WXVU Top Added Albums Review (November 19th)

From the Villanova Times
By Lauren Stepanski

The Decemberists: Always the Bridesmaid: A Singles Series

Over the course of three months, The Decemberists have released these six singles, all of which were absolutely worth the wait. The Decemberists resonate as joyously emotional as ever. The opener, “Valerie Plame” is a joyous declaration of love mixed with a hint of distain. “Days of Elaine”, a reminiscent yet upbeat track in the form of Neutral Milk Hotel, shows up twice on the album, once in long form. The album as a whole is a collection of enthusiasm and bitterness and at the same time, a celebration of life. The album’s message moves toward a loss of hope with “Record Year”, but the humor in both “Raincoat Song” and “I’m Sticking With You” the Bridesmaid as a title suggests disappointment, but the series of singles is quite the opposite. The collection is focused and honest, and most of all inspiring.

Titles: Up With The Sun

The fact that Titles are from New Haven, Connecticut makes me think that good music really is right under your nose. Titles is one of those bands that you discover because they open up for the headliner, and you end up falling in love. Up With The Sun is almost the opposite of what you would imagine from the album artwork and title. The album is a heartlessly tormenting with its raw and honest lyrics. Musically, the album is not complex, but the lyrics definitely make up for it. The indie band keeps its melodies melodic and entrancing, seemingly taking influences from Band of Horses and even Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s. A quintessential indie album by all means, the lyrically carried Up With The Sun claims deeper truths than expected and deserves a million and one listens.

Tom Gabel: Heart Burns

Heart Burns is the first solo album from Tom Gabel, guitarist and vocalist from the punk band Against Me!. If Gabel’s sentiment isn’t real then I was definitely fooled. He vocalizes every thing I have wanted to say in one way or another about people who have wronged me. The album is almost a relief from what one would expect from a member of a punk band. Laden with acoustic guitar, the lyrics still ring true to a punk rocker, making for a semi humorous combination. Heart Burns is somewhat reminiscent of Meatloaf mixed with Blues Traveler and Nickelback (if that makes any sense). It actually does not make sense however, and that might be part of the appeal of the album. Tom Gabel is not worried about being too eighties or nineties, in fact he seems to write straight from the (burning) heart.

Hush Arbors: Hush Arbors

Hush Arbors, also known as Keith Wood, could easily be put with Andrew Bird, Jose Gonzalez, or Devendra Banhart. A little bit of country and a little bit of psychedelic folk combine to form the unique sound of Hush Arbors. Keith Woods’ haunting voice feels like emptiness – imagine an abandoned barn in the middle of the woods. The album is classified under “Gospel & Religious”, but it really is not evident nor important for that matter. The music is whole and complete, everything running smoothly from beginning to end. Check out “Follow Closely” for a culmination of Hush Arbors’ confidence and passion in the music he is creating.

The Sutras: Those Are Mountains

The Sutras release their first EP in over four years, with Those Are Mountains. The EP is simply written, easily understandable, and confident. “One Million Criminals” dances with military drums and horns, creating an undeniable air of formality and breaking it just the same with electric guitar and thought-provoking harmonies. The EP is fairly experimental, jumping to the electronic, spacey “Those Are Mountains” and then the the ballad “Turn Your Baby On”. Overall, Those Are Mountains is jumpy, and not cohesive, but the tracks themselves are all perfectly performed. The album offers a sort of insight into the personality of the band members, as diverse at mountains themselves.