Song of the Day: Gnarls Barkley - Who's Gonna Save My Soul

The self proclaimed "odd couple" were on top of the world a few years ago with their hit single Crazy. A couple of years after that the duo released their follow up record, The Odd Couple, which featured todays song, Who's Gonna Save My Soul. The huge hype surrounding Gnarl Barkely has quieted down over the past couple years, but its two members remain very much alive in the music scene. Danger Mouse has teamed up with The Shins frontman James Mercer to create the indie project, Broken Bells. And Cee-Lo Green is currently preparing to release a solo album. With the quieted hype there's been a lot less news from the band lately, yet I'm sure group is working on another great album.

Song of the Day: Walter Meego - Forever

Walter Meego claims that some of their influence and inspirations come from classic oldies, The Beatles, Nirvana, along with 90s pop music. Now when I listen to their album, I don't really hear much of anything that sounds like the previously listed artists/music. The indie band from Chicago have dance pop kind of feel, much like Chromeo, maybe The Limousines, and to a much lesser extent - LCD Soundsystem. While their album wasn't necessarily a hit, commercially or even critically, it did produce at least one of the more catchy song for last Summer in todays song, Forever.

Comic Book Review: Teen Titans #85

It's almost like Christmas came early this week. Not only do we get a new issue of Outsiders this week, but we also get the next chapter of Felicia D Henderson's awful Teen Titans arc. In case you've missed it, Teen Titans is hands down the worst book coming out of the DCU, but there is hope. Earlier this month, DC announced that starting in November, JT Krul and Nicola Scott will be ongoing Teen Titans team. Bad news is though, we still have to bear through three more issues of Henderson's awful book.

The book is still continuing the story line where the Titans are in the "World of the Wyld" looking for Raven. This arc has been unnecessarily long, showing us that Henderson is clearly a fan or torture. How long can these heroes roam through an unknown land and encounter unoriginal monsters? The answer is at least five boring issues.

As if the drawn out story wasn't bad enough, she continues the lame dialogue and same pointless emotions. If you caught the Teen Titans announcement a few weeks ago on The Source, (DCU official blog) then I'm sure you heard that Henderson will be writing an ongoing Static Shock series. In the description of the series, Henderson points out that Static is a regular teen, and if not for his powers he would be "chasing girls, playing video games, downloading underground mixes of his favorite music." Cheesy, no? She has this infatuation with trying to be "cool," but really only ends up making a fool of herself.

I'm counting down the days until November when hopefully we'll get a Titans book worth reading. Until then, two more issues of awful that is sure to be continued in the Static monthly. I'm sure it won't take long though for DC to realize that with the rising price of comic books, there's just no room for bad writers with no original ideas.

Song of the Day: Manchester Orchestra - Tony the Tiger

Todays song is from everyones favorite indie rock band, Manchester Orchestra, known for the rock out style featuring quite nasally, even whiney vocals. They've been featured everywhere: Movies, TV, even video games. Both of their released albums have received almost perfect reviews from their respective reviewers, more so though from the fans of rock and less from indie douche-bags. Regardless how you feel about them though, things are definitely on the up and up for them, so you'll probably hear a lot more from them very soon. Todays song takes its name from the popular breakfast cereal icon, Tony the Tiger. I really want Frosted Flakes right now...

Comic Book Review: Detective Comics #867

David Hine continues his assault on all things comics this week, his fourth release this month. Along with Detective Comics, he's also currently the writer on Azrael, The Spirit, and Bulletproof Coffin. These are all books he'll continue to write at least until September, where he'll add another two to the list in miniseries for both Radical Comics, and Top Cow. So needless to say, he's a busy man.

Back to Detective Comics though. Hine kicks off a four-part arc entitled "Impostors." The idea of the arc is quite simple: A new drug hits the streets that has similar effects to Joker gas. The main difference is that the drug is not lethal, more just a recreational drug for a little fun. The problem is though that when the users get their high, they do so in large groups, causing mass chaos. Even though they don't kill anyone, the riots are a cause for concern seeing as to how they expect to take the streets for themselves.

