Ah…holiday time off, a perfect time to catch up on all those DVD’s, grab some more sleep, spend time with family, go to a bunch of movies, by the time your done having fun, you have to go back to work! Oh well, such is life. I am planning to get a list of my top 20 records of 2008 prepared for sometime this week or next, so look forward to that. I still have a ton of 2008 records to listen to yet, and I may not even get to them for a few weeks, so they will just have to be disqualified. In the meantime, enjoy these 5 releases!
What Made Milwaukee Famous – The Sugarhill Sessions EP – *** - Good stuff, shows a bit of growth of the band, but they are going in so many directions, it is hard to know what’s going to stick around, and what’s just for this project, etc.
Radio Soulwax – Part of the Weekend Never Dies – ** – More electronica insanity from this, group, who at one time, had some really cool pop songs. And this does have an air of understanding of what makes music good, rather than a bunch of blips and boops. But, it is difficult to find the appeal of much of this.
Jon Brion – Synedoche, NY – ***1/2 – There’s nothing better than a Jon Brion score in my book. It brings to movie music, what is needed, melodic, almost song structured music. You could probably add lyrics to half these songs, and have great pop songs. And it’s quirky and interesting enough to keep you interested.
The General Store – Mountain Rescue – *** – Great pop music from this group, ranging from folk-rock, alt-country, Beach Boys style, etc. Very great, melodic, pop gems. It’s a beautiful record, with soaring melodies, harmonies, and just a calm style throughout.
Andy Reed – Fast Forward – ***1/2 – Very cool record from this guy. At times, very fun and almost bubblegummy, but also more subdued and introspective. Using a palette of Brian Wilson, Jellyfish, Apples in Stereo, make this a very enjoyable record.
Filed under: Popular Music | Tagged: andy reed, jon brion, radio soulwax, the general store, what made milwaukee famous
