The Week in Albums: Mar. 15

Alright, I've got more hard drive more or less fixed and I can finally listen to music again. As it turns out, skipping last week worked for the best, since virtually nothing interesting was released this week. So, we're combining the past two weeks into one efficient, informative entry!

#1
Angles
The Strokes
RCA

We might as well start with what must be the most anticipated release of the year so far. Ten years ago, the Strokes released their debut album, Is This It, and were instantaneously enshrined in rock history. In the years since its release, Is This It has won over legions of fans and made a legitimate run at being considered the best album of the entire 2000s. The Strokes are a "big name band," where each of their releases is considered an event. The odd part of all this, however, it that the Strokes have barely released anything in their career. After Is This It, they've only recorded three more albums. Two of those (Room on Fire, First Impressions of Earth) were widely considered critical disappointments and the third is the shiny, new Angles. Judging for this weeks reviews, this new album isn't breaking the trend. Some say its boring, some say its too diverse, others say that everything sounds the same. The one thing everyone can agree on is that Angles won't be the album that rescues the Strokes. The album sounds like five different bands were forced to sit down together and record an album, which is no surprise judging from the reports of in-fighting between the band members. When catchy, Strokes-worthy singles like "Under Cover of Darkness" are squashed awkwardly against the Cars-lite stupidity of "Two Kinds of Happiness" or the dull, blandly moody "You're So Right," you can tell that something is off. Angles is full of too many different ideas and only a few of them are interesting. Perhaps its time the members of the Strokes moved on to other projects before this descent into self-parody becomes too painful.

Simon's Grade:



#2
The Big Roar
The Joy Formidable
Atlantic

This debut from up-and-coming Welsh rockers the Joy Formidable hit the States last week. It enjoyed immense praise back in the UK, but naturally, the American critics were less receptive. The Joy Formidable are only a three-piece band, but they sure make a hell of a lot of noise. Frontwoman/guitarist Ritzy Bryan also seems to be a powerful force leading the band, utilizing her strong voice and impressive guitar pyrotechnics to great effect. At the album's best, such as the cataclysmic "Whirring," the sheer oomph and scale of the band is awe-inspiring. Unfortunately, the album doesn't always shift effectively into those high gears and the bludgeoning begins to feel exhausting over the course of a full length album. The Joy Formidable are a band to watch. The Big Roar proves that they have potential and aren't very far at all from truly realizing it.

Simon's Grade:



#3
Several Shades of Why
J Mascis
Sub Pop

Last week also saw the release of Several Shades of Why, a tender collection of acoustic songs from Dinosaur Jr frontman J Mascis. For a guy who's built his reputation on blistering sheets of guitar noise, these stripped-back, gentle songs work surprisingly well. Mascis has always had a bit of Neil Young character inside him and his thin voice lends itself very well to these emotive songs. The opener, "Listen to Me," could work very well as a dynamic, electric Dinosaur Jr track, but it also works here as a lilting guitar ballad. The title track is another clear highlight, with its skipping guitar hook and strings. I certainly didn't expect this album to be this strong and many other critics also seemed taken by surprise. Several Shades of Why probably won't crop up on too many year-end best-of lists, but it's strong, capable release from a veteran musician. You'll hear no real complaints from me.

Simon's Grade:



Also this week: No Color by the Dodos (2 pretzels)