WKDU DJs analyze best recordings of the year
WKDU
Issue date: 12/5/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment
As an album, "Sovereign Nocturnal" is a sprawling, expansive epic, comprised of three songs (all of which break the 12-minute mark) of blackened, folk-inspired doom that has drawn Velnias comparisons to Agalloch, Wolves in the Throne Room, and early Opeth yet manages to stand entirely alone upon its own merits. Highly recommended and absolutely essential for the discerning metalhead or curious outsider.
--Kim Kelly, Metal Director
Conor Oberst
"Conor Oberst"
Conor Oberst is the mastermind behind the indie-folk legend Bright Eyes. Oberst decided to hide away in Tepoztlán, Mexico, where he was inspired by the mysteries and calmness of the Mexican countryside. The album is filled with more Americana tinges that are, in my opinion, the best writing Oberst has ever done.
Favorite tracks include "Danny Callahan," "Cape Canaveral," and "Lenders In The Temple." It's a far improvement of the Americana-tinged sound of Bright Eyes' last record, "Cassadaga." Oberst continues to trump himself with his recorded material, this being the best work since 2004 with "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning."
This album is for fans who enjoy singer-songwriters who've been declared the next Bob Dylan by critics and fans alike.
-- Mitch Routman, Assistant Personnel Director
Comet Gain
"Broken Record Prayers"
"We have torn ideals. Comet Gain has torn ideals." That statement spoken by Rachel Evans in the album's opener, "Jack Nance Hair," sums up Comet Gain in the simplest way. Comet Gain has always been and will always be a group of mods that just can't seem to settle on a sound. This album is a compilation of very limited singles from 1998 to 2008, and definitely showcases their influences on their shirtsleeves.
Taking cues from bands such as The Go-Betweens and The Velvet Underground, Comet Gain combines their principles with elements of early '90s' Riot Grrrl Pop, strong post-punk rhythm sections found in the late '70s or the sweet, cheeky, indie-pop with that signature jangle we've grown so fond of from listening to our Sarah Records catalogs over and over.
--Kim Kelly, Metal Director
Conor Oberst
"Conor Oberst"
Conor Oberst is the mastermind behind the indie-folk legend Bright Eyes. Oberst decided to hide away in Tepoztlán, Mexico, where he was inspired by the mysteries and calmness of the Mexican countryside. The album is filled with more Americana tinges that are, in my opinion, the best writing Oberst has ever done.
Favorite tracks include "Danny Callahan," "Cape Canaveral," and "Lenders In The Temple." It's a far improvement of the Americana-tinged sound of Bright Eyes' last record, "Cassadaga." Oberst continues to trump himself with his recorded material, this being the best work since 2004 with "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning."
This album is for fans who enjoy singer-songwriters who've been declared the next Bob Dylan by critics and fans alike.
-- Mitch Routman, Assistant Personnel Director
Comet Gain
"Broken Record Prayers"
"We have torn ideals. Comet Gain has torn ideals." That statement spoken by Rachel Evans in the album's opener, "Jack Nance Hair," sums up Comet Gain in the simplest way. Comet Gain has always been and will always be a group of mods that just can't seem to settle on a sound. This album is a compilation of very limited singles from 1998 to 2008, and definitely showcases their influences on their shirtsleeves.
Taking cues from bands such as The Go-Betweens and The Velvet Underground, Comet Gain combines their principles with elements of early '90s' Riot Grrrl Pop, strong post-punk rhythm sections found in the late '70s or the sweet, cheeky, indie-pop with that signature jangle we've grown so fond of from listening to our Sarah Records catalogs over and over.
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