Not Quite The Timmys, Part Two

Not Quite The Timmys continues. This is the upper half of the Sweet 16, in no particular order... see Part One for the background story...

Gomez- Split The Difference
Style: Brit Popsters, who quite possibly, just maybe, have owned a Beatles album or two.
Fatal Flaw: Bright, sunny but ultimately forgettable.
Try Instead: Ed Harcourt- Strangers

The Streets- A Grand Don't Come For Free
Style: A Brit-Rap concept album.
Fatal Flaw: A Brit-Rap concept album. Seriously, though- works as a whole, but some of the parts are a bit weak.
Try Instead: Dizzee Rascal-Showtime for the Brit Rap, Sleep Station- After The War for the concept.

The Icarus Line- Pennance Soiree
Style: Loud, Noisy, a little Stooges meets Sonic Youth.
Fatal Flaw: Maybe a bit too loud and noisy for this 37-year old, who listens to most of his music these days while working.
Try Instead: The Stooges- Fun House

Fiery Furnaces- Blueberry Boat
Style: Art-damaged Brother/Sister act crams everything into a five minute song
Fatal Flaw: I never thought I'd say this, but there's a little too much going on in some of these songs.
Try Instead: The Arcade Fire- Funeral

Volcano, I'm Still Excited!!- Volcano, I'm Still Excited!!
Style: Catchy, poppy, and more than a touch of new wave.
Fatal Flaw: Not enough strong tune.
Try Instead: Dogs Die In Hot Cars- Please Describe Yourself

Beastie Boys- To The Five Boroughs
Style: Aging rappers kickin' it old school.
Fatal Flaw: A little heavy-handed with the politics, a little light with the humor.
Try Instead: Beastie Boys- Paul's Boutique

The Radio Dept.- Lesser Matters
Style: Co-Ed Swedish pop that's not too sweet, eschewing ABBA comparisons
Fatal Flaw: Not the best Co-Ed Swedish pop album this year...
Try Instead: The Concretes- The Concretes

Elvis Costello- The Delivery Man
Style: Elvis gets rootsy in Mississippi
Fatal Flaw: Some strong songs, but not a solid "album" from start to finish
Try Instead: Elvis Costello- King Of America

Next Up: Honorable Mentions