We're All Marionettes

Battles - Mirrored

2008-11-15T07:36:00.000-08:00

Battles is an interesting band. But one I can not stop listening to. Blah whatever. Just download. its awesome, trust me.

Leyendecker
Race In
Atlas
Ddiamondd
Tonto
Rainbow
Bad Trails
Prismism
Snare Hanger
Tij
Race Out

Mirrored

Caspian - The Four Trees

2008-10-25T13:41:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in a while, but whatever. Caspian is an awesome post-rock/shoegaze band from Beverly, Massachusetts. This album is full of "crushingly beautiful melodies" and each song will leave you breathless. Most of the songs have the same characteristics: slow, quiet, usually ambient introductions, but build up to incredible summits, usually incorporating more solid, heavy rhythms to compliment the percussive and booming percussion. For fans of Sigur Ros, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, and Explosions in the Sky. Download now.

Moksha (9:08)
Some Are White Light (5:26)
Sea Lawn (5:23)
Crawlspace (7:38)
Book Nine (5:44)
The Dropsonde (2:05)
Brombie (5:58)
Our Breaths in Winter (3:23)
The Dove (3:05)
ASA (7:17)
Reprise (5:14)

The Four Trees

Godspeed You Black Emperor! - Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas To Heaven

2008-07-22T15:55:00.000-07:00

Hmm... What can I say about Godspeed...
Godspeed You Black Emperor! (I still don't know where to put the !, after the You or at the end..?) is a very interesting band. First of all, to really appreciate this band, you need to be very patient. Because every song by this band is about 20 minutes long, but every minute is worth it. I wouldn't even call them "songs" but more orchestral, "pieces of music" with very long intros that usually have to do with very ambient elements, but before you know it, and without you even noticing it, the music will build up into a beautiful, emotional climax. You will not be dissapointed.

Storm - 22:32

"Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven..." - 6:15
"Gathering Storm/Il Pleut à Mourir [+Clatters Like Worry]" - 11:10
"'Welcome to Barco [sic] AM/PM...' [L.A.X.; 5/14/00]" - 1:15
"Cancer Towers on Holy Road Hi-Way" - 3:52

Static - 22:35

"Terrible Canyons of Static" - 3;34
"Atomic Clock" - 1:09
"Chart #3" - 2:39
"World Police and Friendly Fire" - 9:48
"[...+The Buildings They Are Sleeping Now]" - 5:25

Sleep - 23:17

"Murray Ostril: '...They Don't Sleep Anymore on the Beach...'" - 1:10
"Monheim" - 12:14
"Broken Windows, Locks of Love Pt. III." - 9:53

Antennas To Heaven - 18:57

"Moya Sings 'Baby-O'..." - 1:00
"Edgyswingsetacid" - 0:58
[Glockenspiel Duet Recorded on a Campsite In Rhinebeck, N.Y.]" - 0:47
"'Attention...Mon Ami...Fa-Lala-Lala-La-La...' [55-St. Laurent]" - 1:18
"She Dreamt She Was a Bulldozer, She Dreamt She Was Alone in an Empty Field" - 9:43
"Deathkamp Drone" - 3:09
"[Antennas to Heaven...]" - 2:02

Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas To Heaven

At the Drive-In - In/Casino/Out

2008-06-18T06:19:00.000-07:00

Now, just because I felt like it, and because Annis wants me to, I put up another ATD-I CD. This one is their second release and it actually has distorted guitars on it. This CD has shown more growth and development in their songwriting and playing. Also it is a powerhitting, solid, "emo-core" album. Arguably, this is ATD-I at their peak, but i don't necessarily agree. Anyways, this is an amazing CD, and definitely download it know or I will murder you.

