Hot Tracks

Spaz (3:50) - N.E.R.D.
I have never been a big fan of rap or hip hop, but after hearing this song on some kind of Zune commercial, I fell instantly in love with the funky and crazy beat. The chorus is catchy with enough distortion to catch the eye of a rock enthusiast such as myself. The lyrics don't have much to speak of, but this song fills its purpose quite well. The rest of the album seems interesting enough, but I am not quite willing to go out and buy it...(8.5/10)

Frances The Mute - The Mars Volta

One of the greatest albums of all time, Frances the Mute breaks the boundaries in every possible way. From the Omar Rodriguez-Lopez's insane guitar licks to Cedric Bixler-Zavala's piercing lyrics, this album darts to and fro, from soft ballads to epic progressive sagas. Although only 5 tracks, Cassandra Gemini lasts over 30 minutes long, so much so that it is divided into movements. Despite the length of certain songs and The Mars Volta's tendency to descend into ambiance, the album is an exiting listen that will keep you intrigued for over an hour.

1 - Cygnus...Vismund Cygnus - One of the best Mars Volta songs, this drives forward frantically between screaming guitars, flowing vocals, and pounding drums courtesy of Jon Theodore. It begins with a creepy guitar that will again appear at the end of Cassandra Gemini, thus completing the album in a circle. Eventually it crescendo's back into one of the most powerful chorus's ever heard. With numerous guitar solos and a fast beat to begin with, this thirteen minute epic will never bore, and even the last few minutes which descend into ambiance are compelling. Lyrically, although Cedric's lyrics are as cryptic as ever, this describes a character called Vismund Cygnus, no doubt a reference to the Cygnus of greek mythology who lost his love in a river and after repeated attempts to retrieve her was turned into a swan by the gods to relieve him. (10/10)
2 - The Widow - A soulful ballad full of latin guitars and beats complemented perfectly by Cedric's vocalization. Although pitifully short, it is one of the most emotionally powerful songs on the album, as well as the most catchy. The latter half of the song is comprised of static and wierd sounds which positively impress me. (9.7/10)
3 - L'Via L'Viaquez - John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers provides the opening solo as well as another after the second chorus. This song is sung mostly in Spanish but is clearly a story of love and loss. The amazing latin drums of Jon Theodore complete the beat while Omar's jazzy guitar complements Cedric's flawless bilingual singing. With pianos and and trumpets joining the fray for the English sung chorus, this song turns into a complex masterpiece of progressive rock, not to mention latin music as a whole. Instead of descending into ambiance or noise like most other tracks, L'Via closes with a series of latin and jazz inspired piano and guitar solos. This is a different song from the rest of The Mars Volta's work due to its very obvious latin and jazz influence, and that is one of the best virtues of the song...(10/10)
4 - Miranda That Ghost Just Isn't Holy Anymore - A soft psychedelic song which serves as an extended intro to Cassandra Gemini, this track may look like a weak point in the album but is really a strength. With some of the wierdest guitars finally breaking through to a blast of soulful trumpets and meaningful and memorable tune, not to mention some of the most beautiful vocals Cedric's ever recorded. This is a soft track but is in no means similar to The Widow. If anything it is closer to El Ciervo Vulnerado of Amputechture, the next album in Mars Volta's brilliant catalog. It ends with a grainy sound of the ending of Cygnus...Vismund Cygnus's ending with overlaid guitars and drums...(9.6/10)
5 - Cassandra Gemini - Wasting no time on extensive intros, The swirling guitars over swirling guitars drive through as Cedric screams his heart out. Suddenly, a dive in tempo and some of the most chilling lyrics ever heard "There was a frail serum dripping off his lap-danced lapel". And then Cedric is back to yelling in his beautiful falsetto. The guitars dart back and forth, while the drums pound away without a care. A speedy trumpet solo away and the chorus breaks through in what may be a sign from god. It ends quicker than it came and to the verses with their dueling guitars and powerful vocals. And this is only the first four minutes. The tempo never lets down and the song is varied and as powerful as when it begins. It ends with the same scary guitar that started the album, and the same voice to. Truly one of the greatest compositions of the modern world. I would give it more than a ten if I could...(10/10)

If you don't have this album, you really should. You should buy a poster of it (like me) and a t-shirt with its cover on it (also like me). You should buy this album more than once just so you can have the thrill of listening to a fresh copy. You should put it on repeat all day(like me...)
Songs - (9.9/10)
Coherence - (10/10)
Variety - (10/10)
Overall - (10/10) This Album should be your new god



Frances the Mute - The Mars Volta
Although neither on the actually album nor a single, most Volta fans regard this song as part of Frances the Mute. It bears the same name and the same creepy guitar chords present in Cygnus and Cassandra Gemini. Although its intro is well over four minutes of bells, it breaks into an amazing tirade of guitars and drums, with some of the greatest lyrics written by Cedric. After the guitars get going it becomes a soft acoustic song, where soulful whispers become emotional yells, eventually bringing back the electric guitars for a powerful finish. Definitely a must have for a fan of the album...(9.7/10)