The story is pretty straightforward, intriguing, and with a minute amount of mystery. Yet, even though I enjoyed the story, it seems kind of out of place with everything going on in the Bat-Universe now. This arc would be better suited if Bruce were back under the cowl, and it seems like Hine himself recognized that and wrote Batman likewise.

You can also tell from the writing that Hine was going for a darker toned story that would complement the mystery of it. But when you look at the art of Scott McDaniel, you never really get the vibe you should from the artist who may be a little to comical for his genre. Little ironic.

With all that said, if you've been missing the classic Batman tales without the Morrison twist and turns, then this ones for you. Batman vs. the Joker. Good vs. evil. Right vs. Wrong. Check back later for the more complex of Batman stories with a Return of Bruce Wayne review.

Song of the Day: Murder By Death - Dynamite Mine

Murder By Death are another band that I'm not a hugh fan of, but I've seen them perform live two songs in which I was very impressed. Both of the songs are from their third record, In Bocca al Lupa which is an Italian phrase mostly used to imply "Good Luck." As the album title indicates, the band gets their kicks form obscure references, which is also evident from their name, the title of the 1976 mystery spoof featuring the late Truman Capote. Now the songs I were referring to earlier are Brother, and today's song Dynamite Mine. One of the things I loved about their performance was the electric cello, which gave a haunting tone to the set, namely to Dynamite.

Song of the Day: Morrissey - Disappointed

Today's song is by none other by the king (or queen) of melancholy himself, the always awesome, and legendary Morrissey. There's so much to love about his songwriting, as he can take the most morbid or topics, and make a fun song out of it. He's been doing it for years, continuing to impress with more stories and great music that will never get old. This song is a favorite of mine, Disappointed, off the classic compilation album, Bona Drag.

Song of the Day: The Prize Fighter Inferno - Who Watches the Watchmen?

Today's song is from a band that is definitely kind of strange. Now I'm not a hugh fan of Coheed & Cambria, but they do have some songs that I like. They are very eccentric though, with their concept albums based in their fictional sci-fi universe that has also been tied into a comic. They're usually generally known for rocking out, almost metal with the occasional mainstream rock song. It was surprising then, when frontman Claudio Sanchez released a solo album, an album that was electronic, and folky even. The album has its bright spots, but none like the eighth track, Who Watches the Watchmen. Take a listen.

Song of the Day: Sufjan Stevens - Chicago

Stevens once famously announced his intent to release an album on the topic of each and every state. The first of course was his home Michigan, followed by Illinois, both which were critically acclaimed. As of recent though, he claimed that the 50 state project was "just a joke," even though I'm thinking he realized that he would have to make a ridiculous amount of material to cover all 50 states. Seriously though, who would buy Sufjan Stevens' Alabama? Back to Illinois though, his most well known album. The record was clearly meticulously researched, and combined with the beautiful musical arrangements with the lyrical metaphors, this album is a joy to listen. Stevens biggest hit off the record was Chicago, his shout out to one of the best cities around.

Song of the Day: Telekinesis - Coast of Carolina

Telekinesis definitely want to be Death Cab for Cutie. He's from Washington, he's got the oversized glasses, and he's even trying to rock the Ben Gibbard shag. Not to mention he even got the Death Cab member Chris Walla to produce his album. While his inspirations may be very clear though, the results are different. The music doesn't come off as a tacky cover, like Owl City and their shameless Fireflies song. Telekinesis has been able to make a record that stands on its own two feet, a very alternative indie rock. The self-titled album that dropped last year has received great reviews, with one of the most talked about songs being today's, Coast of Carolina.

Song of the Day: The Blakes - Two Times

Complete honesty here: I'm not really a big fan of this band. However, there is something intoxicating about the raw energy of the song. It's classic rock n roll here, loud, jolting, bang em up style. Check it out, but you may want to turn the volume down a little.

