It’s been a few months since my last spin off and I’ve been listening to a new compilation of CDs. Here’s what I think:

  • Ashlee Simpson – Autobiography
    I gotta get through Ashlee Simpson’s debut before it becomes summer and I have to roll my windows down. This CD is not bad, I’ve listened to it a few times before. It’s great teenage girl rock!
  • Franz Ferdinand – Tonight: Franz Ferdinand
    I’m a bit tired of Franz Ferdinand’s funky basslines, singing in unison and Alex Kapranos’ voice. Even though there are some catchy songs, I don’t think I’ll shell out the big bucks for this one.
  • Fujiya & Miyagi – Transparent Things
    Speaking of funky basslines, F&Y have a lot of those. Everything is a bit repetitive, but their voices aren’t as annoying as FF’s’. I’d buy this if I can find it around anywhere.
  • Jack Johnson – Sleep Through the Static
    I’ve given Jack Johnson many chances, hoping that he is indeed like John Mayer (or at least Belle & Sebastian). He has disappointed and I’ve never found his CDs particularly catchy. I think it’s time I gave up on him.
  • Lily Allen – Alright, Still
    Lily Allen is an artist I’ve never paid enough attention too. LDN and Smile are pretty catchy, but after spending time listening to her debut, I find there to be too much reggae and polka influence!
  • Lily Allen – It’s Not Me, It’s You
    On the other hand, I really liked her sophomore album. There’s a lot of electronic influence and many of the tracks sound overproduced, but her lyrics are really great. Her songs just take you on a journey. Here’s The Fear which should be playing on radio.
  • MGMT – Oracular Spectacular
    I kept hearing MGMT’s Time To Pretend and The Ting Tings everywhere in Japan, except I didn’t know what it was called. That and Kids are the best tracks on this way-too-short album.
  • Robyn – Robyn
    This is Robyn’s come back album after more than 10 years away (she was popular circa ’95). This album is really diverse, with songs that can be classified as rap, R&B, pop, electronica and dance. Most of them are pretty catchy too, although some feel like fillers. I really like Be Mine.
  • Promo Only Mainstream Radio April
    This is not really a CD but my solution to not having to listen to the radio. Instead I listen to the new tracks that the radio should be playing this month.