#50.
Alice In Chains - Black Gives Way To Blue [Virgin]
Alice In Chains Myspace
Everyone probably knows, and is sick to death of hearing, the Alice In Chains story, I imagine. So, I'll spare it here. That said, I genuinely like this record quite a bit, as an AIC fan. I've heard the naysayers make their defiant case against it, but, to me, it just sounds like Alice in Chains. The three dudes left standing after the collapse of the 90's incarnation pick up where they left off, as a tribute to Layne, yes, but also as a tribute to themselves. Added plus: Jerry Cantrell still wails.
#49.
Le Corbeau - Evening Chill / Montreal of the Mind [Fysisk Format]
Le Corbeau Myspace
Thiiiis record, man! Evening Chill / Montreal of the Mind is an interesting piece I came across in the late Summer. These guys are Norwegian, I guess, but you'd never guess it. Honestly, I don't know much else about these guys, but the record is like the soundtrack to some Euro Noir film. I can imagine sitting in a smoke-filled bar room, somewhere in France, drinking alone and waiting to make contact with an informant, while this is blaring in the background.
#48.
Wooden Shjips - Dos [Holy Mountain]
Wooden Shjips Myspace
In need of some good Psych-Rock??? This is the record to be on the look for! Taking cues from classic 60's Psychedelia, and modern Noise and Garage, Wooden Shjips sound like if the Jesus Lizard starting taking Peyote on stage. Epic guitar jams that build and build on steady, booming bass and drum blasts. The production is perfect as well, for what these guys are trying to capture, it's lo-fi aesthetic adds to a deeper more natural sound.
#47.
Ty Segall - Lemons [Goner]
Ty Segall Myspace
I was completely wowed by this guys debut self-titled LP, and, of course, was giddy as a school girl to know that there would be a follow up in 2009. However, Lemons was a bit of a let down. It grew on me, and I still enjoy it, but it didn't have the same impact as the s/t. It's interesting to note though, that this record features Ty fronting a three-piece band. The first didn't, and you can hear that in the dynamics of the playing. The songwriting feels more loose, and certain songs swell in ways the first couldn't. So, I'm still with you Ty!
#46.
Bloody Panda - Summon [Profound Lore]
Bloody Panda Myspace
This is going to be one of those reviews, where I talk about a band I know nothing about, who play a style of music I am not 100 percent into, that said: This record is a BEHEMOTH, just a seismically huge hell spawn of a Doom record. I put it on the first time, and lost myself for the hour it droned on. Mood music for the demented, and despite its seemingly trying length, this thing just oozes immediacy from start to finish.
#45.
jj - jj no2 [Sincerely Yours]
I know, I know, by this point, you're thinking "Blasphemy, Phillip, this is more of the Hipster bullshit you ramble on about disliking!" Yeah, maybe it is, but I like it! I can't fucking help it, I like it, okay!?! It's some strange New-Wave, Afro-Pop, Euro-Dance hybrid that, while in theory I would want to avoid like the plague, completely lures me into it's grasp.
#44.
The Fresh & Onlys - s/t [Woodsist]
The Fresh & Onlys Myspace
The debut full length from this San Fran crew, who kept themselves very busy in '09 releasing two LP's and recording another, is a lot like it's peers in many ways. It has a similar beach burn out, lo-fi sound that a lot of So-Cal bands are doing with that whole resurgence out there. The Fresh & Onlys stand alone from the rest, however, due to their maturity. This is Garage Rock for Adults Only.
#43.
Tombs - Winter Hours [Relapse]
Tombs Myspace
I was, most likely, one of few bummed about Anodyne going the wayside. So, when I saw that Mike Hill's new group was releasing their debut LP, I wasted no time checking it out. Needless to say, Hill's still got the touch, this is pretty powerful stuff. Heavy, but not for the sake of being heavy, there is emotion to this and you can hear it in every guttural howl.
#42.
Meth Teeth - Everything Went Wrong [Woodsist]
Meth Teeth Myspace
So it's come to this, I've been dreading to review this one, because, well, I don't really know how to describe it. It's catchy, yeah, the songwriting is good, yeah; but, it's just, kinda weird. With jangly guitars, reverb drenched vocals, and a penchant for melody, Everything Went Wrong is a strange head trip from these upstart Portlanders.
#41.
Kurt Vile - Childish Prodigy [Matador]
Kurt Vile Myspace
Mr. Vile is getting a lot of hype lately on the interweb, and maybe, just maybe, it actually is deserving. The guys got a load of talent, and Childish Prodigy really captures that. With sensibilities that go beyond particular genre definitions, he has really crafted a nice, diverse piece of art here. It's 'Bedroom Pop', if that's what you want to call it; but give it another listen and you can hear the outside influences, from Blues licks, to Arena-rock bombastics, to swelling Post-Rock ambience.
next year: #40 - 31
thanks, bye!
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