Emotional Listening #28

The Noise Made by People - Broadcast (Warp, 2000)
I used to play drums in a Detroit band called Computer Perfection, and three of the four other members were constantly encouraging me to invest time in Broadcast. Finally, I have, and it's been well worth it. I have begun my journey with their 2000 debut, The Noise Made by People, which showcases some nice, 60s style production (roomy, natural sounding reverb, muted bass guitar). Trish Keenan's (RIP) vocals are haunting and gorgeous. There's a definitely a psychedelic vibe in these songs, but more in the vein of Pet Sounds or a moodier, more subtle Stereolab than, say, The Flaming Lips. The Noise Made by People makes for an eerie yet thoroughly enjoyable listen, and would pretty much recommend it to any one of my friends.
Top jams: "Long Was the Year," "Unchanging Window," "Come On Let's Go," "Echo's Answer," "Papercuts," "You Can Fall," "Look Outside," "City in Progress"


Hidden World - Fucked Up (Jade Tree, 2006)
When Fucked Up's debut LP, Hidden World, came out in 2006, I was sort of in-between phases of listening to punk-informed music, and was mostly spending time with pop-oriented albums. Then The Chemistry of Common Life happened in 2008, and I was easily hooked. With 2011's David Comes to Life, my love for Fucked Up arrived full force, and I had since decided it was time to go back to that epic and gorgeously heavy debut. Hidden World is equally tough sounding and melodic, showcasing wonderfully catchy guitar leads and upbeat punk progressions that the band is yet to retire. It's a bit more rough around the edges and less accessible than David Comes to Life, but not by all that much. There are lots of surprises within the songs, let alone in the fact that this is a punk album that has interludes and is 13 songs and 70+ minutes of mostly relentless intensity. If you like your punk records short, and aren't into the tough guy wrestler yelling, then Hidden World is probably not for you. But I'd wager that there is enough melody in the guitars to still hook you good. While The Chemistry of Common Life, for me, is probably an 8.5 and David Comes to Life is most definitely a 10, I'd give Hidden World a rating of 9 out of 10.
Top jams: "Crusades," "David Comes to Life," "Invisible Leader," "Carried Out to Sea," "Two Snakes," "Manqueller Man," "Blaze of Glory," "Triumph of Life," "Jacob's Ladder"


Dare - The Human League (Virgin, 1981)
I'm gonna be quick about this one. I'm sure you know that The Human League was one of those popular new wave/synth pop bands of the 80s. Dare is their third album. Is it cheesy? I guess, only in that it is from the early 80s and the production and synths may sound a little dates. But, is it awesome? Surely. "Don't You Want Me" is the obviously awesome hit single, but there are two much greater highlights for me. "Darkness" is a mysterious mid-tempo jam with awesome chords and synth bass, and "Love Action" is just an incredible song. I don't need to explain, just listen to it.
Top jams: "Open Your Heart," "Darkness," "Do or Die," "Seconds," "Love Action," "Don't You Want Me"


Electric Warrior - T. Rex (Reprise, 1971)
Yup, I'm just now getting around to spending some solid time with T. Rex. Deal with it. Electric Warrior rules. I know they're considered one of the most classic/important glam rock bands, but this sounds more like a swampy, bluesy take on power pop to me. Almost like a cross of Hunky Dory, late-60s Rolling Stones and Big Star, maybe? These songs are way too subtle to be considered glam rock, anyway. "Mambo Sun" and "Bang a Gong (Get It On)" are two of the best songs I've heard recently.
Top jams: "Mambo Sun," "Cosmic Dancer," "Jeepster," "Bang a Gong (Get It On)," "The Motivator," "Life's a Gas," "Rip Off"