In The Wee Small Hours - Frank Sinatra

 A lot has changed in the five short years since I started this blog. A lot in terms of everything. Hell a lot has change in the last fucking year, but I feel like this is the prefect time to review this. Me and my girlfriend recently broke up, and while it wasn't that long of a relationship I felt something I'd never felt before. And yes, I was up a lot of last night thinking about her, so naturally this is the album I should use to cope. I don't think any album could be more perfect to fit, or review, my real life situation and mindset. So this is the ninth studio album by one Frank Sinatra. It was produced by Voyle Gilmore and arranged and conducted by Nelson Riddle. The album itself was released in April 1955, and was recorded February 8th to March 4th the same year (with the exception of 1 track from March 1st, 1954). This whole concept fascinates me, is that the themes include lost love, loneliness, night-life, and what not. When I think of night I think of going out, getting fresh air, and thinking. In fact there were many a night, I would go out and just breathe the air after everyone is asleep. This album cover, and themes on the lp, almost fit my imagination to a T of the feeling of it. I already reviewed The Voice Of from 1946, his debut, and now as mentioned earlier with a more mature view on life why not pick arguably his most mature album. I should note I also did his Christmas album a few months ago.

1. In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning: By far the best song ever written for Frank. Hell it is one of the best songs ever written period; and damn, what a tone setter. This song reminds me of the closer to The White Album. That track is called Good Night. It's track 30 and has Ringo as it's singer. And for the record Frank kills this song, in the compliment way. I mean this is probably the theme song for anyone who ponders and stays up late to just think and observe... Alone. 
2. Mood Indigo: This is a Duke cover originally on his Masterpieces album from 1954. Not my favorite but consistently good overall. This song is has a nice jazzy feeling to it, which should kinda of be given since it's a Ellington tune. But it's funny, maybe because of where I am, but I really like this song significantly more than I did.
3. Glad to Be Unhappy: This is a Rodger-Hartz piece. This is very pretty, and I really like the little touches here and there of guitar and piano and maybe xylophone or chimes. They work together very well and oddly enough this track makes me smile. Maybe it's because
4. I Get Along Without You Very Well: I really like the strings on this track, and the lyrics on this. I am not as in love with maybe the performance of the vocals, but I still like this song. I wish maybe someone with a bit of a larger range should have sang this, but I still get the point of the song and feel what it's to feel.
5. Deep In A Dream: This also is another track that I can picture someone just walking down a street in an old movies talking about the lost of someone. I like the swells and it isn't as grand as I'd like, but I still like this thing. The instrumentation really feels. I bring forward a bit of a tear.
6. I See Your Face Before Me: This song, while having someone what predictable rhyme scheme, it doesn't bother me. The arrangement is pretty solid and it's lyrics also have a nice touch to them I guess.
7. Can't We Be Friends?: This song stings. I really like the introduction before the song starts, and then when It actually starts I like the delicate feeling Nelson Riddle did here. I actually wanted to listen to over version of this song because I saw potential in the track for being amazing. Kay Swift and Paul James did a really good job, but the songs best part is it's lyrics.
8. When Your Lover Has Gone: At this point the feeling sort of feels like it's been felt, that's not bad though. I like the swells and almost wish this could end the album. It's a satisfying song none the less and really fits about right after the last track. The fucking swells goddamn Nelson.
9. What Is This Thing Called Love?: The intro to this track reminds me of Carless Whispers. The only thing is that this is much better. The woodwinds on this track are very audible and make this track extremely unique here. While all the songs are good this track is great. I also love how later on the strings play the, for lack of better word, "motif" or the "theme" of the song. If I could be half the lyricist that Porter was, I'd be pretty happy.
10. Last Night When We Were Young: This song is pretty sonically similar to the rest of the record and I can't really say stands out to much. I love the orchestra hit towards the ending of the song.
11. I'll Be Around: I can't really pick the music out as being anything too different, other than maybe not having strings and having a prominent drums beat. I feel like this might be better without lyrics.
12. Ill Wind: I like the introduction to this and it kinds picks up the pace of the last two songs. I mean they weren't bad but they weren't mind blowing.This feels far engaging than the last few tracks.
13. It Never Entered My Mind: This, and the following tracks, feature a reappearance of Rodger-Hartz. The song it's self is fine, it just yeah starts to tread similar water as other songs.
14. Dancing on the Ceiling: This isn't Lionel's song. I really like the guitar in this track A guy named George Van Eps plays a 7-Strings Guitar here and damn it's beautiful. This is also more emotive of Frank than some others. Though again, maybe cut song tracks.
15. I'll Never Be the Same: I like the flutes on this track and like the feeling, but wish they would have saved this for ending you know. Change the pace then return to form. After a break up you never are the same again. Honestly though, this would have been a fitting final benediction.
16. This Love of Mine: Frank is credited as the lyricist on this track. And there is something about this that made me cry, so I guess this is a fine ending. But I still wish this and the last were switched. Because then it's like he came full circle over the night rather than still wondering.

Overall I have to give this classic a 7.8/10. The lyrics on this are great, and I can't describe how poignant a listen this is at night time, when you're in the mood to think about all you're choices or you have just pondered your relationships in life. I mean there the first few listens I really couldn't pick out any tracks that were mind blowers, with the exception of maybe number one. This album has turned into one of my favorite records ever, thought there is parts that could have been cut. The only problem is that it is kinda long. I could also nit pick and say that it's made up of tracks already written, and only one features writing from Frank. But the thing is, if I did that I'd be missing the point of the album and the point is to me at least to ponder and helps me ponder. And it's the perfect album, for where I am right now. Next up Low.

Aladdin Sane - David Bowie

The last memorial album I did didn't go over so well, so why not review an album that I consider one of my all time favorites. It is in, some what, continuous play on my iPod/Spotify/iTunes/Anything Really. And as much as it sucks he's gone, let's hope this review is positive enough, though I'm not going to lie to you, I know it'll be a fitting goodbye to one of my heroes. In past reviews I've mentioned how much he means to me as a musican/writer and there is no way I'd ever be able to pay him back, and since I need more time to dissect Blackstar, Aladdin Sane is the natural choice for this (if not counting the ones I've done and not Lodger). But anyway, here are the facts, this is album number six. This was the first of two albums released in 1973, the other the covers album Pin Ups. This was released in April of 1973 and was mainly written while David was on his American tour for Ziggy. This is looked at as Ziggy in America, and that's a great way to look at it.

