Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger

Easily one of the most prolific artists of our times. Ryan Adams has released an album every year since 2000 (which was the year of his inception of his post-Whiskeytown solo career) except for 2006, in which he was absent probably due to the release of three albums in 2005. Also upon the release of this album their was a disagreement over which title would be put on the album as it was intended to be a Cardinals record though record company executives disagreed to Adams disdain.

Apart from his tendency to release copius amounts of material he seems restrained lately, with the release of only one album and the recently released Follow the Lights E.p this year. If not mostly known for his productive energy towards songwriting it's in the direction he follows with the material which makes it interesting. Albums of the past have been filled with different genres, leaving the fans constantly guessing on what to expect next.

Covering fields from country, rock, blues, folk etc on his ninth record Easy Tiger, it seems like a culmination of all his past works, the album features everything you might of heard before like a condensed version of his 2005 releases: Cold Roses/Jacksonville City Nights/29. Where "Goodnight Rose" has the blues rocking tones that could have appeared on Cold Roses, or "Tears of Gold" ripped straight from Jacksonville with the steel guitar taking the lead role throughout the song and the deep and dense quality of "I Taught Myself How to Grow Old" fitting perfectly upon 29 no doubt.

Adams has seemed to almost work out his patterns for creating music and here he seems to of chosen a select group of songs from each and thrown them together creating a mould for which his sound has become. "Halloweenhead" is the tongue in cheek, rip roaring rock track, "Two, "The Sun Also Sets", "Off Broadway", "Rip Off" and "Everybody Knows" are the soft ballads in which become the make up of the album showcasing Ryan Adams talent as a heartfelt, bittersweet and melancholy songwriter, which all work magnificently.

Ryan Adams seems to lament his way through the album with only a few exceptions. He borders on brilliance if only held back by a few mediocre tracks and the inconsistency of the style of songs selected for the album. Easy Tiger shows an artist at his working best, displaying all his known strengths as a musician, singer and songwriter.

7.5/10

Sean B

The Go! Team - Proof of Youth

Off the back of their fresh sounding first album, Thunder, Lighting, Strike, the Go! Team return to 2007. Said to infuse indie rock, hip-hop, dance, funk and cheerleading chants etc, a fair sum up of their sound. Here, led by Ian Parton the band offer up 10 new songs in the vein of their debut. From the beginning "Grip Like a Vice", "Doing it Right" and "Titanic Vandalism" all display that frenetic energy the band are known to enforce and they don't at any time disappoint.

"My World" seems like an update of "Hold Yr Terror Close" a 2 minute instrumental of chant less charm. Again vocalist Ninja is hidden in the mix, with vocals more prominent from other members. "Keys to the City" is a highlight with the constant chanting delivered by a collective it seems, with brass over the top and a surf riff to top it off. "Fake ID" and "The Wrath of Marcie" provide catchy structures, keeping in touch with the albums flow of vitality. Fans of Public Enemy will be sure to enjoy "Flashlight Fight" featuring rapper Chuck D.

Where Thunder, Lighting, Strike was a breath of fresh air and practically original, it feels that Proof of Youth is just a copy of the main blueprint of the band's sound. While that sound is already quite impressive, there's not enough evidence shown to qualify this as a progression from their previous statement, more of a Thunder, Lightning, Strike part two if you will. Still with all said this a very likeable album and proves to be exciting after numerous amounts of listens, even if it doesn't outshine the quality of material executed on the predecessor.


7/10


Sean B

White Stripes - Icky Thump

Album number 6, for one of the world's most revered rock and roll bands. Since released it's been heavily noted in the media on the duration of the recording sessions, clocking in at just under 3 weeks. The longest amount of time compared to their other stints on previous albums. As the Stripes are known for their brief studio outings.

The title track was the first single to be taken from the album, it was a taste to come with a very zeppelin-esque style riff, the world were in awe and anticipation of what the Whites had on offer this time around. In all honesty though this isn't just a White Stripes record it's the next step in evolution of Jack White as musician/frontman/singer/songwriter etc.

The album relentlessly twists and turns and doesn't hesitate whatsoever to get where it's going, forgetting it's past destinations especially displayed on 2005's Get Behind Me Satan. Jack and Meg hit us with the stripped back rock sound we have come to know and love throughout their career. "Rag and Bone" and "Little Cream Soda" are clear representations of the aforementioned sound, raw, direct and effective. The latter shows an example of White at his most exciting and effective on the guitar. "Conquest" is either love hate with that kitschy feel to it though which ever side of the fence you stand on you cannot deny the appeal of the horns displayed throughout the track. There is no real balladry here only in spurts in occasional tracks, forgone with the intent on a full focused rock event."You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do What You're Told)" and "A Martyr For My Love For You" show the band at their full songwriting powers.

Icky Thumps strengths are it's weaknesses, it's a thoroughly consistent effort where each track is just about as good as the last, though no song tends to stand out more than it's peers. Some fans of course just can't get enough of White's bluesy rock sound but I'm one for pushing the boundaries of the modern rock sound. Where, Get Behind Me Satan was an intriguing affair, and the most experimental and enthusiastic set of songs the band has put to disc, I feel that Icky Thump pales in comparison with it's lack of freshness and zest, Icky may stand the test of time through it's consistency but on the back of such a terrific effort i can't help feeling at tad disappointed.



7/10

Sean B

Album Reviews - 29/10/07

Liars - Liars

New York/Berlin/L.A./(20 other places in the world) innovators Liars continue to make their audience think, but this time a more simple approach has been scratched to disc with their self-titled fourth album. Unlike previous efforts, where concepts are at the forefront of what the band has produced, those methods have been left behind this time around.

The title of the album suggests a more straightforward approach and judging by the sound, this is very much a forgone conclusion. This album also witnesses frontman, Angus Andrew, in a new light with his falsetto vocals (’Plaster Casts Of Everything‘, ‘Houseclouds’’ Cycle Time‘, ‘Protection‘) adding yet another dimension to the slew of variation the Liars already hold within their arsenal.

Andrews also uses his brooding vocals that we’re so used to hearing on the band’s previous material (‘Leather Prowler‘, ‘What They Would Know‘, ‘Freak Out‘, ‘Pure Unevil‘, ‘Clear Island‘), and although some may say this albums is of two halves based on the vocal range of the twisted Aussie, musically, this album is just an indie rock affair from a band that loves to create something different and awe-inspiring every time they enter the studio.

Although “Liars” isn’t the band’s best effort, all plaudits must be given to a band that hold a profusion of innovation and intelligence. No band this era has shown more diversity, musically and lyrically, than Liars and this album is just another bending chapter of the story this band continue to create. The ride will continue to change dramatically in the years and in truth, that‘s the exciting thing about it.

7.5/10

Grinderman - Grinderman

Nick Cave and his mates have ditched the emotional attachments that his music so often contains and have gone for the more in-your-face, ear-splitting adventure; this time under the moniker of Grinderman.

Although the majority of members comprise from the Bad Seeds, the Grinderman make a more visceral and direct approach with their debut self-titled album.

The harsh narrative splurge that kicks the album off during ‘Get It On’ basically represents the album as a whole. The feedback and distortion through album highlight, ‘No Pussy Blues’, is straight up rock ‘n’ roll that will make your ears bleed. It’s typical no-bullshit-straight-up-in-your-face rock ’n’ roll that Cave rarely dabbles upon through his solo material.

‘Depth Charge Ethel’, ‘Honey Bee’, ‘When My Love Comes Down’ and ‘Love Bomb’ all follow on in much the same vein, with Cave and Co. rocking out like the old campaigners they truly are.

Less poetic and more direct, Grinderman have made a visceral collective of sounds, where it’s evident that Cave has entered the studio to have some fun with his mates and what’s been created is just that and some.

7.5/10

Simon K

Reviews

Babyshambles - Shotter's Nation

Possibly the most controversial musician of our times, Pete Doherty sucks up all the media attention and delivers us Shotter's Nation. Stephen Street is behind the desk this time and reports have stated that there were several close calls for him leaving the project, though after several disagreements, Doherty convinced him to stay on.

Where debut "Down in Albion" had standout tracks this is a much more cohesive effort. Beginning with the incoherent but effective guitar work on "Carry Up The Morning" and the sharp and effective radio hit "Delivery". "Crumb Begging Baghead" is a solid rocker with some doorsesque organs taking it on home. "Deft Left Hand" showcasing Pete at his near best. Ballad and closer "Lost Art of Murder" features folk legend Bert Jansch, in producing possibly the best track on the album. Throughout, Doherty slurrs his vocals and the occasional guitar part, really adding to the murky aura of the record and his character. The song titles and lyrics appear to be apart of the dialect of his home. Not every song here is excellent but there are bits and pieces at every corner to keep the listener satisfied.

