Over-rated Albums of 2008-2009

Hey guys! This is actually LJ's post but I will put my two cents in when needed...by the way, so you can tell what is my witty banter, I will keep my thoughts in hmm...orange!)

I've been frustrated lately by all the hype surrounding a few recent releases and I want to warn everyone before they buy in and potentially blow $20. These are going to be in the indie/alternative genre, if you haven't heard of these bands then feel free to expand your listening. (Edit: I used to have Blitzen Trapper and Neko Case on here but decided that while their albums are over hyped, they are still better than these others I've listed.)

#5: My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges

I used to love this band and awaited this release with baited breath, however the first single was a letdown and it just got worse from there. The song "Librarian" is exceptionally bothersome, just gimmicky songwriting in my opinion. What happened is my question, "It Still Moves" and "Z" are two of the best albums I've heard and really opened me up to new southern country rock. Go get those but not the new one.

Instead, I recommend the new Kings of Leon, which is a little more mainstream pop rock but also much catchier and enjoyable. Or check out Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins. Better songwriting and more creative musically. Jenny Lewis rocks.

#4: TV on the Radio - Dear Science

Way too much hype on this band. Just because they do something differently doesn't make them better. Maybe I'm just weird because I can't appreciate their special style of music, but I'm guessing that you will agree with me if you hear it.

Instead I recommend The Decemberists new album "The Hazards of Love" or their 2006 release "The Crane Wife." They have a great retro feel with excellent songwriting. I LOVE The Decemberists. From their geeky cute front man Colin Meloy to the fact that they incorperate a large whale puppet into their live shows, I can't get enough and am waiting with baited breath for their new album "The Hazards of Love". Jack and I love singing along to the "Mariner's Revenge Song".

#3: Morrissey - Years of Refusal

"I'm throwing my arms around Paris" makes me change the station everytime. It's the same sound but he's running out of ways to make it new and interesting. And the horns? That's just pandering to his new latino fans.

Antony and the Johnsons "The Crying Light" is an album to check out instead (think Morrissey with an even more screwed up sexuality), but if we really want to hear a 1980's icon I think Michael Jackson is performing again. I can't recommend the new Depeche Mode, sorry.

I don't know anything about this album...but I can't stand Antony and the Johnson's (think RuPaul singing the blues).

#2: The Black Lips - 200 Million Thousand

Blech. I enjoyed some earlier songs by the band, but I fail to hear the redeeming qualities of the new stuff. Maybe it's because I haven't been to the live shows where there is vomiting, urination, nudity, band members kissing, power wheels races, fireworks, a chicken, and flaming guitars.

The Cold War Kids have been on my hot list for a while, the new White Stripes is good, both of which you can enjoy without having to see the show.

These guys peed in their own mouths. Sick. Still...I love their song "Veni Vidi Vici" from their previous album. Other than that, they don't get much playtime here.

#1: I don't have a number one yet, how about some submissions from you all? Don't say the upcoming Maggie's Choice album!

Magge's Choice? Maybe Most Underrated Album...but my vote for Most Overrated Album goes to Chinese Democracy by Guns N' Roses. C'mon! 10 years in the making and that is all you got? At least we have even more proof that red-heads can not pull off braids.