5/3:

Dinosaur Jr. – Beyond: This is the first record by the full band since 1989’s Bug. While J. Mascis made some very good rock after the departure of Lou Barlow, the band didn’t have the same raw, muscular sound. Beyond is a return to form, and quite a good one at that. “Almost Ready” is as good as any song Mascis has written, with powerful guitars and a great melody in a bright major key. The guitar solo at the end burns. The power ballad of “Crumble” also has a great, but sad, melody. “Pick Me…

Sun 15 Jul – The Decemberists

http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v107/112/96/11314338/n11314338_33515511_6810.jpg

The (intended) set list…the encore was nothing like it was supposed to be (probably because Colin Meloy broke a string on his guitar and didn't want to play those last two songs on his backup guitar)…oh well. I think the original encore would have been much better than what we got…anybody know what the acoustic song was that Colin played at the beginning of the encore?

I sat in Row BB (the 2nd from the front, in the pit!)…it was a quite awesome view and sound experience. I didn't actually have to fight…

4/24:

Apostle of Hustle – National Anthem of Nowhere: This is the debut album for Apostle of Hustle. They incorporate elements of Spanish music into indie rock. The opener, “ “My Sword’s Hand’s Anger,” ” is an ok romp, but the first (and biggest) highlight is “National Anthem of Nowhere.” It does not rely on Hispanic rhythms to achieve a memorable ambient rock sound. The Spaniard beats of “Haul Away” are good for dancing. “Cheap Like Sebastian” is somewhat similar to “National Anthem of Nowhere,” but it relies on an active bass line, and there are annoying “la-la-la-la” backup…

Hello to fans of The Fray, Eisley, and/or Gomez:

Three of my high school friends (Matt, Krista, and Ben), with whom I played jazz band, marching band, and various other musical ensembles, are part of summer 2007's roadtrip nation, detailing their experiences and meeting lots of new people while they tour with the three bands mentioned above. Please follow their journey (they call themselves The Bandwagon!) and show them support - they are great people and a lot of fun to be around!

Thanks.

Steve

In this journal entry, I review albums that I've heard but haven't acquired.

Nine Inch Nails – Year Zero: This is my introduction to Nine Inch Nails, the American industrial rock band led by Trent Reznor. All is well during the first two tracks, “Hyperpower!” and “The Beginning of the End”; the second track sounds like a World Party song, in fact. My introduction to industrial rock didn’t start as eventfully as I had predicted. I almost thought I stepped into a disco upon hearing the beginning of “Survivalism”; the track has a similar beat to The Arcade…

4/6:

A Silver Mt. Zion – Born into Trouble as the Sparks Fly Upward: This post-rock album features “The Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra with Tra-La-La Choir.” Unlike Explosions in the Sky or Do Make Say Think, A Silver Mt. Zion has a full complement of strings for this recording. Mournful sounds at a dirgelike pace are found in “Sisters! Brothers! Small Boats of Fire Are Falling from the Sky.” At the entrance of “This Gentle Hearts, Like Shot Bird’s Fallen,” a baby can be heard laughing, but the rest of the song isn’t as happy. An upright…

3/6:

The Arcade Fire – Neon Bible: The most anticipated release of the year, it would be a tall order for Neon Bible to top 2004’s Funeral. The Arcade Fire did well with Neon Bible to drift away from Funeral’s anthem-oriented music to darker, more complex arrangements. “Black Mirror” announces that the band isn’t satisfied with the state of affairs in the world today, while “Keep the Car Running” is a spirited number that will make you clap your hands. “Neon Bible”’s mellow tone yields to the church organ-led “Intervention.” The highlight of the album is “No Cars…

2/2:

Bloc Party – Silent Alarm: Frequently compared to another dance/post-punk revival movement band (Franz Ferdinand), the debut LP from Bloc Party made waves in 2005. Don’t expect Joy Division or Gang of Four mimicking – the spirit of the album is that of a night out on the town rather than a band overly concerned about politics. “Like Eating Glass” is a terrific opener. The middle of the album is especially good, including “Banquet,” “Blue Light,” “She’s Hearing Voices,” “This Modern Love,” “Pioneers,” and “Price of Gas.” The mix of dance, rock, and post-punk influences coalesce…

1/10: Almagest (free from their website, http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=39727910)

Egyptian Kings is an ambience space-rock band from Portugal; Almagest is their debut. All is well during the opener, "Murmurs," and track two, "Pale White Dot." A flute plays a pretty melody over a synth ambience and high hat during the beginning of the latter, the highlight of the album. "Pale White Dot" then morphs into a very spacey number where the synths take the lead until a guitar solo comes in. If the listener is seeking some high-quality, Page-esque riffing, he's acquired the wrong album, for this is all about space (as…

I've been keeping track of what albums are being released this year. 2007 certainly seems like the year, in the spirit of George Lucas, "Rock strikes back."

So, what additional artists are releasing albums this year, previously unbeknownst to me? Per All Music Guide, how about Pixies, Guns N' Roses, Dinosaur Jr., and The Stooges? Talk about coming back from the dead!

Whether these records will actually be inspiring is another question, but I am even more excited than I was just a week ago.

P.S. The Beatles catalogue will be remastered and reissued this year…very…