July Music Reviews: Who Came Out on Top?

By Sarah Christine Davis on August 1, 2015

This summer has been criticized for not churning out any summer anthems, but I think that we’re just not looking in the right places. July was an especially satisfying month in music for millennials who were thirsty for some music from throwback artists from whom we haven’t heard in a while, such as Owl City and Vanessa Carlton. There are also some psychedelic tunes from Mac DeMarco and Tame Impala tossed into the mix to balance out the overtly pop sound from this month. Intrigued? You should be. Check out more information on the impressive albums that were released this month below!

Wilco’s Star Wars: 8/10

Image via http://wilcoworld.net/splash-star-wars-links/

Wilco surprised us all by releasing this album for free without any forewarning. According to The Toledo Blade, the group decided to release Star Wars as a surprise free download just for fun. The songs on the album made me think of the banter between a mother of a teenage drummer who yells at him to stop making all that noise when the son truly thinks it’s good music. However, Star Wars pulls off this mentality in a uniquely perfect way. The Rolling Stone raved about the new release, giving it 4.5/5 stars and saying that “only Wilco could make something this eruptive so comfy, like a steel-wool security blanket.” The album can be downloaded from Wilco’s website.

Mac DeMarco’s Some Other Ones: 7/10

Image via https://makeoutvideotape.bandcamp.com/album/some-other-ones

This completely instrumental mini-album from “the goofball prince of indie rock” has been dubbed a “BBQ soundtrack.” While the album probably wouldn’t be my top pick for a barbeque – I would pick something with a little bit more umph – I can certainly see it being listened to at a small, chill barbeque on a hot summer’s day next to the pool. Regardless, it is characteristic Mac DeMarco music and thus deserves appreciation for that reason in itself. Perhaps the most impressive part of the mini-album is that it was recorded in only four days at Mac DeMarco’s home in Queens. Click here to listen to the album on Bandcamp.

Vanessa Carlton’s Blue Pool: 10/10

Image via http://music.mxdwn.com/2015/07/26/reviews/vanessa-carlton-blue-pool-ep/

Blue Pool is a stunning EP that will send shivers down your spine. Combining Vanessa Carlton’s pleasant singing voice with her iconic piano-playing talents, the EP nearly sounds like music from Daughter’s long-lost cousin. Listen to the title track, “Blue Pool,” and you’ll understand exactly what I’m talking about. Blue Pool is minimalist, lovely, emotional, mysterious, and all-around transcendent. SPIN suggests that Vanessa Carlton has “swapped rosy-cheeked pop ballads for a more adult sound,” which is a perfect description of her musical transition. Click here to purchase Blue Pool from iTunes.

MS MR’s How Does It Feel: 5/10

Image via http://genius.com/albums/Ms-mr/How-does-it-feel

“Painted,” the opening track of MS MR’s newest album, slaps you right in the face from the start. The ample overlay of voices and instruments is overwhelming, especially since it’s the first thing on the album that you hear. Maybe this just put a bad taste in my mouth for the rest of the album, but I’m not a huge fan of How Does It Feel. It seems to try too hard to have that dark pop sound. The lyrics fall flat and sound like an attempt to be artistic without actually offering any meaning. Aside from that, the music is certainly catchy and would be perfect for some mindless listening when you’re trying to be productive. Don’t just take my word for it; purchase it from iTunes and see what you think of it yourself.

Owl City’s Mobile Orchestra: 8/10

Image via http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Orchestra-Owl-City/dp/B00XO12RSK

Long gone are the days of Owl City’s 2009 hit “Fireflies,” which was definitely the soundtrack to my freshman year of high school. It’s nice to hear something new from the talented artist. Mobile Orchestra features some great music to listen to on the weekend, whether you’re enjoying your last bits of summer by the pool or getting ready to go out to the club with friends. Better yet, it features artists such as Aloe Blacc and Hanson. Owl City has certainly grown over the years, but he’s stayed true to his characteristic alternative dance sound. If you’re into pop music, you’ll love this album. Purchase Mobile Orchestra on iTunes today.

Lucy Rose’s Work It Out: 7/10

Image via http://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/35002-lucy-rose-work-it-out.php

Work It Out is this English singer-songwriter’s sophomore album, and after listening to it, I wish she had more music for me to chill out to. The album’s simple instrumentals combined with Lucy Rose’s soft and sweet voice evoke a sense of calm nostalgia, making it a perfect listen for winding down after a long week. Although Lucy Rose doesn’t have many songs that are all her own, she has done backing vocals for artists such as Manic Street Preachers and Bombay Bicycle Club. While sites such as NME have put down the album by saying that Lucy Rose’s new album “fails to leave a lasting impression,” that doesn’t take away from the fact that it is a pleasure to listen to. Check out this live version of Work It Out’s “Our Eyes” to understand just how beautiful Lucy Rose’s voice truly is. Additionally, click here to purchase the deluxe version of the album on iTunes.

Tame Impala’s Currents: 10/10

Image via http://pitchfork.com/news/59124-tame-impala-detail-currents/

It’s hard to believe that this psychedelic pop/rock band has only been around since 2007 because each song sounds like it’s coming from a beloved world-famous rock band. Their music has such an old-timey yet futuristic feel that is something like Fun meets Arcade Fire; it sounds like Daft Punk, but better. Currents has a beautiful vibe that you could get lost in if you wanted to. Pitchfork calls Currents a break-up album whose “emotional power…comes from its willingness to accept that relationships will expose an introvert’s every character defect.”  The lyrics and thought behind each song on this album are phenomenal, and the musical stylings match in perfection. Do yourself a favor and purchase Currents from iTunes as soon as possible.

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