Double Review: Lower Dens-Escape From Evil/Courtney Barnett-Sometimes I Sit and Think, Sometimes I Just Sit

The Evils Have Not Escaped

Lower Dens: Escape From Evil
8.9/10





Lower Dens are one of those groups I often forget about. Their last effort Nootropics was a very riveting record to me, but in the 3 years seperation between that record and this record, they kind of drifted off my radar. This is not the bands fault, I just kind of forgot about how brilliant their work is, so when I heard the first single off this new record To Die In L.A I was giddy! Nootropics was one of my best discoveries in recent years, so I was pretty eager to see what this record was going to sound like. Sure enough, this single marked a pretty noticeable change in instrumentation. They traded a lot of their full-band instrumentation for a more "synth-poppy" groove oriented sound. This move actually pays off nicely because deep down the band's character has not changed that much. The synths are used more as a timbre change that a stylistic change. Anyways, this song excited me because it was dreamy, mystical, and yet still powerful. It is everything I look for in Lower Dens. This single was a pretty good indicator of what we were going to get on this album. The sound is very simplistic, but yet still very haunting. The atmospheres on here are great just like on Nootropics. The opener, Sucker's Shangri-La, is perhaps the most wandering song on this thing. For this reason it actually may be the worst song on the album. The song establishes a sound very early on, but really fails to do much with it. Ondine, however, is an amazing response to a lackluster opener. This track is dense and dark. This track has a pretty basic synth pattern with simplistic drums, but the presence Jana Hunter shows on this thing is just intense. The track is pretty gritty and overall very well put together. Quo Vadis is perhaps the most hypnotizing track on the album. This album has a great hook, and it draws me in for the whole time. Other major highlights include Electric Current, I am The World, and Societe Anonyme. This tracks all are a little more reminiscent of the fuller instrumentation on Nootropics, but they also have their own little electronic twang on them. I am The World is just an epic song, simply put. The track feels substantial, and it really feels like the listener is being placed into Hunter's head. The album's closing track also is astounding, and it feels much more finite than the closer to Nootropics (In The End is the Beginning).

Overall this album is awesome! Lower Dens will definitely be in my listening rotation again, and for that reason alone I appreciate this album. This album is really cool and unique and I'd heavily recommend it to any fan of mystical/dream pop indie music. Beach House fans will really enjoy this album most likely. I think it sounds a lot like their album Teen Dream, but to me the sounds may not be as refined. In the end, Lower Dens created another solid piece of music that perhaps may not be as strong as its predecessor, but it can still stand on its own two feet.

Best Songs: Ondine, To Live in L.A, I am The World, Societe Anonyme, Quo Vadis
Skips: Sucker's Shangri-La, Your Heart Still Beating

It's Easy To Sit

Courtney Barnett: Sometimes I Sit and Think, Sometimes I Just Sit
7/10


Courtney Barnett is kind of indescribable in a sense. I cannot really think of anybody with the charisma and attitude of Barnett in music today. She is funny, confident, and really charming. Her music is at best when this side of her is on full display. This album features some great jams that really showcase her big personality. However, I feel that sometimes Courtney's talents, which are certainly big, can be sadly overshadowed by her basic songs.While these instrumentals are not bad, I have heard them so many times before. They are pretty retro garage rock feely and let's be honest, we've all heard that so many times. While there are some really great tracks on here, I feel like Barnett could really create something special if she made something that is more "her". It is pretty similar to the way I felt about Parquet Courts, but they have been getting better with every release for me. Courtney Barnett is not by any means a bad artist, in fact she's really quite good, but I really don't think this project showcases her full potential.

In the end, I still got 5-6 good tracks from this album, so I won't necessarily pan it, but I think she can do a lot better. While Courtney Barnett is a witty, unique person, the sounds on this album don't feel representative of that. I think she will eventually grow into her sound, so I'm expecting next time she'll do a lot more thinking, and a lot less sitting.

