Thrice - The Alchemy Index, Volumes III & IV: Air and Earth

Softer, melodic side of Thrice, but nonetheless absolutely amazing. Air has a lofty, open feel (much like...air?) while Earth encompasses quiet, slower tonalities that play well with Dustin Kensrue's voice. Great, great second half to their epic album series. I've linked one song per Volume and the download is both albums in one file.

Vol III: Air

1. "Broken Lungs" - 4:14
2. "The Sky Is Falling" - 4:21
3. "A Song for Milly Michaelson" - 5:07
4. "Daedalus" - 6:00
5. "As the Crow Flies" - 2:22
6. "Silver Wings" - 2:10

Vol IV: Earth

1. "Moving Mountains" - 2:55
2. "Digging My Own Grave" - 3:04
3. "The Earth Isn't Humming" (Frodus cover) - 4:58
4. "The Lion and the Wolf" - 2:42
5. "Come All You Weary" - 4:08
6. "Child of Dust" - 3:09

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?dxzmmo2v0yy

Matchbook Romance - Stories and Alibis

This is the first full-length album on Epitaph from Matchbook Romance who have a pop-punk sound with a harsher edge in the style of their NY-brethren, Taking Back Sunday.

1. Introduction
2. Your Stories My Alibis
3. Playing For Keeps
4. Promise
5. Lovers & Liars
6. Tiger Lily
7. Shadows Like Statures
8. My Eyes Burn
9. She'll Never Understand
10. If All Else Falls
11. Stay Tonight
12. Greatest Fall (Off All Time)

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?lnm5grfzy5d

Bear vs. Shark - Right Now, You're in the Best of Hands...

The thing I enjoy the most about post-hardcore bands are their infusion of melody and aggression, which Bear vs. Shark blends so elegantly. By the way, I'm going to link the sample in the track listings from now on.

1. "Ma Jolie" – 3:51
2. "Campfire" – 2:12
3. "Buses/No Buses" – 3:14
4. "The Employee Is Not Afraid" – 4:10
5. "We Were Sad But Now We're Rebuilding" – 2:17
6. "Kylie" – 3:56
7. "MPS" – 2:55
8. "Second" – 3:21
9. "Don't Tell the Horses the Stable's on Fire" – 2:50
10. "Bloodgiver" – 4:32
11. "Michigan" – 2:32
12. "Broken Dog Leg" – 4:51

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?d2nvngs91lb

Changes...

Some things:

1. I have to take down the Anti-Flag post because of a Digital Rights infringement order, and that's pretty sucky. If this keeps up (Me vs. The Man), I'll have to switch to an invitation-only site, but don't worry, you'll all be invited.
2. Head over to Weezer.com to listen to the new single from the "Red Album."

Finally,
3. I'm probably going to change the format for the blog to just posting albums. I don't really have too much time to write a little review, especially since I've won a job writing reviews at a "legit" website. I'll keep you posted on that so you can head over there and read up on great music. I'll probably end up writing a little blurb for each album anyways, so you have an idea as to what genre they are, etc.

More albums to come!

Lucas

Limbeck - Hi, Everything's Great

Innovative and fun, Limbeck, a four-piece from Orange County, never ceases to rock my musical socks off by making the genre of alt-country their own. The band sounds if they have a lot of fun making their records, and that carries over into the album. Nothing on this album sounds forced, dramatized, or hurried. These things are very easy to hear, especially on an alt-country record that is meant to be rhythmic and melodic, and the band keeps everything well constructed, yet provides a loose beat with the percussions to allow for guitar fills and riffs. Watching their live show, the energy is readily apparent. I highly recommend their concert, as I've seen them three times, on both coasts, and they always put on something memorable. Lyrically, the music is a mix between relationships, and what seems like nothing at all: car rides to shows, hanging out on porches, and being with friends. Perhaps that is where the allure lies, because everyone can relate to the topics singer Robb MacLean covers. A great band, and a classic album. Standout tracks: "Julia," "In Ohio on Some Steps," and "Honk + Wave."

Julia

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?symdnmusmzm

The New Amsterdams - At the Foot of My Rival

Matt Pryor begins his side, er full-time project's new album with a throw back to the mono-track recordings that instantly drawing the listener to a bare-bones New Ams track. Immediately after the opening track, Pryor's ambitious songcrafting, which has been developing in the post-Get Up Kids era, is in full-band force, picking up where Story Like a Scar left off. The album has a slower tempo with a more experimental feel, as if Pryor doesn't really know where he's trying to go. On the other hand, it creates a sense of unpredictability that has been forthwith in recent releases. "Without a Sound (Elanor)" is a poignant song that draws from raw emotion and anecdotes. "Hughes" is interesting because it sounds more like a high school emo-track, but it works well within the confines of the album. Ironically, the best song (IMO) is the title track from their previous album, "Story Like a Scar," a sobering look at a scenario that could be anything from unacquainted love, to the break up of the Get Up Kids. Either way, it helps to support the album, and further showcase Pryor's music abilities. Standout tracks: "Story Like a Scar," "A Beacon in Beige," and "Without a Sound (Elanor)."

Without a Sound (Elanor)

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?xxqjdyjyxem

Murder by Death - In Bocca al Lupo

Murder by Death returns with their finest work yet, a blend of lighter post-rock and heavy on the country. Their eclectic use of stringed instruments creates a wall of sound that plays nicely against the backdrop of deep drums and slower guitar riffs. The construction of the album plays into their history of creating a story that melds the tracks into a pseudo-story supported by Adam Turla's lyrical prowess. My favorite track (out of many) is "The Big Sleep," which incorporates cello, acoustic guitar, and a voice that mimics the pain and heartache of The Man in Black himself. Maturation has taken Turla a long way from the band's first few albums. The tempo is varied between slower alt-country to more of a faster rock-a-billy, post-rock mix that is very pleasing. Track-to-track mixing is seamless, and the story aspect keeps the album moving forward. The entire record has a deep, dusty, and earthy sound (it's hard to describe) that would make Johnny Cash proud. Standout tracks: "Sometimes the Line Walks You," and "The Big Sleep."

The Big Sleep

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?njmn1jbx2nd