Rilo Kiley – Take Offs & Landings

Just before I went to see M. Ward this past April, I was talking with a co-worker about being excited to see The Watson Twins who were opening. I was familiar with The Watson Twins from their album with Jenny Lewis, Rabbit Fur Coat. That got us talking about Rilo Kiley. I said I had heard much from Rilo Kiley so my co-worker lent me this album, Take Offs & Landings. It's all about traveling and riding in airplanes and such. Pretty good alt-country rock. The songs with Jenny on vocals are best. And I really like the album artwork. But then again, I'm a sucker for slide guitar and isometric technical illustration. Put the two together and you have a winner with me.

Oh, and for the recorder, The Watson Twins sucked.

Enjoy.

Icky Thump - The White Stripes

Probably the most anticipated album of the early summer, if not the year, Icky Thump is not the return to the garage band roots of their earlier work, as some would hope. It caries some elements of their self titled debut, and De Stijl; but it also throws in the touch of experimentalism that made Get Behind Me Satan such a head scratcher.

The Detroit Duo's 6th studio album is a head scratcher and will divide many a fan. I find the album quite enjoyable. Not as great as Elephant, but really what could be? Jack White really stretches himself in his songwriting on this album. This album seems to be more a collection of small stories then other efforts. From the title track's bombastic recounting of a trip gone wrong south of the border, to Rag and Bone, a tale of gypsy like junk pickers.

Great hi-lites are 300 M.P.H. Torrential Outpour Blues, and the closer, Cause and Effect. Songs that I do not care for are St. Andrew (This Battle Is in the Air) and Conquest. The later I heard was a cover, but I can find no information beyond that.

I would be remissed if I did not mention Meg White's drumming. I can not say anything better then what was said here.

Well enjoy and let me know what you all think.

***This post updated while listening to the Cubs v. Braves***

Icky Thump - White Stripes

Don't get excited boys, it is not the The White Stripes forthcoming album of the same name. It is just the single, and not a great copy of that. It is from some XM radio show, it has annoying intro and outro from some DJ with a fake, or seemingly fake British accent. If you want the a good quality single I suggest going to the iTunes Music Store (normally I would give you all the single but with the stupid DRM it was too much of a pain in the ass.)

It will give you a good idea of what the song is all about. In my humble opinion this song kicks all kinds of ass. It is a return to the pre 2005 Stripes. It is just Jack's circling guitar licks and and Meg literally thumping on the drums. The only thing I am not sure about is the lyrics. they fit the song, but towards the end there is a weird part about America or something. It doesn't make much sense to me.

So enjoy.

****This post updated while watching That 70's Show*****