Third
Portishead
2008
by Roy Luckett
June 24th, 2008
Okay, 11 years is a long break between albums. And when the artist is Portishead, the expectations are immense. It’s kind of like Indiana Jones — he was gone so long that we never thought there would ever be another sequel. While I have yet to see the new Indy sequel, I think Portishead’s approach to this album is very intelligent. It’s as if they totally abandoned their trip-hop ties to explore a different musical path. Sure, the dark atmospherics are still there, and maybe it’s me, but I think Beth Gibbons’ bluesy voice gets better and better. But it is a departure. Instead of a jazzy electronic album with hip hop elements, it is more like a psychedelic rock album with electronic undertones. They even throw in some folksy numbers for good measure. I know some Portishead fans are upset because it is very different from their last two albums. Initially, I was upset as well. But the more I listened to it and accepted the fact that it was not going to represent the past, the more I appreciated and loved it. Besides, there are so many gems here; “Silence” is a slow burn that is incredibly sleepy in this scope, yet it’s deceptively poignant. I love the electro elements in “The Rip,” and “We Carry On” has a wicked guitar riff that will grab your attention. At the end of the day, it’s an album that rewards those who embrace repeated listens. I am humbly grateful that they have returned; after 11 years, I didn’t think they would.
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45:33
LCD Soundsystem
2007
by Roy Luckett
May 22nd, 2008
Originally conceived as a workout mix for Nike, this energetic CD is not necessarily the ideal jogging companion because it’s a little too slow in the beginning and a little too fast at the end. But you should definitely run to your computer and purchase this ditty post haste! LCD Soundsystem deftly incorporates differing sounds and musical styles into something catchy and just plain magnificent. They move effortlessly from blue-eyed soul-inspired club tracks and dancefloor anthems to synth-laden downtempo hypnosis in a way that will make you smile. LCD Soundsystem: they do what they please, and they do it with ease. Now go get it!
Posted in Electronic , Rock
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Kid A
Radiohead
2000
by Roy Luckett
February 22nd, 2008
In the aftermath of their breakthrough epic OK Computer, Radiohead delves further down the experimental rabbit hole, embracing electronica and moving away from conventional song structure. The result is yet another triumph, as it includes elements of jazz (“The National Anthem”) and ambient atmospherics (“Idioteque”). Even with all of this experimentation, Radiohead still finds the time to craft a wonderful pop song in “Optimistic.”
Posted in Alternative , Rock
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Amnesiac
Radiohead
2001
by Roy Luckett
February 22nd, 2008
Released months after Kid A, Amnesiac is often referred to as “Kid B” and even recognized by some as merely outtakes from the Kid A sessions. But there is a lot of great stuff here, including, but not limited to, the soaring and haunting ballad “Pyramid Song,” the moody “Dollars & Cents,” and the drum machine- and electronica-laden “Packt Like Sardines In A Crushed Tin Box.”
Posted in Alternative , Rock
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Hail to the Thief
Radiohead
2003
by Roy Luckett
February 22nd, 2008
While this is not a complete return to the “rock side” of Radiohead, it comes pretty close, especially on the stellar tracks “2 + 2 = 5,” “Go To Sleep,” and “There, There.” Nevertheless, the experimental electronic elements found on Kid A and Amnesiac remain, which is also a good thing. Another impressive offering.
Posted in Alternative , Rock
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