Backwards Down the Number Line (Part 2)

Hello again, my friends! Come along and ride as we continue on this fantastic voyage “backwards down the number line” and explore three more numerically-titled albums that are available for checkout in the Library’s collection.

There’s No 666 in Outer Space – Hella

Have you ever wondered what it would sound like if The Mars Volta covered Minus the Bear? How about if Death From Above 1979 played a bunch of Yes songs? On this 2007 release from post-hardcore-indie-experimental-noise -math rockers, Hella answers all of those pesky little questions that you never thought to think about. Filled with more energy than a wild pack of ten-year-olds hopped up on Mountain Dew and Skittles, this album is at times sporadic, manic and spastic (in the best possible ways). Frenzied drumbeats and feverish guitar riffs accompany equally agitated vocals, producing an interesting and unique experience for any listener daring enough to sit and listen from start to finish.

Highlights: “World Series” and “Hand That Rocks the Cradle”

Five – Maktub

Reggie Watts may be best known right now for his YouTube beat-box videos and work as a comedian, but over the past decade he has also fronted the Seattle-based funk and soul group, Maktub. Watts’ dynamic voice has got soul to spare and fits in perfectly with the air-tight grooves provided by drummer Davis Martin and bassist Kevin Goldman. The added combination of Daniel Spils’ understated keyboards and Thaddeus Turner’s dreamily textured guitar sound makes for some smooth sailing from start to stop with this sweet-sounding series of songs.

Highlights: “Strange World” “Seems Like Only Yesterday” and “Took It All Away”

Four Thieves Gone – Avett Brothers

On their 2006 album Four Thieves Gone, The Avett Brothers combined various elements of country, rock n’ roll, folk, blues and bluegrass and the end result is something my clerical mind had a tough time trying to classify. Is it freak-folk? Kinda… Alt-country? Sorta… Black-grass? Not really… Does anybody really care? Probably not. Regardless of the genre, this is a solid record with an assortment of foot-stompin’, barn-stormin’, backwoods-yellin’ songs, so good you may just find yourself picking up some spoons and a washboard and playing along at home.

Highlights: “Colorshow” “Matrimony” and “The Fall”

Don’t forget: You can download free music through Freegal with just your library card number and PIN!