The Good, The Meh, The Bad and The Unheard: Part Four - The Unheard

It would seem like 2011 was a pretty big year for music.  Even though I managed to listen to as much new material as I could, I didn’t listen to enough.  Either due to lack of funds or general hesitance toward certain bands; I managed to miss out on some significant records.  It doesn’t mean that I can’t go back and get them; it just means that there wasn’t a chance for me to champion them the year they debuted. 

This list is based on my general interest in these bands/genres and the critical praise for these albums.  Here’s the final installment of my year end list—“The Unheard.”

 

Machine Head – Unto the Locust
It’s only been in the more recent years that I’ve started to appreciate Machine Head.  They blew the metal world away with their release in 2007, The Blackening (which is another album I’ve yet to get), and set themselves a difficult benchmark to beat.  Four years later, they’ve apparently managed to do just that with Unto the Locust.  I’m flat out bummed I haven’t wrapped my ears around this record yet. 

 

Thrice – Major/Minor
Despite the fact that Thrice were unveiling one song at a time leading up to the release of Major/Minor, and the fact that I featured their only free download from the album—“Yellowbelly”—I didn’t buy it.  Shame on me.  Now, the band is on a hiatus indefinitely which is all the more reason for me to get out and get this record.

 

Florence and the Machine – Ceremonials
My wife downloaded this album from iTunes, and I have heard it, but a significant chunk of the tracks are incomplete.  I still haven’t heard the entire thing, despite my reminders to her to email iTunes and fix it, but what I’ve been able to glean so far is it’s more electronically based than its 2008 predecessor, Lungs.  And I like that.

Staind – Staind
I’d kind of given up hope on these cats after the less than stellar Chapter V back in 2005.  I mean Aaron Lewis is a multi-millionaire by now, what can he possibly have to be pissed off about?  From what I’ve gathered, however, Staind is a return to form a la their nu metal gem Dysfunction.   Looking forward to spinning it, one day.

 

The Horrible Crowes – Elsie
I’m a sucker for The Gaslight Anthem.  I adore everything about their lead singer, Brian Fallon: his pained, Springsteen-esque vocal; his philosophic-yet-blue-collar lyricism and the unfiltered emotion the guy oozes.  The Horrible Crowes is another project of his featuring his guitar tech, Ian Perkins.  I’ve heard the preview tracks the band put out, but not the entire album.  I’m disappointed in myself for not snagging this record when it came out.

 

Imelda May – Mayhem
Mayhem is this Irish-songstress’ second major-label release and I’ve heard nothing but great things about it.  I dug its predecessor, Love Tattoo, and I’m excited about new material of hers. 

 

The Empire Shall Fall – Volume 1: Solar Plexus
Again, I posted the teaser to this EP’s release, but have yet to score it.  I’m looking forward to more progressive-tech-metal core from this eclectic set of headbangers.

 

Death Cab for Cutie – Codes and Keys
I’ve heard the lead single, “You are a Tourist,” a million times by now, but still haven’t picked this disc up.  Although some folks didn’t much care for the record, I dig the single and am willing to give it a try.  Hopefully I won’t be as disappointed as they were.

 

Imperative Reaction – Imperative Reaction
I’ve heard (and spun, live) a couple of tracks from this album—“Siphon” and “Surface”—but have yet to hear the rest of it.  Nothing but praise has been spoken about this record so I have high hopes.