1. Watch That Man: maybe not the best song here but damn is it a solid glam rocker. From the hard rock guitar and the piano and the nice ass drum beat. This song is a terrific opener. Like I said this is pretty straight forward tine, one listen basically gives you everything there. You might pick up on that piano later, but it's still a nice rocker.  Actually the backing vocals are awesome and that piano reminds me a bit of that live performance of Search and Destroy on the Legacy Edition of Raw Power. 
2. Aladdin Sane (1917-1939-197?): So we opened with a rocker, a straight forward tune. The following track couldn't be more different. With a title that hints WWIII could happen sometime in the 70's this odd European tune is one of the things I love about this album. It kind of throws left hooks. This song has some gorgeous piano from one Mike Garrison. The chorus here is as catchy as any of his other, more poppy songs. That guitar riff, and that tone (esp. During the verses, Damn!). I love the sort of freak out with the saxophone backing up the insane, almost mad man playing of the piano. I mean yes there is logic to it, but to a regular person.... WTF. I'm serious if I played the solo section for someone out of context they'd most likely be confused. This song is great and I couldn't ask for something else for this spot here. And that ending :)
3. Drive-In Saturday: A classic, and by that I'm serious. I guess this is about people in post apocalyptic.... just look it up. It's kind of interesting. Plot aside, this has a doo-wop sort of vibe to it. It isn't straight doo-wop though, like some of his best tunes.... It has this weird atmosphere to it. Seriously, I mean it almost makes no sense, but it's a solid ass fucking song. I love every second from the sax to the vocals to those backing harmonies. Plus the lyrics are pretty funny, in a kooky way. 
4. Panic In Detroit: Another rocker, though this is more of a hard rocker. I can't recall if this is about anything, like a real riot in Detroit, or whatever but I honestly don't care at the moment. This song is much better than the meaning and it doesn't need a meaning to make it good. There's a reason he played this live in the years to follow. It's a great rocker that is probably the closest The Spiders would get to TMWSTW. There are actually riffs where it sounds like it could go into the extended solos on that record. Even the opening just shouts rock and roll. I mean really. Also I should mention, this sonically sounds different from the other tracks, but not enough to not fit on this mixed bag of rock and roll tunes. I love the backing singers here too and we get to hear Mick just rip.
5. Cracked Actor: This is the only song I can say that I don't either Love. I mean it isn't bad, but compared to the other tracks I don't think it's as strong. You can almost look at this as a rewrite of Jean Genie. I mean this is a good glam rock tune, I just don't Love it you know. 
6. Time: This song starts out with a piano that is avant-gardeish. There is this vaudeville feeling to this track. I feel like this could be a cabaret number. It's very odd, there is a type of closure you get with this song.... now at least. It's got everything here that makes this album great, vocals, I love the guitar when the song gets more intense. I love how it goes back to the beginning and just feels like odd, even thought in reality it isn't the odd. Mick has some great guitar parts here that just add and, he's fucking an amazing arranger period Those backing vocals are great. I mean in reality most of what makes these songs great is on each song. The only thing is they all are different enough, to where you could call this a mixed bag of songs.
7. The Prettiest Star: A rerecorded version of the 1969 single, written about Angie Bowie. On the original Marc Bolan played lead, and Mick tried to replicate that guitar on this recording. This is a happy song, and I mean I feel like it's sort of heartfelt. It sort of reminds me a bit of Kooks or Soul Love or just a number that may not necessarily be the "insane genius theorist" he is elsewhere. I like songs that show another side to a guy, this is one of those. Nice saxophones by the way :)
8. Let's Spend The Night Together: The only cover on this album, it was originally released as a single by The Rolling Stones in 1967. Opening with a sort of weird heavy psych, feed back and then what I can describe as atonal piano hits. The songs rushes into a performance, and damn this thing fly's by. To be honest, the best performance of the song. This almost sounds like the original, but better heavier and more rockin'. 
9. The Jean Genie: What can I say about this track. It feels like a pirate is playing this. Seriously, I much prefer to think the Rebel Rebel video Bowie is singing this. This riff is just one of those, and yes you can hear it towards the ending of Width of a Circle, but here it's just so oddly perfect. I can kind of imagine people in the 70's going... what the fuck, this is really good, but still what is this. There is a reason this is as famous a song as it is. It's classic. Go Mickey Go!
10. Lady Grinning Soul: Argue with me all you will, but I believe this to be the most romantic track to ever be written... ever. You can't top this, not Marvin not Smokey, not Ole Blue Eyes nor anyone else. Keep on listing songs, you'll never change my mind. From Mr. Garrison's opening piano rolls, to David's sole vocal introduction. Listen to this thing, I mean really. Everything here sounds so damn good, and just the playing is so tight. I really can't find anything wrong here. I love the saxophones, I love the Spanish solo. The piano and guitar duet, Mick you are a genius. This word is almost too good for words, every time I listen to this I cry a bit. This song is perfect.

Overall I have to give this a 9/10. This s very much an Americanized version of Ziggy. On top of that its a great fucking album, there isn't much to complain about here. I mean really, every songs is unique, and they are all solid performances. I guess you could complain there's a cover, but that's just nit picking. Bowie my friend, you may be gone, but I know you're one of the few people to make a string, constantly great to amazing albums, from 1969 to 1980. Though I may never be able to tell you, or thank you for everything you done for me I also don't think I'd be able to either. Sometimes, actions speak louder than words. I'm gonna miss you.

American Beauty - Grateful Dead

This is possibly the best known album by The Grateful Dead. You know I got this thing on vinyl from my moms cousins husband. And honestly, I didn't care first time through. Now I'm older and more mature and have been craving the following artists/genres The Dead, 20th Century Classical, Free Jazz, Jazz, Bowie and a little hip hop/pop to add flavor so it doesn't get dull. I'm 100% serious when I say that so I may be going insane or I may just give this thing another shot. After all, it is a classic.

