Catching Up: Some Rather Late Album Reviews

Catching Up: Some Rather Late Album Reviews

Album Catch-Up

As a full time college student, its hard to find time to write a full-length album review. There are, however, many fantastic albums this year that we have rarely mentioned. This post is meant to catch up.

Bat For Lashes: Two Suns
scott's rating: 8.6
brandon's rating: 8.0
Natasha Khan has a breathtaking voice. On this, her second full-length album, her sound has expanded from her debut. The songs are epic, other-worldly even. With the help of members of Yeasayer providing bass and drums on several tracks, Bat For Lashes has created a gorgeous work that should be given multiple listens. Highly Recommended.




Akron/Family: Set 'em Wild, Set 'em Free
scott's rating: 8.0
brandon's rating: 7.4
Akron/Family lost a member of their "family" for their most recent album. And while the soft "buddhist" touch may be missing, the band never fails to deliver awesome songs. Its up and down at times, but if anything the album is worth getting for the first two tracks. "River" will most certainly be on my year-end list. The album is a grower (I nearly deleted it after the first few listens), and is best enjoyed outside in the sun and wind. Recommended.





mewithoutYou: It's Crazy! It's False! It's All A Dream! It's Alright
scott's rating: 8.5
brandon's rating: 8.6
Aaron Weiss has never really sang. He has always just yelled poetry behind post-hardcore music. On mewithoutYou's new album, (see above title), he sings a lot. For those familiar with the band, this may seem like a frightening concept--but it works (think Dylan meets Neutral Milk Hotel). The lyrics form a sort of manifesto of Weiss' worldview, which at times is a bit didactic, but it is easy to respect a guy who simply wants everyone to love each other. Highly Recommended.



Bill Callahan: Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle
scott's rating: 7.8
brandon's rating: 8.1
Callahan's latest offering is full of simple, delicate folk rock that is ripe for repeat listens. His rich, low voice doesn't move around much but it doesn't really need to. His lyrics, which stand out, are poetic and engaging. Only downside is that the album is a bit top heavy. The first four tracks are incredible (don't miss Eid Ma Clack Shaw), but the latter half fades off and becomes a bit repetitive. I would, however, recommend the album .