Kings of Leon - Because of the Times *

I've never gotten into these dudes.

I vaguely recall seeing a guy wearing a Kings of Leon shirt and indie-goggles (Ha! I just made that up. That's my new term for those square-rimmed hipster glasses) a few summers ago. He probably annoyed me in some way, so naturally I came to the conclusion that any band he liked must suck balls.

And when I loaded the band's last album onto my iPod, the songs ended up all garbled-like. Surely another sign.

And now, well, there's just too much music to listen to. I mean, I don't have time to get into every band that comes out! There are dogs' feet to be sought out and stepped on!

For you, oh kings of southern indie-rock, 6.8! Actual rating: 5.4. Point differential: 1.4.

Klaxons - Myths of the Near Future *

Hello again, I'm sure I've lost all my readers, but I'm back! Today's prediction is for a band I've never heard of: Klaxons. One of the worst band names in recent memory, but hot hot hot with the kids! I'll go with 7.7 for this one, and I promise to come back soon. Actual rating: 7.5. Point differential: 0.2.

The Arcade Fire - Neon Bible

I kept meaning to post on this one, but I kept putting it off until finally it was too late. For what it's worth, I agree with the person who left comments saying they thought the album would be a lower rating than 8.4. I was going to say around 7.5.

Funeral was a defining moment for modern modern rock (yes that's 2 moderns). And if you liked it, you'll like the new one. It is more of the same. In fact, I have taken to calling it Funeral 2. It's not a bad album, and in fact I like it when bands find a sound they are good at and stick with it. But judged on its own merits, 8.4 seems high.