Tag Archives: 2001

The Strokes – Is This It

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★★★★★ = Classic, essential listening

Sounds like?

Modern guitar driven indie rock

Moods

A masterpiece of youth that captures the newfound excitement of urban independence

Thoughts

A simple masterpiece for two reasons:

Compositionally it's an album of quick chord driven indie tracks. Melodic, memorable, Danceable and remarkably varied; it works well in its entirety. Albert Hammond Junior is a competent guitarist whose style fits perfectly, loose and slightly technical, who seems to always sneak in the perfect crunchy solo.

Casablancas observant lyrics which perfectly capture a relatable time in life when you've come into your own independence and a 'is this it?' type of epiphany is made that's a mix of excitement and disappointment. I find 'Hard to explain' to be the precise moment in the record where this all boils over in emotion. He's in perfect form here.

A modern record with a Lou Reed vibe and post punk energy. Hasn't aged a bit and on relistens the strength of these songs is realized.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/The-Strokes-Is-This-It/release/383812

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzO7IGWGxu8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knU9gRUWCno

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOypSnKFHrE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXkm6h6uq0k

Spotify


Schema Info

The Strokes – Is This It

Description: Album Review of The Strokes – Is This It


Rating: 5 out of 5

 

Madrugada – The Nightly Disease

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★★★★☆ = Quality release and suggested listening

Sounds like?

Dark alternative rock

Moods

Living with regret, depression caught on tape

Thoughts

I've been a fan of this record for years though only really kept coming back to a few songs ( early album cuts ‘hands up I love you’ and ‘dance for me’). Revisiting the album in its entirety I can appreciate this much more as a cohesive document. Texturally I think they're strongest when things are slowed down – easy bassline and slide guitar, like a modern noir take on the blues. Sivert Hoyem's  commanding voice is effective and works well with the straightforward but poetic lyrics. It can be bleak, like a lonely dusty highway at night: surrounded by darkness but just as aware light would only illuminate a vast emptiness.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Madrugada-The-Nightly-Disease/release/512675

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ne6c3LuD40

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNppGG71A-c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhSSKc-EGic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcZ5cKyceKM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN0pENoxVBg

Spotify


Schema Info

Madrugada – The Nightly Disease

Description: Album Review of Madrugada – The Nightly Disease


Rating: 4 out of 5

 

Nathaniel Merriweather,Lovage,Mike Patton,Jennifer Charles – Music To Make Love To Your Old Lady By

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★★★☆☆ = Good!

Nathaniel Merriweather,Lovage,Mike Patton,Jennifer Charles – Music To Make Love To Your Old Lady By

What’s it sound like?
The songs feature Dan The Automator’s signature hip hop with vocals from Mike Patton and Jennifer Charles (elysian fields) singing satirical love songs.

Thoughts

A curiosity from Dan the automator more than anything. It’s always a treat hearing his production, and I’m a Mike Patton fan, so even if the result is uneven it was worth hearing.

More Info

https://www.discogs.com/Nathaniel-Merriweather-Presents-Lovage-Avec-Michael-Patton-Jennifer-Charles-Music-To-Make-Love-To-Yo/release/129229

Listen!

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzzBvjFnMfE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQECbvT0Yb4

Spotify