Album Quick Takes

I've been listening to a bunch of new music and one new-to-me album:

Sigur Ros: Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust does nothing to quell my love and lust for Sigur Ros. The album is more percussive and, dare I say bouncier, than earlier outings, but they're fifth studio album is great. This Med was recorded around the world and includes the first SR song recorded in English. The album is a mix of uptempo and traditional tempo songs. While the uptempo songs feel fresh and give new life to the band, the quieter, slower-paced songs also stir.

Hercules and Love Affair: I'd read a number of reviews that praised the self-titled debut from Hercules and Love Affair. The album has an 80's retro feel that works with Andrew Butler's Boy George smokes-too-much vocal stylings. It's dancefloor pop that feels fun and dark at the same time.

Madonna: Don't hate me because I like "4 minutes," the first single off of Hard Candy, the new Madonna effort. It's a strong entry in the Madonna canon. Though some have called it a throw-back, I find it to be compelling and contemporary.

Kiley Minogue: Kylie's back with X, and she, too, is in fine form. It's taken a little longer to grow on me than the other albums in the list here, but X has fought its way into heavy rotation on my ipod.

Freezepop: I've come a little later to the table for freezepop, and the name is right on. futurefuturefutureperfect is a chilly little pop confection with a few standout tracks that get the body moving and are guaranteed to get you singing along. While it's not a stellar effort, there's enough of interest to keep me following this group.