5 Souls - Judas Priest

So I decided to break this review into two separate reviews, I originally planned to just do the deluxe version but I ended up wanting to do them separate since there is an EP of the bonus tracks. I don't really have more to add outside of the RoS album should be out soon and hopefully this once a week thing will work out I have already done an months work in advance. As in this is typed like a month before this is being posted.

1. Snakebite: This opens with a classic 80's feeling to it. One of the slower songs along the lines of You've Got Another Thing Comin', which this isn't actually that different from in set up. That isn't a bad thing, but I just don't completely jive with this. 
2. Tears of Blood: "Like tears of your blood, so now that your gone, embrace all that come, and die with a SMiLE". This song also opens like an 80's heavy metal cut, but the intro honestly made me laugh. There was a sort of Def Lepard feeling to it, like I could totally hear this being the rerecorded intro to Bringing on the Heartbreak. Then once the song starts it's faster and there is more agression than in the last track, but it feels like an older wearier Electric Eye. Like what Electric Eye would sound like if it was a person in it's 50's maybe. It's a solid tune if you get past that, but I just think it's okay. There is a solid solo, but honestly I can't retain a single note from it. Like Electric Eye, Living After Midnight, Hell Bent for Leather, You've Got Another Thing Comin', Painkiller, fuck I'd even include the section that replaces a solo in Breaking the Law there is no denying that you remember these guitar solos.They not only stick with you because they rock, there are some theory things behind it also, but point is it's very good and memorable. This sounds like a knock off of one or all of those.
3. Creatures: This track starts and I feel a bit unsure how to feel. Like I mean I've heard this before but I don't know what to compare it to. There is quite a bit of crunch and the song is a bit off. Then the chorus comes in and I'm like Metal Gods? This is okay, but I'm pretty sure I wont remember a part of it by the end of the review. 
4. Bring It On: This song isn't bad, but the lyrics are very cringe. The vocals also make it feel so cheesy that I can take Turbo Lover more serious. And isn't he fucking a motorcycle in that song..... Note I am aware he isn't. This is a better solo and the best thus far. This also is the most memorable that I have heard thus far, though it doesn't hold it's salt to the past solos from the bands heights. This also feels so cheesy, but I digress.
5. Never Forget: My favorite songs is the "lame" song. Ok I'm joking, but it's the sappy ballad. Now maybe it's because I'm a sucker for a pretty ballad, but this is the best (in my eyes) song I've heard before listening to the whole entire front to back. Literally, some of my favorite songs in history are the ballads by that German group, The Hunters. Kudos if you get the joke. This really reminds me of Wind of Change for some reason, either that or The Best is Yet to Come. Maybe more the Wind of Change that was on that 2011 Comeblack album. But I could literally go on for hours about the tones and what reminds me of what, but I know I wouldn't be interested in some snobby person's review that lasts forever. But let's go back about 93 words, or so. It sucks when people, a lah The Next Day, put some of my favorite tracks as the bonus tracks (or b-sides). Like honestly, screw Just Push Play. But really, this should have been on the album, almost any song could be cut to replace this. I get maybe it's out of place, but it's far better than at least 10 of the cuts from the actual album. {7/10}

Overall I have to give this track a 5/10. As you can see if you're fan you'll love this. But if you're not hardcore then I would avoid it, because it's nothing new really. This and Redeemer of Souls feel like they were just cut to fulfill a contract, or to go shit we need to make a new album.

The Unknown - Dillon

So over this winter break I heard a shit ton of albums, 93 to be exact. Majority were albums I have been putting off or have not been in the mood for playing. While very few were favorite album material (The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady, In the Nightside Eclipse, Eric Dolphy in Europe Vol. 2, Unknown Pleasure, Outward Bound) some were very bad/bland (Charles Mingus with Orchestra, Live at Brixton, Significant Other, Red Hot from Alex) and most others were just okay (Greg Howe, Reasonable Doubt, Strictly Personal, The Chronic). Since school has started I will have significantly less time to being listen to records, though I do listen to each album and look for things that stick out to revisit. This is one of the albums I heard during the month long binge. This is also the sophomore effort by Dillon. I found out about her a few years ago with her first album. I think she's kind of cute and I kind of sat on this review. By the time I got to listening to the album I was just hoping she isn't another Lea Michelle or any other cute girl devoid of anything interesting in her music. Well see what my findings were directly below. 

1. The Unknown: This opens with a piano ballad introduction. So far her vocals aren't half band and I like the chords. I don't love them, but I do like what I'm hearing. Then a bass line comes in and this sort of gets a bit trippy with the electronics. I don't hate this song, but this doesn't really do a ton for me you know.
2. A Matter of Time: This opens in a similar fashion of the last song, except the vocals and electronics come in at the same time. This is very piano led though also. The beat kind of reminds me of a heartbeat a bit. I mean this is again okay, but it isn't blowing my mind at all.
3. You Cover Me: Three for three, this sounds very similar to the other songs. Like there isn't much substance here. I do like the patch that is used at the ending of this song, but it isn't really doing much for me outside of that specific detail.
4. Forward: Is what I wish women would be with me... hahahahahahahahaha. That terrible joke was more entertaining to me than this song happens to be. This also feels a lot like the last songs structure. Listen to the repetition of the chorus.
5. In Silence: This is just getting harder for me to take serious isn't it. Honestly, so far this is just warranting of an EP. Really I am kind of lost for words, I guess subconsciously I was supposed to put this off.
6. 4ever: This is more of the same, and again I don't hate it but I'm not getting anything really out of it.
7. Evergreen: So at this point I left the album and came back hours later, only to be as bored and uninterested if not more. Like why not make something more interesting, you can make ambient music and keep in interesting. Eno has done it, I liked The Solitude of Prime Numbers, Ambient 3 is solid, Delirium Cordia is phenomenal. There are people who have made spare albums and made them great. Possibly bad example, but The Residents have made multiple. A better example would be Klaus Schulze and company have all done minimal stuff and made it great. Like even if there was more variety this could be better but the songs are such copy paste repetition. Piano, Vocals, Bland electronics. Repeat the chorus multiple times. Verse chorus verse.
8. Into the Deep: Refer to the last track. I think her voice is okay, but it's kind of reminds me of one of the singers on the radio, Alissa Cara?
9. Don't Go: It sounds like a sample is being played backwards, but sadly nothing really happens with this.Add to it, make it go somewhere. I mean, yes if does grow, but please do it different than the rest of the album. There is potential I hear in this song if they added strings. At the one part that would sound great with it. Around the last 2 minutes or so.
10. Lightning Sparked: So I realized what I needed to enjoy this album, either start smoking pot or get drunk.
11. Nowhere: I guess this seems a bit darker, but it's just kind of bland and annoying and has over stayed it's welcome at this point. The ending though is kind of good, I wonder if Laurie Anderson inspired this track.
12. Current Change: I like some of the textures but not enought to say I'm a fan, but I guess I can appreciate it.

Overall I have to give this album a 4/10. This album was very bland. I like some of the sounds and the ambience, but I feel that you could combine theses into longer songs with different sections. In fact some felt like the same song. Honestly this isn't terrible, and I think this could be fleshed out into something great, but I feel there isn't really anything here. Hell Blonde did something like this but much better. Also Floating into the Night is a freaking solid records in this Ambient Pop style. I know this was a very bland review but sadly I had very little to say and I figured I would clean out the draft folder.

Supermodel - Foster the People

So the last review was so I could clear up space on my iPod, and now I want to clear up a review that's just been sitting and doing nothing for two years. Plus last night I did get some shit done, so why not do this today. This is the second album by Foster the People. This is supposed to be a concept album about, basically, the negative aspects of society. The tracks I've heard off this so far show progression, which is always a good thing. But then once I kinda started this review I was like..... There's a reason it's taken so long to do #boring. So I decided to break up the album over a number of other tracks to "cleanse" my pallet rather than another front to back listen.

