New stuff to check out:

Tokyo Rose



This band mixes in perfect-way-elements of rock'n'roll with more pop/pop-punk feels, as a cross-between the Ataris & Rufio. It's not that bad really... I've yet to listen to them more. Pros? In a way, their lyrics of self-damnation and realizing personal flaws is actually interesting. Cons? Not so much of a chopsuey, TR can plunge in a sub-emo type which can be boring if you listen to them everyday.

Well anyway, it's a good buy.




The Strokes. The songs are relatively replayable, which in turn makes it a good buy also. Rhythms mostly stick to upbeat and low-trebled guitar phases.. "Soma", "Hard to Explain", "Someday" and "Last Nite" have hit the airwaves already. It actually makes you want to....dance. The vocals on this album make you want to forget everything else.

Hmm... actually the hype surrounding this band before they even hit the studio for this album was enormous. It's notable to see how the reacted to the pressure: just look at the title of the album. This tongue in cheek, nonchalant attitude sums up this CD. It's obvious the band shrugged off the pressure and just did what they do best: write great rock songs, without anything unecessarily clouding the picture.

Other reviewers claim that The Strokes aren't very good, that their songs are too repetitive and simple. In this case, repitition isn't a bad thing. And repeated listens will reveal that these guys are very good - a lot of subtle things happen in these songs. Take the first single "Last Nite" for example. The song starts out with just a single, repeated guitar note. This note returns several times during the song. And in spite of the repetition, it's catchy as hell. The song was surprising to me the first time I heard it - the riff takes off in unexpected, but natural-sounding directions.

If you equate complexity with good music, don't get this CD. Complexity has its place - Smashing Pumpkins are a good example - but can also be disasterous, as on Sunny Day Real Estate's "Rising Tide". This album is the best collection of pure, unadulterated rock I have heard since Oasis' first album. You'll be tapping your foot and singing along (if you can understand the words) as this album grows on you. Other highlights include "The Modern Age", "Hard to Explain", and the more subtle "Trying Your Luck"


More to follow... :)

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BREAK NA!

Alright.... :D

Jamie, i miss you. :(