Switchfoot - Fading West

 

“Love Alone Is Worth The Fight” - The music on this one is pretty enjoyable as is the chorus. But the main vocals border on rap/singing and in my book that needs to go. Score: 6

“Who We Are” - This is a pretty enjoyable track. Uplifting music and fun vocals make this one easy on the ears. Score: 8

“When We Come Alive” - Another decent track full of great music and a memorable chorus. Its just the main vocals that left me wanting for more. Score: 7

“Say It Like You Mean It” - The funky groove on this one spoke to me. It took me back to the 90's – which is a good thing. Score: 9

“The World You Want” - The lyrics in the song are somewhat spectacular but they come close to being super sappy. The tempo of the song does not do the the lyrics any favors as it nearly put me to sleep. Score: 5

“Slipping Away” - This song is dreamy and uplifting. I will use this song to pull me out of funks and bad moods. Score: 9

“BA55” - What a pointless track. Nothing here caught my ear or made me want to pay attention. Next. Score: 0

“Let It Out” - I feel like I have heard this melody somewhere else recently. It doesn't feel fresh or overly original. The vibe of the song feels pedestrian and made me think of this track as filler. Score: 5

“All Or Nothing At All” - The lyrics of this song made my mangina hurt. Super sappy and overly sweet, the words in the song went a bit overboard. That said, I can totally hear this track on Adult Contemporary radio. Score: 5

“Saltwater Heart” - This track feels like a Katy Perry knockoff – and I mean that in a good way. The music moves nicely and gave me something to enjoy, but the lyrics lacked any bite. Score: 6

“Back To The Beginning Again” - A decent enough song. The chorus moves and the vocals are enjoyable. I just don't think I would ever go back to this song.    Score: 7

Average Track Score: 6.1 Would I recommend this to my friends? Probably. There is enough good music on here to warrant a recommendation.

Escaladers,
Jim

@sillygayman – Follow me on Twitter!

The Crystal Method - The Crystal Method

“Emulator” - Nice synth melodies and an inviting beat. The only thing I didn't care for was the odd, “Yeah” vocals thrown in the mix. Score: 7

“Over It” - I am kind of over this song. The music is killer, but the lackluster vocals left me bored. Score: 5

“Sling The Decks” - This one grew on me as the track progressed. A bit long for my taste, but the musical ride is fun. Score: 6

“Storm The Castle” - The energy on this track is off the charts. I danced my butt off to this rave worthy gem. Score: 9

“110 to the 101” - This track feels more like Daft Punk than Crystal Method. On top of that the music comes off very pedestrian and uninspired. Score: 4

“Jupiter Shift” - This one gets a bit wonky in places, but overall this is vintage Crystal Method. Funky beats and soaring synth music are the highlights of this track – as they should be. Score: 8

“Dosimeter” - This song feels like four or five songs crammed into one. Odd time signatures and forgettable music make this one a pass. Score: 0

“Grace” - What a boring song. I like Crystal Method and I like LeAnn Rimes, but this collaboration is a bust. Score: 3

“Difference” - Funky and full of attitude, I like this track even though they are serving a bit of Skillrex like music. Score: 8

“Metro” - There's not much to this song so there is nothing really to review.

“After Hours” - Fine enough dance-like song. Nothing grabbed my ear, but nothing pissed me off either. Score: 5

Average Track Score: 5.5 Would I recommend this to my friends? Doubtful. Not enough standout material.

Escaladers,

Jim

@sillygayman – Follow me on Twitter!

Blank Realm - Grassed Inn

“Back To The Flood” - This song kind of shoots itself in the foot. The long intro is annoying as is the feedback at the end. The song goes on too long and is in serious need of editing. But the melody was interesting and that is something. Score: 4

“Falling Down The Stairs” - Another track that seems to have escaped the editing suite. The melody is nice, but for real – six minutes of the same phrase. If they would cut this down to a four minute song they might have something. Score: 3

“Bell Tower” - Now we are talking. I like the weird music and the fun vocals on this track. Still a scooch long, but the weird vibe makes up for that fact. Score: 7

“Bulldozer Love” - Do yourself a favor and don't waste the eight minutes it takes to listen to this track. Indulgent and pointless this track is a pass. Score: 0

“Violet Delivery” - Well, at least this is a song I can somewhat enjoy. The whiny vocals are a bit much, but so far the best song on the album. Score: 5

“Baby Closes The Door” - This song goes beyond boring it runs headfirst into ridiculous. I really can't take this group seriously. Score: 0

“Even The Score” - The melody of this song is somewhat charming, but once again the song is so long that it becomes diluted. Those whiny vocals gave me gas.    Score: 2

“Reach You On The Phone” - This one didn't piss me off, but it didn't give me any reason to listen to it again. The very end DID piss me off. Score: 3

Average Track Score: 3.0 Would I recommend this to my friends? Absolutely not.

