2017 albums

3 listens through the Shins album and it's leaving me cold and a bit sad. I was hoping that Port of Morrow was an anomaly and that he had another great Shins album in him. But I guess, despite what Mercer may think this isn't really the Shins anyway.

Too much synth, too many naff and awkward self-conscious lyrics, what feels to me like forced melodies and really too much going on full stop. However; if this was a different band's first album it wouldn't feel too bad, but as a Shins album with me wanting another Inverted/Chutes/Wincing it's a solid 2/10. I'm finding it impossible to listen to it objectively with that in mind.

I'll give it another couple of spins purely cos I'm desperate to like it, but i'm not holding my breath.

Tbf I thought on first listen it was the most Shins-y release he's done since Chutes. Not saying it's half as good, but I felt it simpler and goofier.

Really? That surprises me. I think it's ridiculously over complicated musically. Lyrically it's quite simple in places, but not in a good way for me.

I get the feeling he was trying to make it feel more like the early couple of albums, but it doesn't have the easy melodies and the breezy feel to me. It feels claustrophobic.

But, I am definitely willing to be proved wrong with more listens- but all it's done so far is make me want to listen to those early albums again and pretend this didn't exist.

Laura Marling & Father John Misty didn't leave much of an impression on first listen.

I'm going to listen to Laura Marling on the train north this evening. I do have high hopes for it though; purely based on Wild Fire as the lead single and stuff i've read about the album.

After initially quite liking Father John Misty I got tired of his schtick pretty quickly and never listen to either of the first two albums at all. Actually it was after seeing him live. It all seemed so forced. So i'm not expecting to like his new'un. Will give it a go though.

It's been a pretty underwhelming first couple of months of the year as far as new music goes, i reckon. The Ty Segall record is about the best i've heard.


Edit: I LOVE the new Fleet Foxes track. It's a ridiculous overblown glorious joyful mess. A bit like a Quentin Tarantino film. So, really looking forward to that record in June.


I wish Grizzly Bear would tease us with a single.

i really like the new laura marling, its as good as anything shes done for me. seems to me like the new one has toned down some of the joni mitchell in her voice that was so prominent on the last lp and is this time more influenced by english folk.

Whenever I head Wild Fire it sounds like pure soul music. I've got it on a couple of playlists and before i realise who it is I think it's a black woman singing.

I keep forgetting PW has a new "album" out. Anyone heard it beyond the one song he put out last month?

Lots of boring releases then. Slow start of 2017 for me, many decent ones but nothing really lovely unlike last year which started like a bang. Then again, I'm listening to lots of shits from mediocre bands going to the festivals I'll be attending so...

just listening now. it's mostly instrumental.

Two and a bit listens through the Laura Marling and really enjoying it.

Anyone know if she's got a new producer because it's got a lovely warm sound?

JP - I get the English folk references. The picking guitar helps- that and the production gives it an almost Nick Drake - Bryter Later feel in places.

The last track is my standout at the moment.

really enjoying the debut album from idles on first listen. similar kinda vein to cabbage in suppose in that its slightly confrontational punk. this seems to have a bit more self awareness and humour though.

I didn't bother with the last Shins album at all - didn't really like the tracks I heard from it. I decided to gave their newest a try and am actually quite enjoying. I don't necessarily think its got that classic Shins sound (Mercer's voice aside) but it seems to be ticking the right boxes for me.

Anyone tried new BJM yet?

yeah i quite enjoyed it as far as their newer stuff goes. nothing on the classics but pretty good.

Wasn't really doing it for me on first listen so I've turned it off. Will give it another chance some other day.

Got the Foxygen album on right now. It's pretty ridiculous but I really like it.

I have softened on it a bit actually. The title track is the most Shinsy thing they've done since they were the proper Shins.

Been enjoying the new record from Bastien Keb over the last couple of days. Mahoney recommended his previous record to me from a couple of years back which I liked, but think I'm preferring this one already.

bastienkeb.bandcamp.com/

It's a real mixed bag, its a bit jazzy in places, elements of r'n'b and soul vibes, 70's film soundtrack in places. Well worth a listen.