Indie and Lo-Fi music reviews

The thermals have intellectual and kinda scientific lyrics. Their sound is thrashy, distortiony, and reverby. Great live band. You'll quickly fall in and out love with the album--then you'll just be friends afterwards. Loud, howling, and impossible not to tap foot or bob head to.

Man who thinks anyone can do it: dude..thats the point. its punk rock, everyone is sposed to be able to do it. Its a music of the people. Take three chords and go start a band and maybe you won't be so uptight.

I have never written a review for Amazon. I see no reason why I should...plenty of other people do a fine job. However, in this case, I have just one quick comment.

THE THERMALS ARE THE BEST BAND ALIVE.

If you don't think so, you're dumb.

That's all, thanks!

Apparently this is the kind of music that people mean when they talk about "post-rock," but it doesn't sound pretentious. The appalling low-fi sound is due to the fact that it was recorded in its entirety on a dying Panasonic boom box, and you can hear the whine of the grinding gears. It sounds like a demo tape, because it basically is a demo tape, but somehow that sound is perfect for the feeling of the songs. The lyrics are kind of contextless, but clearly the whole album is about people finding good things and hope in bad situations and despair. It's just John Darnielle and his guitar, and you can feel the heat in the air and smell the ashtray that needs emptying as he plays and sings about running away with a girl on a motorcycle, or trying to figure out how to feed two infants, or about how Cyrus and Jeff's death metal dreams of stardom were broken up by their parents.

I went for years being aware of the cult of John Darnielle, but never really looking into the music he makes under the nom de record, The Mountain Goats, until in the last year. While his latest records are more polished creations, the earlier releases, such as "All Hail West Texas" are truly honest gems. Darnielle may be one of the best "right below the surface" songwriters in all of popular music. His voice, and unique way of storytelling are pretty much without peer in popular music. Sure, people play and sing like him in coffeeshops all across America, but it's rare and refreshing to hear something like this on record. Songs such as "The Fall of the Star High School Running Back" and "The Best Ever Death Metal Band Out of Denton" brim with unique wit and insight, while songs like "Jenny" present Darnielle's impeccable attention to detail. While The Mountain Goats may be an acquired taste to many, for people who love honest, raw guitar and voice committed to tape, you should definitely check this (and any other Mt. Goats record) out.

john darnielle, my second favorite person in all of music next to stephen malkmus (sorry john), cannot write a bad song, it's just not within his capabilities as a performer. while this set of raw, guitar-only, tape-hissy tunes isn't quite as memorable or poignant as his two previous efforts--to me at least--there are a few songs that stand out as career highlights: "best ever death metal band," "jenny", and "faultlines" are excellent examples of darnielle's acerbic wit, as well as his devastatingly accurate portrayals of relationships in distress. stand-outs "the mess inside" and "source decay" are two of his finest story-songs.

here's hoping this won't go down as john's last direct-to-boombox recording. some things just sound right, you know?

Just listen to the clips and you'll get a great sense of the mood set by this amazing album. What's really impressive is that unlike many "moody" albums it doesn't get old - the mood isn't artifice, it cuts to the bone.

I only recently got into Smog after being introduced to Bill Callahan's work by a friend of mine. This is the first Smog album I heard, and after going through two or three others, I must say that it's still my favorite. It's simply full of excellent music, from the sparse electronic beat of Justice Aversion to the drum and piano instrumentation on Permanent Smile. Along the way you have the dry as dust humor of Dress Sexy at my Funeral, the country simplicity of Strayed, and the haunting background vocals on Nineteen. Although a little more slick and well-produced than his earlier work, all of Smog's trademarks are here: Excellent lyrics, Callahan's voice (which perfectly matches the mood of the songs in both tone and pitch), a minimalistic approach to the instrumentation, and just the right touch of dark humor to break through all of the gloom. Why Smog isn't more famous is beyond me.

