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.

Honeymoon - Lana Del Rey

This is the third, forth if you include her pre-Del Rey album under her real name Lizzy Grant 2010 release, album by singer Lana Del Rey. One of the first reviews I did was Born to Die back in 2012 and I liked that. Sadly I still haven't picked up a copy, but I also dug some tracks off Paradise. So I was anticipating the Dan Auerbach produced Ultraviolence (note this was before I saw Clockwork Orange. If It was after I'd probably have shit my pants in anticipation). That album ended up being kinda not very good. Actually a review of that will be coming out next month maybe.And after some of her worst string of promotional singles..... well you know how this is gonna be.

1. Honeymoon: This is the only track I heard prior to the albums release. And to be honest, I don't remember a single note about this track. I have listened to it now -- times and nothing. I seriously don't retain anything, other than Lana sings, well a woman's voice, slow and that's all I can get. Not a good sign. But anyway, this very much sounds like it wants to be a subdued Skyfall. It doesn't come close.
2. Music to Watch Boys to:  I prefer watching girls, but to each their own. I also prefer Music to Make Love to Your Old Lady By. Much more interesting than this. All these singles, or promos, released to promote this album are so.......... boring. I kinda want to give this album a shot of heroin to at least give it some energy. This is like if Abel was seriously going to kill himself. Or he just wanted to seem more shallow sad.....AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! Actually It's funny, that wind in the background. I have and idea, but it'll have to wait till the end.
3. Terence Loves You: Ah finally, a love ballad written to Phillip. They finally get to express their Canadian Love for one another. Another track that I heard before listening to he LP front to back, and it proves to me this albums seems to blur it'self together. I almost think I'm gonna have to listen one by one vs in bulk. Another Bond connection, that intro singing and arrangement sounds familiar to that of You Only Live Twice's. And I'm not acknowledging the reference in the song. At the end sing intro to the YOLT theme. Trust me.... it'll it's uncanny.
4. God Knows I Tried: I thought it was I'm Good, maybe I'm dyslexic. "God know I tried, God knows I tired, God knows I tried. Surely God Will Look the other way"... actually it still kinda works. As much as I think the title is reminiscent of a far better song, actually a song that is at least good (thought it's fucking great). There is a song that I at this point care too little to look up, what it reminds me of. Thought there are hints of Ennio's classic Spaghetti Western scores echoed in the tracks. If you want a good modern take listen to Cat Edmonton's album from last year. There whole thing is pretty good though.
5. High by the Beach: The first track released as a single, I believe the rest are just promo singles. It opens with an organ that I kinda like the vibe, but once the chorus comes in with the drum machine or programmed drums..... it looses it's "nostalgic" feeling for me. It just sounds... I mean it's not terrible. Its more of a drone to me than anything. And I've heard more exciting drones. And I literally mean drones.
6. Freak: Ahhhhhhh (sound of pain)
7. Art Deco: I hope she knows what that is. And sadly, first time through it just went in one ear out the other. Also her singing is so back it's more atmospheric than a singer actually singing on an album she stars on. This would be better fit as a filler, or lesser Bond themes. Well lesser lesser.
8. Burnt Norton (Interlude): If you sub tracked her fucking voice, this wouldn't be that bad of an interlude. Actually this might be the best original song here. The words are taken from a T.S. Elliott poem, he's credited as writing the words.
9. Religion: Never has there been such a thought provoking title of this capacity since awe inspiring Wow by Prince & 3RD EYE GIRL. I don't expect this to have any type of insightful, heartfelt and maybe something that makes me think. Nothing even close happens, in fact my brain shuts off. I want them to make a law, unless you are truly making a heartfelt expression, religion should be an illegal song topic. Like you can say it's retarded for all I care, just please do it with taste (and by that I mean do it with heart and emotion). Convince me I'm wrong for believing in God, you won't be able to, but at least try. Don't just go..... Shallow Shallow Shallow Religion Shallow Shallow Shallow UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also I looked it up to make sure I was right, I can't stand, I love you so much you're my religion type songs. They have become a cliche in their own right
10. Salvatore: This has to be a tribute to Dali. Thought I prefer the shout out in Dali's Car. Hahaha, it's actually with a 'd' not a 't'. This word means savior in Italian. And I think it'd be awesome if she did an Italian feeling song. Get out the old pipe organ, or the accordion, or even an other Italian instrument I can't figure the name our form. But not Italian enough for me.  
11. The Blackest Day: Dammit, if it was "the blackest night" I would have put the entire lyrics to Titties & Beer. 
12. 24: "24 Hours Ago, __fill in the blanks__". There is a glimpse in this song where it seriously could go into a jazzier rendition of the Monty Norman theme.
13. Swan Song: Is this a cover of Symphony X's new song, or did they do it later and release theirs first. While I was listening to this I told myself, I kinda wanna asphyxiate myself. Not for pleasure (I don't get how that sounds fun), no to hope I kill myself in the process. Also chocking yourself to death would be more exciting than anything on this album. I'll do that or put on Dead Goon. Which ever I'm in the mood for more. Though the strings here remind me a little of the more 90's songs on Beauty Beyond the Madness.
14. Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood: I've heard her ruin epics such as Blue Velvet, though Another Woman is a solid cover. So going into this I was unsure. But seriously, that Blue Velvet cover is horse shit.... it hurts to listen to. Opening with a organ that sounds very childish, or rather more like what you'd get from a child's organ. It also features I believe a music box. This opening has guitar that is very reminiscent of  Bang Bang, but strummed chords not that arpeggios. I'm getting more of a Bang Bang feeling from this more than a Nina Simone or Santa Esmeralda vibe. And I don't think she does a terrible job, I think the arrangement is very mellow, and should get more exciting, but maybe that's Leroy Gomez imprinted in my skull.

