I guess I’ve started a new The Wild Honey Pie tradition by reviewing five albums every Monday. First off, “like” this article if you think we should continue. Onto the reviews; this bunch includes a variety of albums, including a couple of older albums that were released far before the birth of this blog (late October, 2009). Death Cab for Cutie’s Transatlanticism is everything good in world of indie music, so we thought we’d shell out our highest rating to date, and show you how we benchmark our album reviews.

1. The National’s Boxer

The National burst onto the scene back in 2001, but they haven’t been much bigger than they are at the moment. This comes as no surprise as their latest effort, High Violet, is a gem. I won’t be the first to claim that they’re beautiful style hit full stride with their 2007 hit album, Boxer. Boxer is seductive punch to the face filled with mournful songs that grip you tightly and make you feel connected to something bigger. The album is cohesive but never boring, with each powerful melody, driving drum beat, and lyrical metaphor coming together perfectly in every song. With songs like Slow Show, Fake Empire, Ada, Start a War, and Racing Like a Pro, The National proclaimed back in 2007 that there is indeed a niche for baritone-led indie rock. Matt Berninger’s vocals highlight this glorious album, injecting your soul with uplifting, yet sorrowful emotions.

Slow Show – The National Slow Show – The National (Buy)

2. Shayna Zaid & The Catch’s Self-titled EP

Shayna Zaid leads a gang of musicians with her distinctly deep voice, which radiated throughout this seven song EP. Though it’s a bit too bubbly for my taste, songs like Bonita and Fireflies win me over with their pure happiness. Said to be one of Rachel Ray’s favorite bands, Shayna Zaid & The Catch were the only unsigned act to play at Ray’s SXSW party at Stubbs (acts included Dr. Dog, Local Natives, Freelance Whales, Andrew WK).

Bonita – Shayna Zaid & The Catch Bonita – Shayna Zaid & The Catch (Buy)

3. Joanna Newsom’s Have One On Me (UPDATED)

A recent “Best New Music” pick by Pitchfork, Joanna Newsom’s Have One On Me, is a physically massive piece of work. Comprised of three discs, and clocking in at over two hours, Have One On Me is truly a journey. Newsom’s extremely “pretty” vocals in No Provenance (below) remind me of Éponine singing A Little Fall of Rain in Les Miserables (I took a journalism class when studying in London in which we reviewed shows). She’s been quoted as saying that she is disappointed by the description of her vocals as “child-like”, yet it’s something that cannot be ignored, and is in no way an insult.

The shear vastness of the album makes Have One On Me an epic recording, yet at times, I grew tired of Newsom’s particularly quirky singing voice. These feelings didn’t last long, however, as I was ultimately swayed by her uniqueness and ability to do something completely new in a genre that can sometimes become generic. Many will love this album, some won’t; I am personally falling for Joanna Newsome.  Full review to come as this album absolutely deserves it.

(we were assholes and changed our rating)

4. Death Cab for Cutie’s Transatlanticism

Transatlanticism is an album I will forever associate with my final days of high school, and the events that transpired during that very influential time of my life. Sound of Settling, Title and Registration, Tiny Vessels, and A Lack of Color (my personal favorite) are some of Ben Gibbard’s best works to date, showcasing his ability for somber, delicate tunes. His smooth vocals are pure poetry, making for perfect songs to begin a new relationship and the perfect songs to contemplate one that’s failing. Gibbard has always had a striking ability to tell the truth, good or bad, sweet or painful. Perhaps the best example of this is Tiny Vessels, a genuine representation of love’s end and the mess it leaves behind. Plans and Narrow Stairs are great in their own right, yet no Death Cab for Cutie album can ever reach that pinnacle of glory that was achieved with Transatlanticism.

A Lack of Color – Death Cab for Cutie A Lack of Color – Death Cab for Cutie (Buy)