I listened to it on my computer and wasn't that impressed, then I plugged my headphones in and I really like it now - the sound quality makes a big difference. It's worth checking out if you like them.
orangeblobman@ 3/21/2011 7:05 AM
When they first came out they were fresh and crispy, right now, they're dropping this album without that advantage of being crispy and fresh.
It sounds forced and jumbled at a first listen, but it could grow on me. I'll try it with headphones. Under Cover of Darkness just annoyed me. It was just an annoying song, for example.
OasisBU@ 3/21/2011 9:40 AM
I agree they were fresh when they came out and got stale. Did you listen to any of the solo stuff that came out of Albert Hammond Jr. or Julian Casablancas? I think both did pretty well although Hammond Jr. put together two albums that I think really stand out.
Angles takes some of the solo ideas and incorporates them into the Strokes, its the first time the entire process wasn't 100% guided by Casablancas, the entire band was involved in the writing etc. Apparently they didn't enjoy making the album that much because of some ego clashes but there are some great new songs on it and a lot of fresh ideas.
The first time I listened to it I didn't like it, but most music takes a couple of listens to really understand and get you hooked. This got me on the second listen. Under Cover of Darkeness is the most classic sounding Strokes song - basically the band by the numbers, the rest of the album really shows them evolving and I love when bands do that.
My favorite songs are: Machu Picchu - probably the best song on the album Under Cover of Darkenss - you don't like it but to me this is the Strokes bread and butter, a good comeback single Two Kinds of Happiness - it has an interesting 80's vibe to it Games - very cool sound they have going on here, again 80's vibe Call Me Back - a simple sounding track, similar to previous Strokes albums Gratisfaction - this song is fun to listen to, has a really good sound to it but it definitely takes pieces from Queen and a couple other bands Life is Simple in the Moonlight - second best track on the album in my opinion
The rest of it is ok-good, the album is only 35 minutes long so 6-7/10 tracks being solid is pretty good.
The album overall has a retro 80's sound to it which many people probably wont like but I think its a solid effort. Give it another listen and let me know if it grows on you at all. I think the band are at a turning point where they will probably lose some fans because of their new direction - but like I said, I love when bands do that.
orangeblobman@ 3/21/2011 7:56 PM
I am not skilled enough to listen to music analytically, but I can listen to it on that emotional level, where you feel stuff. I don't feel a lot of it but some has grown on me. Machu Pichu is great sounding and Gratisfaction is solid too. Now, I will have to really listen to the words.
OasisBU@ 3/26/2011 10:47 AM
Taken for a Fool is probably my favorite song on the album right now - I go through phases but this album has a lot of good stuff on it.
Check them out on Letterman from 3.23.11 playing it - I think its a pretty awesome live version:
OasisBU@ 4/1/2011 11:58 PM
Saw the Strokes at MSG tonight - pretty amazing show. They definitely gave respect to MSG and plugged the Knicks too - great night.