1. Are You What You Want To Be?: I like the island influence in this song and thing it's pretty decent. It reminds me a little of The Police. It's nowhere near as good as them, but it's okay. There is a part where they cry and it reminds me of Il Buono, Il Brutto, Il Cattivo. I hope you know what I mean? Oh just to be clear, it isn't as good as the original :D. Now coming back to this album to review it, I am very much fear ful for that introduction. It's almost as if I was getting ready for a cringe. I still can tolerate the reggae vibe of the tune, but this isn't that good, and I'm pretty sure I have more of this waiting for me. It's not as bad as Let Me Be, but it's not good IMO. I hear theses little flourishes but I mean it's anything I can't here elsewhere and done better or more interesting. Like I feel like this is trying to engage you or suck you into the the song. Kinda of like a video game, I can't think of the word, but this doesn't pull me in and make me forget I'm listen to a pop song.
2. Ask Yourself: This opens okay, I mean it isn't the best but it isn't offensive. There is a reason that this kind of reminds me of The Cure (I should do a Cure review) if they were popier. Like maybe this comparison will be bad, but maybe Friday I'm in Love (but stripped of what makes it a solid tune). There's also a bit of a Coldplay feeling.
3. Coming Of Age: Holy fuck this intro reminds me of CP. You know, this is an okay song, but nothing I'ven't heard before. The vocals and what not just make me think of any other indie band I know. I do like the electronics and may return to this track once in a blue moon, but you know it's nothing I'd listen to like MGMT or St. Vincent along some others. The singing reminds me a ton of Mylo Xyloto, and the intro sounds like it could have been on that album. I really have taken nothing away from this track.
4. Nevermind: Nice acoustic guitar, but really I can't remember a single thing that happened during and while I was listening to the track. Kinda trippy, but I'd rather listen to Freak Out!. It's like they watered songs down. The ending reminds me of something but I don't care enough to remember.
5. Psuedologia Fantastica: This track reminds me a little of MGMT with the use of electronics. It actually makes me think of Alien Days if it was written back in their 2008 or earlier days. The electronic kind of reminds me of Siberian Breaks too, but not as cool. This title fits this odd song, but you know I've heard better song in this style than that and may hurt my outlook the song. Maybe The Handshake or another Oracular Spectacular track. Though I think this is cooler than Pumped Up Kicks and shows progression artistically, It just doesn't drag me in. I wish the song would have ended with those piano chords, like had them play over the solo of sorts. That would have been cool. The white noise fade is effective, but I still think that track was a little long. And by a little long it gets kinda boring, I mean the piano works but still. I don't know.
6. The Angelic Welcome of Mr. Jones: Well this is an interlude that really does nothing at the end of the day. I mean I get the point, but I don't think it really adds to anything. 
7. Best Friend: This is the first song that I heard off this album. It reminds me, vocal harmony wise, of Duran Duran a la The Reflex or Notorious. The horns remind me a little of Notorious. This is a pretty decent track the first time though. You can also dance to this song, which also reminds me of DD. This also reminds me of The Black Keys off maybe Turn Blue. Also not really feeling the sentiment of this song, I mean I don't need to be told to look out for strung out friends.
8. A Beginners Guide to Destroying the Moon: I don't care for this title. I don't know why, maybe because it reminds me of Dark Side of the Moon and A Young Person's Guide to King Crimson. Actually the vocals remind me of Say Anything at points. That's really all I have to say, I mean it's not terrible, but it's not to great. I feel like if you have a title like this you should do something tongue and cheek, not stupid.
9. Goats in Trees: This must be about The Mountain Goats covering Rush songs. It's weird, that last song wasn't terrible, but this is just like I don't even want to listen to this anymore. Like I mean, nice acoustic guitar but that's all I can take from this, and the VanWyngarden sounding vocals.
10. The Truth: "of Life", well if you've come to find that I'll let you in on a secret. "The only truth in life is right here in this bottle. Infact, I'd rather have this bottle in front of me, than a frontal lobotomy!". Points to anyone who gets that overly long and pointless reference. Actually there was a reference within the original, so it's like a reference inception. Oh this songs kinda boring, I had far more fun typing this. I mean I like the Handshake-ness but that doesn't mean I'll ever return to it.
11. Fire Escape: This kinda reminds me of a less tormented Elliott Smith. But with other people doing the harmonies with him.

Overall I have to give this album a 4/10. Foster have grown, but they haven't done anything that make them stick out. They have a lot of interesting things on here that remind me of things I love. They don't have anything that makes them stick out and make me love them. There are other artists who are ballsy like MGMT, St. Vincent, Radiohead this band is more in line Coldplay who have evolved, but somehow don't take extreme chances. I can't stress how little I have interest in returning or even remembering this record. Maybe I should do another Red Hot Chili Pepper's album, and also Chicago's second album too.

Ultraviolence (Deluxe) - Lana Del Rey

Finally, the day has come, this very well could be my last review of this woman. Now that doesn't mean I enjoy don't some Del Rey tracks, I do. It's just this and her last record are..... Poopy to me. This is the third album by Lana Del Rey, if you include her 2010 Lizzy Grant album. I already reviewed her 2012 LP Born to Die and I liked some songs on Paradise EP, which I still plan on doing. But regardless, I wonder how much of a Clockwork Orange theme this album may have? The album is set for June 17th, 2014 and I plan on having it up within that week. Also I plan on Larazetto going up soon this week also. Now unless you don't know how to read English, you know that was written well over a year ago. This is an album I've been sitting on since the day I heard it. The only reason I'm finishing it is because of Honeymoon and her appearance on BBtM. This review is historical because if I remember this contained the first time I made jokes instead of actually talking about the songs. So keeping as much intact from the review from June 2014, here's my review of the follow up to Born to Die.

1. Cruel World: At 6 minutes and 39 seconds this song is way too long. This production kind of reminds me a little of the wasteland on Turn Blue. Well, that should probably be good enough. Also there's a part where is sounds like she stops singing or her voice cracks at the end, around 5:30ish.
2. Ultraviolence: This track, while it sounds like her second album, this track is great. I can't believe how much I like this. Now does that mean it's a "TRACK OF ALL TIME", no.... but it's definitely one of the best I think of this year. This actually really reminds me of Bel Air, which was on the Paradise ep.
3. Shades of Cool: The beginning of this reminds me of The Sprawl II mixed with James Bond Theme and when she starts singing a little of Skyfall. And when the song "explodes" she just doesn't hit those notes. I wonder what sounds better Lorde singing All Apologies or this. The guitar that overpowers her voice is a little too close to a Bond theme to be forgiven. Dan doesn't copy Jack White, yeah that's funny.
4. Brooklyn Baby: This was a single released prior to the LP and you know, the strings are pretty but I can't really say that she's being funny. People feel like satire is an easy thing anyone can do. I don't think that's true. Part of satirizing something means being observant and paying attention and kind of not fitting the "stereo type" yourself. This song is the equivalent of if Oasis made a songs making fun of Britpop and other bands that pretty much just copied 60's music and The Beatles to a T. Not the "Fucking explain" sounds better on the clean version.
5. West Coast: This song kind of just loses my interest after not to long. For whatever reason I re-read this title and the song Sell Out started playing in my head. And frankly my dear, I'd rather be listening to that. 
6. Sad Girl: "Bad girl, nothing but a sad sad girl. Bad girl (I can do the whole song if you like). "See them out on the street at night, walkin' Picking up on all kinds of strangers If the price is right You can't score if you're pocket's tight But you want a good time You ask yourself who they are Like everybody else They come from near and far Bad girls, yeah" (I'm stopping because I don't know If I can have all they lyrics).
7. Pretty When You Cry: uhhhhhhhhhhhhh, my ear hurts. I can't imagine this for someone with perfect pitch. But the title got me thinking, I can't think of anyone who's pretty when they cry. I mean yes you are not magically turned ugly whike you're crying, but while you cry I don't think people are gonna try and bone you. Unrelated but I'd you want to know good songs with cry in the title here's a few off the top of my head. Cry Baby Cry, When Doves Cry, Do The Cry Baby, Cry Me A River, The Sky is Crying, Cried, 
8. Money Power Glory: What are other words that sound very strong and attractive to people. Sex Fame Memorial. No how about Sex Sex Sex. If you think of somethign let me know, cause I can't. Sadly. Or maybe go with the classic Dance Music Sex Romance.
9. Fucked My Way Up to the Top: See this is why I should be a record producer, or an executive. ;) This very much so fits the rest of the style of the album. I mean alone it isn't horrible, but I mean those lyrics.... this is funny right. I guess it could be tongue and cheek, but I mean she doesn't pin me as the person who can pull this off.
10. Old Money: At least when you get married you'll only need your something new, something borrowed and something blue. But I mean this sounds good, but this just drains you by the end of a sit through. I mean alone it's nice. It really does sound good. I listen to this alone, and the rest of the tracks alone. They work like that. But I mean, wouldn't you rather site front to back for an album. Also for whatever reason I'm waiting for the dumb Hunger Games song to start playing.
11. The Other Woman: A cover of the amazing song done by Nina Simone. This, while not the original, isnt half bad. This in general is a great tune. But I mean at least she didn't kill the song like she did with her cover of Blue Velvet. Seriously, that hurts my ears to listen to. This is at least decent.

