Album Review: In Rainbows

After a long wait of 10 days, I am back listening to Radiohead, and in particular the new album In Rainbows. Live versions of most of the songs have been kicking around for the past year or so as the band "road-tested" many of the new songs last year. And then some of the songs have been around for quite a long time, like "Nude" which is from the OK Computer era ten years ago.Even though bootlegs and youtube videos of these songs were online I tried not to watch/listen to any of the new songs. I was able to do this with the exception of Nude, Videotape, and Reckoner.
As you probably know the album was released online yesterday by the band on their website. This was neat since it meant that everybody essentially got to listen the album for the first time at the same time. In the day and age of leaks this is quite the accomplishment. Early estimates are they sold around 1.2 million copies of the album yesterday.
Usually I don't do an album review for a few weeks after getting an album, but I've already listened to this one at least 10 times so it is review ready. This album is not the best one they have ever made, and it is not better than Kid A in opinion. Things that stand out to me are just the amount of time and production put into the album, just listen to it with headphones and you'll see what I'm saying. Thom's voice is suprisingly good all throughout the album. The use of the Ondes Martenot, strings, and other instruments really give this album a unique feel. All the songs have a certain beauty to them. Also unlike Hail to the Theif, this sounds/feels like an album as opposed to a collection of great songs.

And now to the track by track review.

15 Step
Right from the opening beats of the song you know that this is not going to be a boring record. Their classic electronic sound is cut into by Jonny's guitar to give it a jazzy feel. With a title like 15 step you would think it is a song you would want to dance to, and that is exactly what this song is. My favourite part of the song is what sounds like little kids cheering around the 1:01 mark.

Bodysnatchers
The beginning of the song reminds me of a sped up version of Palo Alto. The highlight of the song is definitely Jonny Greenwood's playing of the Ondes Martenot which gives the song a really haunting sound. Also his guitar in this song is exceptional, the whole band is working together in fine form. This is the first song where I really noticed how good Thom's voice still is. If the band were releasing singles off this album, this would be one for sure.

Nude
The long awaited fan favourite. They do a great job with this one, it definitely will satisfy those fans who have been waiting ten years for a studio release of the track. I prefer the older version with the organ at the end to this version. This song has some of my favourite lyrics from any of their tracks. When Thom sings the line " You'll go to hell for what your dirty mind is thinking" and holds the note at the end (2:58) , I get chills.

Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
My favourite song off the album after the first batch of listens. It has a nice drum beat throughout, and Jonny has some nice picking guitar. My favourite thing about the song though is the lyrics and just the images that enter my head as I listen to the song. Ed adds alot to the song with his backup vocals.

All I Need
A love song? Once again another song with beautiful lyrics. Colin's bass really stands out on this one. The song is nothing exceptional in my mind until the 2:46 mark when the piano really picks up and then the song just works into a Fix You style climatic sound.

Faust Arp
The big mystery song, the only song on the album that had never been heard before. It has a Beatles sound to it. The opening lyrics "Wakey wakey rise and shine" make it sound like its going to be a children's tale. But in the end it is just a good little song.

Reckoner
Pa Pa Paaa? Is this really Reckoner? I had only heard the "thrashy" version they played live which was a completely different song. Initially when I saw the track listings I was disappointed to see Reckoner on the album based on the live versions I had heard. This is a much calmer and emotional version, much better, and is slowly turning into my favourite. Very nice strings throughout. The first listen I was still expecting to hear the "Pa Pa Pa!".

House of Cards
This song has a very sexy jazzy feel to it. I don't usually describe Radiohead songs as sexy but this one definitely is. I think this is the song on the album that will slowly grow on me.

Jigsaw Falling Into Place
My favourite song title, and the actual song is pretty awesome too. Another track that blows my socks off, mostly because of the vocals, both Thom's bursting with emotion and Ed's background vocals.

Videotape
To be honest I was slightly disappointed when I heard this song. Its still a great song but I think they could have kept it simpler. I had only heard the Thom Yorke solo version from the basement sessions which is simply amazing (and I blogged about it earlier this year). Still the perfect track to close of an excellent and beautiful album.

