Fountains of Wayne, Fruit Bats, and Musikanto

I barely listen to a full streaming record and then I give you my simple opinion.  It's not rocket science.  Well it is a little bit but I don't like to brag.

1 Red Rocket - Nothing to get excited about.
2 Red Rockets - Okay but don't spend your money.
3 Red Rockets - Good.  Might be worth a few bucks.
4 Red Rockets - Very cool.  Worth a trip to iTunes.
5 Red Rockets - A masterpiece!  Download it and then go to the neighborhood record store and buy the vinyl!

Fountains of Wayne "Sky Full of Holes" 2 Red Rockets.  Yawn.

There was a time when I liked Fountains of Wayne.  Their first album "Fountains of Wayne" came out and I heard "Radiation Vibe" and immediately thought this band was cool.  There were a few other songs on that album that I dug but that was the only thing I ever bought from this band.  I eventually got sick of Chris Collingwood's voice, the oh-so-clever lyrics that just seemed to rhyme too much, and the wimpy guitar-bass-drum pop backdrops that never seemed to have any cojones.  I mean not everything needs to rock like Zeppelin but man this gets tired very quickly.  "Sky Full of Holes" is a more laid back and acoustic-y offering from FoW and that adds to my boredom even more.  This is not a terrible album at all but you probably will here a song on one of those too cool for you reality shows on MTV.  Highlights: "The Summer Place".

Fruit Bats "Tripper" 4 Red Rockets.  Original, interesting, musical...fun.

I really don't know anything about this band.  I had heard the name at some point but I don't even know if I've ever heard a song.  I'll have to say the first couple of songs have me interested.  There are odd sounds yet everything seems so familiar.  I wouldn't say they are playing rock but then again it doesn't seem to be folk, country, or any other definable genre.  I can't put my finger on this record and I think that makes it even better for me.  I'm not sure if I will spend the money on it since I'm only through the first 3 songs but there is a chance.  Let me listen closer and I'll get right back to you......... 
........Okay it's pretty effin' cool.  Highlights: Every song sounds cool and different from each other.

Musikanto "Sky of Dresses" 3.5 Red Rockets.  Rootsy.  Laid back.  Nice summer day record.

I like the first line of the bio for this record.  "Like a field recording from the past..."  Perfect description for this folky, Americana, Chicago singer/songwriter.  Lot's of cool acoustic guitars.  Nice lyrics and vocal delivery.  Solid bass and drums back up these mellow rootsy rock tunes.  Highlights: "Take What You Need" and "Awful Mind".