The Sounds of Fall: Albums Worth Buying

FACT: There are no worse feelings than: 1) buying a crappy album 2) discovering a really good album say, oh, 5 years late and being “that” guy.

FACT: There are no better feelings than: 1) buying an album so perfect it somehow turns the very world around in you into a brilliant shade of happiness 2) being the guy who knew about the album oh, 5 years before all your friends. You hipster fiend, you.

So you can avoid unwanted purchases and being”that” guy, below are recent fall releases and whether they’re worth the buy; as well as personal favorites.

Band of Horses, “Mirage Rock”
“Mirage Rock” received a 4.0/ 10 stars by independent music website Pitchfork.com. Criticized for lacking depth, “Mirage Rock” delivers several breakthrough tracks that keep Band of Horses on the map, much like their debut hit, “The Funeral”. Favorite tracks of mine include the upbeat “Knock Knock”, and the familiar melancholy crooning of “Slow Cruel Hands of Time”.  An excellent album to fill the void of silence as you work on homework, give your dog a bath, or lie on the couch in an apathetic stupor. So do I buy?: Skip the buy, download your favorite songs.

Mumford & Sons, “Babel”
The banjo connoisseurs and lyrical geniuses are back and better than ever, with no shortage of that damn catchy banjo. Songs may start to sound the same (since all Mumford & Son’s songs do), yet that does not hinder the album from being hella good. Mumford continues to innovate ways to not only tug your heart strings, but rip them out entirely with songs like “I Will Wait” and “Broken Crown”. You will be tapping your feet, dancing a little jig, crying softly, and contemplating the meaning of your existence while listening to “Babel”, a feat only Mumford & Sons could so eloquently perform. So do I buy?: YES. Now. What are doing still listening to One Direction?! Turn that blasphemy off and download this album now!

Ben Folds Five, “The Sound of the Life of the Mind”
The band’s first album in nine years recieved a 3.5/10 stars from Pitchfork.com. Considering I am slightly bias to anything crafted by Ben Folds (how can you NOT like the guy?! Pure musical genius!!#%$@*), I really enjoyed this album. Fold’s familiar and lovable piano rifts debut in nearly every track- not complaining here- yet, the album carries a 90′s pop-eat my Trix and watch Full House- kind of sound. If by some weird coincidence that happens to describe you, be sure to listen. So do I buy?: Understanding not everyone is a Fold’s junkie like mwah, I suggest individual downloads opposed to the entire album. Favorite tracks: “Sky High” and “Erase Me”.

Grizzly Bear, “Shields”
FINALLY. Grizzly Bear returns after releasing an album two years ago that practically changed my teenage life. Recieving an impressive 9.1/10 rating from Pitchfork, Grizzly Bear delivers every bit of what is expected. Warning: their sound is a little odd, composing of musical concoctions that range from folk to indie rock with a little grunge. For fans who know of Grizzly Bear solely for their popular hit “Two Weeks”, heed my words. This album is not the catchy song you fell in love with while shopping at Urban Outfitters in 2009. So do I buy?: If unique indie-angst music is your thing, you will love this album. Catchy, beep-bop lovers, beware.

 The Avett Brothers, “The Carpenter”
“If I live the life I’m given, I won’t be scared to die.” Tasteful lyrics expected from an Avett Brothers album, complimented now with a more upbeat tempo than the previous album, “I and Love and You”. Receiving a 6.5/10 rating from Pitchfork, Avett Brothers fans have been pleased with the new release. In the words of my friend, they sound like they borrowed the banjo from Mumford & Sons but kept everything else the same. So do I buy?: Yes. I listened from start to finish and was pleased the entire time; a great soundtrack for a fall day.

The xx, “Coexist”
The xx’s first album led the way into an unfamiliar realm of music, a beautiful, unique realm most of us did not know exist. They were so unique that changing their approach was completely unnecessary for their new album, “Coexist”. Pitchfork agrees, giving “Coexist” a 7.5/10 rating. So do I buy?: Worth every penny. If so opposed to the idea of the album, at least listen to the track “Chained” and reconsider.

So, what do you think? Agree to disagree? Let me know if I (god forbid) missed any of your favorite albums released this fall!