planetdan music

Friday, June 25, 2004 :::

A Ghost is Born by Wilco

Rating:

Why I bought it: Because Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is awesome.

What I think about it: This CD doesn't seem to have the focus or the drive that Yankee Hotel Foxtrot had in spades. Some of the songs seem almost improvised, but uninspiredly so, sometimes droning on for what seems like hours with monotonous guitar feedback or keyboard riffs. I'm not one for "jam sessions". I like my music organized, efficient, and purposeful. Some tracks know when to quit. Others don't. It almost seems more like a transitional CD, with Wilco coasting breezily until the next big record of unabashed brilliance, but its tunes are still catchy and its overall tone is engaging, if not totally successful. I like it, and it will grow on me, but it can't ever possibly hold a candle to Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, which blew my socks off on first listen.

Song(s) worth a listen: Hell is Chrome ; Hummingbird ; Theologians

Listen at their site.

::: posted by dan at 1:00 AM :: #

Monday, June 14, 2004 :::

Ether Song by Turin Brakes

Rating:

Why I bought it: I've put off buying one of their CDs for quite a while now, but I finally gave in.

What I think about it: Some might call it wuss rock, and some might be turned off by the guy's "unique" voice, but I tend to like whiny pop-rock, so it's all okay by me. I just wish the songwriting was more interesting and varied. As it is, it's completely listenable and verging on enjoyable, but far from awe-inspiring, and a bit monotonous. They have the skills, they just haven't fully developed yet.

Song(s) worth a listen: Self Help ; Falling Down

Listen at amazon.

::: posted by dan at 12:56 PM :: #

Thursday, June 10, 2004 :::

Since Last We Spoke by RJD2

Rating:

Why I bought it: Because I heard a free MP3 of his online.

What I think about it: It's bombastic DJ rawk, a'la The Basement Jaxx, only with more jive and atmosphere. But then some songs don't really fit that description either. Yet somehow the entire album sounds consistent. It's kind of like the first time you heard Moby's Play, way before he was lame. For reasons that escape me, this CD was listed under Rap at Best Buy, although I heard his earlier albums were more hip-hop based. But regardless, there is nary a rap on the entire album, and the music is definitely more DJ-Electro-Funk than anything else. Anyway, it's a good summer album.

Song(s) worth a listen: Ring Finger ; Someone's Second Kiss ; Through the Walls ; 1976

Listen at amazon.

::: posted by dan at 3:37 PM :: #

Wednesday, June 09, 2004 :::

Uh Huh Her by PJ Harvey

Rating:

Why I bought it: Because I never feel cooler than when I listen to PJ Harvey.

What I think about it: The White Stripes may have stolen her thunder, as they are clearly a rip off band, but PJ Harvey is still incapable of writing a bad song. She kicks ass, plain and simple. I heart her a lot a billion times over. She needs someone new to design her CD covers, though.

Song(s) worth a listen: All of 'em.

Listen at amazon.

::: posted by dan at 8:45 PM :: #