Anathallo - "Canopy Glow"
3 of 5 stars
Chicago-based Anathallo's "Canopy Glow" fills an unusual but welcome place in indie rock. Instead of the classic drums and guitar set up, a full orchestra anchors Anathallo's music. It's not filled with angst or rebellion or even intellectual arrogance, but with enthusiasm and childlike wonder. Their closest aesthetic relative is indie icon Sufjan Stevens, but there's more tension and rhythmic intricacy in Anathallo's "Canopy Glow" than in Stevens' silky renderings. Anathallo throws their energy and multiple instruments into frenzied, adventurous songs.
"The River" begins with a church-like sing-along, choppy piano chords and reflective French horn, and quickly incorporates violin, drums and glockenspiel. "Noni's Field" is one of the album's most interesting songs, resembling beach pop music—full of clever bridges and a lush orchestral ending.
"Canopy Glow" is adventurous and unusual, but the album's unabashed whimsy can be exhausting at times. Your tolerance probably depends a lot on your personality. If you find yourself growing irritated at the glee, just hold out for songs like "Sleeping Torpor," a fictive and dark mid-record track for a welcome respite.
Bon Iver - "For Emma, Forever Ago"
4 of 5 stars
From the emotional turmoil of a break-up and subsequent reflection over a harsh Wisconsin winter comes one of 2008's most painfully beautiful records. Ironically, musician Justin Vernon named his project Bon Iver, from the French meaning "good winter." In his debut album, "For Emma, Forever Ago," Vernon sings with an almost ever-present falsetto over a sorrowful, sparing guitar. And though Vernon's lyrics are cryptic and sometimes blurry, his emotionally expressive voice communicates more than the clever lyrics ever could. This is the voice of a break-up, of regret, of despair, of doubt, anger, confusion and letting go.
The wounded "The Wolves Act I and II" begins slow with soft melodies and sparse guitar, then Vernon repeats the lyric "What might have been lost" over and over until the music builds and blends into hazy, lush harmonies. Alternately "Skinny Love" presents heartache's complex blend of emotions in one confused place. You can hear Vernon expressing regret initially, then laying blame, and finally pleading, "Who will love you, who will fight?"
"For Emma, Forever Ago" is immensely cathartic and infinitely beautiful. Here's hoping Vernon can produce something so lovely without requiring heartache first.
The Walkmen - "You and Me"
4.5 of 5 stars
Until late last summer, New York rock band The Walkmen seemed destined to fade into oblivion. After a critically successful second album, "Bows and Arrows," the band's third album received a lackluster response. Yet in a triumphant return, the band's August release, "You and Me," far surpasses its other albums and most 2008 releases. The record's strongest attributes are its dynamic manipulation, rhythmic complexity and surprisingly gripping minimalist approach. This taut backdrop provides the perfect foundation for lead singer Hamilton Leithauser's expressive vocals.
"You and Me" opens with the austere yet powerful "Donde Esta La Playa." Creeping along with rolling drumbeats and winding bass lines, the song quickly grabs the listener by the abrupt, forceful crash that opens each chorus. Alternately, "In the New Year" feels monumental from the start. Steady, ringing guitar chords pave the way for the bittersweet and celebratory chorus of organ chords, drums and impassioned vocals.
Not all the songs are immediately captivating, but discovering its subtle layers is well worth the time. This is the album I think of when I think of the year's great albums, and I feel certain it will last beyond year-end lists.
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