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Radian – “Chimeric”Thrill Jockey-out now The first few industrial notes of ambient “Chimeric” are miserably slow, and it’s sad to say, but Radian here doesn’t offer much more. The songs are incredibly sparse, lacking the depth and layering of more noise-oriented artists (Merzbow), and don’t display song arcs or give the listener much footing in which to orient themselves (Aphex Twin, The Flaming Lips most recently). While sonic experimentation isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it is when other aspects, such as song construction and meaning, are being experimented upon. And that is how the listener feels: experimented upon. To be sure, there are a fewRead More →

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Sufjan Stevens – “The BQE”Asthmatic Kitty-out now An ambitious project on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, “The BQE” is clearly marked as Sufjan Steven’s magnum opus. A classical suite in a foreboding thirteen parts, “BQE” is anything but: it is grand, magnificent, and patient. Commissioned by the Brooklyn Academy of Music and performed on November of 2007, fans of Steven’s much-awaited suite are treated to audio, an intimate video, and even a 40-page booklet. Those same fans will note immediately that this piece, unlike “Illinois” or “Michigan,”is far less personal, and lacks the vocals and intimate stories, as well as stand-out tracks of the previous two. TheRead More →

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In: _CD Reviews 2009, _Four or More 2009, Album Reviews, Recommended
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St. Vincent – “Actor”4ad Records-out now4 / 5 Surprising song arrangements make Annie Clark’s second solo album a deep, complex treat. Clark, aka St. Vincent, has a penchant for constructing songs that demand multiple listens; after the initial shock of “The Strangers” and its bizarre instrumentation (Clark’s whispery voice supported by keyboard and a basic beat), the album fills in with several songs of warmth and worth. One such song is the gorgeously personal “The Party,” whose simple cadence and contemplative vocals highlight an awkward moment together. The lyrics here (“my pockets hang out/Like two surrendered flags”) capture the beauty of the moment and speakRead More →

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Fun. – “Aim and Ignite”Nettwerk-out now4 / 5 Replete with caliope, trombone, and cello, these playful arrangements by the sugary pop band Fun. bubble with excitement and poppy youth. The sheer brightness of the songs here would assume superficial treatment of the somewhat light material, but the biggest pleasure is the care taken for the crafting of the songs; each twists about creatively, playing with the listener, and each new segment unfolds into the next unexpected part. Yes, these songs feel a bit airy and colorful like a carousel, but that still doesn’t detract from the pure fun on the cheeky and cheesy “I WannaRead More →