Quick reviews

I've fallen behind on this. Oops. Let's burn through three albums right now.

The Week Never Starts Round Here - Arab Strap


The Lowdown:

Arab Strap is Malcolm Middleton and Aidan Moffat. Two dudes with awesome names and a very unique, if somewhat repetitive, musical style. I've not heard anything like them apart from in my favourite Belle and Sebastian song "Space Boy Dream" (which is a total ripoff of Arab Strap).


The Good:

Scottish, lengthy storytelling, lo fi


The Bad:

Scottish, lengthy storytelling, lo fi


Thoughts:

People who don't like this album will dislike it for the exact same things people love about it. I have a huge bias on this one because it hits three things that I have a huge weakness for (Scotland, stories seemingly about nothing but then they actually manage to say a lot about 'place', and lo fi). Take a wee listen to "The First Big Weekend". If you're keen on it check out "The Clearing" and "Deeper" then the rest of the album. If you don't like "The First Big Weekend" you won't like any Arab Strap



Nice Nice, Very Nice - Dan Mangan


The Lowdown:

Dan Mangan is from Vancouver! That is pretty neat!


The Good:

Thoughtful and well put together lyrics. Brilliant music videos. Duet with Aidan Knight.


The Bad:

He is another bearded dude in a plaid shirt making acoustic guitar music. Not that this is bad inherently, just there are LOADS of options if you're looking for this. Dan Mangan is one of the better ones.


Thoughts:

"Indie Queens" has probably my favourite line from a song ever.

"Bus down to the local record store
 Buy something to make you like me more"

Listen to that song. Now. Okay. Now tell me if it is supposed to be a melancholy love song or if it's a commentary on Vancouver's hipster scene. Hint: Both of these work. Dan Mangan is that good of a writer. Also: even if you don't like his music, you will find it almost impossible not to love the video to "Robots" and, to a lesser degree "Sold"


Pet Sounds - The Beach Boys


The Lowdown:

They are the Beach Boys. COME ON.


The Good:

If you are a person that likes to listen to the music then you will enjoy this album.


The Bad:

If you hate it when you hear sounds with your ears then this is probably not for you.


Thoughts:

If you were to try and pick a "BEST ALBUM EVER OMG!!!!!!11" and factored in things like popularity, how  innovative it was when it was released, the influence on future bands, commercial success, and how well the album has aged then, depending on your personal taste, you've chosen either "Sergeant Pepper's" by The Beatles, "Highway 61" by Bob Dylan, or "Pet Sounds" by The Beach Boys. I dare you to disagree.

Anyways, there is a reason for that. Everyone has heard "Wouldn't it Be Nice" about a billion times. But, just for me, go listen to it right now. And actually listen this time. Pay attention. There are so many different things going on and they all fit together so well and it's all so complex and the entire album is like that.