2008 Woodie Awards
Music for everyone
Two Dudes. Four Genres. Great Music
By: Bryan Lesswing, Gerard Pannekoek
Issue date: 9/30/08 Section: Features
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:
*** 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:
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