Written By Barry Moore
Score 6.5/8.2

Ryland Bouchard – Climb To The Top

Ryland Bouchard released one of my favorite albums of the decade when he put out the album “Seeds” but the recent release of “Cowbirds and Cuckoos” is a difficult adjustment. It’s a double disc of two separate styles and presentations. The first album’s robotic choral repetition coupled with the simple drum machines that back each track feels like a cross between Kraftwerk and the Backyardigans. The sta-cca-to stab-bing sy-lla-bles that form the words to the song as well are tedious despite their apparent ease in imprinting themselves into the mind (I attribute this to the repetition). An example being: “Work all day and sleep all night, sleep all day and work all night”, repeated over and over. The structure flows well from one song to another so it’s obvious there was a lot of effort organized into it’s presentation as an album, but it’s lacking something I can’t quite put my finger on. The final song on the first disc “Good Life #2″ has a nice head bobbing groove to it but the cut up vocal delivery stacked on top of the drums really undermines what could be a lovely melody. All in all, it’s interesting, unique and laudable in terms of it’s concise artistic presentation but it’s just not really that interesting within the first two listens.

The second disc is full of intimate acoustic numbers that are almost uncomfortably open about suicide, loneliness, depression, and the general despair of life. Much more accessible aurally, but very disturbing lyrically, it’s where the artist in my opinion shines the brightest and overall, kind of redeems himself from the first disc.

Visit Ryland Bouchard
Buy Cowbirds and Cuckoos

Written By Barry Moore
Score 7.1/10

Polka Dot Dot Dot has three members that seem to be very good at sharing. All three take turns in leading the many different songs on this record while the other two provide accompaniment and harmony. It’s a very sparse record that perhaps could be filled in with a little more to back this near bare bones album, but the sheer loveliness of each song and it’s presentation keep things afloat. Also, because of the triple harmonies I’m sure there are a lot of people who would compare them to Fleet Foxes but the comparison doesn’t hold water very much. With it’s hand clap/stomp/tambourine percussive aspects it feels almost as if the album could’ve been recorded live in your bedroom. That is if you have wooden floors and on occasion you had a bedroom romp and stomp.

More often than not the songs are simply presented with a cello, guitar, harp, banjo and other stringed instruments to back the lovely harmonies that make up Polka Dot Dot Dot. It’s not very catchy in terms of an album because of the very tedious sparse production but the song writing and overall talent is obvious and easily noticeable on first listen. If in the least, they’d be the very most perfect band to throw in a mix for a romantic interest. They deliver with a bang. But I’m not the type to appreciate the same firework on repeat. Overall though, the talent is undeniable, I can’t imagine how good they could potentially be live.

Visit The Polka Dot Dot Dot
Buy Syzygy

Score 5.6
Written By Barry Moore

The Platte’s near instrumental release is lush and laden with lovely melodies. The guitar tones documented in what seems to be a well thought out recording process are absolutely enough to leave the listener in metaphorical tears…for about two minutes. But like most instrumental albums (as this is nearly instrumental), it tends to be a bit demanding and tedious by nature. It has an overwhelming dirge like quality to the entire album, and there are no moments of respite but respite.

In short, it’s droning tempo will put you to sleep. This isn’t to say it is bad, or no good by any means, the album is a work of art. But if it’s not bedtime when you are listening to the album or you aren’t already in a calm and/or melancholy mood, you probably should let it lie where it is unless that’s where you want to go. There aren’t too many changes in tempo or mood and there are even fewer builds whatsoever. The sung melodies are sparse and lyrically are difficult to pick out from within their deep bed of reverb and harmony.

The overall recording is lush, and gentle, but even “Kind of Blue” by Miles Davis has a little more to offer in terms of dynamic, which is saying quite a deal. As much as I hate to say it, this album plays like background music. There’s nothing catchy or interesting to bring it from behind the curtain by any means, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t lovely background music to sit and get drunk to, or something?

Visit The Platte
Buy Grus

7.8/10

Written By Barry Moore

Land Of Talk – May You Never

Land of Talk recently released a stellar EP called Fun and Laughter and to be honest it seems like the most inappropriate title of any album I’ve encountered. Not that this particular album is by any means devoid of joy. But it’s far from fun and laughter. With the emotional pining of the lead singer Elizabeth Powell front and center, it’s hard to really think that there is anything fun about these recordings other than the upbeat nature of the drums. The song structures are longer, generally have a heavy noisy quality to them which seems to make some sense as Elizabeth Powell is part of the loudly lauded Broken Social Scene. But in terms of overall enjoyment and production, it’s great. Not very catchy but nothing to be set aside either, this might be something for the collection. And thankfully, the song is included for download so you know what I’m talking about.

