New funk blues. That's how the title track strikes me. From there, things speed up with something a little more mainstream pop sounding. An even three minutes later, the guys get a little more sensitive and start tickling the ivories and sing of a dysfunctional relationship. By the fourth song, I'm bobbing my head and stomping -yes, stomping- my foot much like young Forrest dancing to pre-fame Elvis' guitar playing. Without realizing I'm doing it, I'm imagining a road trip. There's an out of place doo wop song tossed in the middle that throws me. But, before long, we're back on track.
This is just a solid record. Honestly, it could have been a half dozen songs longer and I would have been just as happy, if not even more so.
17. The Avett Brothers "Mignonette" ★★★1/2
The setting as I listened to this record: 8:00 a.m., mostly cloudy, 39 degrees, and quiet.
This could quite possibly be the perfect setting in which to listen to this album. The somber melodies, two and three part harmonies, slow to mildly peppy tempos, everything just beckons for reflection and introspective thought. I'm willing to bet that anyone who listens to this record will wind up missing someone, but in a good way. This feeling of somber remembrance exits abruptly when "Hard Worker" plays. This song is massively out of place and should have been left off the record. Another song which should have been omitted from this album is "Causey Commentary". The former is such a harsh shift in feeling and sound from the previous songs and the latter has someone repeatedly shouting, "You just got sprayed with turkey shit!". The person doing the shouting sounds a great deal like Brad Pitt in Fight Club. The wickedly creepy laughter is strikingly similar. The last complaint I have about this album is the inclusion of a second version of a song already on the album.
Fun Fact: The album was named after an English yacht which sank off the Cape of Good Hope, leaving the crew of four stranded on a lifeboat. The cabin boy was killed and eaten by the others, two of whom were later put on trial and convicted of murder
18. Coheed and Cambria "In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3" ★
The record begins with a ringing phone. This is not a good omen. Who in their right mind would ever think that is a good idea? Ringing phones and emergency sirens - why? Cut it out, artists. It's not clever.
Track two is heavy, complex, and well arranged. These guys really know what they're doing. Oops, I spoke too soon. After this song, the album goes pop. What plays is a trite, overused sound. Next, we get the pleasure of taking part in a sing and clap along session, a la Cindi Lauper. This worked for her, but it should be left at that. Amazingly, I made it to track seven and even more amazingly, it's actually listenable. Tricked again! I was too optimistic. Peppered all throughout the song, "coo, coo, cachoo" is said. That didn't make sense when The Beatles did it and it still doesn't make sense.
Now, here's a the portion where I want the reader to wager a guess. Did I like the 11 tracks of silence or not? The answer: LOVED IT! Those 11 songs of silence actually gave be a break from listening to a terrible album.
19. Megadeth "Risk" ★★
I've always been partial to Mustane's previous band. But to be honest, I've never given Megadeth a fair shake. Having had the Metallica / Megadeth debate several tmies in the past, one constant point of contention always emerges: Megadeth has always been heavier, faster, and never got soft. This album is the end of that point's truthfulness.
The opener has a distinct techno/synth vibe with self-repeated lyrics. ("Insomnia-nia-nia-nia") Have a listen to "Wanderlust" and tell me you aren't reminded of a similar song written by some boys from Jersey. Bringing the album to an end: REMIXES!
This just isn't what I've heard or expected from Megadeth. The title must have been in reference to making a widely accepted, radio friendly album for the masses. If so, "Risk" = reward.
20. Pearl Jam "Riot Act" ★★★
No pun intended, but this is a very decent jam record. There is some blues, rock, tiny bit of folk; a mixed bag of influences. It's very good, but for no specific reason. Being generally good isn't necessarily bad. Without the clout of Pearl Jam, Vedder's one-of-a-kind vibrato style of singing, and the song "I Am Mine", it's easy to assume no one would have heard of this album had it been released by any other band. It's just not unique for any specific reason. Well, the 1:05 song "Arc" is unique in that it is only Middle Eastern / African tribal sounding chorus. I don't think anyone would have expected that. I know I wasn't expecting to hear that.