From reading the reviews below, I don't understand why everyone is shocked at this being a well produced album. The two albums that Bill released before this were produced by Jim O'Rourke, and you can't tell me that guy can't produce. Anyway, on this album teams up with Tim Mcentyre from Tortoise to produce this album and let me tell you it sounds great. The album is really long and full of some choice songs. Justice Aversion is a nice descending chord progression played out on a keyboard w/the classic Bill Callahan twists in the lyrics 'I root for the bank robber, in the getaway car'. Dress Sexy at my Funeral is a classic and should be a staple in any Smog fan's collection. Overall if you like (smog), Leonard Cohen, or the Velvet Underground you'll probably really enjoy this album. Good music for when you lie down and turn out the lights for bed. Highly recommended purchase.

okkervil river listens like reading someone's diary: embarassinly personal, full of all the things you never wanted found out, tearing away your pervious conceptions until you are almost sick from too much truth. will sheff's voice catches you off-guard, sometimes almost like a male chan marshall in it's tentitive quavering and at other moments worthy of a tennessee williams play in it's intensity. my personal favorites are "the war criminal rises and speaks" and "the velocity of saul at the time of his conversion." i don't see the point in comparing these guys to anything. if you do, they're bound to come up short for something like pretentions to uniqueness. okkervil river can stand alone.

I've been listening to this album for a couple of years now and just recently it has been sitting on repeat over and over probably because of the mood I have been in.
This is one of the most honest and beautiful albums ever. Ever.
Each and every song has it's own beauty in it's own special way. It seems like even when I don't comepletly see what a song is getting it, I can still relate to the words in my own way.
There isn't any one single track I would claim to love more than any other because I really only listen to the whole cd at once. (though the album version of 'The Velocity of Saul at the Time of His Conversion' is kind of weak, I much prefer the one from Stars Too Small to Use but that hardly makes a difference).
If you're a fan of Neutral Milk Hotel, Murder by Death, or other such melancholy, instrument-laden, emotional, lo-fi, indie-folk bands, and you don't like this you should be beheaded, end of story

I don't remember how I was introduced to Okkervil River but I'm glad I found them. I guess they belong in the indie-folk/avant-folk/alt-country genre... whatever that means. All I know is the music is slow and smoothing. The voice and lyrics of Will Sheff is akin to the great Nick Cave. The clear single is "It Ends with a Fall," which I believe the budget music video is available on their website. A must-see.

The great thing about this album is the more you listen to it, the more the rest of the album become your favorite songs, meaning, there won't be just one or two standout tracks. The whole album will be one complete enjoyment.

Great lyrics, edgy music, and complex messages.
Not for the casual music lover; but if you're looking for something fresh and original, this is it.

I must say that this album is amazing and not just because of each song, but the order of the songs is what really gets me hooked. It creates a contrast of emotions, but yet leaves you feeling good and begging for more. These songs certainly aren't symphonies and aren't intended to be, but they are great jams with fun and inspiring lyrics.

How did I live without the sound of this band in my head, and why did it take me so long to discover them? If you are reading this, just buy this album if you don't have it. It is awesome, a unique sound,and if you haven't heard this band, it's a great place to start. Give it some time to grow on you, and when you get it, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. For me, MM was the missing link in the current evolution of my musical consciousness. Some long time fans look back for what they consider their best work, but now having listened to most of their records, I think they just might be still getting better. "Good News For People Who Love Bad News" is great as well. I can't say I'm always impressed with Brock's lyrics, sometimes I'd rather just tune out what he's saying and tune into the music. Sometimes a lyric sticks out that's really great. Really, this album is worth your time -buy it. The weirdness starts to gel and then you'll love it.

Like I thought of the "Take a look inside" CD.....these are really just the reference material which the later CDs have grown from. The better CD to buy is "One Part Lullaby" or even the "KIDS" soundtrack....where the beats and melodies are more compicated and interwoven....more mature sound.

Folk Implosion is made up of ex-Sebadoh singer/songwriter Lou Barlow and his partner John Davis. This obviously created a lot of hype. Thankfully, even with the album being arguably uneven (though that more has to do with the fact that it has 3 GREAT songs and the others are simply "good"), Folk Implosion managed to write some GREAT songs (these would be "Pole Position", "Insinuation" and "Checking In"). These songs are simply some of the best indie rock tunes that I have the pleasure of owning. These songs essentially make the album a classic as the rest are merely "good". It also seems pretty original for some reason, even though it sounds like it was influenced by many other bands. Lou Barlow is still a very good singer, and although he doesn't necessarily go for any high notes you won't care about that at all. The lyrics are surprisingly good here, and oftentimes they're pretty memorable (and catchy). The musicianship is also extremely good (and clear) here - it sounds like lo-fi indie rock. Basically, there's a lot one will like about this album. Lou Barlow and indie rock fans will love this album, and I think other people probably will too! Highly recommended!

