NEW MUSIC POST (so if you don't care about it you might as well not read it)
Have you ever noticed how many of the albums we now consider classic had been reviewed as mediocre or even as crap? There are plenty of examples of this, my personal favorite being the original review of Led Zeppelin II by Rolling Stone magazine, which in true to form Rolling Stones humor said the following:
"Hey, man, I take it all back! This is one fucking heavyweight of the album! OK—I'll concede that until you've listened to the album eight hundred times, as I have, it seems as if it's just one especially heavy song extended over the space of two whole sides. But, hey! you've got to admit that the Zeppelin has their distinctive and enchanting formula down stone-cold, man. Like you get the impression they could do it in their sleep.
And who can deny that Jimmy Page is the absolute number-one heaviest white blues guitarist between 5'4" and 5'8" in the world?? Shit, man, on this album he further demonstrates that he could absolutely fucking shut down any whitebluesman alive, and with one fucking hand tied behind his back too." - John Mendelsohn in Rolling Stone Dec. 13, 1969.
So what new albums are not getting the credit they deserve that will (or should) years from now? Well, here's my list:
De Nova by The Redwalls
2/5 by Rolling Stone, 3/5 by Blender, 4/5 by All Music Guide
- There are some classic melodies with meaningful words on this album. They are the true heirs to the thrown left by Britpop in the 90s. Their sound is so locked in the 60s that the album feels like it was released in 1967. Even the production is a spot on replica of late 60s studio work. So far the only song to gain significant air-time is "Thank You," but there is so much more to this album. What goes beyond the song highlights is the fact that there is no filler on this album. If The Redwalls can get into the mainstream, you'll find this album moving into rock legend soon after as their artistic breakthrough.
Are You Thinking What I'm Thinking? by The Like
3.5/5 by Rolling Stone, 4.5/5 by All Music Guide
- The infectious melodies from this group of three relatively young girls is astounding. One of the more instrumentally talented groups around, and one of the most confident. Granted some of their success is due to the fact they all have parental connections to the music industry, but this vocals/guitar/bass/drums combo is the real deal. Even thought they have bettered themselves every release so far, it would be hard for them to top this one.
I Am Kloot by I Am Kloot
4.5/5 by All Music Guide
- Quirky alternative trio I Am Kloot may have set the stage with their first album, and blown it up with their third, but their self-titled sophomore effort was the masterpiece the british indie scene had been pointing towards since the decade began. Deciding not to use any time tested melodies was a bold move for any British band of the time, but I Am Kloot came up with sounds all their own and gained the respect of Britpop legends like Damon Albarn, Jarvis Cocker, Thom York, and Noel Gallagher. The album features classics like Life In A Day, Not A Reasonable Man, and the catchiest song you've never heard, From Your Favourite Sky.
More to come... | 
