Broken Bells: My Little Review!

When it comes to “music listening habits,” it’s no doubt that we live in the playlist era. Thanks to things like iPod’s, and mp3’s it has become naturally easier and easier to listen to a barrage of artists, all at the same time. This makes it really hard for the artist to make an album worth the while. Don’t get me wrong, I still make it an extra effort to give an album a good listen, although most of the time it really turned out to be a very disappointing experience. So I would just revert to the good ol’ classics. Needless to say, once in a while we get those completely amazing albums. Those albums that you listen to, from the first track to the very last one. Albums like “In Rainbows” by Radiohead or “White Blood Cells” by The White Stripes or “Wincing The Night Away” by The Shins and so many others. The album I am referring to is the self-titled album called “Broken Bells.” It is the collaboration of Danger Mouse and James Mercer of The Shins.

I still don’t see how Danger Mouse has the time to do anything between all the different projects. From half of Gnarles Barkley to producing albums for Beck, Gorlliaz, The Black Keys, The Good, The Bad, & The Queen, the late Sparklehorse (RIP). And from full fledge albums like Danger Mouse & Jemini, Danger Doom, and also most interestingly the latest collab with Mark Linkous (Sparklehorse) and David Lynch called Dark Night Of The Soul. And now this Broken Bells is a collaboration album between him and James Mercer of The Shins. The Shins are a band that originated in Portland, Oregon around 2002. With influences like The Smiths, The Cure, and Modest Mouse, its no wonder why I love The Shins so much. In any case, the first time I heard rumors that Shins front man was going to collaborate with Danger Mouse, I really didn’t know what to think. I just kept thinking Gnarles Barkley mixed with “Wincing the Night Away.” At first I thought it would be atrocious. But then, I heard it!

The first track had me sold. “The High Road” (click link to listen) a track that deals with starting a new life and all that entails leaving behind an old life. This struck really close to home. I played it three times. (Back to back to back)

Little did I know that the next few tracks would be equally appealing. With “Vaporize” (click link to listen) a classical guitar riffs away while heavy organs pound away any sign of peace. Completely beautiful composition, the whole way through. Then it seems to end on an amazing trumpet silhouette backed up by a beautiful choir.

The entire album never lets down. This is without a doubt, a MUST BUY. If you are one of those people, who go against the grain, the ones who love indie and underground music. This album is definitely for you. If you enjoy Modest Mouse, Shins, Gnarles Barkley or Gorillaz, I would say, take the time and check this out.

Interview:

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