HalfCutHero

... Fair play, like.

[b]the end result is a record for ardent fans and not casual admirers[/b]

I guess I fall into the 'ardent fan' catagory, but this record is so unlike his previous work it definitely does not fit your description. In fact, Blues Funeral disregards the back catalogue of Mark Lanegan and it sounds like he has started from scratch.

Even if I was a casual admirer, I'd be none the wiser what this record sounded or felt like anyway. Definitely doesn't do the Mojo stream of the LP any justice anyway.

Great label to be fair (Moon Duo, Amen Dunes and now a Crystal Stilts record).

Loved this record for the classicist lay out of front cover. "Leave Home" and "Bastille" do it for me, although L.A.D.O.C.H. does sound like the shit side of Black Flag's "My War" (everything after the first song then).

But it's solid, real cool record.

Especially as an instrumental three-piece. But, remarkably, there is still clear ground - and progression - between this and Geneva. I don't think this tops the brutality of their first record, albeit, this has its heavy moments.

Post-rock is a more dysgenic term than 'Grunge' - this is essentially a metal album without the shit that makes metal so incredibly clichéd. And shit. And kudos to the drummer for redefining drumming (seriously amazing stuff from him).

... Convinced me to listen. Sounds like an EP really - containing the good cuts and bad cuts. I don't think any EP has ever blown me away.

This one is the same, but its proper whet the appetite for the LP.

They're now a 4-piece too.

Is that noticable at all - a step-change from "Travels..."?

... With all of what you said.

Hardcore. Fair enough, actually. Each to their own, really.

Same with reviews, if everyone interpreted and heard music the same way the entire world would be a shade of beige. And then there'd be no Simon "cunt" Cowell, no Peruvian flute bands and there'd have been no Wham!

And what a disappointing place that must be.

... Couldn't bring myself to watch Animal Collective. The thought of it brought me to horrible tears. So I watched Pissed Jeans.

Whilst their records (in parts) are as unlistenable as I imagine an AC live set is, Pissed Jeans were dramatically refreshing - probably the messiest set of the whole festival. That being a good thing at what, 3am?

This was reviewed as if you listened to "D" whilst doing the washing-up or casually matching pairs of socks that had become seperated post-wash.

Fits was impressive, but this is one step beyond that and deserving of something more than a 6 - the Coldplay of review scores.