I give this album a 9/10

Album Review: Canvas Tears

Canvas Tears has taken the Contact from a band that I liked and listened to occasionally to a band whose music I really enjoy listening to. The change from their first full length album to their sophomore release is astronomical. The first noticeable difference is the overall production of the album. The sounds are crisper and the whole thing just sounds better. You can definitely tell which artists have influenced the band. While their first album had more of a U2esque sound, this one has more hints of Radiohead, Muse, and Keane. On a personal level I was very excited for this album as I talked to Geoff about the album every couple weeks when I went to HMV, and occasionally Jordan and Tim. It was cool hearing what stages the songs were at in their writing, who was tweaking the album and where the album was being mastered, and just seeing how excited the band were about making this music. There was definitely a lot of work put into the album and it really shows. I also appreciate the way the band were willing to take more risks with this album. The songs aren't the exactly what you are used to hearing in the Christian music scene. More experimental, more risks, willing to go to places they wouldn't go before.

Black Sea - The first song released for radio play and also one of the first tracks put on their myspace as a demo. A powerful opening to the album, with great lyrics that offer hope as we pass through the "black sea". And I must say I absolutely love the string accompaniment and Jordan's sonic attack on the eardrums towards the end of the song.

Canvas Tears - The title track from the album, the first few times I heard it on their website I was not impressed. But after hearing it on the album that has changed. Lyrically I like it, talking about a war I interpret both in a worldly way (Iraq, Sudan, etc.) and a Spiritual way. And the part at the end where the song fades out and comes back makes me happy.

If I Fall - The opening choppy guitars remind me of Radiohead circa The Bends. A great sing-along song.

Waiting For the Light - A very happy, encouraging, uplifting, and hope-filled track. Another song with great lyrics.

Major Tom (Coming Home) - A cover of a Peter Schilling song, and the band do it justice. Generally I'm not a fan of covers, but this song sounds like it was written for the Contact. They bring life to the song. Jordan's keys really stand out as well as Geoff's piercing guitars.

Where Do I Go? - One of the first songs off the new album I heard and it was a real promising track that I find sums up their new sound quite well. The Muse influence really shows with guitar and Geoff's high vocals at the end.

Could This Be the End of the Hiding? - I don't even know where to start, definitely my favourite song on the album. A great piano riff throughout, great backing vocals and production. 2:25 is when I just fall in love with the song. Down and down and down again.....

Easy To Die And Hard To Live - I haven't been able to get into the track. Maybe its too slow and too peaceful for me. The title is so true though.

My Divine - An awesome intro to the sound, more of that riskier/experimental sounds I was talking about.

Anthem of A Refugee - Tim gets to shine at the beginning (and throughout) with an awesome opening bass line.

Daylight - Well I've talked about how every member of the band has shined at one point or other on the album. Well all except for Nathan. His drumming in this song is exceptional, not to mention throughout the whole album. Yet another thing that I think has really improved the Contacts sound is the addition of this great drummer. I really noticed his drumming when I saw them live.

Return to the Sea - With all these songs about the sea, you'd think they are a Great Big Sea tribute band. A great sounding acoustic track, a sound the Contact can pull of very well which shows their diversity.

Wake Up - Perhaps the most powerful lyrics on the entire album. An honest cry out and call to wake up. Listen to the song on myspace, it is outstanding, one of the best songs I've heard all year.

The Verdict:
Black Sea - 5
Canvas Tears - 4
If I Fall - 4.5
Wait For Light - 4
Major Tom (Coming Home) - 5
Where Do We Go? - 4
Could This Be the End of the Hiding? - 5
Easy To Die And Hard To Live - 2
My Divine - 3.5
Anthem of a Refugee - 3.5
Daylight - 5
Return of the Sea - 3.5
Wake Up - 5

Final Rating 4.15/5

Album Review: Neon Bible

The Arcade Fire had a tough act to follow after releasing their debut album Funeral in 2005. Funeral was about as good as it gets for a debut album by any band. Their sophomore release Neon Bible is no Funeral, but it is an outstanding album none the less. It is crystal clear that the band has seen more of the world and seen that there is a lot of corruption and darkness. On the TV, in the news, in the Church, everywhere you go. They explore these issues creatively with deep and mature lyrics, but thankfully they don't leave you feeling empty and hopeless.
This was on of the most anticipated releases of the year, and it certainly has lived up to its expectations. A refreshing sound, something different than the crap you usually hear on the radio.

