Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky

I've been a fan of OK Go since 2003, and seeing the progression of this band throughout the years is refreshing. Just like what another reviewer said, if you want an uncreative band playing the same style of music for years, go get them Nickelback albums! But what is the most precious piece of fact about this album is how this band were unafraid to step out of their indie power pop borders and take a dip (a huge dip, in fact) into experimenting new sounds. It's quite obvious they're trying to prove their music can be fantastic and trying to shed off the treadmill video fame. Their videos were great, but their music were greatly overshadowed by them. Now with this album, they can prove their true talent and the fact that they can be versatile with their style. I was a huge fan of their first album, enjoyed the second album, but this album... now this is great!

I'm also a fan of Flaming Lips, so right off the bat I can hear the heavy influence within merely the first few seconds of their first track WTF. This Too Shall Pass is also a good one, almost trying to be those anthem-like songs like Let It Be. All is Not Lost and Needing/Getting are just as catchy, but one of the stand out tracks is Skyscrapers. It's slow, groovy beat with Damian's high falsetto oohs and ahs are clear evidence of the influence of Prince. Definitely one of my favorite songs. White Knuckles, I Want You So Bad I Can't Breathe and End Love are hip shakers from the 70's and 80's. Before the Earth Was Round is another experiment they've done, and honestly they could've done a little more with it. Last Leaf is a slow swooner for the girlies, Back From Kathmandu is alright, While You Were Asleep is almost dream-like experimental, and In the Glass is another song influenced by Flaming Lips. Overall, this album is great, but to see OK Go trying new things is what makes this album so special and unique. They always make me look forward to their future albums.

Belle and Sebastian - The Blues Are Still Blue

Frightened Rabbit ---The Winter of Mixed Drinks

There is not enough music with this kind of grandeur, beauty, and gut punch all crafted into urgent pop songs. You listen to this gorgeous misery, and you don't want to just lay on the couch and die -- you want to kick the couch to pieces, throw it in the fireplace, and burn the whole place down

Plastic Beach

Gorillaz have created an impressive album that will be heard for many years to come. For hardcore Gorillaz fans, they are going to say that it is a masterpiece. For mainstream fans, i think what they were hoping for was another Demon Days. This is not the case. As most of you know, Damon Albarn decided to forgo having another producer on this album, unlike Gorillaz or Demon Days, which had Dan the Automater and Danger Mouse. The result is an interesting mix of songs that you would not expect of the Gorillaz. While this will turn off those who were expecting Demon Days 2, those who realize that this album is different will be taken on a musical adventure. It feels like this album is a soundtrack to a movie that will never be made. Instead, gorillaz is content to let us imagine journying to the island. The mood is more upbeat that last album but the lyrics still have some dark undertones if carefully listened to. Check out the awesome stylo video and make upyour own mind ;)