Overall, I'm fairly happy with the track progression for this year's album. None of them segue poorly to my ears. A few of these would have gone on my 2011 album, but I moved them to this year since they are still moderately fresh, and last year really needed more room. I'm considering putting tracks on a DVD in a compressed format. Do you have any preferences for that format? HAHAHAHAAAAA, like I'd let you people choose! You will get the correct format, even if your crappy PMP cannot play it. L2transcode, n00b!
01 - Hans Zimmer - The Dark Knight Rises - 15 - Rise (7:14)
I started listening to Hans Zimmer this year when I pirated the Inception soundtrack in 5.1 channel AAC. I then bought Inception on Bluray just to legally own the soundtrack (don't get me wrong, it's a great movie as well). When the new Batman movie was released, I bought this soundtrack right away. I was not disappointed. Rise is an excellent example of the range Hans can reach in a single track without it feeling "strained". It opens with the pace of an action sequence, shifts to the sweeping beauty of a tragic loss, and gently returns to the accelerated pace that began the track.
02 - Hans Zimmer - Inception - 08 - Dream Within A Dream (5:06)
The brass section of an orchestra used to be my least favorite. It always seemed harsh and out of place compared to the strings or woodwinds. Hans Zimmer has eliminated my prejudice and replaced it with a new level of music-snobbery! I now know that brass just needs to be utilized properly. And this album is basically an indulgence in properly used brass.
03 - Sigur Rós - Valtari - 03 - Varúð (6:36)
Just another pretty track from Sigur Rós. To me this is a very peaceful way to lull oneself to sleep. However, Takk... is my favorite album for that purpose.
04 - Sting - iTunes Originals - Sting - 16 - I Burn For You (Live) (5:23)
I included this track based entirely on the final instrumental portion (from about 4:30 onward). It's another great song to put on as you wind down for bed.
05 - Scorpions - Best Of Rockers 'N' Ballads - 06 - Holiday (6:46)
Beautiful dual guitars and a slow, peaceful development leading to the tone and tempo change. But even that doesn't feel harsh, though definitely possessing a hard edge. Possibly my favorite Scorpions song of all time. Their remake of "I Can't Explain" is rather amazing as well. If you like the band at all, consider picking up "Best Of Rockers And Ballads".
06 - The Decemberists - The Hazards Of Love - 5 - The Hazards Of Love 2 (Wager All) (4:54)
This is The Decemberists "Absolution" album. That is my description of a band's best album, one that they will never top. It comes from the band "Muse", whose album "Absolution" was so amazing that it will never be eclipsed. There is one track on this album (The Rake's Song) that keeps me from blindly recommending it. Just so you all know how much work I do for you, I had to take this and the subsequent track, merge them together (at about 4:27), create a lean-in crescendo, and lead-out attenuation. Colin paints such a beautiful picture in this song: "To lay you down in a clover bed, the stars a roof above our heads."
07 - The Shins - Port Of Morrow - 01 - The Rifle's Spiral (3:29)
On my first listening, this track had me thinking that "Chutes Too Narrow" wasn't The Shins "Absolution". This is an amazing listen, and worth the price of the entire album. However, the remaining tracks are not up to this level, keeping my original thoughts about "Chutes" safely at status quo. This track makes me want to move (Hello, bass-line!). It's a great track to add to your workout or driving mix.
08 - Silversun Pickups - Neck Of The Woods - 07 - Simmer (6:50)
This is pure, classic SSP! I was quite happy with this album, as it feels like "Carnavas" (their "Absolution"). It's got that characteristic guitar sound, vocals, timbre and meter that we know and love.
09 - Metric - Synthetica - 02 - Youth Without Youth (4:17)
This is a fun Metric song, and the album is a good purchase. But Synthetica is no "Fantasies" (their "Absolution"). It's got a good, driving beat that keeps the listener interested. Emily's voice is that characteristic tone delivered in her relaxed style.
10 - Deftones - Koi No Yokan - 07 - Tempest (6:05)
This may be the most drastic segue in this year's disc, but it occurs a full minute into the track, so you cannot blame me, take it up with Deftones. Overall, this album is on-par with "White Pony", granting them two "Absolutions".
11 - Deftones - Koi No Yokan - 09 - Rosemary (6:53)
Just a classic Deftones song. Probably the strongest track. I think this is Ryan's favorite track from the album.
12 - Rush - Clockwork Angels - 02 - BU2B (5:10)
BU2B stands for "Brought Up To Believe". The song covers youthful interpretation and invites contemplation of how that changes as we grow older. It's a great example of how Rush can still sound modern and powerful.
13 - The Republic Tigers - Keep Color - 03 - Feelin' The Future (4:50)
I cannot imagine a better pop song than this. It's fun, catchy, and prompted me to look up the definition of "preternatural".
14 - Hans Zimmer - Inception - 10 - Time (4:37)
If the ending of this track doesn't give you goosebumps, there may be something wrong with you (or you may not remember the ending of the movie). When the last note hits, you should have a clear image in your mind of a top starting to wobble.
