Quick Hits: New Music

Sufjan Stevens – The Age of Adz Out October 12th, The Age of Adz is the long-awaited follow-up to Come on Feel the Illinoise. Word has it that Stevens traded folk influences and acoustic timbres for glitchy electronic rhythms. Typically, I am a fan of change because when an artist makes three albums in a row, they become Creed. I expect good things from the Age of Adz. Junip – Fields A band fronted by José González, a famed Swedish singer-songwriter of Argentine origins. In content and feel, Fields resembles the González’s collaboration with Zero 7. José’s trademark voice and nylon-stringed guitar mold particularly well with electronic tones. The Walkmen – Lisbon This New York band bears raw tonal qualities… Read More →

Top 20 Albums of the First Half of 2010

20. Surfer Blood – Astro Coast Drawing comparisons to early Weezer, Surfer Blood’s debut Astro Coast is high on guitar quality and low on vocal melody. Since young, promising prospects in major league baseball sometimes turn into hall of famers, it is fair to project that the future is bright for these Florida rockers. 19. Frightened Rabbit – The Winter of Mixed Drinks The Winter of Mixed Drinks illustrates the vocal qualities of Frightened Rabbit’s lead singer Scott Hutchison. With a slight slur of words, he rambles through verse and chorus. The Scottish band most resembles Snow Patrol in tone and texture. 18. Band of Horses – Infinite Arms Whenever a band releases three records that sound exactly the same,… Read More →