Well I was working in Target the other week and saw something that caught my eye. Yes, The Killers had finally come out with their "much anticipated" new album. I'm not the biggest fan of them but I enjoyed Hot Fuss and so I picked it up. It was only ten dollars. It couldn't be too bad of a buy.
The ensuing listens were, to put in a word, lackluster. Hot Fuss, while not breaking new ground, was a refreshing step into a quasi-mashup of 80s music with modern rock. They had some new ideas and melded them pretty well with a retro twist. Then Sam's Town came along, and while I haven't heard the whole album I do enjoy a few songs off of it. But it seems that somewhere in the past couple years The Killers seem to have lost some momentum. The CD starts with an acceptable opener and probably my favorite song on the album. But after that, the songs just start blending into one blurb of sound. None of the tracks seem to have much of an identifiable stint to them, making it seem like you're listening to one 40 minute song with some time changes. I didn't find any "single" on the album; I can't tell you a single one that stood out to me. Props to them for using instruments that don't usually find their way onto a rock album, but in all honesty it didn't help much.
That's not to say that the CD is unlistenable. It's a very polished product. It just seems like the same formula remixed ten or eleven times with different twists to make an album.
Music: 6/10 Nothing groundbreaking. Nothing noteworthy. But nothing terrible.
Vocals: 5/10 Brandon seems to have lost his edge. Or he decided to not show it. His voice was pretty monotonous throughout, and I came away unimpressed in his talents as a vocalist.
Accessibility: 6.5/10 Anyone can listen to it and hear some pretty cool stuff. But it grows tired and starts wearing on you.
Overall: 5.5/10 If you're a big fan of The Killers then I hear this album is good. But if you don't really follow them or aren't blown away by their previous work then I would reccomend avoiding this one. Like I said, it's not bad music. It just isn't something I'd choose to listen to too much and definitely not anything special.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
An offer she can't refuse
Hey everyone. Well I figured I'd throw my two cents in here for the first time and put out a band suggestion for you. Now obviously music is my passion...otherwise I wouldn't be writing in a review blog with a heavy emphasis on music. And I'm going to be putting a lot of lesser-known music on this thing. I figure anyone can ask anyone and find out what the new Fall Out Boy record sounds like, but not too many people know about some of the bands I have in my cd case. So I might sound all indie stuck up but that's not my point haha. I figure I'll share these gems of awesome with you so you can decide whether or not I'm crazy and pick up an album you might love.
Well the first review goes out to a small band called Reeve Oliver. I found out about this band when I went to my first Yellowcard show in 2004 or 2005. They opened up the set and I was immediately hooked and picked up the CD right then and there. Good thing too. These guys are a small band hailing from San Diego, CA and have put out two CDs with multiple EPs.
The first impression you'll get of their self titled album is that they know how to write catchy indie pop songs. Wow I just melded two completely different genres. Anyway. A lot of the songs have a surface of just very bright and melodic which makes for a great album to listen to during a nice spring morning. Another thing you'll notice is that these guys have fun. And that makes all the difference. They don't take themselves too seriously and aren;t afraid to laugh at themselves. This leads to honesty in the little quirks and also comes through in the lyrics. Now don't get me wrong, Sean is not the next Jesse Lacey or anything but it's not a record riddled with cliches. This isn't an album telling you to revolt. It's not trying to get you active in any political movement. It's just a normal record telling short vignettes of the life of an average person. And that's all they are. Average people pulling together to make music for us to enjoy. Guys who work at friggin SeaWorld. You can't get more average than that.
I said that the first impression is catchy songs, and that's very true. But as you delve deeper and give the music a proper listen you'll notice the intricacies inside. There's nothing fancy, but it shows a solid foundation of actual music rather than three guys throwing down some power chords to make some money. The album has a nice blend of happy and upbeat with the more melancholy and brooding sounds, as well as a mix of acoustic and electric guitars. And they actually pull it off well.
Stand out tracks: Yer Motion, I Want Burns, Young and Dumb, Until Someone Loves You
My rating system is out of ten, not nine, but here goes:
Music: 8/10 A nice blend of melodies and subtle nuances
Vocals: 9.5/10 Man do you hear the range he hits sometimes? It's nice. He has his unique sound in being completely normal. No effects, no whining, just sounds like a normal guy with a great voice. And that's rare these days. He also knows that the voice isn't just a way to get the words across, but uses it as an instrument bringing a nice texture to the songs.
Accessibility: 10/10 I think that's the word used for how easy it is to listen to. I'm not sure. Anyway that's how I'm using it. There's no training needed to listen to this record. You don't need to know music. You don't need to be able to hear weird sounds. It's just a very straightforward album.
