Wilco

“Wilco (The Album)”

Nonesuch Records

Release: Out Now

4 out of 5 Stars

“Wilco (The Album)” is just that — a nice little mission statement that comes across very Wilco-y.

It feels like a bit of a memoir, showcasing hints of the past and the things that made the band who it is. A bit of a peek into the mind of Wilco, showing where it is, and a few clues about where it’s going.

I doubt few Wilco fans will claim this as their favorite album, but it’s definitely one that will please all of them, and new listeners as well.

“Wilco (The Song)” is probably my favorite song of theirs to sing along to.

“Deeper Down” feels like an isolated desert that swirls into an oasis.

The duet with Feist, “You and I,” is simply gorgeous, and “You Never Know” might very well sum up Wilco the best.

So even though it might not be the best Wilco album ever released, compared to a lot of the music coming out today it is quite good.

It may be hard to not compare Wilco against itself, but if you can avoid that fate you will realize just how great it is.

Plastiscines

“About Love”

Nylon Records

Release: Aug. 4

4 out of 5 Stars

Released on the newly born Nylon imprint, “About Love” is far from innovative or original, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun.

It’s a very chic and stylish record; it shows that even the most Plain Jane girl can come out beautiful in some hip threads.

The album blasts off with the sultry “I Could Rob You” that will kiss you right on the cheek.

“Pas Avec Toi” seduces you with its French accent and ziggy guitar riff.

“Barcelona” will mesmerize you into a lull before punching you right in the teeth. The whole album comes off that, distracting you with its beauty before making a strike.

Even though everything feels a bit last season with its elementary hooks and basic song formulas, it’s spruced up with enough lipstick and eyeliner to suck you in nonetheless.

The Plastiscines might be a little bit more about style than substance, but when it looks this good, there’s not much to gripe about.

Spoon

“Got Nuffin”

Merge Records

Release: Out Now

3.5 out of 5 Stars

This brief EP will tide over diehard fans until the new album (which should be due sometime Spring of 2010) is released.

The title track is just pure, classic Spoon. Impossibly catchy and quick on its feet, frontman Britt Daniels brings “Got Nuffin” to life with the gentle call of his voice.

“Tweakers” is unusual to say the least, a three minute murky drum beat that feels like a song intro to something that never comes.

Then “Stroke Their Brains” shimmers to a start with cosmic guitar scratches, before a bum-bum beat stomps them out. A punchy little piano beat chimes in here and there all in good fun.

It might be a bit of a tease, but “Got Nuffin” is a good indication that we’ve got nothing to worry about with the upcoming seventh Spoon release.

Other Girls

“Perfect Cities”

Audio Eagle

Release: Out Now

3 out of 5 Stars

Other Girls’ debut record shows a lot of potential.

A very distinct Midwestern feel saturates the record, and the band seems to bear a striking resemblance to Band of Horses musically, but is hasn’t reached that level of expertise as of yet.

Songs like “Hey Fella! You Fell” and “The Moth” have a very fun, loose feel to them. The songs echo nice and big, but wear thin after a bit.

While any song stands fairly strong on its own, the album as a whole starts to blend into something a bit monotonous. But certain moments, like that on the uninhibited “Sleep A Year,” make the album well worth a listen.

“Perfect Cities” feels like a promise, one that should grow and improve over time. It feels a bit naïve and unassuming, but therein lies the potential to find the perfect niche for itself.

I can only hope the band takes another step in the right direction.

Joshua Boydston is a psychology sophomore.