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.

Chasing Shadows - Black Tide

This is the third studio album by one of my favorite bands, while I was in High School, Black Tide. These guys had a great, maybe one day classic, with their Light from Above 2008 debut record. Most metal fans should at the very least like that. I don't see why not, there's even a killer cover of Hit the Lights. I personally didn't get into them until about 2010, the year before their second album Post Mortem. I saw them while they were touring with that album, and I got a signed poster and CD. I also have a not signed CD from the day the album was released. While I can't say everything about it was amazing, I still enjoyed it a lot. It was exciting fun, and the cream of that crop still holds up. Now there has been so much shit leading up to this album here's a quick catch up. They kind of went on a hiatus after that tour, they released the Spanish versions of the tracks they originally recorded for the 2nd album as an EP. That was recorded during the  sessions, its a long story. The following year they released Just Another Drug and it didn't feature the bassist (Zakk). Then the groups drummer (Steve Spencer) soon left to become a DJ. So in 2013 they released another EP Bite the Bullet with an even dumber cover than Post Mortem, and name. It also featured a new drummer, while the lead guitarist/singer played bass and I think they added a member Raul. Now this comes out, featuring another new drummer and at this point I feel Gabriel (kinda leader of the group) is holding on to strings at this point. Another thing to mention is, based on my history with this year (and given their recent history), I am expecting nothing. And.......... Well....... Check it out for yourself.

1. Intro: This is exactly what it is called, an intro. It's an acoustic track that reminds me, sort of, if you took out the real strings (or the more real sounding string sounds), Jason Becker. This whole atmosphere of the track is very a kin to Perpetual Burn.
2. Guidelines: Sort of a weak title if I do say so myself. The flow between tracks isn't half bad, but this is basically All That Remains, Bullet for My Valentine and Ashes (from their last record). In fact, the beginning of the track reminded me very much of that track.
3. Angel in the Dark: No, I refuse to hear this title. Like a Lame title, almost as lame as City of Sin. It also reminds me of Rainbow in the Dark. But you know what, I won't let it bother me as long as the songs good. It could be called Alphabet Soup and if it rocks it rocks. First time through I don't really remember, but this track is almost the same song that the last one. The acoustic guitar section is nice and pretty, but I added something in off the top of my head and it made it way more interesting. It's too bare. This is too straight forward, not very fun to listen to, considering I heard it before.
4. Predator (Animal): The thing I feared, while I was doing this review for real (post initial listen), would I have enough to say. I mean four tracks in and they are basically variations on the same song. Yes they are different songs, but they are so fucking similar in everything it's kinda sad. Sad in that it makes me sad, not in that it's something you should feel sorry for. 
5. Burn: I can only hope this is a solid cover of Deep Purple's 1974 classic. I mean the Prowler and Hit the Lights covers were solid. Well finally a change of pace, while I think this sounds like the slower songs on the last record, it's still nice to hear a change rather than the same thing over and over.
6. Chasing Shadows: This, honestly, is the "coolest" title on the album. If any other was a title track it'd be very lame. I heard this song and the intro reminded me a bit of Hail to the King, but out side of that there isn't anything else to say that hasn't been said earlier. There is section right before the chorus I kinda like, but those strings fucking kill me. In the worst way possible, I almost don't want to finish this record. Even thought the song is kind of ruined for me, I will admit it's the best put together thus far, though the strings could have been taken our of the first chorus to show changes and a build. But I kinda feel like this is, in 6 songs, the second to actually be written and not just a changed in lyrics or a little minor variation.
7. Before we Form: Reminds ms of Before we Began.... Ha-ha self referential humour, what a gass. Refer to earlier tracks. And that is all I have to say about this track.
8. Sex is Angry: I can't....... While most of the songs here are very similar and have no real impact on me..... I can't get behind this track. I mean, yes its sonically similar to the previous album, but this is just. I feel it should be angrier or sexier. Instead its basically every other track on this album. 
9. Welcome to Misery: Lame title, but I think this would work as an opening track's title on the new ETF record. I mean, this is sort of a change of pace, a bit, but why have all those same song and not place this somewhere else. Also this in'st really anything that notable. I mean it's technically a highlight, but it isn't that great of a song.
10. Heaven: "Is A Place On Earth". While I disagree with Belinda, I would never tell her in person. Why may you ask, because she's gorgeous. She was even in Playboy, and issue I plan to own someday. Like top 10 I want. Did you know she was a Go-Go before she went solo. Yeah, and she released a cover of I Feel Free and Band of Gold. I know that's crazy right bro? Also you may be wondering what this has to do with the track, well it has something to do trust me. Maybe not in a conventional " this person did this" way, more of a "its the point". She is also, along with Tiffany, my favorite 80's singer to be in Playboy (if memory serves and I'm not forgetting someone). Now the point, the connection between what I just said is the exact same thing as what i have to say about the track. Absolutely nothing #WarWhatIsItGoodFor. Okay, I will admit it isn't half bad but this is basically a Into the Sky. The arrangment is pretty, but this just..... it's still a bland song. There isn't anything that makes me have any feelings other than this is different, and it sounds like another track from another album. So basically, I have nothing to say.
11. Promised Land: If memory serves, this is the only track I dug on the record. Not musically though, more of the spiritual aspect. But when I re-listened to it I didn't really get the same feeling I did the frist time. I not only didn't care for the music, it sounds like PM, I didn't feel the sentiment was the same.

