Freedom is Just Another Word When you've No-one Left To Hurt

It's been a while since we've updated DBM.  A lot has happened since our last update.  Many great new albums have seen the light of day.  

Hopefully Morgan will post about how awesome the new Beck w/ Dangermouse album 

(Modern Guilt) is.  

But now I'm going to post about two other great releases.

I hadn't heard of Spiritualized before this year.  The english band has been around for over a decade, led by "J. Spaceman."  Spiritualized has gone through many band member changes, but one thing has stayed the same:  beautiful music. 

I'm not too familiar with all of their earlier stuff (just getting into them and all), but it's relaxing space-rock with a hint of gospel.  This year they released their seventh studio album (the first in five years), "Songs in A&E"

"Songs in A&E" is just that, songs that are played in the keys of A and E.  The album flows like a dream and is filled with emotion and beautiful instrumentation that builds up something that feels almost... well... spiritual. 

A few highlights of the album include "Soul on Fire" which is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful songs on "Songs in A&E."  There's just something about it that's filled with hope and love on top of a nicely flowing string arrangement, strumming and "oohs" from the choral background.  

"Songs in A&E" migh

t quickly jump up to one of my favorites of the year.  I look forward to checking out the rest of their catalogue. 

The second album I want to talk about is the new Vetiver album "Thing of the Past"

"Thing of the Past" is a very earthy folk-rock album with guitar licks reflecting Wilco and the Jayhawks and vocal harmonies reminiscent of Simon & Garfunkel. 

But then again, who can expect anything less from a band named after grass.  

Without question, this is a great hammock album.  It's nice and upbeat and it will take all your worries and cares away.  Some highlights are the rootsy "Hook & Ladder" with a chorus that goes "Singin' woah-oh-woah-oh-oh-oh-woah" along with whistling and a catchy strumming tune.  The sound is very old-timey and fun to sing along to.  

Another highlight is the catchy banjo tune "The Swimming Song."  That's all it's about... Swimming.  If you listen to the song, it will most likely make you want to jump into the local swimmin' hole to take a cool break from the harsh summer heat.  Near the end there's also a really nice fiddle break to add to the down home & out back in the woods sound.  

Well that's all for now folks.  I'll try to keep this updated more with new tasty albums.  I highly recommend you check out the new Beck, Spiritualized and Vetiver.  You won't regret it. 

Peace, Love and Keeprockalive!