Now on to the bonus tracks from this album

1. Black Beauty: The correct title is Black, Brown and Beautiful and it's... an album I haven't been album to get my fingers on so I can't say how I feel. Straight Ahead is solid and so is The Blues and the Abstract Truth. What I heard on Sound Pieces, Screaming The Blues and The Kennedy Dream are good, but I haven't heard the entire albums yet. Oh this track, yeah it's so so.
2. Guns and Roses: No comment. Well other than Use Your Illusion I & II are the best studio albums and the best over all is Live 87-93. I do have a Gameboy, Its probably older than me. I got it as a hand me down. I'll save you the trouble, don't listen to that song.
3. Florida Kilos: Hopefully I wont have any there, I don't want to get caught by Crockett and Tubbs. Nice voicing with the guitar. But as the song progresses, it makes me like it even less. Also, your really getting me hot Lana......... I'm kidding, just to let you know.

Overall I have to give this album a 4/10. At the end of the day any jokes were said in good fun. But now to be serious, the closest thing I think I have to a guilty pleasure when it comes to music is chanson music. In other words music along the lines of the Emmy Rossum albums, but still that kicks the crap out of this. Hell, outside from the title track I'd rather re-listen to Hebrews by Say Anything again and do a full review then sit front to back again through this. (PS on my RateYourMusic profile I did a short review of that, and some other album's also.) Something else I want to say is I looked up the instruments, just as I did on Honeymoon, and look at these. Philichorda, Mellotron, Pedal Steel, Saxophone, Electric Upright Bass, Omnichord. AHHHHHHHHH

ALSO I will be doing a Clarence Reid Month, a David Bowie Month and a Zappadon in November sometime in the near to next year.

St. Vincent

This review has basically been done for almost two years. Seriously, So why not finish this up and get it over with. Cleaning out the Draft section. This is the fourth album by Annie Clark. I found out about her when Strange Mercy first came out back in 2011. Now I waited to listen to this album until the day it came out, not even the singles. Now I had to run out so I listened to the singles before I left, then the rest when I got home. I still plan on reviewing this this month, and also her other stuff too, but soon. I put this off for a few days to let it sit with me and to grasp this talked about wit. Now years later, heres the review.

1. Rattlesnake: This is a good opener to this album. Throughout my "review process" for this album I've revisited all of her prior album, with the exception of Ratsliveonnoevilstar. Off the bat there is a bit of a different feeling, more distorted and electronic. There is some really nice phasing on this tune, and I feel like the woman on this cover made this tune. The lyrics, in the chorus are also sort of "odd" but it just works. This is pretty catchy, and they beat is solid. I feel like this is a solid tune to open the sound of the album, and give you a pretty clear picture of what might happen. Also great solo, it works here well.
2. Birth In Reverse: This track was released as the first single for the album in December 2013. This is a very good song that has only gotten better as I listen to it more. I love the singing and riff playing sort of the same notes. The digital distortion on this track real sounds nice. This is very much so a song I could see being able to dance to. Also that solo, I love it. Annie this is amazing, and this sort of little fills and in between verses those are just great. I mean I love it, sometime people could get stuff like that to work but it's just great. Also the drumming reminds me a bit of Chad Wackerman. Might not be a valid though, but sounds very 80's. I just love tune it's so fucking fun.
3. Prince Johnny: This was released as single number three for the album in May 2014. The vocal choir is great in this tune. It completely makes this tune. There is a very heavenly feeling from that. But they guitar kind of keeps it from that. Not to say the guitar doesn't work, it's just..... It's very much so the right kind of odd. Plus great groove. Just check it out, I dig it.
4. Huey Newton: The title of this track reminds me of Fig Newtons. The drum beat reminds me a bit of Housequake. I do like this song, and think it's a great addition to this art pop record, it's just not a favorite of mine. I could see it growing on me, but you know I don't know. There are moments where, if they went in this direction, I could see this being an Eisley song. It's a nice little change of pace, and the guitar riff reminds me a bit of Deep Purple. You know, if Fireball was made today. That sort of pick up towards the end, nice touch.
5. Digital Witness: This, being another great or amazing track, was released as the second single for the album about a month after the first. This is such an odd song, but odd in the best way possible. It's got a swagger to it that impresses me. It actually reminds me a little of a digital version of Dr. John or New Orleans music. That is until the choruses. This sounds like the big single off Love This Giant. The vocals are great here and that synth bass line, great. I think what makes this so good is Fripp could have though of some of this guitar work. This song sort of, in a way, hardens a bit of Fashion. I think I already made that comparison in a review from this month (maybe Fripp is just on my mind) who knows. It's the tittle details and the sharp playing. 
6. I Prefer Your Love: The music fits the words so well. It's romantic sounding and a really enjoy it. While I'm not 100 percent enthused with the "to Jesus" line. The thing though is, it's her music and if its true then I think she has the right to say it. This first actually, it's very heavenly and the sort that I think Panda Bear didn't pull off really on that new record from 2015. This is very pretty layered and sounds great. I really couldn't ask for her to do anything else to this song. Really, even those little water sounds..... great touches.
7. Regret: This was released as the last single for the album in August 2014. I don't really know why this was picked over I Prefer Your, but you know. This isn't as great as the last song, but has a very laid back feeling. There is a groove and feeling, it's just not as great as the other singles, but still pretty good. I like he instrumental parts the most though. Thats really neat sounding.
8. Bring Me Your Loves: The way her voice is distorted and messed with reminds me a little of Aura off ARTPOP.  This is a very bizarre song that I really like that it's weird. I have a crush on Annie, shes pretty but she's also an amazing musician. I love talent, it's really cool to me. I wish this song was weirder, but you know still this is pretty odd. With song great synths towards the ending, like really great.
9. Psychopath: This is a track that, to be honest, isn't for me a lesser Birth In Reverse. It's kind of like an underdeveloped version of the song. The pre-chorus has some extra sounds come in, but then the chorus comes in and it's so damn pretty. Now lately I've been screwing up my hearing and need to listen to music quieter for it to heal, so I imagine that chorus would be better with loudness. I also love the acoustic guitar that comes in during the solo. That whole part of the song actually reminds me a ton of the band Eisley. They have a song called Wicked Child, which is on Currents from 2013, and to be honest I think Eisley did it better. The solo even reminds me of BIR. While I don't think it's a terrible song, I just think that it's not on par with some of the other great tracks here.
10. Every Tear Disappears: I actually dig the title of this track a lot. There are some pretty cool titles here. The intro also reminds me a bit of The Car's tune Just What I Needed. I mean really, it sounds like it. This has some nice sounds going on, one of which reminds me of The Residents but anyway. The vocals remind me also of Stacy at points. This is a nice penultimate song.
11. Severed Crossed Fingers: This track sounds like it could be on a tribute album for Sgt. Pepper's. The track is very psychedelic and reminds me of one of the Paul McCartney music hall Fixing A Hole type songs on that album. There is a synth that sounds a ton like a harpsichord. This is a pretty good ending I think to the album. The bridge part reminds me a lot of the orchestral section of A Day In The Life. The way she is singing and it's intensifying reminds me of that part. The solo at the end of this track reminds me of a song that I can't recall at the moment. It's really nice and a great closer.

