Review: The Young Veins - Take A Vacation!

Every once in a while a band come along that mines The Beatles for inspiration and many of them fall flat. That's not the case with The Young Veins, a band that wears it's influences on it's sleeves, which in this case is a great thing.

Last June, Ryan Ross (Guitar/Vocals) and Jon Walker (Bass/Vocals) quit Panic at the Disco citing "creative differences." When Panic released the song 'New Perspective,' the differences were quite clear, the other members of Panic were happy to retread into their infant stage and keep releasing the same kind of garbage from their debut album. Ross and Walker on the other hand had much better ideas. They went on to form The Young Veins and in the process have created an album that recalls "Help!" with a little bit of early Kinks for good measure.

"Take A Vacation!" starts off strong and stays that way, both musically and lyrically throughout the album. While listening to the opening track, 'Change,' one could be convinced that George Harrison was playing lead guitar. The song's Phil Spector-ish production lures you in and will certainly keep you there.
The title track is a classic story of just wanting to run away with that special someone, something that almost anyone could understand. From there we get to the album's true highlight, 'Cape Town,' which features some truly inspired playing from both Ross and Walker, and one of the best, most heartfelt choruses to come along in a long time.

Another highlight is 'Everyone But You,' which recalls The Beatles 'Yesterday' in it's simplicity. This is another case where the song is carried by a very strong lyric and only enhanced by the playing of the musicians. A tale of heartbreak and remorse, it's one of the most beautiful songs on the record. The lyrics are truly haunting at times with the chorus of "She comes to me, when I dream, I'm tired of counting sheep to see her, I sleep because I need her," it's a relatable song in an album filled with them.
It's great to hear a young band these days that is able to pay tribute to a classic act without having the music sound forced. One can only hope that this band is here to stay and that "Take A Vacation!," is their "Please, Please Me," just the first in a stellar career of music.

So if you're a fan of pre-Rubber Soul Beatles and Beach Boys-esque harmonies then this is going to be the soundtrack to your summer. It's just simple, but great music from a group of young musicians that still has a lot more to offer.

8/10
Best Tracks:
Change
Cape Town
Maybe I Will, Maybe I Won't
Everyone But You
Defiance

Review: LCD Soundsystem - This Is Happening

Oh James Murphy...where have you been all my life? I just discovered his music this past winter, and to tell the you truth it didn't click with me until about 2 months ago. At first I didn't understand all the praise and hub-bub, but nowadays I can't stop listening to his music. He's just that good. He takes sounds (and sometimes entire songs) you've heard before and molds them into his own personal mix of music that both makes you think and makes you dance.

"This Is Happening" is LCD Soundsystem's third full-length release, coming a little over three years after the fantastic "Sound of Silver." He's finally perfected the hybrid of dance and rock that he's become so famous for. This is not your typical dance/rock LP though, this album contains some of the deepest lyrics I've ever heard in this realm of music.

Every classic album has a truly great opener, from The White Album's 'Back in the USSR' to Pinkerton's 'Tired of Sex,' they perfectly set the mood for the rest of the album, and let you know what's in store. James Murphy has done not only that, but he's also created one of the best songs this reviewer has ever heard in the form of 'Dance Yrself Clean,' a perfect mix of lyrics, sound and dynamic. It starts with an extremely sparse bassline and a few keys, and totally erupts at around the 3 minute mark, if this song doesn't blow you away, nothing ever will.

The album continues with a song that Murphy himself has dubbed as being "dumb," but that doesn't make it a bad song by any means. 'Drunk Girls' is in the same vein as 'Watch The Tapes' and 'Daft Punk is Playing at My House,' they're not the most serious songs he's done, but they are fun and a bit of a breather from the rest of his headier songs.

Murphy may be going through a mid-life crisis of sorts (he just turned 40), but this has made his lyrics mature in a way previously unimaginable. On 'Losing My Edge,' his first single back in 2002, he lamented that he wasn't as hip as the new wave of "cool kids" that were invading his territory. Now he's sing about longing for another person's touch and believing in waking up together. He seems to be far removed from his earlier mind-set but he's also just as aware as he's ever been.

"Now all I want is your pity, all I want are your bitter tears," he sings on 'All I Want,' his take on David Bowie's 'Heroes.' This is the sound of a man taking a song that he's probably heard a thousand times and truly making it his own. It's a highlight of the album, with a constantly circling guitar line and synth that gets completely out of control by the end.