Song of the Day: We Were Promised Jetpacks - Quiet Little Voices

We have another Scottish rock band today, but with what I find to be quite a different sound than yesterday. We Were Promised Jetpacks take a more electric sound than label mates Frightened Rabbit, bringing a whole new energy to the Scottish indie scene. Their debut record is almost lightening in a bottle, with a fun clashing sound for the young band. Check out todays song, Quiet Little Voices, where they show off their ability construct a great rock song with a perfect intro.

Song of the Day: Frightened Rabbit - Music Now

Scottish indie rock band Frightened Rabbit released their debut album in 2006, and originally only distributed 1,000 copies. Of course, that wasn't nearly enough for the scene they were creating, so a remastered version of album was released the following year. The record wasn't necessarily a hugh hit, but it received great reviews and brought them across a international tour. The band has also proved quite efficient, releasing two more records since their debut, all with more great reviews. Today's song was in my opinion the highlight of their debut, the second track Music Now. If you liked this song, make sure to check out their latest album, namely the track, Swim Until You Can't See Land.

Song of the Day: Janelle Monáe - Tightrope (Feat. Big Boi)

If you watched the ESPYs last night, you may have seen that the house band for the show was fronted by this crazy chic rocking a tux. Janelle Monáe clearly marches to the beat of her own drum. Her debut album, The ArchAndroid dropped in may, and already it's being dubbed record of the year. Drawing from many different genres such as pop, funk, soul, rock, and just about any other one you can think of, she has made a sci-fi like opera kind of thing. Bowie comes to mind, but that's a crappy comparison. Monáe has established herself has a very original talent, and let's not forget to mention two of her producers, P Diddy or whatever the heck he calls himself now, and Outkast member Big Boi. Speaking of Big Boi, he's featured in today's song Tightrope.

Song of the Day: Animal Hospital - A Safe Place

OK, in case you were wondering, I'm officially a giant douche-bag. Today's song is irreputable evidence of that, this ambient musical project. Animal Hospital is a one man project fronted by Boston based musician Kevin Micka. You can imagine playing all the instruments yourself can be a little overwhelming, especially if your playing a live show, yet Micka's able to do it pretty seamlessly with impressive skill. Today's song is a showy display of his talent, starting off with a quiet percussion that is soon overdubbed by a heavier one. He then enters the ohs and ahs stage, and the song starts to sound very much like the intro to TV On the Radio's Staring At the Sun. If you're a fan of spacy noise and ambient tracks, this may be a band for you.

Comic Book Review: Batman #701

I remember when I read the final pages of Batman #681 in November of 2008. They were exciting, mysterious, and provided a satisfying ending to Batman RIP story. But of course, as always, there were still lingering questions, as Batman seemingly died in the helicopter explosion, yet he appears alive and well in the first issue of Final Crisis, before "dying" again in the sixth issue of that series. So how did Batman end up saving the world in Final Crisis, and what about Dr. Hurt becoming El Penitente in Batman and Robin? Well in this weeks issue of Batman, the RIP team of Grant Morrison and Tony Daniel return of bridge the gap, all while revealing a few tricks hidden up their sleeves.


This issue picks up immediately after Batman RIP, with Bruce fighting the roughs waters of Gotham to emerge at the Harbor. While he exits the waters, he can't help but wonder about Hurt, and how his escape from a wrecked helicopter at the bottom of the sea would be next to impossible, yet a quick panel shows the evil Doctor pressing his way out of the ruins.

Upon returning home to Wayne Manor, a battered Alfred greets him, and Bruce begins to recount his experience that almost led him to death. Even though he's suffered wounds tough, his inner detective won't allow him to stay still, so he fires up the Bat-Sub, and races to the helicopter ruins underneath the harbor. He finds nothing amongst the ruins, which bothers him immensely as he tells Alfred upon his return home. Alfred attempts to encourage him, highlighting the fact that Batman was able to escape all the traps set for him, and make it out alive. But in Bruce's mind, he should have never fallen in the traps to begins with, he could, and should be dead now.

As Alfred exits the Bat-Cave behind Bruce, he takes note that the clock has mysteriously stopped working, right a 1:15. I'm not sure if that's relevant or not, but knowing Grant and his love of clues, I feel like it is.

