Thursday, March 25, 2009 » A reminder: Every book, movie or album is given a certain number of cannarfs depending on whether it met expectations or not. For example, if the album met prior expectations, it receives zero cannarfs. If it was better than expected, it can receive up to 10 cannarfs; if not, it can receive as low as -10.
Artist: Broken Bells
Album name: �Broken Bells�
I�m glad it wasn�t called: �Jingle Bells�
Style(s) of music: Alternative Rock
How I feel about the album in Twitteresque 140 characters or fewer: Broken Bells� use of electronics, synthesizers, etc. creates a fun dance mix, but the CD as a whole is not as impressive as its first single.
How I heard about the album: Derek Webb�s Twitter
Where I bought it: iTunes
Best place to listen to the album: At an IWU-ppriate rave.
Favorite lyrics taken completely out of context: �You�ll be cut down in a seedy stairway�
Favorite song and why: �Sailing to Nowhere� because the introduction of the song reminds me of a haunted carousel (um, if you know what a haunted carousel sounds like).
Least favorite song and why: �Mongrel Heart� because it sounds like it belongs in the 1980s.
Expectations going in: I knew I loved the band�s single (�The High Road�), but I had no idea what the rest of the album would sound like. I expected greatness, though. I trusted that Broken Bells� talented members � Danger Mouse (Brian Burton) and The Shin�s James Mercer � would put out a quality album.
Cannarf Rating: Meh. Maybe it�s because the album is still new to me or that I expected more from Burton and Mercer, but I�m not that impressed. I�m afraid Broken Bells might be a one-hit wonder. (But I hope I�m wrong!)
Cannarf rating: -3