Sure it's 2am but why not another update.
44.
A Farewell to Kings by
RushAlright, time for an entry that I know a vast majority of DTF members can get behind (though I’m sure many might demand it be given a higher spot. Whatever.) This album is a progressive rock classic. With six tracks and clocking in at only around 37, it’s not very lengthy of an album, but don’t let that fool you from thinking there isn’t enough material on the album. A Farewell to Kings is full of memorable riffs and musical ideas, many excellent performances from the entire trio throughout and some of my personal favourite Rush moments ever (see: title track). Honestly, it’s actually a bit rough for me to put my love for this album into words. There is just so much going on all the way through, and it all works so perfectly. Which is actually the case for a lot of Rush’s best material. It’s all so wonderful, but I can’t quite describe what I love about it. I just do.
Side note – Though if it makes any sense, the album kind of reminds me of the winter season, seeing how it’s when I first got the CD and when I originally fell in love with it. And seeing how it is currently winter, I am reminded of my love for the music on this record. Phenomenal.
Highlight Tracks -
A Farewell to Kings, Xanadu, Closer to the Heart43.
Demon Days by
The GorillazThis album is actually a bit of a recent discovery for me. I only really started to appreciate the music released under this pseudonym earlier this year, but oh man I am so glad I did. The Gorillaz tend to get lumped under average pop/hip hop music released under a major label. But for Demon Days (and even the debut) that is not the case whatsoever. Demon Days is a perfect mix of very interesting musical ideas, hip hop and electronic based music. You have a little bit of everything on this album. It’s upbeat, it’s dark, it’s eerie, it’s danceable; it’s got rap, some heavy synth, and a bit of excellent sounding guitar work laced in from time to time. Obviously, an album like this is not for everyone. Especially those who just do not like rap no matter how it is presented, which to be honest was me for a good while. But oh man, the way it’s mixed into an album like Demon Days is absolutely perfect. It does not feel like I am listening to the latest Lil John single or some purposefully catchy song about smackin’ hos. Oh no, this all feels like it serves a specific purpose (much like how I feel the growls used in bands such as Opeth and Novembre serve a much larger purpose over just being mehtul). This is a truly unique album in all of it’s merits.
Highlight Tracks -
Dirty Harry, Feel Good Inc., Don't Get Lost in Heaven 42.
Wintersun by
Wintersun Oh boy oh boy, time for what I consider to be an instant classic in the world of melodic death metal. Back when I first heard this album in January, 2010 I knew this album would be a favourite of mine. With Jari Mäenpää (of Ensiferum) behind the wheel of this side project, you know you are in for some great melodic and folky metal goodness. And honestly, this is the high point of Jari’s career. The album does just about everything a metal album should do right. Cold, evil, chilling vocals? Check. Fast paced, skin piercing guitar tone? Check. Mind melting neo-classical influenced solos? Check. Doing what Children of Bodom used to do so excellently before they started sucking fatty boners through a Capri Sun straw? Double mother fuckin’ Check. This is one of my go to albums for both the upcoming snowy season, as well as whenever I need something fast, very well written and performed. It’s just a shame that we will probably never fuckin’ see a follow up album *cough*Time*cough* anytime in the near future. But until then, I’ll just crank up this album full blast during my commute home from work on the icy roads.
Highlight Tracks -
Winter Madness, Starchild, Sadness and Hate