Fleet Foxes: Impressive debut

I've had this album for less than two days, and it's already grown on me. My first listen (in which I didn't give it my full attention) led me to believe this band was just ripping off mellow My Morning Jacket songs (from their "It Still Moves" album). But some closer listens proved to show there's a lot more.

Yes, these guys do sound like MMJ and Band of Horses in terms of vocals. But instead of one lead singer, a lot of the vocals are harmonized by the other members of the band. And there are many instances where the guitars, keys and drums fade out, and it's only vocal harmonizations.

The music has an almost mystical feel to it. Listening to this album is like walking through the woods from a fairy tale. If you are a fan of Band of Horses and MMJ, Fleet Foxes is worth a shot. Each listen leads you down a new twist and turn in this musical forest.

Let me know what you think of the album. If you disagree with my thoughts (Mickey), tell me why.

2008 Lollapalooza preview

Lollapalooza finally announced its 2008 lineup today. Now comes the fun part: Deciding which bands you go see, and which you have to take a pass on.

The organization of the schedule is a bit different from the past couple years. The past two years featured a big, huge headliner closing out the festival on Sunday night. Last year, Pearl Jam put on an impressive performance in front of an enormous crowd as the final act. The Red Hot Chili Peppers, in 2006, stuck with mostly new material in a lackluster Sunday performance. Both acts were the only band playing at the time, making them true headliners of the Chicago festival.

But this year, things have changed in that regard. The big show headliner comes on Friday night (Aug. 1), when Radiohead goes on at 8:00 p.m. In past years, Friday night would feature dueling headliners. Lolla promoters would have been nuts to put anyone up against Radiohead -- probably one of the biggest bands in the world right now. I cannot wait for their performance -- it'll be worth price of admission alone.

Saturday night (Aug. 2) features an interesting match-up between headliners: Wilco vs. Rage Against the Machine. I've seen both of these bands, so I'm not sure who to go see. I'll probably end up splitting between the two.

Sunday night (Aug. 3) has two headliners starting after 8:00 p.m. I think Nine Inch Nails is the much more appealing option. I look forward to seeing them live. I'd probably never buy a ticket to one of their shows, but Lolla provides the perfect opportunity to check them out.

Upon first glance, I'm surprised to find very few conflicts between bands I want to see. Friday has a nice flow with Yeasayer, the Kills, and the Black Keys playing in succession. Then I must decide whether I want to go see Stephen Malkmus or find a spot at Radiohead.

Other than that, a debate I'll have is between Broken Social Scene and Battles on Saturday. I think Battles will prove victorious.

So what's everyone else looking forward to, and what are some of your conflicts?

--OD

Wilco back to The Loft

Wilco continues to tour behind "Sky Blue Sky," its seventh studio album. The set, which follows 2004's "A Ghost is Born," was recorded and self-produced by the band in its own Chicago studio, with TJ Doherty (Sonic Youth, The Hold Steady) handling recording chores and Jim Scott (The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dixie Chicks) doing the mixing.

The album arrived on The Billboard 200 album chart in the No. 4 spot, marking the band's highest debut ever, and selling 87,000 copies in the US during its first week.

The set helped Wilco nab its fourth Grammy nomination in December, receiving a nod in the Best Rock Album category (it lost out to Foo Fighters' "Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace"). The band, which has now received four Grammy nominations overall, scored two trophies with 2004's "A Ghost is Born," which took home wins for Alternative Rock Album and Best Recording Package.

According to a recent interview with Wilco guitarist Nels Cline published in Madison, WI's Capital Times newspaper, the group plans to enter a recording studio to begin work on material a new studio album, but Cline didn't know if any of the new material would be unveiled during the band's summer road trip.

"It's not up to me," Cline told the interviewer.

Current Albums We can't Stop Listening to...

HAAS
1. Hot Chip - Made in The Dark
2. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
3. Radiohead - In Rainbows (Second Disc as well)
4. The Kills - Midnight Boom
5. Okkervil River - The Stage Names


Mickey
1. Elbow - Seldom Seen Kid
2. Elbow - Asleep in the Back (the real first album, don't tell John)
3. Heavenly States - Delayer
4. Atmosphere - When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That ShitGold
5. Black Mountain - In the Future (can't say I get it yet but I'm trying real hard)


OD
1. The National, "Boxer"
2. The National, "Alligator" (not as good as Boxer, but still pretty good)
3. MGMT, "Oracular Spectacular"
4. Blind Melon's first album
5. Spoon, "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga"


OC
1) Elbow - Cast of Thousands - Yes the first album - I love it
2) Black Keys - ATTACK AND RELEASE
3) Radiohead - In Rainbows
4) Spoon - Ga Ga Ga....
5) Band of Horses - Cease to begin