Overall: 8/10 Now that rating might not make any sense. So let me explain. If you're looking for something different or something you haven't heard before, this might not be the place to turn. But if you're looking for wonderfully crafted rock songs, this band deserves a look. It's nothing cliche or overdone, but in the end it's a rock band having fun while making friggin great music.
Oh yeah if you're interested they released the second album by themselves. It can be found for 7.99 on their myspace page. I'll definitely be buying it. And also listen to the music and watch the video on the page. And definitely enjoy.
Well the first review goes out to a small band called Reeve Oliver. I found out about this band when I went to my first Yellowcard show in 2004 or 2005. They opened up the set and I was immediately hooked and picked up the CD right then and there. Good thing too. These guys are a small band hailing from San Diego, CA and have put out two CDs with multiple EPs.
The first impression you'll get of their self titled album is that they know how to write catchy indie pop songs. Wow I just melded two completely different genres. Anyway. A lot of the songs have a surface of just very bright and melodic which makes for a great album to listen to during a nice spring morning. Another thing you'll notice is that these guys have fun. And that makes all the difference. They don't take themselves too seriously and aren;t afraid to laugh at themselves. This leads to honesty in the little quirks and also comes through in the lyrics. Now don't get me wrong, Sean is not the next Jesse Lacey or anything but it's not a record riddled with cliches. This isn't an album telling you to revolt. It's not trying to get you active in any political movement. It's just a normal record telling short vignettes of the life of an average person. And that's all they are. Average people pulling together to make music for us to enjoy. Guys who work at friggin SeaWorld. You can't get more average than that.
I said that the first impression is catchy songs, and that's very true. But as you delve deeper and give the music a proper listen you'll notice the intricacies inside. There's nothing fancy, but it shows a solid foundation of actual music rather than three guys throwing down some power chords to make some money. The album has a nice blend of happy and upbeat with the more melancholy and brooding sounds, as well as a mix of acoustic and electric guitars. And they actually pull it off well.
Stand out tracks: Yer Motion, I Want Burns, Young and Dumb, Until Someone Loves You
My rating system is out of ten, not nine, but here goes:
Music: 8/10 A nice blend of melodies and subtle nuances
Vocals: 9.5/10 Man do you hear the range he hits sometimes? It's nice. He has his unique sound in being completely normal. No effects, no whining, just sounds like a normal guy with a great voice. And that's rare these days. He also knows that the voice isn't just a way to get the words across, but uses it as an instrument bringing a nice texture to the songs.
Accessibility: 10/10 I think that's the word used for how easy it is to listen to. I'm not sure. Anyway that's how I'm using it. There's no training needed to listen to this record. You don't need to know music. You don't need to be able to hear weird sounds. It's just a very straightforward album.
Overall: 8/10 Now that rating might not make any sense. So let me explain. If you're looking for something different or something you haven't heard before, this might not be the place to turn. But if you're looking for wonderfully crafted rock songs, this band deserves a look. It's nothing cliche or overdone, but in the end it's a rock band having fun while making friggin great music.
Oh yeah if you're interested they released the second album by themselves. It can be found for 7.99 on their myspace page. I'll definitely be buying it. And also listen to the music and watch the video on the page. And definitely enjoy.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Sweetest Fruit Ever
The other day I decided I needed a new cd. Not just getting stuff from itunes, but a real actual cd. That I can pack in a box and copy on other people's computers and hold and everything. After almost 2 hours of time combing the selections of Gray Whale Records, I found it: Wild Sweet Orange. The Album art looked a little familiar, but I wasn't quite sure. Anyway. It said it was on sale, so I bought it, as well as some more nag champa (which, sadly, my roommate doesn't like. I can't wait until I have a car. then i can just listen to music and read with some nice incense blowing. but i digress.
My first reaction to the cd was nervousness. I mean the first thing to come out of the speakers are the words "I saw ten dead dogs on the side of the road." But I actually had nothing to fear. because "We Have Cause To Be Uneasy" is a musical transcendence. Lately I've been looking for something a little more mellow, melancholy, and emotional. This album brought that and more. Each song is musically flowing, smoothly blending acoustics, electrics and vocals like three streams coming together to form a river. I also love how each song has just a little bit of discordance. Not enough to upset you, or cause visible discomfort, but just enough edge your drifting.
One of my favorite from the album is the song Sour Milk. I might just be a sucker for female vocals, but this is where the discomfort really gets you with the drone of the organ as they sing of broken homes and dreams.