'I Can Change' has an early Gary Numan-esque keyboard part that immediately gets stuck in your head from the opening bars. Later on in the album he claims that he doesn't make hits, but that's exactly what he does here. "I can change...if it helps you fall in love," is one of the best choruses he's ever written and his voice gets right to your heart with it's pure honesty.

The album continues with 'Pow Pow' with it's typical Murphy rants that he's used in earlier songs, but somehow he's able to make it sound new and refreshing again. It segues quite nicely into the mostly piano-driven 'Somebody's Calling Me,' with it's story of missed connections and eventual hook-ups.

The album closer 'Home,' is a very heartfelt song about longing to be there and eventually realizing that no matter what you do, it won't get any better. To Murphy, "Home" is the perfect place where everything is in it's right place and you can just shut out the world and think. It's an easy song to relate to and another classic in the making.

As I've alluded to earlier, Murphy puts forth some of his best vocals/lyrics of his career on "This Is Happening," making this a true thinking man's album. The music has never sounded better either, with instrumentals that constantly surprise and excite the listener.

He's said that this is LCD's final album, and in many ways it's his "Abbey Road," the perfect end to a career. One hopes however that they can continue on in the future. When you hit a creative zenith like LCD has on this album, you only want to hear more.


In the end, I believe it to be far superior to both their self-titled debut and "Sound Of Silver," and I wouldn't be surprised if it tops a lot of lists come this December.

10/10
Best Tracks:
Dance Yrself Clean
All I Want
I Can Change
Home
Pow Pow
Somebody's Calling Me

Top 25 Albums of the Decade

This post took some planning and a whole lot of thought...but here's my tops/favorites for the entire decade in music. (I tried not to duplicate some artists, but it just couldn't be helped.)

25. Beck - Sea Change
In which we got a closer look at the weirdo hipster in the throes of heartbreak. This album is Beck at his most introspective and the most Dylan-esque outing of his career. At first it was strange to hear this quirky funk man sound so depressed but somehow, it worked.

24. Harvey Danger - King James Version
Recorded and then pretty much shelved by their record label, HD's second outing evolved their sound from distorted musing on the world to an all out blast of Indie badassery. Heartfelt songs like "Pike St./Park Slope" made you feel like you were actually at that intersection while "Loyalty Bldg." made you fear nuns all over again. An overlooked gem of an album that more people should have heard.

23. David Bowie - Heathen
The Thin White Duke's great comeback. Working with producer Tony Visconti for the first time in 22 years, Bowie made his strongest album in that span of time. From the haunting opener of "Sunday" to a great cover of the Pixies' "Cactus" this album had a little something for almost every kind of Bowie fan. He would only release one more album this decade, the only slightly less great "Reality," but if rumors are true, we should be hearing from him again very soon.

22. Dangermouse, Jay-Z & The Beatles - The Grey Album
Even though this jump-started that horrible "mash-up" fad of the mid-2000's, it's still the peak of it's genre. Not only is it better than the actual Black Album by Jay-Z, it introduced The Beatles to a new generation of listeners that probably never would've given them a second thought. Also, if this album doesn't prove that Ringo should guest-drum on a rap song from time to time, I don't know what does.

21. Radiohead - Amnesiac
Sure when this was first released it was laughed at by some as simply being "Kid B", seeing as how it's essentially leftovers from the Kid A sessions. Such jokes are not to be made however, this is one of this British band's stronger outings (it almost made you forget that Pablo Honey ever existed...almost). From the pulsating beat of "Packt Like Sardines..." to the creepy instrumental "Hunting Bears" this album was everything that Kid A was and more. Plus, any album that includes "Knives Out" is worthy of any Top Albums list.

20. Paul McCartney - Memory Almost Full
A fine return to his Beatles-Era form, this had everything that makes McCartney one of the best songwriters of all time. From interesting pop, "Dance Tonight" to strange character pieces like "Mr. Bellamy" to the closing medley this album more than any other in his catalog brought back fond memories of The Beatles.

