ok,ok- here's my reviews

You can call me Mr. Contrariety this month- I loved the music.

Field Music- 4.5
I don’t know. When I see “double album” I’m right away skeptical. And on first listen I said to myself yep, filler songs, too long, self indulgent, should have kept it a single album, wah wah wah. Well, every time I listened to it- I had a new favorite song. I’ve gone 180 on this thing. Can’t get it off my turntable. This a great album from some seriously talented people. It’s a record you really have to listen to. Sure it sprawls- but across it’s many varied songs it never fails to surprise and , most definitely, delight. My favorite release so far this year. They remind me of XTC- a band I absolutely love.

VW- 4.0
A solid sophomore release. Their sound is certainly unique- even if they do channel Paul Simon a little. When you get below the surface of these 10 songs you find the band doing some sonic interpretations that showcase a newfound confidence. You still have the catchy lyrics and the catchy hooks, but you also have layers that delve into electronica and a synthesized Afro-pop, ska, punk, kind of thing. All in all- a most enjoyable listen.


Yeasayer- 4.0
Definitely different, but most enjoyable. A band that takes “art rock” to another level. This is a beautifully hypnotic listen. The LA Times said it best- “Odd Blood ultimately reveals that beneath all the weird sounds, tribal harmonies and otherworldly textures, Yeasayer are still a bunch of indie-rock sentimentalists.”


Raging Slab- 3.0
Never heard of this band. Who would have thought these guys were from Pennsylvia. They do southern rock right. The slide guitarist keeps everything kicking. My favorite songs on the album though are So Help Me- which is definitely a straight ahead country tune and Lynne- a great ballad if ever I heard one. Another fun listen- thanks D’Arcy.

Ike Riley- 3.0
Never heard of this guy either. Irreverent rock and roll for sure! His songs all paint a picture in my mind. There’s humor as well. Although the subject matter isn’t always so. The hooks are there and the songs are ok but I feel like Ike is trying a little too hard to be the rowdy, in your face, rock n roller with the loser lyrics and the cathartic nature he tries to inject into every tune. Don’t try so hard Ike.