Best Songs: Elevator Operator, Pedestrian At Best, Aqua Profunda, Debbie Downer, Small Poppies
Worst Songs: Depreston, Dead Fox, Illustration of Loneliness, Boxing Day Blues

My Musical Alphabet (From A-Z)

My Musical Alphabet
I read an A.V. Club article the other day about the best bands of the 2000s, and it was organized by assigning one band to one letter. This concept intrigued me, so I thought I'd try it out. I am going to be giving you a letter by letter representation of my musical taste, and if there are any honorable mentions I will list them gladly.
A. Arcade Fire
Arcade Fire have made some of the most emotional indie rock albums of the past 10 years and I simply love this band's passion. You can hear it in Win Butler's vocals and some of the distraught sounding instrumentation. This band may have struck gold with their debut, but I'm still excited for their future.
B. Beck
Beck Hansen changed my life in many ways. When I was young I always thought being a musician was pretty much reserved to guitar, drums, or singing, but hearing Beck's music brought me a whole new dimension on music. This guy fiddles around with so much instruments and he really embodies a professional musician. His songwriting is sharp, quirky, and pretty fun. Even at an old age, Beck seems to be always coming up with something unique.
HONORABLE MENTION(S): BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB, BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE
C. The Cribs
The Cribs are more versatile than most people give them credit for. They can play groovy indie-pop, abrasive punk, or even more soothing acoustic ballads. Either way they switch it up, The Cribs always sound like themselves and I will always love that. This band has character, energy, and just this attitude that cannot be shaken off. Plus their tunes are about as catchy as they come.
HONORABLE MENTION: CYMBALS EAT GUITARS
D. David Bowie
David Bowie would be on my music Mt. Rushmore. The man influenced so many, not just in music, but in pop culture in general. Ziggy Stardust, Low, and Hunky Dory are all incredible albums to me. The man really has never misfired too bad, and it in as long of a career as he's had, that's a huge deal. This man exudes passion, creativity, and boldness and I am happy he is still occasionally making music today.
HONORABLE MENTION: DEERHUNTER, DISMEMBERMENT PLAN
E. Elvis Presley
Don't listen to Elvis really at all, but I thought his name needed to be acknowledged. He obviously revolutionized Rock and Roll and so many artists I listen to have taken cues from him
F. Fleet Foxes
The Fleet Foxes are just one of those groups that just are magnificent. Their music makes me feel so cozy and warm, but it is a lot more than meets on the surface. The instrumentation is always beautiful, and Robin Pecknold's lyrics are haunting and thought provoking.
G. G-Unit
Not the best musical group, but G-Unit taught me that it is ok to boast sometimes. It is also ok to just have fun and not take yourself too seriously.
HONORABLE MENTION: GRIZZLY BEAR
H. Hundred Waters
I have only been following this group for about a year, but they are on fire right now. Their last album was a fantastic follow up to an already great debut. This band combines elements of folk, electronica, and indie for one big glorious unique sound. It is really something! Check it!
I. Interpol
Haven't followed this band for a while, but their debut record is astonishing. They have some amazing songs throughout their entire discography, and they were a fixture in early 2000s indie rock.
Not the biggest fan, but can still really appreciate them.
J. Jay-Z
Don't hate on me! I love me some early Jay! Reasonable Doubt, The Blueprint, and The Black Album are classic rap albums with tight production, and that cocky Jay Z attitude we all know and love. Jay has certainly declined as of late, but his early work is undeniably great.
K. Kanye West
Pretty fitting that these two names are right next to each other. Kanye West is known to some as a cartoon character personality who can be very annoying. While his antics can get pretty outrageous sometimes, I will say there are few rappers who have enthralled me as much as he has. He is always switching or tweaking his sound to keep listeners interested, and he is not afraid of making mistakes. Kanye West's larger than life persona has helped him become a great figure in hip-hop today.
L. Los Campesinos! 
These guys are not afraid to reveal it all! Gareth's lyrics are sometimes embarrassingly personal, but somehow the man can get away with it. He sings through all this gloom with a pretty optimistic attitude actually. This band can trick you! You might think you are listening to a happy song, but it is really probably a really sad song. Regardless, this band can play with your emotions, but still have you singing their hooks all day.
HONORABLE MENTION: LCD SOUNDSYSTEM
M. Modest Mouse
I've said a lot about this band on this page already, so not much more to explain. Pretty much my favorite band of all time. Brock's lyrics and intensity, Green's ability to maneuver a drumset, Judy's funky bass grooves. So much good things about this band, but not nearly enough time to right them.
N. Nas
Nas is arguably the best rap lyricist of all time. The man can paint a picture like no other. Although he lost the battle with Jay-Z, he certainly is better than Jay. Illmatic is arguably the greatest rap album ever, and his influence on rap as a whole is immeasurable.
HONORABLE MENTION: THE NATIONAL
O. Outkast
Outkast are funny, smart, and sophisticated. They always struck the perfect balance between humor and seriousness, and I really loved that. Their sound is completely unique and has had a lot of impact on rap's shift away from gangster personas. Andre 3000 and Big Boi brought this new and funky swagger to the hip-hop game that was much needed at the time, and their songs will certainly stand the test of time.
P. Pavement
This band sounds so random and weird when you first hear them, but once you peel back the layers Malkmus' lyrical nonsense and the band's loose knit grooves feel just right. Pavement are like no other band I've ever heard. There music can be so lazy or simply just unappealing, but for some reason they sound great! This band has so much chemistry that they could sound good playing anything.
HONORABLE MENTION: THE PIXIES
Q. Queen
I don't even really like this band that much, but their influence is pretty huge on any dramatic band I listen to. Mercury's overdrawn vocals and operatic approach to music changed the course of rock music forever.
R. The Replacements
This band's Let It Be is way better than the Beatles'! Regardless, The band kicks ass! Westerberg is a remarkable songwriter, and the emotion put into these songs are evident. This band can be punk, somber, or plain accoustic, but in any interpretation they sound great to me. In this band's prime, there were nobody better, and their work has changed my views on life.
HONORABLE MENTION: RADIOHEAD, REAL ESTATE
S. The Strokes
This band really was the first band that I loved. The guitar work, Julian's vocals, and Nicolai's golden bass riffs always drew me in. As time has gone on my love for the band has only grown, and I can't wait for that new album! Whenever it's coming that is!
HONORABLE MENTION: SPOON
T. TV On The Radio
This band is passionate and daring. You can hear every ounce of emotion in all their songs. Wolf Like Me made me cry as a 12 year old, and Dancing Choose was my favorite *rap* song back in 8th grade. This band harbors so many great memories, and I hope they can get back on the horse after a lackluster last album.
U. Unknown Mortal Orchestra
pretty good upcoming band from Australia. This band dabbles with Indie and Psychedelic rock and they can write a very good pop song as well. UMO have only been improving and I can't wait for their next release.
V. Vampire Weekend
another quirky and fun indie pop group. This band has always stayed near the top of the charts, which is surprising considering how many different elements of music they add into their songs. Their first two records incorporate a lot of world music vibes on them, but their latest effort is more orchestral. Either way, I'm loving this band so far!
W. Weezer
Despite some rough albums, Weezer is an amazing band. Their first two records are utter masterpieces. Pinkerton is still one of my favorite albums, and their charm has always won my over. Weezer may not seem like the most intimidating of folks, but watch out because these nerds can rock your socks off.
HONORABLE MENTION: WILCO, WILD NOTHING
X. The xx
The xx have always been a pretty relaxing and somber group, which shows how compelling their lyrics are. They can keep most people very awakened just by singing over very minimal instrumentation. To me, that has always been extremely cool.
Y. Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Karen O is a great personality. That's not to say she cannot write a great song as well. This band dabbles with indie rock/punk, electro rock, and accoustic compositions and it all seems to work very well. Karen O draws one in very easily with her trademark vocals, and the backing band is no joke either. It is sad that this band is most likely seeing its downfall.
Z. Zammuto
Only Z artist in my library. He isn't too bad actually. Tightly knit together electro rock album released last year called Anchor.



