Thursday, November 18, 2010

Rogue Valley

Add Date: November 16

Artist: Rogue Valley

Album: The Bookseller's House

Label: Self-released

Genre: Indie Rock

Comments: I think there's a line between drawing inspiration from anther musician and being a knock-off; and, to be truthful, I think to escape the label of knock-off you have to be better, or at least on par, with the original. Rogue Valley's The Bookseller's House in all respects has the makings of being an original group, specifically by setting out to accomplish the unheard of--recording four albums in one year. To be blunt, though, I would rather listen to one great album in a year than four mediocre ones. The Bookseller's House moves from a cheaper version of Ryan Adams in "Rose Festival" to a Shins copy in "Crystal Springs" to even more non-specific sounds. Yes, Rogue Valley is good at everything they attempt to imitate, and they master the indie-rock art of flitting between the rock, country, and folk genres just enough to create a completely generic album.

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