12.8.08
I picked up a few albums to listen to the other day. I'm always on the look-out to try new bands, listen to new albums by favorite artists, and I was definitely was not disappointed with my selections.
Take this album for example. What is it about a lady with a light lilting english accent that makes their song-voice just shy of perfect? Katie White uses that light accent and a range of vocal styles to keep each song on the album We Started Nothing fresh and original. Where most bands seek to homogenize their album with like-styled songs, The Ting Tings provide a 10-song combination of a variety of similar yet unique songs, a refreshing change from the Radioheads and Weezers out there (no offense Radiohead and Weezer!). With catchy guitar loops, club-like beats and all this done by only Katie, on vocals, guitar and bass drum, and her drummer, vocalist and guitarist all-in-one partner, Jules De Martino, you'd expect a underdeveloped sound, but what you're given is a great indie-pop party in your ears. Normally I don't go for albums this pop-y, but Katie and Jules don't disappoint with their catchy riffs and beats and they give plenty of chance for the listener to join in their song with memorable lyrics and light-hearted dance-tunes.
I've been a fan of the Wolf Parade for a while now. Their first album, Apologies to the Queen Mary, released in 2005, was one of the first indie albums I purchased. So needless to say, they had a lot to live up to in their sophomore release. At Mount Zoomer contains much of what endeared me to Spencer Krug's band; rough vocals that belie a lackadaisical attitude, lyrics that show depth and an overall music sound that keeps the album both whimsical and serious all at the same time. However you can tell a difference in sound quality between the first and second albums, and I'm not completely certain that I like the change. It is an improvement in sound quality, but to me that was half the fun of Apologies. I'll definitely be keeping this one in heavy rotation on my playlist, until I've either overplayed it, or figured out what keeps me so interested in it. While I may not have the immediate fondness for Zoomer that I did with Apologies, there is something about the album that prevents me from completely dismissing it. I'd suggest this one for fans of Arcade Fire (part of Zoomer was recorded in the old church where Neon Bible was recorded), and anyone who takes time to listen to their music. This isn't an album that will stick right in your head.
Labels: music
