From the beginning, Jimmy LaValle's Album Leaf project was one of the calmest acts in indie rock. Into the Blue Again proves, as its 2004 predecessor did as well, that the Album Leaf is also becoming one of the tamest acts in indie rock. LaValle is a musical craftsman, and his productions are thoughtful, economical and warm (most of the record was performed by him alone). Like Sigur Rós, whose studio and string section he's used in the past, LaValle understands the power of muted arrangements, of ringing chords, and of drawing out those chords to exactly the right length before repeating them or moving on. These elements could have easily resulted in a great record, but Into the Blue Again isn't great, or even very good. While ambient music with relatively straight-ahead percussion has been a mainstay of indie music from Eno to Black Dog to Sigur Rós themselves, those who have excelled with it have had something interesting to focus on, such as Eno's melodic sense, Black Dog's otherworldly effects, or Sigur Rós' unorthodox instrumentation and use of building dynamics. LaValle's take on ambient music isn't particularly diverting; his melodies are broad and familiar, his drum programming is bland and ar-band-formulaic (that applies also to his compatriot here, Telefon Tel Aviv's Joshua Eustis), and his vocals are depressive and resigned. Most of Into the Blue Again is instrumental, and it serves well as background music -- never sticking out, floating by the listener -- but unlike his earlier recordings, there's little here that rewards close listening.
Hey there fellow moggers, new to MOG and recently relocated to San Francisco from Minneapolis. As I transition I am ever thankful for the comfort of music.I happened upon this band that originated in 98' with multi talented Jimmy LaValle.As a music fanatic this tune is part of my "driving collection" MWG
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WOW. Where have these guys been all my life. I just found their music and love it to death. Some people say that this music puts them to sleep. Comments on that, please, because I completely disagree.Well, it is easy to sleep to their music.Anyways, my props to The Album Leaf. :)
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I remember hearing the band’s first album and not being too impressed. Into The Blue Again changes my feeling, though.
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I understand that I have had some random posts in the past, so here's another one to keep you guessing. I just went through a breakup, I mean how many chances can you give a person and they still ask for more. I've given enough so I stopped. I laid it all out and wasn't given anything in return, those are not the grounds for a relationship. Unsteady, faulted, they were trampled from the sta...
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As much as the internet expands our horizons, I believe it can also contract our knowledge, or at least the knowledge between our ears.By this, I mean that because I know that a few typed words and a click or five can find the answer to just about anything I may want to know, there are times when I'm inclined not to look things up because I don't feel the need to fill my head with the 411. Some...
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I had a bit of a 'High Fidelity' moment this week. I was at a record store, and asked the clerk what was playing on the stereo at the time. He sort of rolled his eyes and looked at the jewel case and said, as if I were the uncoolest person alive, "Uh, The Album Leaf". Now, a record store isn't a weird place to hear new music, but the timing of me being there at the time they played it, and me b...
More >
I remember hearing the band’s first album and not being too impressed. Into The Blue Again changes my feeling, though.
More >
As much as the internet expands our horizons, I believe it can also contract our knowledge, or at least the knowledge between our ears.By this, I mean that because I know that a few typed words and a click or five can find the answer to just about anything I may want to know, there are times when I'm inclined not to look things up because I don't feel the need to fill my head with the 411. Some...
More >
Jimmy Lavelle is the "Album Leaf" and as a San Diego band I thought I should post some of their stuff.Lavelle has worked with tons of different musicians. His music is really unique and if you like electronic music you might love the "Album Leaf"
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I understand that I have had some random posts in the past, so here's another one to keep you guessing. I just went through a breakup, I mean how many chances can you give a person and they still ask for more. I've given enough so I stopped. I laid it all out and wasn't given anything in return, those are not the grounds for a relationship. Unsteady, faulted, they were trampled from the sta...
More >
Hey there fellow moggers, new to MOG and recently relocated to San Francisco from Minneapolis. As I transition I am ever thankful for the comfort of music.I happened upon this band that originated in 98' with multi talented Jimmy LaValle.As a music fanatic this tune is part of my "driving collection" MWG
More >
WOW. Where have these guys been all my life. I just found their music and love it to death. Some people say that this music puts them to sleep. Comments on that, please, because I completely disagree.Well, it is easy to sleep to their music.Anyways, my props to The Album Leaf. :)
More >
I had a bit of a 'High Fidelity' moment this week. I was at a record store, and asked the clerk what was playing on the stereo at the time. He sort of rolled his eyes and looked at the jewel case and said, as if I were the uncoolest person alive, "Uh, The Album Leaf". Now, a record store isn't a weird place to hear new music, but the timing of me being there at the time they played it, and me b...
More >
I have forgotten how absolutely enlightening and splendid it is to swap music these days. I'm usually the one eager to recommend artists, searching through the doldrums of the internet to find unique music, forgetting that it'd be nice to hear some in return. And it is. Absolutely astounding when you come across a nice mix of music from someone that literally changes your world - instills a dif...
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| Title | Lyrics | Buy |
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| 1 The Light |
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| 2 Always for You |
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| 3 Shine |
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| 4 Writings on the Wall |
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| 5 Red-Eye |
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| 6 See in You |
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| 7 Into the Sea |
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| 8 Wherever I Go |
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| 9 Wishful Thinking |
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| 10 Broken Arrow |
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| 11 [Untitled Track] [CD-ROM Track] |
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Click to purchase…
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 "Into the Blue Again")