Overall I have to give to give this album a 4/10. I really can't say that I have any feelings on this. Serioulsy, I forgot how I felt after each song ended. This doesn't really have any highlights and it's more of a blur ;). I'll never revisit this album and never care too either. This album is so samey it's crazy. I mean all there songs sound like if they didn't stop at the end of each song, it'd be her take on 1975's Timewind. Anthony Fantano once said she steals her style from the past, which her look is very very indebted to the past. But this, the similarities to Nancy Sinatra are so forward it's garbage. I can now say, this is probably the worst year in music since I've been listening to new albums. Everyone who has been able to put out decent to great albums have either put out shit or uninteresting and forgettable music. Iron Maiden, Prince, Tyler the Creator, UFO, A$AP Rocky, Sublime with Rome, Scorpions (thought it's not too bad), Motörhead (again same as usual so), Retox, blur, Falling In Reverse hell even Faith No More. I've heard about 70 new albums this years and only about 11 of them would be eligible for a top ten of the year. And of that only like 4 are actually on the list of best albums of this past 5 years. And sadly those four probably wont be done until next year (the reviews). PS please listen to the new Tuncle Tacid album. It's an 8. Also when I look at the list of instruments actually used on this album (Mellotron, Omnichord, Sampler, Organ, Dulcimer, Celesta, Vox Organ). DAMN IT! Those are things I'd kill to touch let along use on an album. And you can't even hear them being unused in an interesting way. I almost want to give this a 3 for that.

Born to Die - Lana Del Rey

The reason I decided to check out this album is because I heard about it on the Rock It Out Blog! on YouTube. Now he didn't promote it, he just brought it up. So I decided to check it out. The album cover grabbed my attention. So I started listening to it during the super bowl. This is the first time I've ever heard anything by her so cut me slack if I can't compare this to her first album.

1. Born to Die: I like this song because it is kind of like easy to listen to. It reminds me of a song that I would one day like to write. Not sing, but to write. It kinda reminds me of St. Vincent.
2. Off To The Races: This sound like another Rhianna/Amy Whinehouse song. This is probably going to be the song on the radio, but that's just my guess. I can picture this song playing on the bus during summer school. The bus wasn't that fun because I usually had no one to talk to but, It was also somewhat nice... kinda, and my Ipod broke before summer, so I had no music to listen to. The ending is good though
3. Blue Jeans: This is another song that reminds me of St. Vincent. Particularly the song Strange Mercy off her new album of the same name that came out last fall. Her voice also somewhat reminds me of Christina Aguilera, like at the chorus.
4. Video Games: This is yet another song that reminds me of St. Vincent. But more of her second album Actor. The song is pretty and her voice is pretty to. The drums I feel add to the orchestrations.
5. Diet Mountain Dew: When I first saw that this was the song titled Diet Mountain Dew, my sense of humour made me think of it being about killing sperm.... What ever I just thought I should share that cuz it's a weird fact. For some reason when I was listening to this if was "sweeping" and said that if they did these slow it'd sound pretty cool. This seems like a, pardon my french, french song. I picture this being a modern version of 40s songs.
6. National Anthem: This song reminded me of the beginning of Paradise by Coldplay. You know the one that came out last October. This song is kinda neat. The refrain reminds me of Flight of the Conchords. But I really, very much, like this song.
7. Dark Paradise: This reminds me of the song Paradise by Coldplay. Even though I could see this being a 'remake' of that song I still like it.
8. Radio: I like this song a lot.
9. Carmen: This is a love song? I don't know but I still think it's a pretty sad song.
10. Million Dollar Man: This song reminds me of an Eisley song off Ep2
11. Summer Sadness: The songs begin to sound to much like the same at the end
12. This Is What Makes Us Girls: I like these songs but they sound a lot alike

Over all I give this album a 4/10. I think I liked it a lot more then I thought I would. I don't think its amazing but I still think it's really good. I think this album reminds me of a, this is the only way I know how to say this this way so yeah, ''Sexy'' and ''French''. But this album also very much reminds me of Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto with a female singer. One thing that is both good and bad is that the album sounds relatively the same on all the tracks. This is definatly an album that I want to listen to again in the future, but not the whole thing