Hot Tracks

Evil Urges (5:11) - My Morning Jacket
This song is best described as a sweet popsicle dipped in hot reverb. Full of 60's grooves and dreamy guitar patterns, if you are a fan of psychedelic rock this is your bread and butter. Jim James's great high notes flow smoothly over synthed violins and a steady and interesting drum beat. This is the best song that '68 never made. Also check out the album, which only builds on this concept...(9.5/10)




Oxford Comma (3:15) - Vampire Weekend
This is a cute poppy dub song, courtesy of the indie band Vampire Weekend, who have strived ( and succeeded) to combine reggae beats with pop hooks and coffee shop lyrics. Like a fun musical sundae with a sprinkle of The Beatles influence on top, I could listen to this track all day long. The result is a lively fresh song, great for the summer and for relaxing all around. Definitely one of the more memorable tracks on the self titled album...(9/10)




Indestructible (4:38) - Disturbed
Disturbed has never failed to bring pop metal to new heights. This song is no different, but that is just the problem. It is a great Disturbed song but it is nothing new. A little more polish, but overall its just the same material. The chorus sounds like Prayer all over again and its just disappointing to hear such a great band on infinite loop...(7.8/10)

Narrow Stairs - Death Cab For Cutie

I've been a big Death Cab fan ever since Transatlanticism, but thats not to say I don't like any of their earlier stuff. Narrow Stairs is the most recent addition to a wonderful repertoire of different sounds and compositions. Although not quite as musically open as Plans, this album has all of the elements of a great indie album. And for the first time I think I hear a Beatles influence on the music, which definitely gives it a cheery atmosphere to contrast Gibbards soulful yet depressing lyrics. Though not a concept album in the least, the songs all fit well together, and there isn't an obvious difference in the effort to make the singles versus the other songs, a malady which tends to plague albums released on major labels. The style is coherent and it doesn't depart much from other Death Cab works, yet it is different in its own right. It is more polished and refined than any album before it, which works to give it a sunny disposition. Unlike the dreamy yet dark Plans, the instruments on this album are bright and cheery, as is Gibbards ranting, despite the fact that the lyrics remain some of the best emotional poetry, centering as always on loss of love. These are the tracks...

1 - Bixby Canyon Bridge - Synths in the background give this track a dreamy atmosphere, complementing the reverie that the lyrics describe perfectly. A soft, sparse track which slowly rises to crescendo packed to the brim with emotion, this is definitely a track to look out for... (8.7/10)
2 - I Will Posses Your Heart - With a good four minutes of rhythmic buildup, this track launches into sweet love note with dark undertones. The drum riff keeps the track going while piano twists and turns around the verses. The single for good reason, this is as good as any death cab song, but to be honest it is nothing special or better. The lyrics are not as beautiful as Gibbard has shown he can write, and the song feels unfulfilled in the end... (8.3/10)
3 - No Sunlight - A perfect indie anthem, this track has a driving rhythm courtesy of Harmer and McGerr, while Walla's guitar finally has a chance to show its face... (8.6/10)
4 - Cath... - A deep and emotional song, Cath... opens up with a nice riff that continues throughout the song. Gibbard's voice and lyrics are some of the most beautiful on the album. "She holds a smile/Like someone would hold a crying child". This is definitely a Death Cab great. Walla dominates tis song with licks diving through and in between Gibbard's pauses. The chorus breaks through the rest of the song, both powerful and memorable. If you are going to track pick on this album, this song is a must...(9.3/10)
5 - Talking Bird - A slow song that is full of symbolism and allegory, while keeping a calming beat and sweet chords to match. This is one of the best sung songs on the album, and the vocals dip and dive in perfect time. This is probably my favorite song on the album, as it is one of the more emotional ballads on the album... (9.4/10)
6 - You Can Do Better Than Me - A nice Death Cab song, albiet a bit short, clocking in at about 2 minutes. This is nothing remarkable, if you're comparing it to the rest of Death Cab's work. But nonetheless this is a small talisman displaying Gibbard's remarkable skill to craft a lyrical story in so few words but such epic poetry... (8.8/10)
7 - Grapevine Fires - A soft song with nice guitar and the patta-patta of drums which contrast the dreamy atmosphere. The lyrics paint a vivid picture and the music only complements this... (8.9/10)
8 - Your New Twin Sized Bed - A faster tempo allows this song a happier feel than Grapevine Fires, but the lyrics are even more depressing. This song is more aligned with I Will Possess Your Heart in terms of both lyrics and music, but has the missing piece which makes this a respectably addition to Death Cab's Resume... (8.6/10)
9 - Long Division - Another indie anthem with a memorable guitar riff coupled with distant vocals. Definitely one of the more edgy songs, harking back to The Photo Album and specifically A Movie Script Ending. It doesn't go overboard, so if you are a fan of the softer side of Death Cab you need not worry...(8.7/10)
10 - Pity and Fear - A nice island beat begins the song with defined guitar setting the tone. Gibbard then picks up with the guitar to lift this song up. This is one of the more musically open songs on the album, and it captures a wide range of spectrums while remaining audible... (8.5/10)
11 - The Ice is Getting Thinner - Walla really gives this track meaning. The intro is beautiful, both the guitar and the vocals. A slower song with scary lyrics and moving guitars. It is a great end to the album and feels like an end of an era. This is no doubt the saddest song on the album...(9/10)

