January Releases

Ok, let's get things going in this new year. Here are a few of 2010's releases.

Vampire Weekend - Contra

Released January 12, 2010

Genre - Indie

Album Rating: 3.30

Sophomore album from Vampire Weekend finds them stretching out a bit to mixed results. This may be one that grows more on me over time, but from an initial listen, only a handful of really strong cuts.

Songs To Listen For:

5 Star Songs:

• None

4 Star Songs:

• Track 2 - White Sky
• Track 3 - Holiday
• Track 6 - Run
• Track 8 - Giving Up The Gun

Spoon - Transference

Released January 19, 2010

Genre - Alternative

Album Rating - 3.64

Loved Spoon's previous record, Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. Just like Vampire Weekend, Transference finds Spoon exploring their sound, pushing boundaries. A couple of stellar tracks, a few strong songs and nothing that completely misses.

Songs To Listen For:

5 Star Songs:

• Track 2 - Is Love Forever?
• Track 10 - Got Nuffin

4 Star Songs:

• Track 3 - Mystery Zone
• Track 6 - I Saw The Light
• Track 7 - Trouble

Motion City Soundtrack - My Dinosaur Life

Released January 19, 2010

Genre - Rock

Album Rating - 3.92

Motion City Soundtrack continues to bring the crazy tuneful pop-punk / rock sound on this album. Only one track that truly blew me away, but a whole host of other songs that will keep you bouncing your head and singing along. Track 9 is not for little ears.

Songs To Listen For:

5 Star Songs:

• Track 7 - Stand Too Close

4 Star Songs:

• Track 1 - Worker Bee
• Track 2 - A Life Less Ordinary
• Track 3 - Her Words Destroyed My Planet
• Track 4 - Disappear
• Track 5 - Delirium
• Track 8 - Pulp Fiction
• Track 9 - @!#?@!
• Track 10 - Hysteria
• Track 11 - Skin And Bones

Laura Veirs - July Flame

Released January 12, 2010

Genre - Folk

Album Rating - 3.31

I've heard Laura Veirs album being compared to last year's Neko Case album. I can hear where the comparisons come from, with Laura's ethereal voice carrying the melodies over gorgeous instrumental work. If you like Neko, give Laura a try.

Songs To Listen For:

5 Star Songs:

• None

4 Star Songs:

• Track 1 - I Can See Your Tracks
• Track 2 - July Flame
• Track 5 - Life Is Good Blues
• Track 9 - When You Give Your Heart
• Track 11 - Wide-eyed, Legless

Bouncing Souls - Ghosts On The Boardwalk

Released January 12, 2010

Genre - Punk

Album Rating - 3.33

Bouncing Souls come back with another record, continuing their move away from some of the ska punk from back in the day to a more pop punk sound. A few songs hit me just right and others were just so-so.

Songs To Listen For:

5 Star Songs:

• None

4 Star Songs:

• Track 1 - Gasoline
• Track 3 - I Think That The World...
• Track 4 - Ghosts On The Boardwalk
• Track 11 - We All Sing Along