Album of the Month: David Bazan

Artist: David Bazan
Album: Curse Your Branches
Year Released: 2009

Random history: David Bazan was formerly Pedro the Lion.  This is his debut full-length album under his name.

Sharon's Rating: 3/5

Sharon's Thoughts: Enjoyable for what it is.  Interesting exploration into country music stylings, but for the serious nature and the rhythm of his lyrics.  I like the sounds of his early career better.

Dusty's Rating: 4/5

Dusty's Thoughts: Considering the lack of quality of his past couple of projects (his "debut" EP Fewer Moving Parts, and his Headphones project), I wasn't expecting this to be very good.  Thankfully, this album proved me wrong.  The music on this album is denser with instrumentation than many of his Pedro the Lion albums, and, for the most part, it works really well.  His lyrics seem to settle on two topics: God and drinking.  It's not the first time he has explored these topics in tandem, and it definitely won't be his last.
This album marks a (slightly) new musical direction for David.  So far, it's working.

Favorite Songs: "Please, Baby, Please", "Curse Your Branches"

The next album we'll be reviewing will be The Ravonette's In and Out of Control.  Feel free to join us.

Album of the Month: Viva Voce - Rose City

Artist: Viva Voce
Album: Rose City
Year Released: 2009

Sharon's Rating: 4/5

Sharon's Thoughts: With a couple of songs for pretty much every mood - summery fun, rainy day broodiness - this seems to be a pretty versatile album. Vocals are soothing and fun at the same time - lovely blend of voices and harmony. Love the use of the piano, excellent percussion rhythms, and heart-wrenching guitar effects.

Sharon's Favorites: "Midnight Sun"

Dusty's Rating: 4/5

Dusty's Thoughts: Far and away my favorite album of theirs. I love the way their voices sound together, and the instrumentation is amazing. I absolutely love the piano on "Midnight Sun"; it just sounds so spacious and beautiful. While I'm not a huge fan of every song, the album (as a whole) has a great vibe.

Dusty's Favorites: "Devotion", "Midnight Sun"

Our next album will be David Bazan's Curse Your Branches. Feel free to join us.

Album of the Month - This is Ivy League

Artist: This is Ivy League
Album: This is Ivy League
Released: 2008

Background: comprised of two touring members of Cobra Starship.

Sharon's Rating: 3/5

Sharon's Thoughts: Fun & upbeat. I enjoy the vocals, especially the harmonies. A little Simon & Garfunkel-esque. I also like the mix of the rhythm acoustic guitar with electric solos now and then. They have a nice balance. This is the perfect album for a sunny afternoon on the patio.

Favorite Song: "The Richest Kids in Town"

Dusty's Rating: 4/5

Dusty's Thoughts: Nice summery pop music, with some bossa nova thrown in for good measure. Great harmonies. Nothing groundbreaking, but it's a fun album, especially on a nice day.

Favorite Song: "Don't Waste Your Love on Me"

If you've heard this album, feel free to join in.

Next month, we'll be reviewing Viva Voce's new album, Rose City.