Metaform - Standing On The Shoulders Of Giants

This album by Metaform is definitely the most played album in my house this past semester. Not only do I love it, but so do my roommates, which includes a punk lover, and chill/mainstream listener, and a metal-head.  This is no ordinary album. Based firmly in Hip-Hop but dipping into other genres, Metaform lays down some the sickest beats I've ever heard. It is all instrumental besides some samples and over-dubs which lets you focus in on the beats and textures of the music. Each song feels so fresh and unique, yet the whole album has a definite flow to it. It bursts out of the gate with Rock It Number Nine, hitting you with a multitude of instruments before quickly being joined by a solid Hip-Hop beat that drives the song. The album just flows, each song producing a groove that keeps your head bobbing along. There are no weak tracks to take away form the experience either. Nothing seems out of place or overdone. The one thing that holds this album back from perfection is its length. All songs are under 4 minutes with the average being two plus change. The album just flies by, forcing you to listen to it again and again. Despite that one thing, Metaform hit the nail on the head. I listen to this everywhere and show it to anyone I can. I hope you will like it so much you will do the same.

One more thing as a side note. If you even read the little blurb on any of these blogs, you know you are encouraged to buy the artists work instead of just keeping these files. I would like to add a double recommendation that you buy this album, for a number of reasons. First, I believe it will be one of your most pleasant buying experiences. When I ordered my album from his website, I received a personal reply, as well as a hand written note that came with the CD. I have never received/seen such personalization from an artist. It raised my respect for him tenfold. Secondly, it is a cheap buy. The CD cost me $10 plus just $2 to ship international. Plus it came from JAPAN. Lastly, the CD is the coolest looking CD I have ever seen. The thing is completely black, including the shiny, data-encrypted part. It blew my mind. If you are still reading this, check out his website for some free downloads!

Myspace

Try It

Cursive - Domestica

This was indie before Indie became cool. Domestica is much more abrasive, and more passionate IMO, than most indie that would be released later. Featuring aggressive guitar lines with tones that remind me of a more distorted version of those seen in 90's mid-west indie/emo (they are from Nebraska). The guitar is also used to accentuate the moods created by the vocals and the lyrics; they go quite and brooding to loud and jarring quite easily. As previously stated, the vocals and the message behind them really stand out to me. Tim Kasher does not have the most melodic voice out there, but what he lacks in tonal perfection is more than made up for with his passion, honesty and anguish. If you have heard anything about this album, you know its a concept album about (surprise coming) domestic issues. Tim was going through a divorce at the time of writing, which definitely added to the creative process. It is a really moving, emotional album. It doesn't make you want to curl up and cry, but it makes you want to yell and scream and then cry. Really cool, just too bad its only 30 minutes lone.

Myspace         Listen to The Matyr

Try It

Gang Starr - Mass Appeal: The Best of Gang Starr

Continuing the trend of diversity my opening posts, I give you my favorite Hip-Hop duo of all time: Gang Starr. Gang Starr is as big as it gets as far as underground Hip-Hop. They brought their own style to the east-coast Hip-Hop scene, with many of their songs incorporating jazz samples. DJ Premier is one of the best producers of all time and definitely the most consistent. All of these tracks have such a good grove and Premier isn't afraid to find original samples to exemplify the mood. There are horns in Step In The Arena and Ex Girl To Next Girl to strings in Code Of The Streets and Check The Technique, plus a healthy does of scratching (you know, like a REAL Hip-Hop DJ). What will make or break this album is Guru. He has a monotone style of delivery, which he admits. This apparently bothers some people, of which I am obviously not a part of. Regardless of his voice, Guru's lines are just sick. My roommate, you is a huge "punker" loves his lines. Together these two men have crafted some fine Hip-Hop. This is a best of album that samples from most of their albums and is a good starting point for this group, or 90's Hip-Hop in general. It is missing some essential songs of theirs, like Work and You Know My Steez so check out their actual studio albums if you dig their stuff.

Myspace

Try It

These Arms Are Snakes - Oxeneers or The Lion Sleeps when Its Antelope Go Home

I just recently heard that These Arms Are Snakes have broken up and it has left me with a large hole in my heart. Easily one of my favorite post-hardcore bands, they have crafted their their own niche in the genre. I had the privilege of seeing these guys live in the summer and it was one of the best gigs I've ever seen. "Intense" is the only word I can use to describe it (even though its a terrible descriptor) with the highlight being when Steve Snere tearing down the large bathroom sign. Oxeneers features the bands best production, which is crisp as can be (just listen to the beginning of Your Pearly Whites). This style really lets the guitar shine through, tearing and caressing your eardrums at the same time. Snere also has a voice that is comfortable when singing or shouting, but not in your traditional post-hardcore tones (aka, not whiney). It all comes together into one hell of a record. I'll post their latest effort here soon as well, but I find this release is much more deserving of your attention.

Myspace

Try It

The National - Boxer

As far as indie-rock goes, The National have a pretty OG sound, IMO. Maybe it's just because I'm captivated by Matt Berninger's voice. Its very rare to find such a beautiful and soothing tone in the music world today. Berninger's voice is no where near overpowering as it is paired up with some fantastic song writing. Boxer is overall slower paced than their previous works, but the attention to detail has never been better. This album seems designed for those long car rides spent alone. Gentle enough to be calming and allow for contemplation and yet varied enough to stay interesting. Easily one of my favorite indie records out there.

Myspace

Try It

Matthew Good - Hospital Music

With exams and Christmas now behind us, I'm finally back to the music. Matthew Good is a household name up here in Canada, although his fame hasn't quite extended farther beyond our borders. He is a master songwriter, crafting beautiful acoustic pieces as well as some rocking tunes. His solo stuff (which this is) tends to lean more towards acoustic driven music, such as the hit single (in Canada at least) Born Losers. Good covers a range of emotions with a heavy does of cynicism (he tried to commit suicide before crafting this) Highly recommended for everyone, this album is Good's best out of his solo career IMO.

Myspace

Try It

Towers - Full Circle

Now for a complete departure from the past two posts, I give you Towers. This is one of, if not THE angriest, hardest metalcore release of 2009. Their guitar tones are more abrasive than anything I've heard since discovering Jane Doe. They kicked me in the balls, rubbed salt in my eyes and insulted my mother. Despite how pissed off I was, I realized that they did this is one of the most impressive and inventive ways, as far as modern metalcore/screamo goes. Each song brings something new to the experience and the entire album rushes by in what seems like an instant (it is only 25 minutes long). Multiple listens are a must to appreciate everything they have accomplished with this album. One of my favorite '09 releases and highly recommended for anyone who likes aggressive music.

Myspace

Try It

Passion Pit - Manners

Passion Pit have really exploded into fame with the recent release of Manners and their single "Sleepyhead". While Sleepyhead is an excellent song that will get stuck in your head for days on end, the rest of the album holds up as well. The album opener, "Make Light" is one of the better openers I've heard in a while. Definitely worth looking at for fans of happy pop music and those not afraid of men with high voices.

Myspace

Try It

First Post + Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ Fight

Hey, if you are reading this I would like to say that you are a nice person. You didn't have to read my first post, but you did so thanks! Lets start off with one of my all time favorite records.

So basically this is a perfect album. These Scottish indie rockers have poured their soul into this album and I am very, very thankful. The most striking part of this album is the lyrics and how they are delivered. They hold more emotion and power than any album that I have heard in a long time. They carry so much weight that you can't help but become captivated. Right alongside are the beautiful electric and acoustic guitar's that can softly wiggle their way into your head or hammer home the messages trying to be delivered. A powerful album to say the least, it is a must hear.
Myspace
Try It