Black Mirror - The opening song has an appropriate name as it reflects the mood for the album, very dark. Lyrically it is a good song, with the band alternating between French and English during the chorus. Win's voice along with Regine's is particularly strong on this track.

Keep the Car Running - You just can't help moving while listening to this track, it is like a big kitchen party for the ears. They have a full orchestra of instruments on this songs making it an epic track, carrying the same emotion that was heard on Funeral in songs like Wake Up and Rebellion.

Neon Bible - This is the only track on the album I can't get into. A simple but beautiful song.

Intervention - One of their most powerful songs, not just because of the music, but because of the deep lyrics. Once again they demonstrate how talented they are musically with a variety of instruments from the church organ to the violins, to the xylophone. The organ fits the song well as the song is about 'working for the Church while your life falls apart'.

Black Wave/Bad Vibrations - The only song that Regine really has a lead vocal role as she sings the first part of the song beautifully, intertwining French and English together like only the Arcade Fire can. It is appropriate the song has two titles as their is a distinct change in the middle when Win takes over on vocals and the tempo of the song slows down and becomes much darker. This song shows the maturity of the band as they try something more complex.

Ocean of Noise - With a title like Ocean of Noise you would expect a loud song, but this is one of the most relaxing songs on the album.

The Well and the Lighthouse - A more upbeat song that sounds like it is off of Funeral. For some reason the lyric "the lions and the lambs ain't sleepin' yet" keeps getting stuck in my head.

Building Downtown (Antichrist Television) - Heavy title equals heavy lyrics. This is my favourite song of the album but also the most frightening one. It deals with a guy who is asking God for a daughter that will get famous because he doesn't want to work in a building downtown. Musically it is a very catchy song.

Windowsill - Another dark song listing of a long lists of 'I don't wants'. It reminds me of God by John Lennon and God Part II. It lists everything from not wanting to live in America anymore to not fighting in the holy war. A very politically charged song.

No Cars Go - This song was originally released on their EP from 2003. While the newly recorded version is amazing I'm not a huge fan of bands re-using songs. If I didn't have the Arcade Fire EP this would most likely be my favourite song on the album. The addition of the Hungarian church choir is great.

My Body Is a Cage - weird name, but great song. A unique song to close the album off with. Once again another haunting song lyrically. It also uses the pipe organ giving it a Gothic haunting Beauty In the Beast type sound. A strong finish to a strong album.


The Verdict
Black Mirror 4
Keep the Car Running 5
Neon Bible 3
Intervention 5
Black Wave/Bad Vibrations 4
Ocean of Noise 4
The Well and the Lighthouse 4
Building Downtown 5
Windowsill 5
No Cars Go 4.5
My Body Is a Cage 4

Final rating: 4.3/5

Album Review: U2 - U218 Singles

I'm not going to go through and review each song track by track but rather review the concept of this album. U218 Singles is a greatest hits collection of 16 of thier most popular songs along with two new songs. But this album has no appeal whatsoever to the hardcore U2 fans. Most of us already own all the songs already multiple times between singles, albums, and their two greatest hits albums. The two tracks are a little bit enticing but not overly. Their is a deluxe edition featuring a DVD with 10 live tracks from Milan. (Only ten songs!) and a 50 page book. In my opinion this is just a big cash grab coming conviniently right around the busy Christmas season. On a positive note the song Window in the Skies is a beautiful track and a good sign of things to come for U2 on thier next album. I guess the only positive thing I can say about the album other than the new track is...well actually there isn't. Most of the songs on the album have been butchered and overplayed on the radio. (i.e. Vertigo and Beautiful Day)

Don't get me wrong, I'm no less of a U2 fan because of this. But I think this was a stupid, greedy move on U2s part. I'm still a sucker for U2 and will spend the +$25 for the Deluxe Edition.