Escaladers,

Jim

@sillygayman – Follow me on Twitter!

Pixies - EP2

“Blue Eyed Hexe” - This song rocks on a massive scale. This is one of those track you want to turn up to 11. The screechy vocals are more AC/DC than Pixies, but overall a rocking track. Score: 9

“Magdalena” - This is just a fun song. Quirky vocals, great music, and ear catching lyrics make me appreciate this song. Score: 8

“Greens And Blues” - This is a solid rock track. Excellent vocals and flirty melodies combine to make this a very memorable track. Score: 10

“Snakes” - This one goes off the rails for a bit, but overall an interesting track. The lyrics are sublime and the vocals are pretty fantastic. Score: 8

Average Track Score: 8.8 Would I recommend this to my friends? Yes – without any reservations at all.

Escaladers,
Jim

@sillygayman – Follow me on Twitter!

Rosanne Cash - The River And The Thread

“A Feather's Not A Bird” - This downbeat track is fine, but never really catches my ear nor goes anywhere. I loathe when artists kick off an album with a filler track. Score: 5

“The Sunken Lands” - Sigh. Another slow song that never really got off the ground. Not that there is really anything wrong with this one, but there is no excitement, no pow bam. Just another slow song. Score: 5

“Etta's Tune” - At least this one told a story – of sorts. The music put me to sleep. The vocals are nice, but nothing to write home about. Score: 4

“Modern Blue” - What is that I hear? A beat? Yes Ms. Cash – this is what I have been waiting for – a mid-temporocker. This song has fun lyrics and a beat to which you can tap your toe. Well done! Score: 7

“Tell Heaven” - And we are back to the non-rocking section of the album. Another filler track. Nothing to hear here. Score: 4

“The Long Way Home” - Another slow song but here's the deal – it kind of got to me. I love the music and how Rosanne's vocals play with the music. A very interesting song. Score: 7

“World Of Strange Design” - I think it is the lyrics that are the standout on this track. The music is not far behind, but it is the words that spoke to me. Score: 8

“Night School” - Um, no. There should be a law that says songs this slow should be taken out back and shot. I was 100% bored the entire time of this song. Score: 0

“50,000 Watts” - This one had a bit of a groove I was able to enjoy. I do like Rosanne's vocals, but this one is still on the boring side. Score: 5

“When The Master Calls The Roll” - I am not exactly sure why I don't like this one, I just know I don't. Was it the lyrics that might have offended me? Was it the same boring tempo that made me fall asleep? Not sure, but this one left a grimace on my face. Score: 0

“Money Road” - Another slow as molasses track that I will never listen to again. Next. Score: 0

“Two Girls” - Do yourself a favor, just hit the FF button when you get to this song. You won't be missing anything. Score: 0

“Biloxi” - Does this song even have a point? Another too-slow-for-its-own-good song. Score: 0

“Your Southern Heart” - Well, at least this one didn't piss me off. But it didn't impress either. Another filler song with no crescendo or point of view. Score: 2

Average Track Score: 3.4 Would I recommend this to my friends? Are you stoned? No.

Escaladers,

Jim

@sillygayman – Follow me on Twitter!

Jennifer Nettles - That Girl

“Falling” - This song has a tension that appeals to me musically. The vocals can be a bit sharp at times, but overall a very well done song. Score: 7

“Me Without You” - A beautiful enough ballad. There is something in the tone of Jennifer's voice that speaks to me. I like the pared down music which allows her voice to soar. Score: 8

“Moneyball” - A funky groove showcases Jennifer's funky vocals nicely on this track. I didn't really get into the groove and the lyrics were kind of silly. Filler track. Score: 5

“That Girl” - This song is brilliant. A new take on the other woman song. The lyrics are delicious, the music is engaging, and the vocals are saucy and sexy at the same time. Score: 10

“This Angel” - Another gorgeous ballad full of emotionally real vocals. Alright Jennifer, we get it – you can sing ballads. Why not try doing something different? Score: 7

“Jealousy” - I asked for it and I got it. This track has an R&B feel and I loved every moment. The lyrics are clever and bitchy which are the highlight of the track.      Score: 10

“This One's For You” - Well look at you Miss Nettles. Who knew that was all up in you? This track has a soul music vibe that hooked me from the first note. Jennifer's vocals on this one slayed me and qualifies her for Diva status. You go girl. Score: 10

“Know You Wanna Know” - This track rocks and rolls. Kick ass music, vocals brimming with attitude and lyrics that speak nothing but the truth. Score: 10

