September 07′ Rehash
New years resolution… catch up on this stuff. I mean geez, I’m talking about albums from September. Those things are already being sold for $20 as “catalog”, or out of print, or have already released a “best of” compilation by now considering how lightening fast the music industry goes.
The Birthday Massacre - Walking With Strangers (Metropolis)
Ah, back in action. A [mostly] new collection of material finds these goth meets new wave meets whatever other label shining their brightest. Why mess with something that is working? The group continues the standards set on Violet and Nothing And Nowhere. That is… lush synth landscapes accompanied by occasionally crushing guitars and sexy female vocals.
The Crystal Method - Vegas (Deluxe Edition) (Geffen/UME)
Ah, a trip back to 1997. A time when electronic music was sort-of taking off in the states and European transplants were being dumped off on the shelves of music stores across the country. This is a trip down memory lane for the now elderly, and an introduction for those just starting to get used to pubic hair. Songs already recognized for their countless use in commercials and the like are met with modern remixes by the likes of MSTRKRFT and Paul Oakenfold. Good times, good times.
The Donnas - Bitchin’ (Purple Feather/Red Eye)
Ah, AC/DC’s bastard daughters. Hard rockin’ and hard partyin’, these ladies have always known how to bring it. No departure from the norm, just a major label. Their latest release finds them partnering with Fontana to bring the noise. Like The Birthday Massacre, they don’t mess with a good thing as long as it’s still paying the bills.
Foo Fighters - Echoes, Silence, Patience And Grace (RCA)
The Foo returns with a different take on things. The usually rowdy stadium rock act digs a little deeper for this run. A little introspection can go a long way. The once relegated to “Disc 2″ acoustic and piano driven tracks now find themselves taking center stage for all to adore. If one has to grow up eventually, this is the classy way to do it.
The Go! Team - Proof Of Youth (Sub Pop)
How does one go about reviewing The Go! Team? Anything short of a track by track analysis doesn’t really do a band this diverse any justice. Whether it be the influence of hip-hop, samples and dance music, pop, and a little funk, the band is defining contemporary music in their own way. It’s not for everyone, but is sure to thrill some.
Iron & Wine - The Shepherd’s Dog (Sub Pop)
Sam Beam has left the bedroom, or at least added some swank recording equipment to the foot of his bed. Without sacrificing the intimacy and charm of his previous records, this is surely a man with a musical sense that is just getting started. Culling from a colorful palette, his latest effort rivals anything he’s done in the past and allows him to continue his streak of avoiding releasing anything that resembles mediocre.
Mindless Self Indulgence - My Pain, Your Gain DVD (Metropolis)
Always outlandish, always ridiculous, and always unpredictable. The frantic pace of Mindless Self Indulgence has never been questioned, and is captured during this collection from three nights at Webster Hall in NYC. Their first step into the DVD arena is a good first step forward. Slightly dated since being from 2005, but none the less a quality release the rabid masses will surely eat up.
Rammstein - Volkerball (CD/DVD) (Universal)
Ah, good ol’ Rammstein. A taste of German fine cuisine that America has missed out on for quite some time. The live CD/DVD comes out just in time, as their previous live release “Live In Berlin” is starting to show its age so to speak, and the inclusion of newer tracks is much to my liking. They have always been stunning, and this is no exception. While I can’t feel the heat of the pyro in person like the good ol’ days, I’ll take something rather then nothing.
Simian Mobile Disco - Attack Decay Sustain Release (Interscope)
Ah, as dance music continues to regain some more traction in the US, Simian Mobile Disco return with a flair and quality that should easily satisfy the already converted, and will turn heads of the uninitiated in the process. It’s ready for the party, supplying the beat for those to dance, and those to nod on the side lines.