Bruce informs Alfred that he's going to sleep for the rest of the day, yet he just tosses uncomfortably in bed still feeling the aftereffects of the drugs issued to him by Hurt. He begins to enter a state of hallucination and memory, thinking about Hurt, and his parents. He's baffled by the fact that Hurt found the Mansion's secret room, the same room that Dick discovered in Batman and Robin #10. He explains that his parents made him vow to never enter the room, and he silently apologizes to them as he enters it to find "Barbatos" and Thomas messily painted on a wall. More questions abound to him, and he wonders if maybe there is a sick family secret, perhaps insanity or something of the like that has been buried under the rug. And why would Hurt go trough such length to destroy the good name of Wayne?

Bruce retreats back to the Cave once again, pondering of all his info, trying to connect the dots. He's interrupted by Alfred, who says that there is something urgent to be seen. Alfred takes Bruce outside, to see that the sky is turning red, the beginning of Final Crisis. In the Bat-Cave once more, Superman appears on the computer to recruit Batman for investigating the murder of a god, Orion. Before Bruce leaves, Alfred once again tries to comfort him about the recent lies and allegations thrown at the Wayne family, saying that the real truth can be proven. Bruce again relates the atrocities the Black Glove put him though, but he says the worst part was losing his fathers Bat-Costume to the Gotham River. He's still concerned about the supposed "curse" put on him by Hurt, and as he flies out to the Orion crime seen, he notes that he can feel a larger trap enclosing around him.


It's incredible to me, that even though Dr. Hurt was beaten this round, Batman is still very much in his trap. Bruce is flooded with much uncertainty, even about his own family and their potential secrets. Even the whole "curse" is troubling him, giving us a look at a Batman with much less confidence than usual.

Grant also threw us for a spin with the secret room in Wayne Manor, which is part of the caves included in Return of Bruce Wayne. It's looking like the Wayne's had secrets of their own, maybe not quite the messiahs we thought them to be.

And then as always, more speculation on the true identity of Dr. Hurt. While some maintain that he's obviously the embodiment of all evil, I'm not sure certain, but either way we'll most likely get the fuller picture within the coming months of Batman and Robin.

Tony Daniel continued his hot streak with great pencils, added with Morrison's story and we get an overall great issue. Glad the band got back together even if it just may be briefly.

With this short story line, there's only one issue left in the missing chapter of RIP, which is to be entitled Batman's Last Case. So check back next month a recap of that.

Song of the Day: Gorillaz - El Manana

Damon Albarn just may be the busiest man in music. His first project, Blur, was a huge success, as well as the project, The Good, The Bad, and The Queen, which featured another superstar member in Danger Mouse. Albarn also has plans to release a solo album under the name Prince Barry sometime soon. With all those accomplishments, it's quite something that those all pale in comparison to the greatness that is Gorillaz. Gorillaz is the animated musical project featuring Albarn as well as cartoonist Jamie Hewlett. The band achieved international success with their 2005 release of Demon Days, which featured their hit single Feel Good Inc. Recently, the group has released their third album, Plastic Beach, which has experienced incredible sales and reviews. The band is currently on a tour across the UK.

Song of the Day: Bonnie "Prince" Billy - Untitled/Ebb Tide

To me, the most incredible aspect of this song, is the atmosphere created. The lingering echos, and soft guitar rhythms that repeat almost silently in the background make for one heck of a beautiful arrangement. When Oldham starts to quietly render out the overdubbed first line, "first the tide rushes in," it's almost like he's brought us with him to the sea, able to experience and feel everything he is. Gorgeous final track from the record that's filled with ambient loveliness.

Song of the Day: Blind Pilot - 3 Rounds and a Sound

Blind Pilot's greatest strength, is definitely their story-telling abilities. When they pick up a simple guitar, add a little soft percussion, all overlapped with the quiet yet determined voice of frontman Israel Nebeker, it's harmonious honesty. The songs tells real life stories, all with obvious meaning to their creators as made evident by the emotion drenched lyrics. Today's song, 3 Rounds and a Sound, buries us under the weight of a broken relationship, and with one listen, you'll immediately start puling for them.

