Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Review: Broken Bells: Broken Bells [A]


Artist: Broken Bells
Album: Broken Bells
Released: March 2010
Label: Columbia Records
Genre: alternative rock / electronic

Purchase date: 07 April 2010
Source: eMusic
Format: MP3 files

A collaboration of Brian Burton (better known as celebrity producer Danger Mouse) and James Mercer (frontman of The Shins), this is one of those bands that shouldn't work but does, and spectacularly. Mercer's dark lyrics paired with upbeat melodies take on new life under Burton's production: swirling psychedelic electronics, atmospheric effects, and vintage synths. This record doesn't break any new ground, but it has a whole lot of great songs. The high point is the opening track, "The High Road," but the music sustains an emotional wave throughout. This is another record I keep putting on over and over throughout the year, and I expect it will likely make my top 10 list.

Rating: A


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