Alpha Centauri
Chanbara
Hulahoop Wounds
Napoleon Solo
Pickpocket
For Now... We Toast
A Devil Among The Tailors
Shaking Hand Incision
Lopsided
Hourglass
Transatlantic Foe

In/Casino/Out

At the Drive-In - Acrobatic Tenement

2008-06-18T06:02:00.000-07:00

Oh man. ATDI is a legendary band in my book. After finding them by chance in the used CD section of FYE, I was immediately immersed in them and I soon bought all of their CD's. This is their first release, I believe, but it still is filled with such emotion and feeling that you just can't get enough of it. They actually accidentally recorded this CD with clean guitars, after a mistake by the producer in the studio, but thats what makes this CD so distinct and original, along with the vocals and the songs themselves. Please check this band out, they were called one of the most influential bands of the 90's.

Star Slight
Schaffino
Embroglio
Initiation
Communication Drive-In
Skips On The Record
Ticklish
Blue Tag
Coating Of Arms
Porfirio Diaz

Acrobatic Tenement

Bright Eyes - Digital Ash In A Digital Urn

2008-06-17T07:57:00.000-07:00

DOUBLE RELEASE: PART 2!

This is a very different side of Bright Eyes. As opposed to the acoustic CD I posted earlier, this CD is more electronic based and poppy. Although it is still filled with meaningful lyrics, this CD has a very, very different feel to it. In my opinion, there aren't as many really good songs on this CD as opposed to I'm Wide Awake, but it is still a very good listen. The song "Take It Easy (Love Nothing)" for example, is a very catchy tune, and it will make you want to dance, but it still has amazing lyrics and it makes me want to listen to it over and over (which I do, hehe). I hope you enjoy this CD and maybe you can appreciate the versatility of this band, and see how Conor Oberst's lyrics shine through whatever he does.

1. Time Code
2. Gold Mine Gutted
3. Arc of Time
4. Down a Rabbit Hole
5. Take it Easy (Love Nothing)
6. Hit the Switch
7. I Believe in Symmetry
8. Devil in the Details
9. Ship in a Bottle
10. Light Pollution
11. Theme From Pinata
12. Easy/Lucky/Free

Digital Ash In A Digital Urn

Bright Eyes - I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning

2008-06-17T07:33:00.000-07:00

Today, I'm doing a sort of "double release" for a couple of reasons:

I am very, very bored
I love Bright Eyes, and I think I should share some with you.
When Bright Eyes released these two CD's, it was a double release, so I feel I am doing it justice.
I want you to see the many sides of this band.

This is the more acoustic side of the double release. This CD is very intimate, organic, and heartfelt. If you watch the video for the song "Lua," that's exactly how I envision Conor singing that song. The first song has a very interesting beginning, which is a story about people on a plane that is crashing, but it has a very upbeat and happy feel to it, despite the dark situation. This album is full of a range of emotions, from the soft, loving tone of "Lua" to the upbeat, almost country tone of "Another Travelin' Song" to the inspiring and over-the-top feeling of "Raod to Joy." This is one of my favorite CD's, and hopefully it will be one of yours too.

1. At The Bottom of Everything
2. We Are Nowhere, And It's Now
3. Old Soul Song (For the New World Order)
4. Lua
5. Train Under Water
6. First Day of My Life
7. Another Travelin' Song
8. Land Locked Blues
9. Poison Oak
10. Road to Joy

I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning

Dustin Kensrue - Live

2008-05-28T12:10:00.000-07:00

Once I posted my last post, I immediately thought, "I should post my live album of him because he's amazing and he deserves it." I dont really know if this is a legit live CD, I got it from some random link somewhere. Its probably bootlegged. But it's really good. He does an amazing cover of the song "Creep" by Radiohead. To me, his style of music is meant to play live. It seems to be in a very intimate setting, with just him, his guitar, and a harmonica. Like it was played on a back porch of someones house, or in a quiet coffeeshop at night in the city. Definitly get this CD if you like what i just posted below.

