tune time

sufjan stevens - Illinois (Come on Feel the Illinoise): The second in the '50 States' series, this album is getting tons of good press as the next big folk sensation, if there is indeed such a thing anymore. I'll have to say, I enjoy this one more than his previous two releases, Seven Swans & Greetings from Michigan. I've even given it a turn at the gym.

grandaddy - Excerpts from the Diary of Todd Zilla: Stupid name aside (apparently it was inspired by a vanity plate), this long awaited EP is meant to serve as an appetizer to a full length due in the fall. I enjoyed a good listen of this in my car this morning, and I thought to myself that I really should check these guys out live. Then it dawned on me that I had, twice, just not in the past 5 years. Good stuff here.

v/a - Indie Translations of Usher: Yep, exactly what the title implies. Seven unknown indie rock acts take on nine Usher songs. Novelty factor is a straight 10. Not being too adept on my Usher, this could pass as original material, that's how completely different the arrangemnets are. Save for the inclusion of 'Yeah', which I have a soft spot for and can spot a mile away - take that, and rewind it back!

the concretes - Layyourbattleaxedown: Hot off the sucess (!?) of 'say something new' featured in numerous Target adverts, we are now presented with a bunch of b-sides & covers. This follows in the same vein as their eponymous debut. "Miss You' by the Stones is my fave here.

rinoçerose - Schizophonic: The somewhat recent trend of peppering average techno tracks with has-been vocalists persists. This has guest vox from Mark Gardner (ride) amongst others. I'd rather listen to the new Daft Punk.

-ticking away, neph-