Overall I have to give this album a 4/10. The first time I heard this I knew how I felt. The sad thing I'm realizing is one of my favorite types of music, metal/metalcore and also some rock, no longer bring me any joy. I mean there was a point where I could pick just about any album by an artist I liked and I thought it was at the very least great. But after re-listening to As I Lay Dying, Black Tide, Falling in Reverse, Killswitch Engage (maybe not to the extent of some of the others), Escape the Fate (the amazing records are still amazing) and so on. But I really no longer have the same thrill that I once had. But the thing is this album is a less interesting take on Post Mortem. If you want to check theses guys out I'd suggest Light From Above, Post Mortem and Just Another Drug.

The Magic Whip - blur

This is the eight studio album, first since 2003's Think Tank, album by Britpop legends blur. Now I like this band, not love, but they has a dozen or so solid records (tracks). Parklife is my favorite album, but they have a bunch of great tracks off each album. Sadly I'ven't say thought Modern Life is Rubbish and The Great Escape front to back. So I can't really say if those entire albums are awesome, thought what I've heard is top notch. Now the thing I don't get is why the comeback. It was a few years ago I thought Abarn said they were never working together again. Like seriously, of all the comeback albums this is one of the most pointless. I kinda feel when something dies, you leave it dead. The only ever comebacks I can think of that worked are King Crimson's with Disipline (the name they were gonnna use before Fripp decided to revive the group) and kinda Deep Purple with 1984's Perfect Stranger. There may be others I can't pull off the top of my head, but for the record none of them have happened in the last 10 or so years. There is a reason I'm finally finishing this review. One of my goals is to finish up reviewing my 2015 albums.