I've always been one for strong lyrics more than just the music (which is why i like bob dylan, there is one man who can't sing) and Preston Lovinggood commands respect for the voice he gives. He doesn't just tell his own story (as in Aretha's Gold, a beautiful story about lovers) but what so many our age want to say: What the fuck have you done with the world? Not as much as what's happening with the social situation (although that feeling is there) but what the individual is wondering and feeling.
From his site Lovinggood tells us that he gets his inspiration from the rot of the suburbs. "I think I'll always be haunted by the suburbs. I'll always be writing for those people, not only out of compassion, but out of anger and frustration and wanting to be noticed and appreciated by the people that I felt never appreciated me."
I've always wanted to write an album that caught how I felt about growing up in the suburbs of Denver. My life was fine. I didn't have a ton of problems, but I watched so many around me suffer silently, seemingly perfect, but behind the doors problems overwhelm everything. As I listen to each song I see in my mind memories that I've never lived, but they make it seem so real. and there aren't any cliches. at all
Music: 9/9 amazing balance of instruments, mostly acoustic with just enough of the other half to keep it pushing. and the discordance (listen to it with headphones)
Vocals: 8/9 not a bit of whining in his voice. So different than most the artists I seem to come across today. in some spots it seems a little too soft, but that's alright
Lyrics: 9/9 with choruses talking to God to lines bringing you into the story as it paints the picture in your mind
Listenability: 6/9 this definitely isn't for everyone. Only those who are ok with being a litte uncomfortable, without being able to explain why.
Appearance 6/9 where did these guys come from? i can't decide if their whole look adds to or takes away from the situation
Overall: 8.5/9
Buy this album. It's worth it. I promise (or I can get a copy for you if you want...)
My first reaction to the cd was nervousness. I mean the first thing to come out of the speakers are the words "I saw ten dead dogs on the side of the road." But I actually had nothing to fear. because "We Have Cause To Be Uneasy" is a musical transcendence. Lately I've been looking for something a little more mellow, melancholy, and emotional. This album brought that and more. Each song is musically flowing, smoothly blending acoustics, electrics and vocals like three streams coming together to form a river. I also love how each song has just a little bit of discordance. Not enough to upset you, or cause visible discomfort, but just enough edge your drifting.
One of my favorite from the album is the song Sour Milk. I might just be a sucker for female vocals, but this is where the discomfort really gets you with the drone of the organ as they sing of broken homes and dreams.
I've always been one for strong lyrics more than just the music (which is why i like bob dylan, there is one man who can't sing) and Preston Lovinggood commands respect for the voice he gives. He doesn't just tell his own story (as in Aretha's Gold, a beautiful story about lovers) but what so many our age want to say: What the fuck have you done with the world? Not as much as what's happening with the social situation (although that feeling is there) but what the individual is wondering and feeling.
From his site Lovinggood tells us that he gets his inspiration from the rot of the suburbs. "I think I'll always be haunted by the suburbs. I'll always be writing for those people, not only out of compassion, but out of anger and frustration and wanting to be noticed and appreciated by the people that I felt never appreciated me."
I've always wanted to write an album that caught how I felt about growing up in the suburbs of Denver. My life was fine. I didn't have a ton of problems, but I watched so many around me suffer silently, seemingly perfect, but behind the doors problems overwhelm everything. As I listen to each song I see in my mind memories that I've never lived, but they make it seem so real. and there aren't any cliches. at all
Music: 9/9 amazing balance of instruments, mostly acoustic with just enough of the other half to keep it pushing. and the discordance (listen to it with headphones)
Vocals: 8/9 not a bit of whining in his voice. So different than most the artists I seem to come across today. in some spots it seems a little too soft, but that's alright
Lyrics: 9/9 with choruses talking to God to lines bringing you into the story as it paints the picture in your mind
Listenability: 6/9 this definitely isn't for everyone. Only those who are ok with being a litte uncomfortable, without being able to explain why.
Appearance 6/9 where did these guys come from? i can't decide if their whole look adds to or takes away from the situation
Overall: 8.5/9
Buy this album. It's worth it. I promise (or I can get a copy for you if you want...)
