First impressions don't always impress

Funny thing about first listens: so often, the entire album goes in as a huge lump and it's impossible to tell one bite from the next. All you can tell is that you had a meal and maybe you know what kind of food it was, but that's about the end of it.

That's what second listens are for. That's when the true judging starts.

Beirut, "Cherbourg", from The Flying Cup Club (download)

First listen: I can't really hear the quality through the warbling.
Second listen: Found it! This is a really great album, a must for any of you romantic anti-rockists who think that Rufus Wainwright rocks way too hard. Wait for the last 30 seconds or so of this song.

Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, "Keep On Looking" from 100 Days, 100 Nights (download)

First listen: It's the same...old song.
Second listen: Maybe, but the last two songs on the record?! Yow! There's no one scorcher on here, but the overall temperature is still pretty hot, and it boils when this song turns to ska.

Rogue Wave, "Harmonium" from Asleep At Heaven's Gate (download)

First listen: Hey! This is actually really good! Much better than their too-Shins-ish first couple.
Second listen: I haven't actually gotten there. Which maybe says something.

Nina Nastasia & Jim White, "Late Night" from You Follow Me (download)

First listen: I like Nina Nastasia and I like drums. That's all there is. Why don't I like this more?
Second listen: I like Nina Nastasia and I like drums. Maybe that's all I really need, because I started to swoon a little. Just a little, but just enough.

Jose Gonzalez, "Down The Line", from In Our Nature (download)

First listen: Jose Gonzalez has that same problem that all guys with acoustic guitars have. You think, "Hm. It's a guy with an acoustic guitar. Sounds nice. What else is on?"
Second listen: He's finally tapping into the rhythm of his Spanish heritage instead of the cold of his Swedish upbringing. It's nice, and I'm not so anxious to change the channel.

Bat for Lashes, "What's A Girl To Do" from Fur And Gold
First listen: Cool sound, stupid lyrics.
Second listen: No thanks. It is a cool sound, I guess, but the lyrics are uncreative, ham-fisted expressions of cliched relationship topics. Ooh! Relationships sometimes lose their spark? NO! But "What's A Girl To Do" not only adds to my collection of songs that start with the "Be My Baby" intro drum part, but it's got a wild video: