Oh my. It has been—
Oh my.
Disregarding how long it has been since I've successfully made a post on this page, the first half of 2012 has been a raging success for music. At the end of June, I think I will do a recap of my favorites from the first half of the year. For now, it's time for…
QUICKIE REVIEWS!!!!!!
WOOOOOO YEEEAHHHAAAHHHH ALRIIIIGHT YES!
My abridged thoughts on a few recent releases. For the purposes of this post, "recent" means "within the month of May." Okay let's get to it.
Rize of the Fenix - Tenacious D (May 15)
Just listen to the title track and you'll know all you need to know about this album. It's Tenacious D. It's hilarious, grotesque, loud, obnoxious, and wonderful. I have read too many negative reviews of this album that complain about how it sounds gimmicky and how the songwriting is not serious.
I... That...
That is literally the whole point. It's goofy music. If you're caught up in how weak the songwriting is, or how they aren't really better than Arcade Fire (as they purport to be in one line), then you're doing it wrong. Seriously.
7/10
The Only Place - Best Coast (May 15)
Once again, the title track sets the tone for the album. Best Coast's first album came with a trademark beach-fuzz-rock tonality, and many fans fell in love immediately with frontwoman Bethany Cosentino's simplistic lyrics and singing. Of course, half of them were distraught when, after gaining momentum and popularity, the band released a shiny, clean-cut sophomore album with good production and thoughtful songwriting. Negative reviews of this album criticize it for its lack of sonic and lyrical diversity, and the failure to live up to the standards set on album #1. Once again, I find this to be a bunch of baloney. The Only Place is a good album with clean recordings and intelligent production. It does not cover a broad spectrum of sound because that would contradict the essence of Best Coast. The lyrics and song structures remain incredibly simple (I don't even think one song has a bridge section), as on the first album. And that's how it should be. There is nothing reasonable to complain about. If you don't like it, don't listen, but don't criticize the album for doing exactly what it is supposed to.
6.5/10
Born and Raised - John Mayer (May 22)
Over the course of his career, John Mayer has been on a long slow march from celebrity pop singer to reserved country guitarist and songwriter. I daresay, he has nearly arrived. Born and Raised is his most folk/country-influenced album yet. The guitars are soft and laid-back, the harmonica is raspy and expectant, the drums are soothing and settled, the vocals are thick with emotion. It's good stuff. Of course, John Mayer is still John Mayer, and he performs about like he always does, but the album has a sincerity and earnestness to it that we have not heard before. Mayer is reflective and thoughtful, but positive and progressive. He isn't done with his journey yet, but this album tells me he's closer than ever. Can't wait for him to get there and sing us some more songs.
7/10
Driving Towards the Daylight - Joe Bonamassa (May 22)
Remember when I wrote this review of Joe's last album? That was just one year ago. Everything I say there about the budding virtuoso carries forward to today. He hasn't missed a beat. Driving Towards The Daylight is a huge blues/rock record. Bonamassa sounds like a total rockstar, both vocally and instrumentally. Somehow, after listening to him for half a decade, I still find myself awed by his guitar work. Dude can shred like none other. I remain unwavering in my opinion that Joe Bonamassa is one of the greatest guitarists living today. The remarkable thing is that he would almost be offended by my saying so. He's a seriously humble man, and I am never disappointed by his albums. If you like deliciously think rock music, you will like this album. If you like scorching guitar solos, you will like this album. If you like anything that is good in the world, you will like this album.
8.5/10
_______
Okay, that's what I have for now. I've been really behind on these reviews, partly because I've been busy, but also because I just haven't been able to sit and listen to a bunch of new albums. In the next few weeks I'm going to try to listen to the new releases from Regina Spektor, Jack White, Melody Gardot, Norah Jones, and Kimbra. If you have anything to add to that list, leave a comment. I hope to be on the ball this summer!
Not off to a promising start...