With Death Cab's latest installment, I fell that they lived up to their potential as a band, and the only way the could go from here is up. This is an album I have already listened to countless times, and I suggest you should to. Go out and buy this album in a real store. Death Cab for Cutie is a great band and you should support them...
Songs - (8.8/10)
Coherence - (8.6/10)
Variety - (8.9/10)
Overall - (8.8/10) Great+

If - Mindless Self Indulgence

When I got this album, I was pretty excited to start listening, being a long time MSI fan. I felt pretty neutral about You'll Rebel to Anything, which substituted most of the electric beats for more metal riffs. But If is again a completely different animal. Harking back to Frankenstein Girls Will Seem Strangely Sexy in the use of dance beats and Righ?'s sporadic guitar to complement Urine's crazy vocals, If brings MSI into a much poppier life.
Most of the songs, including the single Mastermind, use pop hooks mixed with acid punk noise which makes this album more interesting, in my opinion, than You'll Rebel.
the tracks break down like this

1 - Never Wanted to Dance - Kitty's drums really hold this song together, because unlike alot of other songs on the album the guitar and bass are really nonstop. This song is less rhythmic than say Mastermind or Get It Up but it nonetheless remains a dance song. It's a single and has a bunch of remixes that might be worth looking into. (7.5/10)
2 - Evening Wear - This is not really a typical MSI song and... I dont really like it that much. The stops fade out and aren't sudden, the vocals aren't sharp and the bass is almost on a loop.
Not very interesting of a song, and it doesnt quite cut it... (5/10)
3 - Lights Out - A fast punky song with a driving bass and a really cool beat that lead into a kinda dissapointing yet catchy chorus, This song is definitely worth looking at. A tiny interlude with a synth solo is well appreciated, but this song is not the greatest on the album... (7/10)
4 - Prescription - This is an ok song... simple beat drives it while the guitar is unremarkable. Urine is not really living up to his potential here. And its not really rhythmic enough to be a dance song... (6/10)
5 - Issues - One of my favorite songs on the album, with crazy lyrics, a great chorus that utilizes some catchy pop hooks. The guitar and bass come in at the right points and the kick pushes everything through. Its definitely worth repeated listens... (8/10)
6- Get It Up - in my opinion the best song on the album. Great lyrics and great chorus, sexy, concise, and basically everything I've come to love about MSI. The background singers after the chorus are just one of the pop hooks which could draw and audience to this song, and it is definitely a dance song. ...(9/10)
7 - Revenge - A fine catchy song with a fun intro leading into a fast, classic MSI song... It definitely a good listen, especially if you are a fan of MSI. The drums are fast enough to really make your heart beat, and the guitar is whiny and delicious. (8.5/10)
8 - Animal - This is a frankenstein song... rhythmic while still punky. The verses are hip hop inspired and they really rhyme well... The chorus is punky enough to draw fans who came in at You'll Rebe... (7.5/10)
9 - Mastermind - A poppy and catchy songs with some screams that would catch the eye of a screamo fan... But this song is an edgy dance song at heart and is the single for a reason. THis has the sporadic guitar chugs like most of frankenstein and also some of the electric distortion. ( 8.5/10)
10 - On It - A fast, edgy electro punk song with a great chorus which doesnt break the tempo of the song while adding a much more rhythmic element... This song is one of the best in the album and it knows it... (9/10)
11 - Pay For It - The vocals on this song seem lacking and somewhat anticlimatic, even the powerful chorus. Other than that this is a good song.... fast and spaztic... ( 7/10)
12 - Due - Electric to the death!!! This song is fun and sorta serves as the albums slow song, despite all the drums that come in. It is somewhat less danceable, but still a fun song... (8/10)
13 - Money - everyone loves money, and I love the guitar on this song... It's lyrics have the ever present Jimmy Urine cockiness. With a little worse recording quality it would fit right in on one of MSI's older albums... (8/10)
14 - Bomb This Track - I like this song... its cocky and fast and sexy... and the bass and drums work together well, making this track one of the most dancable and exstatic... (8.5/10)
15 - Mark David Chapman - This song is less danceable but much much more experimental than the rest of the album, and I'm a sucker for that kinda stuff. It is still MSI though, and righ? really shines here... and the vocals are all over the place but nonetheless impeccable... (9/10)

So overall i would say that this is definitely an album worth looking at...buying.... or stealing....
I wouldn't say you must buy, but on this album track picking might be a good idea.
Songs - (8.1/10)
Coherence - (7.3/10)
Variety - (7.9/10)
Overall - (7.8/10) Good+