Overall I have to give this album a 7/10. I know Annie's music and wanted to let it sink in a little before I reviewed an album.  I think that time is what helped it so much. At first I couldn't listen to this thing front to back. Now I know my favorites and the tracks that are not. I'll return to the former, and most likely not to the latter. But a good summation could be that this is honestly what ARTPOP is, not Gaga's faux art. Now "art" is very hard to define but I think it's when you put you heart, soul, feelings, and love into something. Art is created, in my option, when your expressing something. It could be as deep as a moral dilemma, to as light as you're hungry. If its basically a labor of love you can say its your work of art. If you throw it together in a day or bs meanings to shit, that's not art. Only you can decide what art is and how much of you goes into it. And there isn't any argument that Annie didn't put "Her Love" into this thing. 

Ghosts of Download - Blondie

This is the newest album released by New Wave legends Blondie. Their last album was released in 2011. And before that their last was from 2003. So they really don't release them very often anymore. So I was kind of looking forward to this album. They have a lot of features on this album, maybe because they are trying to make a current album. Now I know they also added the whole Blondie 4(0)Ever rerecordings with this, but why waste time doing that. I heard it, and to be honest it's ok.... not as good as the originals but I'm focusing on the new material. Actually I preferred Comeblack's rerecorded song over this album's. Although, that isn't anything special either.

1. Sugar On The Side: This track features someone called Systema Solar. I mean I like this song, and I like the accordion thingy. But I'm not huge into the chorus and how she doesn't keep up with it. Also the whole Spanish part is just OK. There is something humorous though about this track. I wish I could speak spanish, but I still do enjoy the track.
2. Rave: This track features someone named Miss Guy. I like some of the electronics on this tune. It's kind of fun to hear, and it also reminds me of a song I like a bit Prepare For The Fight by The Lovemakers.
3. A Rose By Any Name: This is another Ok song, that the worst part is the chorus. I like that Blondie isn't afraid of EDM and trying to embrace it, but you know. This song is p[retty decent, I mean I don't love it, but it doesn't hurt or bother me to listen to.
4. Winter: There is something about his tune that makes me think of winter. I'm kidding, but to be serious this isn't half bad. I like the atmosphere and I like the synths on the track. I also dig the guitars and the over all just feel.
5. I Drag You Around: I really dig this tune, it's simple but there is something that's peaceful abou it. I could kind of see my self being upset and visiting this tune to sort of come to reality. Not like insane depressed or anything like that, but sort of a "friend" to rely on down you know.
6. I Screwed Up: This track features someone known as Los Rakas. I've heard this numerous time, and the chorus is what kills it. I mean I think it could be a solid tune in the verses, but that off ness of the chorus is just.... it doesn't really work for me. I mean it sort of works better in later choruses, but that first one just ..... it takes me too out of the tune. And the rap is just..... Okay I guess. That guitar, the nylon sounding one, is pretty solid I think to the fade.
7. Relax: This is a Frankie Goes To Hollywood cover. This is a piano ballad rendition, until the ending. But to be honest, while it's different from the original, it's not nearly as good and Debbie sounds kind of bored. That is until the songs half over, then they make a techno sounding version that sounds more like the music from DDR.
8. Take Me In The Night: I don't really know what to say about this. It's okay, but I mean I'd probably skip it if not for the review. The sort of bridge is pretty solid in my opinion though.
9. Make A Way: I don't really have anything to say I didn't say in the previous track.
10. Mile High: I think this sounds like a song I would have heard in High School on the bus to Summer School. So I guess there is some nostalgia value, thought I don't love it, but I do like this tune.
11. Euphoria: This kind of sounds like a glitchy remix of The Sign by Ace of Base. I dig that tune, but I mean.... This isn't as good. Or like another song is playing in the background while I'm listening to this because I was on a Tab site or something. If you play guitar you know what I'm talking about. I like some of the 80's sounds here though. This does go a little long though.
12. Take It Back: Ehhh
13. Backroom: Not half bad but again..... I don't really know how to feel., It's okay I guess.

Overall I have to give this album a 5/10. This might have worked better as an EP, but I mean I don't like the 13 tracks. It isn't terrible, but I just...... I just don't really think it's as good as I wanted. I still think it's cool they tried this and did something more current, it just didn't work for me. This feels like more of a celebration album than a serious one though so.... whatever it may be, it wasn't horrible.

High Hopes - Bruce Springsteen

This is the eighteenth studio album by Bruce Springsteen. I did this review yesterday, and was inspired to do it by the stupidity of track 2. And yes I did Darkness on the Edge of Town two months ago, but even if it was a month ago as long as the reviews don't directly follow each other it doesn't matter. A rule I made after the Green Day trilogy of 2012. now after realizing what I got myself into I realized it'll be more work that originally planned, but who the cares right. Lets just say I am a little disappointed by the use of covers and studio version of past material. Also the American Beauty Ep was released containing 4 tracks that didn't make it..... that EP blows. Now that's as fast as I can go, lets review this. Also all tracks but 5, 7-8, 11-12 features Tom Morello on them. Note: this was done right after the last review was finished yeasterday

1. High Hopes: Actually not a half bad song. Considering how lots of people in his position in his career put out either bullshit or boring uninteresting bland material I kinda got my hopes up for this. Now the downside, this is a cover. It is also a rerecorded version of a cover from a 1995 live Ep Blood Brothers. Now is this still a solid verison, yes. I dig it and I feel like it's a good interesting intro to grab you.
2. Harry's Place: Okay I'm only using this because it's said in the song. This is so fucking dumb. It sounds like a song from Human Touch, I'm thinking 57 Channels but just kinda cluttered. That's a dumb song, which it has a purpose, but it's so bare bones (bass and vocals) and it's catchy (to me). This is just no..... Also seriously Bruce what's up with the cussing.
3. American Skin (41 Shots): I heard the original version of this, which was on 2001's Live in New York City. Ok, I don't really remember the original, but the bad part is this is two minutes longer than the original. This is 7 minutes of uninteresting bullshit. How the heck could he make the greatest rock song ever Rosalita, which is 7 minutes.... then this. It sounds as interesting as the deep cuts off Tunnel of Love. Then it comes into the solo............................. I looked it up and it's a political song inspired by a shooting, but please make me interested.
4. Just Like Fire Would: This is the second cover, also of an 80's track. Actually this isn't half bad, it's a Saints track. I kinda wanna check out the original. It sounds like a song my dad would have on his mixtape CD from when I was a kid. It kinda reminds me a little of 90s music also. This, minus the horns, could be a cover of  Small Town by John Cougar Mellencamp.
5. Down In A Hole: I feel like I'm listening to the song at the end of Gladiator. But with English lyrics, and drums added in. Which hurt the song more in my opinion.
6. Heaven's Wall: Actually I'm kinda digging this track. The intro pulls me and and gets my attention. It kind of has a Paul Simon feeling of like maybe African music. Or world music rather. Boring solo though. The intro was really the highlight. Also two solos, come one buddy.
7. Frankie Fell In Love: I guess this isn't bad, I mean I'll forget it after hearing it.... I've heard it before. I guess someone can like this. Has a kind of country vibe I'm feeling.
8. This is Your Sword: DAMN YOU BAGPIPES!!!!!!!! DAMN YOU FOR MAKING THE SONG HAVE TO BE STUPID ON YOUR DAMN LEVEL. WHY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :"( Actually I kinda stopped crying when I imagined the mandolin used being played and them going into the Stonehenge folk section of the track of the same name by Spinal Tap.
9. Hunter of the Invisible Game: An interesting title that makes me thing of someone spending their time searching for something that doesn't exist. There are really endless avenues you can use this for. one verse about looking for true love the way movies make it seem, or looking for other things that I won't give away because I got a song idea. Now what does he do, something that reminds me of one of the slower songs on TWTI&TESS. When he'd do them live there was a point in time they'd have violin in them. Now is this song interesting sounds, only slightly because of the remembrance of that slower tracks on that album, if not for that then not really. And the woodwinds sounds nice.
10. The Ghost of Tom Joad: Mostly rerecorded because Morello covered it with his band Rage Against The Machine. This is another song that was released in 1995 and rerecorded. This time though he wrote it. He literally took away what made it good and fucked it. Like seriously.
11. The Wall: Not huge on the use of Wall in a title twice on the album, unless the albums is called The Wall or it has a purpose thematically. This is more in line with Nebraska, Ghost of Tom Joad and what the predecessor should have more resembled. It even has parts the reminds me of Independence Day and other softer track off The River. This is clearly a homage to older stuff, but it's done right here. It's not missing something. It's not perfect, or amazing, it's just done right.
12. Dream Baby Dream: This is a cover of a Suicide track. At least it's not Frankie Teardrops. And it's not like this is a studio version of a song that was recorded back in 2005 on his Devils Dust tour and released on a split Ep back in in 2008 with a Suicide live version of the track and a song Mr. Ray by Beat the Devil. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! The thing is that this sounds more like a bookender than an out of place cover. Or a stupid dumb cover. Now as the song progresses, do I love the arrangement? No, but I still think it's a fitting ending. That last track, 11, and this together make a solid ending. Actually if this was the last ending for the last Bruce album I'd feel satisfied.

