Review Session

There has been a shit-load of albums by big name bands come out lately or are coming out soon. So instead of writing a million reviews here are my ratings and little bit o' info about them.

Infinite Arms by Band of Horses

- Ben Bridwell really took Band of Horses in a different direction, but it kind of pays of. There is less indie rock and more pop/rock to the sound of Infinite Arms. It is a quality album, but still not the album everyone is looking for from these guys. But then again, Band of Horses may be perfectly content with that.

Rating = 6.8

This Is Happening by LCD Soundsystem

- It is rumored that James Murphy is going to move onto something new and this may be his last album under LCD Soundsystem. If this is true what a way to go out. This album is classic LCD with a little more definition, but you can still pop into the CD player at a party!

Rating = 9.0

High Violet by The National

- After releasing two groundbreaking albums in a row (Alligator and Boxer) The National seem to have done it again! High Violet is subtly amazing and quietly progressive. It is not so much a progression of The National's sound, more or less a perfection of it. It is as if the turned their studio into BASF and made they things that we buy better.

Rating = 9.1

Heaven is Whenever by The Hold Steady

- I was actually expecting a letdown after all the greatness they have put out over the last 10 years, but Heaven is Whenever is dramatic, emotional, and damn good. They mix in their traditional lines that make it from album to album, and they have Tad Kruger's sick guitar solos. However, The Hold Steady more than hold steady, they make an unexpected movement from bar rock to indie bar rock. I know that doesn't sound like much when reading it, but you can tell when you listen.

Rating = 8.1

Forgiveness Rock Record by Broken Social Scene

- The army of musicians that is Broken Social Scene manages to create arguably the most eclectic, diverse album I have ever heard. I mean there are elements of bluegrass, pop, indie rock, electronica, sitar, and some shit I've never heard of before. And it all adds up into one sensational album. Forgiveness Rock Record is in my opinion the best album that BSS has ever delivered, and the Lord knows I like to label things as the best!

Rating = 8.4

Kyle's Korner: Getting Married!

In less than a week the day that I have been waiting for will finally arrive with a full head of steam and a bunch of crazy family members. I have no idea how its going to go but I know one thing is for sure: I'm getting married! I've been told by so many people that I shouldn't get married when I am only 23 and I don't have a job yet (nobody that I really care about has said this), but I feel like I should have married Laura years ago! We are a married couple, but without saying the vows in a church and exchanging rings. So, then why are we getting married other than to have children without society looking down upon us, or all of the gifts that come with a wedding? Its simple, the chance to express our love and say those vows in front of the people that have shaped our lives and guided our relationship. Laura and I have long known that we were meant for each other and that our lives were to be lived as one, but I get the feeling sometimes that other people don't. So, this is a time for Laura and I to promulgate our commitment to each other publicly! I personally could go my life without have a fancy ceremony or inviting the 550 people we did invite (I know Laura would disagree), but it is important that everyone we feel is important know how we feel about each other.
With that said I can truly express my excitement in the fact that I get to have a giant party in Laura's and my honor and hang out with my friends and drink beer at the beach! Can't really get much better than that! It is going to be a blast as Laura and I have been planning this for almost 2 years! Thats a long-ass-mother-fucking time to be planning a wedding! I mean we started planning before we were engaged! Crazy I know, but it works for us. We don't always have to the normal thing, but we do the fun and exciting thing instead. This wedding should be a prime example of that. I cannot wait to have the doors fly open, Laura come strolling down the aisle in her beautiful wedding gown, say " I do", and than party the night away! Oh yeah, and then live happily ever after! I love you Laura, more than the sun and the stars!