Study music. A+

Exam study has started, and I like to study in 'The Crypt' - a computer lab located in the basement of the math department. True to its name, there's no natural light, and it's ususally filled with zombiefied students, gazing unblinkingly at their Facebook pages. It is always nice and warm. It can be a bit noisy though, so I tend to bring CDs to pop in to the lovely big 21" iMacs.
To make things a bit more interesting, and avoid repetition, I thought I'd have a listen to my CD collection in alphabetical order. Not included are tapes, vinyl, mp3s, and other CDs which were on the floor of my bedroom, rather than on the shelf. Below are summaries of the listening for today (song titles in brackets are favourites)
Alex the Kid - Welcome to the Future (21 mins)
Not as terrible as the last time I saw them live, but kind of boring, and annoying on record. Concept taken waaaay too far (Time)
Shaun K. Anderson - The Stand Sure Oak (18 mins)
A nice, simple, folky ep. Lots of glistening guitar, and a few strings. Good for studying. (An Army of Tigers, Come)
Lawrence Arabia - Chant Darling (36 mins)
An outstanding pop album, full of harmony, fun, and wonderfully thought out tunes. Less diverse than his debut, but with a more matured, focused feel (Auckland CBD pt 2/Beautiful Young Crew/Eye A)
Arcade Fire - Funeral (48 mins)
Oh boy, a real favourite. Wall of sound in the truest sense, it's epic and emotive, without ever trying too hard. (Rebellion (Lies (of course))/Haiti/In the Backseat)
Arcade Fire - Neon Bible (47 mins)
Bigger, darker, epic-er, pipe organy-er. Amazing stuff about life, death, religion, family and relationships. (Intervention/Black Wave/Bad Vibrations/My Body Is a Cage)
Architecture in Helsinki - In Case We Die (41 mins)
Quite possibly my favourite album ever, it just overflows with emotion. Mostly joyous ecstasy, but a few quiet moments add layers, making it a truly exceptional recording. (Wishbone/Do the Whirlwind/What's in Store?/all of them...)
Awesome Feeling - Real Groove Compilation (73 mins)
This is a pretty fab compilation - it did a good job of capturing 'underground' NZ music that was around, especially in RG/ALH-friendly circles. AF II, III are also good, and may get reviewed later in the week. (Cindy's a Zombie Now/Pony Prance/Bloxx War/Skeleton Dance)