Random bits of what I'm Seeing/Hearing

I've been knee-deep in finals for the last week or so, so music has taken a bit of a sidestep. But I'm back with some quick reviews and other things I've been going through:

-So I'm giving LCD Soundsystem a second listen, but from the looks of it, definitely not an album of the year contender in my book. It's decent enough for dancerock, if that's the kinda thing you're into, but 6 minute tracks with at best average lyrics gets old before the hour-long album is up.
Ruling on the Field: 5.5/10
Highlight Reel: Someone Great

Also playing OneRepublic's debut Dreaming Out Loud. Believe it or not, they have more than just "Apologize". They've got some good borderline folky stuff, and even at their most generic, there's no reason to skip a song. Unfortunately with Timbaland's offering of "Apologize" boning the radio right now, OneRepublic will probably have a hard time being taken seriously for their next single. I'm predicting these guys will become the Nickelback of 2008.

OneRepublic - Stop and Stare

-My friend Alex gave me Cobra Starship's new CD so I could check it out for my Best of 07 list. Personally I didn't think they were coming back from the overtly gimmicky novelty track "Snakes on a Plane (Bring It!)". But last month out came a ¡Viva La Cobra!, yet another entry into the growing whiteboy dancerock genre. There's nothing inherently bad about the album, its just a bit jumblefucky. Gabe Saporta likes to experiment with a lot of different sounds (punk, latin, rock, etc.), and that's great, until they all appear in one song. It's a fast-paced, fun listen, but don't expect anything memorable (unless you're Alex and make one of the songs your ringtone).

Cobra Starship - Guilty Pleasure

-Last weekend I went to see August Rush, one of the few music-based movies where all the music was completely original (not that the rest were bad because of it). It's no Across the Universe, and you can see the ending coming a mile away, but dammit if the music isn't absolutely amazing. Johnathan Rhys-Myers' songs are on par with anything that's on the radio right now, and the instrumental songs by Kaki King are equally fun to listen to. Even if you don't see the movie, pick up the soundtrack and enjoy it.
Ruling on the Field:Movie: 6.5/10; Soundtrack: 8/10
Highlight Reel: This Time

As a result of my love for August Rush, I've been making a playlist of instrumental stuff. I've got a good mix of stuff ranging from Foo Fighters to the Final Fantasy VII soundtrack. If anyone has any stuff they recommend, feel free to post it. I'm especially interested in anything from the 300 Soundtrack as well as the themes from Stargate and Independence Day. Thanks.

Back later this week.

==TJ==

VLM's Yearly Rant About The Grammys (Or Is It?)

Earlier this week The Recording Academy released the nominations for the 2007 Grammys. Now would usually come the part where I rant and rave about how badly they screwed up and who got truly screwed...

...except this year they did a pretty good job. No, seriously, the nominees are pretty much right. Kanye has 8 including Album of the Year. In a showing of pure awesome, the Foo Fighters are up for Album, Song, and Record of the year. Didn't I tell you Echoes, Silence, Patience, and Grace was amazing? Amy Winehouse is up for six counts of drug posession and being a dumb bitch Grammys for the inexplicably lauded Back to Black and song "Rehab". Other deserving nominees include Paramore for Best New Artist (in a category completely female dominated...coincidence?), Rihanna for Record and Song of the Year (the Grammy voters are clearly still singing "ella, ella, ella"), as well as Daughtry and Bruce Springsteen, who each got for noms in the rock category. All in all, props to the Grammy Association for not fucking this one up. Commentary on who will and should win will come sometime in 08 closer to the actual ceremony.

Meanwhile, I've been keeping tabs on various groups' Best of '07 lists, and two things pop into my mind:

-Who do Dave Grohl, Jim Adkins, and Trent Reznor need to blow in order to get in anyone's Top 25??
-The overwhelming love for LCD Soundsystem's CD Sound of Silver led me to pick up a copy for myself. Is it good? yes. Is it likely to grow on me? Yes. Do I think it belongs as #1 on everyone's list? NO. Full review coming, but my first impression was "Four-and-a-half Inch Nails".

Back later.

==TJ==