The Besnard Lakes – Are the Dark Horse

The second full length from The Besnard Lakes comes in a close second on my best of 2007 so far. Bandleader Jace Lasek produced two of the best albums in recent years, Wolf Parade’s Apologies to the Queen Mary and Sunset Rubdown’s Shut Up I Am Dreaming. He now takes on songwriting, singing, and guitar duties on Are the Dark Horse with stunning effect.

The album combines the haze of Spiritualized, the harmonies of Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys, and the psychedelic excursions of early Pink Floyd. The album clocks in at a mere 45 minutes but somehow still manages to sound spacey, interstellar and epic.

Menomena – Friend and Foe

So far this is my favorite record of the year. Portland, Oregon’s Menomena have crafted a brilliantly executed, highly crafted, cerebral listening experience. The band employ an innovative songwriting technique using custom built software to develop compositions from improvised loops. The result is a creative, layered, collage-like work of art. Highly recommended for fans of The Flaming Lips, Arcade Fire, Super Furry Animals and Radiohead.

It’s been a while.

Well I’m finally getting back in the swing of things after a long absence.  My class schedule proved to be a real bitch last semester so I got away from keeping up the blog.  I will be posting new stuff regularly from here on out.  I will start with some of my favorite music of 2007 so far.  Check back soon for updates.