1. Box of Rain: This opens up this album, and you know it isn't that bad. The thing that turned me off was the harmony vocals before, but you know this is a pretty decent track. The more I hear this song the more I think that I enjoy it. Maybe it also has something to do with Eugene, but that's also a little irrelevant. It's a pretty song and it's relaxing.
2. Friend of the Devil: This is a pretty fun song. I always kind of liked the bass line in it. This is a fun song that I may want to write a song like. I mean this 
3. Sugar Magnolia: Now this song is a song that kind of gets on my nerves. I mean, it's not terrible, but there is a type of magic that is keeping me from hating this thing. Usually I can't stand bluegrass or country unless it's done a certain way or with a little flavor. This album is able to keep my interest and make me wanna review this. I think the drums on this a pretty cool sounding. Its also very happy and kind of "brainwashes" you into wanting to have fun too.
4. Operator: This song reminds me a little of Big Yellow Joint or the real version Alice's Restaurant. This is a fun song that I think may also grow on me with time. This is a pretty fun time and a jolly way to sit back drink a beer. Thought I don't drink, nor will I ever, this is something I imagine would go great with it.
5. Candyman: This is pretty much on the same boat as Operator with the whole beer things. This song is just relaxing, but I like the guitar fills in there. This album has a central focus. I think that this shows great maturation on the part of the band, why? Well they were willing to go from that psych sound on their debut to this folk/country feeling on Working Man's Dead and further expand it more with this album. I'm actually surprised that those 6 minutes were actually pretty fun.
6. Ripple: This is a very country sounding song. I mean even as the album progresses I am opening up to the songs more. This is pretty and relaxing I just want to kick back and write a bunch of these songs after hearing this song. 
7. Brokedown Place: There isn't really anything that crazy complex going on, other than these guys are really into the song. They are able to make boring songs have heart and honesty. The vocals here are pretty great, and they make me wanna listen to this thing again after listen to it once. This proves that simplicity isn't always a bad thing. I also like the honky tonk piano fill thing. It's pretty great.
8. Till The Morning Comes: Now this is a song that I think, after the last track doesn't really stand up. This album uses a lot of very similar sounding songs and they probably reuse a few chord progressions, but the songs are still pretty great. This song has a cool thing that reminds me a little of I Can't Explain's main riff. I also like the chiming sounds and what not at the end.
9. Attics of My Life: This is a more relaxed song. This actually reminds me of The Beach Boys. One of their songs that would be sunshine pop. A good example too would be Good Day Sunshine by The Beatles off 1966's Revolver. Now I always found an irony in the genre because it's always felt kind of dark even though it has "sunshine" in the title.  Just an underlining darkness in there. Though this doesn't necessarily do it for me, that may change over time.
10. Truckin: This closes this LP, and a pretty great ending too. Just keep on Trucking and keep calm. This whole album is relaxing and I think that this kind of wraps up the whole feeling of sit back and kick you shoes off to a T. It's also probably the song that has the more things going on. This is also just a great way to end the review and album

Overall I have to give this bluegrass/rock n roll classic a 7/10. The title fits, country is from America and if you think about it then you can know why it fits. Thought I may not think this is my favorite album by the group, this is still a pretty solid album. Now I may not always see the genius or the classicness of this, but one year has done maturation and let me enjoy this a little more, maybe in a year from now I'll like it even more. I am positive though, that I WILL be returning to this album if I plan on doing a country influenced album, song, ep whatever. I don't want to say this is genius or even a classic, but it's pretty great and a great place for inspiration.

Houses of the Holy - Led Zeppelin

This is the fifth, and my favorite, album by Led Zeppelin. This album is much different from all the other LPs by them and deserves more praise. It was released on March 28th, 1973 and recorded from January to August the prior year. This is the first time that Zeppelin didn't release an album every year, I and II were from 1969, III was from 1970, and IV was from 1971, this was from 1973. If I'm also correct this is the first album done by their longtime collaborators Hipgnosis. This also includes funk and reggae, and it's a more prominent through the album. The albums prior were all Blues/Folk/Rock. I really got into Zeppelin from Mothership which was on sale because Circit City was closing and we went there the day of the Super Bowl 2007. Instead of watching the game I played the two disc on that CD and Damn! I still love some of those songs, some more than ever. But here's my review.

1. The Song Remains The Same: This opens, and sets the tone, for this trip. And damn, this is one journey. This track, when played live, was another to feature the famous Gibson EDS-1275 that he used in Stairway. The reason is because he needed it for the next part. On the studio version he overdubs with a Tele and a Rickenbacker 12 String, but that's enough facts. This intro pumps you, and it is tight. Like the later Achilles Last Stand this is great. It was supposed to be an instrumental overture into The Rain Song, but the lyrics give it so much more power. The playing from everyone on this track is top notch and probably the best on this album. The energy emoted from this is amazing, it literally blows me away with each listen. I'm still coming back after almost 7 years of loving this song, the Super Bowl this year will be 7 years. JPJ and Bonzo are just fricken Gods on this track.
2. The Rain Song: This is a pretty song, but it's also kind of slow. It's also 39 seconds longer than the second longest track No Quarter, an even 7 minutes. The mellotron reminds me though of the orchestral effects in I Talk To The Wind, and it actually kind of saves the song a little for me. This is very nice and I somewhat agree with Plant about it being his best vocal performance. I like his vocals on Achilles more and the prior track, but what ever. The song progressively builds up. If I'm correct there is an alternate tuning in this song? Probably why it achieves that weird guitar sound.
3. Over The Mountains And Far Away: This sounds like it'd be fun to play on acoustic guitar. This is another tight song. Not as tight as the first track, but it's great. And continues where The Rain Song left off, but picks up the pace of the album. This is a fun song, and the riff right after the solo it awesome. I love the playing on this song, and I think that the acoustic guitar sounds awesome. I also like the whole instrumental ending.... I don't want to spoil it if you haven't heard it, but it's pretty epic.
4. The Crunge: This is one funky song. It reminds me a little of reggae infused into Mother Popcorn. I love the mellotron, or what every Key instrument JPJ is probably using for the song. It almost sounds like its being played backwards, which reminds me of their take of Revolver. I think the way he "speaks" at the end gives the song a little humors vibe to it.
5. Dancing Days: This song is odd, but it's great. I like the organ and the odd time signature in this song, If I'm correct it also changes keys in this song. This is just a bizarre song that I hardly imagine would be on the radio if it wasn't be Zeppelin. This isn't that serious of a track either. It kind of falls into that No Quarter realm of odd sounds. Not as atmospheric, but definitely some different things here
6. D'yer Mak'er: This is probably, no it IS, the funniest moment on this LP. I just want to sing and play along to this track. This is the most reggae on this album, and Zeppelin ever really got. I don't really have much to say about this track, the distortion is sick, the solo rocks. This is just a really fun and not entriely serious song. The title's a pun on "Why'd ya make her, Jamaica". I also love the whole whispered voices at the end and that they add stuff at the ending, it's not just boring and repetitive, they add other instruments and part. The honky-tonk piano thing.
7. No Quarter: Damn, this song is defiantly a foreshadow. They would do that atmospheric eerie sounding songs on later albums too. I remember being creepy out by this track years ago when I first started getting into Zeppelin, I used to skip this song. Now I almost always listen to this track when I get the chance. That mellotron in this song is damn great, and defiantly why that's one of my favorite instruments. Imagine hearing this for the first time, it's pretty intense. Now it's not as much of a scare, but still. I used to be afraid to listen to Eleanor Rigby and Mr. Kite. The whole piano solo part just kind of takes you to another planet. I could see why people would get stoned to this. I could only imagine what this would be like to hear on that warm vinyl record. The riff in this song reminds me a little of Echoes, like how it's atmospheric and then there's a sick ass riff. I love the ending, when he says the title. That's probably my favorite part, all that guitar fuzz. I need to know how they got that fuzz!
8. The Ocean: This wraps up the tone of the album, giving it a proper end.  This album has an ocean vibe to it from style to the titles of tracks to the artwork. Naming the end The Ocean brings this theory full circle. As everyone knows the truth, The Ocean Is The Ultimate Solution and I'm just pointing it out. This isn't as funky a song as some others, but I like the whole A Capella thing too. Something that reminds me of a song they'd do later on In My Time Of Dying.

