Echoes, Silence, Patience n' Grace?

The Foo Fighters have done it again this week by releasing their sixth major release “Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace.”

This album starts out pretty standard compared to the past releases. The first six or so songs of the album are more rock directed, whereas the last half has a folk-alternative feel.

The biggest gripe about the Foo Fighters is how inconsistent they are on some of the tracks. For example, “Erase Replace” has a great paced pre-chorus, but the actual chorus is very slow does not match well to the rest of the song.

“Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace” has a variety of music styles that make it pretty interesting, but overall the album is very relaxed.

It might be because Dave Grohl and the rest of his fellow Foo Fighters are nearing their 40s that the album is considerably more mellow than any of their previous releases.

The track “Come Alive” starts the album transition to more a more folk and blues genre. The acoustic tracks are all pretty great, but after a while, the songs all start sounding the same and the album gets old.

Overall, “Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace” is a good contender to any other Foo Fighters release, but gets a little boring towards the finish.

Another One For The Foo

The Foo Fighters are one of few bands of the 1990s and 2000s that have been able to stay together and consistently release new albums.

The driving force that makes Foo Fighters so appealing to listeners is directly related to lead singer Dave Grohl. Grohl was drummer for the notorious band Nirvana, which is credited by many to the development of both grunge and rock of the 90s.

Since Nirvana's break up, Grohl has dropped the drum set and contiunes being guitarist / lead singer for The Foo Fighters. Since the band's establishment they have been a hit in the music scene, releasing some of the best albums of the past decade. The band is named after Foo Fighter, an aerial reconnaissance aircraft designed for reporting on UFOs during World War II.

As the band's development continues, the Foo Fighters are keeping their momentum going with tomorrow's release of "Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace."

This latest album is meant to follow music directions similar to the Foo Fighter's acclaimed 1997 release "The Colour and The Shape."

On the new album, the band will be reunited with producer Gil Norton who worked with the band on "The Colour and The Shape." Norton is most notably known for his work with the Pixies.

Read PitchforkMedia for an article about what to expect on the latest release. As the band's styles often change on every album, it will be interesting to see how the "Echoes" will follow up to the previous double album "In Your Honor."

A Bunch Of *Stuff*

On Tuesday, “A Bunch of Stuff” was released by LCD Soundsystem. By the title alone, you can pretty much expect what kind music is included on this six track extended play album.

The EP does not actually include any exclusive tracks new from the band. “A Bunch of Stuff” includes covers and remixes to previously recorded songs from this year's album “Sound Of Silver.”

Remixes on the release really are able to transform some of the songs, giving them more of a dance-club edge.

Most of the remixes on the album are from Djs I've never heard of, but have made an effort to give the tracks a different spin.

Here's a full track listing to “A Bunch Of Stuff":
1. All My Friends (Franz Ferdinand Version)
2. Get Innocuous! (Soulwax Remix)
3. Sound Of Silver (Carl Craig's c2 rmx rev.3)
4. Us V Them (Any Color U Like Remix By Windsurf)
5. Time To Get Away (Gucci Soundsystem Remix)
6. Us V Them (Live On KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic")

The highlight remix of the EP is the cover of the song “All My Friends” by the British pop band Franz Ferdinand. On this song the band is able to mix both electronica and power pop, giving “All My Friends” and new and updated feel.

Overall, “A Bunch of Stuff” is fun for at least the first few tracks. However, unless you are the type that likes to rave at dance clubs, or practice glow sticking to rave at clubs, it probably isn't worth your while.

LCD Soundsystem: Crystal Clear For '07

Is it the future yet? As more bands have integrated and developed electronic synthesisers and computer based production into their music, the electronica music genre has become more prevalent in the indie-pop music scene.

One of the most renowned electronica artists has been the New York based band LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Soundsystem .

In the release of "Sound Of Silver" this March, the band has delved into post-modern and new-wave music. "Sound of SIlver" mixes influences of 1980s David Bowie to 2000s production styles of Nigel Godrich.

To hear just what kind of music "Sound Of Silver" delivers, visit the band's official site to hear the album in its entirety.

This week, LCD Soundsystem will release "A Bunch of Stuff" EP. This six track album will include remixes to songs from "Sound Of Silver" as well as two new tracks mixed by other popular DJs.

As if LCD Soundsystem haven't been busy enough this year, yet another EP will be released this fall. "45:33" will be another four track EP with promotion to Nike Running.

After obtaining "A Bunch of Stuff," a new post will be made letting you know what it entails later this week.

Graduation Day

On Kanye West's Tuesday release of "Graduation," the artist has matured in his music styles and has made one of the most expertly produced albums of 2007.

I personally am not a huge fan of West, but like to give his albums at least a few listens after they are unveiled.

First impressions of the album are that it is more consistent than the rest of his prior productions. For the most part, I am partial every song on the album. However, I do favor certain songs over others.

