A Thousand Suns by Linkin Park

A Thousand Suns (Linkin Park)

Sometimes it's best for a band to stick to the 'Winning Formula'


Album Rating: ** (2/5)

It’s quite safe to say that Linkin Park is one of the most recognized bands of this decade and all of their albums have been a commercial success. Similar to this trend, their new record “A Thousand Suns” (name derived from Sanskrit Text ‘Bhagavad Gita’) is on its way to top the Billboard Charts as I write. It’s quite clear after listening to this album once, that Linkin Park were trying to create an epic record (similar to Kid A or Achtung Baby) by exploring dimensions that they are not particular known for . Well, sometimes that is not the best option.

First things first, ‘A Thousand Suns’ is an ALBUM, so it is meant to be heard like one.  It has been designed to listen at one go rather than playing random tracks from the record. Being a concept album (based on warfare), it contains tons of intro and all songs start from where the last one left off.  So before you start hating or loving it, make sure you have given it a continuous listen. Having said that, this album exposes the band’s weakness to a large extent and the fragile moments simply becomes unbearable. 

If you expect this record to open with a catchy riff or bombastic of several instruments that Linkin Park expertise in, be ready to be disappointed. Few minutes into this album and you realize that this is ‘not-just-another’ Linkin Park album. “God Save Us Everyone, We will burn inside the fires of a thousand suns” forms what is called ‘The Requiem’, the opening track of this record. ‘The Radiance’ samples Oppenheimer's famous "Destroyer of Worlds" speech (again, from Gita) over industrial sounds and a rapid heartbeat. Talk about epic opening, eh?  

So, in just about three minutes two tracks end acting as preludes to “Burning in the Skies” whose beginning is heavily inspired (if not stolen) from their very own song “Shadow of the Day” and the ending sounds like, umm… well, just another Linkin Park song.  What features next is Mike Shinoda totally at his game in “When They Come For Me” but it also has weak (but addictive) programming drums.  “I will not dance even if the beat's funky” declares Shinoda, well neither shall we. “Try to catch up motherf#$%@r”.

“Robot Boy” and “Waiting for the End” (ft. awful Shinoda rapping at the end) are rock ballads (not an area that Linkin Park expertise in) which turns out to be perhaps the weakest point of the album, as if It could get any weaker.  Missing Chester screaming, are we? You’ve got “Blackout” at which he screams his lungs and minds out but no avail at creating any impression. “Wretches and Kings”, featuring Mario Savio's famous "Bodies upon the Gears" speech,  tries to act as a savior for the album restoring some conventional Linkin Park sound.  “Iridescent” is again… Guess what? A rock ballad with few explosion of instruments at the end.  “The Catalyst” around which the whole record seems to be built is six minute anthem of aggression, finally something that they are good at. All said and done, the album ends with “The Messenger” which can be compared with ‘dog wailing’ at some stages but at the same time has few (read very few) moments of decent vocals from Chester .  

BTW, if you keep count, there are 9 proper songs and 6 preludes or incomplete songs which somewhat maintains continuity but provides no respite to the listener whatsoever.  In theory, it’s always nice to see a band not recycling their old content but when your talent lies in churning clichés, it’s best to go with what you know rather going after something that you are totally incapable of doing. Wise people should know their limitations.


Key Songs: When They Come For Me, The Catalyst, Wretches and Kings.


Track Listing:


1. The Requiem (2:01)
2. The Radiance (0:57)
3. Burning in The Skies (4:13)
4. Empty Spaces (0:18)
5. When They Come For Me (4:53)
6. Robot Boy (4:29)
7. Jornada del Muerto (1:34)
8. Waiting for the End (3:51)
9. Blackout (4:39)
10. Wretches and Kings (4:10)
11. Wisdom, Justice, and Love (1:38)
12. Iridescent (4:56)
13. Fallout (1:23)
14. The Catalyst (5:42)
15. The Messenger (3:01)

Flamingo by Brandon Flowers

Flamingo (Brandon Flowers)

The Killers front man first solo record… Or is it??

Album Rating: **^1/2 (2.5/5) 

The Killers have gone on a hiatus and Brandon Flowers sighted this as a reason to release a solo album. He had many ideas in his head and could not wait for other band members to complete their break. All this is fine but what seems hard to digest is the fact that when a lead singer from a band goes for a solo project he tries to explore a side that is new to him, an experiment of sorts. But what Flowers has done is basically recycle ‘The Killers’ music labeling it as a solo record.  (The Killers drummer has provided his services for two, if not more songs in this album).

Flowers love for Las Vegas (a place he grew up in) was quite evident in previous records but here he opens the album with an anthem sorts song “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” which pretty much tells us that he will be filling up the arenas soon with this song probably as a concert opener as well. Next song “Only The Young” is pretty much a sure-shot single and would probably be played in radio stations all across and showcases some solo characteristics. The lead single from the album “Crossfire” is nicely constructed and will certainly encourage the fans to go out and buy the record.  

