THE NATIONAL LIGHTS the dead will walk, dear

this album has really gotten into my brain over the last week or so. at first listen, it may just sound like another pretty (indie?) folk album. but the melodies and harmonies are so haunting that you'll revisit it again and again, each time becoming more engrossed by the various musical layers, the lyrics about death and rape (seriously! and set against such beautiful tunes..), and, again, those lucious male/female harmonies employed on nearly every track. this is a true gem of an album, and one that if enough people heard, i think would be considered a classic album of the genre (sorta like that bon iver album caught on last year). actually, i highly recommend this if you like bon iver or the mountain goats. 2007.

OLD 97'S too far to care

the best album from my latest obsession. the old 97's are an alt-country/rock band with an amazing sense of melody and featuring the genius lyrics of rhett miller.

"This is my favorite Old 97's album, and it ranks with the very best of the so-called alt-country genre. In fact, I'm not so sure that this album qualifies as alt-country, since the "country" dimension has been so thoroughly supplanted by surf-punk guitars, rolling drums, and lyrics about urban life. This album is everything rock and roll ought to be--it's fun and loud, and it rewards multiple listens. There's not a single dud on this album, but my favorites are "Timebomb," "Barrier Reef," "Just Like California," and the scorching collaboration with Exene Cervenka, "4 Leaf Clover.""

it is one of my all-time favorite albums. highly, highly recommended. 1997.