The Willy's - Part I

So, this is my annual list of music. Formerly relegated to my profile on Facebook for the past 4 years, it now has a proper home. Much like Pitchfork, I plan on stretching this out over the Holidays. Day 1 of 10: The Negatives....

(PLEASE COMMENT ON YOUR MUSIC THAT MAY FALL INTO THESE CATEGORIES)

Biggest Disappointments

We Are Scientists – Brain Thrust Mastery

After coming on the scene a couple of years ago, W.A.S. seemed to be a feisty little trio. After losing their Bass Player last year, apparently the wheels came off...Don't get me wrong, "After Hours" and "Lethal Enforcer" are great pop songs. This album is watered down and weak. Like some drugged out 80's record, BTM does not even sound like the same group....

The Dandy Warhols – Earth to the Dandy Warhols










Where to start with these underachieving overachievers? A band that has always been able to write a great hook, the Dandys have decided to rebel and just write music that has NO hooks. How catchy....This album clocks in somewhere around the CD's maximum data ability: 80 mins. With a little self-editing or outside influence, there could have been winners here. "Welcome to the Third World" rocks with mid-70's Stones' swagger. The rest is one bad trip....really wish I hadn't seen them in concert either this year - PITIFUL !!!! I can play your songs live better than you can you no talent ass clowns! I can still love you for your previous achievements and look past your latter day sins.

Spinto Band – Moonwink










These power popping Delaware boys need to step out the studio for a breath of fresh air. After basing most of their last album on old songs by the lead singer's uncle (Spinto) found in an attic trunk, it looks like they ran out of influence. While "Summer Grof" is a classic Spinto song, the rest of the album sounds like B-Sides of their breakthrough. They used to sound like Stephen Malkmus' kids...no more.

Secret Machines – Secret Machines










Much like We Are Scientist, the loss of a founding member of this trio may have taken its toll. Benjamin Curtis, the guitarist, left to start School of Seven Bells. His presence is missed. At least they turned the drums up almost back to the level of their debut. The core is there, but the hooks are gone....

Wolf Parade – At Mount Zoomer










I will admit that I likely didn't give this the attention it deserved. It took me a LOT to get past the horrible title and one of the worst album covers I've ever seen. Like many others on this list, after stellar debuts that I loved there was nowhere to go but down...

Albert Hammond, Jr. – Como Te Llama?










Whew! Where did the hooks go? There is no rhyme or reason to these songs, Berto! You're my favorite member of The Strokes, but this album pales in comparison to your debut. I'm reminded of Ryan Adams releasing "Demolition" after the stellar "Gold". Demolition was made of songs/B-sides Adams recorded on the road. This sounds about par with that...

Jenny Lewis – Acid Tongue










Oh, Jenny! We love you so in our house. Rabbit Fur Coat is burned into my wife's brain. Your last Rilo Kiley effort was actually one of my favorites. This album is just like Como Te Llama and Demolition. Songs of the road that never fully developed. Bring back the Watson Twins! Even with all your guest stars (Elvis Costello, M. Ward, etc), the songs sound flat...Love "Acid Tongue" and "Next Messiah". "Carpetbagger" rocks my sox off until Costello chimes in....(sorry Elvis).

Tapes n Tapes - Walk It Off









Yet another sophomore slump. After loving the debut, this album has been spun only twice by me (which may be unfair). "Hang them All" rocked while the rest left me uninterested. Maybe I'll give it another spin in the new year, but I'll probably just listen to "Cowbell" off their debut.

Tomorrow - "Albums I Wish I Had Bought"