Getting your player ready...
Coldplay, “Viva la Vida” (Capitol) Brian Eno’s signature production work is a breath of fresh air for the band, although its mom-rock instrumentation and Radiohead-lite melodies remain. A mild but nonetheless pleasing collection of riff-free tunes.
Wolf Parade, “At Mount Zoomer” (Sub Pop) Anticipation is high for this Montreal indie act’s sophomore release, a rambling, cleanly produced artifact that trades distorted squall for measured improvisation, opaque lyricism and, at times, energy.
Silver Jews, “Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea” (Drag City) Despite the provocative name, this indie band mostly creates laconic, poetic twang-pop that plays on singer David Berman’s self- obsession, depression and cleverness.
