A Few Problems…

A couple of days ago I received a notification by Blogger about some obviously illegal content posted here which I had to take down. Although I knew it was inevitable it kind of bummed me out.

But the worst thing that’s happened to me lately is that my right ear seems to be “plugged” and I’m not certain of the cause. For what I understand after reading about it, I may have either plugged or inflamed the Eustachian tube, which causes to distort the equalization of the sound. It apparently goes away depending on various causes, so I’m going to the doctor on Monday to get it checked out.

I can however, still listen to music, but on my right ear it sounds as if I mostly hear between the frequencies of 400-2000 Hz. It is very annoying to me as an avid music listener, so until my ear “pops” I’m afraid there won’t be any reviews.

Hopefully I’ll get better so I can keep up suggesting and posting music. See you all later…

“Takk…” by Sigur Rós (2005)

Sigur Rós’ breakthrough fourth studio album not only manages to please more like its predecessor records, but it also shines upon the band a subtle outburst of popularity. Juggling between Icelandic lyrics and “Vonlenska”, Takk… stands out as one of present day’s most accessible representations of the Post-Rock genre.

On this installment, it seems as if the band tears down the boundaries of perception employed by abstraction, and instead flourishes an intense yet delicate sound concentrated by divinely beautiful melodies and arrangements. Utilizing the combination of a surreal and chilly atmosphere, tear inducing strings and they’re trademark falsetto vocals, Takk… emerges victorious from the difficult task of transmitting the emotion brought by minimalism but in a blood pumping rock oriented context.

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Preview Glósóli

“( )” by Sigur Rós (2002)

Icelandic Post-Rock band Sigur Rós’ anticipated third studio album was released in 2002 and consolidated the band internationally. ( ), which is often referred to as “parentheses” or “the untitled album” features 8 untitled tracks sung in “Vonlenska”, [a term used by the band] which consists of meaningless syllables in a fashion similar to that of scat singing.

( ) turns out to be the least album to feature the ice cold ethereal sound, and quite contrary, infuses the songs with an ironically refreshing heat induced barrage of uncontrollable emotions. The album marks its own line, dividing optimistic songs at the beginning with melancholic songs at the end, which proves to be a great formula as it appears to progressively escalate until the record’s final minutes of pure and epic bursts of masterful sound bombarded fireworks.

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Preview Untitled #4

“Ágætis byrjun” by Sigur Rós (1999)

Slowly spreading by word of mouth, Icelandic band Sigur Rós’ second album became a hit and is probably well known for introducing to the world the basis for they’re [later more widely known] ethereal sound.

Whereas Von displayed an aural ambient sound influenced primarily by Nordic landscapes, Ágætis byrjun creates a fusion between Dream Pop and the serene and forgiving quality of Iceland’s nature. By utilizing interesting brass and strings (specifically the electric guitar played with a cello bow) the album finally consolidates the band’s sound which feels almost like soaring through Iceland’s skies sitting in a cloud while the cold wind slowly moves an iceberg towards a silent crash ashore.

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Preview Svefn-g-englar

“Mil Siluetas” by La Unión (1984)

After impressing two members of Mecano, Spanish Pop-Rock band La Unión finally got signed to a record label and released they’re debut album in 1984.

Although rarely heard outside of the Rock en Español scene, the band has managed to be remembered primarily by a few of they’re singles (especially the ones contained in Mil Siluetas), which generally speaking, boast an overwhelming mixture of musical styles, ranging from New Wave, Electro Rock, Piano Rock and Jazz. To be perfectly honest, the record seems a bit under developed in terms of composition and engineering, but what is undeniable are the tracks catchiness and emotive melodies, which propelled La Union as one of Latin Rock’s most recognizable exponents in the eighties.

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Preview Lobo-Hombre en Paris

“Closer” by Joy Division (1980)

 

After the success of Unknown Pleasures, Manchester band Joy Division recorded they’re consummate second album titled Closer. However, lead singer Ian Curtis’ health was failing due to his epilepsy and personal problems; so on 18 May 1980, he hanged himself in the kitchen of his house.

Where Unknown Pleasures established the band as the defining sound of Post-Punk, Closer goes a step ahead and creates a powerful masterpiece that would stylistically serve as inspiration for generations to come. The album was once again produced by Martin Hannett, spawning along with the band a pioneering dark melodic vision with quirky synthesized sounds that would later embody the music of the New Order. Closer is more than just a record, it’s an accurate depiction of Ian Curtis’ morbid mental state; Requiescat in pace Ian Curtis.

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Preview A Means To An End