Record Roundup

Supersystem - Always Never Again
Although Supersystem has been around as El Guapo since 1996, this is their debut album under a dancier and funkier moniker. A very strong and fun album ... I am trying to get to see them live in a week or so ... can't wait!

The National - Alligator
Eh ... this follow up album to Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers is not as good as I had hoped it would be. At times it is just a little too sad ... like taking their sound down a notch from where it stood last time they released an album ...

Garbage - Bleed Like Me
Unfortunately, this album has not lived up to the little hype it received. Garbage's fourth album uses the anti-climax and false build-up more than any release that preceded it. Almost every song blows up within 45 seconds, leaving the listener (and band) with nothing to do for the next 3 minutes.

Of Montreal - Sunlandic Twins
I really, really, really liked Satanic Panic in the Attic, so I was obviously a little let down with this release. It's weird to think that a lo-fi psych-pop band from the 90s has become a dancey-synth band with psychedelic characteristics, but that's probably the best way to describe Of Montreal's transformation over the years. The album is fine, just nothing like the old stuff, but certainly a cool idea ...

Adult - D.U.M.E.
This is not very good. Adult was a throwback synth band that, during their early years, sounded cool in a retro way. Now, just as the original synth-dance music did, their sound has become more repetitive and boring as they have gotten older. Luckily, this is just an EP and not a full album ...

Architecture in Helsinki - In Case We Die
I think you all know how I feel about this album, but I will summarize. It's good. As opposed to the first AiH album, In Case We Die is less lo-fi and more dancey. But the simplicity and child-like qualities of their songcraft are still there, making the album all the more charming and beautiful. Love it.