Late of The Pier - Fantasy Black Channel

(2008)

So this blog has been kind of dead for a while now. I wanted to revive it and I was trying to think of an album to review to do it with, and since I was listening to, and loving, this album at the time, it made sense.

I have to admit this is a style I'm not entirely familiar with, but I've heard it described as Dance-Punk, Glam Punk, Electroclash, and other labels that seem ridiculous. I would just describe it as groovy rock/electronic music with a bit of a lo-fi indie feel and an 80's vibe. The album gets started with Hot Tent Blues, which starts out "ok" and then kicks you're ass out of nowhere. Track 3 is Space and The Woods, which is for me the highlight of the first half of the album. The whole album is dance-y as fuck, and to be honest some parts are pretty epic. Tracks 7-9, Whitesnake, VW, and Focker, are completely awesome. It ends with No Time, and indeed the album seems like it was over in no time. This album isn't for everybody (common complaints being "GAY," and "LAME"), but it really puts a smile on my face for some reason.

Bottom Line 4.5/5 Tommy

The Classics Section

This section gives us to place those amazing classic albums that you think everyone should have. Maybe one that everyone knows,or maybe its a undiscovered gem. I want this category to be filled to the brim with amazing music. So If you have one you want to share put "Classic" as one of the genres.

Ghostly International

Ghostly International is an electronic music label based out of Detroit. Now if you are an electronic music junkie like me, this label is perfect for you. It has tons of awesome electronic music artists that can completely differ so it fits everyone taste. Some of the big names include School of Seven bells, Daniel Wang, and Dabrye. If you want to take a peek here is the site http://ghostly.com/ -Charles

Imogen Heap - Speak for Yourself

(2005)

I'm going to go ahead and say this is my favorite pop album, but I guess that's not saying much since I only own maybe 5 pop albums. It's kind of weird I'm reviewing this when she just did another album this year, but I've been listening to this lately so this is it. Imogen Heap does a whimsical electro-pop style, and she's pretty damn good at it. Her voice is beautiful and she comes up with awesome vocal melodies and harmonies. It starts off with Headlock, which is one of my favorite songs on the album and serves as a pretty epic intro. Clear the Area and The Walk are my other two favorites, but to be honest, this album doesn't lose my interest once for the entire length of the album. Which is pretty incredible for this kind of music. And there is real emotion on this album, which is even better.

Bottom Line: 4.5/5 Tommy

nite jewel

If I was gonna have a party, nite jewel would be at the top of my guest list. The sheer range of the dynamic duo (Romona Gonzalez and Emily Jane) makes them an appropriate choice for whatever mood. perfect for eighties night (weak 4 me), girls night (what did he say), date night (Lover), or probabally illegal night (aritficial intelligence). nite jewel records exclusivley on a portable 8-track and makes most of their songs with layered tape edits. This, accompanied with ramona gonzales' liquid cool voice, gives there eighties-electro, almost synth-popish, music a smooth disco vibe.
http://hypem.com/track/890349/Nite+Jewel+-+Falling+Far

DEF JUX

Definitive Jux is the Brooklyn Based independent record label started by Producer El-p. Since then Def Jux, has signed legends like Del the funkee homosapien, Aesop Rock,Murs, and Cage with them. Support this record company if you love hip-hop because they have some of the best Mcs out there. Buy their mecrh and go to their shows to support them. here is their website. http://www.definitivejux.net/

Matt & Kim - Grand

(2009)

Hipsters unite! Matt and Kim, the new york duo made a album this year and it hit mainstream success with the song Daylight, and with the video hit Lessons Learned. I'm not going to front, I think the Lessons Learned video is awesome! (Which I will post on a comment after give you my two cents on the album). In saying that, their music isn't necessarily amazing. Most of their songs are filled with synth riffs, simple drum beats, vocal harmonies and clapping (typical hipster music). Matt tries to have that innocent indie feel in his voice but instead he comes off cheesy. Kim's Drumming is catchy and extremely simple. However, despite the cheesy vocals and repetitive drumming this group made a pretty solid solid album for two members. It has a feel good flow and can cheer you up when you are feeling low.

Bottom Line 7/10 Charles Clark Musician/Producer