abdullah424

woops...I'll get to yours tomorrow

OctaneHugo

I want to participate in the next one.

I figured I was obligated to post a review of Joy Division since it had been over a month since I got it (and wrote those pitiful one-sentence "reviews" of the first 3 songs) and I was going away for 3 days, a trip from which I am just now returning.

__________________

Bulldog

So, it'll be...

Me
Jim
UnchainedBallad
Duga
NumberNineDream
Anteater
OctaneHugo

^ Two pair-ups and one three-way swap. Unless anyone else wants in?

I'll probably be able to get this party started later this evening, if not tomorrow, so you haven't got long to decide!

The Fascinating Turnip

Well I hope you start it today and I get sent the album so I can listen to it whilst I'm away. I'll try and review Octane's album today.

Bulldog

I'll just check my schedule and see what I can arrange I do have a load of work I didn't bother doing yesterday to catch up on though.

And, I'll get Hugo's review done as soon as possible.

Bulldog

So then, seven folks in this round meaning we're in for two pair-ups and one three-way swap, meaning...

Bulldog<--->NumberNineDream

Jim<--->OctaneHugo<--->Duga

UnchainedBallad<--->Anteater

For Mr Ballad's benefit, I think it's best we start things in motion now. If anyone else sees this and decides they want to join in, just say so here and I'll add you into one of the pair-ups.

James

So do I just send to Octane or to Duga aswell?

Bulldog

Both. It can be the same album or different ones, whatever you want.

They'll have to send you one each as well, and also an album to each other.

NumberNineDream

From abdullah:



The Stand Ins is the fifth full-length release by American Indie Band Okkervil River, and second part of the concept album Stage Names. For a concept album talking about "pop culture, celebrity suicide, and the chaos and self-deception of the rock'n'roll lifestyle" it sure seemed jolly, but that's definitely the kind of contrast I usually enjoy.

I have to admit, it took a while to sink in, but after a month it definitely did. A grower that one.
I went through that album on four levels. First, I saw the great Artwork, which always seemed intriguing to me, yet I never downloaded it myself. There's something about that drunk skull that kept smiling, that I can't explain. Secondly, I read everything about its concept, which pretty much was up my alley... and it somehow explained that Artwork to me, which made it even more intriguing.

Third step, and I finally listened to the album. I found it enjoyable on first listen, and on the second listen. However, nothing did stick in my head. So I felt I should let the album rest a while, and that's how I got back to it after some 3 weeks. Fourth step was reading the lyrics while spinning the album for the 3rd time. The songs seemed familiar, and the concept finally built itself up.

So I really liked it. The lyrics are very well written, and well thought off, without the falling into the clichés. They definitely found their own writing style. The melodies aren't very "deep", they're catchy and fun, which is even greater, knowing that the songs talk about tragedies and suicides.
Favourite Tracks: Lost Coastlines (the first that got stuck to my head, despite its lack of evolution, it's one 5-minutes song I can't get tired of), Singer Songwriter (I love a song full of references, and they're not usually found in that quantity in the American music scene), Bruce Wayne Campbell Interviewed On The Roof Of The Chelsea Hotel, 1979 (heartbreaking song, perfect to end this kind of albums).

So here's the review, finally. Thanks for the album. Loved it.

__________________

duga

Hmm cool I have plenty of albums to send...gotta find 2 good ones.

__________________
Confusion will be my epitaph...