19. Kelly Clarkson - My December
Was it a huge seller like her previous albums? No. Does that even matter? Of course not. This is the OG American Idol's strongest moment. She wrote/co-wrote all of this albums songs and it shows that if she's ever allowed to do that again, she'll have one of the strongest female catalogs in recent times. From F-U's to her ex's to songs written on a bar napkin, this is one of the most personal albums released by a major star in the 00's that I can recall.

18. Weezer - Weezer
The Revenge of the Nerds!!! But seriously folks, this is one of the catchiest albums of the last 10 years. It's no Blue Album or Pinkerton to be sure, but it's most definitly a great addition to Rivers' legacy as a great songwriter. Sadly, they would only release one more truly great album this decade. There's always the future...right?

17. The Hives - The Black and White Album
After being disappointed with Tyrannosaurus Hives, I had written this band off as just a bunch of crazy-ass Swedes...damn, was I wrong. Even though "Tick Tick Boom" got overplayed the rest of this album reveals new sounds on each consecutive listen. Pelle still sounds like a young Mick Jagger (in a good way) and the band, working with multiple producers get to cross genre-lines like never before. Their best album...and one they're going to have trouble improving upon.

16. The White Stripes - Redd Blood Cells
That's right, Redd Blood Cells not White Blood Cells. Redd Kross bassist Steven McDonald added bass-lines and backing vocals to this classic White Stripes album and made a classic in the process. This used to be readily available on his website but has since been relegated to torrents and blogs. It's a fantastic idea and it only added to this albums rawness.

15. Brian Wilson - SMiLEHe finally finished it...and it only took 37 years! One of the most beautiful pop-rock records of the 00's, Smile is Brian Wilson's crowning achievement...filled with pretty harmonies and off the wall instrumentation this album was a Beach Boys fan's dream come true. "Good Vibrations" has never sounded so full of life and "Cabin Essence" has never sounded so defining.

14. The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely
The Led Zeppelin reunion album that never was. From scorching guitar solos to a rhythm section that could melt your soul and the vocals to match, this album has everything a fan of true rock music looks for. From the punk-like "Salute Your Solution" to the heart-wrenching "Many Shades of Black," the Raconteurs second release is a feast for the ears and then some.

13. Modest Mouse - Good News for People Who Love Bad News
This is the album that proved that an Indie band could not just make it big...but make it huge. From the lasting and brilliant first single "Float On" to the lyrically hateful yet likeable "Satin in a Coffin," this, their follow up to the immaculate 'The Moon and Antarctica' left listeners wanting more. It's Issac Brock's peak of his own brand of oddly commercial songwriting and one can only hope he continues to make music as great as this.

12. Pearl Jam - Backspacer
When I first played this for some friends (who are Pearl Jam fans btw) a lot of them didn't believe it was them. As I've said before, this is their strongest outing since 1998's 'Yield' as well as their first album with Brenden O'Brien since then. This album opens with some of the best songs of their long careers. "The Fixer" is like MadLibs after a crazy brainstorming sessions. Apparently this is the first time they wrote songs before hitting the studio...perhaps they should stick to that formula in the future.

11. Kings Of Leon - Aha Shake Heartbreak
Oh Kings of Leon...where have you been my whole life? When they released their first album they were wrongly labled as the "Southern-Fried Strokes"...people could not have been more wrong about them. Even though they've hit the stratosphere with their most recent album 'Only By The Night,' they've never sounded more enthusiastic and vital then they do on this, their second studio album. From the roaring opener "Slow Night, So Long" and it's left-field coda to the incredibly danceable "Four Kicks," this is the essential album in their discography.

10. Black Francis - Bluefinger
I have a strong feeling that this was supposed to be the new Pixies album we've been waiting for since 1991. It's not hard to believe since this is some of Frank Black's strongest writing since the Pixies last outing, 'Trompe le Monde'. From the face melting "Threshold Apprehension" to his cover of "You Can't Break a Heart and Have It," this is such a brilliant album it's almost ridiculous.

9. U2 - No Line on the Horizon
I consider this a better album than both 'All That You Can't Leave Behind' and "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb' combined. Bono sounds revitalized here and The Edge comes up with some of his coolest guitar parts in a long, long time. Truly great songs like "Unknown Caller" and the half spoken "Cedars of Lebanon" share space with one of their most beautiful in the form of "Moment of Surrender." If this is a preview of what this band is going to be putting out in the future, I'm really eager to hear more.

