Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs

- Released: May 2008
- Format: standard album (CD or download)

- Songwriting: 7
- Performance: 8
- Recording: 7
- First Impression: 5
- Staying Power: 7

"Narrow Stairs" tries to be more progressive and open minded than previous releases, and succeeds apart from a couple of missteps.  Fans who expect something that builds upon previous releases such as "Plans" or "Transatlanticism" will be disappointed.  Admittedly this is not an easily accessible album, and in fact there is not much in the way of radio-friendly pop at all.  However, repeated listening will reveal some very clever arrangements and subtle details.

Suggested sample track: "Bixby Canyon Bridge"

Recommendation: if you can't think outside of the box of verse-verse-chorus-verse, then stay away from "Narrow Stairs".  If you want something a little different, then try listening (and re-listening) to a few tracks.

Sony MDR-V300 Headphones

Here we go with another review of headphones.

- Average price (CAD, not including tax): $60
- Performance: 7
- Value: 8

Pros:
- good noise blocking
- warm and laid-back sound quality hides recording flaws
- excellent handling at high volume (they'll even work as speakers in a pinch)
- reasonably lightweight
- fold-in drivers for portability (fits into coat pocket or handbag)
- thick, extra long cord is very tough and handy when audio source is far away 

Cons:
- warm and laid back sound quality makes even the best recordings sound dull
- flimsy headband is too easy to break
- thick, extra long cord is cumbersome
- extended wearing can be tiresome
- no longer manufactured (but there's plenty of refurbs and old stock if you search online retailers)

Despite their flaws, the MDR-V300 headphones are a great companion for daily commuters.  Even though they don't completely surround one's ears, the headband is tight enough and the pads soft enough that they offer good isolation.  The sound quality is obviously made to overcome background noise as well as hiding the flaws of audio compression and the loudness war.  That said, in quiet environments the flaws really start to show, as the sound becomes boomy and dull.  Furthermore the vise grip of the headband becomes uncomfortable with extended listening (several hours). 

Recommendation: if you listen to music while commuting, can't stand earbuds or huge cans, and take good care of your gear, then you'll love the MDR-V300 headphones.  If you're serious about high fidelity then you'll hate them from the start.

Vampire Weekend - eponymous and "Contra"

It's been a week since my last post, so I'll try to make up for it by reviewing two albums from the same band.

Vampire Weekend - eponymous

- Released: January 2008
- Format: standard album (CD or download)

- Songwriting: 8
- Performance: 8
- Recording: 6
- First Impression: 8
- Staying Power: 8

A pop album should be catchy, intelligent, well executed and free of filler.  Vampire Weekend's eponymous debut album meets or exceeds all those requirements.  The blend of African pop with western classical is certainly unique; in fact I am hard pressed to think of a comparable band.  The closest would be Paul Simon circa "Graceland", or maybe Ra Ra Riot (kind of obscure), or maybe Arcade Fire (OK, that's a stretch!).  Anyway, I think this album rocks.  It is a permanent fixture on my portable player.  I would definitely nominate it as a contender for best album of the 00's.

Suggested sample track: "M79"

Recommendation: if you like world music-influenced pop, then you can't go wrong by buying this.


Vampire Weekend - "Contra"

- Released: January 2010
- Format: standard album (CD or download) 

- Songwriting: 7
- Performance: 5
- Recording: 3
- First Impression: 5
- Staying Power: 4

A pop album should be catchy, intelligent, well executed and free of filler.  Vampire Weekend's sophomore album meets the first two requirements, but falls short on the last two.  The plucky guitars, hand drums and string quartets from the eponymous debut are replaced with distorted guitars, distorted drum loops and distorted synthesizers.  The recording is sadly another casualty of the loudness war.  There is very little differentiating this album from the likes of MGMT, Wolf Parade, Modest Mouse, or countless other indie rock bands.  In other words, it is unoriginal and tiring, to the point that I can not listen from start to finish in one sitting.

Suggested sample track: "Horchata" 

Recommendation: give it a shot on Grooveshark.  Don't bother buying it.  Save your money for a live show instead.

Dylan Hears a Who

- Released: March 2007
- Format: free download

- Songwriting: 6
- Performance: 8
- Recording: 3 (by today's standards) or 8 (by vintage standards)
- First Impression: 7
- Staying Power: 5

This is what happens when a professional music producer, who is a fan of of both Bob Dylan's works from the 1960's, as well as Dr. Seuss' classic literature, has too much time on his hands.  The attention to detail is incredible.  The Hammond organ-steeped instrumentation, the near perfect vocal imitation and the purposely low-fidelity recording are a brilliant homage to vintage Dylan.  The lyrics - pretty much direct readings of Seuss' original texts - lend themselves very well to the musical style.  However, once the comedic novelty wears off, what is left is somewhat boring.

Suggested sample track: "Green Eggs and Ham"

Recommendation: if like Dr. Seuss, Bob Dylan or both, then this is well worth a listen on Grooveshark.  High quality MP3s are also available via the usual suspects, in case you want a copy for your portable player.

The Payola$ - No Stranger To Danger

- Released: 1982
- Format: standard album (vinyl, cassette or questionable download)

- Songwriting: 7
- Performance: 7
- Recording: 4 (caveat - see below)
- First Impression: 7
- Staying Power: 5

Here's another great Canadian rock album that most people never knew existed, apart from the chart topping single "Eyes of a Stranger".  The songwriting, performance and production are good to very good throughout the album, and there are no filler tracks.  The 80's cheese factor however makes it a little less enjoyable after the first listening.

Caveat: the low rating for the recording is because the only complete version I could find was apparently ripped from a very worn out vinyl.

Suggested sample track: though you've almost certainly heard it before, "Eyes of a Stranger".

Recommendation: look for a used vinyl in good condition.  Crank it up on the turntable stereo that you (or your parents) bought at Consumers Distributing ages ago.