Rate/Review The Last Album(s) You Listened To
We've got a thread like this for games and films, but we haven't got one for music. So I thought I'd create one. I don't know if this thread will be anywhere near as busy as its two predecessors, but hey, let's give this a try 
.
. Sign in to comment in this discussion.
Comments
Well, you could perhaps just give single track ratings if you aren't able to listen to whole albums very often. Or perhaps you can just give a review of one of your favourite albums.
Neither. I'm completely ignorant to the mainstream music scene (which is all that's given any attention or airplay in Australia); I just stick to what I like, and I'll search for music when I want something new, rather than allow the radio or music television feed me.
9/10
I randomly discovered this duo through TV Tropes of all places, on their "Hell Is That Sound" page. I was won over right away. Now, I'm not normally a fan of electronic music, so apologies in advance if I misuse a term here and there. I have no idea what the differences are between electronica, techno, and nu-wave chip dub electric slide hoozimawhatsit supreme con queso.
So yeah, here's a track-by-track.
1. Untrust Us
This is the song in my sig. It's one of my favorites, and pretty straightforward. A sample from Dead Womb by Death From Above repeatedly manipulated over a simple beat, it's insanely catchy, but ultimately not representative of CC's sound. 8/10
2. Alice Practice
This song is just what the title says. Alice, the vocalist, practicing while Ethan, the DJ, records and later adds a beat. If you didn't know the story behind it, though, you'd be none the wiser. This is a damn solid track, and it makes great use of 8-bit effects. A bit repetitive, though. 6/10
3. Crimewave
The closest thing to a "single" on the album, and for good reason. A much mellower song than "Alice Practice", Alice's voice is heavily vocoded and metallic sounding, which provides a strong contrast to the backing loop. Something about this track makes me want to lay back and just let my mind wander. 9/10
4. Magic Spells
Another very chilled track, this one aims more for ambiance with little vocal work and a beat that's *just* layered enough to be simple and calming without being annoying or repetitive. It's almost devious to put this song where it is on the album, because it lulls you into a calm before the storm. 8/10
5. Xxzxczx Me
Loud, abrasive 8-bit bleeps kick in immediately, and the album's tone makes a complete 180. This is the first track to have intelligible lyrics that mean something, and they aren't exactly happy: "just because we don't feel flesh/doesn't mean we don't fear death". I love this one. 9/10
6. Air War
An experimental song that doesn't do much for me. I don't skip it when it's on, but I really have nothing to say about it. It's just kind of there. 4/10
7. Courtship Dating
Oh man. This song is sublime. It's also the peppiest song you'll ever hear that's about human taxidermy and self mutilation. Another 8-bit infused track mixed with samples of screams backs the closest Alice comes so far on this album to traditional singing. 10/10
8. Good Time
Very much a filler track. No sir, I don't like it. Catchy, though. 3/10
9. 1991
Ehhh. This song would be great live, but... nah. 3/10
10. Vanished
A remix of Sex City by Van She. Great song, but not having heard the original, I can't make much comment here. 8/10
11. Knights
And we're back. A haunting song with an annoying effect between verses that keeps this from a higher rating. Alice's voice is extremely muffled and quiet, and almost sounds like sobbing. Ethan keeps on keeping on as per usual, with some interesting and simple sounds that create a greater sum than it's parts. 6/10
12. Love and Caring
By far my favorite song on the album, and one of my favorite CC songs in general. Ethan is on FIRE with his 8-bittery, creating a beat that fills me with energy every time I hear it. Alice screeches some more twisted sci-fi lyrics in the vein of "Xxcxzzx Me", adding to the energetic burst. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEc3PVCdndg 10/10
13. Through The Hosiery
Rather bizarre track, with a cacophony of bleeps and bent circuits complimenting some inexplicable lyrics. I love it, but I can't quite wrap my head around it. 9/10
14. Reckless
As far as beats go, this is definitely one of them. ... Yep. Extremely bland. 4/10
15. Black Panther
Oh wow. The beat is flawless, and the vocals give me chills. Far too short, though, and it seems to cut off right as it starts to make it's mark. That's what the repeat button is for, though. 9/10
16. Tell Me What To Swallow
One hell of an ending to an uneven, but still fantastic album. Softest track by far, and actually uses a guitar (!). Just strumming, but still. No lyrics, just ethereal "ooh"ing that sounds surprisingly beautiful. Makes me think of Silent Hill for some reason. 9/10
Overall: 7/10.
Their second and most recent album is far more consistent, but this post is massive already, so I'll do that one later.
Sorry if this review sucks. I've never been great at describing what I like or dislike in music. Fun to try, though.
I LOVE crystal castles! I went to see them live - it was insane!
And I can only give them max (10/10), there are only a few times I skip a track but that happens very rarely, but not enough to remove a point from the overall positive experience.
They have a good beat in every track, and even the slow ones makes me tap my foot and when possible sing along.
Now you might think I am a total fan girl here, but I can assure you I am not. My all time favorite band is Sonata Arctica, and they have albums where I skip a lot of tracks to get to the ones I like.
Rating: 9/10
"The Decemberists" is a band I recently stumbled upon on NPR.org's first listen. They focus mainly around acoustic folk rock sounding songs, with some great female vocals layered in the background.
At times their music can be somber, other times it's quite upbeat. One could almost relate this band to various other indie artists out there, such as Jenny Lewis (of Rilo Kiley) and Josh Ritter.
Very earthy textures and some interesting soundscapes added in there for good measure.
Highly recommend the listen, and I believe it can be listened (in full) for free here: http://www.npr.org/2011/01/03/132436422/first-listen-the-decemberists-the-king-is-dead