Music for everyone

Beck - Modern Guilt*** out of 5 stars

Anyone who has ever listened to Beck is familiar with the lazy undertone that accompanies his sound. Although he avoids being too repetitive, his latest release, Modern Guilt, maintains many of the elements found throughout his eight-album catalogue. His drawl-like vocals sing catchy, upbeat songs about downbeat subjects. Most of the songs are played with an acoustic guitar and complemented with traditional rock instruments, but an assortment of keyboards, auxiliary percussion instruments and sound effects give his music its unique tone. Overall, the album is great for a chill evening or a lazy Sunday, but it isn't anything that will blow you away. If you've never listened to Beck, however, we recommend that you put it on your list of things to do.



Suggested Listening:

Flaming Lips

The Shins

The White Stripes



Upcoming Shows:

Oct. 9 - The Dodos at Rhino's, Bloomington, Ind.

Oct. 11 - ZZ Top at Murat Theatre, Indianapolis









Immortal Technique - The 3rd World

*** out of 5 stars

In case it isn't obvious within the first 10 seconds of The 3rd World, Immortal Technique is all about politics. This is a nice change of subject considering the radio hip-hop songs that often degrade women, among other negative things. For those with ideals on the right side of the political spectrum, however, his lyrics are probably the worst part of the album. While his words are insightful and thought-provoking, his lack of tact makes it difficult to take him seriously at times. One definitely needs an open mind when listening to Immortal Technique. The music has a unique sound to it, but the beats behind the music don't vary much, making his hip-hop good for listening, not for dancing.



Suggested Listening:

Matisyahu

Rage Against the Machine

Sage Francis



Upcoming Shows:

Oct. 9 - Hip-Hop NOISE at the Indiana Memorial Union Gallery, Bloomington, Ind. Free.

Oct. 22 - Matisyahu at the Murat Egyptian Room, Indianapolis







Old Crow Medicine Show - Tennessee Pusher

**** out of 5 stars



If you've ever heard the popular sing-along "Wagon Wheel," then you know the band Old Crow Medicine Show. This group of young hombres has taken Nashville by storm in the past couple of years with two groundbreaking studio albums and now a much anticipated third release titled Tennessee Pusher. The first thing you will notice is a dramatic instrumental change from their last two albums due to the addition of drums and piano/organ. Though this might anger purists, the band still maintains its original appeal by singing songs that touch personal matters. This sensitivity is evident in "The Greatest Hustler of All" and the dark sounding "Methamphetamine." Overall, OCMS continues to push the roots-music revival ahead with Tennessee Pusher, and you will not be disappointed.



Suggested Listening:

Crooked Still

Hackensaw Boys

Reel Time Traveler



Upcoming Show:

Oct. 16 - Old Crow Medicine Show at the Bluebird, Bloomington, Ind.

















Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane Over the Sea

***** out of 5 stars



It's been nearly a decade since the release of Neutral Milk Hotel's second album, In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, but its impact is still widely discussed in the indie music world. Based on the Diary of Anne Frank, the album touches on human experiences from the bizarre ("Two-Headed Boy") to the sorrowful ("Oh Comely"). What's even more interesting is Aeroplane's liberal application of instrumentation added to the arrangement of every song. These instruments include brass, organ, accordion and banjos among others. Although NMH hasn't released another album in almost a decade, it's safe to say that In the Aeroplane Over the Sea is a diamond in the rough that has influenced enough listeners and musicians to stay relevant in the world of indie music today.



Suggested Listening:

The Decemberists

The National

Sufjan Stevens



Upcoming Shows:

Oct. 4 - Sweet Dilemma at SPIN Nightclub, Indianapolis

Oct. 17 - Margot & the Nuclear So and Sos at the Murat Arabian Room, Indianapolis.