Sansa Packing: New Releases 01.30.07

While not as claustrophobic as last weeks pile of great new releases, there are still plenty to go 'round this last week of January. I've already posted plenty on Lily Allen's Alright, Still, but now you can finally get it without importing (or, God forbid, stealing.)

Playlist: New Releases 01.30.07

Here's a rundown of what's downloading into my Sansa as I type this:
-----------------------

Album: Deerhunter - Cryptograms

This Atlanta quintet weaves post-punk, krautrock, trance, industrial and pop all into one awe-inspiring package. While it feels uneven at times, it's these rocky transitions that make sure you're paying attention, not locked into some sort of trance. From the Slanted & Enchanted ("Lake Somerset") to Elephant 6 ("Strange Lights") this disc travels far and wide to defy categorization. It's an album that's going to stick with me, I can already tell... already looks like they could be one of the most talked about bands this year.

-----------------------

Album: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Some Loud Thunder

I have to admit, I'm initially a bit disappointed at this sophomore release from the artists formerly known as 'the next big thing.' While there are many great moments in the album, most the tracks feel half-baked and unfinished. "Satan Said Dance" is a good example of this dichotomy. It's fun and danceable, but the lyrics are truly disposable. What makes this an album worth checking out, though, is the interesting production from Dave Fridmann, who even on the over-the-top distorted title track (which is CYHSY once again f*cking with you on their opening song) makes you interested in what's under the hood here.

Download: "Underwater (You and Me)"

-----------------------

Album: Young Love - Too Young To Fight It

I'm gonna be honest with you - this is one frustrating album. It's a few fun dance-oriented pop songs surrounded by emo-sounding filler tracks. After a couple listens, though, I'm stripping songs off the album, trimming it down to an EP of pure dance-pop bliss, and couldn't be happier with the final product.

Here's my version (half the fat:) Young Love - Too Young EP

Free AOL Album Stream

-----------------------

Other albums going into the Sansa:
Beirut - Lon Gisland EP
Busdriver - RoadKillOvercoat
Hella - There's No 666 In Outerspace
Lewis taylor - The Lost Album
Manic - Floorboards EP
Bracken - We Know About the Need

tags: music, album review, lily allen, deerhunter, young love, beirut, clap your hands say yeah, indie rock, album review, new releases, rhapsody