1. Blood & Wine
2. Creep
3. Folk
4. Nebraska
5. Pedro
6. Pistol
7. Prodigal
8. Round Here

Dustin Kensrue - Live

Dustin Kensrue - Please Come Home

2008-05-28T12:01:00.000-07:00

(taken from absolutepunk.net)Please Come Home is the freewheeling solo debut of Thrice frontman Dustin Kensrue. Kensrue's folk-country labor of love has finally taken shape with a minimalist 8-song release featuring Thrice axe-man Teppei Teranishi and the band's guitar tech, Chris Jones.

The album kicks off with a double-time acoustic number called "I Knew You Before." Kensrue sends a scathing message with sharp lyrics aimed at the degradation of women. Interesting fare, for sure, and it proves quite the compelling opener for Please Come Home. The title track is a rather unexpected ballad that stands proud although at times seemingly scattered. The arrangements feel a little off until Kensrue hits the chorus for the first time, and then he finds his groove. "Blanket of Ghosts" is the surefire sleeper song on the album. Sounding as though Kensrue decided to channel Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz, the song meanders along with an organ-heavy accompaniment (courtesy of Thrice's Teranishi). Many listeners may skip this song, but it reminds me a lot of Duritz's "A Long December," with its slick lyrics, extended solos, and pleasing tone.

The devout singer is not above seemingly confessional songs. "Blood & Wine" is a perfect example, with its dark imagery and lamentations about womanizing and drug abuse serving as a stark warning to all those who may be tempted. The song starts out slow, but eventually speeds along at breakneck pace before finishing just shy of two minutes in length. Short and sweet, just the way Kensrue wanted the album to be. His music dances between light and dark, moral and immoral, fast and slow with effortless poise.

Don't hastily write off Dustin Kensrue because of the religious themes touched upon in this record. Instead, settle down into a comfortable chair and let his smooth vocal delivery and moving lyrics speak to you. Different people will uncover different messages within the songs on this record, and that is the mark of a truly strong, contemplative CD. Avoiding the alt-country stigma, Please Come Home certainly is no "neighbor shot my dog, screwed my girlfriend, and stole my tractor" hell-raiser of a record. Instead, this pleasant, introspective album retains its integrity. Rising above the ashes of his contemporaries, Dustin Kensrue has achieved his dream in a way that few thought possible.

1. I Knew You Before
2. Pistol
3. I Believe
4. Please Come Home
5. Blood & Wine
6. Consider the Ravens
7. Weary Saints
8. Blanket of Ghosts

Please Come Home

Portugal. The Man - Waiter: "You Vultures!"

2008-05-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

I bought this CD on impulse. I heard from random people that Portugal. The Man. was a good band, and I just bought this CD, along with their newer CD, Church Mouth. I have not been disappointed yet. This CD has a very original sound, its very upbeat, fun, sometimes almost funky? I'm not sure what to classify this music as. Theres a little bit of everything. The singer has a high-pitched, almost shrill voice, but very tolerable, and you get used to it very easily. I highly recommend this CD and looking into this band even more.

1. How The Leopard Got It's Spots
2. Gold Fronts
3. Stables & Chairs
4. AKA M80 The Wolf
5. Marching With 6
6. Elephants
7. Waiter
8. Chicago
9. Bad, Bad Levi Brown
10. Kill Me. The King
11. Tommy
12. Horse Warming Party
13. Guns. Guns... Guns

Waiter: "You Vultures!"

Masada - Live in Sevilla 2000

2008-03-25T16:54:00.000-07:00

(I think this is the wrong album cover, this is the only one i could find)

I have nothing to say because this album has left me speechless. Just listen, and let the insane free-form improv style take you away.

1. Ne'eman
2. Katzatz
3. Hadasha
4. Beeroth
5. Yoreh
6. Hazor
7. Nashon
8. Lakom
9. Bith Aneth

Live in Sevilla: 2000

The Ghost Sonata - Collection

2008-03-16T13:17:00.000-07:00

(sorry, no picture)

This is a collection of songs by a local band named The Ghost Sonata, from Bethel, CT. They are an amazing math-rock/experimental/indie/(self-proclaimed) A.D.D. band. I have seen this band many times and they put on a great show. The intertwining melodies of multiple singers and even more guitars hits you all at once and makes for a very interesting listen. This is a collection of 6 songs from 2 Demos/EPs that were given away at their shows. Listen and go to a show, you won't be dissapointed. To see where these guys are headed next, check their myspace.

