r.i.a.a. Part II

So the RIAA and the stranglehold they have on everything have decided to aboslutely brutalize the blog. I don't mind artists posting comments asking for work to be taken down (which I always do, and has happened a few times), but most of the reviews I think could be left up.

So that's why it seems like my posts are disappearing. I'll take out the links when I have time, and re-up. Send requests this way as well, the new Alk3 is on the 'net, so look for that in a bit.

(Edited) MCS - My Dinosaur Life

FINALLY. I've been a huge fan of MCS since they played a small rinky-dinky club in my hometown during my high school years and completely blew the place away. Ever since then, every chance I get to see them play is a show well-worth-it. This album feels less-polished than Even if it Kills Me, but more so than their earlier efforts. Justin Pierre's voice has subtly evolved since their last album into something that adds more dynamic to the rough sound. I've always been blown away by his ability to go from highs to lows within the same line (listen for it, it's pretty remarkable), as if he were a classically trained pop-punk vocalist. Of course, I couldn't end this without making a note about the production and harmony (which IS the backbone of pop-punk): whether or not this is the case, it sounds like Justin and Co. have not layered each track as heavily as their previous records, which may lend to their return of the older sound. And the harmony exists, but not in the sugary overkill that I felt brought some of their other records down. Ironically (due to space considerations), I posted the only ballad on the record as the teaser, but it only gets better from there.

1. Worker Bee
2. A Lifeless Ordinary (Need A Little Help)
3. Her Words Destroyed My Planet
4. Disappear
5. Delirium
6. History Lesson
7. Stand Too Close
8. Pulp Fiction
9. @!#?@!
10. Hysteria
11. Skin And Bones
12. The Weakends

Link: See Comments

Avett Brothers - I and Love and You

First, sorry for the lack of updates, I've been traveling a lot during the holiday season. Happy holidays, hopefully they were filled with drunken nights with friends, loud music and time with family. Belated Happy Holidays from myself to all of you. Thanks for the support, even though I haven't been posting for the past month.

I usually post a "Best of" list, but really got a late start to the year as far as music. Lately, since about October, I can tell you that I've been listening to Chuch Ragan's new album and Jay-Z's Blueprint 3. Eclectic, yes, but that's how I roll.

The album itself is...much larger than their previous album, although the pace remains the same. Pianos dance throughout many of the tracks, backing the folk-crooning of Seth and Scott (Avett). The quicker songs really do feel like they belong in a saloon, and my favorite, "Kick Drum Heart" almost has a Billy Joel-esque touch to it: familiar and extremely catchy. If you liked their previous album's lyrics, you'll enjoy this as well. Lyrically, not much has changed, which doesn't bother me at all, because their last album was fantastic. This album, on the whole, will probably suck a larger fan base in versus Emotionalism, spreading folk-rock bliss to the masses (well, maybe not that large)...oh, and it was #16 on US charts.

1. I and Love and You

2. January Wedding
3. Head Full of Doubt, Road Full of Promise
4. And it Spread
5. The Perfect Space
6. Ten Thousand Words
7. Kick Drum Heart
8. Laundry Room
9. Ill with Want
10. Tin Man
11. Slight Figure of Speech
12. It Goes On and On
13. Incomplete and Insecure

Link: