Should I Stay or Should I Go?

So, in deciding what the first 5 albums I review should be, I've been going back and forth on a couple ideas. One: '5 summer albums you may/may not have heard (of)'; Two: 5 Classic albums; Three: Review only new releases; and the list goes on. In talking w/ my lovely sister, Abbie, I may have come to a conclusion. I will review whatever I feel like, but try to put at least 1-2 new release reviews in for good measure. If all 5 records happen to be new releases, well, then maybe it was either a great month, or the industry is turning around....

..so without further adeu:

Here are some albums I like to listen to either in the summer or they remind me of summer:

Dick Dale - King of the Surf Guitar: The Best of Dick Dale and His Del-Tones

Surf Music. What's more to say?? The heavy reverb of the amps, rumbling of floor toms, and urgency of rushing waves translated through the medium of Dick Dale's double-picking technique. This album, albeit a compilation of tracks from a few different albums, is a must-listen for summer sounds. Tracks like "Mr. Peppermint Man", "Banzai Washout", "Night Rider" and the Pulp Fiction-revitalized "Miserlou". If you don't have it, find it, borrow it, stream it, anyway you can, give it a listen.

Coldplay - Viva La Vida


This album came as a surprise to me; after the subpar release of X&Y, I was skeptical. I had heard "Violet Hill" on their myspace and had mixed feelings. I didn't quite know what to think, but realized I'd gone back and listened a few more times. If it was worth the repeated visits to listen, then I'll drop $9.99 on the album. It's DEFINATELY a Brian Eno-produced record, but it still sounds like Coldplay. I'd venture so far to say that it reminds me of a Peter Gabriel album, and THAT is not a bad thing. Some album favourites are the opening instrumental "Life In Technicolor" which is comforting and homey like an 80's pop song of Echo or late-80's Cure-ilk. The bleacher-stomping, organ-backboned track "Lost!" is an eye-opener as it starts to open your eyes to the progression that's about to take place. Imagine smoke or clouds rising, the production gets a little crisper, and brightens up a bit. By far, my favourite track is "Strawberry Swing" which is where you'll see the Peter Gabriel-parallel. I'd say as far as new releases go, this is a definite 'must pick up'.

Muchacha - Plug In and Go!

Hailng back to an easier time in spring of 2001, before I was old enough to drink legally, before the 9/11 attacks, and before Bush was voted into a 2nd term. This, their 2nd full length album, makes me think of summer b/c it's fun and you don't have to think about anything when you listen to it. BBQ's, some cold brews, friends, and a pair of shades. From the opening track "Transmission Suicide" there's a hit-the-ground-running attitude. "Two Out of Three" is a fun track w/ a great, simple riff, while "Dominate" starts with the rhythm section pummeling out fun, pop-punk 4-count and throaty bass. Check Amazon for this record, and maybe even a used record store (i.e. Reckless). Muchacha doesn't play nearly as often as they used to, but if you're lucky, you may be able to catch a show around Chicago.

Beck - Modern Guilt

The word 'ecclectic' comes to mind when I think of Beck. You can get an idea from album to album, that Beck is a multi-genre beast. His newest effort (hitting stores July 8th), has instantly become my favourite Beck album. I feel like it's his The Bends or OK Computer. Co-produced by Danger Mouse, this album has a 60's pop album tonality which gives it a versatile quality you don't get with a lot of modern records. The opening drums on the title track, "Modern Guilt", the drums sound as if they were lifted right off T-Rex's "Jeepster". This is a good thing, as it gives some familiarity, or aural comfort, that you can't quite place. Another notable track is "Soul of a Man", which sounds like Beck, plain and simple. Modern Guilt is the quintessential Beck album: you can listen to it in the car, in your house, and I would definitely deem this to be a headphone record.

Hot Water Music - The New What's Next

A friend just recently got me into Hot Water Music this past winter. I listened to the entire catalogue, and then came upon their last release, The New What's Next from 2004. I'm not quite sure what about this album I love, but it makes me think of summer, that's for sure. The guitar riffs on some of the tracks seem simple, but when paired with Chuck Ragan's voice, it's a perfect match. "All Heads Down" and "This Early Grave" are two of my favourite tracks off this album. I recommend this album, summer or winter, it's a great listen, all the way through.

Links
Allmusic.com: Dick Dale
Coldplay
Allmusic.com: Muchacha
Beck
Beck's Modern Guilt
Allmusic.com: Hot Water Music

Welcome To the Jungle (An Introduction)

A friend of mine suggested I start writing a music blog. To which I replied, "I've already got one, and I barely write in it." He said that I should do actual albums, not just compilations. Keep a somewhat of a format for the blog itself.

I discussed this idea with another friend of mine who agreed and said I should start with some classics. This recommendation got me to thinking: "How can I do this and enjoy it while getting people to read it?" After a few beers and further mental deliberation, this idea bore fruit.

This is the my Five-Fifteen. Within this endeavor,I will (attempt) to review 5 albums per blog, but keeping the reading time to 15minutes or less. This should be interesting as A) there are no boundaries to what albums I review and B)it will take me longer than 15-minutes to not only listen to albums, but write the blogs as well.

I'm no Kerouac, but I'll do my best to entertain, and maybe even educate, through my words and passion for music. If you feel I should hear something, I am definitely open to suggestions--reader be warned, I have a penchant for sticking to Rock n Roll and genres of similar nature.

Wrap your legs round these velvet rims, and strap your arms across my engines!