The Arcade Fire "Suburbs"

"The Cops shone their lights on the reflectors of our bikes and said 'Do you kids know what time it is?' ...'well sir its the first time i've felt like something is mine, like i have something to give'" Win Butler proclaims this to the fictitious suburban cop that pulls he and his friend over on their bikes. To me this speaks volumes about the mindset of the band on this record. This is an album that is perfect for the times in which it has been released, and perfect for the 20 something young adults that are buying this album. It can be interpreted in many ways, as can any art, but in my interpretation, its an album about that time in your life where you feel like a kid still, but you know you aren't, and you are coming to terms with growing up. This album illustrates these feelings in profound and fun ways, and actually never manages to feel pretentious of contrived. Even though this album clocks in at over an hour, it feels brief and concise, and makes you want to play it back over and over because you feel like you've missed something. Or maybe you feel like you already miss the music, like new lovers who miss each other the second they're apart. Either way, you want to hear more of the music, and the only way to do that is to play it over again. The music is so beautifully layered, that every time its played back, you discover new things, whether it be a theme lyrically or a textured sound that unveils itself like a sunrise over a suburban neighborhood. This is the type of music that will stand the test of time and only become better over the years. This is the music that in a few years will make you feel nostalgic for the time we're in now. Definitely buy this album.

Dangermouse & Sparklehorse with David Lynch "Dark Night of the Soul"

Dangermouse has been responsible for some of the best music over the past few years. Gnarls Barkely, Broken Bells, work with the Gorillaz, and now this album with the late Mark Linkous of Sparklehorse, and film auteur David Lynch. Dangermouse has collected a group of singers/songwriters to come in and sing and write lyrics for this new album which he and Mark Linkous did the music for. Linkous does sing on a few tracks of his own, as does David Lynch who is mainly responsible for the visuals presented in the album artwork. Guest artists include James Mercer of the Shins, The Flaming Lips, Julian Casablancas, Iggy Pop, and Vic Chestnutt just to name a few. The albums name "Dark Night of the Soul" is absolutely a fitting title for this album. Every song on this album is a dark, dreamy landscape where some pretty sinister and creepy things tend to appear. Especially in the title track on which David Lynch sings. These songs were all written by different people, yet they come together in a way that is just about as eerie as the music itself. One thing Dangermouse is particularly good at is producing music that will absolutely showcase the artists talents, he lets them be themselves, and on this album he adds a bit of himself to the mix as well, creating something wholly original and absolutely rewarding. Don't download this album, buy it in the store so you can experience the haunting visuals first hand.

Shiner Oktoberfest

Shiner has begun to reissue, if you will, some of their anniversary beers over the past year. Shiner Black Lager was Shiner 97, and now they're re-releasing Shiner 96, which is their version of a traditional Marzen-Style seasonal ale. When poured into a glass, this beer has a beautiful golden amber color, which is very appropriate for an Oktoberfest beer, since they're released just before fall. The aroma of this ale is actually quite weak, but does offer up a malty somewhat musty smell but is not off putting in the least. The bitterness is very low, there is no IBU (international bitterness unit) rating on this beer, which usually means that its less than 50 IBU. The caramelized malt in this beer give it a bit of a sweet flavor and add a spice not to the beer that is not too overpowering. In fact, unless you wanted to notice it, you probably wont. Like most other shiner beers, the flavors are all pretty mild, but very pleasant. I happened to get a pack of this beer a bit early, so you probably won't see it in stores for about a month or so, but when you do, be sure to try it out. Its a great warming beer for cool fall nights. Which depending on where you are, might not happen for a while.

The Notorious XX "wait what?"

When you hear what this album is, a mashup of Notorious B.I.G. songs and the new album by British indie band The XX, you can't help but immediately compare it to the grey album the Dangermouse did a few years ago where he mixed Jay-Z's Black album with the Beatles white album. The Notorious XX is quite different once you get past the initial similarities of simply being mixed with a different album. Dangermouse was a bit more creative with the gray album because he fused two genre's and era's that really wouldn't normally go together. The Notorious B.I.G and The XX aren't really that far removed from each other. That being said, the Notorious XX works much better in some places than the grey album did. The intro song "dead wrong intro" is one of the most disarming songs on the album. IT sets up a mood that is not normally associated with rap music in general. There is no big beat, or over the top hook. Its a sedate, and in parts, because of the backing music by the xx a sorrowful sound. This may sound a bit unusual because of the style of music Notorious B.I.G. is known for, but this mix actually really works. The DJ who made this mix used certain lyrics from the XX album and incorporated them quite well into specific parts of these other songs and completely changes the mood of these songs. This album is a free download from a few different sites and is most definitely worth the download.

The XX "xx"

The XX is a British indie electronic group who formed in 2008. They have a sound somewhere between massive attack or tricky and other somewhat "dream-pop" bands like Beach House. This being their debut album, one doesn't really know what to expect, however, this band focuses heavily on mood and atmosphere rather than building to an exciting and ultimately fulfilling climax. Its like all foreplay with no sex. I'm not sure if this is what they were going for, but it really works on some levels. Their music isn't as layered and ominous as bands like massive attack or portishead, but they lay down some pretty good beats, and have fallen into a groove, or sound if you will, much sooner than most bands do. "XX" is an album that will definitely take you a few spins to fully absorb, but once you do, it'll have you and your ears aroused. Check it out.