Hangin' Out In 100b

In October, the world waited with bated breathe as it came closer and closer to the climactic ending of a historical US presidential election. Musically, however, it looked like it was going to be a rather slow month. I was so wrong, a very diverse group of bands have put out some unexpectedly good albums.

The first single from I’m From Barcelona‘s second full length, Who Killed Harry Houdini, “Paper Planes” and “Headphones” are shining gems that almost equal the burst of pure joy that is “We’re From Barcelona” from their first album. Yet this album is a tad less exuberant and a bit more reflective than their debut Let Me Introduce You To My Friends, but no less enchanting. Their second album is still a must-have if you’re in search of some invigorating pop tunes, but their more familiar jubilant tracks are intermixed with quiet, soul-searching, sweeter songs. It might not be what you’d expect judging from their first album, but they’ve had a growth spurt that gives them an unexpected heartbreaking quality.

   I’m From Barcelona – Headphones

O’Death sounds like musical chaos among the haystacks in a barn .. in Brooklyn. Their unique brand of punky, folky, bluegrass unfailingly fascinates and delights on Broken Hymns Limbs And Skin. If you’re looking for pretty polished ditties, than steer clear from this album, but if you’re on the market for an off-beat, stomping, unruly, but beautifully written record with a southern twang and a punk spirit, then you’re right on target with Broken Hymns. The album isn’t easy to get into, but after every listen I grow more and more enamored with it. I wouldn’t be surprised if it makes it in my top 5 of 2008, by the end of the year.

The song that opens Off With Their Heads is edgier than we’re used from the Kaiser Chiefs, yet it’s still as catchy as ever. The songs that follow are testament that though they may have adopted a harder, more electronic sound, they still conjure up images of football fans singing along to their highly addictive choruses. Off With Their Heads is poppy, brash and choc full of great songs. The Kaiser Chiefs haven’t lost any of their rowdy magic and appeal and if you loved them before you won’t be disappointed by this one. The album’s end note “Remember You’re A Girl” is the antihesis of the opening track, it’s a sweet, quiet, understated, John Lennon-inspired song that leaves you wondering why they don’t fill whole albums full of these little beauties.

   Kaiser Chiefs – Remember You’re A Girl

Ah yes, Ryan Adams, he still makes me shake my head with disbelief. Whether it be because of his somewhat schizophrenic blog posts or the sheer number of albums he’s dished out – some more memorable than others. He’s been accused of lacking an internal editor and lauded for his endless creativity. Cardinology embodies these controversial sentiments as it has critics and fans split right in the middle. The one seems to think it’s classic rock done to perfection, others are less enthused and once again accuse the man of over-indulgence. I think Cardinology is half wonderful and half so-so, but far from Ryan’s least successful work. It immediately opens strong with “Born Into A Light”, then it slowly becomes less and less captivating. Just when you think, maybe it’s all become a bit too clean and perfect to keep your attention for long, he hits you with a beautiful song like “Crossed Out Name”.

My favorite release of the month was a total surprise! I bought Department Of Eagles’ In Ear Park solely because of “No One Does It Like You”, the sneak peak at their second album that made its rounds around the blogosphere last year. It’s a beautiful, wonderous song with a motown beat and intricately layered vocals and promised amazing things to come. Thankfully, the album delivers on that promise. In Ear Park will dreamily have you floating through highly theatrical, quirky songs that conjure up nostalgic images. It’s unique, almost innocent sounding, but with an epic impact. My favorite tracks are the almost carnival-esque “Teenagers” and the strange but fascinating “Classical Records”.

   Department Of Eagles – Teenagers