An Overlooked Album From 2008

I am enjoying very much the new album by Japanese artist Shugo Tokumaru. Some people have compared him to the Japanese Sufjan Stevens. But the language he uses set's him apart from the competition. Like all good foreign artists, you should hear something beautiful even though you don't know what they are saying. He acheives this.

(Newest Album: Exit)

Most Anticipated Release for Febuary

My most anticipated release is Lily Allen's upcoming album "It's Not Me It's You". From what I hear the album is pretty good. I heard the Itunes previews and I thought they were excellent. My favorites from what I head is "Everyone's At It', "I Could Say", "Who'd Have Known" and "Back To The Start". I am very hopeful that this album will be amazing. Her debut was also a treat. But this one seems like more of a delight.

Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavillion

It's not very often that in the month of January (in 1 week) two possible album of the year contenders come out. But it has happened. Antony and the Johnsons and Animal Collective's new album "Merriweather Post Pavillion".

This album is full of twirly production and anthemic sounds. The highlight out of all this is "Girls". It has wonderful production and sweet lyrics. It will be an instant favorite to people who listen to the album. One of the best songs so far this year.

Another thing that should be noted is that the sound is a little more hypnotic than usual. Almost like your in a hypnotist's office. Some pretty cool stuff.

Thr album cover is also pretty cool. I don't know the reasoning behind it. But I love the effect on the buyer.

Overall the album is a wonderful collection of songs that will please any music fan. Some will love it and some will appreciate the artistic merit of the album. But I love it.

Rating: 94/100 (Best Track[s]: Girls and Daily Routine)


Note: If you focus at the album cover for a while it seems like the cover is moving

Antony and the Johnsons - The Crying Light

Antony and the Johnsons are back after their astounding album "I Am A Bird Now". No suprise, they are still in perfect form. Antony still has amazing vocals and the simple production is amazing.

The album's highlight is "Another World" which Antony mourns the death of the world by humans. It is so simple yet so effective, like the rest of the album. But really does Antony even need complex production. His voice itself is an instrument.

Another theme throughout the album seems to be nature, highlighted in the track "One Dove". Although at points these songs do het a little carried away with the nature theme. They are pretty effective.

Overall this album is amazing. It's not as gender-bending as the previous album, yet it is still beautiful. If you don't buy this album you will be missing out on probably one of the albums of the year.

Rating: 83/100 (Best Track[s]: "Another World" and "Daylight and Sun")

Update

I will start blogging everyday again next week (Tuesday). So check in!

Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You

After the major disappointment of her previous album. Kelly Clarkson is back to her poppy roots. She's doing it pretty well to. The chorus is top notch and Kelly seems to be into the bit beat and catchy lyrics. It's nice to see someone going back to where they began. Rather than trying to make a non-commercial album to make a point.

Rating: 72/100