DeVotchKa- 100 Lovers

I can’t think of a band that sounds nearly as diverse as DeVotchka does. Mixing Greek, Slavic, and Romanian with an indie pop folk sound, 100 Lovers is a fun listen and it has some really interesting instrumental work. The vocals are used more as an accent to the music than they are to really convey a message. I don’t think that there is a problem with that but as a result sometimes the tracks seem to lack a little substance. I love the variety and how easy it was to listen to 100 Lovers. If not for the incredible musicianship this album would be a pass but it is definitely worth a few listens.

Final Review- 85

Anna Calvi- Anna Calvi

Anna Calvi kicks off this debut self-titled album with “Rider to the Sea”, a great track featuring Spanish guitars that sets the mood for the album perfectly. Anna Calvi’s voice is full of attitude and power but the lyrics on most tracks are not the strongest. The best way to describe her style is dark, sexy lounge music. It has some of the same undertones that you would get from the Nick Cave and the Badseeds album Murder Ballads.  The overall musicianship is incredible with sexy guitars and deep bass driven drum beats. If you can’t already tell I was pretty blown away by Anna Calvi. This is the strongest debut album of 2011 so far. I cannot wait till Anna Calvi puts out another album.  

Final Review- 95

Beady Eye- Different Gear, Still Speeding

Though three members of Beady Eye (Liam Gallagher, Gem Archer, and Andy Bell) hail from Britpop sensation Oasis, there is little that the two bands share in common. Liam Gallagher’s vocals are still just as prominent as they were with Oasis, but they are missing some of the soul of their predecessor. Different Gear, Still Speeding doesn’t bring anything new or really interesting to the table. The lyrics are dull and at times just stupid. But there are some things that really save Beady Eye for me. The production of the music is great, and the rock sound is top notch. I think there are some fun catchy songs but Different Gear, Still Speeding as an album is a pass.

Final Review- 60

Papercuts- Fading Parade

Everything about Fading Parade is well done.  Fading Parade is a good example of a well-executed sub pop album. All the tracks flow well, and everything has an overall pretty sound to it. The one thing I can think of that holds this album back is that the vocals are mostly whispered rather than sung, which makes some of the songs sound a little too weak. Fading Parade may not be my favorite sub pop album, but it is definitely in my top 10. If you are a fan of soft melodies and smooth beats with just a hint of vocals then I would say the Papercuts Fading Parade is right up your alley.



Final Review- 85

Alexander- Alexander

I was excited to listen to Alexander because of how epic front man Alex Ebert’s work was on 2009s Edward Sharp and The Magnetic Zeros album From Below. Alexander definitely has some of the same hints of folk and indie rock that was strong on From Below but also brings some new things to the table. The instruments used are not nearly as distorted and Alex Ebert’s vocals sound crisper. The music itself seems really minimal with background vocals and horns leading almost all of the harmonies and melodies, and simple beats made from percussion and stringed instruments being the meat for the songs.  I know that when I put this on I was really hoping for another From Below, but it’s not that, and maybe that’s for the best. I think sometimes we tend to judge the current work of artists purely on their previous albums, and honestly it’s hard not to, but Alexander really ought to be judged on its own merits. This is not Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros, but what it is is pretty great.    

Final Review- 80