Andrew Dost – Columbus (Paper + Plastick, 2008)

Anathallo is one of my favorite bands so when I heard that Andrew Dost was coming out with a solo album I was instantly excited to hear it.  I decided to temper my expectations the more I heard about the album. 

End of the Year Lists: Koz & Cal’s Best Music of 2008

And The Trophy for First Place Goes To...

Anathallo – Canopy Glow (track by track review)

from amazon.com

Can Anathallo top their amazing (and Koz album of the year winner) “Floating World“?

Pre-Order the new Anathallo album “Canopy Glow”

Anathallo

Another favorite band of Koz and myself (and a home state band for me), the pre-order for their new album starts on October 27th. I have heard this album and I can say that it is amazing (I would toss around the words “album of the year”). I will have a full review up on the release date.

You can pre-order here – Link

You can hear “Noni’s Field” from the album here – Link

Upcoming Tour dates:

Oct 31 2008 6:00P
The Kingdom Bowling Green, Kentucky
Nov 1 2008 8:00P
Rocketown Nashville, Tennessee
Nov 2 2008 9:00P
Hi-Tone Cafe Memphis, Tennessee
Nov 3 2008 8:00P
Southgate House Newport, Kentucky
Nov 4 2008 8:00P
Loft Atlanta, Georgia
Nov 5 2008 7:30P
Local 506 18+ Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Nov 6 2008 7:30P
Musica Akron, Ohio
Nov 7 2008 7:00P
Calvin College – FAC Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nov 8 2008 10:00P
Schubas 18+ Chicago, Illinois

A tribute to Buddyhead reviews

Its too bad Buddyhead.com doesn’t do these types of reviews anymore. Therefore, as homage to Buddyhead, I present some of my own versions of Buddyheadesc reviews. I liked doing reviews this way and so I am continue doing them this way for a short while. Feedback is appreciated.

Jeremy Enigk – World Waits
3 out of 5 Grandwizard indie canes
Enigk’s been doing this shit for a while and may need one of those canes to walk around now, but he still knows what the deal is in the studio. He builds off the empire he started on Frog Queen and extends it. It’s obvious I know, but I’m not writing the music, just the review: the album is Fire Theft meets Frog Queen. Don’t get me wrong here though, this isn’t the groundbreaking stuff he used to write, but it’s still good and better than half the other shit that comes out these days.

The Decemberists – The Crane Wife
2 out of 5 emo glasses with lame black hair coming over the top
As a whole, this records isn-t too bad. It sounds a little rushed and self-serving, but there are some solid tunes. Get used to seeing these guys around everywhere because Colin is the new poster boy for indie with his Buddy Holly rip off glasses and elementary-school-side-parted-hair-do (yeah I’m coining that shit right now).

Red Hot Chili Peppers – Stadium Arcadium
3 out of 5 old fashion rock and roll pyrotechnics
I know your asking yourself “What is a hip dude like CB listening to these California bleached haired douche bags?” My reply would be, “Because they’re still fucking good.” People come to think that these guys aren’t good anymore because their songs are more poppy and don’t features as much funk. Well, Flea and Kiedis are like beer and happy hour, on Friday you put all that bullshit behind you and just enjoy.

Anathallo – Floating World
4.5 out of 5 handclaps
This band has broke onto the scene this year and deserves all the praise they get. Yeah there are some similarities to Sufjan, but it’s not like he invented baroque pop. Give these kids some slack. They’re doing it DIY style and put a lot of effort into what they do. One of the best break out bands this year.

The Album Leaf – Into the Blue again
3.5 out of 5 Soft fluffy pillows
Jimmy continues to find new ways to balance pop and ambient sound together for sleepy listeners. This stuff is great for relaxing and falling asleep. Jimbo throws some lyrics in here and there similar to that of a Mogwai album, but without the metal.

Cursive – Happy Hollow
2 out of 5 Predictable songs about Catholicism
You know when your at the coffee shop reading a good book and you keep getting distracted by the pseudo intellectuals talking about religion a booth away. Well, the book is the music these guys play and the annoying conversation is the lyrics. Other than that, it’s pretty decent.

Thom York – The Eraser
1 out of 5 obscure meaningless European lyrics
I didn’t know this dude was even making a solo record. I practically gave up on Radiohead since they haven’t put anything Earth shattering out lately. It’s too bad we’ve been spoiled by their early success and have always come to expect to great of things from this guy. But, the acts getting old and I didn’t even listen to this shit. Still got my 5 bucks from Co-op, Thanks Thom.

Lady Sovereign – Public Warning
0 out of 5 high school halls passes
Are you fucking serious? I can’t believe the label even sent this to me liked I’d give an honest review. I ripped open the package like Christmas morning and saw this shit and promptly put it in the pile to take to Co-op. I’ve browsed some other reviews looking for what I should rate it because I didn’t want to listen to it and seen scores as high as 7 out of 10! All I got to say is, “Ha Ha Ha laughable man. Bush league slacker shit.”

Architechture in Helsinki – We died, They Remixed
2 out of 5 pieces of bubble gum
Some cool dudes I know decided a long time ago that ep albums get ep reviews and remix records are no different. You put half the effort into the record and I’ll put half the effort into the review. Plus, you don’t get as much back when you take it in to sell. The music was decent the first time without being remixed. So why fix something that isn’t broke? Remix albums are like movie sequels, you want to give the audience more, but instead of doing something original, you just repackage a diluted product. Fuck you for insulting my intelligence.

Sufjan Stevens – Songs for Christmas
1 out of 5 spiked batches of eggnog
Since when did indie artists go all Barbara Streisand and shit? Christmas song suck to begin with and the only people who play them are moms who want “to get in the Christmas spirit.” And a 5-box disc set no less! I hope none of you fell for the trap and actually spent hard earned allowance money on this shit. But, what do I care? More cash for me when I sell at Co-op. I thought indie kids were all liberal and rejected religion anyways. What is the world coming to?