Overall I have to give this album a 9/10. Though some of these ideas were later expanded on, this is where it "started over" for them and truly is my favorite album they've released. I mean, they were already established as a blues band, but they kind of got rid of that style for this album, and it worked very well. This album isn't that serious of an album either, which gives it great power.

Hail to the King - Avenged Sevenfold

This little thing here COME ON!. I've been waiting since Not Ready to Die for you (especially since before that I really wasn't even thinking of their next album following Nightmare). I'm not dissing the album but I finally get to hear this. And it's in my hands. My precious. I wish the cover was a little cooler, but it's cool enough. I also heard about the no double track vocals. And heard the title track. If the whole album is like that, this is gonna be a long review. :( Here is song quick facts, first album with Arin as a member (though his first drum performance was on NRTD). This is also the first album without The Rev. By that, he didn't write anything off this. This is also Avenged Sevenfold's sixth album and is, in the US, released a day late (08-27-13) of being released on the 10th anniversary of the release of Waking The Fallen (08-26-03). If that's on purpose, I don't know, but I wanted to say that. [Note: I basically had to redo this entire review]

1. Shepard of Fire: This song, from the start, reminds me of something they would have put on City of Evil. More of that hard rock sound, vs the experimental elements of the Self Titled and the darkness of Nightmare. I can't quite put my finger on what the horns remind me of, I need to re-relisten to City and some other albums. The more I hear this song, the more the magic goes. It fades kind of. This song, after even gaining a new respect, I don't like it any more. I always kind of liked this song, but I didn't have as much of a revelation about this song as Requiem. This song is a pretty good intro. The chorus in the song is pretty cool. I like the horns in the beginning and think that this is a song that has a sludge to it. Not sludge metal, but kind of slightly slowed down version of some of their past songs. The bass heavy song reminds me a little of the intro to Save Me.
2. Hail to the King: The intro is pretty cool, when I only heard it as an instrumental. When I heard the vocals it sent this song to the shitter. The more you hear this the better it gets. But, on the other hand, it loses that little magic it had to appeal to it. The intro kind of gets boring, though the vocals aren't as bad. This is just an average song, with nothing special about it. I love this band, but I can't stick up for them with this song at all. Then after discussing this album, as a whole, I gained a new respect for this song. Though this isn't what I wanted, this is still a pretty decent track. Once you learn to overlook the whole weird vocals thing, it's a pretty fun song. Kind of like a Almost Easy or somethings along these lines that follows up the intro track on an A7X album. This is another groove track, just like the last. It isn't high speed, but its tempo is fast enough. I almost feel the tempo this songs at is too simple for Syn. I mean, yes that might be on purpose, but it just seems like it might be too simple. The "hey's" remind me of Critical Acclaim. The solo might be more exciting if it was a little faster, but it fits the way it is.
3. Doing Time: Though this title sucks the music in the beginning is pretty cool. But the "poem" in the beginning isn't really doing anything for me. His singing reminds me a lot of Axel Rose in a song like Bad Obsession or when he uses that type of thing with his voice. This could actually be a Guns N' Roses song, but not an Avenged Sevenfold song. After hearing this song I went to look for what GNR song it reminded me of. This song actually reminded me of Perfect Crime, at first. This song though is much better when you hear the whole context of the album. They wanted to make a raw sounding album like Sabbath or Zeppelin and use their influences. Daft Punk did that with RAM they celebrated their influences of music and did a great job at it, Avenged did the same thing, and I tip my hat to them for that.
4. This Means War: This is a pretty sick song. First time through, I'm not huge on this lyrics or singing. This song could almost be a cover of Sad But True. I'm serious, just listen to this than that (or vice versa) and tell me what you think. Well the only difference is that this song isn't an "gritty" and "rough" as that Sad But True. That song has a type of force behind it that makes it "tough" and a song that can be proudly called a Metallica song. But this song, well, is kind of like a not so "tough" song. Maybe like a side kick. "Batman's" the best and this song is more of a "3rd Robin". (Note: Just take this song with a grain of salt).
5. Requiem: The whole Latin Chant in the beginning isn't cool. The way it sound it just comes off as cheesy. It'd be different if it was cheesy sounding and from 1970 or 1980 at the latest 1990, but this is 2013. Come on! I enjoy the song, but not enough to like it or that it sticks out. After relistening [and meditating with a convo] after a day or two break, I learned the it's sick. I still am not found of the chant in the beginning, but that changes. This is one hell of a dark song, almost evil. I could see, in a movie, this being the part where they are calling upon satan to do as he does. And that prayer kind of makes it a little creepier. The singer's praying to Satan in the song. This song almost drags you to hell and it keeps you down there. This is probably, you could say, their evilist song. And he doesn't even scream on this song. The "In flames" part reminds me a little of one of the parts in The Wicked End. Just the riff in this song is just sick. I just love this, and this song has a riff that's just kind of hard to just have quiet. IT NEEDS TO BE LOUD!!!!! {9/10}
6. Crimson Day: This intro reminds me of like a mix of Fade to Black and Don't Cry. It also reminds me a little of Buried Alive. Now I can see what they were doing on this track. This is like a non-explosive Buried Alive. This song isn't evil, like the others, but it is still pretty great. This is a pretty song, and I love how it's about Matt's son. This is a pretty solid ballad in its own respect. I tip my hat to them for that. I like this more than So Far Away.
7. Heretic: This is probably the sickest song title off this, though there isn't much competition. You know, partially because of the album M produced called Requiem for The Confession back in 2007. This is another CoE (city) track. The part where it goes in to the acoustic guitar arpeggios reminds me a ton of the ending of Turn The Other Way. The verses of this song are just ok, and hard. But the shine of the song is that whole acoustic arpeggio. It even could be compared to something off Waking The Fallen. And that's at just over the halfway mark. The second half, that and the solo, are the best part of the song.
8. Coming Home: Though the riff sounds like a riff that Iron Maiden might use?, I still think this is a solid song. The way each instrument comes in after each other reminds me of Smoke On The Water. The guitars in this song kind of remind me a little of Carry On. There is something that is off about the chorus that pulls me in. Not off in a bad way, but it doesn't sound pretty. It is pretty, but for me, in more of an IFHY way. The solo in the song is pretty sick too. There are parts of the solo that remind me of Judas Priest. There are also parts that I think are just sick in their own respect. {8/10}
9. Planets: This song, when I saw the title, kind of made me think that this song would be like Acid Rain. I didn't know, but the kind of ballad before the ending. I saw "Melancholia" and this song reminds me of it. As my cousin suggested, and in an interview M. Shadows and Syn mentioned that movie for these song. I love that movie, and it's very touching. But this song is just a raw two part ending to the album. This is the albums Sgt. Pepper's Reprise and Acid Rain being A Day In The Life. The prefect book closer to the album. And also it's kind of like the two different perspectives of the inevitable end. "Mother of all, your time is coming". I love how the chorus is three lines, or four, and the first two have a vibe that you want to sing along to, and then the refrain of the tracks title "Planets Collide" is very powerful. The type This Means War was missing. It still has power and he doesn't even scream it. There is power in this album, and it's neat that there isn't any screams. {9/10}
10. Acid Rain: This is is by far the best track. Though St. James reminds me a tad of 4:00 AM this is still a good song. This isn't really an average A7X song. In fact this is a pretty unique song. The lyrics, and strings, and overall vibe bring me to where I went while listening to Perfect Day. This is a beautiful song and makes this album worth at least 2 listens (1 being the first time, two after hearing it again). This song is cool to hear after hearing the entire thing through. This song is much better too if you can imagine what going on, or if you can picture the movie "Melancholia". It's a beautiful movie both visually and message wise, but it makes these two songs even better. I assume the rain is in reference to the title track off 1970's Black Sabbath, but whether they copied it or whatever I didn't even think of that at first. {10/10}

