Really? I think LOSE sounds like a great combination of WTAM, Lenses Alien while introducing new sounds and ideas. I think it works well, though, I feel like I need to listen to it even more. I read an interview with Joe that really opened up my mind about the song lyrics on LOSE. It appears that Joe lost a close friend and that largely inspired the lyrical content on this record.

Not diggin' LOSE as much as Lenses Alien, huh?

My first suggestions would be the albums before and after Bee Thousand; Propeller and Alien Lanes. Anything before Propeller might be too lo-fi and poorly made. Devil Between My Toes is their first album and well done, however the lyrics on it are not very good but it has a very big R.E.M. influence to the record. If you are looking for something with better quality production I would suggest Under the Bushes Under the Stars. Hope that helps, haha. :)

Thanks for the friend request, by the way.

Yeah, I've played them on air a few times. Not a lot, I'm afraid. I never really checked them out beyond Icky Mettle, but your Pavement vs. Archers post has inspired me. I just ended a long DJ stint at XPN2 in Philadelphia. I'm now on 88.1 WDIY in Bethlehem, PA.

Read your Archers of Loaf post. Fucking on point, man. What a great under-appreciated band.

Yeah, I read in an interview that the songs on The Monitor were very different when performed live, so I think Patrick wanted to make an album that was more representative of their live performances. Local Business is growing on me more and more though. And thanks! I need to organize my blog more because I'm new to this and have a lot to learn still. There are so many new albums out that I need to listen to more. Modest Mouse and D-Plan are some of my favorite bands ever and I understand how hard it is to stray away from their albums, haha.

I didn't care for it much either at first, but the more I hear it the more I love it. I also keep trying to remember that these songs would be excellent live and it somehow makes them sound more cohesive. And the lyrics are as brilliant as always. But, anyway, your review was great and I'll have to follow your blog! I do album reviews myself, but I think you're a talented writer and I don't claim to be any good haha.

I read your review for the new Titus album and was blown away by your style of writing! Everything you said was incredibly insightful and eloquent. I agree that Local Business is far from being their best, but it still will be one of my top favorites of the year.

It's a brilliant album! Was my #1 album of last year. No doubt about that! But my favorite has to be Saturdays=Youth because that was my first M83 album and there are so many memories it triggers whenever I hear it. Also, Before the Dawn Heals Us is a phenomenal album too! Those two albums and Hurry Up are some of my favorite albums ever created. The older M83 releases are more instrumental and ambient and are great too.

I know we have talked before so I am probably repeating myself, but your taste in music is perfect. Your top abums list is excellent! Is Hurry Up, We're Dreaming your favorite M83 release? I haven't listened to M83 in months...I should change that.

Ah, that sounds awesome. I really wish they would come westwards. I have never had the chance to see them.

How was the dplan concert?

Evenin'. I liked your blog on the new Titus single and I appreciate where you're coming from and I wanted to let you know.

At the risk of gushing, your fav albums are flawless and your opinions on Titus Andronicus are spot on.

Yeah I agree, it's good enough for me. I'm going to be seeing them play in October. I'm stoked!

Noticed you were listening to Dinosaur Jr. Are you excited for the new album? The single is pretty good.

Thanks for letting me know! I'll have to keep my eyes peeled then to try and get them.

So you live in Maryland or in the D.C. area? I'm from the Eastern Shore of MD. Hoping I'll catch D-Plan next time they're around.

Thanks a lot man, they sound great. It kind of sounds like a mix of all their material to me, if you know what I mean. Like they're trying to include all the elements of their sound, from the wacky stuff from the first two albums to the chilled atmosphere of Change, which is pretty cool. Looking forward to it!

Hey man, what were the Plan's new songs like? I'm mad jealous that I don't live in Baltimore or anywhere that allows me to see them live.

Yeah, I know what you mean. I love Wilco, especially Summerteeth and A Ghost is Born. Maybe I'll listen to it, but I won't expect anything amazing.

No, I haven't yet. I honestly haven't listened to Passion Pit in years because someone told me they are awful live and I wore out their music a bit prior to hearing that. I'll have to check out the new album though.

So true. :) Is that the new Passion Pit album you're listening to/is it good?

You have an AWESOME favorite albums list!

Enjoy!

): Why aren't you on the D-Plan shoutbox more often? We used to be a gang but now it's basically just me and YouAreInvited, plus the fact that you have the same taste as us (Pavement, Modest Mouse, D-Plan)!

No worries. It was a great show. It was also the first time I'd ever watched a show from up on the balcony, which turned out to be pretty cool too.

Thank you! :) I love your favorite albums list, by the way.

Your taste in music is amazing.

Did you go to that Modest Mouse show last night? How was it? What did the set times look like?

Went to the Japandroids shoutbox, found an E&I avatar, can I marry you?

Spiritualized!