Music Thoughts.

Saw Explosions in the Sky in Chicago. It was one of the best live shows I have ever seen and also one of the strangest experiences at a concert. I have spent a ton of hours reading author Haruki Murakami while listening to EITS, so much in fact that the two are almost inseparable. I don’t know if that is a good thing or a bad thing but at the concert I had images from Murakmi’s books streaming through my head non-stop. It was strange listening to what has become for me those books own soundtrack and yet be surrounded by several hundred people when normally listening to EITS and reading by myself. I will try and get some pictures of the concert up soon.

I have been able to get my hands on an insane amount of good music lately, so much in fact that it is almost too much to absorb at once, but the good thing about music is that it is always there for me to catch up on. Here is what I have been listening to:

Artist: Arcade Fire
Album: Neon Bible

I had been greatly anticipating this album for over a year and my expectations could not have been higer. Initially after hearing a few advance tracks I was confused at the direction the album was moving toward (not to say it was a bad direction) but it was aparent that it was going to be different from their debut album Funeral. Once I got my hands on the full release I could not have been more pleased. This record is epic. Not only in sound but also the tone and message that it brings. Gone are the popish beats and hypnotic rythms that made Funeral such an instant success, instead we are treated to massive organs, simpistic arrangements and head swaying melodies. Im not sure if Neon Bible will get all the critical praise that its predecessor recieved but one thing is for sure, you will deeply reget it if you pass this album up.

Artist: Modest Mouse
Album: We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank

The great think about Modest Mouse is that with each album they become more and more accessible to people who once would not venture into their music. For some time now we have seen bands try to become more and more appealing to the mass audience and that usually means sacrificing something in their music in search of that all encompassing sound that will bring in the fans. Enter MM, who has done the seemingly impossible act of gaining more and more mainstream popularity while maintaining their “indie cred”. If there were to ever be a step by step instructional guide on this process it would simply be this album. At first listen it may not sound like the old Modest Mouse fans have grown to love, but upon a closer listen this album begins to peel back its layers and reveal the same dark and grungy atmosphere that I expect from a MM record with just the right amount of shine. Go listen.

Artist: Peter Bjorn and John
Album: Writer’s Block

Do you like whistling? Do you like well crafted romantic but not sappy lyrics? What about sweet sounding 60’s music treated with an oh so delicate indie flare?
Yes? Then go grab you some Writer’s Block. I can not say enough about this album of about the amount of time I have it playing in my apartment. There is truly never a bad time to listen to it. I have always been aware of Peter Bjorn and John but like that book you always mean to read, I never got around to exploring them. I read some advance reviews and was not that impressed with what I read but decided to check them out anyway. I was no dissapointed in the least bit. This album is addictive. Pure, simple and most importatly, refreshing. A must have. (Go watch their video on youtube called “Young Folks”)

Artist: Patrick Wolf
Album: The Magic Position
Having not heard of Patrick Wolf before this album, it was not even on my radar as far as releases go. I try to keep up to date on albums that are coming out and usually have a pretty good idea of what to expect from the buzz before release dates hit. This album on the other hand, slapped me across the face. Twice. Once for not knowing about it before it came out and the second for not knowing what kind of talent rests in this red haired man child Patrick Wolf before now. By far the surprise album of 2007 (at least for me) and there is absolutely nothing in here that I don’t like. Mixed bag most properly describes this album and it hits just about everything dead on. Here is a little diagram I created to help you understand the sound Mr. Wolf has conjured up-
I couldn’t believe it when I heard it but just trust me, this album delivers, and I discover more and more reason to like this music every time I hear it. I am still digesting this one but I can say with confidence that it will be among the top of my favorite music in 2007.