i heart music

Here's three albums that I've been listening to rather incessantly:

1. Andrew Bird: "The Mysterious Production of Eggs"


I've told most everyone that I know about this album, so it's nothing new that it's one of my favorites right now. It's not a new release exactly, but it didn't receive much fanfare when it was released and I think it deserves more attention. At times beautiful, at times moody and at times bordering on silly, it's a good listen for almost any mood you're in. Although the entire album is really, really strong, stand-out tracks are "Fake Palindromes" and "Skin Is, My." I hear that Bird was the violinist for Squirrel Nut Zippers, but that shouldn't really influence your opinion of the album either way since it's a complete departure from his work with that band (although there are a few violin runs in the album here and there).
Read what the Critics Say
Buy it Now

2. Hard-Fi: "Stars of CCTV"


Lots of folks are talking about The Artic Monkeys right now, but I haven't heard anything from them yet, so my current British import of choice is Hard-Fi. Sounding a bit like a pop-ier version of The Clash, the songs on the album aren't exactly deep, but they are very, very catchy. Stand out tracks are "Unnecessary Trouble" and "Better do Better." This band apparently came to Detroit recently and played The Magic Stick to a crowd of less than 100 fan, sold their own t-shirts and gave numerous props to Detroit, even covering a White Stripes song to prove their love. I knew there was a reason I loved these guys.
Read what the Critics Say
Buy it Now


3. Cat Power: "The Greatest"


"The Greatest" is a perfect album for soaking in the tub on a rainy Sunday afternoon. A little bit country, a little sultry lounge, and a little bit folk, the vocals and beautiful, albeit a bit melancholy. Although the album isn't exactly diverse, with most of the songs sounding pretty similar, it's a song that I like. There aren't any real stand-out tracks, but I particularly enjoy "Living Proof," "Love and Communication," and "Hate."


Read what the Critics Say
Buy it Now

And finally, here's one album that I can't wait to arrive in the mail:

Finian McKean: "Shades are Drawn"


After downloading a few tracks, I went on-line and immediately purchased this album, which is getting modest attention from the blogging community, but is being pretty much ignored from most everyone else. If the entire album is a fraction as good as the stand out track "Black Hole," I'll be happy.



Download "Black Hole"
Read what the Critics Say
Buy it Now