Love or hate Doherty, you can't take away his talent for writing good songs. This could be one of the best set of songs he ever releases. It rocks, it's occasionally melancholy and has that beatnik poetic edge to it. One of the better rock records of the year.


7/10


Sean B

Expatriate - In the Midst of This

The Sydney based indie rock outfit released their debut album to a fair amount of hype amongst the Australian music community. Since then the band have succumbed to mixed reviews and a somewhat average response from the fans. Front man Ben King is an efficient vocalist even if he's virtually still unknown. The interplay of the guitarists is an integral element to the band's sound. "Crazy", "Shooting Star" and "Get Out, Give In" display the band at their best. "Only Wanna Love Ya" is clear ambition for commercial success with it's many hooks. It's not that this is an entirely bad record, it's just rather dry, patchy and applies the same methods throughout, leaving the listener a little underwhelmed and bored. Not to worry though as there are hooks aplenty and there's only hope that this band will take their sound to a more interesting destination next time.

5/10

Idlewild - Make Another World

Another album in for the Scottish rock and rollers adding a brand new batch of tracks to their catalogue. There's no beating round the bush the band are accomplished at what they do, but they just don't seem to have what it takes to evoke world wide acclaim. I mean i'm sure they seek it but they just haven't seemed to have found any. Make Another World may not be their strongest statement but they sure do a great job of entertaining us, from disco rocker "No Emotion" the catchy "Everything (as it moves)" and showing the power of their songwriting talents in the title track. Wearing their influences on their sleeve with the R.E.Mesque "Once In Your Life" and "Ghost In the Arcade", it'll be a surprise if no Michael Stipe comparisons are made. The album keeps a consistent flow throughout, though the main problem is that most of the tracks are forgettable. In such a huge calendar of music every year Idlewild seem to get lost in the crowd.

5.5/10

Field Music - Tones of Town

Consisting of past members of the Futureheads and Maximo Park comes the second album from Field Music. The Brewis brothers bring us a collection of over 30 minutes worth of fine crafted pop sounds. Not as popular as the former mentioned bands but clearly have themselves a somewhat distinctive sound, slightly reminiscent of 2006's Guillemots. They employ are vast array of instruments and sometimes use them to full effect, but usually the execution could be better. Sometimes Tones of Town just doesn't go anywhere, leaving the excitement out the door on most occasions. It's a fair effort just a little lacklustre.

5/10

Athlete - Beyond the Neighbourhood

Continuing in the same fashion of their previous effort "Tourist". Athlete return with the next set of coldplayesque songs. Continuing with their balladry, Athlete seem to forget that there is an audience that has to listen to it, and why listen when there are better models out there? I was optimistic of this album, hoping they would employ a better direction from the likeable Tourist. Though what we have here is a lifeless affair with constant monotony. Appearing earlier on the record "Hurricane", is the most energetic track here but still quite uncaptivating. Athlete are in the shadow of thier contemporaries Coldplay, Travis and Embrace. Athlete seem to be always looking for that uplifting effect in every moment. Lacking in most areas that count, this is a pure disappointment.

3/10

Pagoda - Pagoda

Featuring in Gus Van Sant's "Last Days", up and coming actor Michael Pitt takes his performance art in a different direction with the release of his debut album, released on Thurston Moore's Ecstatic Peace! record label. Pitt travels back to the early 90's employing all the Seattle grunge rock ethics, not entirely a Nirvana rip off but if you're open to hear something similar this will be your fix. Instead of coming off like the 100s of terrible post-grunge bands of today, there is a rawness and certain amount of credibility within, and it occasionally works. "Lesson Learned" is a solid lead in track, the intro laden with strings bursting into patterns of palm muted guitars. The album continues in the same raw fashion, guitar riffs plucked from the past with the occasional string work which provides an interesting back drop. Pitt pulls it of as a competent front man, the album on the other hand is no way near perfect but it's worthy of your time.

5.5/10

Charlotte Hatherley - The Deep Blue

The former Ash guitarist steps into the limelight with her sophomore effort after leaving her band to pursue her solo career. No doubt there is a touch of originality and sensuality scattered all through the album, her soft sweet distinctive voice provides the blueprint for the music. There is definitely something very majestic about The Deep Blue, from the elegant beginnings of "Costeau" all the way towards the end even if it drops off a little. "Be Thankful", "Again", "Wounded Sky" and"Behave" all swirl with pop delicacy, here she crafts some of the finest songs of the year, quirky and charming. Keeping things interesting she employs her more devilish side with the more rock orientated "Very Young" and anthemic " I Want You to Know". It's clear she played an integral role in her old band, but now it's her time to shine. The Deep Blue is evidence Hatherley is on already her way to a bright career.

