While most of you were busy lifeguarding, waitressing, and watching daytime soap operas this summer you might have missed some new material from up-and-comers (Fleet Foxes, Ra Ra Riot) or even from rock mainstays (Counting Crows, Weezer). From unconventional releases (Girl Talk) to record-breaking ones (Lil’ Wayne and Coldplay) it was a noteworthy summer for popular music. Thankfully you have me so you know which great CDs you will want to give a listen.
Here are the top five albums released while you were home for the summer:
Lil' Wayne - Tha Carter III
A long time indie powerhouse, Death Cab’s sixth album firmly secures them a place as a legitimate force in popular rock music. Frontman Ben Gibbard hasn’t lost any of his songwriting ability and his lyrics are just as creative as ever (“and they carried on like long division”). While each track flows into the next, the eight minute jam “You Will Possess My Heart” is definitely the centerpiece of the album not to mention Death Cab’s most successful radio single to date. While not as great as “Transatlanticism,” “Narrow Stairs” is a very solid effort worth $9.99 on iTunes.
On June 19, Girl Talk’s fourth album became available for download around the world, and much like Radiohead’s “In Rainbows,” listeners could pay what they wanted for it. “Feed the Animals” is composed entirely of over 200 samples which Gregg Gillis (aka Girl Talk) arranges seamlessly into a 53 minute perfect party soundtrack. The thought of meshing Metallica with Lil’ Mama and combining Kelly Clarkson with Nine Inch Nails might seem like an odd mix to some, but simply trust Gillis. He has a sixth sense for what makes you move. Go to Girl Talk’s Myspace page right now, download the album, and you can see why this album is worth every cent you pay (or don’t pay.)
Portishead’s aptly named third studio album is very difficult to digest due to its industrial and distant sound, but ultimately it is a huge triumph for the trip-hop trio. In her delicate voice, Beth Gibbons sings of heartbreak throughout the album and you can’t help but think that she may break down in the middle of any track. The minute and a half “Deep Water” featuring just Gibbons and a ukulele is the only lyrically uplifting track on the album. Upon first listen, the darkness of “Third” can be overwhelming, but the raw emotion throughout the album is too captivating to discard. “Third” is an enigma that unravels a little with each listen.
Following their 2007 self-titled EP, Ra Ra Riot received heavy praise in the blogosphere for their pop orchestral sound. Not only is Ra Ra Riot good friends with the wildly popular Vampire Weekend, but their infectious pop sound is very similar. In the first single, “Dying is Fine,” which deceased former drummer, John Pike, co-wrote, vocalist Wes Miles contemplates death and conjures the words of E.E. Cummings (“I wouldn’t like death if death were good”). However, “Rhumb Line” is ultimately an uplifting, spirited album. After one listen you will find yourself smiling uncontrollably and humming in class.Boomp3.com
Honorable Mentions:
Coldplay – Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends
Counting Crows – Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings
Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes
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