The Ghost Sonata 1
The Ghost Sonata 2

Iron & Wine - The Shepherd's Dog

2008-03-03T14:10:00.000-08:00

The Shepherd's Dog is the 3th CD by folk artist Iron & Wine. I think this CD is one of the most beautiful CD's that I've heard in a really long time. The mix of a plethora of instruments really builds on the simple structure of a song. Instruments you can hear clearly are sitars, guitars, misclaneous drums, piano, and the vocals usually have some sort of effect to make them sound drony, yet very smooth. Also, the palette of lyrics that Sam Beam writes are beautiful. Songs like "Lovesong of the Buzzard" are simple, yet incredible, and make you feel like you're the happiest person alive. It's that happy of music. It all ends with the slow, yet amazing song "Flightless Bird, American Mouth" which will leave you breathless when it ends, and makes you want to listen to the whole CD again.

1. Pagan Angel and A Borrowed Car
2. White Tooth Man
3. Lovesong of the Buzzard
4. Carousel
5. House By The Sea
6. Innocent Bones
7. Wolves (Song of the Shepherd's Dog)
8. Resurrection Fern
9. Boy With A Coin
10. The Devil Never Sleeps
11. Peace Beneath The City
12. Flightless Bird, American Mouth

The Shepherd's Dog

The Roots - Game Theory

2008-02-25T12:21:00.000-08:00

For this post, I chose the CD Game Theory, by The Roots. The Roots, in my opinion, are one of the best Hip-Hop groups around. Solely because, they don't rely on a lot of computer-generated beats, because they have the help of an actual drummer (?uestlove) to play their beats for them. For every head-nodding beat (and ?uestlove brings plenty of 'em), Game Theory has a head-turning treat, from the "om" chant intro on the gospel-style "Baby" to the melancholy Radiohead sample of "Atonement." While the straight-ahead, singsong "Don't Feel Right" is underwhelming, bigger hooks come courtesy of "Long Time." A piece of Prince-ly cyberfunk with a gorgeous string arrangement by Philadelphia soul vet Larry Gold, the song celebrates growing up in Philly, with guest MC Peedi Peedi bringing some welcome humor: "It started in the bathroom taking a dump/Listening to Ultramagnetic Ego Trippin'." The album closer, "Can't Stop," is a fizzy eight-minute tribute to departed producer J Dilla, memorialized here as the "Muhammad Ali of beats."

1. Dilltastic Vol Won(derful)
2. False Media
3. Game Theory
4. Don't Feel Right
5. In The Music
6. Take It There
7. Baby
8. Here I Come
9. Long Time
10. Livin' In A New World
11. Clock With No Hands
12. Atonement
13. Can't Stop This

Game Theory

The Dear Hunter - Act 1: The Lake South, The River North

2008-02-22T15:19:00.000-08:00

Hmm.. what can I say about the Dear Hunter without it being an understatement? Amazing piano, amazing vocals, amazing guitars, amazing everything. This first installment of the epic that we call The Dear Hunter starts off with the haunting yet intriguing first track Battesimo del Fuoco, on which Casey layers the vocals in such a way that it sounds like a professional chorus. Casey used to be apart of the band The Recieving End of Sirens, but quit after some difficulties with other bandmembers. Even though this relatively short CD has two instrumental tracks, it makes up for it by the average song length being about 6 or 7 minutes. This is the first "Act" in a play told in song about a boy who's life is intertwined with prostitutes and people of the such at the turn of the 17th century. This CD mixes many styles such as blues, folk, and others. I believe you should be extremely happy with this CD, because I love it.

