Tricky Wondalund…

In between snacking on Hello Pandas and reading YET another long paragraph of infinitely challenging piece of legal language, I find myself having the uncontrollable desire to open up iTunes and play some music. In yet another uncontrollable moment, I feel the need to write up a short blurp about the latest Tunes eminating from my laptop.

Lots of the then-indie-now-mainstream bands have been releasing latest efforts. 2008 is a year for nostalgia for these old-new bands.

Goldfrapp - The Seventh Tree is a beautiful album. The songs are folksy, which is quite unlike the usual Goldfrapp sound, but there is a certain earthiness, 70’s vibe to it (check out album cover). Airy and uplifting, quite unlike the black machinery vibe from the previous release. Definitely a stayer.

Portishead - Third. Technically their fourth album, but in truth their Third since, the last album was a live concert piece (which in my books, doesn’t really count). I would be the first to admit that the thought of a new Portishead album excited me immensely, after all, i remember playing their first 2 efforts till the CD broke — i was SUCH a depressed teenager…but this album is…waning. To say it’s awful is harsh but let’s just say, it’s too much depression for a single person to handle. and there are no hooks, just massive depression. i regret buying this album. Regret! RegreT! REGRET! arghs, portishead has just dropped out of my all-time favorite bands to the…bands slated for the rubbish bin.

Hot Chip - Made in the Dark. third effort from british electropop band Hot Chip is a lovely follow up to The Warning. There’s more of the good poppy tunes, smart lyrics and quirky rhythms. Title track Made in the Dark is sorta romantic.

REM - Accelerate. I feel bad, I have dropped out of the REM arena for some years and just fell back on the bandwagon. But I like Accelerate, it’s REM old-skool, back to its rockability roots, no nonsense or experimentation (i hate it when old bands experiment — you get U2 doing weird shit…), nice 4 chord rock tunes. and micheal stipe actually looks good old. or maybe my taste for bald men is showing itself… hiaks! wait, does this belong to old-new once-indie-now-mainstream bands? oh ok, i think so.

The Field. They are on the seminally brilliant Kompakt label. ’nuff said. must listen.

The Notwist - The Devil, You+Me. This is a lovely followup from German electronic pop band, The Notwist. Still kinda wimpy in tunes construct, but really mellow and cool. It’s classic Notwist. For those that like Postal Service, you will definitely like The Notwist. I really didn’t expect an update from this band…but I am glad they released something.

But seriously, the pop rock/ hip hop arena is seriously rocking. which it has been since forever, since when sneakers were back in fashion, since synchronized dancing become flava again and since hot pants made it back into people’s vocabulary.

Estelle - Shine. UK rap goddess, signed to Atlantic label and her first effort features loads of big names like Kanye West and John Legend. Cannot go wrong that’s for sure. This album is a real gem, with regge influences, soul sounds, fantastic tunes, singalong choruses and phat production. Excellent stuff, i love! I want my lip gloss and gold heels right now!

Paramore - Riot. OK, i have the music taste of an 18-yr old. but damn, it’s pretty darn good to be 18 these days if this is what is defining rock. This band kicks ass. These are some of the strongest melodies I have ever heard. That’s What You Get is not only a great rock song, it has anthemic chant-a-long, that gives one the chance to punch fists in the air. And Hayley Williams is really cute, plus she has some impressive rock vocals. Any song with a "whooaah!" reprise wins my vote of confidence. show me the way to the mosh pit!

Sergio Mendes - Encanto. This is a follow up bossa-rapmix piece by Will.I.Am (of the Black Eye Peas) and other notable artists. Definitely not as killa as the first try, Timeless, which pretty much blew my socks off and made me want to move to brasil, mix beats, rap and bossanova. Encanto, to me, has only one really awesome tune, and that’s Funky Bahia, featuring Will.I.Am and Siedeh Garrat. Still, this makes for a fun Sunday afternoon afternoon with cocktails and pool parties with lots of skin.

Colbie Caillat - CoCo. Ok don’t laugh at me. i actually listened to this album. more than once. more than 3 times. she reminds me of the female version of Jack Johnson, whom I have a soft spot for (minus his latest release which is kinda rubbish). Chilled out, californian beach style. this is what i term "nice music". it’s kinda blah but everyone will not mind, cool-the-crowd type of moosik.

Jack Johnson - Sleep through the static. I slept through this WHOLE album, static or not. I am a big fan of the first 3 releases…this one is just…as justly titled…Sleepy. grrr….disappointing! even his hawaiian sun-tan good looks cannot get me to give this a C+.