The Decemberists - The King Is Dead (2011)

The Decemberists - The King Is Dead, EMI Records (2011)

  After their huge concept album I was worried that the famous "Third album syndrome" might just settle in, BUT I am pleased to say that it has not !   The King Is Dead is a much more relaxed and incredibly less progressive recording than its predecessor and I guarantee will fetch lots of medicore reviews but not from me.  I love this album and have been spinning it for the past weeks with each listen drawing me in closer to its beauty.  Without a question Colin Meloy is a genius and a singer songwriter who knows how to create energy in music.   This time Colin and Co. are joined by Peter Buck of REM fame and one of my favs Gillian Welch.   Mostly laid back soft tones and fitting for the Pandarvis ranch !   If you are going to buy this release make sure you get the CD & DVD set as the 35 mins Pendarvis Video is a great view. 

Imogen Heap - Speak For Yourself (2005)

Imogen Heap - Speak For Yourself , Megaphonic Records  (2005)
 
  And while I am on the electronic kick I should mention another album that I really gravitated towards and keep coming back to is England's art-electonic singer/songwriter named Imogen Heap.  I actually had to import this CD back in 2005 when released and did so based only on one track "Just for now" and a song from Frou Frou (her previous band) "Let Go" that appeared in one of my favourite movies Garden State which I heard and fell in love with. 
   "Speak For Yourself" is a great album from start to finish and even has a guest appearance by friend Jeff Beck.  And of course there is the highly inspirational song "Hide and Seek" which now has over like 100 Youtube interpretations.....wow talk about a huge success......If you dont have this album then it would make a perfect gift anytime to yourself...........

Human League - Dare (1981)

The Human League - A&M Records (1981)

   UUUUgh..........You're kidding right ?    Nope !   I have always been a fan of this 80's rigid and cold electronic album...yes that same album that brought you that massive dance hit  "Dont You Want Me" .  Fan or not, there is little room to really argue that DARE was one of the most influential electronic pop albums of all time and in many ways The Human League were one of the more innovative bands of the 80's....an era that produced a lot of garbage music but also some get gems....one of which is in review.   Outside of "Dont You Want me" is where this album really shines and is actually filled with lots of emotion, electronic warmth and lots of post-punk rock influences.  100% art rock of a different form.           

The Knack - Get The Knack (1979)

The Knack - Get The Knack, Capitol Records (1979)

  Who could ever forget the unforgettable hits "My Sharona" and "Good Girls Don't."right ?.....but this album is so much more than just a 2 hit wonder album.   Power-pop masterpiece "Get The Knack" has 10 other very catchy songs and lots of guitar, bass and drum to keep your motor running.  I guess you would categorize this one as one of my many "Guilty Pleasures" and although the world has made fun of My Sharona it still holds up as a great driving power-pop song. 
   If you have not heard this album beyond the hits then you have really missed out.  For those who have it still in your collection ....go play this one again!

Television - Marquee Moon (1977)

Television - Marquee Moon, Elektra Records (1977)

 Marquee Moon is one of those album that I will admit that I didn't appreciate at the time of it's release and remember hearing this album and having it not grab me.   Then years later I re-heard it thanks to my friend Bob and ran out to pick it up.   This album is unquestionably a guitar rock album but does straddle perfectly the punk- power-pop line in the sand.  Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd create a never ending driving wall of Fender guitar interplay.  Not a bad cut on this album and if you can hunt down the Rhino remaster (2003) then you will get some quality bonus cuts and a great sound.  It is hard to believe but this album is 34 years old now.......wow ...where has time gone ?....I.....I See...I See No.....I See No Evil !      

Patterson Hood - Murdering Oscar (2009)

Patterson Hood -  Murdering Oscar, Ruth St. Records (2009)

  My good friend Doug put me on to this solo release from the Drive-By Truckers songwriter Patterson Hood .  Patterson is joined by DBT drummer Brad Morgan , Scott Danbom and Will Johnson from Centro-Matic as well as father David Hood.  This album shares many similarities to the deep south rock vibes of the DBT's, but has a personality and feel that sets it apart.  The sound quality of this recording is deep and rich and on a good stereo will sound raw and alive.  All 13 songs are excellent and this album was a great discovery.   

U2 - The Unforgettable Fire (1984)

U2 - The Unforgettable Fire (deluxe edition), Island Records (1984)

  In high School this album was one of the top spins on my turntable and remains to this day still a wonderful album.  I also loved the EP albums released to compliment this album i think it was called Pride In The Name Of Love and one called the Unforgettable Fire EP. In 2009 I patiently waited for The Unforgettable Fire Deluxe Edition to be released with it's dual CD covering the original album plus all the EP tracks (which in many ways is some of my favourite U2 songs)..........Love Come Tumbling .....The 3 Sunrises.....Boomerang 1 and 2 and of course Pride.......A Sort of Homecoming (one of my all time favourite songs) and BAD.....just a huge album and truely a landmark album.