Weak points to the album can be found in the songs "Drunk and Hot Girls," and "Barry Bonds."

"Graduation" differs from his previous two efforts due to the serious tone and cross references to general problems many experience rather than his own personal struggles.

In comparison to the last albums, the comedic skits as well as much of the filler found on the previous albums have been eliminated.

Overall, "Graduation" is a very solid album for mainstream hip hop. Although it is not music that I would consistently listen to during year, I would gladly listen to "Graduation" over other kinds of trashy hip hop in the music scene today.

Here are a few critical reviews of "Graduation" and how it has been rated:
Rolling Stone:
http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/kanyewest/albums/album/16233118/review/16256602/graduation

Guardian (UK): 4/5
http://music.guardian.co.uk/urban/reviews/story/0,,2163574,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=39

AllHipHop.com: 9/10
http://allhiphop.com/blogs/reviews/archive/2007/09/04/18519780.aspx

HHNLive.com 5/5
http://www.hhnlive.com/reviews/more/169

Entertainment Weekly: B-
http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20055056,00.html

Pitchfork Media: 8.7/10
http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/45490-graduation

Mainstream Hip Hop Puts On The Cap and Gown...

Kanye West is one of the most renowned musicians in the mainstream music scene of today.

Despite his notoriety, many music fans think West has a very arrogant attitude towards the rest of the world and are very turned off to any music that he puts out.

It might be because Kanye West thinks that if The Bible was written today he would be a character in it, or that "George Bush doesn't care about black people," many hip hop fans feel that West is to pretentious and that his albums are not worth a proper listen.

Kanye West will release his third major Release tomorrow "Graduation", following up to the widely successful predecessors of "The College Dropout"and "Late Registration."

On the album finale to the college themed trilogy, West is trying to let the music speak for itself, and put the arrogant stigma associated with him behind him.

Despite all the negative criticism associated with the rapper, his album releases have been very successful in the past, selling over 1 million copies each.

The Rolling Stone named "Graduation" as album of the year for 2005.

There is a lot of hype associated with "Graduation," and many music critics believe that it will be one of the best of the year. I personally am skeptical, but will give the album a chance and tell readers what I think about it on Thursday.

For more information on West or "Graduation," visit his personal blog.

A Few Decent Albums of 2007

Hey readers,

As somewhat of a music archivist, I often spend my
free time collecting new albums or music that I think will be interesting.

I consider myself to be pretty eclectic with my music tastes, and try to sample a little of every kind of music genre. I mostly listen to alternative rock, but I also like a lot of underground hip hop and ambient music.

In my blog, I will be primarily informing you readers on music of 2007, and what new developments have been occurring musically as best to my knowledge.

For this first edition, I thought it would be best to show what I think are some of the best albums of the year so far, as well as what critics have to say about them. Let's get started:


Modest Mouse - We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank

After a major buzz about this band in 2004, many fans felt that this band sold out and that the music changed significantly. In this newest release however, the band goes back to it's original roots, mixing music styles and synthesizers that can be drawn back to their earlier albums. Highlights on the album are "Parting of the Sensory" and "We've Got Everything."
For a more elaborate view on the album, visit the Houston Chronicle's website and read a full review.


Do Say Make Think - You, You're A History in Rust

It's not necessarily the music you would want to play in a crowded car with friends, but it's a very relaxing and well produced album. There aren't many surprises to be found on this Canadian group's fourth major release which make it so enjoyable. As stated by rateyourmusic.com, the album is able to blend folk and ambient music seamlessly. Highlights of this album include "A will Living" and "A Tender History In Rust."


El P - I'll Sleep When You're dead

With both production and rap styles so unorthodox that it almost seems alien, El P might seem nothing but a bad headache upon first listen. However, after considerable effort to let it the music set in, the album's theme comes forth where El P tells the world how he sees it. As stated by Stulylusmagazine.com, "El-P has created a masterpiece, a record both explicit and subtle, simultaneously political and apolitical" Key songs of this album are "Poisonville Kids No Wins" and "The Overly Dramatic Truth."


Queens of the Stone Age - Era Vulgaris

In Latin, Era Vulgaris translates to "common era." Lead singer Josh Hommes rocks out to audiences this release by commenting on various conditions of modern living. Era Vulgaris differs from previous Queens albums in that it uses more beat breaks and rhythmic devices. At metacritic.com opinions are varied on the album. "3's and 7's" and "Suture Up Your Future" are worth checking out.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Baby 81
In this album, Black Rebel Motorcycle club abandons its acoustic sound and focuses more on edgy rock. As sputnikmusic.com explains, "Easily one of the year's best and most accessible rock releases, BRMC waste no time grinding the gears early as the fun gets started on the swaggering opener Took out a loan."


Honorable mention: Bloc Party - A Weekend In The City, Another Weekend In the City.

In the next post, I will be focusing on one new music release in 2007.