“Thank You” - A beautiful love song filled with sappy lyrics. Maybe I am just too much of a cynic, but this one left me indifferent. Score: 5

“Good Time To Cry” - The blues vibe on this track rocked me to my core. Jennifer's vocals spoke to me in such a dramatic way. I almost shed a tear – and for me that is something. Score: 10

“Like A Rock” - What a brilliant way to end this album. Jennifer takes on Bob's Seeger's legendary classic. Let me tell you – she does an amazing job on this track. She completely makes the song her own and puts a fresh spin on the lyrics. Brilliant – just brilliant. This track is totally DQW. (Drag Queen Worthy) Score: 10

Average Track Score: 8.4 Would I recommend this to my friends? You bet your sweet ass I will.

Escaladers,
Jim

@sillygayman – Follow me on Twitter!

Bruce Springsteen - High Hopes

 “High Hopes” - A decent down beat kind of rocker. Bruce's vocals are the star of the song. The groove is infectious as well. Score: 8

“Harry's Place” - This one didn't really speak to me. I don't like when Bruce uses his low whisper voice. Plus the lyrics don't make me want to go to Harry Place. Score: 4

“American Skin (41 Shots)” - This song is brilliant – which is what I expect from Bruce. Engaging music, top shelf lyrics, and emotionally real vocals. Score: 10

“Just Like Fire Would” - A middle of the road rocker that has a decent melody and average lyrics. Filler track. Score: 5

“Down In The Hole” - I didn't think I was going to like this song, but the haunting melody got through to me. This would make nice background music if I was like studying for a test or doing my taxes. Score: 7

“Heaven's Wall” - This song falls victim to the overly repetitive chorus. Annoying to say the least. The music isn't much better. This song is a pass. Score: 2

“Frankie Fell In Love” - This song is cute. I like when Bruce tells a story, but the whiny vocals on this one made me cringe. Score: 5

“This Is Your Sword” - This track has an Irish rock feel. Bruce puts his signature vocals on it which makes it awesome. I like the vibe of this track – it was fun to hear. Score: 8

“Hunter of Invisible Game” - This one feels like another Irish folk tale. The story seems to go on forever, but never really climaxes or catches my attention. The vocals are weak on this one as well. Score: 4

“The Ghost Of Tom Joad” - This song is epic. It builds and builds and then explodes with phenomenal guitar riffs and fantastic lyrics. Score: 10

“The Wall” - The music is beyond boring on this track. I mean welcome to Snoozeville. Bruce's lyrics are puzzling. I have no idea what he was saying nor do I care. Score: 0

“Dream Baby Dream” - Another repetitive chorus song. Nothing to listen here folks, move along. Score: 2

Average Track Score: 5.4 Would I recommend this to my friends? Doubtful. There just isn't enough meat on this album.

Escaladers,

Jim

@sillygayman – Follow me on Twitter!

Stephen Malkmus And The Jicks - Wig Out At Jagbags

“Planetary Motion” - This track seems to be a but too sublime for my taste. The muted vocals and drab music allowed my mind to wander. Score: 3

“The Janitor Revealed” - Should I be stoned to appreciate this music? Sloppy music and random lyrics do not make me enjoy a song. Score: 0

“Lariat” - This track is pretty much identical to the last track with slightly better lyrics. So read the stuff I said about the last track. Score: 1

“Houston Hades” - I have no idea what this song is about. It is a hot mess. Are they trying to create a free-form jazz/rock type of vibe? Score: 0

“Shibboleth” - Another song of random words and odd music. I just don't get and I just don't appreciate it. Score: 0

“J Smoov” - There is something sweet and endearing about this song. Perhaps it is the sensitive vocals or maybe it is the enjoyable music. I don't know what it is, but so far this is my favorite song of the album. Score: 6

“Rumble At The Rainbo” - Parts of this song were fun and full of angst, but then they did that weird free form music thing and I lost interest. Score: 4

“Chartjunk” - A quite enjoyable jazz song. I think it was the horns on this track that brought it all together. I got a very Chicago type vibe, but the lyrics are the downfall – once again. Score: 6

“Independence Street” - The lyrics on this one are better, but the pace of the song is just depressing - I mean de-press-ing. Score: 5

“Scattegories” - This song's lyrics consist of two things – names of board games and Condeleeza Rice – neither of which I care much about. Score: 0

“Cinnamon And Lesbians” - Another song that made me lose interest with its lame lyrics and music that went all over the place. Score: 0

“Surreal Teenagers” - This track goes on and on and on but goes nowhere. What a waste of time. Score: 0

Average Track Score: 2.1 I was completely bored with this album and would never recommend it to anyone.

Escaladers,

Jim

@adeepercut – Follow me on Twitter!