Say Hi- Diamonds & Donuts (2020)
Posted by KB on 2/19/2020 to
Reviews In Brief
Say Hi (used to be Say Hi To Your Mom) has a unmistakable sound. Layered nasally vocals, double kicked beats and coda hooks that could land a whale shark. Even their cover art is immediately identifiable. While they remain in a certain realm they (they is actually Eric Elbogen) always add a little nuance to each album that allows Say Hi to meander into new realms. "Diamonds & Donuts" adds a tittering of electronics to their big beats as an example. The album has a melodramatic sunny aura that stitches personal unhappiness with a pat on the back. Fans of Say Hi don't even need to pre-listen- just go and add this to your collection. Not a fan? "Diamonds & Donuts" is a good introduction.
Favorite Songs: Confetti Xerox (Let's Go Team), A MacBook Pro To A Nineties Dell, Tiger Unicorn, Grey As A Ghost
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Nada Surf- Never Not Together (2020)
Posted by KB on 2/17/2020 to
Reviews In Brief
It's hard to punch holes in Nada Surf's breadth of work. Pretty darn solid release after release. So when I say that "Never Not Together" could arguably be their best release to date its quite a bold statement. Melodic, smart with punch and the patented Nada Surf lilting, floating sound. Caws still provides pointed philosophical introspection, now with middle aged experience and wisdom, that's not preachy but thoughtful. This was worth the 4 year wait. It's early in 2020 but we already have the best album of the year. Again quite bold.
Favorite Songs: So Much Love, Just Wait, Looking For You, Mathilda, Ride In the Unknown
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Pup- Morbid Stuff (2019)
Posted by KB on 2/13/2020 to
Reviews In Brief
The last of my late 2019 finds, "Morbid Stuff", would have been easily a major top 20 contender, with their Martha punk vibe, Hold Steady delivery, generational angst and creative energy. Pup blends EMO, metal, punk, pop into an exhausting thumping. But one that you will enjoy provided you're into screaming guitars, drums-a-bashing, in your face vocals and attitude. Lots of attitude.
Favorite Songs: Kids, Bloody Mary Kate and Ashley, Sibling Rivalry, Morbid Stuff
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Drive By Truckers- The Unraveling (2020)
Posted by KB on 2/12/2020 to
Reviews In Brief
The Drive By Truckers have one of those discographies that are a rarity in that they always have a few killer cuts and they incite discussion. "The Unraveling" in unrepentant in its political views. It's hard to determine were some the songs written specifically to rant on issues or did the songs boil under their skin and had to come out. Some feel quite deliberate but most are articulate and dripping with realism. Either way, politics aside, it is another strong set of songs. It hearkens back to their "Gangstabilly" sound occasionally but there is no questioning that this is a DBT release with their gravelly twang. It's nice to have a band stay true to themselves, grow and provide a message without sounding like retreads.
Favorite Songs: Heroin Again, Slow Ride Argument, Babies In Cages, Armageddon's Back In Town
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