1. Lonesome Street: This reminds me, the title, of Fascination Street by The Cure. That's a much better track, but that really it doesn't pertain to this review. But for an intro to grab you attention, it's pretty up. I do like the weird "fever" part. It's psychedelic without being trippy. This is very classic blur sounding. Like it'd fit snuggly on Parklife or one of those.
2. New World Towers: This gives me a very odd feeling at first, but once I piece together the Coldplay vibe it's not so odd. Although the rhythms here aren't one's I'd imagine Chris Martin and gang playing with. There is a very electronic medieval feeling I'm getting from the flute like synths. It's not that bad, but still I wish it was a little more exciting of a song. Maybe throw in a lute into the track.
3. Go Out: The beginning vaguely reminded me of Wake Up, then Damon's vocals reminded me vaguely of Bowie. His "ah ah ah ah" thing he did. The guitar that comes in reminded me of something The Residents would do on their newer stuff. Also pretty neat bass line, like how it's so front. But this kinda ends up sounding like a track that was glued together. Sometimes that works, but here I just don't really like the feeling I'm getting. Not like an uncomfortable feeling, just one of "this might need multiple listens but I kinda know it's not gonna get better. Even if I undecode it."
4. Ice Cream Man: This is was probably my favorite song on the album. I also think it's one of the better Ice Cream related songs I've heard. Not as good as Ice Cream Man by Van Halen but significantly better than Stay Frosty. Though there is a communist theme to the song, I really don't care to dig into the lyrics. You can tell this is a very melancholic track, even though it progressively gets happier sounding. I like the odd electronic flourishes, and like the acoustic guitar in the track. It's just very odd.
5. Thought I Was A Space Man: I have an interesting idea for this title. While Damon and crew probably have a better theme, I still think I have something that's neat. It's very fitting, and very echoy. But outside of the outer thing, I really don't even.... I can't say I really even consider this a good song. It's just kinda filler to me. Nothing really interesting happens.
6. I Broadcast: This track has promise, but really..... it's just. I got nothing. It's a blur song. But it doesn't have the charm of a blur song.
7. My Terracotta Heart: A track very in the vein of The Universal, but less orchestral. I mean seriously, give it real orchestration, not this electonic sounding stuff. It's also not as interesting. I mean when I hear the Uni I feel feelings, when I hear this I think of a boring song in an okay movie and in a very pointless boring scene. I also looked it up and terracotta is a type of clay that is "baked" to make. It's also means "baked earth". I really like the imagery of a clay heart though I don't know if that was intended. Like what I'm picturing I don't think was intended, considering this is a song about Graham and Damon's relationship. Seriously guys give me something, Spanish guitar solo played on nylon strings. Something anything. I mean I do like jazzy solos, but the solo here just fits too perfectly it blurs the lines of boring. I mean Coffee & TV is a pretty creative solo that fits, but who the fuck would put that there other than Robert Fripp and Graham Coxton.
8. There Are Too Many Of Us: This track reminds me a ton of The Police's 1983 track Spirits In A Material World. Its those like string and the whole robot feel I get from the track. Not at all like musically, because this track has less going on in terms of notes and speed. That is the most upsetting part about this track. This is also in the vein of Puritan. You know if you want a neat more interesting take on this you can do the relationship wise (Too Many People) or the population wise (We Are Hungry Men). Both better than this, both amazing and hilarious respective. But this is also so repetitive it needs something more. I mean yes the band does come in later, but that doesn't give it a pass.
9. Ghost Ship: I literally was just riffing around then this song started, and I played a better melody that is also far more interesting than this songs. That's probably not that good.
10. Pyongyang: I like this title, I think is laid back. But there is a lot of songs that aren't to different from this track here.
11. Ong Ong: This is a pretty decent track, and while not a classic track by the group I still enjoy it. Although it is kind of redundant, I still think it's a pretty decent track. This is a nice track.
12. Mirrorball: This closes the album, and it's a pretty track. This is also a great ending for the album, and feels very western inspired.

Overall I have to give this album a 5/10. I hate to say this but there are tracks I hear in other tracks. But there are also tracks that feel like sketches. I can also play a chorus that sounds like their old energetic and danceable Britpop sound with those lyrics, in my head. This almost sounds like they took either old songs or the spirit of that past and tried to make it sound grown up and mature. Or like if they are revisiting it now, that they are mature and older. And the tracks kind of lose the charm they had. But there are very few moments that I will revisit at all, period. These a there tie in with the title, but I just can't connect. It's just I don't have a drive to better understand this, and its because its as exciting as Tunnel of Love (1987 album by Bruce). Also with the whole reunion I guess The Beatles with recording Real Love and Free as A Bird were pretty good, Real Love is a solid track. But those were also for not an entire album. Whatever.

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.

Kiss & Kill - Le Butcherettes

This is the, I believe, debut release by Le Butcherettes. This was released in 2008 and I'm just gonna do a quick review for today. Why not, this things like under 20 minutes right. So here we go.......

1. Feminist Politics: This song starts out with an electronic drum beat. It also features a woman talking in Spanish.
2. I'm Queen: This song starts out with a punk riff. This is relatively simple and reminds me of The Runaways or The Slits (I like the latter way more). It's a good song and I enjoyed it.
3. The Problems Hide In Our Backs: This is just the two girls talking. This reminds me of the G.T.O. album. The way that they would have tracks where they just talked, and the sound quality of it too.
4. Kiss & Kill: This has another solid riff that reminds me of One Way Or Another, but with variations. I actually like this song more than I'm Queen. This song is a little more catchy and guitar sounds great. 
5. Last Tear: This opens with a telephone conversation in Spanish then the song starts. The lyrics are obviously tongue-and-cheek. They are actually kind of funny too.
6. Honey Honey: This is a bluesy song. For some reason I am not getting bored of this song. Possibly because it's short, but still.
7. For You're Bleeding: This is probably my favorite song on this Ep, it's the funniest song on here, but it's also the best. I think the pitch wavers in the voices are pretty funny. This is a fun song and hopefully the next song will be good too. It's also the longest track too. This ends with a sound that sound's like a rappers gonna come on pretty soon, but the singer laughs and coughs.
8. Six More: This is the last song on the EP, and by this point there isn't really anything here on this song that isn't anywhere earlier in the album.

Overall this thing gets a 7/10. It's short, and doesn't really get overbearing because of that. I also like the kind of, what some would say as "filler". I think it's pretty funny and gives personality to the Ep you know what I mean.