Bright Eyes - The People's Key

For Bright Eyes' seventh album, and first since Conor Oberst took time off to start his Monsters of Folk project, Oberst has said that it will focus less on the folk and country sounds that made him famous and will have more of a rock and electronic tinge to it. Although it's clear from one listen of The People's Key that Oberst hasn't completely given up on folk-rock (see the alt-country twang of opening track, "Firewall"), he wasn't kidding when he said he wanted to make a more rock-sounding record. From the rapidfire lyric delivery of "Shell Games," to the catastrophic chiming guitars of "Jejune Stars," to the organ and crashing cymbals of "Triple Spiral," Oberst may be turning 31 this month, but he's not any less spirited than he was in his youth. Instead of settling down and making a pretty record, Oberst shows fans that he's still angry and the spoken word bits that are placed throughout the album encapsulate his feelings, especially this line from the opening track: "The problems of the future can be solved by mankind because we created them." As he did with 2007's Cassadaga, Oberst is moving away from writing about himself and expanding to a worldly viewpoint instead. Although his earlier work is some of his best, no one wants to hear a thirty-year-old whine about life, so Oberst's lyrical shift is clearly for the best. Thankfully, his music doesn't suffer and The People's Key proves to be another staple in his prolific catalog.

DOWNLOAD: Bright Eyes - The People's Key [Saddle Creek]
Recommended Tracks: "Shell Games," "Jejune Stars," "Haile Selassie," "Triple Spiral."

Cut Copy - Zonoscope

To say I was anticipating Cut Copy's third album, Zonoscope, would be a huge understatement. After 2008's In Ghost Colours became one of my favorite releases of the year, I was eager to see what the Australian trio had up their sleeves for their next album. Zonoscope finds Cut Copy retaining their dance sound that fans know and love them for, but relying more on disco beats instead of a shoegaze wall of sound that could be heard on some of their darker songs in the past. This isn't a bad thing though, just a band exploring another aspect of their sound. In this case, Cut Copy took a more positive outlook on Zonoscope and it shows in their optimistic lyrics and peppier beats, specifically on songs like "Take Me Over," "Where I'm Going," and "Sun God." To put it simply, there is no comparing Zonoscope to In Ghost Colours as both albums showcase a band at very different points in their career. While it still may take several listens for me to reach In Ghost Colours-like obsession status with Zonoscope, I'm willing to bet it will happen soon enough.

DOWNLOAD: Cut Copy - Zonoscope [Modular]
Recommended Tracks: "Take Me Over," "Where I'm Going," "This Is All We've Got," "Alisa," "Sun God."

Mogwai - Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will

Although they will forever be one of the loudest bands I've ever seen live, Mogwai can't be dark and brooding all the time, especially when you consider that they've been around since 1995. On their seventh album, the awesomely titled Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will, the Scottish post-rockers dial down their dark tendencies and embrace a sunnier sound. The one-two opening punch of "White Noise" (with jubilant, chiming riffs) and "Mexican Grand Prix" (with robot voices and trancey guitars) both prove that Mogwai are able to step outside their immense soundscapes and experiment with different sounds every once in awhile. If you prefer Mogwai when they're moody, Hardcore still has its fair share of Mogwai's traditional sound, especially on "San Pedro" and the aptly named "Death Rays." Overall, Hardcore is definitely an album that needs a few listens to grow on you, but once it does, you'll find that there is something for every Mogwai fan on this album.

DOWNLOAD: Mogwai - Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will [Sub Pop]
Recommended Tracks: "White Noise," "Mexican Grand Prix," "George Square Thatcher Death Party," "How To Be A Werewolf."