Visit Land Of Talk
Buy Fun and Laughter

9.2/10

Written by: Barry Moore

Zoe Boekbinder has the ability to mix her tendencies toward a carnival and an orchestra with such apparent ease into a pop album that it’s almost a mystery as to how it’s done. Not to mention her apparent ease in presenting herself vocally, as if from a different era entirely without feeling anachronistic. If anything, her mercurial transformations from genre to genre are so rapid and natural that it’s hard to keep up with the album mentally without just surrendering to its outright dominance.

I’ve never heard an album so compelling it feels like you’re being made love to. It leaves you drunk and naked and blissful without knowing what’s going to happen next. Musically, it’s like being made love to by someone with way more experience than you, you don’t have a chance, so sitting back and enjoying it seems to be the best alternative rather than fight it. Plus, it’s not going to happen like this again; the second time you already know what you’re getting yourself into.

Structurally, the kind of musical breakdowns range from shanties to jazz to a cappella to folk. It’s in every way crazy and chaotic as it is completely concise. Ranging from storytelling to personal narration, the lyrics tend to play second role behind the presentation, which for some reason works fine. It’s almost hard to focus on the lyrics because as I said earlier it’s absolutely an assault on any individual allowing themselves to listen to it. It’s the kind of album you start dancing in your room to and can’t help it anyway.

Visit Zoe Boekbinder
Buy Artichoke Perfume

8.8/10

Written By: Barry Moore

Will Sartain’s new album is free for download and it is aptly called “For Love.” I have a sneaking suspicion also, that he released this album for the love of it. Or perhaps for the love of others. Furthermore, there’s something absolutely enjoyable when an artist gets right to the moral of the story.

There is something to be said about the aphorisms of the ages rather than the overly verbose attempts to disguise them. In this particular occasion, Will Sartain doesn’t really layer his art with elaborate machinations and bells and whistles. It is straightforward, it’s simple and it’s heartfelt. No overly theatrical imagery and heavy-handed metaphors. For example, on the opening track he sings, “I woke up and shaved my head, I wanted to start again. It was cold on New Year’s Eve, and I wasn’t who I wanted to be.” But none of this is deterring by any means, in fact, it tends to be outright endearing. The construction of the album itself isn’t demanding or experimental, but it’s outright lush with choral harmonies and strings backing up a very plaintive and personal voice.

In the simplest of terms, (we’re following a theme here), there isn’t any better way to describe this album than one simple word “ethereal.” If you happen to meet Mr. Will Sartain, he’ll probably just give you a copy of this new album if you want it, which is a physical manifestation of everything he seems to be singing about. But either way, taking this review full circle, it’s free for download.

Visit (http://www.myspace.com/willsartain)
Download (http://www.last.fm/music/will+sartain)

Only a few more weeks till this year and decade will be coming to an end. So we felt it was time to get our “Best of” lists going. Most blogs and Magazines have already posted theirs and that gave us even more reason to wait. The year wasn’t quite over and who knows what other musical gems could arrive. Enjoy our “Best of ‘09: Staff Approved” series!

To get us started off on the good foot is IRR’s favorite critical thinker and resident “Douche,” Barry Moore. All kidding aside, give us your thoughts and on what you think of our choices! Enjoy!

Barry Moore’s Top 10 albums of the year. and why.

1. Pomegranates “Everybody, Come Outside!”

This is easily the most interesting album to listen to and also the catchiest of the entire year. If it were the 70’s again, I would say that the band Pomegranates would be Supertramp. They don’t sound much like them. But socially I feel like they have a similar vibe. They are absolutely fun. And sometimes that’s what music is supposed to be. Fun. And enjoyable, without having to think too much about it or explain it in some analytical terms like how “the polyrhythms of the guitars and drums make up for a very engaging listen”. It’s just damn good. Give it a try.
http://www.myspace.com/pomegranatesart

Pomegranates – Everybody, Come Outside!

Pomegranates – Corriander

2. Julie Doiron “I Can Wonder What You Did With Your Day”

This gentle album has the tendency to rear out and roar like a lion at times. But never in all it’s varying forms of aural dominance does it ever lose grace. It is compelling but still allows room to be a companion to daily activity. The kind of album to listen to cuddling with a friend, driving in a car, and perhaps while cooking dinner. I think that’s what particularly sets this album apart. Is that it’s good enough to listen to straight through without anything else needed to captivate your attention, but it isn’t too aggressive to interrupt conversation. It’s like a great pet. Like a cat. Named Baby. Or Julie Doiron.
http://www.myspace.com/juliedoiron

3. Deer Tick “Born on Flag Day”
Deer Tick’s second album is obviously developed in a new direction due to the collaborative effort of the band all writing and playing together. It plays more like a rock band’s album than a singer-songwriter’s solo project. One can expect to be delighted by the overall energy of the album and it’s presentation. Although it is straightforward, simple, and even anachronistic, it is outright enjoyable. It’s fucking rock and roll man. What else are you gonna listen to? Emo? Grow up.
http://www.deertickmusic.com/

