This week in music vol. 2

Time for another music Friday post!

Youth Group – Casino Twilight Dogs
I saw this Australian band open for Death Cab for Cutie last year. I thought they were very good, but honestly haven’t given them much thought since. Last week, my friend sent me a link to this c.d., so I downloaded it and having been jamming it since. I would describe it as quaint/simple indie rock with a lot of Beatles influence. The production on this album is great. The drum mixing really gives all of the other instruments a chance to breathe. It seems like a great album for all moods. A stand out track would be their cover of Forver Young. I have always loved that song despite its cheesy 80’s production, so it was nice to hear it modernized from a good band. Definitely check out this album!

Bonnie “Prince” Billy / Matt Sweeney – Superwolf
If you have talked to me about music in the past year, I have most likely jocked this album. First of all, probably one of my favorite “sounding” records. Everything is just perfect on it. No over-compression, super dynamic and a ton of imperfections that make the album perfect. Will Oldham’s lyrics are ironic, dark and humorous at times. I suppose the genre would be placed in the indie/country/folk circle, which I hate to say because that is such a trendy market right now. Don’t be fooled by current trends, this music is great on a base level of songwriting and Will Oldham has been making music professionally since the late 80’s. Anyway, do yourself a favor and buy this album, put on some nice headphones, crank the volume and listen to an amazing album.

Ben Folds – Supersunnyspeedgraphic, the LP
First off, I’d like to point out that Ben Folds is one of my all time favorite song writers. He has a knack for writing stellar songs consistently. I guess you could say he kind of has the Midas touch. While I think this new album (a collection of his recent e.p.’s) is solid, it doesn’t live up to his massive shoes. I suppose the fact that the album was put together separately means I should listen to it in a different context. I just don’t think this is nearly as good as his old material. Like I said, still solid, I just don’t think it will be remembered as one of his greats. I must admit however, that the cover of Bitches Ain’t Shit is pretty hilarious! If you are new to Ben Folds (Five), I think you should start in this order:

Rockin’ the Suburbs
The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Mesner
Whatever and Ever, Amen
Songs for Silverman