Song of the Day: LCD Soundsystem - All My Friends

What James Murphy,(the DJ/Producer behind the name LCD Soundsytem) has done is really interesting. Sometimes described as dance-punk, I like to think of it more alternative dance, trance for the mainstream. His three albums under the moniker have been incredibly received, topping charts, best of articles, and hipsters playlist everywhere. And I'm not one who can usually listen to an eight minute song at any given time, but he keeps it fresh and fun, literally mixing it up with his unique arrangements every time. He's a musical chameleon, with the ability to sound like a different artist each song. This track, All My Friends, is probably his most well known, and even got named the second best song of the decade by Pitchfork. Make sure to check out the third (and supposedly final under the name LCD Soundsystem) record which dropped in May.

Song of the Day: TV On the Radio - Wolf Like Me

This band reminds me a lot of Radiohead. Not because of a similar sound though, mostly for a willingness to be different. Both will make whatever kind of music they like, and have been praised for it as well. TV On the Radio have released three studio albums, all of which have received great critical acclaim worthy for such a remarkably innovative experimental rock band. And while all their music may not be your cup of tea, this song may get you, the radio-friendly Wolf Like Me.

Song of the Day: Kid Cudi, Best Coast, & Rostam Batmanglij

Three unlikely artists teamed up today, for a free download available at the Converse website. The summer anthem is appropriately named All Summer, and features Kid Cudi dropping rhymes, Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast singing the chorus, all to Rostam Batmanglij's (of Vampire Weekend) music/melody. As the title implies, the track is a whole lot of fun, so check it out, and if you dig it,  click the link and download it.

Song of the Day: Travie McCoy - Billionaire (Feat. Bruno Mars)

Travie McCoy recruited singer Bruno Mars for this pop friendly single, Billionaire, taking a much lighter approach for this hip-hop/reggae fusion. The record as a whole has a very fun sound, slightly different than McCoy's band, Gym Class Heroes. Of course, this solo album is by no means trying to replace the band, as Gym Class Heroes are expected to release an album this fall. Until then, listen to Travie, relax, and chill out with record that'll make you want revisit the Gym Class Hero classics.

Comic Book Review: Batman and Robin #13

We all know the story. Little Bruce Wayne was leaving the theatre with his parents, when they were mugged by a thug named Joe Chill. Chill killed Thomas and Martha Wayne in cold blood, leaving a distraught Bruce to mourn the loss of his family, forever changing him. Of course, Bruce would go on to train around the world, becoming the vigilante known as Batman that we've loved for years. But what if that wasn't the real story. What if there's a secret, a secret so shocking and sick, it could change the entire mythology of Batman as we know it.

Batman and Robin are back this week, kicking off a new story arc that promises to change the status quo of Batman forever, and it waste no time bringing in the awesomeness. Spoilers galore:


The issue kicks off with the familiar scenario. Bruce exiting the theatre with his parents, right before a certain Joe Chill approaches them wielding a gun. Chill shoots Martha dead, and Thomas lingers over her body stating: "Now You'll Never Tell!"
He then goes on to her funeral, and follows that up with some kind of strange orgy while wearing his old Bat mask. In the present, he's walking out of a courthouse with a lawyer, officially announcing his return to Gotham. Of course, it's Dr. Hurt/El Penitente, and whether he actually is Thomas Wayne remains to be seen. This is an interesting development, as this possibility was initially introduced in Batman RIP, but it was quickly dropped out of mind.

But as always, things continue to get more interesting. Dr. Hurt casually walks into a building, where inside Batman and Robin are tied up, surrounded by a small group of villains. Dr. Hurt appears to have won the battle vs Batman, as well as taken over Wayne Manor (again), and he now plans to capture the city. As he pulls out a gun, Dick tries to tell him that he doesn't get it, that the evil Dr. is finished. But Hurt isn't listening, he just aims the gun a Dick, and much to Damian's horror, shoots Batman in the back of the head.