Highlights include:
the entire album!

Either that, or I can't tell what's cool anymore.Even at 30, I still think this is an unpolished alternative gem. Warm,lo-fi minimalist pluckings showcase introspective love bummer lyrics that chronicle the darker side of affection. Sure, it isn't radio friendly, but is that the measure of goodness? You'll get high mileage out of this CD-hard to tire of. Shoegazers take note, this is your record.

Let me just say at the outset that I love Elliott Smith and I would whole heartedly recomend any project he undertook. Check out the upcoming Figure 8 by the way. However this single seems a bit weaker than his other/older stuff. I and other fans can only hope that this is not a sign of things to come now that Elliott is with dreamworks. The single seems a bit too far on the pop side of things for me, although the more I listen to it and especially Son of Sam I have really learned to appreciate the vibe found therein. Enjoy but you might wanna get some other stuff by Elliott first.

This single came out a month or two before Elliot's latest album, "Figure 8". it was put out pretty low-key, but it's contents should are worth the listen. Track 1 is "Happiness" which is an amazing jump from most of his previous soft work, with some truly incredible and introspective lyrics. though the opening lines of the song seem to focus on other characters that Elliot is commenting on, the final lines of the song are repeated from a 1st person perspective of "All I used to be, will pass away and then you'll see, that all I want now is happiness for you and me". quite the emotional gesture. The second track on here is the gem "Son of Sam", but what the single does not point out is that this is the acoustic version of the song, not found on the full album. This is the track that really makes the single worth owning. Elliot even encorporates a harmonica solo into the folky story. this single is definately worth the few bucks it costs!

elloitt smiths voice is like butta

This is the e.p. for all those who loved Iron and Wine's "The Creek Drank the Cradle," got hooked, and found themselves needing more.
It's got almost an identical sound to that album, same lo-fi recording techniques, same dark-empty-church-in-a-Deep-Southern-forest type feel, but to me it feels even more hopeful, and even more peaceful.
"The Sea And The Rhythm" is a beautiful song of love with hushed vocals that crash quietly like waves over sharp and hidden acoustic guitar. "The Night Descending" has a progressing, chugging feel, "Jesus The Mexican Boy" tells a touching story of a sad friendship, and "Someday The Waves" features what I think are the e.p.'s best lyrics, including the line, "Time like your cheek has turned for me."
For those who loved "The Creek Drank the Cradle" but were disappointed by the slickness of Iron and Wine's more recent recordings, you need this e.p if you don't have it already. Buy it NOW.

I love Iron & Wine's two LPs but I'm definitely of the opinion that singer/songwriter Sam Beam is at his best working with the EP format. He reminds me of those writers who can put down beautiful bits of short prose but whose novels invariably get a bit long-winded. The Sea & the Rhythm and Woman King are his two best efforts thus far, both tight, succinct works that I always find enjoyable. The LPs always seem to run out of steam for me, despite having many essential songs. This follow-up to his debut contains the same lo-fi, 4-track-recorder-in-the-bedroom aesthetic, so if you're a stickler for sonic purity, try out Woman King instead.

I think this my first EP purchase ever - and I generally feel that, despite the quality many offer, EPs just are not worth it. Sam Beam was clearly on a mission to change my mind, as these apparent "outtakes" from The Creek Drank The Cradle are every bit as good as that miracle debut - if not better. I only very recently discovered Iron and Wine through Our Endless Numbered Days, and have since been backtracking only to see that this remarkably talented artist can do no wrong. The standout track to me is The Night Descending, it has the feel of a track pulled right out of the past. The other four tracks are just as excellent though, and I think Sam's managed to make an avid fan out of me. Damn... and just when I thought there were no new artists to be excited about!

This triple album, unless you want to support the freedom of the Tibet, is not really worth buying. For a three disc set, it only has as much as one disc's worth of acceptable good music, which you probably can get on iTunes individually.

