January wrap-up

We’re off to a slow start this year, not a lot of great tunes surfacing this month. That’s why activity on this page has been slow. But not to despair fellow rockers, there is a lot to be excited about in the coming year (more on that later).

Here are a few notables from this month. no order.

Panic! at the disco - Death of a Bachelor
This is a cool record.. almost got its own review. The opening track, Victorious, is a nice anthemic jam waiting to be used by high-school sports teams after a big win. Vocals on this are very solid, elements of Sinatra permeate the latter half of the record. Recommended for fans of Fall Out Boy (who probably already know that).

The Anchoress - Confessions of a Roma
some solid easy listening. Recommended for fans of PJ Harvey Natalie Merchant, and the Dixie Chicks

John Cale - Music for a New Society
You may know John Cale for his proto-punk work in the Velvet Underground. But unlike his sidekick Lou Reed, Cale went down a path that was more avant garde, and less rock’n’roll.

Megadeth - Dystopia
Megadeth has a new one, and if you like Megadeth, you’ll probably like this one. But then, if you like Megadeth, you probably don’t need me to tell you that. I never developed a taste for their flavor of metal, so this just sounds like more of the same to me. But for a more enthusiastic view of this record, check out my buddy Jack’s review here:
http://jackwillowbee.blogspot.com/2016/01/2016-megadeth-dystopia.html

David Bowie - Blackstar
I wrote a separate post on this one shortly before news of his death.  Looking back, I have a new-found appreciation for this record. It plays as a sort of musical last will, as he clearly knows he is dying. I guess I wouldn’t expect that to be his most exciting work. But it is remarkable artistically, to have a portrait of the artist as a dying man. For Bowie, art, music, and life were always intertwined.. so too with death. “Isn’t that just like me?”

Chairlift - Moth
Easy listening, spunky and playful. bonus, they’re from Colorado. slow start with the first track, a skipper

Ignite - A War Against You
Ok, I realize Ignite is an old band. SoCo hardcore circa 1993. well, they have a new one. If you like that style ala Sick of it all, Rise Against, BoySetsFire, AFI, etc. here you go. It’s pretty good. Sing-o rather than screamo so I can dig it.

Daughter - Not To Disappear
Anyone need more shoe-gaze in their lives? I’m probably OK without it, but this is not bad. Pleasant, ethereal vocals, good ambience. recommended for bed time. or maybe not at all.

Savages - Adore Life
something like post-punk near the intersection of Erase Errata, Au Pairs, A Lines, and Hunter Valentine. Evil has a beat I could almost dance to.

Bloc Party - Hymns
seems like an aptly named band, because there are some party vibes and chillin beats on this record. If you're looking for some background music for a house party, there may be a few tracks here for you. If you're looking for some seriously exciting spunk (I hope you are!)  then I'll  have some better suggestions coming soon.

Peace and Love