CDs I’ve Been Liking
Battlestar Galactica Soundtrack
This is from the new TV series, not the original one from 70s. First off, if you haven’t seen the show, this new series is nothing like the original. The only thing the new show shares with the original is the premise of humans escaping the Cylons, some of them look like humans now. The producers have approached this show as a drama with mature themes and modern production values. Its no different with the soundtrack. The music uses instruments from all over the world, so its not the typical orchestral type stuff. It can go from being sparse and ambient to dynamic and melodic.
System Of A Down, Mezmerize
This band is one of most creative head banging groups around. Imagine Oingo Boingo mashed up with Metallica. The songs are very deconstructed in much the same way as Radiohead songs. They are very angular and can take several turns from start to finish.
Nikka Costa, can’tneverdidnothin’
No, I didn’t mess up the album title, thats the way its printed on the CD. Anyway, this is a really funky album with some nice ballads mixed in. On some of tracks, Nikka even does her best Prince impression.
The Dresden Dolls, The Dresden Dolls
I can’t stop listening to this album. Its a totally new and original sound. They describe themselves as “cabaret punk” if that means anything to you. The band consists of a drummer and vocalist/pianist. Some of the songs remind me of slower songs on Pink Floyd’s The Wall like The Trial. Since its just vocals, piano and drums, the band has to make full use of the dynamic range of each instrument. Never thought that a piano/drum duo could rock so much singing songs that are kinda like piano bar tunes.
Nine Inch Nails, With Teeth
This is a much more stripped down NIN than compared with the last couple of albums, and this really works. The songs are much more immediate and live sounding without losing their edge. The inclusion of Dave Grohl on some of the song adds some much needed raw punch.
Garbage, Bleed Like Me
Another band thats sorta downsized their sound, but again its worked in their favor. This album really makes up for the last one and is much more like the first one.