8. Vampire Weekend - Self-Titled Debut
I almost didn't put this album so high on the list...but I would've been wrong not to do so. This album is an excellent example of everything that's so right about Indie music nowadays. From truly catchy hooks to a singer that sounds like he may or may not be going insane, this album is simply a perfect example of the genre. I'm guessing these guys listened to a lot of Paul Simon growing up (which is nothing to be ashamed of). The opener "Mansford Roof" preps you for whats going to come and they don't let up throughout this albums enthralling 35 minutes. I have no idea what "Blake's Got a New Face" is about, but I don't care...when a chorus is that great it rarely matters.

7. Beck - Guero
Beck and The Dust Brothers recapture their 'Odelay' greatness on this, one of Beck's catchiest albums. When this first came out it was the soundtrack to my summer and rightfully so. "Talkin' trash to the garbage around you" a lyric from the excellent "E-Pro" ranks with "Get Crazy with the Cheese Whiz" as one of Mr. Hansen's best quips in a career filled with awesome witticisms. Try to not get the urge to dance while listening to this album...you'll find it quite difficult.

6. The Strokes - Is This It
This is one of the albums that helped to save rock music from the downward spiral it was going through at the time. It's also one of the best and grimiest rock albums of the past 20 years, with nicely distorted guitars and fuzzy vocals you can't help but love. The opening drum beat of "Is This It" let you know what you were in for...a great album to put on at a party and just enjoy. They've yet to top it, which is saddening, but if they can ever come within a 100 feet of 'Is This It's' greatness once more, music will be all the better for it.

5. The White Stripes - Get Behind Me Satan
The David Lynch movie of The White Stripes career, the WTF moment where he went from urban bluesman to eccentric Tom Waitsian weirdo. This album was a complete 180 degree turn from their previous album, the hard hitting 'Elephant,' but in all the right ways. We got to hear Jack White explore new avenues and instruments for his songwriting, from the seventies disco rock of "Blue Orchid" to the almost vaudevillian "My Doorbell," this was The White Stripes at their most experimental. It was also the last great album to be put out by the Stripes in this decade.

4. Modest Mouse - The Moon & Antarctica
Issac Brock has never written a song more beautiful and haunting than "Gravity Rides Everything," the second track on this epic album. If you call yourself a fan of Modest Mouse and you can't get into this album, I'd suggest you see a mental health professional. This was the first Modest Mouse album I ever owned and it's still my favorite, from the songwriting to the production it's simply immaculate. It doesn't contain one bad song...it's just an hour long flow of true perfection.

3. Radiohead - Kid A
What a surprise...right? Honestly, I wasn't going to put this in the Top 3, but after giving it another listen I've decided that everyone is right...it deserves legendary status. This is the album that got me into electronic music and made me realize that a band could use more than guitars, bass and drums and be taken seriously. Thom Yorke sang, "Everything in it's Right Place," but at first listen nothing on this album was...at all. From bleeps and bloops to processed vocals, this CD has been copied to death in the years since it's release, but it just reminds you of how great it really is. Yet again, there isn't one bad song on this album...not a single one. This is a record we'll be telling our grandkids about, and rightfully so.

2. Harvey Danger - Little By Little...
"Farewell to the days...of having it both ways," so ends one of my favorite albums of time. This album flew under the radar of just about everyone on Earth...and shame on them. Sean Nelson provides some of his most beautiful lyrics and best singing to this band's final album. Initially released for free on their website (2 full years before Radiohead did that, thank you very much), this album quickly became a classic in my book. From the immaculate "War Buddies" to the haunting album closer "Diminishing Returns," this album has substance and wit to match Oscar Wilde.

1. The Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots
The best concept album of the last 30 years? IMO yes. This album was a commercial breakthrough for the Oklahoma based Lips, and it's not hard to see why. Propelled by a seriously bouncy rhythm section and soulful vocals by Wayne Coyne, this record starts on a high point and never lets up. The title track is the best song ever written about a girl who fights giant pink robots and "Do You Realize??" is quite simply one of the most beautiful songs ever composed. I doubt the Lips will ever top level of accessibility and weirdness they reached on this album, but we can always hope.


So there you have it...my list of the Top 25 albums of the decade. I'm sure some of the choices aren't popular...but whatever. Write your own lists/albums/etc in the comments section.