By Andrew McNally
Columnist
The Yeah Yeah Yeahs – “Mosquito”
Grade: C-
Throughout four albums, we have been listening to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs drain themselves of their energy. While “It’s Blitz” worked because of a divisive switch to electronic songs, “Mosquito” fails as a collection of unrelated tracks that are hit-or-miss at best. “Sacrilege,” the opener, is one of their best songs ever, but it’s followed by the near-lullaby “Subway.” Their first three albums had musical themes, each is like its own world. But “Mosquito” is like an alien to those; “Area 52” is even about aliens. Some tracks work, but overall, the trio have made a truly boring record.
If You Like: The Strokes, MGMT
Key Track: “Sacrilege”
The Flaming Lips – “The Terror”
Grade: A-
Wayne Coyne and co. have been on a quest to annoy and frustrate their listeners, and “The Terror” is just another installment. But “The Terror” lives up to its name. The record – their thirteenth – is truly scary, in indescribable ways. The thirteen-minute epic “You Lust” starts with a repeated vocal line, building into swooping noise. Nearly every track bleeds into the next, seeming like one long, uncomfortable song. Titles like “Turning Violent” and “You Are Alone” intensify what is a surprising turn for an already weird band. When you can’t properly review a Flaming Lips album, then they’ve done their job.
If You Like: Animal Collective, Beck
Key Track: “You Lust”
The Shouting Matches – “Grownass Man”
Grade: B-
Justin Vernon abruptly broke up Bon Iver because the fame didn’t correlate with the band’s image. He went even further when he formed a wholly unoriginal blues-rock band. “Grownass Man,” from the new band he’s leading, is nothing more than ten fun bluesy songs of varying tempos. It’s great for someone wishing Bon Iver had more lengthy, electric guitar solos. The album would not be out of place in the background of a low-key party. Justin Vernon is not trying to be revolutionary, he’s just trying to have some fun. And that’s an entirely new side for him.
If You Like: The Black Keys, The Yardbirds
Key Track: “Milkman”