The Useless Critic 2.0

From the very first few seconds of Ramesh Srivastava (former lead singer of Voxtrot)'s long-awaited follow-up solo album "Eternal Spring," I was hooked. The production is immaculate and so clean! The album itself is permeated with sweet melancholia, but there's a sense of hope lingering around as well. In fact, it's not too far off to imagine this album as the soundtrack for some beautiful queer coming-of-age film. There's also a remarkable evolution in his sound I touched on in my previous post . The opening track "Redemption" has a sort of Arcade Fire-like epicness to it that sets the stage for what is a powerful album reflecting sounds of rock, pop (modern and classic alike), soul, electronica, and a dash of folk in places.  "Like everyone else on Earth, I know you're searching for the hidden face of God," he sings on the track "Revolution." This is something I have enjoyed about Ramesh's work for years - his whip-smart...

Ahem Disclaimer: This year, a lot of music came out. I did not listen to it all. I stayed far away from Miley, though. Albeit the only time I heard "Wrecking Ball" it made me cry but that HAS NOTHING to do with her talent. Song That Was Everywhere That Did Not Suck When I get home, my Mom will be listening to this song (mark my words) and telling me how it is good walking music. I would bet money on this if I was a betting type. I'm glad Lorde is getting recognized by the Grammys. But: a.) The Grammys are like a grandma trying to be hip. b.) SECOND ALBUM CURSE. See: Alanis Morrisette . I know, somebody is saying "Why can't you be happy for her? She's just a kid!" BITCH I AM HAPPY I'M JUST WORRIED My personal favorite album of 2013: The National's "Trouble Will Find Me." I am sure this comes as no shock. And it was a grower of a quiet masterpiece. I wouldn't say it's their best, ...

HOT. So the new Haim album came out, but it's beginning to feel as if it's been here for ages. 2013 is the year of Haim. McDonald's is now doing shit with them. As demonstrated in my previous post, I have mixed feelings about THAT. These three sisters from Cali have won my heart. What to make of their new album, though?  Well, it's a bit corny. And it's a bit cheesy, but in the best possible way really. I wish this album had dropped this summer, because it's a perfect summer album. It's pretty upbeat and if I danced, it'd be to this kind of folk/r&b music.  I do not dance, and it's always summer in Phoenix. LET'S NOT KID OURSELVES. Anyway, they play Phoenix on Oct. 19. I will be there.  So, let's do this! In the spirit of what I did with Oh Land and Wild Belle , let's dissect this track by track. P.S. this album came out today! I am so on the ball.  Yes, I am a sucker for a band with a pretty girl! I know; I see the p...

I'm pretty in love with this Lissie cover, and I know that I put that Haim song on everything. I KNOW. But it feels so good to me right now.  Should I be weirded out Haim is doing stuff for McDonald's? Eh, probably.

Song of the Day I just discovered this band. Quite good!