British Sea Power - Valhalla Dancehall

Having been around for just over a decade now, British Sea Power have certainly seen their fair share of ups and downs in their career. Although it was panned by a lot of critics, I felt their fourth album, 2008's Do You Like Rock Music?, was a logical next step in their discography, expanding their sweeping guitar pop into over-the-top choruses that are only meant to be played at full blast. On their new album, Valhalla Dancehall, British Sea Power seem to have no intentions of dialing things down, as the album kicks off with the chiming riffs--that build into a crescendo--of "Who's In Control?" and only proceeds to get catchier from that point on (listen to "Stunde Null" and "Observe The Skies" if you don't believe me). Of course, things can't be loud all the time, and British Sea Power attempt to pace their nearly hour-long album by sprinkling piano and ambient textures throughout ("Georgie Ray," "Luna"). They also introduce a few lengthier tracks, including the just over eleven minute long, "Once More Now," a lumbering ballad of sorts, save for a noisy wall of shoegaze guitars. Overall, Valhalla Dancehall is worth a download and a few listens, but it's definitely nowhere hear British Sea Power's strongest effort to date.

DOWNLOAD: British Sea Power - Valhalla Dancehall [Rough Trade]
Recommended Tracks: "Who's In Control," "Stunde Null," "Observe The Skies," "Heavy Water."

Tennis - Cape Dory

I first heard about the husband and wife duo of Tennis from a friend of mine that lived in Denver and used to always see the couple around town. With their recent signing to Fat Possum, it appears that the rest of the world is poised to take notice of their shimmery indie-pop sound. The comparisons to Mates of State are inevitable, however Alaina Moore is the one that does all the singing and Tennis' music is more subtle overall, with sun-soaked guitar melodies that sound effortless. Cape Dory is the kind of album that you don't have to think too hard about, letting the music wash over you instead of over-analyzing it. Unfortunately, Tennis didn't fight to have their debut released at a more seasonally appropriate time of year, but it works out for the best because now fans are able to enjoy this fantastic debut all year long.

DOWNLOAD: Tennis - Cape Dory [Fat Possum]
Recommended Tracks: "Take Me Somewhere," "Cape Dory," "Marathon," "South Carolina," "Seafarer."

Smith Westerns - Dye It Blonde

Chicago's Smith Westerns have wasted no time following up their acclaimed 2009 self-titled debut album with Dye It Blonde, their sophomore effort due out on January 18th. Delving further into their love for classic rock riffs, the trio have cleaned up their lo-fi sound and shined up their pop hooks this time around. From the "na na na" harmonies on lead single, "Weekend," to the grim lyrics matched brilliantly with poppy hooks on "All Die Young," to the John Lennon-esque melodies of "Smile," Dye It Blonde is a perfect example of a bigger recording budget helping instead of hurting a band. Although Smith Westerns' fuzzy riffs got them the initial buzz they deserved, it's clear from one listen that Dye It Blonde was the record they wanted to make all along and just didn't have the financial means to do so. Producer Chris Coady (Beach House, Yeah Yeah Yeahs) has lent an experienced helping hand and his touch is shown all over the album. It might not even be 2011 yet, but Dye It Blonde is sure to end up as one of the top albums of the year in twelve months from now.

DOWNLOAD: Smith Westerns - Dye It Blonde [Fat Possum]
Recommended Tracks: "Weekend," "Imagine, Pt. 3," "All Die Young," "End of the Night."

Asobi Seksu - Fluorescence

Although I wasn't a huge fan of their 2009 album, Hush, Asobi Seksu forever captured my love and attention with their 2006 sophomore album, Citrus. Continuing their trend of naming their albums after one word, their fourth album, Fluorescence, is due out in on February 15, 2011. The first thing that longtime fans will notice on Fluorescence is the amount of synths that Asobi Seksu have chosen to utilize instead of their signature shoegaze riffs. Thankfully, the synths don't turn this album into a dancey affair, but rather they combine perfectly with singer/keyboardist Yuki Chikudate's voice, giving these twelve songs an eerie Cocteau Twins-esque vibe instead. The synths also lend themselves to make Chikudate and the rest of the band more playful sounding than they ever have been in the past, using cheeky lyrics ("My baby doesn't love me anymore") and nursery rhyme-esque percussion on "My Baby." Perhaps Polyvinyl has brought out their twee side more. Either way, the slight departure in Asobi Seksu's sound may take a few listens to get used to, but it's worth your time to do so.

