Decidedly off topic but worth a mention anyway: I saw The Hobbit tonight, in all its HFR 3D 48fps glory. I have to say I can't understand what a lot of the critics were talking about. I had no trouble adjusting to the format and personally I thought it was the best 3D filming I've ever seen. It was as if you were watching the action through a window pane, the detail was incredible.
The movie itself was very good. Sure, there are lots of things that differ from the book, but the overall feel is there and once the action gets going it doesn't let up until the final scene, which was a terrible tease and once again I can't wait for the next one. Well done Peter Jackson, onwards and upwards. Speaking of which, we have some albums to review!
The movie itself was very good. Sure, there are lots of things that differ from the book, but the overall feel is there and once the action gets going it doesn't let up until the final scene, which was a terrible tease and once again I can't wait for the next one. Well done Peter Jackson, onwards and upwards. Speaking of which, we have some albums to review!
#15
The Smashing Pumpkins
Oceania
I can remember as if it was yesterday when Mellon Collie & The Infinite Sadness made its grand entrance into the world. So many moons ago, but what a moment in time. At that point the Pumpkins were at the absolute apex of the alternative hierarchy, but oh how the mighty have fallen. Well documented personnel issues and an ill conceived voyage into goth rock and drum machines led to their expulsion from the rock pantheon, and yet somehow here we are again celebrating their rebirth with their best album since those famous days of yore.
The first half of this album is as good as any other rock release of this year, but after the pulsing majesty of the epic nine minute title track it tends to fade a little, keeping it from edging into the very top of the rankings. Despite that this album blasts into life from its opening buildup and keeps you on edge for a good forty minutes that is well worth the price of admission by itself. There are little remnants of their pseudo-electronic experiments along the way, but for the most part they are subtle and flow nicely along with the thrashing guitars and punctuating snares. Welcome back Billy, we missed you.
The first half of this album is as good as any other rock release of this year, but after the pulsing majesty of the epic nine minute title track it tends to fade a little, keeping it from edging into the very top of the rankings. Despite that this album blasts into life from its opening buildup and keeps you on edge for a good forty minutes that is well worth the price of admission by itself. There are little remnants of their pseudo-electronic experiments along the way, but for the most part they are subtle and flow nicely along with the thrashing guitars and punctuating snares. Welcome back Billy, we missed you.
The Celestials
Quasar
Oceania
#14
Ondatrópica
Ondatrópica
Muy caliente! Una cerveza por favor! I wanted to do the whole review in Spanish, but alas that's about the extent of my abilities in that language. From what I've seen and can certainly hear, it doesn't much matter because it's your hips that do the talking in the South American paradise of Colombia. With beats and grooves like the ones on this album, it's a miracle anyone gets any work done down there ever. Maybe they've perfected the art of working and dancing at the same time.
In a nutshell this is an all-star Cuban ensemble put together by Quantic and Mario Galeano, which just about says it all. With those two leading the way there's simply no way this album could fail, and it doesn't. Mixing just about every kind of rhythm and sound you could possibly hope to find in a tropical locale, this is an absolute must-have for any Latin themed activities you have planned. Saludos!
In a nutshell this is an all-star Cuban ensemble put together by Quantic and Mario Galeano, which just about says it all. With those two leading the way there's simply no way this album could fail, and it doesn't. Mixing just about every kind of rhythm and sound you could possibly hope to find in a tropical locale, this is an absolute must-have for any Latin themed activities you have planned. Saludos!
Linda Mañana
Suena
Tiene Sabor, Tiene Sazón
#13
Tame Impala
Lonerism
When I first started to see reviews about this album and gave it a listen I thought "oh joy, another Australian Beatles cover band, just what we need". Having since given the album a thorough going over several times, I can say quite confidently that this is indeed space-tacular psychedelic dream pop heavily influenced by the Liverpool boy toys, but it's actually really nicely done. What we have is something that feels more like an evolutionary extension of the sound, rather than outright repetition.
While several songs are strong enough to stand alone as singles, the album is best appreciated in its entirety. From front to back thoughts of spiraling starlight and cascading rivers of color are conjured amidst swirling synthesizers and the wispy lyrics of front man Kevin Parker. The depth and array of sound on display are impressive, and I have a feeling this one might sound even better in time. A very fine effort indeed.
While several songs are strong enough to stand alone as singles, the album is best appreciated in its entirety. From front to back thoughts of spiraling starlight and cascading rivers of color are conjured amidst swirling synthesizers and the wispy lyrics of front man Kevin Parker. The depth and array of sound on display are impressive, and I have a feeling this one might sound even better in time. A very fine effort indeed.
Feels Like We Only Go Backwards
Elephant
Apocalypse Dreams
EP #5
Lapalux
Some Other Time
I'll be honest with you, I'm as confused as you are with this one. I haven't really a clue what to think. This is the second EP released this year by British producer Stuart Howard, and they're both really interesting and terrifically produced. I like them both and can't seem to stop listening, but ultimately have no idea how to describe them. He has a unique way of blending trippy, glitchy beatstep with soul and downtempo that just screams... well.. something. There's no sense in me carrying on, have a listen already.
Close Call / Chop Cuts
Forgetting And Learning Again
Strangling You With The Cord
Almost half way, part 4 tomorrow!
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