Overall if this is the best material Bruce has made in the last ten years :''''(. The best record was The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle. The last amazing record was Born to Run. The last great and surprisingly great, and isn't just ok, was Born in the USA. So sadly, 30 years later...... he only was albe to put out a 6/10. This is slightly better, or rather more interesting then Tunnel of Love. As a whole this is slightly better than some of his older stuff. There is still a variety and it isn't the same boring thing over and over. But this is nowhere near the high highs he once hit.

A Better Tomorrow - Wu-Tang Clan

This is the first Wu-Tang album in over seven years. Yes, it came out last month, but I've been listening to it and think I can do an accurate review of it now. This is also my second Wu-view. I was kind of excited for this, thought when you get excited for a group that's been around for while sometimes it's disappointing. Something that made me less cynical for this album was that Mandatory Fun was excellent and that Ruckus In B Minor was great also. Also I thought it was pretty cool to find out Adrian Younge's band played on some of these tracks. For the sake of being redundant I'm gonna leave the RZA produced tracks blank, in terms of reference. But I figured get this done, and also do the Panda Bear one, and maybe Marilyn Manson's new album.

1. Ruckus In B Minor: This opens the album and was co-produced with Rick Rubin. Lately he's been doing a great job on tracks he's been making. The thing is he's not new. He's been at least producing since 1986's Reign In Blood and producing hip-hop since the Beastie Boys. I really like how ODB was sampled for this track, and he doesn't really sounds sampled. I also like how the band in the back plays so hard, and the Wu go just as hard. I also love that rotor organ sound that plays behind RZA's part where he kind of reminds me a little of I Can't Go To Sleep. It's very much so a stretch, but he just does the way he's angry sounding. Also the whole chorus with the arpeggios and the keys it's so fricken great. The only bad part is I don't dig the edit that has the song stop then start again. That could have segued together better. And not right before RZA's part, I mean when it completely stops. At least the earlier part the was someones voice filling the silence.I do like how it sounds like it's getting played backwards too. It's overall a great track.
2. Felt: I mean this track sounds like they sampled Peeping Tom, even down to the vocals in the track. Not the rapping, the backing vocals (so to say). This just ins't really a track I care for very much.
3. 40th Street Black / We Will Fight: Produced by Mathematics, with a co-producer credit to RZA. This track really is kind of disappointing. Okay look, this might not be looking very bright for this record. Keep that mind mind, that I said that. It's actually kind of funny I mention Al in the opening paragraph, this song sounds like a school fight song they sampled. You know kind of like Sports Song. I don't dig these horns, I mean I think they rap pretty good, but the horns and the music and the whole RZA chorus thing just keeps me out of the track. Also I was proud that I picked up on the Shaft Theme sample in this track, though second and third time through I couldn't hear it again. I didn't pick up on the Liquid Swords sample.
4. Mistaken Identity: The beginning of this track kinds of reminds me a little of Frank Ocean. I'm also really diggin' the instrumentation choice in this track. The vamp is pretty solid. While I'm not in love with it, I still dig it. Also love the Echoes-esque guitar, and the organ in this. I also like how the melody changes a little for each MC's part. That's how you make a great track, you don't over do the same thing over and over till it's at nausea. I do enjoy this track and I can tell the more I listen the more I like it. This track made up for the last track. {7/10}
5. Hold The Heater: I've heard this opening before, not exactly the intro, but the sample sounds like something I can't quite remember right now. You know, I don't know, this track isn't that bad. I think the more I listen to it the more I'll like it because it has potential. I'm digging the flows and the drums on this track. The only thing is that thing that sounds like a zip-zip-zip thing. But you know that might grow on me. No Love Deep Web did. Not crazy about that "bonus track" type ending. I know they did that in the past, but I didn't like the way the guitar sounded, or say was mixed.
6. Crushed Egos: This track has a co-producer credit to Younge, and thee main is RZA. This is a terrible thing. I hate having my ego crushed. I like the way the song opens, it reminds me of 36 Chambers. This is another solid track that I think takes multiple listens to fully get.
7. Keep Watch:  This was produced by Mathematics. This is another solid track that I actually enjoy, I mean it's a little repetitive, but it hasn't gotten old yet. There's a part, toward the end of the first verse where he says "damn". It reminds me a lot of Eminem like on Love Game or something like that. Whatever. I like the way GZA sounds on this track. This is a pretty good track though. I just don't have a ton to say about it.
8. Miracle: Produced  by 4th Disciple, and co-producer credit to RZA. This is the controversial, or the laughed at song, on this album. I think it's a pretty good song, with the exception of maybe the chorus. You know I don't think this song is all that bad. I mean seriously, skip that chorus and it's a hard hitter. Yes it is a little long, but I still think it's a pretty decent track. If the hook wasn't repeated so many times maybe. Also I like the whole slowed down more industrial version of it towards the end.
9. Preacher's Daughter: The weird thing about this is the hook quotes one of my favorite songs ever. I'm not kidding, just about any version of the song I like. Nancy's, Dusty's and so on. This is actually, minus the kind of hilarious rewording of the famous chorus, an awesome track. I really think everyone does a great job here and this whole track is so solid. Once I realized what the hook was saying I had to laugh. This shows that they aren't all that bad. They can still make some solid tracks.
10. Pioneer of the Frontier: This track samples Mr. Sandman by Method Man and two track from 36 Chambers, Protect Ya Neck and Da Mystery of Chestboxin'. See this bring to mind that whole call back, full circle thing that makes this a perfect last album. I think this might be a little cluttered, but I still like it. This is a very large sounding thing, it also sounds heavy, but I think it a little too slow. Maybe if it was a little shorter.
11. Necklace: The second and last 4th Disciple producer credit. I'm not huge on this track, but I like how it kind of tells a story. This sounds like a sonic continuation of the last track. Kind of cluttered, its slow, and sounds heavy. Not like heavy metal, just like it's bloated. I also think that intro sound clip was played a few too many times. Kind of like the hook in Miracle.
12. Ron O'Neal: This is an okay song. I mean I'm not huge on it, but I do think the organ in its cool and I like the guitars tone in this song, but for whatever reason it just doesn't click with me. The vocals on this track are by far my biggest problem, and it says they're sung by Nathaniel. Maybe it has to do with the fact I don't really like the movie, not music it's great, Super Fly. Shaft was all around better and all the Pam Grier movies have her in them, usually naked. So...... I think Assassination Day used the sample better. This track needs more energy to be great.
13. A Better Tomorrow: Love the intro with the beautiful piano. There is another track titled this from 1997's Wu-Tang Forever. To be honest, this is a great track and I dig the other one too. After the last track this is a huge change. This is a very happy song, not lyrically, but it just sounds so... they bring up a ton of problems and this music just makes it like "we can over come this". I also love how the song the sampled, Wake Up has to do with tomorrow. Waking up to a better tomorrow. I don't know, i feel like if someone was depressed and they listened to this song they'd feel comfort. Not just in terms of "this is happy" in terms of "a deeper comfort". Also love the "backwards" part, I kinda giggled. And like the "King" drop to kind to prelude the next track.
14. Never Let Go: The biggest down side is the almost minute long intro. This is a pretty "epic" track to follow that beautiful one. This track samples Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" speech in the intro. This, while it was intentional or not, reminds me of I Can't Go To Sleep. On that track they mention "Jessie" and "King" and what not. I do love the saxophones or horns in this track. Also dig the whole choir thing in the middle of the song.
15. Wu-Tang Reunion: Gather the children and have them listen up. With a track like this I hope this is the last Wu-Tang album. Why do I say such a thing, well... this is such a fricken great finale. Kind of like the final track on Sabbath's last album 13. That album ended with the rain, which was kind of like a call back to their first album. This album is a reunion of sorts for the whole group. The group that was so strong on their first album, and because of that , and the warm feeling you get from this track, I hope this is the last track the Wu-Tang make. I mean, I could cry it's a beautiful ending. Also this samples Family Reunion by the O'Jays and Protect Ya Neck and Reunited (a lyrical one) by da Wu and has a Raekwon sample Glaciers of Ice.

