2.10.2006

Is this it?

The Strokes have a new album out as of January 3rd. I've never been the biggest fan, but after hearing the review for 'First Impressions of Earth' on NPR, I think I am sold. With a new producer, the vocals have stepped forward and the sound is tighter -- not so fuzzy. Any comments from the peanut gallery?

Speaking of new, Andrew WK has a live concert DVD ready for you to buy. It's Andrew WK, how could you possibly go wrong?

Most importantly, Built to Spill is coming to Madison on April 13! Don't know Built to Spill? Think 70s guitar-god rock with an indie band. Dinosaur Jr meets the Shins?

Finally, Austin City Limits this weekend features Death Cab for Cutie and My Morning Jacket. It should be outstanding. Here in Madison, it will be televised on WPT2 and WPT-HD.

posted by jp at 3:21 PM | Permalink

2 Comment(s) - Click to View/Hide

Holy crap. Josh? Are you feeling OK? I seem to recall having several, and I mean several arguments over the validity of the Strokes. I also seem to recall somebody arguing that they were extremely overrated and no more important than Britney Spears. But, I'm glad to hear that you're considering getting on the bandwagon, especially now that the hordes of trendhoppers have gotten off. So, as a self-professed huge Strokes fan (anybody else have "Is This It" on vinyl? or the red 7" for "Last Nite?" or the orange 7" for "Someday?" or the clear 7" for "Hard to Explain?" ok, yes, I'm an ebay dork), I agree with Josh that their latest effort shows a cleaner, tighter band. However, I do think that it isn't much of a departure from previous efforts. The only huge thing that has changed is their level of hype. My contention - they've always been good, they've just matured a tad. It's just that the angle of our examination has changed. comment by  brian, 2/10/2006 6:08 PM

I knew I would catch heat for this. I still dislike the prior two efforts -- I hate fuzzy vocals throughout the album and apathetic guitars. They just seem to be putting on an air of being too cool for their own good. But they really seem in earnest on this album and play a fresh sound. I wouldn't say that I'm "on the bandwagon," we'll save that for Andrew Bird, but I am certainly willing to give them a try. Especially since the hype machine has slowed. If there's any bigger kill for me other than the hype machine, I haven't found it. Yet. See Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. comment by  jp, 2/12/2006 2:00 PM