Being the first post, tonight I will be giving a double review. Two albums of particular greatness will be talked on. Enjoy!
Farm-Dinosaur Jr.
This album came out over the summer of 2009, so it is fairly recent. "Farm" is the fifth studio album to be released by the original three members of Dinosaur Jr. The band formed in 1984 and is currently headed by J. Mascis, Lou Barlow, and Murph. With many bands that have been around as long as Dinosaur Jr. , the music changes beyond recognition. Either the times have changed and left the music feeling outdated and incomplete, or the artist has tried to transform to little avail. Sometimes yet the lead singer loses his growl and becomes somewhat tamer than earlier incarnations. However, this is not the case with this album. The tracks sound cohesive, faithful to the old sound yet fresh, and despite some 25 years since their formation, Dinosaur Jr. seems completely in the here and now, and furthermore they are taking it for a spin. The vocals in the album, lead by Mascis are still the same droning, slightly melancholy tones he brought with him on older albums like Bug and You're Living All Over Me. Barlow even makes a couple vocal appearances in songs "Weather" and "Imagination Blind". Track after track offers something new to the careful listener. "Plans" is a desperate plee, while "I Don't Wanna Go There" is a forlorn peice with arguably one of the most impressive solos in rock history. Songs like "Over It" and "Friends" quicken the pace a bit and offer proof that the 80s alternative rock band still has plenty of tricks up their sleeves. Without a doubt, this album is a must listen to anyone who is a fan of good alternative rock in any of its many forms, so let your hair down over your eyes, put on a flannel shirt over your t-shirt, and enjoy this album!
but wait, there's more!!!
Another Side of Bob Dylan- Bob Dylan
In this album, one of music's most influential and best known artists changes up his normal routine (or at least his agenda before this album was released in 1964). In "Another Side of Bob Dylan" one won't find the politically overt, finger pointing of previous releases. Instead things are loosened up a bit and Dylan's story teller side comes through as strong as ever. "It Ain't Me Babe" is a quiet song of rejection and acceptance with the artist's usual pinpoint accuracy and steady rhythm to drive the words right into the heart of listeners spanning decades. Quite another side of Bob Dylan is shown in "I Shall Be Free No. 1o". The nonsensical stories that make up this song are entertaining to say the least, and always good for a laugh alongside the famous folk poet. With classics like "Chimes of Freedom" and "Ballad in Plain D" this album exemplifies much of the appeal of Dylan and makes him accessible even for the casual listener. Who knows, you may find another side of yourself in the process!
