Air - Pocket Symphony
Early reviews made this out to be the audio equivalent of burning hair, but while it's not exactly as memorable as some of their previous work, I strongly disagree with the negative wash and I think that, as it plays, it is quite a pretty album, one that is perfect to unwind to. I'd say it's minimalistic, but there seems to be a lot of intricate melodies creatively woven sparsely throughout the songs - hence the title Pocket Symphony. Don't expect Talkie Walkie, but do expect more of their film soundtrack sound, which if you've seen Virgin Suicides or heard "Alone in Kyoto" is not a negative thing at all. Only immediate negative is that the Jarvis Cocker vocals sound a little off at first, but the've grown on me.
Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
Funeral was an event, so indie kids were waiting for Arcade Fire's sophomore slump to be a disappointment so that they could share a collective helping of schadenfreude. Honestly, I am amazed that the Arcade Fire has managed to put out an album that is as good as Funeral, if not a tinge more spectacular. Maybe not as immediate as Funeral, but then, only a few songs jumped out at me on that one at first, Neon Bible addresses the various crises plaguing modern society and especially its youth. It's a fine album on the surface, and an account of the mid-2000s taken as a whole. It is an album that gets stronger, more urgent with every listen. Highly recommended, no matter what your opinion might be on the popularity of the Arcade Fire; they did not set out to please their fanbase and made a better album for it.
Deerhunter - Cryptograms
Deerhunter's Cryptograms is slightly shoegaze, a bit creepy weird kids in the neighbor's basement, and just a little weird, but the songs are all rich and make for good listening when you're halfway between awake and sleep, drank too much coffee and are up way past the usual time, or if you've had a few. It's a mix of, hmm... Sonic Youth, Ride, and Liars come to mind. Lots of guitars let loose to buzz around a suburban neighborhood and create chaos or just chill out on the grass. Music to make you wonder if you dreamed the last few songs.
Peter Bjorn and John - Writer's Block
There is no reason not to pick up this album. If you like pop at all, there are very few albums that are as fulfilling as this one. The single "Young Folks" is one of the catchiest songs... maybe ever. The rest of the album is almost as instantly addictive and charming as that song. Words can't do its melodies justice, unless I guess I just whistled this review, which wouldn't really work. In short, buy this album if you like your music to be fun and make you smile.
