Album Release of the Week: The Antlers - Burst Apart

For those of you that were as huge fans of 2009's Hospice as I am, the first thing you're probably looking for in a new album by The Antlers is more of the sad, deeply moving songs that shook the world. With the possible exception of the last track, Putting the Dog to Sleep, Burst Apart does not have the same heavy, heartfelt sound that Hospice had.  The gut-wrenchingly beautiful somber songs of Hospice are replaced with a much more lighthearted, indie pop sound. Why a change in tone? As band frontman Peter Silberman explained to NPR in a recent interview, "We're not particularly sad people, we have a lot of different feelings about things. There's a whole spectrum of emotion to explore, and I think that's what we were trying to do on this record." Despite this decision to stray from being labeled a "sad" band, does Burst Apart stand up in its own right?

The new sound of The Antlers showcased on Burst Apart is quite noticeably nowhere as muddled and spread out as it was on Hospice. Fans of The Antler's breakout album may not even recognize the band at first, due to the abrupt change in sound. Some elements of Hospice, such as the distorted droning tones that were wide-spread throughout the album, are recycled successfully for use on Burst Apart. Silberman's songwriting skills remain strong throughout the album, especially on "Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Out" and "Putting the Dog to Sleep". Some may interpret the album as a life cycle of sorts due to the possible references to a dog throughout the album, but I didn't find any story here, only a collection of mostly chilled out, joyful tunes. While fans of the band's last masterpiece may not particularly enjoy this album, new listeners get a cheerful introduction to the wonderful band known as The Antlers.

My Rating: 3.5/5

Favorite Tracks: "No Windows", "Putting the Dog to Sleep"
Least Favorite Track: "Rolled Together"

Buy Burst Apart from Amazon!
or
Steam Burst Apart on NPR's website!

Coming Soon: /mu/tant hipster reboot

Now starting reboot sequence.

Estimated completion date: 5/10/11

Releasing on May 10, 2011 for Review: The Antlers - Burst Apart

Also releasing on May 10, 2011: The Lonely Island - Turtleneck & Chain

Grammy Awards 2011

Looking at the list of artists nominated for a Grammy, it seems that the award doesn't deal with artistic talent often, but rather with record sales and chart domination. The nominations were not without some precious jewels, however. I've decided to take a few minutes to share my thoughts on who was most deserving of several awards. I've also predicted the winner based on observed popularity. Check out the list of nominations here.

Be sure to catch the Grammy Awards on Feb. 13.

General

Record of the Year

My choice: "Fuck You" - Cee Lo Green

The "Popular Choice" : "Empire State of Mind" - Jay-Z & Alicia Keys

Song of the Year

My choice: "Fuck You" - Cee Lo Green

The "Popular" Choice - "Love The Way You Lie" - Eminem & Rihanna

 

Best New Artist

My Choice: Florence & The Machine

The "Popular" Choice : Justin Bieber

Pop

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance

My choice:  "Chasing Pirates" - Norah Jones

The "Popular" Choice: "Bad Romance" - Lady Gaga

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance

 

My choice/"Popular" Choice: "This Is It" - Michael Jackson

Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals 

 

My Choice: "Babyfather" - Sade

The "Popular" Choice: Don't Stop Believin' - Glee Cast

Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals 

 

My Choice: "Imagine" - Herbie Hancock & Co.

 

The "Popular" Choice: Telephone - Lady Gaga

 

 

Best Dance Recording  

 

My Choice: "Dancing On My Own" - Robyn

The "Popular" Choice: "Only Girl (In the World) - Rihanna

Best Electronic/Dance Album 

 

My Choice: "These Hopeful Machines"  - BT 

 

The "Popular" Choice: "La Roux" - La Roux

 

 

Best Solo Rock Performance 

 

My Choice: "Angry World" - Neil Young

 

The "Popular" Choice: "Helter Skelter" - Paul McCartney

 

 

Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals 

 

My Choice: "I Put a Spell On You" - Jeff Beck and Joss Stone

 

The "Popular" Choice: "Resistance" - Muse

 

 

Best Hard Rock Performance 

 

My Choice: "New Fang" - Them Crooked Vultures

 

The "Popular" Choice: "Black Rain" - Soundgarden

 

 

 Best Metal Performance 

 

My Choice: "El Dorado" - Iron Maiden

The "Popular" Choice: "Sudden Death" - Megadeth

Best Rock Song 

 

My Choice: "Radioactive" - Kings of Leon

 

The "Popular" Choice: "Resistance" - Muse

Best Rap Solo Performance 

 

My Choice: "Power" - Kanye West

 

The "Popular" Choice: "Not Afraid" - Eminem

 

Honorable Mentions:

They Might Be Giants is nominated for Best Musical Album For Children.

Flight of the Conchords is nominated for Best Comedy Album.

The American Idiot Cast Recording is nominated for Best Musical Show Album.