gonzalez stated that the main influence of the album came from music of the 1980s: “I think that 80s music is such a brilliant period for music history. It was the occasion for me to do a tribute to this 80s music, but also a tribute to my teenage years. Because the main theme of the album is being a teenager, and being a teenager means a lot to me.”” -Wikipedia (link above)

    I added this to remind what the point of this album is supposed to be. The songs lean a little too ethereal for my tastes. Can almost lack direction at times. It sounds more like movie music from the eighties than anything billboard. I’m very impressed with this record overall though.

    Best Songs: “Graveyard Girl”

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Jason’s Review:

    Creativity/Artistry: 8
    Talent/Instrument Skill: 6
    Structure/ Composition: 6
    Replayability: 6
    Growth/ Maturity: 8

    Average: 6.8

    Comment: For me, there’s only a few modern bands that can truly pull off an 80s sounding record. I would say m83 does it pretty damn well. Several of the songs sound almost exactly like something you’d hear on a John Hughes soundtrack. The rest of the songs border on a more modern, ethereal sound, which is also pretty good. I don’t know if there are all that many hooks in it to keep me interested for the long-haul, but I like this record a lot.

    Best Songs: “Graveyard Girl”, “Kim & Jessie”

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    Mike’s Review:

    Creativity/Artistry: 6
    Talent/Instrument Skill: 6
    Structure/ Composition: 6
    Replayability: 6
    Growth/ Maturity: 6

    Average: 6.0

    Comment: I have a feeling this one will be a grower with me and I won’t be able to stop listening in a month. On the surface, yes this may sound 80’s, but having grown up in the 80’s I actually hear more dream pop from the earlier 90’s then 80’s. I didn’t expect this to be as ethereal as it was, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Very lush.

    Best Songs: Kim & Jessie, Graveyard Girl

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    EDIT THIS POST TO ADD YOUR REVIEW BELOW.

    Posted 2 years ago.
  • Week #10 Sigur Ros - () http://bit.ly/6P92r Selected by Alex Kahn Overall Score: 8.2 ______________________________________________________________________________ Marcus&#8217;s Review: Creativity/Artistry: 9Talent/Instrument Skill: 6Structure/ Composition: 10Replayability: 8Growth/ Maturity:8 Average: 8.2 Comment: What can you really say about a made up language referred to as Vonlenska (&#8216;Hopelandic&#8217;) that consists of meaningless syllables and resembles scat singing. I don&#8217;t really need discernible lyrics when the music is this good. Apparently they released a CD with a blank booklet that you could write your interpretations in.  I love to throw this on when we go to bed. Not that kind of bed&#8230; normal bed. It&#8217;s thoughtful, amazing. Best Songs: &#8220;Dau Alagi (The Death Song)&#8221; ________________________________________________________________________________ EDIT THIS POST TO ADD YOUR REVIEW BELOW.

    Week #10

    Sigur Ros - ()

    http://bit.ly/6P92r

    Selected by Alex Kahn

    Overall Score: 8.2

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Marcus’s Review:

    Creativity/Artistry: 9
    Talent/Instrument Skill: 6
    Structure/ Composition: 10
    Replayability: 8
    Growth/ Maturity:8

    Average: 8.2

    Comment: What can you really say about a made up language referred to as Vonlenska (‘Hopelandic’) that consists of meaningless syllables and resembles scat singing. I don’t really need discernible lyrics when the music is this good. Apparently they released a CD with a blank booklet that you could write your interpretations in.  I love to throw this on when we go to bed. Not that kind of bed… normal bed. It’s thoughtful, amazing.

    Best Songs: “Dau Alagi (The Death Song)”

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    EDIT THIS POST TO ADD YOUR REVIEW BELOW.

