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Dissenting Opinions’Albums of the Year

Joe Lynch, arts editor-elect 

Matt’s band is a big fish in a small Pond

Okay, first up: Matt Pond is a person. Matt Pond PA is a band. The singer-songwriter moved from New Hampshire to Pennsylvania in 1998, chose the moniker to reflect his new surroundings, and then formed a band to back him up.  

Band presents super 'Fun' Atmosphere

Atmosphere wastes no time establishing how energetic and polished You Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having is-from the moment the thick beat kicks in on the opening track, the duo of producer Ant and singer Slug press forward unrelentingly, unleashing a series of tracks that compose their most well-rounded and musically coherent album to date. 

UW fraternity takes up biking to football games for charity

This weekend will not be of typical fashion for one of UW-Madison's fraternities.  

It's not over 'til the actor tries to sing

Don't be scared. You did not have a rough weekend and sleep away three days like you may think. Today is Monday-Dan will be taking my place on Wednesday. We're going to discuss what happens when stars attempt \the crossover."" 

Beth hopes Kaisers and Bloc Party show Bravery

When a new band forms and makes waves, many critics and fans anticipate success for their debut album. The debut sets the stage for a band to define its style, genre, talent and direction. 

'The John Byrd EP' not the Death of indie rock

Regarding Death Cab for Cutie, there is a vile word lurking in the background of the indie community. While those willing to utter it publicly are fortunately few in number, many more wait in the wings for the right moment to casually let it slip from their lips over a cup of joe at a caf?? or some other hipster hangout. That word is \sellout,"" and there is no more damning word in the indie lexicon.  

Iron and Wine a good combination

Iron and Wine's previous album, Our Endless Numbered Days, sets the stage for Sam Beam to show his raw acoustic talent and his incredibly insightful songwriting skills. Each track embodies a genius at work creating a solid album with an outpouring of emotions. Iron and Wine continues showing their talent and success in Woman King. 

IF debut cd is good THEN enjoy or ELSE improve lyrics

There is a new movement afoot in indie rock, appearing in bands as diverse as the Notwist, the Postal Service, M83 and Madison's own if.then.else. Let's call it... iRock.  

Club-worthy 'Soundsystem' lacks cohesion

The delayed debut of LCD Soundsystem, a.k.a. James Murphy, may have been a blessing in disguise. Murphy sat back and watched the next big thing, dance-punk, quickly rise and fall; many of the leading bands of the movement either moved in a different direction, like The Liars, or failed to release a consistent album after successful EPs, like !!!. The dream of dancing to rock music faded and indie kids returned from the dance floor and resumed crossing their arms. The cynicism that has recently surrounded this dubious genre did not affect Murphy one bit.  

With just a little bit of aloe, Daedalus Burn will improve

Daedalus Burn  

New year brings highly anticipated albums

As the 2004 musical year comes to a close, it is important to get ready for some of 2005's most anticipated albums. It is difficult to gauge exactly which direction bands will take and where the entire music scene will be a year from now, but many bands are due for albums. 

The Decemberists to play Madison (in September)

The Decemberists are a strange band-even more so than other bands named after obscure historical references. Working in a bookstore, Decemberists' singer and songwriter Colin Meloy came across a collection of Gaelic folklore. He'd make it into an album, an emotive, moody and uncharacteristically hard rock EP The Tain. One 18-minute opus, The Tain. But he'd make that album of eighth-century fable as a follow up to the album that cemented his band's fame, 2002's Her Majesty. Only after everyone was watching would they do something truly odd.  

Seachange, Bright Eyes worth a listen

Seachange 

The Killers next victim: the United States

Future synth-pop icons The Killers have had a good year.  

Cursive pleas for peace, practice less

Most commonly identified as a part of the Saddle Creek Records' emo-pop scene, Cursive has set itself apart with raw vocals, stinging lyrics and brash guitar. Started in 1995, Cursive has gone through several lineups and creative tangents, most recently resulting in its 2003 release,  

TV on the Radio a must-see, hear

Guitarist/vocalist Kyp Malone of the hot new band TV on the Radio doesn't seem frazzled, even with a recently released critically acclaimed album and an upcoming tour. His voice remains so mellow it is almost inaudible. Perhaps he wants to save his falsettos for the relentless upcoming tour schedule, which spans the U.S. and Europe.  

Clapton bad, Sigur Ros good, Blonde Redhead even better

Blonde Redhead 

Iron and Wine drunk on heavy somber rock

Franz Ferdinand album eponymous fun