I’ve been putting off this review for a while. A Cuckoo’s Destination Unknown basically turned up on the doorstep about a week ago with a request to review, but while I like music and writing and writing about music more than most, when the Ricky-in-chief asks you to write a review of something specific suddenly it all seems kinda like, well, work. Not that I’m currently overrun with what most people would call work, but that’s another story.

The real problem with writing this review, though, is that after listening to A Cuckoo’s debut album, I’m really not sure what A Cuckoo is, exactly, and I’m even less clear on what he’s trying to do with Destination Unknown.

And it’s not like I’m a neophyte to music that’s different. I’m not completely unaccustomed to being perplexed by exactly what I’m listening to. I mean, I liked Portishead’s last album, I’ve listened to a lot of mid-60s John Coltrane, I’ve been around the block a few times. But I don’t completely get this.

» Read the rest of the entry..

Kidda, a London based DJ/computer animator, who also seems do be that kidda in your class who suffered from ADD and although you taunted him, you always felt bad about it. His recent full length album Going Up with it’s Northern Soul, Funk and hip hop influences feels like it’s just a collection of random samples and loops created in his bedroom, overtop beats taken from label mates Fatboy Slim and Lo Fidelity Allstars, but you still have to give him an encouraging pat on the back for actually completing the thing.

There are a few tracks like the psychedelic-romp-through-floral-pastures ‘Under The Sun’ and the cute and simple ‘Smile’ that are sure to be popular up until say September, but I can’t see myself giving this album a second spin.

2.5/5

 

 Kidda - Under The Sun: Play Now

I think someone forgot to tell Craig Nicholls no one gives a shit about The Vines anymore.

0/5

P.S. - Grunge is dead. Get over it.

 

 The Vines - He's a Rocker: Play Now

There seems to be a folk renaissance happening these days. With bands like My Morning Jacket and She & Him strumming their way into our hearts and minds this year, they’ve opened the door for more harmonious and hymn heavy groups like Fleet Foxes to waft into our ears like a warm Southern breeze.

Despite having songs that are reminiscent of the Sacred Harp singing tradition that once flourished in churches of the southern states, you many be surprised to read that Fleet Foxes hail from the dreary northwest. When asked about why a bunch of Seattle city boys decided to take a less likely musical route, vocalist/songwriter Robin Pecknold said this:

“We were all living in fairly bad environments during the recording of these things and that may have found its way into the songs, a feeling of wanting to be somewhere else.”

I think this also applies to the listeners, each song on this LP takes you on your own fantastical journey. For me, I imagine being a pioneer of old, humming church hymns while taking a trip by covered wagon across the southern plains, rivers, and mountains. I eventually die of dysentery after eating all my provisions while hunting bear in the Smokey Mountains..oh wait, that’s The Oregon Trail.

4.5/5 - Bonus half point for using an album cover as good as Worlds Apart.

 

 Fleet Foxes - Ragged Wood: Play Now