I’ve been listening to Sleater-Kinney’s new album The Woods on a semi-regular basis for the last two weeks. Although I was rather turned off by the first listen, I’ve found that it has grown on me. Part of my initial negative reaction was due, I think, to the blown left front speaker in my car, which at this point makes just about anything sound like shit. Combined with an opening track that’s a bit of downer, it was enough to put me off. As I said, though, I’ve been getting more into the album with repeated listens—I’m not sure I’d say it’s a great album, but it’s definitely worth a listen.
In other music news, I’m quite impressed with the new White Stripes record (while I’ve like their previous outings, I haven’t been among the “They’re the Second Coming” crowd). This one still has a good deal of The Rock, but more nuance than I’m used to, and a couple of damn catchy tracks. The only real low point is the track where Meg White sings lead; it would have best been left off the album, but at least it’s really short.
I also got the new Gorillaz album. Liked it at first, but I haven’t found myself particularly drawn back to it after the first listen. Perhaps I’ll have more to say at some point in the near future.