Iron and Wine
Our Endless Numbered Days
Sub Pop (2004)
Recently, I've made a pact with myself to never again purchase an album with an oxy-moronic title. This is due solely to the fact that usually the majority of emphasis can be placed on the word moronic. But, like any rule there exists a few exceptions, and surprisingly this album is one of them. Rather than sending my life into a state of bewilderment caused by baffling symbolism, the Iron and Wine cast offered me the comfort of clarity. Front man Sam Beam, who bears a frightening likeness to a certain Home Improvement character, gently whispers intimate secrets over all twelve of the beautiful composed tracks. At certain points during the album I questioned whether he should stick to indie-folk music, or take up a career reading prophesies in creepy apocalyptic B-movies. Maybe I'll drop him an email with the suggestion. The album opens up with "On Your Wings", an eerie tune that seems fitting to serve as a soundtrack for chain gang members to smash rocks to. When I first heard the song I was concerned that the rest of the album would follow its dark and melancholy lead, but as the album progressed its emotional state continually jumped … Read more
Fall Out Boy
Take This to Your Grave
Fueled By Ramen (2003)
Breathing new life into an otherwise stale genre is a difficult task to undertake, but on Fall Out Boy's first … Read more
Les Savy Fav
Inches
French Kiss (2004)
Dear Tim Harrington, I don't know if you remember, but when you played at the Great American Music Hall the … Read more
Snow Patrol
Final Straw
A&M (2004)
They are from Scotland. They have two other releases titled Songs for Polar Bears, and When it's All Over We … Read more
