What The Hell Do I Know?

Due to recent time constraints and the lack of a strong internet connection, I've been noticeably unable to update lately. Even worse, when I finally got my shit together to update last night... I had a fight with those pesky signal bars at the top of my screen who were taunting me with their little jumping dance. Needless to say, they won, and here I am scrambling to get this done beyond the last minute at work. So please forgive me for these brief descriptions today (not that most of you read this, we all know you're here for the hear)... but enjoy this massive audible update.


Illinois (strangely they're from PA, not IL) really know how to write an indie rock ballad for the recently broken-hearted. What Can I Do For You is your sweet "goodbye love" song, for when you realize the end is where you're better off. And then Alone Again brings it home with the aftermath... realizing that you're back to square one once again.

I think this album will be pleasing for both the listeners and the hearers (the "listeners" being those of you - like me - who really listen to the lyrics the first time around, and the "hearers" being those of you who hear the music first). The songs are wonderfully crafted to pull you in, and the lyrics grab a strong hold of your heart until you fall in love... once again.

From What The Hell Do I Know? (buy @ Ace Fu Records):
What Can I Do For You
Alone Again
+ Myspace



I just can't understand why Kevin Hume only has 150 friends on Myspace. This has got to be changed, and I plan to help do so.

As soon as I put on the adorably titled Truth About Ants And Apids, I was immediately swooned by his beautiful Stuart Murdoch-like voice and the soothing folk-pop melodies underlying it. I definitely recommend him for fans of Sufjan Stevens, Belle & Sebastian, and Tanakh. I also definitely recommend you add him to your friends list immediately.

Seriously. Get on it. Shh, you can come back to this later.

From The Truth About Ants And Aphids (buy @ Darla):
Glacier Bay
Towns Where We Live
+ Myspace



I have to admit, when I first got Albert Hammond, Jr.'s new solo album in the mail, I was thinking "Oh great, it's that guy from the Strokes. PFFT, I'm not reviewing this." And then I tossed it on the floor. I finally dropped down the music snobbery a couple of notches, picked the CD back up, and decided to at least give it a listen.

Wawaweewa.

While I will say that it's bound to have the signature Strokes'ish guitars (Hammond being the guitarist and all), the sound - in my opinion - is much, much better than The Strokes. Besides, anybody who does a Guided By Voices cover gets an automatic gold star from me.

From Yours To Keep (buy @ Amazon):
Scared
Postal Blowfish (GBV Cover)
+ Myspace

Bonus: Guided By Voices - Postal Blowfish



Oh, those Aussies. Dappled Cities Fly (the CD I got says "Dappled Cities," but their site says otherwise?) seem to be keeping up Australia's reputation of putting out some of the most talented bands around. I'm seriously considering packing up and moving to Sydney for a year just to see what these people are eating, drinking, and doing that's inspiring such beauty. I'm absolutely in love with the catchy Division'esque drum beat of Beach Song, which has claimed it's spot as my favorite song on the album.

From Granddance (buy @ Amazon):
Beach Song
Granddance
+ Myspace



Patrick Wolf seems to have led a full life already at only 23. He started recording at 11, left home at 16 to run around London freely while playing in a string quartet and forming a group called Maison Crimineaux, recorded 2 albums, and is now releasing quite an impressive 3rd album at just 23. God, this kid makes me feel lazy.

H8 U.

But I'm loving this album. Granted, some of the songs are a bit over the top, but that's what makes it fun. It's like Pulp... but amplified and more flamboyant.

From The Magic Position (buy @ Amazon):
The Magic Position
Get Lost
+ Myspace



Oh pretty, pretty girl indie-pop... how I love you so. I'm running out of words (and time) here, and I really wish I could do Let's Go Sailing more justice. But I'm afraid I'm going to have to leave this up to your ears.

From The Chaos In Order (buy @ Amazon):
All I Want From You Is Love
Sideways
+ Myspace

Love,
Lady Byrd