Overall I have to this this album a 7/10. While the album had highlights, they were also lowlights. I do hope this is the last album, not because it was horrible or because they'll never live up to it. I just feel like this is an appropriate final chapter.

Everything Will Be Alright In The End - Weezer

Following the pattern of the last review I did, this is the first review review of a band since March 2012. I did for these guys since This is the latest Weezer album, number 10, and to be completely honest after Pinkerton I have no interest in them at all really. This is their first in 4 years, since 2010's release of two albums Hurley and Death to All False Metal. This was also produced by Rick Ocasek, you know of The Cars.

1. Ain't Got Nobody: This opens the track and is kind of heavy, but I don't like that I can barely hear the vocals in the track. This song didn't do much for me the first time, but maybe it may grow more over time.
2. Back to the Shack: This riff reminds me a little of The Stripes. But the lyrics defiantly remind me of Weezer. This seriously sounds way to much like El Scorcho mixed with Beverly Hills. The latter of which was a terrible song back when it came out and I remembered it being played. I do enjoy the bridge, and the solo. The solo reminds me a little of, in the very beginning, blur.
3. Eulogy For A Rock Band: To be honest, this isn't that bad of a song. Thought I don't like the vocals mixing. But part of the reason is because the singer doesn't sound like Rivers so much, and that is a nice change for me.
4. Lonely Girl: She's a lonely little girl. And outside of that joke, there isn't much here for me to discuss.
5. I've Had It Up To Here: Few.... I thought for a second this was gonna turn into Pharell's idea of funk. "I'm a Hunter". I do like the synths on this track and like the change in the tempo. Kind of like how I really liked the song Dirty Rotten Bastards off Green Day's last album ¡Tré!.
6. The British Are Coming: I really like the bell that flows between the tracks and I like the intro to this track. The whole track is pretty great in a Across The Sea way, minus the chorus. That is just proof of why Weezer need a direction change.
7. Da Vinci: This is a country feeling song, mainly because of the whole.... DAMN IT!!!! Why do they always use the same exact chorus for every song!!!!!!! I mean when they do that it's like an erection. Let me explain, when you get excited you know what happens. Well what happens when you see something that's a turn off.... it just goes down and doesn't come back. It's gone, it's lost forever and isn't coming back (at least in the song length). Best analogy ever.
8. Go Away: "and leave me on my own"?. This track features Bethany from Best Coast on vocals and I like how she contributes. It's a different voice than River's right, but this song is still just.... Weezer is The Rolling Stones of the 90's.
9. Cleopatra: This is a change of pace, it sounds like a Dylan-esque track but more current. Ah, well at least the chorus isn't so overwhelmingly reused. This is a nice song though and I do give them props. While I don't love it it's by far one of the better songs here. The guitar solo hidden in the background and that whole part is great, the only thing is I don't like the lack of air at the "5, 10, 15 20" part. The solo is pretty great too here. {7.5/10}
10. Foolish Father: The part I like is the pre-solo and the solo. I really like the what sounds like string swells, but still it's too claustrophobic, or vice versa, for me. This was another decent track.
11. I. Waste Land: This is the first of a three part song, and I'm looking forward to this ambition. But this sounds very progressive rockish. The guitars in the intro drag me in. Pretty great track and by far the best here. Actually it kind of feels like The Black Parade's intro track. {8/10}
12. II. Anynomus: Finally, a piano ballad that isn't a let down. This track sounds like a outtake from the Black Parade. But sadly, they use the famous vocals, they song is so good and have so much potential, but it's just couldn't the drummer or someone else have sang lead. That really too me out of the song and it's hard for me to come back in. Though the maturation on these last three tracks is what Weezer needs. They're like in their 30's or 40's. Time to stop playing around and get serious, and just because you change sound doesn't mean you can't kid. Just don't use the formula you've been using foever. I also like last part of the song. It's awesome parts get {8/10} others get a {7/10}.
13. III.  Return to Ithaka: I like the harmonies of the guitars here, this reminds me a little of something Blur might do. The song just makes me wanna see if their next album will sound anything like the good tracks here. Also love the sweeps

Overall I have to give this album a 7.0/10. Nerd culture is a joke, but that doesn't mean I don't like Weezer's Blue and Pinkerton albums. While there are some high points on this album, I don't think this is anywhere near as good as those two album. That being said, I don't want to compare other albums.... if their next album pushes their comfort a little more then I'll probably like it even more. And write another chorus PLEASE!!!!!!!!!! Also if you wanna get into 90's music get into their first two albums, Mr. Bungle, Faith No More, Nirvana (minus Nevermind), anything Blur, Radiohead I can't think of anything else right now.

Ghost Stories - Coldplay

This is the latest album by Coldplay. I previously did their review for their Mylo Xyloto album and I plan on doing this too. This album was released on May 16th, 2014. Well I heard the singles, and to be honest the single don't even live up to anything. So after the dreaded Midnight I kind of lowered my standards for this album. And I did for a good reason.

1. Always In My Head: This isn't that bad of a song, thought I don't get anything out of it.
2. Magic: This song is another track that is just kind of OK. There isn't anything that makes me like it, but you know... so far out of the single and what not this is the best. I do find my self returning to this track, but not because of love, but because its a good enjoyable song. 
3. Ink: Hey, this is a cute song. Not really, but this really doesn't sound like Coldplay.
4. True Love: This is an Okay song. I can't think of what the strings remind me of exactly. This is one of the better tracks, but still I think I like it because I want to figure out what that cheep string sound is. The music in this song reminds me of a bunch of different..... Radiohead, that's who it is. Now what song? Well point is, OK Computer is much better than this or really any track here.
5. Midnight: Ok, If you've ever read any of my reviews what do you expect me to say about this song. With all due respect this song sucks. There isn't a single redeeming quality about this track.... sorry Chris. That is how I'm gonna say it, and as mean as I'll get. 
6. Another's Arms: .........
7. Oceans: There isn't anything here that I can find any type of pleasure out of.
8. A Sky Full of Stars: There isn't really anything about this track that makes me want to revisit it. It's a ballad but it's pretty bland. I mean it isn't nearly as infectious or catchy or even, dare I say, heartfelt (i cant connect emotionally with this track) as anyone off Parachutes. And Chris talks of how he doesn't like that album.... That's probably, and AROBTTH their best albums. 
9. O: In my opinion I don't like its title, especially since two tracks prior is Oceans. This is kinda like a lulaby, but one that I really don't care to ever hear

Overall I have to give this album a 4/10. They furthered the sound of Mylo but in a bad way. Eno probably would have helped the album. I know that the whole divorce thing may be present on this album, but you can still make a great LP. Look at Dylan's 1976 Desire, Fleetwood Mac's 1977 Rumours (kinda) and possibly the best example I can think of Here, My Dear by Marvin Gaye. The last one I named was being recorded while he was in court, listen to Is That Enough. Just this didn't turn out the way it should have been, or could have been. If he's happy with it then ok, I'm just not personally satisfied with it. Lets just put it like this, every time I see it at the Cd store, I just kind of roll my eyes and pass up buying it. 

