The never ending stream of music from Bradford Cox continues in 2011 with this new LP of grey shaded ballads and actual pop-centered crooners. Parallax picks up where Deerhunter's brilliant 2010 LP Halcyon Digest left off, exploring each new life experience like an unfolded diary. Atlas Sound has always been a place where Cox experimented with the leftovers with the results a mixed bag of agitation and improvisation. The fresh, single take feel is still here, but finding a subdued assuredness on this latest effort. It is obvious that Cox is finally comfortable with his accomplishments and successes, even if his song topics are often anything but settled.
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Atlas Sound - The Shakes
It is the end of the year and I can still hardly believe I am writing about a new Feelies album. That patented, itchy guitar jangle that connected The Velvet Underground to the birth of alternative rock and, in turn, launched a thousand bands is back, unfettered and ageless. The band members are well into middle age, but by being meticulous and patient they conserve their efforts to create great moments in each release. In this era where new is never new enough, Here Before is a welcome reminder of simpler times, hard working bands and how some traditions never get forgotten.
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The Feelies - Should Be Gone
This album aches and throbs, whether it is the heartbeat drums, the longing piano or the lithe, operatic vocals. The sensual themes run taut though Smother as the falsetto of Hayden Thorpe grabs the listener and explores the dark reaches with the prime motive of seduction. Whether is the balladry of "Albatross" or the catchy riffs on "Loop the Loop" and "Reach A Bit Further", Wild Beasts have set a solid foundation of lovely sounds that tease and entrap, even though you won't put up much of a struggle.
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Wild Beasts - Albatross (video)
I am so tempted to call this album, Midnight City + Some Other Stuff because there is so much to forge through on this double album of epic excess. This is coming from someone who loved the cheesy eighties spirit on Before The Dawn Heals Us and Saturday = Youth. Wanting to enjoy this album despite it's lack of self-editing, I did what I had to do (and what some recording engineer should have begged him to do): I indiscriminately cut out the crap. Once all of the often lengthy, directionless instrumentals were out of the way, I got what I needed. Hurry Up, We're Dreaming is the most celebratory album of the year, a New Year party where no cover charge would be needed, no liquor license would end the evening too soon and no hangover would bring any regrets. And in case you were wondering, that annoying Frog Song had to go as well.
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M83 - Midnight City
This would be my guilty pleasure album of 2011. Although the eighties sounds of excessive synth and glitz was the retro sound of the year, Trash Hit is that decade's latter years where thick bass, pummeling drums and wailing grunge licks kicked the crap out of new wave. Homages to the sainted members of bands such as The Jesus Lizard, The Melvins and one really obvious Nirvana riff, Mr. Dream is a reminder that the best times are found in the tightest packed venues, sweaty and bloody as the band plays loud, heavy and aggressive. Check the full album stream below and you will remember as well.
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Mr. Dream (Full Album Stream)
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