by Nicholas Cicale (@nickcicale)
…Like Clockwork by Queens of the Stone Age (81/100)
“Refreshing” is the word that comes to mind. …Like Clockwork is definitely the purest rock album we’ve had in years. No gimmicks, no sell out songs, just loud guitar riffs, pounding drums, and the occasional piano.
Reflektor by Arcade Fire (77/100)
Reflektor is by no means a perfect Arcade Fire record, but people tend to hold the band to a much higher standard. I think Reflektor‘s problem isn’t the fact that they tried something new, but that it has more just-ok, don’t-really-give-it-a-second-thought songs (“Flashbulb Eyes”, “Here Comes the Night II”, “Joan of Arc,”) than any of their other works. But then there are songs like the title track, “Awful Sound” and “Porno” that are so intricately put together that it makes up for any other tracks that might be lacking a little something. I’m a much bigger fan of disc 2 over disc 1, but the album as a whole is quite indulging.
Modern Vampires of the City by Vampire Weekend (74/100)
To me, Vampire Weekend is a band everyone is embarrassed about liking. You don’t feel cool saying that you’re listening to them, but you know you want to listen. Modern Vampires of the City is by far the band’s best album. It’s extremely playful and upbeat; great for a summer day at the beach. Every song has it’s own personality. (more…)