Today's Music That Jason Is Really Into is All Hour Cymbals by Yeasayer. This is something I found via the AV Club; after hearing the song "2080" my curiosity was both vast and fervent. Some months later, I was able to find this group via eMusic and download the album, and I was not disappointed.
"2080" is probably the best track on this album, but the entire thing is pretty good. It's a busy, populated soundscape; there are electronic elements but the album seems to be string-and-percussion dominated. It's inspiring at times, almost nihilistic at others, but never dull. "Sunrise", the album opener, is a good track, "Worms" is worth listening to as well. I don't know that there is a single song on the album that stands out in a negative way, it's somewhat experimental, but has a definite sound if not theme.
I'd have to put Yeasayer on the shelf between the Secret Machines and TV on the Radio, to give you an idea of their sound. They're probably closer to a darker TV on the Radio than anything else I can think of, which isn't a bad thing. This band like so many others has obvious debt to Pink Floyd and Roger Waters in particular, but the sound comes off as genuine rather than a veneer of youthful misanthropy.
All things considered, I would recommend this album to anyone who is interested in any of the bands I mentioned here, and probably to most open-minded music fans in general. It isn't a very poppy album, nor will you find heartbreaking ballads here, but I don't think you will be let down.
In Other News:
I have to take some vacation time. I'm not really stressed, I just need to start using it so I don't have to forfeit it.