Over the course of the three albums Sleigh Bells cranked out between 2010 and 2013, the pop and noise elements in their music didn't always play nicely together; 2012's Reign of Terror had almost as many frustrating moments as inspired ones. Album titles like that one and Bitter Rivals hint at the inherent tension in the duo's sound, but Derek Miller and Alexis Krauss take a more holistic approach to blending and balancing with these songs. For such a flamboyantly loud band, the tweaks they make are surprisingly subtle: ...
Read More
Over the course of the three albums Sleigh Bells cranked out between 2010 and 2013, the pop and noise elements in their music didn't always play nicely together; 2012's Reign of Terror had almost as many frustrating moments as inspired ones. Album titles like that one and Bitter Rivals hint at the inherent tension in the duo's sound, but Derek Miller and Alexis Krauss take a more holistic approach to blending and balancing with these songs. For such a flamboyantly loud band, the tweaks they make are surprisingly subtle: Bitter Rivals' mix of Sunset Strip riffs, teeny bopper vocals, and crashing beats isn't as punishingly dense as it was on Reign of Terror, and its heavy and sweet sides work together instead of competing for attention. Songs like "Sugarcane" and "Young Legends" allow the melodies -- and Krauss' voice in particular -- to take center stage and act as the glue for louder and wilder parts. Meanwhile, "Love Sick"'s slow, dreamy chorus evokes Treats' prettier moments, and the sweet love song "To Hell with You" shows that Sleigh Bells still have the ability to surprise. Of course, the duo still crosses the fine line between bold and bratty as hard and as often as their sound goes into the red: "Minnie"'s acidly sweet chorus ("Go count your pennies/I'm sorry to say you don't have any") sounds like a catty nursery rhyme and stings like a mean girl's burn book. Bitter Rivals was written and recorded quickly, and sometimes feels a little underdone -- there isn't much to the title track except its admittedly catchy refrain, for example. Still, the album's shorter, lighter approach suits Krauss and Miller, and its best moments allow them to find more levels of expression in a sound that could easily wear out its welcome. Sleigh Bells' studies in contrasts aren't shocking anymore, but the fact that they sound more natural on Bitter Rivals makes this some of their most enjoyable music since Treats. ~ Heather Phares, Rovi
Read Less
Add this copy of Bitter Rivals to cart. $3.00, good condition, Sold by HPB-Red rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2013 by Mom+Pop.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Bitter Rivals to cart. $3.00, good condition, Sold by Bookmans rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Tucson, AZ, UNITED STATES, published 2013 by Mom+Pop.
Add this copy of Bitter Rivals to cart. $3.49, poor condition, Sold by Movie Surplus rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Mobile, AL, UNITED STATES, published 2013 by Mom + Pop Music.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Krauss/Miller. Poor. Used-Acceptable, withdrawn library disc(s) with liner notes. Disc(s) should play great without any playback issues. Disc(s) & liner notes may contain typical library markings like stickers, protective label covers, & writing. Discs may be repackaged in library style casing. Back artwork & any other promo material not included.
Add this copy of Bitter Rivals to cart. $4.10, fair condition, Sold by Service First Media rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Taylorsville, KY, UNITED STATES, published 2013 by Mom + Pop Music.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Fair. Ex-Library rental. Disc(s) are professionally cleaned and may contain only light scratches that do not effect functionality. Includes disc(s), case, and artwork. May be missing booklet. Disc(s), case, and artwork may contain library/security stickers and ink writing. ARTWORK IS UNORIGINAL AND PRINTED BY LIBRARY. Case and artwork may show some wear. Case may not be an original jewel case. All disc(s) are authentic.
Add this copy of Bitter Rivals to cart. $9.79, very good condition, Sold by Salzer's Records rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from ventura, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2013 by Mom+Pop.
Add this copy of Bitter Rivals to cart. $39.41, new condition, Sold by Entertainment by Post - UK rated 1.0 out of 5 stars, ships from BRISTOL, SOUTH GLOS, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2013 by Mom + Pop Music.