“Trouble in Dreams”
Destroyer
Merge Records, 2008
I wore “Destroyer’s Rubies” out in 2006. I listened to it on repeat weeks after its release. The record is beautiful, but I grew tired of its theatrical sound and stopped listening. Now Dan Bejar’s got a new album out — “Trouble in Dreams.” I’m listening to it over and over, don’t fear wearing it out this time. This one’s different. Destroyer’s sound is still big, but he cut the embellishment and over-drama. This record sounds more like a band on a stage than an ensemble in the pit. There’s better balance between Bejar’s distinctive vocals and the instrumentation this time. Check out this record if you like Destroyer’s previous work. It pushed me back into a “Rubies” rut. — Brian Smith
“Saturday Night Live”
Saturday Night Live is back to remind us what we missed: biting political satire with a screwball twist. The writers strike coincided with the major points of the race for the party nominations, robbing us of the comedy gold SNL consistently delivers. Although Colbert and Stewart are great, SNL has its trademark impersonations. Amy Poehler as Hillary Clinton is hilarious. Fred Armisen as Barack Obama, or “Fauxbama,” is exceptionally funny. SNL also delivers racial and feminist comedy, such as the Virginiaca sketches and guest host Tina Fey’s tirade about Hillary Clinton, “Bitch is the new black!” Stay in Saturday nights, set your DVR, or catch recaps and clips on NBC.com. SNL is back, and unlike the beginning of this season, it’s actually funny. — Tandy Versyp
“Alopecia”
Why?
Anticon, 2008
To say that following up Why?’s previous album, “Elephant Eyelash,” would be a difficult undertaking is an understatement. However, YoniWolf (of the now defunct, legendary cLOUDDEAD) proves himself again with another album full of hip hop-inspired indie rock songs with toe-tapping pop mentality. This album seems to reflect more on Yoni’s hip-hop beginnings, with more half-raps and fewer sing-along melodies, but a few tracks sound like they could be straight off of “Elephant Eyelash,” such as Simeon’s Dilemma.” The first single, “The Hollows,” is nothing short of epic. Overall, the album is even more accessible than the previous effort, although it lacks the emotional punch. The incredible lyricism and beautiful piano arrangements make for an album that hopefully will not go overlooked. — Jonathan Wolfe
