That bridge is on fire going back to where I've been

Yes, I promise that a non-music related post is coming soon. In fact, it's in the works. I hit writer's block on a post connecting N. T. Wright, Six Feet Under, Pedro Almodovar, and the World Cup. But the draft has been saved and I will finish! But, for now, I need to briefly yell at y'all and tell you to immediately purchase or obtain a copy of the xx, the debut album by the artist The Xx.

Musically, The Xx is very similar to Beach House as they are both very minimalistic in their sound. I would contest that the basic difference is that Beach House can afford to be instrumentally more tepid as Victoria Legrand's smoky vocals can carry entire songs. On the other hand, the boy-girl duet vocals provided by Romy Madly Croft and Oliver Sim are good, but not exceptional. Consequently, the instrumentation has to be (and is) better.

To save your eyes the trouble, a list of why this band is worth checking out:

1) They are three 20 year-olds from London.

2) Obviously, this is not enough to make good music as even a young insomniac can't make good music (see: owl city). But this band creates incredible music. Simple guitar, fuzzy keyboard, wordless vocals and other effects create an energizing 'instrumental' opening track, called intro. Yes, that is the song from the commercial from the olympics. The bass parts on the closing track, Stars, highlight the vocals quite well. Other songs worth checking out are Islands, Cristalized, Heart Skipped a Beat, and Shelter.

3) The lyrics. Like the musical style, they are quite simple. But brilliant. On Islands, Romy sings of having found her lover and not needing to find more. Oliver's vocals come in, singing: see what I've done // that bridge is on fire // going back to where I've been // I'm froze by desire // no need to leave. The song continues by realizing that this relationship may close too many other doors and ends by leaving the door open to this fear. In many ways, the whole album is about commitment (or the fear thereof). On Cristalised, for example, the lyrics struggle with the ability to be close to someone. From Islands, the album continues to explore this theme before ending with Stars. While Stars is, undeniably, a song about sex on the first date, it concludes the commitment in a relationship is something to be pursued. As the chorus points out, 'cos we can give it time // so much time.

4) Their music videos are visually astounding. Most notably, the choreography and repetition of Islands make the video extremely interesting. And the video works wonderfully with the story being sung.

Here's a link to Amazon mp3 to buy the album. And I do promise, a non-musical post is forthcoming.

And your tattooed knuckles oh, how they grind down

*There are those bands that should have never been created. Then there are those artists that everyone should forget quickly. But there is luckily another side to the proverbial music coin. Just barely crossing the chasm of noise, there are those bands that are good, but never great. But journey with me down the halls of music to something beyond mere subjective opinion. I dare you to enter to halls of musicians, who, whether you like, love, dislike, or loathe them, have gained a widespread reputation that lasts for years. I mean, musicians that, for better or worse, have made a lasting mark on history. Such artists include Neil Young, Emmylou Harris, Bob Dylan, U2, the Rolling Stones, and, disregarding many more, Bruce Springsteen.

Of course the band I wish to present to you may not make such a lasting mark on history. Time will only tell how far down the magical musical road of greatness this band travels in the minds of the general populace. Objectivity aside for a moment, I contest that the Gaslight Anthem is an absolutely tremendous band. Of the musicians to influence this New Jersey four piece, Bruce Springsteen stands out. Their rock 'n roll carries many Bruce overtones and it is quite evident in their lyrics. The Backseat of The '59 Sound is an obvious nod to Bruce's Backstreets. The lyrics and title to Meet Me by the River's Edge off the same album includes nods to (at least) No Surrender, Bobby Jean, and The River. If that wasn't enough, Bruce has played with The Gaslight Anthem in their songs and they have played with him in his.

But so far all I have done is to encourage Bruce fans to listen to The Gaslight Anthem. For all you others, however, I must state that The Gaslight Anthem is what it means to be rock 'n roll. Driving in the car with the windows down this summer, what you need is great, not just good, rock music. And the Gaslight Anthem delivers. The '59 Sound is where I recommend you start as the album is utterly perfect. While songs such as Great Expectations, The '59 Sound, and Casanova are straight up rock 'n roll songs with incredible lyrics, Film Noir changes the pace a little bit, allowing the listener to vent with this angry song. Slower tunes such as Here's Looking at You Kid and Meet Me by the River's Edge grant the ears a pleasant break and create a superb balance to the album.

The Gaslight Anthem just came out with their newest album, American Slang, this past Tuesday and, if you've been seeing my facebook comments and tweets, you will know that I think it's a pretty freakin' big deal. The most I can do is implore you to get both of these albums and give 'em a listen yourself, but let me make a few comments regarding AS. While the opening track (American Slang) lulls you into a sense that this album will be very similar in style to The '59 Sound, the second track (Stay Lucky) immediately changes your mind as Brian Fallon and the boys pull out a few new tricks. The new tricks continue throughout the album and it sounds drastically different from The '59 Sound. Highlights include the down-and-out songs Bring it On and Boxer as well as the interesting choruses and guitar quips that make The Diamond Church Street Choir come to life.

*All-in-all, I think American Slang is the best album to have come out this year and will be hard to top.