Customer Reviews

Jagjaguwar 2008/2009 Sampler

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I've listened to NPR's All Songs Considered critics sing the praises of the Jagjaguwar label, especially the artist Bon Iver, so when I saw that this sampler was available for free I was really pleased. The sampler does not disappoint as long as you like songs that range from haunting falsetto vocals ("Skinny Love") to the Zeppelinesque ("Tyrants") and all the songs are tied together with thoughtful lyrics and engaging melodies. Way to go Amazon and Jagjaguwar for making these songs available for free - I've already purchased Bon Iver's albums and will likely pick up Okkervil River's and Black Mountain's thanks to this.

I like trying free samplers like this album to discover new music. Most are pretty lame but four of these songs surprised me with their true rock roots and lyrics. Okkervil River's Lost Coastlines had a strong beat and the singer's voice was mesmerizing, Parts and Labor's Nowheres Nigh has a guitar sound similar to U2's Edge, Black Mountain's transitions are mind expanding, and the Odawas' Harmless Lover's Discourse has a cleanness that is refreshing. The other songs are forgettable but since Amazon is kind enough to let us download only what we like, pick the best and enjoy them like I have.

Black Mountain "Tyrant" was good, But the Odawas song was !!!!!!, reminded me of a band from the 1990's - Grant Lee Buffalo