YAGN Essentials: Band of Horses, Cease To Begin

Coming off a critically acclaimed debut, Band of Horses looked to avoid the sophomore slump with the release of Cease To Begin.  And did they ever.  Their sophomore effort has it all and still stands tall after the release of their latest effort, Infinite Arms.  I have really enjoyed each of their albums, but Cease To Begin is the one I revisit when I need a BoH fix.

Cigarettes Wedding Bands

The Marry Song

Band of Horses, Infinite Arms

Hey there everyone.  It's been a long couple of weeks around here, but luckily during this time there have been many albums released.  Over the next few days, I am going to post about them.  These are ones that most of you have heard already, but maybe someone hasn't.  Just humor me and enjoy.


The new Band of Horses album, Infinite Arms, is not a masterpiece by any means, but Ben Bridwell and the new line-up's third effort is definitely a fun one for summer.  The album leaves a lot to be desired lyrically and the band's sound continues to grow from their early sonic anthems to jangly 70s rock/pop easy-listening.  It is a perfect soundtrack for your next summer cookout -- a true crowd pleaser.  It slows down a little bit in the middle, but ends strong.  One of my favorite tracks, "Older", is linked below.  


Well, there it is guys and gals -- I just busted my posting slump.  I am easing back into things seeing that I haven't really been on the cutting edge as of late, but at least we are both back in action!


Older

Band of Horses, Compliments (Video)

Download the video for the track "Compliments" from Band of Horses' highly anticipated third LP, Infinite Arms, by going to the band's web site and joining the mailing list.  Totally worth it.  Also, a download of the opening track from the album releasing on May 18th below.

Factory

Ben's Best Albums of 2009: Number 9

9. KiD CuDi, Man on the Moon: The End of Day

The number 9 album on the list is the debut from the Cleveland, Ohio native KiD CuDi.  The album features cameos by big names in the hip hop community as well as the indie scene.  Standout songs on MotM:TEoD are "Simple As...", “Pursuit of Happiness” which features indie darlings MGMT and Ratatat and “Make Her Say” with respected lyricists Kanye West and Common.  Kanye actually signed CuDi to his label after listening to one of his mixtapes and is determined to help him blow up (by any means necessary).  CuDi, aka Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi, has started off with a bang and isn’t looking back.  Recently, he lent his talents to Jay-Z on The Blueprint 3.  It seems as though he is running in the right circles to keep his rise on track - despite the annoying caps in his moniker.

KiD CuDi - Pursuit of Happiness (feat. MGMT and Ratatat)

This one is not from this album (it is just an extra because it is awesome).  The rule of the list is one song from the album, so this is fair game.  It is from the mixtape Plain Pat & Emile Present: A KiD Named CuDi.  It samples the great Band of Horses - one of CuDi's favorite bands - song "The Funeral".  Enjoy this one on me.

KiD CuDi - The Prayer