Monday, January 4, 2010

REVIEW: Owen Pallett - Heartland

9 out of 10

I wanted to start off this years reviewing with a bang. It seemed that since my favorite album of 2009 was a first semester release/review that it made sense to carry on the tradition. Which is why I choose Owen Pallett's "Heartland" as my #1 album of 2010! (Ha! -- too soon?) Maybe, but either way "Heartland" is going to be an extremely tuff album to pass up. There's no way I could've guessed this album being as good as it is, I've been listening to "Heartland" daily for the past couple weeks, at least 3 times a day! To say the very least, I'm impressed. Final Fantasy fans rejoice! Owen Pallett is back with his most impressive work to date.

"Heartland" is the third solo release for Owen Pallett (first under Owen Pallett). His first two albums going under the alias Final Fantasy were Shakespearian/Renaisassance(ian?) upbeat neo-folk opus'. Throughout the young Mr. Pallett's career you get the sense of him mastering his violin, over-the-top dramatic orchestrations (that bring to mind John Williams (Star Wars composer) as well as Philip Glass), dramatic/folkloric male vocals, and little bits of electronics that carry their own special place/tempo more and more. His music has never let me down, with every release it gets better and I become more engrossed. If you enjoy Classical music, micro bits of electronics, STRINGS, piano, and a somewhat acquired but highly melodic vocals, you are going to flip $h!% over this.

You seriously have no idea how amazing this is until you experience it. If you're not impressed I will buy your copy from you. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Standout Tracks: AALLLLL, ESPECIALLY Keep The Dog Quiet, Lewis Takes Action, The Great Elsewhere (love the fast paced drumming on this track), Oh Heartland Up Yours! (love the deep sub sound), Lewis Takes Off His Shirt (follow link/watch video/be amazed), Flare Gun (LOVE the playful strings), E Is For Estranged, What Do You Think Will Happen Now? (good ender)

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