DOWNLOAD: Asobi Seksu - Fluorescence [Polyvinyl]
Recommended Tracks: "Coming Up," "Perfectly Crystal," "Trance Out," "Pink Light."

Top 25 Albums of 2010

With two weeks left in 2010, I figured it was time to post my top albums of the year list that I finished earlier this month. Overall, I think 2010 was a great year for music and what made it so interesting is that there was no obvious #1 album in most of the lists I've seen so far (unlike last year when Animal Collective's Merriweather Post Pavilion dominated every single year end list). Feel free to critique my list or post your own in the comments. Happy new year, everyone! Thanks for reading.

25. M.I.A. - /\/\ /\ Y /\ --->DOWNLOAD

24. Tim Kasher - The Game of Monogamy --->DOWNLOAD

23. Wolf Parade - Expo 86 --->DOWNLOAD

22. Girl Talk - All Day --->DOWNLOAD

21. Les Savy Fav - Root For Ruin --->DOWNLOAD

20. Sufjan Stevens - The Age of Adz --->DOWNLOAD

19. Tokyo Police Club - Champ --->DOWNLOAD

18. Small Black - New Chain --->DOWNLOAD

17. Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy --->DOWNLOAD

16. Vampire Weekend - Contra --->DOWNLOAD

15. Ted Leo & The Pharmacists - The Brutalist Bricks --->DOWNLOAD

14. Big Boi - Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty --->DOWNLOAD

13. Sleigh Bells - Treats --->DOWNLOAD

12. Surfer Blood - Astro Coast --->DOWNLOAD

11. Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest --->DOWNLOAD

10. Wild Nothing - Gemini --->DOWNLOAD

09. Miles Kurosky - The Desert of Shallow Effects --->DOWNLOAD

08. Wavves - King of the Beach --->DOWNLOAD

07. Best Coast - Crazy For You --->DOWNLOAD

06. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs --->DOWNLOAD

05. LCD Soundsystem - This Is Happening --->DOWNLOAD

04. No Age - Everything In Between --->DOWNLOAD

03. Beach House - Teen Dream --->DOWNLOAD

02. The National - High Violet --->DOWNLOAD

01. Broken Social Scene - Forgiveness Rock Record --->DOWNLOAD

The Go! Team - Rolling Blackouts

It's hard to believe that The Go! Team has been around for ten years, especially when you consider that they didn't release their debut album, Thunder, Lightning, Strike, until 2004. Although their success has dwindled since that release, they haven't slowed down, and Rolling Blackouts marks their third full length. Lacking the pep of their debut, Rolling Blackouts sounds like a band that is losing their steam and recycling melodies. Even the horns sound tired. The only saving grace of this album is The Go! Team's collaborations with other musicians. Satomi Matsuzaki from Deerhoof stops by to contribute vocals to "Secretary Song," and Bethany Cosentino from Best Coast lends her California touch to "Buy Nothing Day." Otherwise, the instrumental fillers and deflated hooks make me long for 2004 when The Go! Team sounded like a band with potential.

DOWNLOAD: The Go! Team - Rolling Blackouts [Sub Pop]
Recommended Tracks: "Secretary Song," "Ready To Go Steady," "Buy Nothing Day," "Rolling Blackouts."

Album Backlog

It's no surprise to any of you that I've been slacking lately when it comes to updating. I started this blog after I graduated from college, so I've never had to factor in school when it came to updating. But now that I'm in grad school, blogging and listening to new albums right when they leak is, sadly, one of my lowest priorities. Thankfully, the semester is winding down and I'll hopefully be able to start blogging at a regular pace again. Below, you can find links to albums that came out this fall that I never got around to blogging. Enjoy and keep checking back for more updates in the next coming weeks!

