Since I've started this music blog in the middle of the year, I figured I would catch things up with a post about some of my favorite music that's been released so far this year, but before I go on, let me make a quick suggestion that you, the reader, (Yes, you) download the free and perfectly legal program Spotify which will let you listen to most of the music I post about absolutely free on your PC and/or mobile device (Phone).
So! First, here's a look at some of my favorite albums I've seen so far this year.
Give Us Rest (or, a Requiem Mass in C [The Happiest of All Keys]) by David Crowder Band-
This is the farewell effort from Christian music giants, the David Crowder Band and it's definitely their most ambitious project to date. For those of you who find the majority of Christian music to be bland and uninspired, this album will be in stark contrast. The band heavily implements Gregorian chant into their sound and also delves furthur into their VERY occasional Prog-Rock tendencies than they ever have before. Even the non-religious should be able to find plenty to appreciate about this record. For Example, Click Here!
The Church of Rock and Roll by Foxy Shazam-
It's goofy, stilted Glam Rock done the best it can be done. Ridiculous lyrics and pure fun made this album one of my early favorites. It's nice to see a band not taking themselves too seriously every once and a while.
A personal favorite.
Some Nights by fun.-
Hold this one at arms length, as some of it is less-than-stellar, but the good moments are theatrical flashes of originality. Even if the single "We Are Young" has beaten you to death, don't let it deter you from experiencing this album's better moments. Auto-Tune experimentation (a word I apparently have trouble spelling), wild falsetto, Brian May-esque guitar solos, and harmonies upon harmonies will make this one a winner to many. One of the Better Songs
Break It Yourself by Andrew Bird-
A really freaking good album. Bird's odd violin playing makes this record as well as the many moments of unparalleled beauty. Pick this one up! It's almost entirely worth it, particularly for fans of Wilco's more recent albums. One of Many Excellent Tracks
Blunderbuss by Jack White-
Probably my favorite so far this year. White's official solo debut impresses in pretty much every way. There was always the possibility that this album would be a carbon-copy of the formula that made his previous band, The White Stripes, so successful, BUT White mixes it up with interesting instrumentation, emotionally probing lyrics (At long last!), and odd structures (While still dropping the wild blues solos that he's famous for every now and again) A Bluesy Tune and Something New
Little Broken Hearts by Norah Jones-
Produced by one of my favorites, Danger Mouse, the newest Norah album is my favorite since her breakthrough debut, "Come Away With Me". Danger Mouse pushes her into new territory and gives her much more sting than she's previously had. One of my favorite break-up albums to date. The Opener
Oceania by The Smashing Pumpkins-
Yes, I'm serious. It may not be the masterpiece that Siamese Dream was, but it's the best thing that Billy Cor-... I mean, the Smashing Pumpkins have put out since their mid-90s double album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. The guitars alternate aggression and beauty and electronic elements are used much more tastefully this time around than they were on the mediocre Adore. Check this one out. (Also, the lyrics still suck) (Also, also I have no links for you. Just buy it from itunes)
So those are just a few of my new favorites from this year! Let me know what you think of these albums in the comments, and also tell me albums I should have added to my list. Send me recommendations and I'll listen and maybe even review! Fare thee well!
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