Overall I have to give this a 8/10. After hearing the first track, not Hail to the King, my faith in this album was somewhat restored. I heard this and didn't like it that much. I did some research and had some talks, and I put those perspectives in mind. I needed that to get this. It's actually pretty good. In a way, how Nightmare is dark and a "nightmare" this is just raw and pure Evil.

Random Access Memory - Daft Punk

DO YOU EVER HATE YOURSELF FOR NOT DOING REVIEWS LIKE YOU SHOULD. THEN YOU'RE ON THE SAME BOAT AS ME. This is the new album by Daft Punk. I've been waiting for this thing to come out. I first started listening to these guys around the same time I started listening to Coldplay. Junior year and it was about the time of Mylo Xyloto. My question, with all the hype and Get Lucky, who isn't waiting for this release? I hoped to pick up a copy on June 18, same day as Fashionably Late & Yeezus. Well I ended up getting this, Yeezus, Fashionably Late [Deluxe Edition], Sounds of Silence, and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy [Deluxe].

1. Give Life Back to Music: This is definitely a good way to start off this album. It's an upbeat song and you can dance to it. I recently saw "Night At The Roxbury", it was ok, but I could imagine them doing the head dance to this song too. This song is a pretty good tone setter and I think kind of says "sit back, relax, play this loud on a warm summers day. At the beach, any day, as long as it's summer".
2. The Game of Love: This song is kind of romantic, I could see this being in a movie where there is a guy serenading a woman. Except the vocoder might not be there. It might be if there was a montage of them falling in love. (ie. We Have All The Time In The World in On Her Majesty's Secret Service). This is a solid song. This song just falls short of making me want to make sex with someone.
3. Giorgio by Moroder: This song is a story. It's told by Giorgio. He is one of Daft Punk's influences. The more I listen the more it blows my mind. I love the hell out of that track. It's great and I can't believe I heard anything like it. It kind of reminds me of Aerodynamics off their 2001 album Discovery. This song pretty much changed my views of electronic music. I've been, since hearing this, trying to compose something along the lines of that. {10/10}
4. Within: This song is a song I could literally see being from the 70's. Maybe if the production was a little "warmer" I could picture this on vinyl. This is a pretty song though. The synth sounds like it would be from then.
5. Instant Crush (feat. Julian Casablancas): I like this song more than I like The Strokes. I really like the way the chorus sounds. It is another song I could see dancing to. This whole album is a dance album, but it a good way. Not overbearing pop crap, it's prefect the way it is. I like the little "do do dodo" thing that sounds like he's dialing a phone or something like that. I think it's a pretty sick way to end an album.
6. Lose Yourself to Dance (feat. Pharrell Williams): This song features Pharrell's almost universally, at least from what I've read/talked about, panned falsetto. I don't care for it, but it isn't that bad. This song isn't one of my favorites, but I still think it's a decent song.
7. Touch (feat. Paul Williams): This song, though not at first, has grown on me. I love the outer space vibe in the beginning. It reminds me a little of Forever Dolphin Love by Connan Mockasin. This song also reminds me, before he starts singing, a little of, I'm pretty sure it's the song, Sonic Attack by Hawkwind off 1973 live Space Ritual album. Then after that I love how his voice just comes in, and then the whole New Orleans band vibe instrumental part. Damn this song is pretty great. Then the whole electronics outerspace part towards the end reminds me of Siberian Breaks. This song reminds me a lot actually, as it progresses MGMT's song Siberian Breaks and the Congratulations album almost as a whole. Like the vocals in the backgrounds and becoming louder reminds me of Siberian Breaks and also Someones Missing. I love the strings "meltdown". That reminds me of A Day In The Life by The Beatles off the legendary Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. This song is just great. And better with every listen. {9/10}
8. Get Lucky (feat. Pharrell Williams): This song is a great song. It's got a kind of disco vibe to it. It also kind of, more of less, reminds me a tad of Aja by Steely Dan. I'm gonna do a review of that album, though as of now I like Can't Buy A Thrill or Countdown more, sometime soon. I don't really know how you can not like this song. It's one of those songs that's hard not to like. Yes it's a catchy song, but it's also pretty well put together.
9. Beyond: The beginning of this song, I'm pretty sure, reminds me of the Saffron City song from Pokemon. I might be wrong on what town, but at least you know it reminds me of Pokemon. Then song slows down a little and turns into something more like Give Life Back to Music or The Game of Love. I like the little keys solo at the end.
10. Motherboard: This is a pretty good song, but you know, I can't say I've really heard it enough to say what I think. I do like the whole acoustic guitar in the song. I think that's pretty sick and the strings are awesome two. But I don't want to diss the song, or praise it since I don't feel I know the song enough. I can though add a note maybe at a later date. It does reminds me of MGMT  though, at parts.
11. Fragments of Time (feat. Todd Edwards): This is another song, that for me, I feel is a little weaker. Who knows though, I might change my mind about it over time. I do this is is a decent song though, I'm not damning it, I'm just saying from what I've heard it's ok. The like solo thing reminds me a little of the song A Drive In The Country by Bill Conti which is in the movie, and a weaker Bond film, "For Your Eyes Only".
12. Doin' It Right (feat. Panda Bear): This song is good. It's good, it's not great, but it is a decent song you can dance to. The album drops off a little after Get Lucky. Not really, but just a tad.
13. Contact: This is a great song, it reminds me of Giorgio and also of Aerodynamics. My two favorite Daft Punk songs. I couldn't have imagined this would end the album. I can't complain in the least about this song. It's such an epic finale to the album, it's like a book closer. Other great book closers/finales to albums are Outside The Wall, A Day In The Life, Eclipse, Shine On You Crazy Diamonds, Save Me, Jungleland, Memory Of A Free Festival, Wreck On The Highway, Here Come The Warm Jets, Wild Is The Wind, Tomorrow Never Knows, Chant Of The Ever Circling Skeletal Family, Rock 'N' Roll Suicide, The End, Ambulance, I'll Be Back, Shelter, The Medley, Combinations, Congratulations I could go on forever, but these are just some for you to checkout if you haven't. {10/10}

