"Post Electric Blues" Idlewild

Gorgeous. Dramatic. Delicate. Those are all words that I would use to describe Idlewild's past music. Their newest album, "Post Electric Blues," earns a description that I never would have expected: delightful. Until now, I would have gagged at the thought of a "delightful" Idlewild album. But this one has grown on me.

Woomble and the boys bring the joy right away too. The first two tracks are verging on Polyphonic Spree level of sunshine. And they sound really good. The "it" song on this album is a precious little number called "Take Me Back to The Islands." It didn't grab me right away like "American English" and "El Capitan" (the "it" songs on the last two good Idlewild discs) did. But rather, its beauty snuck up on me after a few listens. And that's not the only difference. Woomble is no longer mourning over popular suicide destinations or proclaiming that happiness never happened. "Take Me Back to The Islands" is about having found a place of contentment and longing to return to it. That is what really makes this album work.

Woomble's lyrics indicate that he is no longer a restless soul, crooning over the darkness that is so prevalent in the world. He seems to have found peace. I am relieved to say that this peace has not put a damper on his poetic lyrical authorship.

"Post Electric Blues" is far from a perfect album and not even close to as solid as "The Remote Part." Idlewild has continued to push the folk envelope without fully letting go of their electric guitar punk past which makes the album seem slightly unfocused. I admit that I prefer the mellower side of Idlewild, but "All Over Town" is such a welcome electric track on the album. I really wouldn't change a thing on the album because it would risk destroying what Idlewild so effectively created: an album that reflects the peace the band seems to have found. The album is a place that I can retreat to and feel glad. Every time I listen to it, I am confident that something good exists in this world because it inspired "Post Electric Blues." This album fills me with a warm fuzzy feeling and, for that, I expect to return to this album again and again for many years to come.

Why Kyle is excited for this summer!

Hello friends. As the voice of my generation, I feel it is important to inform the public what I am excited about this summer.

Television:

The Tonight Show with Coco Christopher - I'm hoping Conan's new nickname catches on. Either way, I love this man and gladly welcome him back to television.

Music:

New Idlewild CD!!!- I don't know what it's called or whether or not a date has been announced, but I already paid for it so I better get it soon!! Their albums had been getting more and more folky from "100 Broken Windows" to "Warnings/Promises" before returning to their more sonic roots on their most recent album "Make Another World." It appeared that frontman Roddy Woomble channeled his folk energy into his solo disc "My Secret is My Silence." "Make Another World" was such a disappointment compared to past Idlewild CD's and Roddy's solo work so I can only hope that their new album marks the return of their folk meets sonic sound.

New Pornographers, Tegan and Sara, and Death Cab for Cutie with the LA Philharmonic Orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl

This will be the third concert I've gone to where I've been more interested in the opening acts than the headliner. And the first two, I walked out on the headliners. I've seen Death Cab once before, though, and I really like their less recent work. My one wish is that they play "Summer Skin." It's my favorite song of theirs and think it would be gorgeous with the orchestra backing. I also just flat out can't wait for Tegan and Sara. They're so hot right now.

Movies (oh so many, I'll keep it brief)

The Hangover - If they keep a balanced witty dialogue-to-slapstick joke ratio (I'm worried about too much slapstick) it could be the funniest movie of the summer.

Year One - "She's alright, but I wouldn't lay with her." I'm going out on a limb because this could be really bad, but I think it will be funny.

Twistee Treat- I'm a little upset that gay jokes have now infiltrated PG movies and I don't think the "funny" older brothers look that funny. But the star Robert Newton looks like he makes a very likable awkward teenage protagonist. I think he could create some really enjoyable interactions with his female costar in this 15-minute short.

Brüno - I didn't think Brüno was as strong of a character as Borat, but the trailer has restored my complete faith in Sacha Baron Cohen. It looks hilarious.

Paper Man - What you need to know: 1) Jeff Daniels plays an author who has an imaginary super hero friend. 2) The super hero is played by Ryan Reynolds. 3) It's got Jeff Daniels!!

Ponyo - I have been looking forward to this movie since last year. Miyazaki has made a more cutsie, kid movie than his last two and I am so pumped for it. His childish "My Neighbor Totoro" is one of my favorite stories of all time. If I had to bet on one filmmaker to make movie magic. Powerful, beautiful magic. I would put every last penny on Miyazaki.

Funny People - Apatow's movies all just seem to be right up my alley. This one looks even more sentimental than his others, and I think I'll like that. It also looks like it's finally putting Adam Sandler back in a good movie.

Extract - Underrated funny man Mike Judge returns to cinema. What Judge lacks in gut-busting laughs (of say, Apatow) he makes up for by putting unique characters in interesting situations and getting you to care about them (as opposed to Apatow's winning "insert generic Seth Rogen character here" formula). It's also got a great cast. I will watch Kristen Wiig in anything and Ben Affleck looks like he'll actually be funny.