The issue then takes us three days prior to the events we just witnessed. Damian is arriving at a hotel surrounded by police cars, the hotel where Oberon Sexton/The Joker has been staying at. Batman is already in the room, questioning The Joker, all while explaining his deduction process which led to the discover of Oberon's identity. Everything was a detail, the dominos, the name he chose, and his disguise, all of which The Joker used perfectly to conceal himself. As Robin walks inside the room, he reveals that Oberon Sexton was a real writer, and Batman had The Knight confirm that. The Knight had the grave of Oberon's wife dug up, which revealed both Oberon and his wife inside the same coffin filled with chattering teeth. The Joker explains that Oberon Sexton killed his wife, so he just brought karma full circle and murdered the writer. What's strange though, is that The Joker is trying to convince Batman to trust him. I Quote: "I'm Too Late To Stop The Chain Reaction I Started With the First Little Domino of Death. And Now It's All Fall Down Time."

The Commissioner now bursts in the room, demanding that The Joker be taken into custody. The Joker further tries to be a strange kind of helpful, saying that he came back to warn Batman, which he didn't have to do. He goes on to say that he hopes everyone remembers that he tried to help, because it looks like everyone will die in the upcoming crossfire unless "You're As Good As He Was." Once again he hints that he knows Batman real identity, and recognizes that a new one is now in place. As The Joker is removed from his room, Batman ask Robin to stay with the police, as he plans on taking the Commissioner for a drive.

Dick has the Commissioner blindfolded, as they make their way to the Bat-Bunker while discussing the drug that Mr. Toad was pushing in the first story arc. Gordon briefly acknowledges that he also recognizes a new Batman is in place, but also adds that the police seem to like the new one better. As the duo arrive at the Bat-Bunker, Gordon is briefly amazed at the resources Batman has amassed. Dick begins to vaguely explain that The Jokers return is the start of something much bigger, yet he's still in the process of making all the connections. He does briefly mention though, that a total solar eclipse is set to happen in three days, which is sure to bring the crazy out in people. This note is important, because by now, we know from the pages of Return of Bruce Wayne that a solar eclipse appears right before Bruce is transferred into a different era of time. Also, Dick mentions that the eclipse is set to happen in three days, which would put Dick being shot, and Bruce returning, happening at the same time.

Batman begins to lay out everything he knows to Gordon, from El Penitente, to The Black Glove. He correctly assumes that everything connects with Professor Pyg's viral addiction, and begins to expect that the antidote he found at the carnival in the third issue is actually the virus itself, just waiting to be activated by another viral trigger. Even with all this going on, Batman still demands all eyes remain glued to The Joker, since he hasn't played his hand yet. Right as the words leave Dick's mouth, the Commissioner gets a text from HQ, saying The Joker requested to speak to Robin. Batman immediately heads for the car, shouting: "HE COULD KILL HIM!"
THe Commissioner is startled as well, worried that another dead Robin is due up. But Batman clarifies, he's not worried about Robin, he's worried about The Joker.

At Police HQ, Robin has locked himself inside The Joker's cell, where Joker is chained up, smiling unrepentantly. Damian is not amused by The Joker's smile, and very out of character, The Joker tries to explain that his face is stuck that way, and he's sorry for the things he's done. He buries his face into his hands, and begins to cry. Damian is no more sympathetic than he was amused, pulling out a crowbar from behind his back. He violently whacks The Joker, very similarly to Joker beating down a helpless Jason Todd in the classic story twenty years ago. Damian is becoming more aggressive, saying that he doesn't believe The Joker to be insane, and asks for straight honesty. The Joker can only beg for help on the cell floor, but none will be given as the police are ignoring his cries from outside the cell.

Batman and the Commissioner are making their way to the police station, when suddenly, they are struck by rockets. They fall from the sky, and crash into pieces in a dark alley. As they exit the wrecked Batmobile, they discover that they're surrounded by Dollotrons, Pyg's mindless drones. Speaking of Pyg, Hurt's men work their way through Blackgate, to release the oinking villain from his captivity.

