Cowboy Junkies- Demons

I don’t usually like to read up on an album or artist until my first real listen through is finished, but Demons was a little different. Demons is the second release of a four album and 18 month project call The Nomad Series. The first album, titled Renmin Park, was written by Cowboy Junkies lead man Michael Timmins about his experience in China. Demons is actually a cover album of the late Vic Chestnutt, an associate of the band who passed away in late 2009. That being said, this is a pretty fantastic album. Margo Timmins’s voice is probably one of the best I have ever heard. It’s fierce and confident but also has such a great, almost haunting, sound. From gritty guitar-driven melodies to soft acoustic and piano match-ups, Demons is strong and the band as a whole is solid. This is one of the strongest albums so far this year. 

Final Review- 100

The Dears- Degeneration Street

Degeneration Street is a jumbled album. You can tell The Dears are really trying to find their sound, but it is not always a pleasant trip to listen to. There are some fantastic alternative rock anthem sounds going on like “Omega Dog” and “Thrones." Murray Lightburn’s vocals really save the album in many ways. They add depth to the sometimes overproduced and fake-sounding guitar riffs, and his tone is impeccable. I know The Dears have a history of being great, but I just don’t feel this album is up to that caliber. There have been some major changes in the band members and I feel like that’s why this album is all over the place. Degeneration Street is ok, but I think I will definitely have to say it’s a pass. Hopefully their next album will sound a little more complete and not so spastic.


Final Review- 60

P.J. Harvey- Let England Shake

Tracks like “The Words that Maketh Murder” set you up for what P.J. Harvey is using Let England Shake to say. Every song sets the scene for a world ripped apart by meaningless wars, with a strong emphasis on her homeland of England. The songs weave together so perfectly, with light and gentle vocals backed with the confident guitar shredding most people have come to recognize P.J. Harvey for. This was my first real experience hearing P.J. Harvey, and I am almost ashamed that I have not been a main supporter of hers from the beginning. I urge everyone to give Let England Shake a listen.   

Final Review- 90

Mogwai- Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will

When I first put Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will on I felt exhausted. The opening track, "White Noise," is boring and uninspired with weak vocals. I told myself, “you started it, so you have to finish it,” and I am very happy I did. Even though the opening track is enough to detour anyone from wanting to venture on in the album, a full listen is well worth your time. With amazing tracks like "George Square Thatcher Death Party,” and “How to be a Werewolf” waiting for you, you can’t go wrong. The rest of Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will is full of meaty synth solos and heavy guitars.  

Final Review- 90

Twilight Singers- Dynamite Steps

The sequencing of songs on Dynamite Steps is pretty great, and gives the album some good depth. The percussion work is interesting and well executed though at times it seems a little gimmicky. Dynamite Steps also has a good alt-rock vibe mixed with some of the synth work of a sub pop group. I am not a fan of Greg Dulli’s vocals. When he has a back up vocalist with him I think he sounds the best. All in all, this band is good but they didn’t really bring anything new to the table. This is a pass for me.  

Finale Revew-  55

Saigon- The Greatest Story Never Told

I heard that when Saigon was talking about his up and coming release, The Greatest Story Never Told, that he had said it would be the best thing you have ever heard.  And honestly it pretty much is. Saigon’s raps are rich and full of character, something that a lot of mainstream rappers seem to lack. His beats are well executed and always seem to have some amazing driving samples. I love the little scratch work that is done on this album, it’s never over done or cheap sounding. My only problem with The Greatest Story Never Told is the length of the album, which is just shy of an hour and twenty minutes. Don’t get me wrong every minute is filled with amazing music, it’s just that I think for the average listener it can be a bit too drawn out. If this would have been released as a two disc set or even two separate albums it would have solved this problem. That being said no one should miss out The Greatest Story Never Told.   

Final Review- 95

Yuck- Yuck

If there was one thing about Yuck that rubbed me the wrong way it was the drastic switch between grunge rock and early ‘90s indie music. The way the songs were sequenced just seemed very amateur. I actually love both of the sounds Yuck is producing; it is the lack of a rich album that frustrates me. A little over half way through, the songs begin to get a better flow, but a weak start is never a good thing. With searing guitar solos and great vocals, it is obvious that Yuck is very talented. Even with all these negatives, I would honestly love to listen to anything they put out. This is a weak album but the talent and creativity that overflows from parts of Yuck make it a definite listen for 2011.

Final Review- 80