New Music - February 2008

Richard Hawley – Lady’s Bridge - 8.0/10

As I slowly make my ascent into my full-blown adulthood, this sounds just about right. It’s cheerful and romantic, and at times you’ll definitely notice the Elvis and Frank Sinatra influences. Top to bottom this was definitely the best album out of my February bunch. Lady’s Bridge is definitely better during the night, songs like “The Sun Refused to Shine” will calm the soul right before bedtime. Stand out tracks: “Tonight the Streets Are Ours,” “Valentine,” and just about everything else.

Klaxons – Myths of the Near Future - 7.4/10

The tracks on this album feature a very serious and direct piano melody overlaying buzzing and humming guitars. The vocal work screams with urgency, it’s extremely upbeat and accentuated by the synthesized tones in the background. Overall this experience feels unique, unlike anything in my collection, it leaves the lasting impression that this experiment in rock was successful. Stand out tracks: “Golden Skans,” “Two Receivers,” “Totem on the Timeline.”

Rivers Cuomo – Alone - 4.8/10

This feels less like an album and more like a collection of random songs Rivers had lying around his house. Rivers vocals remain of high quality- I’ve always enjoyed his voice whether he’s singing or just talking. In this instance these songs lack the polish you would expect to find on a Weezer studio album, but it’s enjoyable to hear some of these rough cuts. I must admit, after the initial listen you will walk away feeling you know the Weezer front man a little more intimately. This certainly isn’t bad, but I can’t help but long for the next Weezer album. Stand out tracks: “I Was Made For You,” “Chess.”

Manic Street Preachers – Send Away the Tigers - 4.1/10

At this point the Manics seem to be cranking out albums yearly with their quality steadily decreasing. With that being said you would expect their eighth or ninth attempt (I’ve lost count) to be extremely uninspired. Unfortunately, there is really nothing here to indicate otherwise. Immediately this sounds nearly identical to their last few releases, even the collaboration with Nina from The Cardigans sounds very average. I’ve always admired James Dean Bradfield’s lyrics and political commentary, his ability to present an idea in a single statement is top notch. “Send Away the Tigers” doesn’t offer any clever wording, let alone anything that will allow you to sit and ponder. Stand out tracks: “Imperial Bodybags,” “Rendition.”

The Horrors – Strange House - 2.4/10

Don’t quite get this album. It feels like a cheesy Halloween themed soundtrack, something you’d hear in the background at The London Dungeon… that is if the London Dungeon was converted into some sort of gothic dance club. For now I’ll pass, although I could see why some people would like this, but musically it’s not for me. I’ll leave my generic review at that. Stand out tracks: “Jack the Ripper.”