Brief Reviews of Albums You've Listened To Recently...

[Scotland Rocks!]

RUSH - CLOCKWORK ANGELS

If you think words like "progressive", "pretentious", or "concept album" are inherently negative and horrible and make you want to lock yourself in a closet with Steve Malkmus, you may safely avoid reading any of this, as you'd hate this album anyway.

If you completely love Rush and feel they can do no wrong, you may safely avoid reading any of this, as it contains criticism and you'll hate this review anyway.

I am, admittedly, a "mental fan" of Rush, which is why I listened to a leaked copy before it came out. However, I tried to be as objective as possible - for review purposes, I thought, "would I recommend this album to, say, Dam Helder?" The answer was fairly easy to arrive at - and it was no.

Rush haven't done a big "concept thing" since 1978, but that's how they've been branded, so they decided to embrace it by having the whole album tell a story in the "steampunk" style. As a result, drummer/lyricist Neil Peart got trapped in the quagmire of abusing the phrase "in a world", and the vocal melodies often feel shoehorned as a result of Peart's penchant for writing squared-off verse where lines rhyme with precision and have set structures.

The thing that saves the album, if you're into musicianship, is that there are some moments with top-notch playing: vocalist/bassist Geddy Lee going MENTAL on the bass, Alex Lifeson having some real soaring moments on guitar, and as always, Peart's drum lines and fills are mind-blowingly complex and precise. However, if the average person, not initiated in The Rush World were to listen to parts of this album and turn to me and say "you actually like this?" I know I'd cringe and say "I know...I know..."

Anyway, as I said I'm a mental fan and I'll probably let it grow on me...but I know deep inside I'm lying to myself. At least it's an excuse for them to tour - and they're still a great touring band...

4/10

[Johnny]

The Smashing Pumpkins - Oceania (2012)
So pleasantly surprised. Expectations were low after some of the stuff in Teargarden and the iffy Zeitgeist. Some gorgeous tracks, lively tracks and great sounding atmospheric gems. So glad they're back (not at their (his) early years best, but a return to form).
8.5/10

[Nill Demand]

The Smashing Pumpkins - Oceania (2012)
So pleasantly surprised. Expectations were low after some of the stuff in Teargarden and the iffy Zeitgeist. Some gorgeous tracks, lively tracks and great sounding atmospheric gems. So glad they're back (not at their (his) early years best, but a return to form).
8.5/10

Found this really bland at first, but after my third listen now I'm really enjoying it. Definitely not as good as classic Pumpkins, but much better than his latest stuff. Really glad about it, 'cause I'll be seeing them him again in August.
8/10

[it's_a_foodage]

Billy Corgan wants to 'piss on' Radiohead

He reminds me of Axl Rose.

[Johnny]

But yeah, the album's good.

[Nill Demand]

Yeah, really don't like Corgan as a person.

Violet Rays is my favourite so far.

[Nill Demand]

John Frusciante - Letur-Lefr (EP)
Been pretty worried about this after reading what he's said about it, the fact that there's rap involved and because it's a new direction for him. Was kinda prepared to hate it, but after my first couple of listens, I'm actually really enjoying it.
It's got nothing on classic Frusciante, but it's cool to hear him do something in a new and exciting style. I'm not crazy about the song full of rapping, but the music in it makes up for it/keeps it interesting. In My Light, though... Wow. Fantastic song.
I hate how short it is, but there's still his album coming later in the year to look forward (which I've been looking forward to much more anyway, as all music in the album is done by him, minus one song's vocals).
Just so glad to finally have some new material from him :D

[Dam Helder]

Serj Tankian - Harakiri


His best work since maybe Toxicity. Every track is great, with Harakiri, Forget Me Knot & Cornicopia being my fave tracks off it. One I loved instantly. Check it out!

Video for Harakiri; http://www.rollingstone.com/music/video ... i-20120710

10

[Barrylad]

Sigur Ros - Takk
I like Sigur Ros, but they aren't a group I would normally listen to endlessly. I think you have to be in a certain mood to want to listen to their very specific type of music. I got this album ages ago because I was grabbed by its much over-played singles, which I really loved. But the other night I actually sat down and listened to it from beginning to end. And it was pretty much one of the best musical experiences of my entire life. There is a lot of variety on this, and while it still stays true to their widely known "style" they really do have some different sounding tracks. Some are loud, some are quiet, some are brooding, some are uplifting. And the way they blend and flow together seamlessly is amazing. An hour or so will just fly if you just sit back and listen to this. An absolute masterpiece.
10/10

[Mr. Buttersbee]

Just as I'd written the old bastard off he makes another fucking masterpiece. Thats like nine he's got under his belt now. New contender for shittest album cover ever though.

[Nicola]

I've been so excited for this album ever since I read the sneak peak reviews. Can't wait to get it. (Although how can you really ever write Bob Dylan off.)

[ike]

(Although how can you really ever write Bob Dylan off.)

[Nicola]

That album is on constant repeat come Christmas time at my house (to my family's dismay).

[vincentvega]

While I don't think it's a masterpiece, it's very good album, far better than I had expected. He really embraces his old man growl. Don't think much of the John Lennon tribute though.

[Mr. Buttersbee]

I've been so excited for this album ever since I read the sneak peak reviews. Can't wait to get it. (Although how can you really ever write Bob Dylan off.)

Haven't been to a show recently then. Not only is he almost never on time he doesn't so much sing as make loud sounds at the microphone.

"ONCEUPONATIMEyoudressedsofineyouthrewthebumsadimeINYOURPRIME!"

There's that and I also thought Together Through Life was absolute shite. Less said about the christmas album the better.