Ke$ha – Animal

February 23rd, 2010 by Eric Loose

It was only a few days ago that I was reading a newspaper article about how “empowered girls” are becoming more assertive and seducing boys into having sex with them. The reporter outlined studies and observations that could be summarized as girls (predominately ages 16-24) becoming more like men, in the sense that they’re much more sexually aggressive. With her raunchy debut, Animal, there’s no doubt in my mind that Ke$ha (money sign purposeful) adds fuel to this fire. It’s not difficult to imagine teenage girls in ridiculous attention-getting outfits with bright colors (maybe a nod to Lady Gaga here or there) dancing with fruity liquor galore calling dibs on the guys that present themselves in the night ahead. It’s particularly easy to imagine, actually, because it’s a scene I witness every weekend- but this review isn’t about me. No, let’s keep the focus on Ke$ha, her sex-infused lyrics, surprisingly catchy pop beats, and her expectedly atrocious debut, Animal. Read the rest of this entry »

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Past Lives – Tapestry of Webs

February 23rd, 2010 by Eric Loose

I’m not even going to mention their past. Why should I? On Tapestry of Webs, Past Lives reveal a marked detraction from it, and that’s about all you need to know with that subject. Tapestry of Webs is an album to behold – an eclectic release that has you concentrating on every “oooooooohh oh oh.” Every buzz is impressed with tension and eventually builds this ominous eruption. Tapestry of Webs is a bit jarring and almost menacing at times, but they don’t forget to put a little meaning and purpose behind it, too. Past Lives seem to have mastered this quality where they take a diverse array of eclectic qualities and mash them together forcefully… and they somehow come out cohesively! Song after song, the post-punk concoction lures you deep into the abyss with groovy rhythm sections and convoluted lyrics, but it’s soon evident that there’s more to Past Lives than first meets the eye. Read the rest of this entry »

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Phantogram – Eyelid Movies

February 23rd, 2010 by Ryan Nisley

Phantogram is an electronic-indie duo that hails from Saratoga Springs, New York.  Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel have been best friends since high school and have been on tour for only a few years.  However, they are getting major attention from popular labels with their self-proclaimed “street-beat psych-pop” that makes listening irresistible.  While listening to “Mouthful of Diamonds,” the first track on the album, one may think that this duo is just a simple Indie band with a hint of electronic flavor.  But there is much more to this band than meets the eye (not to mention that a phantogram is a 2-D image enhanced by 3-D glasses).  As soon as “Turn It Off” kicks in with synthetic beats and turntable effects, the listener feels compelled to finish the track.  Barthel’s delicate voice is complimented by Carter’s simple, shimmering guitar, but behind them are hip hop beats that launch the music into something special.

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Mr. Gnome – Heave Yer Skeleton

February 22nd, 2010 by Ryan Nisley

When I started listening to Mr. Gnome, I was vaguely reminded of the Pixies. Mr. Gnome has the sound of an indie band from the late 80’s to early 90’s that resonates through the wailing vocals and distorted guitar. The band is composed of Nicole Barille (guitar and vocals) and Sam Meister (drums). They create a ghostly sound in Heave Yer Skeleton that derives from the echoes of Barille’s lonely voice. The songs are not necessarily catchy but become memorable because they haunt the listener. The first track, “Spain,” slowly drifts with a dreamlike quality, while “Searider Falcon” hits hard with distorted guitar riffs that demonstrates their ability to really rock. Read the rest of this entry »

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