NAGLE KNOWS COLUMN: Music critiques from the hipster
By Jennifer Nagle
Every hip publication has their readers’ poll and critics’ picks. Being the cool music hipster that I am, I have come up with a selection from this year’s album releases and praised the experimental, melodic, and destroyed the noisy, redundant tracks that just didn’t cut it.
Note: the new Green Day is not in this column.I
am pleased to report it was a respectable year for music. Numerous established acts perfected their already catchy sounds, while other artists went solo or began new projects.
One of America’s favorite (all right, my favorite) political punk rock bands, Sleater-Kinney, proved once again that good, wholesome, feminist rock will never be hushed with their fifth release, “All Hands on the Bad One”.
This album is a must have for anyone who’s ever wondered why women can’t rock, because Sleater-Kinney is not your softy “hold me, love me” token girl band. Even the biggest pig alive will love this album.
The (International) Noise Conspiracy’s “Survival Sickness” is another great punk album. This band of Swedish anarchists manipulated yesteryear’s finest electronic instruments to produce a funky retro album that has a strong anti-government message (delivered with imperfect, John Spenceresque vocals) but I doubt this album could inspire anything more than a dance party. “Survival Sickness” was the (International) Noise Conspiracy’s first album, and hopefully not their last.
While I’m on the subject of last albums, The Cure’s “Bloodflowers” shouldn’t have been the Cure’s last; it should never have been at all. While having been forced to listen to this one, I just closed my eyes and remembered they were once a great, unhappy band.
Another band that has lost momentum with time is Elastica. Their recent and second album, “The Menace,” was not worth the four years of anticipation. It bared little resemblance to their classic self-titled release. “The Menace” has a few good tunes, but the other tracks are too techno for me.
I’m not a huge fan of experimental music either, but one band that I can’t help but love is Sonic Youth. “NYC Ghosts and Flowers” was their most recent release. Frontman Thurston Moore was incredible, and bassist Kim Gordon wasn’t too shabby either (even if she still can’t sing).
Another favorite of mine is Belle and Sabastian’s “Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like a Peasant.” Belle and Sabastian used a wonderful array of horns and strings to compose this obviously sad, yet ironically uplifting album. Records such as this are well received with music lovers of all genres.
Moving on from the experimental, I think of genius soloist Mary Timony of Helium. Timony’s first solo release, “Mountains,” never leaves my player. Timony’s use of the piano and violin added dynamics to the electric guitar riffs and her unusual vocals.
For my final critique, I target the great Radiohead, creators of “Kid A.” The early verdict: “Kid A” might be a bit too artsy for the average fan. (Relax, it will be all right. Pick up Travis’ “The Man Who” to fall in love with the next generation of U.K. square rock).
Nevermind “Rolling Stone,” I have shared my music expertise and I promise everyone will like what they hear.