    Posted 2 years ago.
  • Week #9 Generation X - Generation X Selected by Greg Stinson Overall Score: 6.8 ______________________________________________________________________________ Alex&#8217;s Review: Creativity/Artistry: 6Talent/Instrument Skill: 6Structure/ Composition: 5Replayability: 2Growth/ Maturity: 4 Average: 4.6 Comment: Now it’s time for me to explain why I destroyed this album. I feel like I was being generous on creativity. I know this was supposed to be ground breaking&#8230; but all the songs sound way too similar. I think that&#8217;s my problem with Punk in general&#8230;.but I guess I can&#8217;t bash an entire genre&#8230;it&#8217;s just hard for me to get into when the drum riffs are the same and the guitar is simple but fast&#8230;.except for the solos (which are in every song after the 2nd chorus)&#8230;.it&#8217;s too predictable. I think the solos are pretty bad ass on several songs (i.e. &#8220;Youth, Youth, Youth&#8221;)&#8230;but usually the songs fall short for me. Best Songs: &#8220;Promises Promises&#8221;, &#8220;Wild Dub&#8221; ______________________________________________________________________________ Jason&#8217;s Review: Creativity/Artistry: 8Talent/Instrument Skill: 7Structure/ Composition: 8Replayability: 9Growth/ Maturity: 8 Average: 8 Comment: It&#8217;s taken me quite a while to appreciate the fathers of punk. I still don&#8217;t really listen to bands like the Ramones or the Clash. Generation X were lumped in to this thinking by default. In listening to it today, it&#8217;s a much better record than I initially gave it credit for. More rock than punk, Generation X has just enough creativity to break it out of my previous way of thinking. Oh and if you think all the drums sound the same and the guitars are too simple, try listening to the Ramones sometime. Gen X will sound like The Dillenger Escape Plan after that. Best Songs: &#8220;Invisible&#8221;, &#8220;Ready Steady Go&#8221; ________________________________________________________________________________ Marcus&#8217;s Review: Creativity/Artistry: 8Talent/Instrument Skill: 5Structure/ Composition: 8Replayability: 5Growth/ Maturity: 9 Average: 7.0 Comment: I was surprised by this album. I expected it to be much more rough than it was, I guess, but the songs are catchy and well organized. Some of the guitar rivals a lot of the crap coming out even today. The bass is all over the place and keeps it bouncy. Unfortunately, its still not really in my hitting zone so it will more than likely get lost in the many lines of iTunes. Best Songs: &#8220;Ready Steady Go&#8221; ________________________________________________________________________________ Greg&#8217;s Review: Creativity/Artistry: 8Talent/Instrument Skill: 6Structure/ Composition: 7Replayability: 9Growth/ Maturity: 7 Average: 7.4 Comment: Contrary to what you read above, this isn&#8217;t supposed to be a &#8216;groundbreaking&#8217; record. Few in this genre really are. This just happens to be one of the goods ones that was done right. Tight, catchy, smart riffs, and fast changes. If anyone was listening to this for influences, you can bet it was Green Day on their first 1039/smooth releases. Many of those riffs were pulled right from here. Great record and those dudes look sweet! Best Songs: &#8220;One Hundred Punks&#8221; &#8220;Ready Steady Go&#8221; &#8220;Promises&#8221; &#8220;Wild Youth&#8221; EDIT THIS POST TO ADD YOUR REVIEW BELOW.

    Week #9

    Generation X - Generation X

    Selected by Greg Stinson

    Overall Score: 6.8

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Alex’s Review:

    Creativity/Artistry: 6
    Talent/Instrument Skill: 6
    Structure/ Composition: 5
    Replayability: 2
    Growth/ Maturity: 4

    Average: 4.6

    Comment: Now it’s time for me to explain why I destroyed this album. I feel like I was being generous on creativity. I know this was supposed to be ground breaking… but all the songs sound way too similar. I think that’s my problem with Punk in general….but I guess I can’t bash an entire genre…it’s just hard for me to get into when the drum riffs are the same and the guitar is simple but fast….except for the solos (which are in every song after the 2nd chorus)….it’s too predictable. I think the solos are pretty bad ass on several songs (i.e. “Youth, Youth, Youth”)…but usually the songs fall short for me.

    Best Songs: “Promises Promises”, “Wild Dub”

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Jason’s Review:

    Creativity/Artistry: 8
    Talent/Instrument Skill: 7
    Structure/ Composition: 8
    Replayability: 9
    Growth/ Maturity: 8

    Average: 8

    Comment: It’s taken me quite a while to appreciate the fathers of punk. I still don’t really listen to bands like the Ramones or the Clash. Generation X were lumped in to this thinking by default. In listening to it today, it’s a much better record than I initially gave it credit for. More rock than punk, Generation X has just enough creativity to break it out of my previous way of thinking. Oh and if you think all the drums sound the same and the guitars are too simple, try listening to the Ramones sometime. Gen X will sound like The Dillenger Escape Plan after that.

    Best Songs: “Invisible”, “Ready Steady Go”

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    Marcus’s Review:

    Creativity/Artistry: 8
    Talent/Instrument Skill: 5
    Structure/ Composition: 8
    Replayability: 5
    Growth/ Maturity: 9

    Average: 7.0

    Comment: I was surprised by this album. I expected it to be much more rough than it was, I guess, but the songs are catchy and well organized. Some of the guitar rivals a lot of the crap coming out even today. The bass is all over the place and keeps it bouncy. Unfortunately, its still not really in my hitting zone so it will more than likely get lost in the many lines of iTunes.

    Best Songs: “Ready Steady Go”

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    Greg’s Review:

    Creativity/Artistry: 8
    Talent/Instrument Skill: 6
    Structure/ Composition: 7
    Replayability: 9
    Growth/ Maturity: 7

    Average: 7.4

    Comment: Contrary to what you read above, this isn’t supposed to be a ‘groundbreaking’ record. Few in this genre really are. This just happens to be one of the goods ones that was done right. Tight, catchy, smart riffs, and fast changes. If anyone was listening to this for influences, you can bet it was Green Day on their first 1039/smooth releases. Many of those riffs were pulled right from here. Great record and those dudes look sweet!

    Best Songs: “One Hundred Punks” “Ready Steady Go” “Promises” “Wild Youth”

    EDIT THIS POST TO ADD YOUR REVIEW BELOW.

    Posted 2 years ago.