The Tibetan Freedom Concert in 1996 when shown on MTV changed my life forever when I discovered what was going on in Tibet. And when I got my first glimpse into Buddhist culture. This CD goes over 2 years of the Tibetan Freedom Concert. It is the first 2 that were held in 1996 and then in 1997.

The CD is not just a youth approach to doing something for the Buddhist nation of Tibet, it's a celebration of Tibetan Culture. Many artists from Tibet appear along with bands like Rancid and The Beastie Boys on this CD. There are also chants from Buddhist monks. Eddie Vedder and Mike McCready of Pearl Jam play an acoustic version of "Yellow Ledbetter" that makes this CD well worth the money you paid for it. There is also a track that appears only on this CD from Rancid titled "The Harder They Come"

Beck appears on the 3rd CD with "..." and De La Soul plays a very energetic version of "Me, Myself & I" The 3rd CD is also an enhanced CD for your PC that you will be very inspired by. It comes with a collection of information on what it is that you can do for Tibet and a Quicktime library of video files showing The Beastie Boys, Radiohead, Ben Harper, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, and some very special messages from His Holiness The Dalai Lama. As well as a short video of Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys explaining how he got involved. This CD is truly a great way to remember these concerts. If you buy this CD, you not only get music, but a celebration of Tibet's spirit and culture celebrated through 2 years of concerts.

Rancid's version of "The Harder They Come" rocks. The rest is just as good.

On-again band the Gerbils are technically a part of the Elephant gang, but you wouldn't know it to listen to their debut "Are You Sleepy?" Half of it is your basic indie-rock, with some slightly warped tracks in the middle of the album, and delivered in an unappealingly sloppy way.

A sort of country-tonk kicks it off in "Sunshine Soul," a song that doesn't match what comes after it. Things get more indie-rockish with "Is She Fiona" and "Crayon Box," before lapsing into the dancy "Fluid" and the bubbly experimental "Wet Host." Then it's back into indie-rock and some solid but unexciting ballads, before wrapping up with the forgettably catchy "Grin."

It's basically an average indie-rock album, but one hampered by unappealing vocals. The rock songs are pretty grounded, but their grounded-ness is what holds them back -- they hint at being capable of being more, but settle for being singsongy, simplistic and folk-tinged. There's nothing too special here.

Musically it's pretty uneven, though taken alone the songs are fairly good. The fuzzy guitar and bass give a lo-fi sound to the rock-ier tracks, and some electronic flourishes give extra life to "Fluid." About halfway through, it seems to occur to the Gerbils that they need some psychedelic stuff, so they patch in some bubbling, gothic sounds -- interesting, but not entrancing.

Let's get this out of the way: Scott Spillane has a very high-pitched voice. What's more, his voice develops an annoying nasal quality at times -- it's okay when he sings ballads like "Glue," but just annoying when he tackles the ghastly "Walnuts." It's not a requirement that a rocker have a perfect voice, but Spillane's does not fit the music.

The Gerbils have potential, but it's not realized in their debut "Are You Sleepy?" Lackluster and marred, but with some solid songs buried in there.

This CD is simply stunning. If you're looking for a hihly polished gem that has been cultivated and nuitured by some big-wig record company, LOOK AWAY. Go listen to britney spears. this cd is about raw energy and talent. it's fuzzy, it's loose. it off key. it's impecable.

Have you sucked on your helium today?

Okay, maybe poking fun at the vocal stylings of this wonderfully loveable band isn't fair at all, but the first time you hear that voice you cannot help but think; what did this guy inhale?

Once you get past that though, all there is to hear are the songs, and dreadfully fun songs they are. You haven't heard this branch of the indie-pop tree; not since your weird cousin showed you those four-track tapes he recorded when he was high.

Yes, the drums sound like a toy drum kit. Yes, the guitars tinkle like Christmas chimes. Yes, the singer sounds like the demented, helium-sucking half-brother of Billy Corgan. Yes, they began life as part of the infamous Elephant 6 Collective.

And yes, you will absolutely adore this wonderfully eclectic batch of slightly off-kilter pop songs about love being like glue and dinosaurs and ditching your friends when you go to Portastatic shows. Reach into those pockets and grab a copy. You'll either be overly annoyed that you did, but far more likely, you'll love yourself for it.