“Jilted Lovers And Broken Dreams” sounds like just another ‘Killers’ song and is probably a skipped song from “Day & Age” or “The Sam’s Town” sessions.  “Hard Enough” and “Was It Something I Said” is easily forgettable and leaves no impression on listener whatsoever.  “Magdalena” showcases some ‘Mexican’ influence, but for no good. It just increases the album duration and provides us with further misery.

The album does have some highs and it comes just before the end with a soulful “On The Floor” in which Brandon Flowers vividly paints the picture of despair and surrender. This song probably holds the best vocals and song composing done by him (in this album) and depicts some of his talent as a skilled musician.  The album ends with “Swallow It” which has lyrics appropriate for Flowers himself “You couldn’t swallow it, you are not ready slow down, take your time to evolve”.  

With “Flamingo”, Flowers tries his level best to establish a ‘Bruce Springsteen’ type rhythm and music based album but barring few songs it hardly does anything for the listeners. The loyal Killers fan would be happy with what the album has turned out be but it won’t create any ‘Brandon Flowers’ fans.


Key Songs: On The Floor, Crossfire,  Only The Young. 

Track Listing: 
 
1. "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" (4:48)
2. "Only the Young" (4:19)
3. "Hard Enough" (featuring Jenny Lewis) (4:05)
4. "Jilted Lovers & Broken Hearts" (4:40)
5. "Playing with Fire" (5:48)
6. "Was It Something I Said?" (3:19)
7. "Magdalena" (3:19)
8. "Crossfire" (4:18)
9. "On the Floor" (3:23)
10. "Swallow It" (2:57)


(The Deluxe Edition features four other songs but it's hardly worth mentioning)

The Suburbs by Arcade Fire

The Suburbs (Arcade Fire)

A record that truly defines musical geniuses ‘Arcade fire'.

Album Rating: **** ½   (4.5 /5)

           
                 (Bring the cursor to this picture to watch several artworks for the album)

A Band releasing their first album called “Funeral”, talk about being serious. The debut album by Arcade Fire was perhaps the best debut album in past 20-25 years and it still continues to be the very best that they have released. Yet, the new record (their third after “Neon Bible”) is best defined example of “Art Rock” and is certainly the best album to come out this year.

“The Suburbs” open with rather uncharacteristic, simple ‘indie-rock’ song called umm.. well.. ‘The Suburbs’ but what follows immediately afterwards is nothing short of an Arcade Fire masterpiece “Ready To Start”. The song shows immense urgency in Win Butler’s (lead singer) voice with finely crafted guitar distortions and drums.  Just after a few listens to this record ‘Ready To Start’ will surely become a permanent selection in your playlist. “Modern Man” gives us a sense of Butler song writing capabilities as he describes the situation and plight of a typical guy-next-door. This album perfectly succeeds in bringing nostalgia in every listeners mind with songs like “Half Light I” and “Deep Blue”.

Another mere perfect song in this album is “Suburban War” which starts with a catchy riff and continues on until it reaches the extreme level much to the delight of the listener, the last one and half minute of this song is the best moment of this record. DON’T MISS IT.  (“Music divides us into tribes, Choose your side I’ll choose my side” declares Win Butler). “We Used To Wait” continues with the general flow of the album which begins to end with Butler’s wife singing ABBA-type (but with better lyrics) “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)” before finally ending the album with the beginning lines itself “Sometimes I can’t believe I am moving past the feeling again”.  

So, Why is the record not perfect?? Well, Two songs prevent it from being so… “Empty Room” and “Month of May” break the majestic flow and increases the entire length of the album to more than an hour. But this is not a ‘major’ drawback in any way whatsoever.

“The Suburbs” is nothing short of an indie-rock classic and shouldn’t be missed for the world. If not understood once, be patient give it few more tries and you would understand what “Arcade Fire” have created is surely a masterpiece. 

Key Songs:  Ready To Start, Suburban War, City With No Children.

Track Listing:

				Title	Composer	Time
		1		The Suburbs	Arcade Fire	5:15
		2		Ready to Start	Arcade Fire	4:15
		3		Modern Man	Arcade Fire	4:39
		4		Rococo	Arcade Fire	3:56
		5		Empty Room	Arcade Fire	2:51
		6		City with No Children	Arcade Fire	3:11
		7		Half Light I	Arcade Fire	4:13
		8		Half Light II (No Celebration)	Arcade Fire	4:27
		9		Suburban War	Arcade Fire	4:45
		10		Month of May	Arcade Fire	3:50
		11		Wasted Hours	Arcade Fire	3:20
		12		Deep Blue	Arcade Fire	4:28
		13		We Used to Wait	Arcade Fire	5:01
		14		Sprawl I (Flatland)	Arcade Fire	2:54
		15		Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)	Arcade Fire	5:25
		16		The Suburbs	Arcade Fire	1:27

 

Kings of Leon’s new music video for the single “Radioactive”- What Were They Thinking!!

   

Jared Followill hugging children like Michael Jackson. Enough Said.

 

The promo video for the new single “Radioactive” by Kings of Leon was released recently and boy was it funny!!! I am pretty sure the director never intended it to be as such. It showcases the band members going back to their roots. The ‘roots’, seriously?? It all looks so superficial with every band member (sans Caleb) looking totally uncomfortable with black kids around them. “It is the water”, sings Caleb… So Give these band members their water (booze) and watch them go (plz don’t make them act in such a plot). The good news is that Caleb occupies most of the screen space, the bad news is that other band members soon follow and it looks like they have been forced by the director to act ‘nice’. All Followills are playing football, riding bicycles,(even flying kites.. oh Christ), having hot-dogs etc. basically having a good time… You would think…  I am pretty sure that everyone after completing his shot would rush to the van and see others suffering…

The song itself is quite good with a little ‘gospel’ influence evident and Caleb carries it quite well but the promo video disappoints. “Come Around Sundown” (their next album) is going to be released exactly a month from now (huge expectation from that album after ‘Only By The Night’, ‘Because of The Times’ and ‘Aha Shake Heartbreak’) but If such promos continue to appear, God Save The Kings of Leon and God Save Us.     

 

Humbug by Arctic Monkeys

Two Great Debuts... Two Highly Critically & Commercially Successful Albums Each…  Two Awesome Bands of this decade and what do they do next??  Release Another Fantastic Album, of course.

The bands being talked about in this blog are “Arctic Monkeys” and “Arcade Fire”. For Today Arctic Monkey’s “Humbug” would be taken in review and “The Suburbs” of Arcade Fire would be reviewed soon.

Humbug (Arctic Monkeys)

Arctic Monkeys finally become heroes after attaining stardom... 

Album Rating:  **** (4/5)

Alex Turner (vocalist) was declared by NME as the “Coolest Man On Planet” in 2005 and often when people get these kind of tags along with them, they disappoint.  Mr. Turner had different plans. After the success of “Favourite Worst Nightmare”, Arctic Monkeys returned to studio and started recording what was to become their best album till date. 

Let’s first state some facts.  “Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not” is the fastest selling debut album in UK till date. All this was a result of internet hype created by fans and they certainly lived up to the expectations. It’s safe to say that Arctic Monkeys got carried away with initial success and released several ep’s just to cash into their new found glory. But what came after was another punk classic in form of “Favourite Worst Nightmare”.  Enough, Bah Humbug.

Their next release (although it’s been more than a year now) is their best offering which showcases their maturity and inclination towards mainstream alternative rock. Man, Have they grown up or what?? Alex Turner as a composer shows immense potential and Jamie Cook (guitarist) has hooked every song in this album with catchy and wicked leads.  Despite such impeccable guitar playing, I think that Alex might well be one of the best rock vocalist in Britain right now, if not the world. It’s not only Turner but Matt (the drummer) is continuing his great work from previous albums as well.     

The opening track “My Propeller”, followed by “Crying Lighting” is a superb start to an excellent record.  In “Dangerous Animal”, Alex literally goes back to previous album concept, spelling out ‘A-N-I-M-A-L’ and ‘D-A-N-G-E-R-O-U-S’. What comes afterward is perhaps the best moment of the record with Alex announcing ‘Fools on Parade’ in “Secret Door”,  a song that clearly indicates the lean towards mainstream alt. rock and for the good ‘cos Matt along with Cook turn the song into a ‘must-hear track’.  Another notable moment of this record is “Cornerstone” which features Alex’s vocal at it’s all time best.

Yes, The Distortion is ‘relatively’ (notice I use the word “relatively”) low as compared to previous records but it’s still a treat to watch this band evolve and grow.  They have already proved themselves better than Oasis in many people’s eyes (read ‘mine’) and they just have one task in hand right now, Conquer US Market and Dethrone Green Day (that day might not be far).            

Key Songs:  Secret Door, Crying Lightning, My Propeller, Cornerstone.

Track Listing:

				Title	Composer	Time
		1		My Propeller	Arctic Monkeys, Turner	3:27
		2		Crying Lightning	Arctic Monkeys, Turner	3:43
		3		Dangerous Animals	Arctic Monkeys, Turner	3:30
		4		Secret Door	Arctic Monkeys, Turner	3:43
		5		Potion Approaching	Arctic Monkeys, Turner	3:32
		6		Fire and the Thud	Arctic Monkeys, Turner	3:57
		7		Cornerstone	Arctic Monkeys, Turner	3:17
		8		Dance Little Liar	Arctic Monkeys, Turner	4:43
		9		Pretty Visitors	Arctic Monkeys, Turner	3:40
		10		The Jeweller's Hands	Arctic Monkeys, Turner	5:42