If you haven’t already discovered this, I do this blog a lot of the time, for school. I did a compilation of forgotten loved albums awhile back, and I’m doing part two for another class.
1. The Loved Ones‘ Build & Burn
The Loved Ones’ sophomore release on Fat Wreck Chords is too short. From beginning to end the songs are amazing, which makes the short run time of the album depressing. ”Selfish Masquarde” and “3rd Shift” are easily my favorite songs on the album. The Loved Ones have found the perfect balance of being a West Coast punk band without sounding too much like a West Coast punk band. Its a great album to pop in on a summer drive. Entertaining and exciting, everyone should check out this album.
2. Neko Case‘s Middle Cyclone
I love Neko Case…end of story. I think that Neko Case is the best female vocalist ever. Middle Cyclone is not necessarily her best album as a whole, but there are so many great songs on this album. Songs like “Prison Girls” and “The Pharoahs” are beautifully written, performed, and engineered. Sonically, the album has the great big sound only an amazing echo chamber can give. The last song on the album is a field recording of frogs croaking outside of Case’s home, and it somehow seems to fit.
3. The Decemberists‘ Picaresque
I once read on article comparing Colin Meloy, The Decemberists singer and chief songwriter, to a high school drama teacher gone crazy. I feel like that is a great way to describe the reason behind songs on Picaresque. The songs all tell a beautiful, sometimes tragic, sometimes funny, always comprehensive story. If you can get down to folk…give the Decemberists a listen
