"Veckatimest"- Grizzly Bear

8.0




Grizzly Bear. Folk-Rock, Indie, harmonies, mhhhhmmm. There was a lot of hype about this album, at least I heard a lot. When I finally got a hold of this album, I was surprised. It's a good, solid record, but not the kind of record I would expect to get as much praise and hype as it did.

This album, like many this year, starts off strong and fades off into wherever. In Grizzly Bear's case, folk-out, space-out, echoed-out, Indie rock soundscapes. "Veckatimest" is melodic, harmony-filled, mysterious, at times epic, and a good solid effort for the 2009 music year already tremored by the long, tall, shadow of Merriweather Post Pavillion.

"Southern Point" starts the album very mysteriously. It fades in with smooth, charismatic vocals, and tricky, equally charismatic acoustic lines. This song is definitely epic. Next, "Two Weeks" blows this album into "best of" territory. This song is filled a soulful melody, wicked piano, and aforementioned great harmonies. As we move along; more reverb, charismatic and often shakey (in a good, vibrato way) vocals. Mostly acoustic, with good drums, a touch of electric guitars, and an overall mystical feel. The songs on "Veckatimest" grab your attention at first, but often they lose it with their length. Don't get me wrong, I listen to the Grateful Dead and the Floyd, I can appreciate a long song, but you can't always make a record of 5 minute songs and expect it to fly 24/7. But that's perhaps what's beautiful about this album; it's not trying to be too impressive. Rather, it's a nice, modest effort.

Don't give up on this album, it took about 3 listens for me to get into it.

Key tracks: "Two Weeks", "While You Wait for the Others"
Listen if you like: Beirut, Fleet Foxes, Department of Eagles

"Telekinesis!"- Telekinesis

8.3

• I want you to listen to this album. I want you to listen to this album and try to find 5 things you don't like about it. I dare you. The answer: it's impossible!
  
  First off, Michael Lerner was noticed by Chris Walla (Death Cab), which is something not many bands can say. Next, his songs are melodic, quaint, thought-provoking, smile-provoking, and altogether lovely. Besides, what's not to love about 2-3 minute songs about finding love, imaginary friends, Japan, growing up, and summer? The answer: nothing!
  
  "Rust" starts the album off gracefully, with an acoustic ballad about love and the fear of committment. Next up, "Coast of Caroline" starts off acoustic sounding like the previous track, but blows your mind with a punchy beat, and precise vocals. "Tokyo" takes the rocking to a new level, and is perhaps the album's loudest song. It talks about neon lights and bullet trains. Japanophile much? Something Telekinesis has in common with Nicolas Sarkozy. "Awkward Kisser" is a true gem. I've listened to it a million times and I'm prepared to listen to it a million more. This is where Lerner demonstrates his most poppy nature and possible Brian Wilson influence (????). Every song on this album has an amazing hook, sung by his strong but soft voice, delivered with strong guitars, impressive drums (played by Lerner), and impressively, mellotron lines laced in the background of some songs.
  
  The amazing thing about these songs is that they start off carrying on with what the previous song started, and taking it in a new direction while still maintaining an overall similar feel. Two acoustic ballads bookend the album, icy guitar riffs, punchy drums, amazing vocals, and an overall happy atmosphere full of love. Besides, if he can impress Chris Walla, you owe it to your ears to go buy this half an hour pop album.
  
  Key tracks: "Awkward Kisser", "Tokyo"
  Listen if you like: The Shins, Death Cab for Cutie
  
  www.myspace.com/telekinesismusic
  http://www.mergerecords.com/ (go buy it now)

"No Wonder"- WIll Stratton

8.5

After "What the Night Said", a spring album full of happy and melancholy tunes for the season, "No Wonder" returns in 2009 with the same shy-voiced 23 year-old Will Stratton. His almost whipsered vocals and lyrics paint pictures of summer evenings, old friends, old love, new love, and all the ups and downs of life; something he does so well portraying.

This time, Stratton is joined by several musicians that play a vital role in most of the songs. His voice is backed by a female singing just loud enough to grace the words with a feminine touch; this just makes his music even more endearing. If "What the Night Said" was his acoustic album with the touch of electric songs, "No Wonder" is his electric album with the touch of acoustic songs; the perfect balance.

"Who Will", the first song, starts the album off celestially. One of his most valiant, soul wrenching songs ever. After some light acoustic songs, "Robin and Marian" picks up with an 1800's song of a union miner who is trying to support his beautiful wife; a really moving story actually. "You're a Real Thing", is already a strong contendor for best song of the year. Yeah, it's that good. This song is his strongest lyrically, with several amazing lines; "The old ones wish that they were younger/so they would know what they know now"; wow. Such a deep analysis from such a young man. This album even dabbles in noise rock/punk. "Nineteen" and "If Only" rock this album. "It's Okay if you Want to" is another truly moving song. Just listening to the music can take you away; it was stuck in my head for days.

For me, this album was a huuuuuge step from his first effort, but I loved it even more. On "No Wonder", Stratton shows his best songwriting, and musicianship, and he shines. This album is already one of my picks for best of the year.

Key tracks: "You're A Real Thing", "It's Okay if you Want to"
Listen if you like: Ra Ra Riot, Fionn Regan

http://www.willstratton.com/

http://www.willstratton.bandcamp.com/

www.myspace.com/willstratton