Overall I love this thing, 8.6/10. Theses songs are COMPOSED!. I love that, that's what I want to do. I have nothing but respect for them with this type of stuff. Noel from Oasis doesn't know crap, other than how to not grow up and make up with his brother. He couldn't compose if his life depended on it. And if he grew up and just didn't disown his brother, then maybe I'd respect his opinion on this album. This album is also a holy grail of disco and other "black music" musicians. BUY THIS CD! SUPPORT THE CAUSE, DON'T LET CDs DIE! What I'm gonna start doing is review albums more based on my influences for writing at the time. It will help me dissect the music, and will be fun to do. I'll still do new album and random ones here and there, but that's gonna be for the most part.

Station to Station - David Bowie

FINALLY, HERES A NEW REVIEW. This is the 10th studio album by one of my favorites, David Bowie. This is the album where he was at the height of his cocaine addiction. This is the album before the legendary Bowie/Eno Berlin Trilogy. This album was produced by Bowie and Harry Maslin. I have noticed an almost universal love for this album I like the album too, but not as much as everyone else does. It has grown on me 

1. Station to Station: This song is one of my favorite Bowie songs and one of, in my opinion, the best songs ever made. This is, in theory, kind of like Bowie's own Stairway. But this song kicks the crap out of Stairway in everything, except a complex guitar solo. At the end of the day though, you don't need to have a Jimmy Page solo to be a good solo. Look at Coffee & TV by blur. That solo fits the song, and this solo fits this song. This song is kind of a build up. It starts with a 1 or 2 minute intro of what sounds like trains chugging. I love the way the piano sounds when it kind of breaks the train off. Then after that it goes into a guitar riff that replicates, more or less, the rhythm of the train in the beginning. Then when the vocals come in this guitar arpeggios? is playing "The return of the Thin White Duke, Throwing darts in lovers eyes". I love that line of the song. The lyrics of this song are just so sick. This is one of the fastest 10 minutes of my life. The cream of the crop comes thought at about 5:15ish when there is a drum interlude for about a second or so and then "Once there were mountains". I love that part. I can't tell you how much I love it. It's a completely different song after that point. It's almost like they were written as two different songs squashed together, but it worked perfect. Kind of like Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding. The former ended in the same key as the latter started in, so he put them together. "The European Cannon is here". Damn, this is an amazing song! I just love the lyrics; but one of my favorites, and stand out for me, is "Have you sought fortune evasive and shy". I could take that more than one way. But my way of interpreting that specific line is, have you gone after fame evasive and trying to hide and sneak around people. This is nothing short of epic. I think they double tracked his vocals, but one is higher pitched. So rather than reverb it's like two different people singing. I love they way that people do this trick. And David was able to sing different enough to make it sound right. The guitar riff is kind if like a horse Gallup, at the "Have you sought fortune and fame". The bass is pretty sick to play too. I can play this song, I love jamming and playing along with it. I could go on forever about this song, but I should probably stop. {100/10}
2. Golden Years: This is a good song. Not great, but it's a quality song. This is just an odd song. It has a weird feeling to it. I know it's kind of like a song that is like a ballad, but it's just somewhat weird. Maybe it's weird chords, but I love the idea of this song. Like, a ballad with "indian chords". I know they didn't use "indian chords", but the idea of making a pretty song with odd sounds. I looked it up, it's F# to E. that's awesome. {8.1/10}
3. Word On A Wing: This is a pretty romantic song. Kind of like some of the romantic songs on Young Americans. I actually could almost see this song being on that album. According to he VH1 Storytellers he said this was written as kind of a way to cope with the darkest time of his life. There is also a theme of religion in this song he touches upon. This is a pretty touching song. You can kind of tell there is some emotions that go into this song. I didn't like it much at first, but with more listens its become a song I love to hear. This is a song I would check out if you haven't heard it before. I also like the choir thing at the ending. {9.2/10}
4. TVC 15: This is supposedly inspired when David Bowie saw Iggy Pop's wife get eaten by a TV. I don't know what that is supposed to mean, but this song is a decent song. I don't really know much about what to say. I could see, in an odd way, this being a song you can dance too. I like the "dance hall?" flavor in the beginning. I think that's the right word. The chorus part I'd just sick. It feels pretty epic and big. I also like the sax there. It's harder to hear, but if you listen you can hear it. 
5. Stay: This is another song that is a little different. Not what I expected. I do like the chorus. This is a song that reminds me of Young Americans. This is a pretty damn good song. I like the way he sings in the chorus. I also like the solo. It's more of like a guitar fill. It's not overly complex. It somewhat reminds me of, at parts, of Georgie's playing. That's probably my favorite part. 
6. Wild Is The Wind: Though I love the dozen or so Nina Simone songs I've heard, especially Save Me, I think David does it better. This is a pretty romantic song. I like that this is the ending. It fits the album perfect. It's like the book closer. This feels like a song where you'd take the woman under your sheets and just make sweet love to her. I like the acoustic guitar a lot also. Excluding YA album this is probably the most romantic he gets. I also kind of laugh at the way some of the words sound funny. Then I remember Nina's songs. I love where it starts to pick up. The sound of acoustic guitar on this song is my favorite sound. Like the "distortion?". That's not the right word, but I hope you get the point ;)

Overall I have  to give this album a 8.5/10. All the songs on this album are quality songs. No single song on this album isn't good, but they aren't like the songs on Ziggy or Space Oddity or even Diamond Dogs. The album though, I think, isn't mind blowing. As time has gone on, and this album has sat with me, I like it more and more. But you know, I know this is an important period in his career, but that doesn't make a good album. Also, I'ven't heard all of Low or Lodger yet, so I can't judge them yet. All these songs are fun to sing alone with, and the lyrics aren't that hard to remember. If you think about it Space Oddity had its parts where it was psychedelic and it's parts where it would fit on a glam album. This album is kind of like that. 

