Japandroids- Celebration Rock

Yes, I know this album came out over seven months ago.  Yes, I just bought it last week.  However, this album deserves some much delayed praise from this blogger.  Let's just start by saying that this is a really great album.  From start to finish, the tracks push relentlessly from one to the next driving the album forward a fevered pace.  As a result, it becomes impossible to stop listening.  The album sports amazing lyrics, catchy guitar hooks, and great drum work, and all of these things combine for one great collection of songs.  For the uninitiated, this duo from Vancouver sounds like the punk counterpart to the more blues-centered sound of the Black Keys.  Some might detract from the album because of the similarity of the songs.  But who cares with songs this great?

Review: 8/10

Stand out tracks-  Fire's Highway, The House that Heaven Built

Photo from japandroids.com

Palma Violets- Not Just Hype

With the upcoming release of their debut album, many have responded to this up and coming London band with a collective "meh."  Often compared to the Libertines and the Stokes, many claim the band doesn't offer anything original.  However, this commentator believes the band will live up to the hype that surrounds it.  For one, their songs are great.  "Best of Friends" and "Step Up for the Cool Cats" prove that this band can combine catchy hooks with distorted guitars.  This results in some great songs.  Hopefully the rest of their debut album will provide more of the same.  Secondly, I haven't had a chance to catch them live yet, but I heard they are an amazing live act.  I am hoping to catch them at the 100 Club March 4th when I am in London at a gig sponsored by Converse.  Despite making a name for themselves in the UK, not many people know of them stateside.  As of right now, the destiny of the band sits firmly in the hands of its members.  With a great album and some aggressive touring, the band might just breakthrough onto American college radio.