Bruce Springsteen Forum

Ihr zweites Album haben Titus Andronicus sicherlich nicht erst im Studio auf die Beine gestellt. Die Zeit seit ihrem Debüt The Airing Of Grievances haben sie zu großen Teilen unterwegs verbracht, wer sie bei einer ihrer Touren gesehen hat wird dort auch bereits mehrere der Stücke auf The Monitor gehört haben. Wie die Balance zwischen alkoholgetränkter Liveenergie und runderer Produktion der opulenten, folkig-punkigen Singalongs gelungen ist, und natürlich all die bislang unbekannten neuen Stücke, gibt es nun zu hören:
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The Monitor is a concept album about the Civil War, "sort of", says singer Patrick Stickles. It was recorded August (09) by Kevin McMahon at his studio - Marcata Recording - in New Paltz, NY. The usual suspects from the world of Titus Andronicus were all in attendance, as well as members of Ponytail, Wye Oak, Vivian Girls, and the Hold Steady. McMahon also mixed the album, and it was mastered by Greg Calbi whom the band chose because he is the only person alive who can claim involvement in both The Chemistry of Common Life by Fucked Up and Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell by Meat Loaf!
QUELLE AMAZON.COM

The Monitor is the second studio album by New Jersey indie rock band Titus Andronicus, released on March 9, 2010 through XL Recordings. It is a concept album loosely based on themes relating to the American Civil War.[3]
The album title is a reference to the USS Monitor, the first ironclad warship commissioned by the United States Navy, and the closing track "The Battle of Hampton Roads" refers to the battle between the Monitor and the CSS Virginia, which took place on March 8–9, 1862; according to the band, "Releasing this record is our way of celebrating the 148th anniversary of this historic event."[4] The album features guest appearances by members of Ponytail, Wye Oak, Hallelujah The Hills, Spider Bags, Vivian Girls, and The Hold Steady.
QUELLE WIKIPEDIA

It is undeniable that Titus Andronicus make one hell of a noise. At times it's sludgy; at times it's energetic and bouncy. There are even times when it is both of these things at the same time. Even when their sound can't decide what it wants to be, The Monitor is probably one of the most interesting and exciting albums of the year so far.

The first thing that hits you is the sheer force of the sound. It's so dense that it's easy to get immersed in all the music. This is never demonstrated better than in the atmospheric 'A Pot in Which to Piss'. Although this is not the most immediate song on the album, the gorgeous layers of guitars make it a real highlight. The song then goes into a fast paced, but slow burning epic just shy of nine minutes, packing in more ideas than some bands have in their entire career. It comes across like an overture for the greatest album you have ever heard. As do the album's other epics 'A More Perfect Union' and the spectacular album closer 'The Battle of Hampton Roads', which at almost a quarter of an hour is mind blowing. Any band that can hold your interest for that amount of time with one song has got to be worth their weight in gold.

When Titus Andronicus aren't making incredible epic songs, they're blasting you with equally as astounding punk tracks like 'Titus Andronicus Forever' and its counterpart '.And Ever'. These songs showcase a fun side and a versatility that so many bands forget is important these days.

However, at times the album sounds a little dated. The production values are notably 'lo-fi', and there are a number of fairly inaudible samples between songs, which are perhaps unnecessary. These are tiny criticisms though and perhaps it is the fact that this album is unwilling to do exactly what you want it to do and is content to carelessly do its own thing that gives it its charm.

Despite sounding dated, don't let it be said that this album is in any way some sort of throwback to another era. The Monitor takes a lot of influences from days gone by, but mixes them with some of the best bits of modern music. Nothing sums this album up better than the brilliant song 'Theme from 'Cheers''. It is raging but celebratory; it is sludgy but anthemic: Much like the rest of The Monitor, a truly rewarding experience.
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