1. Battesimo del Fuoco
2. The Lake South
3. City Escape
4. The Inquiry of Ms. Terri
5. 1878
6. The Pimp and The Priest
7. His Hands Matched His Toungue
8. The River North

Act 1: The Lake South, The River North

The Fall of Troy - Doppelganger

2008-02-22T07:40:00.000-08:00

Wow, what can I possibly say about The Fall of Troy? Simply put, this band is just amazing. Flawlessly mixing hardcore and prog to make their own genre, a little thing I like to call: progcore. It surpasses me how this 3-piece band can make such complex music. It also surpasses me how Tomas Erak can sing (sometimes rediculously high) and scream, ALL while shredding insane leads. It is a proven fact that every member of this band is amazing at their instrument. Also, this band are masters at creating interesting and funny track names that make you wonder, "WTF?" Most of the songs on this CD break the verse-chorus-verse mold that many hardcore bands keep. Some songs just jump out at you. Much like the song "Laces Out, Dan!" This song starts off with a build-up that makes you think that something is gunna explode, and then it does into a complex, yet insanely powerful riff that will make you want to jump around and break everything in your house, in a good way. I hope you love this CD, i just can't get enough of it. Doppelganger is one of the CD's that I can listen to over and over and over and over and over and over and over.

1. I Just Got This Symphony Goin'
2. Act One, Scene One
3. F.C.P.R.E.M.I.X.
4. "You Got a Death Wish, Johnny Truant?"
5. Mouths Like Sidewinder Missiles
6. The Hol[ ]y Tape
7. Laces Out, Dan!
8. We Better Learn How To Hotwire A Uterus
9. Whacko Jacko Steals The Elephant Man's Bones
10. Tom Waits
11. Macaulay McCulkin

Doppelganger

The Prize Fighter Inferno - My Brother's Blood Machine

2008-02-21T19:41:00.000-08:00

For my first post, I chose the CD My Brother's Blood Machine, by The Prize Fighter Inferno. This group is a side project of Claudio Sanchez, who also sings and plays guitar for Coheed & Cambria. This CD is very different than Coheed would be. In my opinion, you wouldn't be able to tell this had any connection to Coheed whatsoever if Claudio's voice wasn't so distinctive. Actually, the only other way you could connect this CD to Coheed is by the STORY. Yes folks, this album is a concept album too, much like every Coheed and Cambria CD in existence. Claudio himself describes the story as so:

Long-arm and Butchie Bleam brothers brought together by physical distortion and social seclusion are about to find themselves in the running for the most unusual job in the world.....DEATH! Listen to the story unfold as we follow these two misunderstood yet maniacal minstrels of macabre in a neverending race for ultimate power. Listen to the disturbing details as the songs takes you through the hell that is the Blood Machine. This is a story being told in song......this is hell being unleashed through love and sound...... I am the hitchhiker doomed to tell the tale of Margretville, I am your Guide, I am the Prizefighter Inferno.

This CD has a very unique sound to it, apart from being recorded over the course of years using "..random recording devices" the way this CD mixes Electronica and Acoustic/Folk is something unexpected, yet very nice to listen to. Some Cons to this CD is that sometimes the music can fade, and you might not pay attention to it after a while. But nonetheless, this CD makes good background music too. I think you'll be happy with it.

1. The Going Price For Home
2. The Fight of Moses Early & Sir Arthur McCloud
3.Our Darling Daughter You Are, Little Cecilia Marie
4. A Death In The Family
5. The Margretville Dance
6. Accidents
7. Run, Gunner Recall, Run! the Town Wants You Dead!
8. Who Watches The Watchmen?
9. Wayne Andrews, the Old Bee Keeper
10. The Missing McCloud Boys
11. Easter
12. 78

http://rs261.rapidshare.com/files/77964664/The_Prize_Fighter_Inferno_-_My_Brother_s_Blood_Machine.rar <--- Copy + Paste it