This was easily the most exciting issue of Batman and Robin to date, with Grant great as usual, and Frazer Irving proving his unique art phenomenal. This issue besides from being awesome, also helps us establish a timeline with Return of Bruce Wayne, as Bruce should return by the end of this arc, maybe just in time to save day. Of course, he could also arrive only to watch Dick be killed, or Damian make his deal with Hurt to save the city.

On a side note, I can't imagine Dick being killed already, but you never know. If Dick is able to get out of this very compromising position and defeat Hurt, a debate is then in order. Who should continue to wear the cowl? Interesting questions to ponder, and their gonna bother for a while. But don't forget, Batman #701 next week, with the first part of gap between RIP and Final Crisis. A lot of different books, all connected in some masterful way. Great time to be a Bats fan.

Song of the Day: Little Joy - Unattainable

Little Joy's self title debut is not going to change the world. It's not gonna blow you away, and make you wanna propose to your girlfriend and adopt a baby. By no means though am I bashing the record, because simply put, the record is just pleasant to listen to. Much like She & Him, Freelance Whales, or Best Coast, this band makes music that you'll enjoy listening to. Not to over-analyzed or meticulously dissected into many tiny, little pieces, this record is good for the ears. Soft, music meant to have a good time to, maybe make memories to associate it with. Take it for what it's worth, and enjoy the lovely sounds of this fun band.

Song of the Day: Grizzly Bear - Knife

The critical acclaim Yellow House received was insane. The experimental rock band Grizzly Bear were rapidly gaining more attention, without a negative review in sight. Yet where some people saw brilliance that should epitomize music, I found a medium between greatness, and spacey-ness. There's no denying that the band is really good, but sometimes I get the Radiohead effect: the result of too much mindless, ambient noise, coupled with the repeating of a certain lyric or phrase. In my opinion though, the record had some standout tracks, one being today song, Knife. Very calm, relaxing, with a subtle backstabbing message worthy of being entitled Knife.

Song of the Day: Muse - Time Is Running Out

For a while there, we were eating out Muse's hand. We were completely floored by their first three albums, me especially with their 2003 hit, Absolution, which featured roaring bass lines, and a clashing guitar that blended all the sounds together. With their follow-up, Black Holes and Revelations, they took a slightly different approach, showing off a versatility with some loud songs, pop songs, and others that were just a little odd. Yet with their newest album, everything is a little bit over the top, theatrical even. And don't even get me started on the song they contributed to the new Twilight soundtrack. Hopefully, they will find their way again, delivering us the incredible music that we loved for years. Until then, check out Time Is Running Out, the third track on their third album, Absolution.

Song of the Day: Gogol Bordello - Wonderlust King

You guys may want to file this one under weird. Gogol Bordello are a defined as a gypsy punk band from New York, yet they have members, young and old from all over the world. They're known for their enthusiastically cooky performances, including members whose only job is to run around and dance. A lot of people find their chaotic sound irresistible, since their music is a whole bunch of fun. They're not for everyone though, probably never for mainstream, so take a listen, and make a verdict on this crazy group of musicians.

Song of the Day: Cymbals Eat Guitar - And the Hazy Sea

There's something quite fascinating about this song, the loud, poetic raucousness that creates a big beautiful mess for this experimental indie rock band. Enjoy the song, and the record too, as it topped so many best-of-the-year lists for 2009 it's ridiculous. I'm curious as to what their next move will be, with such a banging debut, it may be hard to top. But I'm sure whatever they do next, we'll be super impressed.

Song of the Day: Julian Plenti - No Chance Survival

Last August, Interpol frontman Paul banks released a solo album under the moniker of Julian Plenti. Why Julian Plenti? No Clue. The project gained a lot of attention though, as Banks released a record of music that is quite dissimilar to the band he's known for playing in. The album featured slower, even folky songs, along with others that can be described as experimental, art rock. With reviews expressing many different sentiments, I'm not sure Banks got the response he was looking for, but I sure enjoyed it. Today's song, No Chance Survival, is the sixth track off the record.