Monday, August 4, 2008
Cary Judd
I don't know how often I'll update. Maybe M-W-F or when I feel like it. It's not like anyone reads this anyway...However...today I'm going to talk about someone who's talent never ceases to amaze me. That is the music man known as Cary Judd. I only have one of his cds "Looking Back From Space" but I've listened to is sever times (just look at my play count...). But I don't want to talk about that, although it is amazing. I won't talk about how he told me he should be coming out with a new cd in October and I'm already saving up for it (that's a long process for the poor college student who i be). I want to talk about his live shows, which I've had the chance to experience on two very different occasions. The first time I heard him was as an opener for the family friendly group "Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band" at a outdoor venue where a third of the audience was children The next opportunity was at the Velour in Provo, where a third of the tiny audience had amazing beards and some pretty "independent" styles, as he opened for Rocky Votolato. What seemed to amaze me most first is how well he connected to both audiences. As did his music. It's rare to have someone who my "indie" friends will be willing to chill to as much as my parents will listen to. Let me tell you, when he first came out on stage with just his guitar and snare drum i was like...alright...but then he started up. From the start I was spellbound. His work with the pedals was mindblowing, and seemingly effortless on his part. He even sang into his guitar. But probably the highlight for me was a song he sang both times that he peformed called Sarah which i think he said would be on his new album he's working on which should be due this fall (i'll offer updates on that for sure). There is something divine about a man with just a guutar and harmonica, Bob Dylan, Rocky Votolato, and now Cary. I've attatched a link to a video of him performing this live.
In his biography on his facebook page he says "My songs, as trite as it sounds, are short snap shots of my life." And I don't know many other musicians who share themselves as well as he does. That's pretty much all from me. I'm not good at writing, but this is just for me anyway.
-namewithheld
his website
In his biography on his facebook page he says "My songs, as trite as it sounds, are short snap shots of my life." And I don't know many other musicians who share themselves as well as he does. That's pretty much all from me. I'm not good at writing, but this is just for me anyway.
-namewithheld
his website
Friday, August 1, 2008
spreading "the rumors"
After returning from a two year hiatus from normal life, a lot of catching up has had to be one. Mainly in the 'music' and 'movie' department. Multi-tasking media is always a little tricky, and so listen to everything I want to has been rough stuff. But about a week ago i came across an album I had been looking forward to, but seem to have forgotten for the past few months. So I'm just going to throw out a little something about Socratic's sophomore album "Spread the Rumors" from the Drive thru record label.
I like the sound of this album way more than "Lunch for the Sky," being more partial to a smoother sound. Honestly I wasn't sure what to expect, Lunch was sketchy for me, but I loved their EP "Just Turn" (probably in part because it was free...). I wasn't disappointed in the slightest. From the music to the lyrics I enjoyed the whole ride. A little more piano would be nice, but may have had a negative effect on the overall feel of album. A few highlights for me:
-A Boy in a Magazine. One of my favorite things about the album is Duane Okun's new vocal style. So smooth and rounded. Boy in a Magazine is the best example of this on the whole album. So much so, in fact, that I almost thought that the vocals were too quiet.
-Haven't Seen you in Years. This is probably my favorite song on the album right now. It makes me think back to my high school crush who I was just too scared to talk to. It's just like the version on their "Just Turn" EP.
-Diamond in the Coal. Here, towards the end of the album I finally find some amazing piano. The feeling that comes into me from the very first notes is an odd mix of numbness and excitement
The rest of the album is good as well. The music sticks like rice and makes me smile like an idiot. It's hard to find an album as of late that doesn't sound like every other album out there. And while the rest of the bands in the world dilute into one bland, generic sound Socratic and "Spread the Rumors" really is a diamond in the coal. Now I just hope they tour somewhere close enough for me to see them.
-namewithheld
I like the sound of this album way more than "Lunch for the Sky," being more partial to a smoother sound. Honestly I wasn't sure what to expect, Lunch was sketchy for me, but I loved their EP "Just Turn" (probably in part because it was free...). I wasn't disappointed in the slightest. From the music to the lyrics I enjoyed the whole ride. A little more piano would be nice, but may have had a negative effect on the overall feel of album. A few highlights for me:
-A Boy in a Magazine. One of my favorite things about the album is Duane Okun's new vocal style. So smooth and rounded. Boy in a Magazine is the best example of this on the whole album. So much so, in fact, that I almost thought that the vocals were too quiet.
-Haven't Seen you in Years. This is probably my favorite song on the album right now. It makes me think back to my high school crush who I was just too scared to talk to. It's just like the version on their "Just Turn" EP.
-Diamond in the Coal. Here, towards the end of the album I finally find some amazing piano. The feeling that comes into me from the very first notes is an odd mix of numbness and excitement
The rest of the album is good as well. The music sticks like rice and makes me smile like an idiot. It's hard to find an album as of late that doesn't sound like every other album out there. And while the rest of the bands in the world dilute into one bland, generic sound Socratic and "Spread the Rumors" really is a diamond in the coal. Now I just hope they tour somewhere close enough for me to see them.
-namewithheld
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