Addition 7/28/13: This album, with more listens is a damn great album. That's why I'll award it a 9/10. And it is one of my favorite Bowie albums, and is definatly the slickest album I've ever heard. I wouldn't be surprised if that 9 turns to a 10 by the end of the year. Damn! David also said something, which I could never really think of how to say it or what it was, but said this is a "dark album". Look at this Richard Corey was everyone's idol and they loved him. But he obviously was troubled and had some darkness there. Lots of times everyone's heroes have more troubles than we think. Comedians usually have some type of problem, not all, but lots historically have. 

Transformer - Lou Reed

This is the sophomore solo album by ex-Velvet Underground lead singer, Lou Reed. Now I watched the Classic Albums doc on this and I gained a new appreciation for it. Before that this was one of those "I'll listen to it eventually" albums. Even though I knew that David Bowie produced the album. I heard a few songs from it and decided to do a review.

1. Vicious: I don't know if there is a specific reason, but I keep listening to this song. I don't think it's the best song on the album, but there is something about it that makes it catchy. This is a good way to start out an album. It gets your attention and it kind of keeps it. I like how the drums sound like a "metrognome". The lyrics are kind of dark. Not sadistic, but the type of dark that reminds me a little of One More Minute by "Weird Al". Tongue-and-cheek dark.
2. Andy's Chest: I guess this is about how Andy Warhol was shot. This is a decent song, I mean that I don't think it's mind blowing, but it's ok. I think that this track does have some significance to Lou. But you know, I just am not super into it. The more I hear it the better it gets, but for right now, I'm not in love with it.
3. Perfect Day: I was just, before I started the review, listening to Duran Duran's cover of this song off their Thank You album. The more I listen to it the better it gets. The more "perfect" it gets. Here are the legendary Mick Ronson strings. Damn, if I could have ever had the chance meet this guy. But I can't, :(. This song though has this pretty piano and the strings that go along with it. I mean, Damn.
4. Hangin' 'Round: This is a total Bowie song. I could almost see this being an outtake from Ziggy Stardust sessions. It's kind of uncanny about how much this is like one of those tracks. I'm assuming that it sounds like that because Bowie helped, but still. This reminds me of a song off that album.
5. Walk On The Wild Side: I love the way this song is. I don't love it, how it turned out, but it's amazing. That contradicts itself but I love the way this song is, the instrumentation, just the overall. I love the lyrics and love the way it IS, but I'm not in LOVE with it, if that makes sense? I think the way the instrumentation is and the whole overall idea about it is awesome, but I'm not crazy about how it turned out? I like it, but I wish it was a little more exciting. This is a relaxing track. I guess you could compare it to Soul Love.
6. Make Up: I'm not a huge fan of this song either. I get what it's talking about, but I don't think it's anything special. If I had a choice I'd probably skip this track, but it's not horrible.
7. Satellite Of Love: This song is just... it took me by surprise. I never really cared for The Velvets but after this song, I decided to check them out. They aren't as bad as I though, and I plan on reviewing one of their albums I've yet to touch later this month. This is by far my favorite song by Lou that I've heard. I heard a demo of this song from the Loaded deluxe album. Only that demo. It's not as good as this version. I do like it tough. It has one of my favorite chord progressions and is one of the funnest songs I know how to play. The whole "I've been told". This is my favorite part and it's so much fun to play along with. The ending that is like ad-libbed, it's great. I love David's high notes in that outro. Something I don't think he used enough on his, if at all, Next Day.
8. Wagon Wheel: This song reminds me of The Velvet Underground. I'm not huge on that band, but you know, it's not that terrible of a track. It's hard to live up to that last track.
9. New York Telephone Conversation: This is a fun song. I can honestly say I never though Lou Reed would do anything like this. Maybe David had an influence on him, but still. This is a silly song, and probably the most silly. I love this song, it's so weird that I don't think it could ever work unless Davey had something to do with it. This is a very fun song and I hope I could write a song almost as fun as this is to listen to.
10. I'm So Free: This song is a little more return to this sound of glam rock, more so than that last song. It actually reminds me of the Wagon Wheel track a little.
11. Goodnight Ladies: This is a great ending to this album. It's a bizarre and it's an awesome ender. It's like a glammed up version  of Good Night off 1968's self titled album The Beatles. Its a great track and if you've never heard it, I'd definitely listen to this first or second to Satellite.

Overall I have to give this album a 8.6/10. I understand this thing. Lou Reed seems like a guy who is dirty and one of those Factory Kids who hung with Warhol, but this is a silly album. It is the opposite of the dark Velvet Underground albums. Just listen to any track off this album, then any track off The Velvet Underground & Nico. David definitely know how to work magic. Most of this album is amazing, though there are some Ok parts, nothing is terrible or boring or bad.

Congratulations - MGMT

#5. This is the second studio album released by one of my favorite bands MGMT. These guys are from Connecticut, forming at Wesleyan University. They came out with their first release in 2004. At that time they were known as The Management, but when they found out someone was using that name they changed it to MGMT. They released their first studio album Oracular Spectacular in October of 2007 digitally. Then in January they released the CD and LP versions. In my opinion, they haven't released anything yet that I don't like. I first got into theses guys with Oracular Spectacular in fall of 10th grade. That was the year that I really began experimenting with different types of music. The first time I heard any song on this I liked it, but it has only grown on me. Here is the review. This was supposed to go up the 13th, but I wanted to do a fucking amazing job on this review. So instead what I did was I waited until the last week of the month and uploaded the reviews that were going up. Well that was 13 months ago, but you definitely won't be disappointed, hopefully. I know I won't. I bought the CD and picked up stuff I never did before.