7/10

The Noisettes - What's the Time Mr Wolf?

Following in the paths of band's like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, comes the debut album from the London rock band. The music involves the angsty feminine vocal delivery, sometimes seductive and the sharp and decisive rock riffs. These guys will probably stand in the shadow of the similar sounding artists but clearly have the upper hand in that the quality and catchiness of the songs are unmatchable in comparison to acts like the Gossip. Riff rocker "Don't Give Up", searing melodies of "Bridge to Canada" and bass driven "Scratch Your Name" give evidence of a young band at the heights of their ability. Straight to point the Noisettes get the job done, though where's the hype?

6/10

Sean B

Album Reviews - 26/10/07

Broken Social Scene Presents: Kevin Drew - Spirit If…

The first of a series to be recorded by members from the band, it’s only fitting that the co-founder and lead vocalist of the band, Kevin Drew, be the first to deliver his works and he has done so in fine fashion, with “Spirit If…”.

Although various members of the band gave the Canadian maestro a hand with the instrumentation, the music itself was written by Drew and has been for some years until he was persuaded to record it.

Musically, the album is a little bare in comparisons with BSS material, but as this is a different project many were expecting this. The lyrics rank among some of Drew’s best work to date, with the melodic force of ’Tbtf’, the elegance of ’Safety Bricks’ and the heart felt ’Gang Bang Suicide’ leading the race for the album’s finest moments. ’Back Out On The’ caps off a brilliant rock ditty, with J.Mascis from Dinosaur Jr cranking out one of his trademark riffs, as the track flows like any good single should.

A good concept by The Broken Social Scene and with Brendan Canning the next in-line, many will look forward to what he has to offer. For now, though, Kevin Drew has come up trumps and if the material he has produced with the BSS wasn’t convincing enough, the sounds of “Spirit If” certainly will be.

8/10

Interpol - Our Love To Admire

New York’s finest dressed quartet shook the second album monkey off their back, producing the solid “Antics” back in 2004. There’s always something though, isn’t there? Third time around, their success led them to signing for a major label. Can you hear alarm bells ringing?

Okay, so “Our Love To Admire” certainly doesn’t lack the sound to that of contemporaries Kings Of Leon’s latest effort, but it’s needless to say that Interpol’s third opus isn’t their best effort going around the traps.

It’s clear that Paul Banks and Co. have added little bits and pieces to their very simple formula of song writing (see album opener ’Pioneer to The Falls’), but with all simple formulas, there comes a time where insipidness rears its ugly head and during parts of this album, it’s certainly evident.

After multiple listens, lead single ‘The Heinrich Manoeuvre’ is a classy number, while ‘No I In Threesome‘ and ‘Pace Is The Trick’ are two tracks that could rank amongst the best work the band has done. Sadly though, Interpol have produced good songs and an average good album that seems jaded and lacklustre after a while.

6.5/10

Smashing Pumpkins - Zeitgeist

Okay, so it’s been a few months since this was released. Now that all of the Bill Corgan fan boys have calmed down and stopped proclaiming that this is an amazing album, let me bring something to people’s attention. Old band-broke up-reformed. You thinking what I’m thinking? You’re right. Money Making scheme! Make no mistake about it, folks.

All that aside and to the music. Corgan and his mate Jimmy Chamberlain seem to have gone through thick and thin together and the latter continues to walk in the shadow of his bandmate (just go to one of their live shows). Added is replacements for James Iha and Darcy Wretzky and end product is “Zeitgeist”.

There’s certainly a more polished feel to this album, but it’s a sound that lacks James Iha’s virtuoso and sadly that’s what lets this album down. It’s a progression from the Pumpkins’ previous works and although this is a moral victory to Corgan himself, nobody will really care in a couple of months.

While the lead single ‘Tarantula’ surprised many, it grows stale - like the rest of the album - after a while. The track with staying power is the rip-roaring beast that is ‘Bring The Light. No doubt, the finest track on this album and really the only ditty that weighs up to any of Corgan and Chamberlain’s back catalogue.

It’s not the worst album this year, but to make it was unnecessary. “Zeitgeist” was made for all the wrong reasons and while Corgan couldn’t let sleeping dogs lie, the result is this album and although he maybe satisfied with it at the moment, in 20 years he will come to regret the decision of returning to the studio as the Smashing Pumpkins in 2007.

6/10

Simon K