"A cracked smile, a silent shout."

THE KNIFE'S "SILENT SHOUT" (2006) - ESSENTIAL

The Knife are Sweedish siblings Karin Dreijer Andersson ("Fevery Ray") and Olof Dreijer. Their third proper album, "Silent Shout" (2006), blew the minds off of anyone who would dare to listen. Part nightmare, part ecstacy, all evil...the electronic sub-genre "haunted house" was born (think "Rosemary's Baby"...)

After two proper albums (with 2003's second album - "Deep Cuts" - featuring the should have been breakout single - "Heartbeats"- which was also later covered by Jose Gonzalez on his album of the same year, "Veneer"), the Knife went in a slightly different more dark direction. Yet, it also seemed like it was a natural progression from their prior two efforts. In fact, it was THE progression.

"Yes in a dream all my teeth fell out /A cracked smile and a silent shout," sings Karin on the album's opening and title cut "Silent Shout." If you feel where she's going, then you get the idea. If you like your electronica with a stalking undertone, then this is for you.

On their single "We Share Our Mother's Health" (check out the live version of this song embedded herein), Karin wails with the craziest voice this side of Bjork. Please listen now. And dance with the lights out.

NEUTRAL MILK HOTEL'S "IN THE AEROPLANE OVER THE SEA" (1998) - ESSENTIAL

Dreams are a curious thing.

Neutral Milk Hotel's second studio album, 1998's essential "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea," deals in dreams. Anne Frank, reincarnation, semen, time traveling machines, and floating glass jar - fetus images are all present. And rightfully so. Jeff Mangum's swan song, a lo-fi psych pop odyssey that has influenced everyone from The Arcade Fire to The Decemberists, was so all encompassing that the world has only heard from Mr. Mangum on rare occasions since (and Neutral Milk Hotel, the group, has never recorded another album).

"Aeroplane" has been discussed in certain music circles and has been debated for years as to its meaning and importance. However, its beauty and true musical impact becomes accessible only via repeat listens.

This album is haunted, personal, and not easy to decipher. However, one has to wonder how something so perfect, so beautiful, and so utterly random can come together so seamlessly. As time moves backwards and forwards and sometimes sideways as it does in the association of images that "Aeroplane" strings together, it is as if Ms. Frank never had to die. "Now she's a little boy in Spain playing pianos full of flames." Yes, she is. Dive in.

The National's much anticipated "High Violet" comes out on May 11, which also happens to be my 33rd birthday. If the album lives up to the drama of its excellent first two singles, "Bloodbuzz Ohio" and "Afraid of Everyone," we are in for a treat as The National have continued where the epic undertones of 2007's "Boxer" left off.


Lead singer Matt Berninger's baritone is distinct, brooding, and at times reminds me of an American version of Nick Cave (if such an individual existed).


Catch The National at The Wiltern on May 21 and May 22.