Showing posts with label Sunset Rubdown. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sunset Rubdown. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Album Review: Dragonslayer

"Get this album."
I have to admit: the first time I heard this album I was rather underwhelmed, and the only track that really stood out was the epic ten minute closer "Dragon's Lair." As it would turn out, this is such a great example of an album that swells up with goodness and grows to perfection with more listens. I have no idea how Spencer Krug keeps up this ridiculous amount of musical output (he's been a part of twelve full length studio albums in the last four years), but I think this may be his finest release to date. Every song unravels with subsequent listens to reveal the intricate melodies and, more importantly, the lyrics. The album contains some of the most beautiful and captivating lyrics I've heard in a long time, and following Krug through his journey while his words spill out is just as impressive and enjoyable as the backing instrumentation, if not more so.

It's clear that Krug is maturing, and his music is obviously doing the same. While some may say At Mount Zoomer was weaker than Apologies to The Queen Mary (and it was), I think a steady progression can be seen over all his projects. And if this continues, I'm actually kind of scared to see what he whips up next. The energy on the album is so palpable thanks to it's mostly live recording, I don't know how Krug could possibly top himself now. I guess we'll have to see.

I know a lot of people (including myself) were blown away by Sunset Rubdown's previous effort Random Spirit Lover, so I certainly wouldn't say I enjoy Dragonslayer more if I didn't absolutely mean it. To clarify: I mean it. I can't do anymore to express my love for it: Get this album.

Sunset Rubdown- Silver Moons
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-Chandler

Friday, December 19, 2008

Song o' the Week #2

So because I'm in the holiday spirit, I though I'd give you an extra song, because I'm that kind of guy. The first one is by an artist I have a strange affinity towards, Lightspeed Champion. Devonte Hynes, formerly of the Test Icicles, now works as Lightspeed Champion, and released his debut LP Falling Off the Lavender Bridge this year. He is known for making sweet acoustic indie songs with great lyrics, as well as performing with that ridiculous hat. I've loved this song since I first heard it, and I've played it numerous times throughout the week as I got reacquainted with how good it is. I'm throwing in the Daytrotter version, which I may like better than the original, depending on what mood I'm in.

Lightspeed Champion- Dry Lips


Lightspeed Champion- Dry Lips (Daytrotter Version)



The second is a song that I again, forgot how good it was until I heard it long after it's last play. Spencer Krug fronts both Wolf Parade and Sunset Rubdown, and I love them both. You'll know instantly if you like his voice, or if you think it's just really annoying. Wolf Parade's latest LP At Mount Zoomer didn't get as much praise this year as I thought it should, but oh well. Shut Up I Am Dreaming came out in '06, and I think this gem was the best song off it. It starts with a great little acoustic riff, and then meanders into a bit of piercing guitar before settling back down a little. It also takes claim to one of the better song titles that I've heard. As a side note that I think my fellow fork/knifers would agree on, try to avoid Wolf Parade live. Not too good.


Sunset Rubdown- Shut Up I Am Dreaming Of Places Where Lovers Have Wings



-Chandler