Dandy Warhols
Welcome to the Monkey House

Please avoid reading Jean Paul Sartre’s Being and Nothingness while listening to the latest Dandy Warhol’s, album, for you might realize something- or more accurately, nothing. Similar to their previous records, the four piece band look to their predecessors for directions, which in this case is perfect, since Nick Rhodes from Duran Duran produced most of the tracks. Welcome to the Monkey House has a slight robotic vibe; from every mix of synths to guitar, it resurrects a very mechanical, if not nihilistic mood. Some of their best tracks (their ‘pop’ tracks no less) tease with lyrics about emptiness, self-absorption and drugs. Listen even closer, if you dare, and you might dub this electronic depression an existential epiphany.

Conclusion: Philosophical junkies wanted. B+

Download: “We Used to be Friends”, “Dope (Wonderful you)”, or “I am a Scientist”.

Similar artist: Love and Rockets and Pulp

  

Jets
Get Born

Jet’s debut record is a thrust of hardcore rock. This Australian four man band are top notch tunesmiths robbers, stealing from such legendary giants as AC/DC, The Kinks, and the Rolling Stones. Yet it’s okay, since their American-style grimy guitar rock sounds immaculate pumping out of the car speakers late on a Friday night. Almost all their tracks are winners- how could they not be when sing-a-long chorus, perpetual hand clapping, and stomping beats are smacking you in the face? And you know what, the Jets are unapologetic for this-because you know what, they are rocking rock stars.

Conclusion: Who doesn’t want to sleep with a rock star? B+

Download: “Are you Gonna be my Girl”, “Last Chance”, “Look what you’ve Done”.

Similar artist: AC/DC or The Kinks (among others)

  

The Strokes
Room on Fire

Not falling too far from the tree, The Strokes’ much anticipated sophomore release Room on Fire sounds like a continuation of Is This It. They still prefer lead singer Julian Casablancas’ abrasive vocals to be constantly obscured, which make it tough to decipher the lyrics. Also their signature talent for abruptly stopping the music is still alive and well; of course, the second time around leaves a raw taste for listeners. Some how you almost admire The Strokes for not changing, but how can you change when your record spans but a short thirty-three minutes? It’s predictable that if you liked the first record, you’ll fall for the second easily.

Conclusion: Boldly stay where you are! A

Download: “12:51”, “What ever Happened?”, or “Meet me in the Bathroom”.

Similar artist: The Velvet Underground, Television, or Iggy Pop

 

Sam Cooke Portrait of a Legend 1951-1964
Almost 40 years after his tragic death, Sam Cooke’s intelligent collaboration of rhythm & blues, kicking gospel, and a touch of folk still has enough force to rival the appeal of The Beatles in its breadth and intensity. When Cooke smooth voice hits your ears for the first time, it’s like he is conversing sweetly with your soul. We would not expect anything less from the father of soul, now would we?

The Kinks The Ultimate Collection [Import]
One of the original British invaders, The Kinks are without doubt, musical magicians. Never quite as popular as The Who or The Beatles, they nevertheless are revered as one of the most influential bands hailing from the mother country. They had a talent for fusing together uncanny combinations of conventional pop, country, folk, and blues.

The Beatles 1
Music by The Beatles will change your life. There is hardly one band today that doesn’t draw inspiration, direction, or have admiration for The Beatles. Longtime fans will not hear anything new in the generous 27-track collection, but recent fans will fall passionately in love.

Play List

Download:
Christopher Carrabba’s Hands Down single is a magnetic force to be reckoned with. It’s emo masked in a melody driven package with a special delivery to the wounded heart.

Play:
Mandy Moore’s new rendition of Have a Little Faith in Me is befitting for the holidays. Her wispy voice works with this updated version.

Bury:
Nothing this month- the holidays always softens the heart!

 

Extras

Show you have to live through for the sake of good music
12/02: Early November, Copeland, Count the Stars@ The Social/Downtown Orlando
12/08: American Analog Set and The Album Leaf @ The Social/Downtown Orlando
12/09: Placebo @ The House of Blues Downtown Disney
12/10: Ted Leo/Pharmacist with Weird War & the Joggers @ The Social/Downtown Orlando
12/11: Better than Erza @ The House of Blues Downtown Disney
12/28: B.B King @ King Center Performing Arts

Tickets for these shows and among others will be available to you via ticketmaster.com or Park Ave CDs (located in Winter Park and Student Union of University of Central Florida). Keep in mind that dates are subject to change, that’s the music industry for you!

 

by NT Nguyen

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