February 2011 Album Reviews Iron & Wine, Smith Westerns

   In the world of music (and especially in the world of Rock), the landscape has changed drastically in the last 10-11 years or so. It used to be a great band or singer was creating a rippling effect with an album that had us shaking in our boots and screaming for more. Throughout the years since the dawn of the Rock age, you could find bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Led Zeppelin, U2, etc. etc. blow open the mainstream and set the standard. But to quote Bob Dylan "Times they are a changin'." Good rock is not always being played on mainstream radio these days or blowing up the charts as much as it used to be.  Like I have said before, you have to look for the good stuff. The invention of the internet, good digital home recording studios, and independent labels have changed the way music is discovered, distributed, and produced. There is a vast array of genres that are just waiting to be discovered. Heck some of the great singers and bands in the last few years have put out many albums and have never been heard by the mass majority. It is very hard to come up with a Top 10 list of Rock albums in the last 10 years or so that have blown up the charts. I can only think of a handful. But they are still out there. You have to look and listen, just a little closer. Some people say rock is dead. I just think it has taken a different shape.  And in this blog you will find many different styles ready to melt your face or let you sit back and take it all in. 

    I would like to add that in the process of writing this posting 2 of my top 10 bands of 2010 won just a couple of awards at that little show called the Grammy’s. The Black Keys won for best alternative album, and Arcade Fire won Album of the Year. How is that for independent music label’s. Some of the music reviewed here, you may think is a waste of time and horrible. Or you may love it and run out and buy the CD.  If you have an album or music you would like to suggest that I listen to or review, drop me a line. Remember, a song to preview from the album is always marked with a green link. So let’s get into the reviews for this go round....

Iron & Wine- Kiss Each Other Clean 

The band Iron & Wine or should I say the one-man band of artist Sam Beam has gone through an amazing folk journey since his epic 2002 debut. His sharp, laid back, indie, folk, acoustic rock hooks have made him the master of folk rock today. With his soft voice (not to mention his Grizzly Adams beard which has its own weather system), Beam weaves a web of crazy feel good 70’s sounding hits on this album. 70’s you say? Some would say this can’t work in today’s world, but 2011’s Kiss Each Other Clean takes that 70’s feel and makes it modern for us. Iron & Wine is still pretty much just Sam Beam, but he brings along his backing group into the fold and makes a good album better. Sweet, melodic backing vocals from Sarah Simpson, great mixing by producer Brian Deck of Liz Phair, and Modest Mouse production fame bring the best out on this endeavor. Starting from where Iron & Wine left off from their first heavily produced album in 2007, Beam goes plugged in and takes on many different styles of music, including reggae, as well as a little Stevie Wonder style R&B. Some songs get a little interesting on writing style such as “Rabbit Will Run” with its jazzy feel, flute solo and lyrics about mother’s milk. Iron & Wine still stick to their guns and Beam still lays down the acoustic folk rock law on the song “Godless Brother in Love”. In regards to the writing on this album, Beam's poetic lyrics are as intimate and haunting as his voice. They are all over the place and a just little more bold than on previous albums. With amazing harmonies and a wonderful layered sound this album overall, is a keeper and worth listening to again and again. Some reviews and critics ask if Iron & Wine have hit the big leagues. Well in my book they were already there. Beam kicks out a wonderful album to start off 2011 right. If you have never heard of Iron & Wine at all and need a starting point, look no further than Kiss Each Other Clean. It will have you yearning for more…              

Iron & Wine- "Godless Brother in Love"

Smith Westerns- Dye It Blonde

Next up is a sophomore album by Chicago rocker’s the Smith Westerns. This glam 70’s style group, with a little bit of 60’s garage rock thrown in there for good measure, bust out a classy pop album that is filled with all kinds of glittery lo-fi goodness. Growing up just a little bit from their debut 2009’s, The Smith Westerns. 2011’s Dye it Blonde gives a perfect example of stylish pop with slick chorus backing vocals and catchy guitar riffs. With ballads like “All Die Young” which starts off like a Coldplay song and rocking out on songs like “Imagine, Pt 3” and “Dance Away”, Smith Westerns latest shows a little more polish on their craft, but you can still feel that garage rock presence.  Frontman Cullen Omori stated that on this record he and the rest of the group were influenced by 90’s Britpop sound from bands like Oasis, Teenage Fanclub, and Suede. The Smith Westerns gives it their best, but unfortunately for me, this album tends to get a little boring and repetitious. They do show some of that Britpop flair, but it just isn’t enough.  However, the album is good enough in the beginning to keep you hooked even though Smith Westerns lose some luster in the end. Overall this is a decent second effort if you are into the glam, garage thing….

Smith Westerns- "All Die Young"

I hope you have enjoyed this edition of The State of Rock Review, and feel free comment, comment, comment. Music is Life.....