4. Lightning Dust “Infinite Light”
There’s something about this album that is outright enchanting. The way Amber Webber’s voice quavers plaintively over the gothic accompaniment is absolutely delightful. It’s transportability as an physical album is somewhat metaphoric for it’s musical ability to take you to another place entirely. And if Stevie Nicks was considered a witch during her career then I think Amber Webber is either her child or her counterpart. Maybe we should worship her appropriately, I do, and it’s great.
http://www.lightningdust.com/

5. Will Sartain “For Love”
This album doesn’t have too many “single-worthy” tracks, there aren’t any “hits”. The structure of each song is actually quite tedious on its own, alone. But put together I think that as an album, this is the album most worthy of being called the best construction of one united piece of art. And apparently, it was written for love, and I don’t believe it could be written for anything else. Because Will Sartain put out this album for free, and the absolute sincerity and sharing of one’s soul is enough to endorse hugging a stranger. And I do. But I wouldn’t if I hadn’t heard this album. This album gets my vote for being the most life-changing.
http://www.myspace.com/willsartain

6. Vetiver “Tight Knit”
There are a lot of bands that I think all sound similar right now. I won’t name any names or point ay fingers, but in terms of all the catchy folk music acts going around the musical circuit I think Vetiver is my favorite. That’s about all I got to say. You know what I’m talking about.
http://www.vetiverse.com/

7. An Horse “Rearrange Beds”
An Horse is made of Kate Cooper and Damon Cox and they are two people writing songs. Kate Cooper sings kind of funny sometimes when she enunciates words but no one can deny the fact that she and Damon write really amazing songs. If there is a complaint I could have I would say that all the songs sound the same. But that didn’t really stop the Strokes very much and I don’t think it stops An Horse either. When you write one good song over and over again you can’t really go wrong much. Can you? Plus they kind of rock. (For reference, see the Deer Tick review)
http://www.anhorse.com/

8. BOAT “Setting the Paces”
BOAT is a band that writes really catchy rock songs and then seems to have a lot of fun when they play them. This might be deterring to some people and to be honest on my first listen of the album I thought it was semi-marginal but it’s definitely grown on me throughout the year. It’s pretty simple, straightforward rocking out from some seemingly weird guys, and all of that combined is consequently pretty awesome
http://www.myspace.com/boatmusic

9. The Awful Truth “Object Permanence”
This album came from the recommendation from a friend, there was no publicist and no one shoving music down my throat telling me it’s awesome. That definitely helps anyone when they are introduced to new music, I think. Plus it’s really refreshing to come across a record that seems like someone’s first efforts to make an album. It doesn’t feel contrived or planned out, just honest. It’s not really that accessible in terms of vocal delivery and I tend to like hearing someone more unqualified for American Idol trying their hand at song writing. It makes me feel like it’s sincere and real, not some performance. And that’s what I love about this album. How sincere it feels. (For reference, see the Will Sartain review)
http://www.myspace.com/theawfultruthmusic

10. Cursive “Mama, I’m Swollen”
I think this is the best album Cursive has put out since the Ugly Organ and is on the same level as the Ugly Organ. For those of you who never liked Cursive don’t bother. For those of you that did, and are too hip to like bands you liked six years ago then I think you’re lame for being so pretentious. For those of you that loved the Ugly Organ and continue to listen to music simply because you like it, I think it’s safe to say you will like this album. So enjoy.
http://www.cursivearmy.com/

8.7/10

Written By: Barry Moore
Visit & Listen: Adding Machines

The Adding Machines’ “Drifting Away” sways and floats like the crests of waves swell and flow within the ocean itself. Its sonorous tones lend to its dreamy nature and it has a very gentle way of placing the listener into the somber place of the singer’s adulthood. It’s rather repetitive, but thankfully catchy and interestingly mellow while maintaining the train track rhythm of the snare drum that is typical of most modern country and folk drumming. It isn’t mind-blowing in its composition. It isn’t anything new, but it’s definitely nice to listen to. It’s a good song.

Band: The Blakes “Magic” | Song Review
Written by: Barry Moore

The Blakes are a vintage-sounding garage ripoff band. Their full album is pretty hard to get through and although there are enjoyable moments here and there, it really isn’t too exciting. Then, right in the middle of all of this they put a song called “Magic” that doesn’t fit at all. It’s such a shockingly different song that it’s almost worth it to listen to Sugar Ray’s 1998 hit “Fly” and compare it with the rest of their 1998 album. That’s the kind of shocking difference we’re getting at. The Blakes have somehow summoned the talent of The Beatles on this song, come together and written the catchiest song I have heard all year. I have literally been playing it on repeat over and over again absolutely riveted to how fun and upbeat it is. It’s a great piano rock song. Super simple and very fun. Just the way we like it, right?

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