The English foursome British Sea Power's third release "Do You Like Rock Music?" opens with the ominous mantra, "we're all in it."
In indie rock, there's a time-tested tradition of tacking tongue-in-cheek titles onto unassuming works.
So this is what Ivy League indie rock sounds like? And it's not mired by snobbishness and elitism?
In 1840, presidential candidate William Henry Harrison blew up the charts with the still-bangin' political anthem "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too." A twelve verse-long indictment of his opponent Martin Van Buren, the song probably had all of the novel appeal a Crazy Frog jam would generate today.
It is truly one of popular music's finest examples of irony that a duo so notoriously prone to hyperactivity produces music only for those with the most enduring attention spans.
Avenue: What is your number one song of 2007?
Usually, when a highly regarded artist like Cat Power releases an album of covers, any reasonable analysis will load up on derisive quips and cheeky one-liners referencing bar bands, karaoke or Axl Rose impersonators.
Usually, when a highly regarded artist like Cat Power releases an album of covers, any reasonable analysis will load up on derisive quips and cheeky one-liners referencing bar bands, karaoke or Axl Rose impersonators.
Stephin Merritt, the mastermind behind the New York lo-fi outfit Magnetic Fields, is attempting to be the new plastic surgeon of indie rock.
I'm not here to argue with you.
"Hey, nice pants, faggot!"
Releasing a digital-only EP the day after New Year's, and thus neglecting the cash windfall of stocking-stuffer season, proves a curious move for any established artist, but downright shocking for a man as notoriously money grubbing as Billy Corgan.
Lupe Fiasco may have established himself as a skateboarding geek on his debut, "Food & Liquor," but on his brooding sophomore set, "The Cool," he shows why he is one of the most clever storytellers in music.
If you're wondering what to get your music-savvy friends for the holidays, consider buying them these releases to add to their record collections. Ha, just kidding - who actually pays for music anymore? Anyway, I couldn't mention only 10, so here's my baker's dozen of top picks for the albums of 2007.
We all have one to shop for - the friend who happens to be an über-finicky music fan. Here are five holiday gift ideas for the snob who wants a more in-depth present than the hottest Soulja Boy single on iTunes:
Wu-Tang Clan - "8 Diagrams"
Alicia Keys has carried a piano prodigy stigma throughout her career, yet her two studio albums and Unplugged album were punctuated with a hip-hop edge indicative of her Harlem upbringing. But with her latest, "As I Am," Keys' sound matures, often reaching adult contemporary. It's her most mellow, most boring album, but it's still pretty good.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Solutions by The State News