Lazaretto - Jack White

This is the sophomore solo effort by Jack White. I started this review before the album was released so the singles will have more time to grow on me. The White Stripes are a pretty great band of the last decade or so and his solo stuff is also pretty interesting. I wasn't in love with Blunderbuss, but I love that he didn't just do what everyone expected/wanted him to do. Continue on The Stripes, he's on his own now and doing his own thing. It's what he wants and no one can influence it like other band members. Also as before, the shades of blue on this album cover are great. And the day has come, June 10th so lets go into this Review.

1. Three Women: This is a cover of a track by Blind Willie McTell. I don't know the original so I can't compare the two, though it was by a delta blues artist so I can assume it's in the vein of Robert Johnson. This song is pretty enjoyable and odd, and I like that it's odd. I might not love this song, but I enjoy that it's a little odd.
2. Lazaretto: This was the second single released and it's pretty interesting. The song has a feeling that reminds me of the rock/hip-hop crossovers of the 90's. This is like Jack singing and soloing over Rage Against The Machine. I like the change in pace, but it reminds me far too much of the Tomahawk title track off their last album Odd Fellows, but not as interesting or cool. Interesting song I can see growing on me with multiple listens possibly. This song is very reminiscent of Salute You Solutions. I like the electronic elements added in the song, and the thing is it adds a little to the song. It doesn't kind of kill the song like some other artists or songs. My favorite part is the Odd Fellows part. Also dig the violins.
3. Temporary Ground: This is another just ok track. I've heard the LP a few times and each time I'm, ultimately, disappointed. Why? Well because of an over abundance of material that is just kind of not keeping my interest. It's better than Ultraviolence but all in all just nothing. 
4. Would You Fight For My Love?: I like the intro to this and the piano. This songs intro vaguely reminds me of an Egyptian version Aladdin Sane's title track and The Supermen. I think this is a pretty good track, but you know the best part is the "choir" thingy in the chorus. Then it turns into a hip hop-esque song.
5. High Ball Stepper: This was the first single released for this album. I like the backwards intro to this track, but I think that this screech may get a little old if it were through out the entire track. I also Love the piano in this track. This is a bizarre track for someone who was in a blues duo from the late late 1990's to the late 2000's. I also like that this is an instrumental, but I wonder if during that "oh ah oh" if there was a vocal in there and the "oh ah oh" was a little quieter and the no singing part was more the piano part or hard to sing with parts.
6. Just One Drink: This song is ok. I think that female vocalist is the same from Love Interruption. You can almost look it as a sequel to that track. It's ok, but I prefer the other one.
7. Alone In My House: This sounds like a Get Behind Me Devil track. Well almost any track in the vein of that track. I can't quite think of it, but this is a great track, on the LP.
8. Entitlement: This reminds me of a country track that I'm kind of bored of by now. I think a little country is ok, but you know. This is kind of like a country version of The Stones.
9. That Black Bat Licorice: The backing track is pretty good, but I kind of feel like it may have been looped instead of being played straight. Though I do like the "tape" distortions. Also whenever I hear violin I almost need to hear it being played at the level of Jean Luc-Ponty.
10. I Think I Found The Culprit: This kind of reminds me of a little less exciting version of Forever Dolphin Love. Well then the chorus is ok, but you know, I just don't think the odd parts fit as naturally as they should.
11. Want And Able: This is the sequel to another Stripes song, I can't think of.

Overall I have to give this album a 5.8/10. First time through I can't say that I was much more than a 6 on it. While I don't think that it's as good as I want it to be I have to give him credit. While there is variety the production makes all the songs kind of sound similar. If I wasn't paying attention all the songs would probably blend together. I just think that the album only instead of growing on me it ungrows or grows against me. The reason it took so long to upload this review is because of lack of motivation and interest in returning again and again to the album.

Mandatory Fun - "Weird Al" Yankovic

This is the latest ALbum.... get it? Well this features 12 new tracks that I was hoping that would blow Alpocylapse out of the water. Overall it wasn't a terrible album, but way to underwhelming considering, while 2006's Straight Outta Lynnwood was just sub-par (for me), I've dug further and 2003's Poodle Hat is fricken' awesome, at parts, setting a bar for post 90's Al. In fact I've both warmed up to that album, 2011's, and (for lack of a vast vocabulary) repulsed by it at the same time. Now repulsed is a strong word, but where repulsed is a 8/10 or higher on the scale of pushed way, I'd say I'm more of a 5/10 for my stay away-ness. But I really hope this is great. Let's just say it's better that I expected it to be. A LOT!

1. Handy: The album kicks off with a parody, far superior than, of that Fancy song. I really don't listen to the radio, so I heard this first. Still, this is funny and better in general. Though this song don't grow on me after a while, it doesn't quite fade. It may with more time, but I still think it's far superior to the original.
2. Lame Claim to Fame: This is a style parody of some group I never heard of until today, July 14th 2014. That group being Southern Culture on the Skids. I looked them up on Spotify and they look like people from MST3K. But I like this song, and think it's pretty good.
3. Foil: This is a parody of Royals. I think it's funny but I wonder if its a satire about conspiracy theorists or a real statement done humorously. Every time I hear this I laugh.
4. Sports Song: This is one of, no more than two or so, songs that I don't care for here. While I think it's funny, and great and kind of a song I'm glad was written, but I don't care for "band" music. Obviously it wouldn't be as funny without it, but I'm just not that into the music on this track. 
5. Word Crimes: This is second only to Got To Give It Up by Marvin. And unless you lived under a rock you heard of the law suit. Regardless of anything, Thicke's song was over glorified and Gaye's song was also kind of making fun of disco. That's another story, but this is a hilarious song. It's kind of like a sequel, in a way, to White & Nerdy. It's kind of a stretch, but look at this. It's kind of like a nerdy song about the Internet. Not that he didn't have nerdy songs before that, but in the age of Internet I think it fits. The reason i cant give those people crap is because I do that sometimes. I try not to, and after listening I want to learn proper English. And I love the "Nevermind I give up" line. {8/10}
6. My Own Eyes: This is a style parody of an overrated band, I think, Foo Fighters. It's not that their not talented or they suck, I just haven't really heard any songs that I've either liked at all or for longer than a few listens. This is the other song that I am not huge on. The riff later sounds just like Slither. But if this is an edificational track the I know I'd go "insane" if I saw half of this stuff. 
7. NOW That’s What I Call Polka!: The saving grace of every ALbum is his polka songs.Well with a few exceptions, the Bohemian one and Hot Rocks one. The only one that I though was bad was Polkarama!. And Damn, this is as good as the best track on Alpoclypse, Polka Face. And something I need to say is that "this is really awesome". I really don't know how not to look up to him. Not as a religious figure, but as a hero. The track begins with the best version ive ever heard of Wrecking Ball. This is followed by the best version of Pumped Up Kicks. The sad thing is that "self awareness" and "humor" in pop songs aren't really that funny. Why? Well those songs are by people who don't have any sense of humor, nor do the artists. But I laughed at that One Direction part where he makes the sounds. I mean he does literally a 1000000000x better job than they could ever at making that a joke. Al is, at the end after this it's followed by Polka Gagnam Style, Call Me Maybe, Scream & Shout, Somebody I Used To Know, Timber, I'm Sexy And I Know It, Thrift Shop and Get Lucky. This truly shows why Al is above anyone who has ever made a humorous song. He uses no profanity and he makes better and far superior versions of tracks than the originals. These last two polka tracks are fricken great.  
8. Mission Statement: This is a style parody of Crosby, Stills & Nash. I'm not familiar with the group very well outside of a few Déjà Vu and Woodstock. The back words guitar, or back-masked sounding guitar reminds me a ton of I'm Only Sleeping, a favorite of mine off Revolver and my favorite part of the track. Either that or the "do do do do" part. I'm not laughing, but I mean seriously with other great tracks not everything is on the same level. 
9. Inactive: This is a parody of a song that until this parody I couldn't sit through. It was boring and to radio pointless for my ears. This is great and is a sister track, of sorts, to Couch Potato. And in many ways this is a far superior track. Actually in just about every aspect it's better. 
10. First World Problems: This is a style parody of Pixies. There is a girl voice who I think may be Popeli.  I love how it pokes fun of the "poor me, I can't get the new iPhone" people who are like teens. I mean come on, I "literally" want to "smash a crow bar against your head". 
11. Tacky: This is a far superior parody of Happy. Where the originals happy and upbeat, it is truly kind of "tacky" and "cheesy". Not in a, funny/enjoyable unintentional way, but in a you were of RAM so he kept up that 70's sound. Hilarious in every aspect. 
12. Jackson Park Express: This is a style parody of Cat Stevens. I believe this is the 3rd longest song he's released at 9 minutes, the 1st being Albuquerque at 11:23 and Trapped in the Drive Thu at 10:55. I feel this will progressively became a favorite among the ranks of Buy Me A Condo, Albuquerque amoung others. Actually the morbidity of the latter is present here. And it just gives me the chuckles. I think that this guy would Creep Me Out instead of the other guy. I also fantasize about things, not to his extent, but I do about my future. And just everything in this song, minus the morbidity, can directly relate to me at one point or another. The only problem I have is its 9 minutes and when I drive it takes up most of my driving time. But really, that's not a real complaint. Just looking for something to say negative about the track. Why? Too much good here to find anything else wrong. I'd like to note that, this is possibly the greatest style parody Al ever made.

