I know, I haven’t updated the blog in a week. But I’m back from a penalizing essay and slew of assignments to give you a round robin of upcoming album reviews. I gotta bunch of albums starting with the letter “A” for the next couple of weeks!
Abandoned Shopping Trolley Line by Gomez: Strangely, this album was my introduction to Gomez, and I fell in love with the sweeping Dead-like soundscapes of “Buena Vista,” but after listening to Gomez’s Bring it On, I learned their true strength is in melodic and innovative songwriting. So while “Buena Vista” can be a fun intro to anyone who’s into spacey music, Abandoned really shows Gomez’s strengths on some songs you’ll wonder even why they’re B-sides (as this entire album is, I should’ve explained that before…). Songs with those quirky yet catchy hooks you learn to love from Gomez include “Bring You’re Lovin’ Back Here,” “78 Stone Shuffle,” and the tasty alien-bossa-rock number “Flavors.” “Hit on the Head” is short and sweet, but “Steve McCroski” isn’t nearly short enough. Gomez, obviously in the midst of the electronic explorations, let the acid drop a little too hard on their heads with this one. It’s drawling and the loud whines sound like a cat stuck in a computer. But these are B-Sides, so you can’t be too harsh. Even though Abandoned Shopping Trolley Line isn’t an official studio release, there are some quality numbers. Go get Bring it On or In Our Gun first, preferably both. Then definitely buy this guy, sit down, put on “Wharf Me” and lose yourself.
My Favorite Musical Moments: Either when they steal a page right from the Grateful Dead's songbook with "Wharf Me" with that shimmering quivering guitar, or finally figuring out who does that "Getting Better" cover from the Philips commercials.
Rating: 3 1/2 Stars (out of 5)
Monday, March 10, 2008
I Know, I Know...
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2 comments:
It's ironic but somehow really perfect that your first album review on here is by my favorite band. It came at a good time, though, because I just rediscovered the sheer awesomeness of 78 Stone Shuffle the other day and so ABTH has been in my thoughts a bit.
(New album's due out in May, by the way...)
So I'm thinking that in a continuation of the trend that I should do Castaways and Cutouts for my first album, and Ryan should do, I don't know, Moving Pictures or Hoist or something.
78 Stone Shuffle is quality. haha, a reviewing of our friends' albums segment. I like it.
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