Welcome to another addition of Tune in Tuesday! Today’s musical choices are all relatively new and all exude musical greatness in some form or fashion.
Now that the requisite pleasantries are over, let’s get to the music!
End Times
Eels
Sparsely produced and largely recorded on a four track recorder, this album is the second installment in the trilogy that began with Hombre Loco. The theme seems to focus on the loss of love and the dark bits associated with divorce. This is the eight album released by the band whose only constant is the singer/songwriter Mark Oliver Everett or E as he is known in most circles.
Key Tracks:
In My Younger Days, Gone Man, A Line in the Dirt, and On My Feet
Broken Bells
Broken Bells
Broken Bells is the self titled debut album of the mash up of Brian Burton a.k.a Danger Mouse (Gnarls Barkley) and James Mercer (The Shins). In 2004 the two met and decided to work together and four years later they actually got together and began recording. The album was released in March 2010. The music has an experimental edge to it but it is also bathed in melody.
Key Tracks:
The Ghost Inside, The High Road, The Mall and Misery, and Trap Doors
Brothers
The Black Keys
This is the eighth album for this Akron, Ohio duo. I think this band is absolute greatness ad cannot believe two white dudes from Ohio can make this much music. Formed in 2001, the band has not had a bad album since their inception. If you have not heard of them, I’m sorry, go out and buy or download their music right now. You will not be disappointed. Steeped in blues and guitar driven rock, this band is all that is right with music today.
Key Tracks:
Next Girl, Too Afraid to Love You, Ten Cent Pistol, and I’m Not the One
Infinite Arms
Band of Horses
Infinite Arms is the third release for the band and they do not drastically alter their musical playbook from their previous releases. The music has an ethereal framing that is supported by the dulcet vocal styling of lead singer Ben Bridwell.
Key Tracks:
Compliments, On My Way Back Home, Neighbor, and Infinite Arms
High Violet
The National
This is the fifth studio album for the Brooklyn based indie band. The distinguishing baritone of lead singer Matt Berninger continues to be the calling card of the band. The band has a little more musical force on this album than their previous release but never strays too far from their comfort zone. Terrible Love, the opening track, and Conversation 16 seem to be the furthest reach of the album and they still connect.
Key Tracks:
Sorrow, Bloodbuzz Ohio, Little Faith, and Lemonworld
Sea of Cowards
The Dead Weather
This is the second album from Jack Whites third band and it is every bit as good as anything he has ever done. White and Alison Mosshart continue to share the vocal responsibilities on this album. Mosshart’s angry howl is the perfect accompaniment for White’s primal scream. This album is in your face from start to finish and might not sit well on the musical palate of all. It is well worth the initial listen just to check out the cornucopia of musical talent that resides in this band.
Key Tracks:
Blue Blood Blues, Die by the Drop, The Difference Between Us, and Jawbreaker
Great music awaits!
May 25th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
All great picks! Broken Bells and The National are speaking to me most at the moment. I really like Bryan Devendorf’s playing style. Right now I’m trying to get into the New Pornographers new release, as well as the new LCD Soundsystem.
May 25th, 2010 at 3:43 pm
Right now, I can’t get enough of the Black Keys. I’ve not picked up LCD or the Pornographers yet. The National is always pretty solid. Broken Bells is promising and I hope they can put out a second.