The good, the bad, and the funny

These are a few bands that were in the rotation yesterday. I typically download a bunch of music at once, then gradually listen to it over time, then repeat, all the while keeping the music I enjoy and ditching the stuff that pretty much sucks. I get recommendations from all sorts of magazines, websites, and internet radio. Some good, some bad. Well these few bands were recommended, but the first couple don't merit much more listening.

Seachange - Lay of the Land - Released in April, this english hard-pop band has received some really good reviews, however, they are nothing extaordinary. They don't stand out. Grade: C

Straylight Run - EP - Early decade pop-punk whining, been there, done that, nothing new. Judge for yourself as apparently they are giving their ep away on their website meaning I didn't even have to steal it off of emule like I did. They are currently touring with Rooney which is cool. I couldn't find anyplace to buy this EP, which makes sense.
Grade: D+ (Unfortunately tourmates don't help the grade)

Lost Prophets - Start Something - This singer sounds like Mike Patton of Faith No More. Unfortunately, it's not. This is utter crap. More screaming than I care for in my music. This is why downloading music is a good thing. Trash this album. Grade: D-

Ok, now for some better stuff

Beta Band - Heroes to Zeros - Again, all their albums are excellent, and this just released album is not different. I wasn't so impressed when I saw them live, but their studio sound is great. They will be at the Austin City Limits Music Festival this year, so I am hoping for a good show. Their music touches on many aspects of the genre rainbow from country to heavy rock. Grade: B+

Her Space Holiday - Young Machines - Sort of spacey, sort synthy, sort of rocky at times. Low key. Very Eels-like with Conor Oberst like vocals. Probably in the same category as Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service. Enjoyable to listen to. Grade: B

Elefant - Sunlight Makes Me Paranoid - Maybe a combination of Interpol and The Strokes. Excellent stuff. Highly recommended. Yes, it has been out for over a year, but I didn't really get a listen to it until earlier this year. Grade: A

Downloads
Elefant mp3 and a few vids
Elefant - Live on KEXP (7/24/2003) - stream
Beta Band - Live on KEXP (11/2/2001) - stream
Her Space Holiday - Japanese Gum mp3
French Kicks - One More Time mp3
The Mountain Goats - Peel Session - 4 mp3s

Conspiracy?
For you conspiracy theorists out there: Nick Berg's Killing: 50 Fishy Circumstances, Contradictory Claims, and Videotape Anomalies Not sure of all this guy's sources, so I would discount some of it, but some of it is kind of weird.

Thinking of having kids?
Check this out (2mb). Thanks to Kovak for the vid.