1. It's Working: This is an amazing opener to this album. It is a very fun feeling song and it is upbeat and cool. It also has a fun music video. This is already much different for their last album. This is a fun song. Like I said earlier, it's kind of cartoony. You can really get into this song, and it sets up the rest of the album so well. The harmony vocals are dreamy and it's just so like great.
2. Song For Dan Tracey: This is a song that was one of my favorites the first time I heard it. It was a really cool song to listen to and it is fun. It is upbeat and exciting to listen to. This song also has a cartoony feeling to it. But after the verse it goes into a nightmarish cartoon. This song has a jungle vibe.  Part due to the instrumentation, but also the mentioning of the jungle in the song. This song is another song that could get you set up for the rest of the album. The ending is a buildup and it only gets more exciting.
3. Someone's Missing: This is one of my favorite song of all time. I love the way this song builds. This is the most tame song in the beginning, thus far on the album. Because of that fact, it's one of my favorite tracks on the album. This song is too short to be a single, but I wouldn't want it any other way. The whole. I love the way, though it's "hidden", you can hear the bass. If you listen, and the psychedelic sounds there. I love the guitars distortion on this track and it makes me get pumped for what to come next. I've heard this song about a million times and I still get pumped each time I hear it. The outro to the song almost comes in beautifully. ORGASM!!!
4. Flash Delirium: I love the bass on this track. This is a single, but its such a weird song. I don't really see how a normal person, unless you're high, or you're me, would understand this song. Now I'm not going "You just don't get art". No, I'm going, "You don't appreciate it". There's a difference. The lyrics to this song are somewhat sadistic. I'm not 100% sure if this is about the same thing, for the most part, as the line "stab you're FaceBook", and "vanity", like Andrew said how he felt about. This song has a nervous breakdown at the ending of it. This song is kind of like a painting. The same way Life On Mars? is by David Bowie. This song is overwhelming at the ending. And it progressively gets more overwhelming. More and more and more and more and more and more gets built on to it. Then it has little bits where it cools down, but not very much. The music also paints a picture too. It's just so magical. It's almost "the prefect song". The music video is something else too. Check it out, and tell me if you get it.... I did. {10/10}
5. I Found A Whistle: This song reminds me of Christmas. The synthesizers give me that same feeling, not sound but feeling, that I get from Wonderful Christmastime by Paul McCartney & Wings. But you know, it's kind of a twisted one, with a noose. I love the white noise sounds in there. It kind of sounds like snow in the wind. This is a very sweet song to continue after the last "meltdown". 
6. Siberian Breaks: This is the longest song on the album, and it is also the best. It isn't my favorite, because I don't have a one certain favorite on this album, but it is the most well composed and put together song on the album. Ok, it may be my favorite. I'm not sure, but this song is like Flash Delirium but if that song was older and "better", and a more mature version of Metanoia (though it's shorter by around 1:30). It's hard to imagine, especially since I praised that song too. This song is just a trip from the beginning. I love the jazz chords and the whole psychedelic vibe to the acoustic part. It reminds me a little of Jugband Blues. Because it could still be psychedelic and there be an acoustic guitar. And his Rickenbacker... DAMN! The melody of this song and the "second part" where they start singing with the echo. I know it's about surfing in the arctic, and it's a great song. It song is more of a painting than Flash. The part where it sounds like a jumpy part or a skip, reminds me of Syd's Floyd. And the "Old Mary Ann" line, I believe that's an Alice in Wonderland reference to the rabbit. I might be wrong, but I think that's what it is. The next part with the echos and the "flares".... YES! Then there is the part where it kind of goes into a normal song, before going into the acoustic melody of the beginning, and then outro flares of electronic sound, it's beautiful. {12/10}
7. Brian Eno: This song is named after the producer of the same name. This song returns to the fun that was on the songs like Dan Tracey and It's Working. After buying the CD I was able to pick up on the different layers on this song. The little tiny things. Which is something he'd do. Listen to the little details on The Warm Jets and you'll understand. An example in this song is right before the last chorus the "what does he know" that's hard to understand. There is also little Enoesque layers throughout. I love how this song pretty much falls apart. With the sirens in the background. The very ending literally falls apart, kind of like And All Things Will End by A7X. There are things that I probably won't pick up on yet, since I'm getting into Eno now, but in the future it might be fun to see if there's any references that I'ven't picked up. Like how they say his whole name, that he chose Brian Peter George St. John le Baptiste de la Salle Eno.
8. Lady Dada's Nightmare: This is a avant-garde song that could be fit under dada. Hence "Lady Dada's Nightmare". It is also a point to Gaga because I guess Andrew, the singer, likes her music and had a new found appreciation for it. Whatever, I still don't care for Gaga, but this song. This is a great track to go before the ending. Craziness right before a beautiful ending. ITs actually pretty beautiful. Its kind of like the ending of Siberian Breaks. This sounds like it was composed. Then screams in the background make it awesome. My cousin said that when he saw them live this year they cameout to this song playing. And it was extremely loud.
9. Congratulations: This is the best ending for the album. It is such a pretty song. It gives this album a Congrats, you guys did it, you made an amazing album and did it how you wanted to. The applause at the end of the song is so fitting because this album does deserve a round of applause. The keyboards solo brings a tear to my eye. The video is also pretty beautiful. The acoustic guitar in this song is sick, and when I learned it I was so proud. This song is a true gem,

Overall I give this a 10/10. You have to give these guys props. They made it big using commercial electronic sounds and could of continued doing that and making tons of more money, but they didn't want to make that music anymore. To think that they killed it, in a good way, doing the electronic pop stuff, and then killing it doing the neo-psychedelic/prog style. You could trip on this at the same time as this being the soundtrack for a cartoon. The album cover helps set the tone. These guys are very good at song writing. And if you like it or not there is no denying it. There are so many moments on that I still get into with each listen. When I listen to an album and there is songs that progressively grow on me. Oh, real fast, this is better than the Laming Fips. Like say Brian Eno is the only song you like, well once you have established that as a sick song, not to the point of you being bored of the song, but you want to search more. Then your new favorite songs is Song For Dan Tracey then this happens until you like every song. I call this, at least for myself, a standard. I doubt that's the right term, but that's what I refer to stuff like that. Example Nightmare or House of Balloons or Mr. Bungle self titled album or even You Are What You Is. How about Joe's Garage Vol. I or Joe's Garage Vol. II & III. These are examples of albums for me where I progressively fall for another song each listen or so. One last thing, if you want you could play this for kids and they'll probably love it, and people who love psychedelic music too. Most of the lyrics on this album paint a picture too. Hell, this album  is a great big picture. Can't wait to hear MGMT since hearing Alien Days.