Album Review : The Killers - Sam's Town

This is not the 'best British band not from Britain." This is the Killers from Las Vegas, Nevada. The Killers first album Hot Fuss was a smash hit both in the UK and US (and Canada). Everybody who has been within 3 feet of a radio in the past year has surely heard Mr. Brightside or All These Things I Have Done played a gazillion times. Well Sam's Town is not Hot Fuss Part 2. Sam's Town is not a dancing in the nightclubs album like Hot Fuss. It would have been easy for the Killers to put out a carbon copy of Hot Fuss but instead try something new. This album isn't saturated with synthesiser. Here is a track by track rating of the album.

Sam's Town - Well the album does start with the classic Killers synthesiser sound but that doesn't last too long. A solid opening track filled with American imagery. Sam's Town is a place in Las Vegas where the Killers grew up. The song is a memoir to this place.
Key lyric: Red white and blue upon a birthday cake, And my brother, he was born on the fourth of the July...and that's all

Enterlude - Just a short clip welcoming you to Sam's Town wishing an enjoyable stay.

When You Were Young - The first single off the album, probably the 'safest' track on the album. The if-all-else-fails-we-have-one-good-song track. It is a good song none the less. The song goes along with the whole American Dream when you were young idea.
Key lyric: You sit there in your heartache Waiting on some beautiful boy to To save you from your old ways

Bling (Confession of a King) - The cheesiest name you could possibly give a song I think. Bling? Come on boys. Regardless of the dumb name this is my favourite song off the album. Perhaps because it has U2 circa the Unforgettable Fire written all over it. This song is also littered with southwestern US themes such as the land of the free ride, the desert, and the ideas of getting rich in the west.
Key lyric: When I offer you survival, You say it's hard enough to live

For Reasons Unknown - Brandon Flowers vocals really shine on this song. Singing the verses of the song it sounds as if he is sticking his hands out and grabbing at your heart and clenching with tears coming down his cheak. And the sad thing is he doesn't know why.
Key lyric: But my heart, it don't beat, it don't beat the way it used to.

Read My Mind - Another song about a variety of characters with not much going for them but they still have the American Dream. Musically it has more U2-like guitar riffs. These guys obviosuly learned lots from touring with the big boys in Europe last year.
Key lyric: The teenage queen, the loaded gun; The drop dead dream, the Chosen One

Uncle Johnny - I tend to skip over this song.
Key lyric: Levitation aint your only friend

Bones - The "Come with me" intro sung by a choir (featured throughout the song) is sort of weird but inviting. Of coarse the Killers couldn't go through an album without a 'fun love' song, songs that made up Hot Fuss. My favourite part of the song is when Brandon declares "Never had a lover, never had soul. Never had a good time, never got gold." On Hot Fuss he was boldly stating that he had soul but was not a soldier.

My List - This song took me a long time to get used to but now I love it. More honest lyrics and strong vocals from Brandon. The woman ( I assume) wailing at the end is a nice touch, sort of reminiscent of the vocals from Great Gig in the Sky. (For those who don't know, that is a classic Pink Floyd song)
key lyric: And your prayers they're not fables

This River is Wild - Musically I like the song but I don't really get it.
key lyric: You better run for the hills before they burn

Why Do I Keep Counting? - It seems like on of those worrying Keane - Hopes & Fears type songs. The buildup takes a little while but once the song is in full swing it is a great track.
key lyric: If I only knew the answer I wouldn't be bothering you.

Exitlude - A nice way to end the album. Basically thanking you for taking a journey through Sam's Towns. It highlights the themes of the album; the pain, the dreams, the desert and the rain, and asks not to worry about them, it'll all get worked out.
key lyric: We've seen it all bonfires of trust flash floods of pain It doesn't really matter don't you worry it'll all work out


The verdict:
Sam's Town - 4
Enterlude - 3
When You Were Young - 5
Bling (Confession of a King) - 5
For Reasons Unknown - 4
Read My Mind - 3.5
Uncle Jonny - 1
Bones - 4
My List - 3.5
This River is Wild - 3
Why Do I Keep Counting - 3.5
Exitlude - 4


Sam's Town - 3.5/5