Overall I have to give this album a 8.5/10. I honestly, in my life, have not really heard a new Al song in my life and actually laughed. Usually it's either I enjoy it or a chuckle, even some of his older stuff I don't LOL. But gosh, I laughed over this album, but kept it in so I could hear it all. Another thing I want to give him credit for is he did every album track gets a video in 2011, Blue Ivy's mom did it over two years later. Also I should mention that anther thing I didn't like his last album was that it had 5 tracks released on an EP two years before AP. I think that's just kind of lazy on his part. But he definitely stepped it up on this album. The promotion of this album was perfect, no singles so you hear the album all at once. PS Beyoncé didn't invent that, look at Death Grips last few albums, they popped out of nowhere. Hell, Government Plates was released out of the blue the same year as Beys self titled, but a month before (and had a music video for every song come out the day of). Lets just hope if Al sees this review, there aren't any grammatical errors within the post. I've listened to this album a bunch of times in the course of three days. By far the best album since Running With Scissors. Also do you know why Al's still making worth while music, he writes his songs. There aren't outside song doctors. All lyrics are by him, half of the music is by him. Minus the parodies

Stay Gold - First Aid Kit

This is the third album by First Aid Kit. I listened to the LP front to back the day it came out. As I did with Lazaretto and Ultraviolence and The Hunting Party. To be honest, this is slightly not on par with those subpar albums. This is slightly lower.

1. My Silver Lining: They are kind of cute. There's one thing. Also where is the Man and the Mountain. Also is there a play book that can help make this track better?
2. Master Pretender: Question, is this guy an expert at exploding also. 
3. Stay Gold: Stay hopeful Danny, you can do it. 
4. Ceder Lane: I've heard of the lake, not the lane though.
5. Shattered & Hollow: I wonder how Sleepy Mick & Phil are? He's getting older, they probably need a naps.
6. The Bell: Lou Reed is a Stupid Man in 1979's The Bells.
7. Waitress Song: What?
8. Fleeting One: I wonder if this is a cover of the Children of Bodom collab with Fleet Foxes.
9. Heaven Knows: What, this album was made?
10. A Long Time Ago: In a galaxy far away. 

Overall I have to give this album a 3/10. My biggest problem is it gets boring fast. Also there aren't any surprises here at all. Hebrews I think was an all around better album then this, and it kinda sucked. To be completly Honest I began tuning ithis out upon first listen. 

Turn Blue - The Black Keys

This is the latest album from The Black Keys. Before this album was released I knew its be problematic. First the promo was way to similar to the last albums promo. They were using like 90's VHS quality tapes. Also that wasn't that funny, but that's really not the end of the world. What pissed me off was that the album continued their Danger Mouse collaborations after they said something along the lines of "we sold out on that last album". Also what's why psychedelic music, if you want to make good psychedelic music use Sonic Boom or MGMT as your producers. Now I don't know if you know that but I'm not huge on Brian, and the only thing he's done I liked was The Grey Album, which he only mixed previously recorded albums together. He did a great job, but still. Outside of listening to the Gorillaz's there isn't anything else that I'm even that remotely interested in that he's touched.

1. Weight of Love: This is a track that sits at a long 6:50. The intro sounds psychedelic and is probably a great direction for the Keys to head. They aren't over using that stupid Danger Shit and this is a pretty interesting introduction. The vocals here are actually pretty cool, and I think this might possibly, with numerous listens, be my favorite Keys track I know. This is definitely their most experimental and ambitious I've heard. There is a very Breathe In The Air feeling I'm getting here. The ending reminds me a little of Black Sabbath's opener Black Sabbath. Overall a great track that I doubt will have others living up to it. Upon repeat listens this intro, until the percussion, reminds me a little of Gorillaz track Clint Eastwood. Maybe it's because of the western feeling of it.... I don't know, but all I know about this track is this is the best on the album, but I'd still get a better sence of what this is going for if I listened to Dark Side. That first note reminds me a little of Flight of the Conchords on one of their songs, I think it's Foux Du Fafa. As neat as this is, and baren a wasteland it paints I think it just doesn't 100% click with me.
2. In Time: This is kind of a part two of the last track. Well, if there was a segue it'd work better and be cooler. Some of the guitar melodies are interesting here, but you know for some reason there isn't anything sticking to me. This is another Gilmore inspired solo. This also has a feeling of Dr. John's album Locked Down.
3. Turn Blue: This is a pretty bland song, and the reason I use that word is because I don't care to think of any other description. This sounds like Foster The People's new album, but worse.
4. Fever: This was the first track released from this album. And honestly the song reminds me way too much of El Camino, with the exception of making it more trippy/electronic. Upon first listen, esp with the backing vocals.............. If I didn't know multiple listens help I'd probably never listen to this song again. Also if the whole album is any foreshadow of this track..........
5. Year In Review: This intro reminds me of Haim. But I can't stand this title, why I hope it's not gonna be a political message. But overall there wasn't anything that I picked up from that track. This is a pretty straight song, but you know it just doesn't click with me.
6. Bullet in the Brain: This is another decent song, but it kind of just gets lost in this albums "wasteland". As much as I like the ideas going on here, there isn't anything that makes me want to come back other than to not be indecisive about it.
7. It's Up To You Now: This song sounds like a I Want Candy, but more in line with the original. Also I think those wolf howls sounded better in Howlin For You. Actually I'd rather them cover the song then play this song.
8. Waiting On Words: I hope that he doesn't, post this album, use those falsetto vocals. Why, it's not that it's terrible, but he sounds like a girl. They should have just had a girl come in and sing this with him. But it's a decent song.
9. 10 Lovers: You know, they were going for a soul thing, but then they have this kind of synth that after a few listens will probably grow against me. Why couldn't have they just cut that out. It'd be a better song and fit better on the album if they left it off. I'm also not into that noise that sounds like me speakers are broken.
10. In Our Prime: Are you really? This is, no offense, kind of gay...... I mean the strings are kind of cool, but really this sounds like a rip of a Crimson song, mellotron. Just like with the Weight of Love I'll listen to the original instead. I do like how the song changes and the guitar fades out into an atmosphere. But still.
11. Gotta Get Away: This is a pretty straight forward ending to the album. The thing is that this is a song that is so so. I think this remind me a little too much of a Bob Seger track, but maybe with a synth. And the vox aren't that great here.

Overall I have to give this album a 5/10. I am a supporter of the further experimentation and pushing boundaries in music. In order to do that you need to push you boundaries first. Now with at in mind you automatically score support in my eyes. The next things is when you experiment and grow you try new things, see of they work or not and then that shows where you stand on that idea. That scores you points in my book too. When you make and album called True Blue it should basically be an album before Attack & Release. While there are good intresting ideas here they just didn't work at all. I hope they decide to either throw in their bags or make another Thickfreakness or if they dont want to go back FIRE!!!!!!! DANGER MOUSE. Now in the future I may review their next album, but remember that unless certain things change it won't look very good. I was glad to see Fantano agreed with me on this being not so good.