Tim Kasher - The Game of Monogamy [Saddle Creek] ---> DOWNLOAD
One sentence review: Cursive/Good Life frontman, Tim Kasher, delivers his debut solo album that shows him growing up a little and focusing on, you guessed it, monogamy.
Recommended tracks: "I'm Afraid I'm Gonna Die Here," "Strays," "Cold Love," "The Prodigal Husband."

Sufjan Stevens - The Age of Adz [Asthmatic Kitty] ---> DOWNLOAD
One sentence review: Sufjan returns with a refined, more electronic sound on his first album in five years.
Recommended tracks: "I Walked," "Age of Adz," "Now That I'm Older," "I Want To Be Well."

Adam Haworth Stephens - We Live On Cliffs [Saddle Creek] ---> DOWNLOAD
One sentence review: Debut solo album from Two Gallants frontman that trades in the blustering indie-folk of his band for some more uplifting alt-country tunes.
Recommended tracks: "Praises In Your Name," "Elderwoods," "Angelina."

Matt and Kim - Sidewalks [FADER] ---> DOWNLOAD
One sentence review: The third album from everyone's favorite peppy Brooklyn duo pumps up their dancey inclinations to some successes and some over-polished failures.
Recommended tracks: "Block After Block," "Red Paint," "Silver Tiles," "Ice Melts."

Eric & Magill - All Those I Know

Sorry for the blog hiatus; it turns out grad school is pretty time consuming after all.

Anyone who has read this blog since its early beginnings in 2007 knows what a huge fan I am of the Milwaukee-based band, Decibully. Hopefully, I've inspired more than a few of you to fall in love with them along the way. This week, I discovered that Ryan Weber (Decibully's multi-instrumentalist/producer) is on the cusp of releasing his long-labored after debut album for Eric & Magill, his side project group. Working with fellow former Camden bandmate, Eric Osterman, Weber has created a beautiful album that branches out from Decibully's more straightforward indie rock sound, utilizing experimental recording techniques and (more than) a little help from Weber and Osterman's innercircle of musician friends. With the assistance of a melodyne vocal/instrument tuner on a great deal of the album, it almost sounds like Weber's voice is being auto-tuned, a creative twist that is largely reminiscent of Bon Iver's use of auto-tune on his song, "Woods." Intricate acoustic guitar picking kicks off the first song (and title track) on All Those I Know, which is then accented with a steady bass drum beat and flourishes of xylophone, and eventually opens up with swells of strings and fades out with Weber repeating the lyric, "I'm stranded" until the last second. The intimate to expansive nature of the song sets the tone for the rest of the album, which straddles a line between sweeping soundscapes and hushed whispers.

Besides Weber and Osterman's ability to craft beautiful songs, the other highlight on All Those I Know is the plethora of guest musician appearances. From Kevin Jones of The Snake The Cross The Crown singing on the indie-folk gem "Vegetable Gardeners," to Angel Deradoorian from Dirty Projectors complimenting the moody guitar blasts of "I Hear Trumpets" perfectly, to Davey Van Bohlen of Maritime/The Promise Ring lending his voice to the gentle "Pontoon Boats," or even the internet choir that Weber and Osterman created by getting forty of their friends to sing into their computers from all over the world, All Those I Know is truly a testament to the power of friendship and technology. This is where music should be headed and Weber and Osterman deserve all the recognition they can get for achieving this. A perfect fall record, All Those I Know is truly a record that is worth taking the time to get to know.

DOWNLOAD: Eric & Magill - All Those I Know (free download at Bandcamp!)
Recommended Tracks: "You Make It So Good," "Grandpa's Pink Wine," "Vegetable Gardeners," "I Hear Trumpets," "Old Man Winter."

Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest

In stark contrast to the rock-friendly riffs and heavier melodies of Deerhunter's third album, Microcastle, stands their new album, Halcyon Digest. Due out on September 28, the ambient and stripped-down nature of Halcyon Digest recalls 2007's Cryptograms instead. Not that this mellow shift is necessarily a bad thing, it just represents a new side to Deerhunter's constantly evolving sound. The static pops and crackles of "Earthquake" start the album off on the experimental side, before it settles down with the whispered vocals of "Revival" and the acoustic harmonies of "Sailing." Before you can get too comfortable, Halcyon Digest bursts back to life with the buoyant pop and nostalgic lyrics of "Memory Boy" and the chiming riffs of the Lockett Pundt sung "Desire Lines." Unlike their previous albums, Halcyon Digest is more of a grower. But once you take some time to get to know it and let the dense layers of the album reveal themselves to you, it won't be long before you fall in love with Halcyon Digest.

DOWNLOAD: Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest [4AD]
Recommended Tracks: "Revival," "Memory Boy," "Desire Lines," "Coronado."

No Age - Everything In Between

To say I've been eagerly anticipating No Age's next album since they released Nouns in 2008 would be a gross understatement. I knew Nouns would be tough to match, but I had no idea that No Age would completely transform their sound and put out the best album of their career to date. Due out on September 28, Everything In Between takes No Age's love of atmospheric shoegaze textures and combines them with razor-sharp riffs and some of the most awe-inspiring noisy sound effects that they have ever produced. Kicking things off with the thumping drums and static guitars of "Life Prowler," it becomes clear right away that No Age's music isn't the only that has matured over the past two years. Although they've never been known for their insightful lyrics, Everything In Between showcases a more self-aware side of the band, with such lyrics as "And when I reach into myself / my past comes true" on "Life Prowler" and "Everyone around me knows / I'm in trouble" on "Common Heat."

Besides the lyrics, No Age's use of sound manipulation is another highlight of the album. From the well-crafted brooding effect that would make Kevin Shields proud on "Glitter," to the caterwauling screeches which made me nod my head along harder instead of wince and lower the volume on "Fever Dreaming," No Age are truly at the top of the noise-band genre, as they know just when to play it up and when to keep their noisy tendencies under control. Despite their maturation, No Age are still the same punks that got their claim to fame playing at The Smell for the same twenty kids every weekend. No song strays too long past the three minute mark and the entire thirteen track album clocks in at just under forty minutes--long enough to not overstay its welcome and to make you want to repeat it over and over again.

DOWNLOAD: No Age - Everything In Between [Sub Pop]
Recommended Tracks: "Life Prowler," "Glitter," "Fever Dreaming," "Skinned," "Valley Hump Crash," "Chem Trails."

Jenny and Johnny - I'm Having Fun Now

After conquering the band world with Rilo Kiley and the solo project world with her two solo releases, Jenny Lewis has returned with a new project featuring her singer/songwriter boyfriend, Jonathan Rice. Jenny and Johnny is closer in sound to Rilo Kiley than Lewis' solo releases--albeit with more of an alt-country than a pop sound. There's the freewheeling country stomper, "My Pet Snakes," the sweeping romanticism of "Switchblade," and the jangly guitars of "Just Like Zeus," all standout tracks that forgo the intimate textures of Lewis' solo albums for rollicking melodies instead. Rice's gruff voice compliments Lewis' soulful vocals well, and although it's cliche to say, I'm Having Fun Now lives up to its title well. For the first time since the early days of Rilo Kiley, Lewis actually sounds like she had fun writing these songs. Not to say that all of her solo album performances were phoned in, but they sounded stiff and not as natural and, well, as fun this album does. It's unclear whether or not Lewis will ever record again with Rilo Kiley, but as long as she continues to release music like this in the meantime, it might be for the better.

DOWNLOAD: Jenny and Johnny - I'm Having Fun Now [Warner Brothers]
Recommended Tracks: "My Pet Snakes," "Switchblade," "Big Wave," "Straight Edge Of The Blade."

