artless processes

I find it interesting that three of the bands I've listened to since I can recall independently finding and listening to music all have albums coming out within a few weeks of one another. The Get Up Kids released their first album in seven years, There Are Rules, after deciding to reunite after their 2005 breakup. While they sound significantly different on their latest work, the same differences can be found between all of their previous releases. Definitely a worthwhile listen from some of the founders of the "emo" genre.

Next up is ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead's latest work, Tao of the Dead. The Trail of Dead have definitely been one of my favorite bands since I first found Source Tags & Codes back in high school. Since then, I've managed to accrue all of their albums through Seattle's excellent record stores and they remain the band for which I own the most CDs. I haven't heard much about the new record, but I've enjoyed pretty much every style/sound they've gone through over the years, so I'm pretty psyched.

Finally is the latest Bright Eyes release from Saddle Creek and Conor Oberst, The People's Key. While I liked Cassadaga and Oberst's solo projects, The People's Key is a welcome departure from those more folksy records. The People's Key has a much more "indie rock" demeanor and has really grown on me after a few listens. Definitely a worthwhile listen over at the NPR website for it's upcoming Feb. 15th release.