ScatterPoints: Late April/Summer Preview

Here are some cool things that I've found over the past week.

I don't have a whole lot to report on the past week but I do have some cool things for you. Its almost summer time and that means that music will continue to come out at a slightly accelerated pace. Lots of good indie stuff on the way, and lots of it is available for a sneak peak now.

SUMMER ALBUM PREVIEWS:

LCD Soundsystem is one of the most innovative and exciting acts out there and the mastermind behind the whole shebang James Murphy has decided to stream the forthcoming This Is Happening on the groups website right here.

Broken Social Scene's highly anticipated return to albumdom Forgiveness Rock Record is streaming on the NPR website now. Check it out here.

The Hold Steady are also showing NPR (and us) some love by streaming their forthcoming Heaven is Whenver here.

Man, NPR is all about music I love. They also have the full album stream of The New Pornographers' Together. It is here.

MUSIC VIDEOS:

THE XX - ISLANDS

This video doesn't seem to be to much at first, but I find myself haunted it. It seems repetitive but I promise you its not. Every shot is a little bit different and its super artsy and really emotional in some strange intangible way. I can't put my finger on it but there is really something to this video. Let me know if you figure it out.

ONE PARAGRAPH REVIEWS:

Broken Bells - Broken Bells

Rating: 80/100

This collaborative project consisting of James Mercer, lead singer of the Shins, and crazy-ass producer Danger Mouse is a simple and upbeat affair that doesn't sound too far removed from either ones body of work. To put it simply, it mostly sounds like a Danger Mouse produced Shins album, though even that makes it sound a little crazier than it actually is. What the album lacks in surprises, it more than makes up for in execution. All ten tracks are beautifully crafted to create a very fluid album experience that is emotional, accessible and layered in such a way that each listen reveals something new. Ultimately, its not an earth shattering record, but it feels as though it was intentionally crafted to be straightforward with few unexpected turns and to that end both creators have succeeded in creating a wonderfully enjoyable set of tracks that won't change your life but you won't soon forget either.

ScatterPoints: Mid January

Heres some random cool stuff from the past few weeks of music:

DOWNLOAD:

New Smashing Pumpkins - "Widow Wake My Mind" & "Song For A Son"

MUSIC VIDEOS:

The xx - "VCR"

Warpaint - "Elephants"

ONE-SENTENCE REVIEWS:

Them Crooked Vultures - Them Crooked Vultures

Rating: 77/100

The amount of raw rock power present in the Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters), John Paul Jones (LED ZEPPELIN!) trio Them Crooked Vultures is absolutely legendary but it fails to come together consistently despite some truly epic moments of rocking.

Aziz Ansari - Intimate Moments For A Sensual Evening

Rating 85/100

Aziz Ansari's debut comedy album is fresh, energetic and absolutely hilarious.

Best of Bootie 2009 - Various Artists

Rating:72/100

I love a good mash-up, and there are definitely some really good mash-ups on this collection, but overall I wasn't blown away.

Download Best of Bootie 2009

ScatterPoints #3: Mid/Late Novemberish

Here is a breif recap of the past weeks in the world of MidPoints music...

MUSIC VIDEOS:

Passion Pit - Little Secrets

Any music video with bright colors and journeys through space is a winner in my book. Way to make it happen, Passion Pit. Unfortunately, the embed feature is locked on this video, but it's definitely worth checking out. Watch the HD "Little Secrets" video on YouTube.

One Sentence Reviews:

The xx - xx

Rating: 92/100

Dark, sexy and simple, The xx's debut album is one of the most finely crafted indie-pop records of the year and it proves that minimalism can still be both stunningly complex and dramatically infectious.

High Point Tracks: "Heart Skipped A Beat", "Crystalised"

Monsters of Folk - Monsters of Folk

Rating: 82/100

Like most super-groups, the more you enjoy the collected of works of Bright Eyes, My Morning Jacket and M. Ward, the more you will enjoy the Monsters of Folk's eclectic and satisfying debut album.

High Point Tracks: "Say Please", "Slow Down Jo"

Michael Jackson - Dangerous

Rating: 76/100

The most surprising and condemning aspect of Dangerous is the fact that it is by far his most dated sounding album, though the stand out tracks are as good as anything the King of Pop has ever released.

High Point Tracks: "Black or White", "Will You Be There"