"Kevin Barnes looks to shock and awe w..." more

"Kevin Barnes looks to shock and awe with his latest, "Skeletal Lamping" (mostly shock). Experimental and impulsive, the album has delicious pop moments. However, you get the feeling that Barnes became distracted as the songs seem half-baked, and never completely reach appropriate expansion or conclusion. For example, the opening track, "Nonpareil of Favor" begins with a delicious entrance only to soon after dissolve into sonic muddle. "Plastis Wafers" equal parts raunchy and lovely, but it quickly veers meaninglessly in all different directions. Now, I am not advocating Barnes take the safe path and write an album of 3 minute pop songs (although he is so, so good at it: check out "Gallery Piece"), but there needs to be a better balance between experimental departures and solid musicianship." less

"Critical to the success of Sufjan Ste..." more

"Critical to the success of Sufjan Stevens "Illinoise" was a combination of three things: endearing vocals, compelling stories, and depth of quality tracks - Of Montreal's 'Gay Parade' qualifies on all three aspects. Of course the styles of the album are worlds apart, but the comparisons can certainly be made: both albums are a collection of stories linked by an almost tangible world-setting. 'The Gay Parade' is carefree, unabashed, and timeless. Nickee Coco and the Invisible Tree perhaps demonstrates these facets best. It is a playful Rip Van Winkle-esque tale that, as it progresses, grows in absurdity and enjoyability. I highly recommend the album for all indie fans." less

"This album is significant not only fo..." more

"This album is significant not only for its high level of musicianship, but also because its relationship with Barnes on a personal level as a sort of relief from a depressed mood and tumultuous relationship with his wife. The album itself reflects the edgy ups-and-downs. In 'Heimsdalgate like a Promethean Curse' Barnes confronts his problems, challenging them: 'Chemicals don't strangle my pet, chemicals don't make me sick again." Later, in 'A Sentence of Sorts in Kongsvinger' he reveals "I spent the winter on the verge/ of a total breakdown while living in Norway / I felt the darkness of the black metal bands." Ultimately, however the album is a success story as he grows in confidence and even ends the album with a soft love ballad for Nina. Musically, though, this is glam-pop at its most delightful and fullest expression, 'Hissing Fauna' is not only a standout album of 2007, but also a top album on eMusic. Download ASAP." less

"If Of Montreal's albums were matched ..." more

"If Of Montreal's albums were matched with the seasons 'The Sunlandic Twins' would have to be the summer album: the album art first suggests it (burning summer sun, the inevitable summer romance), but it is the music that ultimately confirms it through almost an hour of accessible, carefree pop. The album seems to be best appreciated poolside, half-conscious, bathing in its sonic presence, however, if you listen hard enough you may catch a delicious psychedelic adventure (Track 5), a song that sounds like it belongs in a really cool Outback Steakhouse commercial (track 3), a not so playful jab at academia (Art Snob Solutions), and even a guest appearance by Nina Barnes (Keep Sending me Black Fireworks). In conclusion, I recommend this for the casual indie fan, and deem it an absolute must for any Of Montreal fan! Enjoy!" less

"I didn't think I would ever say this ..." more

"I didn't think I would ever say this about an Of Montreal production, but this album is a bit of a bore. The pace of the album is snail-slow (call it "laidback" if you want) and no single track demands a re-listen. The album ends solidly, however, as the last four tracks are quite enjoyable. But it is simply too little, too late, and in my opinion, this is the least interesting Of Montreal album in my collection." less