Below are some random thoughts and some odds ‘n ends for this wonderful Friday (the 13th) morning.
First things first. Kristi over at Frontier Psychiatrist posted the new single from the Flaming Lips forthcoming album. Download it here.
Does anyone else think that The National is a bit overrated? I mean, there are a few standout tracks on their album Alligator but after that is just gets a bit boring. Overall a decent album, but nothing really special.
Stars (on the other hand) made an album full of pop glory that for some odd reason really reminds me of the Smiths. Maybe it is some of the melodies, maybe the vocal phrasing, I don’t know. Either way, their latest album Set Yourself On Fire is now CYSTSFTS? approved.
Jacob over at the always great Cannot Be Trusted is now posting the songs that get stuck in his head. So in a little tribute to him and the fact that he got me started doing this whole blogging thing, I am going to post the Interpol song “Evil.” My wife keeps singing, humming, whistling, the opening line (wait, only the first word) “Rosemary…” over and over and now I can’t get it out of my head. Evidently that song is on an old mix I made her that she refuses to remove from her car’s CD player. I think she needs a new mix.
MP3 | Stars – Ageless Beauty Set Yourself On Fire
MP3 | The National – Mr. November Alligator
MP3 | Interpol – Evil Antics
I dig the National record, but you are right, it’s average at best.
alligator is a slow grower. nuanced and subtle. it seemed dull to me at first too….but then gradually i have come to love it. especially the quiet songs which arent so immediate.
I think my favourite National song is 30-mile Water Wall, and nothing else really stands out to that level. They remind me a little of the band Spokane – maudlin, baritone vocals, string instruments inter-laced among the guitars – but for the most part I have it in the “Music for a specific Mood” category. Not something I can listen to on repeat.
Oh, and cheers for the shout-out on Muzzle of Bees’ GTKYB! I’ve been slacking this week with actual posts on all fronts (I’m feeling like crap, plus it’s a treatment week), but I’ll be back again come monday. Good call on the Stars album too.
Kudos all round!
I absolutely adore The National. . .give “Alligator” time, it will grow on you, promise
And, as for the Stars — have you checked out Most Serene Republic’s “remix” of Ageless Beauty? If not, Jose and I will be posting the mp3 on our blog within the next day or so. . .
Have a good one!
your detective work is second to none eric, This is Brad.
Hello to you also.
i really like Alligator. Didnt hear it until Oct or Nov of 2005 though
Yeah. I’m hearing that I need to give Alligator some more time.
You’re so dead on about The National . . . I listened, was excited about “Lit Up” for a day or so, and it just went nowhere.
And the best thing about the Muzzle interviews is discovering a new blog . . . a good interview, and this is a damn good site (especially as you’ve got the courage to stand-up against this National nonsense).
Alligator is a strange record. Not for everyone, some people have it as the #1 album of the year. Not for folks with attention disorders….that’s for sure. I have heard they are amazing live.