The Thermals - Personal Life

It's now eight years into their career and The Thermals have yet to make a mediocre album. Teaming up once again with Death Cab For Cutie's Chris Walla for their fifth release, Personal Life, the trio take a more positive stance this time around, bookending the record with two rhetorical notions "I'm Gonna Change Your Life" and "You Changed My Life." Not only do The Thermals sound less angry, but Personal Life is also chock full of straight forward indie rock gems that trade in power chords for more complex sound structures ("Never Listen To Me," "Not Like Any Other Feeling") and semi-peppy love songs (check out the "Only for you, my love" lyrics of "Only For You"). Nevertheless, this mature shift doesn't mean that The Thermals have abandoned their love of power-punk screeds altogether, as searing lead single, "I Don't Believe You" proves in under three minutes flat. What Personal Life represents to the rest of The Thermals' discography is exactly what its title sets out to prove: they're not afraid of bringing more of themselves into the lyrics and they don't feel the need to hide behind power chords anymore (for the most part, anyway). Whether or not you can get onboard with that philosophy, it's hard not to admire The Thermals' dedication to broadening their musical horizons.

DOWNLOAD: The Thermals - Personal Life [Sub Pop]
Recommended Tracks: "I Don't Believe You," "Never Listen To Me," "Your Love Is So Strong," "You Changed My Life."

Miscellaneous

There's been an overwhelming amount of albums that have leaked in the past month or so and, admittedly, I've fallen a bit behind at listening to all of them. Most of these aren't technically "leaks" any more, but I figured I'd put a few of the more memorable ones up just in case any of you have missed out on them. Full posts coming later this week.

Tokyo Police Club - Champ [Mom + Pop Music Co.] ---> DOWNLOAD
One sentence review: More infectious tunes from this lovable Canadian quartet on their first post-Saddle Creek release.
Recommended tracks: "Favourite Food," "Wait Up (Boots of Danger)," "End of a Spark," "Big Difference."

Women - Public Strain [Flemish Eye] ---> DOWNLOAD
One sentence review: Women return with the follow-up to their self-titled 2008 debut, a darker, more psychedelic effort that backs their tightly coiled riffs with a heavy helping of drone sounds.
Recommended tracks: "Heat Distraction," "China Steps," "Drag Open," "Eyesore."

Kele - The Boxer [Wichita] ---> DOWNLOAD
One sentence review: Hit and miss solo debut from Bloc Party's Kele Okereke that lands squarely in the "club dance hits" category and contains such unfortunate lyrics as "I don't know what I've been told" (as in, the army chant).
Recommended tracks: "Tenderoni," "Everything You Wanted," "The New Rules," "Unholy Thoughts."

Magic Kids - Memphis [True Panther Sounds] ---> DOWNLOAD
One sentence review: Named after their city of residence, Magic Kids' debut full length is chock full of the whimsical indie-pop that got them noticed in the first place.
Recommended tracks: "Superball," "Summer," "Hey Boy," "Sailing."

Klaxons - Surfing The Void

It's hard to have high hopes for a band that has pretty much been off the musical radar for the past three years. Still, when I found out the Klaxons were releasing the follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2007 debut, Myths Of The Near Future, this year, I couldn't help but look forward to it. Surfing The Void showcases a more polished side of the Klaxons, thanks to producer Ross Robinson. Gone are their quirky melodies and off-kilter rhythms, replaced instead with larger-than-life dance hits ("Echoes"). This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as the Klaxons always seemed capable of making epic-sounding songs, they just needed a few years off to work on their vision. However, their vision fails to deliver on a few tracks ("The Same Space," "Venusia") where the dancey melodies are so polished sounding that the music is basically forgettable. Thankfully their punk rock attitude is still in place and acts as the saving grace of the album, especially with the creepy plinking keys and noisy sound effects of the title track and the squealing, electrified riffs of "Extra Astronomical." Nevertheless, attitude alone isn't enough to save Surfing The Void and its lack of excitement and freshness--that was achieved so effortlessly on Myths--is what weighs the album down in the end.

DOWNLOAD: Klaxons - Surfing The Void [Polydor]
Recommended Tracks: "Echoes," "Surfing The Void," "Extra Astronomical," "Cypherspeed."

The Walkmen - Lisbon

It's hard to not want The Walkmen's forthcoming new album, Lisbon, to be the best release you will hear all year long. After 2008's You & Me proved to be the surprise hit of the year, one can only hope that The Walkmen will continue to one-up themselves with each new record. While it comes off a bit more scaled back than You & Me--and shorter at eleven tracks instead of fourteen--Lisbon is still very much in the win rather than the loss column of The Walkmen's discography. Hamilton Leithauser's wailing vocals are, as always, the high point of each song, especially when combined with the guitar and drum wallop of "Angela Surf City," the winding, repetitive riffs of "Blue As Your Blood," and the brash cymbal crashes of "Victory." The grander moments of Lisbon may take center stage, but its the specifics that make it an album worth paying close attention to. From the crackling guitar wisps of "Follow The Leader," to the wistful horns on "Standed," Lisbon is an album where the art is truly in the details. Yet again, it seems The Walkmen have proved that they are truly at the top of their game. Instead of letting Lisbon be a sleeper hit of 2010, wake up and listen to this wonderful record now rather than later.

DOWNLOAD: The Walkmen - Lisbon [Fat Possum]
Recommended Tracks: "Angela Surf City," "Blue As Your Blood," "Stranded," "Victory."

Ra Ra Riot - The Orchard

Following up your critically acclaimed debut album with a successful second album is always a challenging task for a buzz band. Later this month, Ra Ra Riot will attempt to do just that with their new album, The Orchard. Although a lot has changed for Ra Ra Riot since The Rhumb Line came out in 2008, The Orchard still showcases the Syracuse outfit's love of well-crafted pop hooks. The opening title track is slow and not a great starter for the album, but once the sweeping strings and twitchy guitars of "Boy" kick in, it's clear that Ra Ra Riot aren't ditching their pop sensibilities for mature arrangements that don't suit them, they're just taking their hooks to the next level and refining them. The '80s-reminiscent melodies of "Too Dramatic" and the subtle tribal percussion of "Massachusetts"are both great examples of how Ra Ra Riot can switch up simple pop songs by taking small twists that other bands wouldn't think of. Overall, The Orchard isn't as obviously infectious as The Rhumb Line is, instead its hooks are hidden behind layers that require multiple listens to be able to peel away. However, if you're willing to give them a chance, Ra Ra Riot will reward you with an album that is worth revisiting over and over again.

DOWNLOAD: Link Removed Per Label Request [Barsuk]
Recommended Tracks: "Boy," "Too Dramatic," "Massachusetts," "Shadowcasting."

Les Savy Fav - Root For Ruin

Bands that have crazy frontmen aren't supposed to last as long as Les Savy Fav have. No, they're supposed to put out a solid debut, follow it up with a mediocre second album, and then implode. Fortunately, that doesn't seem likely to happen with Les Savy Fav, especially considering that the quintet has been going strong since 1995. On their fifth album, Root For Ruin, Les Savy Fav pick up right where they left off on 2007's Let's Stay Friends. The sharp riffs of "Appetites" punctuate the opening of the album along with Tim Harrington's half-shouted refrain of "We still got our appetite," a lyric that proves that Les Savy Fav aren't about to let their advancing years slow them down. Instead of sticking to their usual in-your-face dynamic for the entire record, songs like "Sleepless in Silverlake" and "Poltergeist" use trebley, atmospheric effects that result in melodies that brood and stew in their sentiments, rather than rush to the finishline. It's a nice change of pace that mixes well with Les Savy Fav's signature punk rock theatrics and shows exactly why they're still on top after all this time.

DOWNLOAD: Les Savy Fav - Root For Ruin [Frenchkiss]
Recommended Tracks: "Appetites," "Sleepless in Silverlake," "High and Unhinged," "Excess Energies."