November 26 Releases, 2013

By: Megan Fair, Copy Editor

The dreary drudge of sludge and sleet has thrust itself upon us, leaving a desire for homemade food and endless naps. Likewise, this week did not offer many big releases in the industry, so bear with me as I scrounge up my very scattered thoughts about this week’s big releases. What can I say? My brain is craving tryptophan, so if it’s not turkey, my brain doesn’t care.

First up to bat is the The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Soundtrack. The last Hunger Games Soundtrack featured artists such as Arcade Fire, Taylor Swift and the Civil Wars. This soundtrack is stacked with even more big name, exciting artists expressing their take on feelings and scenes from the blockbuster. This team has heavy hitters all around ranging from Ellie Goulding to Coldplay to the Lumineers.

Patti Smith’s soulful “Capitol Letter” has a Johnny Cash-does-“Hurt” vibe, which is pretty cool. “Devil May Cry” is The Weeknd’s smooth track. The floating falsetto vocals are pretty rad, and The Weeknd’s signature sound is ever present. Santigold’s contribution, “Shooting Arrows at the Sky,” is spunky and cool, and “Atlas” is a Coldplay track that doesn’t do anything crazy, but it is Coldplay, so... 

Possibly the coolest track on this soundtrack is Lorde’s eerie cover of Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.” The youngster’s caramelized voice drips over martial pounding and ambient background music until a blasting build at the end. 

Closing out this week’s Drop It Like It’s Hot is One Direction. Oh, those cheeky boys with such charming accents. From what I hear, everyone’s still creamin’, especially with the tracks on Midnight Memories. As much as one may be inclined to hate, the boys do have great pipes, and their music is intended to be very fun. This album is definitely edgier, but it continually expresses their fun side while emphasizing the fact that they don’t take themselves too seriously. Also, you can’t deny that you definitely sing “Best Song Ever” when you’re alone in your car. 

In a slow sea of mostly nobodies, these are the albums that stuck out this week. I couldn’t even tell you one artist who dropped an album today that more than 50 people care about. At least you can rest easy knowing that those food comas aren’t keeping you from missing any important album releases. 

October 25 Releases, 2011

By: Chris Dobstaff, News Editor

It’s almost time for Halloween; so, let’s see what’s in the goodie bag of new releases this week. There’s definitely a mixture of tricks, as well as some stellar treats.

Let’s start with one of the tastiest of treats of the year. Justice, an electronic duo from France, just released its second studio album Audio, Video, Disco. I’ve only tasted a brief sample of the album, but even I, more a fan of straight rock, cannot deny that this album has some serious kick. Everyone get ready to hear Audio, Video, Disco at house parties for the remainder of the year.

We also saw the release of the new Coldplay album, Mylo Xyloto. Is it true that Coldplay is one of the lamest bands on Earth? Probably. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some “Clocks” every now and then.

How will the band’s fifth album stand up? The first single, “Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall,” not only is home to a classic cheesy Coldplay title, but is also utterly unexciting. Overall, reviews have been a mixed bag, but we should all indulge ourselves in “Princess of China,” just to hear Coldplay and Rihanna together at last. Cause that’s really what we’ve always wanted, right?

The legendary Tom Waits also returned with his first batch of studio material since 2004 with Bad As Me. The 61-year-old singer-songwriter has backed up his 2011 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction with another great album. Just go listen to “Get Lost” and try to fight the urge to listen to the rest of the album. Stay on the look out for Amanda Norris’ upcoming review of the record. That girl loves her some Tom Waits.

Our very own Editorial Director Kevin Rutherford reviewed My Brightest Diamond’s All Things Will Unwind this week. The guy generally picks everything to pieces, but he actually gave the disc a positive review. I’d say that just about gives me reason to check it out.

She & Him took on some classic holiday tunes with A Very She & Him Christmas. I have to be honest with you guys, though. I’m about fed up with Zooey Deschanel’s cuteness. I just can’t take it anymore! Am I the only one here? Also, Christmas albums are generally boring, and seeing as the band’s second studio album bored me to tears, I can’t imagine this little collection of songs to be much different.

Michael Bublé also released a Christmas album! Skip that one too.

In fact, here’s a little piece of advice: Unless the Christmas album is by Elvis or Fats Domino, steer clear of it. (Fats Domino has the greatest holiday collection of all time. Real talk, you guys.)

Brian Wilson released In The Key of Disney, an album of the Beach-Boys-legend's singing songs from “You Got a Friend in Me” to “Heigh-Ho.” I haven’t heard any of Wilson’s newer material, but I’m a sucker for some Disney classics. Count me in.

Lastly, Deer Tick released Divine Providence. Though they sound like a dirty southern band, the group actually hails from Rhode Island. Lead singer John McCauley’s raspy-yet-powerful voice is just what one want at the head of one's rock band. Deer Tick gives you the southern rock the Kings of Leon did prior to recording “Use Somebody.” It’s nothing you haven’t heard before, but it’s still a lot of fun to get down and dirty with some root-sy rock.

That’s about it. No real spooktacular albums coming out, but for the love of God can we stop releasing Christmas albums before we trick-or-treat?