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:

Bayside - Acoustic

This one's for Laura. I don't know how it played out, but for some reason, the first Bayside song I'd ever listened to was "Megan," which for you music lovers out there, is a Smoking Popes song. So, with one song, I got hooked to two bands. The rest of this album is a mix of covers, acoustic versions of pre-existing tracks, and "Winter" which is an original tribute to John Holohan, their drummer, who tragically died in a car wreck back in 2005. I actually remember reading about it on Punknews.org when it happened, before I got into the band. Anthony Raneri's familiar voice croons through the tracks, expertly weaving in and out of the acoustic guitars. Acoustic albums can make or break bands, as the depth of songwriting becomes transparent without the effects: chord changes and riffs cannot be hidden behind a wall of distortion...it's bare and plainly audible for the listener. All-in-all, it's slow and melancholy, an acoustic-punk dirge if you will...but still a brilliant listen. Especially Josh Caterer's guest vocals on "Megan."

1. Winter
2. Blame It on Bad Luck
3. They Looked Like Strong Hands
4. Masterpiece
5. Megan
6. Montauk
7. Devotion and Desire
8. Baby Britain
9. Paternal Reversal
10. Don't Call Me Peanut (Live)

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

Cassino - Kingprince

I actually got into Cassino before I heard about Northstar, and actually used Northstar to fill the gap between Sounds of Salvation and this album. It's folksy and quiet, perfect for relaxing. The whole sound of the album is a little bit brighter than his previous effort, but the tone and message remain the same. For me, that's what's most important: I loved the previous album, and with a few tweaks, Nick Torres has written deeper lyrics and expanded his range of musicianship. The lap guitars and violins are still there, but there is a sense of greater beat and rhythm. And Tyler Odom's fingerpicking has dramatically improved (check out "Debickashaw"). The songs are more on the softer, melancholy-side, but good nonetheless. It's a pleasant listen all-around, perfect for a lazy weekend.

1. Djom
2. Kingprince
3. The Gin War
4. The Ice Factory
5. Maddie Bloom
6. Amelia
7. Cannonball
8. Debickashaw
9. Boomerang
10. Ghost
11. The Levee
12. The River

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?gney3mjyaq2

I forgot

I'll be traveling through Nov. 20th, so updates probably won't happen between now and then. Just thought I'd let everyone know. But make sure you grab old stuff, and use the "search" function up at the top of the page. It's pretty helpful.

Weezer - Raditude

To be honest, I'm not sure how long this post is going to last. In any case, it's starting to spill around the internet, so naturally, to keep everyone current on music, I'll include it on the blog. First impressions (for those that care): poppy. Not that I was expecting anything else, but yes, there is a bit of electronic backing to the album. If you were anticipating that, then by all means keep reading and listening. The band is actually has leaned a tiny bit back towards the alternative roots, with more biting guitar that bounces off the keyboards and synthesizers quite well. You'll tap your foot to the entire album in time with the chords and choruses, more so than the Red Album (in my opinion). I mean, it's no Blue Album, but the band is forever hard-pressed to live up to that amazing record...or Pinkerton. If you're a Weezer fan, pick it up, might as well keep your discography complete. The sample track was completely picked at random, because almost every single track is unique from every other one on this album.

1. (If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To
2. I'm Your Daddy
3. The Girl Got Hot
4. Can't Stop Partying
5. Put Me Back Together
6. Trippin' Down The Freeway
7. Love Is the Answer
8. Let It All Hang Out
9. In The Mall
10. I Don't Want To Let You Go
11. Turn Me 'Round
    

CD2

1. Get Me Some
2. Run Over By A Truck
3. The Prettiest Girl In the Whole Wide World
4. The Underdogs

Link:
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