Because Of The Times is the third album from the super cool Tennessee family band, Kings Of Leon. The album kicks it off with the 8 minute jam "Knocked Up" which is about, you guessed it, getting knocked up. The odd pick of a single, "On Call," is one of the album's standout numbers. Times stands out from the rest of their output; it's their make-it-or-break-it moment, their Adam & Eve. Sadly, though, I think it lacks some of the fire that came through with their earlier albums, especially 2004's stellar Aha Shake Heartbreak. What I find sadder though is that bands like My Morning Jacket and Drive-By Truckers get such great recognition here in the states, when a band like the Kings has to go over to the UK to get that high command. Oh well, at least they rule some kingdom somewhere. Head over to MySpace and stream all of Times and formulate your own opinion. I think the album could benefit from another "Four Kicks" or "Holy Roller Novocaine." They'll be touring the states beginning at the end of the month, so do go check them out. I know I will.Stream: Because Of The Times [MySpace] /// [Buy Here]
We also get treated to the fourth album this week from the pop monsters known as Fountains Of Wayne. After the huge success of 2004's Welcome Interstate Managers, the New Jersey quartet return with another batch of super catchy tunes, chock full of great melodies and lyrics. You know what I learned recently? Guitarist Adam Schlesinger wrote songs featured in the movie Music & Lyrics. He was also responsible for the great songs in a personal favorite, the Tom Hanks vehicle That Thing You Do! On this album, though, they return with some new memorable songs. I currently enjoy the album's closing number, "Seatbacks And Traytables," or the cleverly titled "Michael And Heather At The Baggage Claim." The band have a few shows lined up in the east coast, with the great Robbers On High Street supporting. Do catch them.Tour Dates:
04/22 - Paradise - Boston
04/24 - Webster Hall - New York
04/25 - Trocadero - Philadelphia
Download: "Michael And Heather At The Baggage Claim" [mp3] /// [Buy Here]
Finally, another record to pick up at your local Thrifty today is the fifth album from Scottish rockers (and office favorite) Idlewild. On Make Another World, their first album on Sanctuary since leaving Capitol, the band are back with an album that is both anthemic and concise. Songs like "A Ghost In The Arcade" sounds just like that: pulsing drums come colliding through guitars that are layered in effects that sound like Space Invaders. There's also the ever poppy and dancey "No Emotion," but for me, it's the opening moments of the record and the song "In Competition For The Worst Time." With an opening guitar crunch that comes across as equal parts Placebo and the Free All Angels era of Ash, it's definitely one of the more memorable songs of early 2007.Download: "No Emotion" [mp3] /// [Buy Here]