* Wrote This Late At Night and Made Some Mistakes! Radiohead really should be R. They changed my life completley. Grizzly Bear should also be G, other than that nothing. 

Album Review: Matt & Kim-New Glow

The Glow is Gone

Matt & Kim: New Glow

2.8/10

I'm going to keep this one short and not so sweet: this group needs to move on. Matt & Kim have been making the same happy, uptempo pop song for the last 6 years now. Barely anything has changed in their formula, and this is so disheartening to see. This group had a lot of unique characteristics when they made their come up in the late 2000s, but at this point they have worn them so thin that it's honestly just ridiculous. On top of the overuse of these happy traits, the group has become lazier with time. They've never been expert composers or anything, that's for sure, but the hooks are not as flashy anymore, and the lyrics at points are just childish and dumb. This bands first two records Matt & Kim and Grand displayed so much more playfulness and effort than their later outputs. Songs like Daylight, Good Ol' Fashion Nightmare, and Yeah Yeah all are very creative and knacky pop tunes that will stick to your brain like gorilla glue. In relation, some of the songs on here lack any quirks. Get it and Hoodie On just conform to regular pop/electronic standards and lack any character. Also, these songs sound like they were written in 10 minutes. I seriously could predict just about every line in Hoodie On before it was said, it was kind of soul crushing. I could do the same thing with hits such as Lets Go, but those songs at least had some energy on them. If Lightning was a band with a little bit left, barely hanging on, then New Glow is that same band fully losing it. Ironically, there is really nothing new about this record at all. Sure, the style is a little more electronic, but listening to this thing got old really quick. I felt like I had heard all of these songs before, and I found myself disinterested a mere 5 songs in. To put that in perspective, that's about 15 minutes into a 28 minute album. This thing is short, but it does not feel that way. It is so devoid of any good content that I do not think I'll be able to listen to it ever again. 

Overall, this album is full of forgettable tracks, but if you love Matt & Kim then I can't discourage you from buying this thing. It's catchy, but compared to their earlier efforts, which by the way I love, it holds no candle. New Glow was not an experiment, it really wasn't even New for me, it kind of just felt like a lazy rehash of their old material. This is the kind of album that would kill most group's careers, but if Matt & Kim have taught us anything it's that being optimistic is always okay. 

Sorry I didn't talk about individual tracks much, but I really don't like almost anything here.

Best Songs: Hey Now, World Is Ending

Worst Songs: Stirred Up, Can You Blame Me, Hoodie On, Not Alone, I See Ya, Killin' Me

Album Review: Earl Sweatshirt-I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside

Earl Sweatshirt: I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside

8.1/10

Inside, Right Where it Belongs

I've never been a fan of Odd Future, or even Earl Sweatshirt for that matter. I've always thought at such a young age he has immense talent, but I always thought his projects lacked a little bit. My opinion on him started changing around the time I saw him perform at Pitchfork Music Festival. The way he connected to his audience really enticed me, so I decided to give his earlier projects some listens. I can now appreciate these projects a lot more, but I will say that there was something missing from these projects. Doris was close to great, but it was not consistent all the way through. Earl is a sleepy rapper, but I feel like on this project he was a little too sleepy and did not give back to his audience enough. I feel like on this new project of his, Earl has stepped up his game quite a bit. 

While his style has not changed much, Earl feels more comfortable and more sentimental on this project. He has never been afraid to be personal, but on this project it feels like Earl is really letting go. These tracks are pretty laid back, but they require a little more attention that the tracks on Doris. The production is better, the message is better, and the lyrics are better. For me Earl has improved every aspect on this release. This album is no To Pimp A Butterfly, but it is a pretty enjoyable hip-hop release. Mantra and Faucet are two tracks early on that create hazy atmospheres that just suck you in. These atmospheres allow you to really focus into what Earl is saying on these tracks. Grief shares personal anecdotes and hits home personally for me. Am//Radio is another great track, with a great feature from Ratking's Wiki. These two rappers mirror each other on this track and that is pretty cool to see. Wool is a fantastic closer, showcasing two rappers really coming into their zones. Earl has improved quite a lot, but so has Vince Staples and that is pretty evident on this track. While this is a very good, and personal album for Earl, it is certainly not without its flaws. I think Earl's sound could use some tweaking. The tracks sometimes just blend into each other which makes it hard for the listener to remember any track in particular. I also think Earl could use some more uptempo songs on here to wake up the listener. Also some of the anecdotes/stories kind of become annoying. A lot of them feel like they are just complaining about early life struggles. While Earl is very intimate and personal, it would be very cool to see him to something more widely problematic. Also Earl's voice itself can be too monotone. Sometimes it is hard to dive into an earl project because it just feels like sometimes he is not giving everything he has into the delivery. The content on this album is very solid, but overall the presentation is perhaps its biggest flaw. 

For a rapper I did not initially like, Earl Sweatshirt is really improving. He still has a lot of things to work on stylistically, but I think that if he continues on this trajectory he will make a truly great album. With this album Earl has separated himself from the rest of Odd Future, and he has solidified himself as a rapper to look out for. 

Best Songs: Mantra, Faucet, Grief, AM//Radio, Wool, Grown Ups

Worst Songs: Off Top, DNA (both not bad)

Album Review: Action Bronson-Mr. Wonderful

Is it Wonderful?

Action Bronson-Mr. Wonderful
5.6/10

















Action Bronson is a crazy, eccentric person, so why wouldn't his debut album be the same? Action Bronson is known for his features and various mixtapes up to this point, but he also known for his strange antics. For one, the man was a chef at a top New York restaurant, he also has done some insane things at his shows such as close lining fans or eating weed. This man truly is a very unpredictable guy, but sometimes I feel like his lovable, peculiar personality overshadows his music. This is sadly on true on Mr. Wonderful. Bronson can definitely rap, that is not the problem. It just seems like he did not try to make a cohesive piece with this. There are some great tracks on here, but the low points are pretty bad actually. Bronson is definitely capable of making a stronger album than this, so perhaps that is why this album upsets me. This album may not be bad, but boy is it disappointing.

The album starts out with Brand New Car which is a silly track. It showcases some of Bronson's humor, but it is also not a very good joke. The chorus is cringeworthy and the rapping could be a lot better. This track pretty much embodies every problem I have with this album. Tracks 2-5 (The Rising, Terry, Actin' Crazy, and Falconry) are all really solid and focused tracks. These tracks have some old school vibes on them, especially Terry. I got my hopes up high after hearing these, but eventually I was disappointed again. The interlude on here brought absolutely nothing to the album and it was way too long. City Boy Blues and Light in The Addict are simply forgettable. I do not even remember these tracks long after listening to this project. The album so far has not been bad, but certainly not good, and this trajectory continues. Baby Blue is actually a very good track. The chorus is goofy, but unlike Brand New Car the track has some depth to it and I can actually take it somewhat seriously. Bronson and Chance both spit on these tracks. Bronson is actually a great lyricist when he wants to be, as shown on this track. Only In America is an absolute train wreck of a track. Literally just sounds like a horrendous rock instrumental over pretty half-assed rapping. This track also does not fit in to this album well at all. After Baby Blue it is also extremely weak. Galatic Love is short and entertaining. Overall it's a pretty solid track. The Passage is not a bad track, but it's a snorefest. The content is not bad, but on an album that is sometimes very lively this track puts you to sleep. The closer Easy Rider is the best song on here. The song is the most meaningful on here, and Action Bronson is more introspective than ever. On here you can hear his more serious side which is very applaudable. While this track is actually amazing, this album never gains a sense of consistency. It is disappointing to hear such a missed opportunity. While Bronson definitely has the skills to be a great MC, perhaps now is not his time. I still fully believe Action Bronson can and will be a great rapper, but this is definitely not what I look for in him. With a mind as strange and creative as his, I just thought he'd cook up something better.

Best Songs: The Rising, Terry, Actin' Crazy, Baby Blue, Easy Rider
Worst Songs: Brand New Car, Only In America, The Passage, Thug Love Story 2017

Album Review: Death Grips- Jenny Death

Death Grips: Jenny Death

8.3/10

Jenny Death Now

Death Grips have always been a puzzle I've been trying to solve. I really never quite know what they're going to do next, whether it is break up spontaneously, or ditch whole tours. They certainly have gained this kind of rebel persona throughout the years, and they don't seem to care what anybody thinks, perhaps this is what makes Death Grips' music so polarizing. This attitude reflects through in their music. Their music is abrasive, loud, and a punch straight to the gut. They always find new ways to surprise me every release, but they also have not really released anything great in a while now. Their first two records Exmilitary, and The Money Store were instant classics, but since then I do not think they have been able to capture that punk-rap essence they look for. The last couple albums have really not hit home with me, despite still being pretty progressive, experimental records. That being said, I do think Jenny Death is a pretty solid return to form. 

Death Grips sound a lot more instrumental on this album right out the gates. Zach Hill's drumming adds a lot to the sound of this record. I think it makes the whole thing sound a lot more punk than rap. The drumming as well as the blaring guitars on this make it feel a lot like sludge fest of an album that was Exmilitary. This album is not straight forward punk or anything though. It still features many of the glitchy electronics found on almost every album of theirs. MC Ride is still doing his thing to. He is aggressive, strong, and sometimes disgusting. This album is their most consistent in a while, but still nowhere near the fist two for me. I feel like the strongest points in the album are when they try new things. Why A Bitch Gotta Lie? features crazy vocal modulations over insane punkish music. It is a really solid song, but pretty over simplified in the lyrics. On GP is a crazy journey that takes many forms, but the full drums on this really bring it together. This song showcases Death Grips' ability to play loud and quietly very nicely. Powers That B is another obnoxiously loud song that is perhaps too long, but is still overall enjoyable. I think a lot of these songs are actually too long. Death Grips have plenty of ideas don't get me wrong, but some of them are spread out far too long. Also while this album does new things, it does not do an insane amount of them. That's been a problem for a while for me with Death Grips. They've been making the same kind of songs for such a long time that it sometimes can get a little irritating. While the songs themselves may be awesome, sometimes it feels like I've already heard them play a new song. This album is not as plagued by this as earlier releases, but I still don't get that rush I get while listening to their early projects. Death Grips' innovation is exciting still, but nowhere near what it used to be. 

While some songs are too long, and the spark might be somewhat dimished, Death Grips' have another solid project on their hands with Jenny Death. They might be broken up, but they still will have a very special place in my heart! Jenny Death would be a great way to end a great career, but honestly they probably aren't even done. They have been trolling fans for years now, and why would they stop. They are in charge, and we must merely try to follow them. Death Grips' music is reflective of all their behavior. It is strange, unpredictable, and hard to categorize, but in the end isn't that why people love them. They conform for no one, and that is truly special. 

Best Songs: Inanimate Sensation, Pss Pss, Centuries of Damn, On GP

Worst Songs: I Break Mirrors With My Face In The United States, Death Grips 2.0

Album Review: Tobias Jesso Jr.-Goon

A Breath of Fresh/Familiar Air

Tobias Jesso Jr.-Goon

8.7/10

Tobias Jesso Jr. is an unlikely success story. He has failed in his past, but now the future is looking very bright. Tobias started out as a aspiring pop songwriter who was trying to write music for the likes of artists such as Adele. Essentially people wrote this kid off really fast, and it was time for him to find himself. After returning home, Tobias drowned out his pain by learning piano. He used this piano medium to showcase his skills in songwriting on this album, and it is hard to believe this many people passed him up. This kid has a great knack for writing catchy/sentimental songs.

Goon is a beautiful album that sounded fresh and familiar from first listen. I've noticed that many have compared his sound to Randy Newman, Paul McCartney, and John Lennon and I would have to agree with this. The stripped back songs show that Tobias can draw you in by doing even the simplest things. The kid has a spark and this is plain to see in songs such as Can't Stop Thinking About You, How Could You Babe?, and my personal favorite Hollywood. These songs combine gorgeous instrumentals with great vocal performances, and they simply feel so good. In a music world that sometimes feels very over-synthed (not a word, but I don't care) it is refreshing to see that people can still make great singer-songwriter records. Through all his hardships, Tobias Jesso Jr. has finally found his sweet-spot, but will he be able to keep up the success? I sure hope so. The kid is very likable and if he keeps his head down and works then it should be no problem. Also his favorite artist, Adele, shouted him out on twitter. Maybe he is closer to the pop-scene than he thought after all. 

Despite this album being slightly front loaded, It is really hard to say much bad things about it. 

Tobias Jesso Jr. is a songwriter to look out for. Hopefully he can put together more cohesive pieces in the future. Goon shines as a debut, but this man can do better. Not every moment on here blew me away, but I believe he has the capability to make a unbelievable record. Let's see if he'll capitalize. 

Best Songs: Can't Stop Thinking About You, How Could You Babe?, Without You, Hollywood, Can We Still Be Friends

Worst Songs: Crocodile Tears, Bad Words, Tell The Truth