I’ve been working on a bunch of album reviews for a few different Web sites, most recently ReviewYou.com and inReview.net. Below are three of my latest reviews for you to check out:
Also, I’m currently transcribing my interview with Stephan Jenkins of Third Eye Blind so be on the lookout for that! I’m hoping to edit the audio too so you can listen to my interview with him. Check back soon!
A few weeks ago I introduced you to Fiction Family. Having spent over a decade touring and recording with their respective bands — Switchfoot and Nickel Creek — both Jon Foreman and Sean Watkins have strayed from their well-known sing-along choruses and strong guitar accompaniment to a more stripped down, darker release. While it takes a few listens to fully understand the depth of this disc, Fiction Family proves the versatility and staying power of both musicians in a time when not many bands are leaving their comfort zones.
Calling themselves Fiction Family (despite Foreman’s wish for the Real SeanJon) the Watkins and Foreman project formed after a few chance encounters at a local coffee shop in their San Diego hometown. After the urging from friends to collaborate over the years, they decided to give it a shot — never expecting a completed release. Taking turns singing lead vocals and alternating between multiple instruments including guitar, bass, keyboards, percussion, baritone, ukulele, piano, organ, mandolin, steel guitar and 12-string guitar, the 12-song self-titled debut will be released January 20 on ATO Records.
A major deviation from each musician’s more well-known projects, Fiction Family presents an emotional musical journey for the listener. Lacking flow at times, the disc presents itself more as being experimental — tossing out the rules and expectations throughout the recording process. In fact, in some instances, Foreman and Watkins didn’t even make the tracks together. While one was touring, the other would add parts to a song, then leaving their product for the other to work on when he got off tour. Which, at times works better on some songs than others.
Beginning the album with first single, “When She’s Near” (listen to it here) the listener hears bells, tambourines and light guitar strumming before Foreman’s voice enters. Almost soporific, Foreman’s singing style doesn’t belt out as vigorously as many Switchfoot fans may be used to. Not a complete loss, Foreman’s singing does blend well with the musical accompaniment throughout many of the tracks on Fiction Family.
Most of the album revolves around relationships and, like often in life, are made up of heartbreaking stories (see “Betrayal,” a melancholy song that walks you through a friend murdering his best friend with a fitting, almost funeral-like horn feature at the end of the song) and brutal honesty (see “Not Sure” lyrics, “I’m not sure that I’ll get over you/I’m not sure that I want to”).
“Throw It Away” seems a bit more uplifting lyrically than previous tracks. However, the slow and hushed guitar strumming and string accompaniment accented with Foreman’s saddened vocals beg the listener to question as he sings, “Throw it away/Give your love/Live your life/Each and every day/Keep your hands wide open/Let the sun shine through/’Cause you can never lose a thing/It belongs to you.”
There are strong sections on Fiction Family, but also some peculiar segments as well. One example is “Please Don’t Call It Love” where there is an unexpected haunting close, reminiscent to what it may sound like when walking into a haunted house. Either way, fans of Switchfoot and Nickel Creek will surely enjoy the album and embrace the uniqueness and new roles of each musician. If anything is certain of the release, Fiction Family presents an anomaly, the listener never really knows what to expect. But, after all, isn’t that what music is all about in the first place?
In addition to their Jan. 20 release, Fiction Family is currently involved in a 21-date nationwide tour. Visit their Web Site for the tour dates and to listen to “When She’s Near,” an exclusive track off the album click here or watch the video of it below.
http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2487723&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=0&show_portrait=1&color=00adef&fullscreen=1
Fiction Family – When She’s Near from ATO Records on Vimeo.
Possibly the most hotly debated release of 2008 was Kanye West‘s 808s & Heartbreak. I’ve been listening to the album off and on since the November release, in hopes that it would grow on me and I’d find some rare gem or piece of inspiration behind it. Alas, I’m still quite dumbfounded and undecided. There’s no party without one of Kanye’s club hits, whether it be “The Good Life,” “Stronger,” “Gold Digger,” etc. but this album lacks the energy and fun vibe that West is known for.
Using T-Pain’s technique for Auto-Tune, 808s & Heartbreak introduces a new side of West. His usual cockiness and danceable tracks are now masked by robotic-like vocals and even more somber lyrics. While the album lacks many of his club-thumping hits from the past, current singles “Heartless” and “Love Lockdown” have been gaining heavy rotation.
Understandably, West has had quite the emotional year. With the death of his mother and a broken engagement, his album, aptly titled 808s & Heartbreak, brings about a side many haven’t seen before. Whether he’s lamenting about his life on opening track, “Welcome to Heartbreak” (“My friend shows me pictures of his kids/And all I could show him was pictures of my cribs/He said his daughter got a brand new report card/And all I got was a brand new sports car”) or how past girlfriends have done him wrong — see most of the album — if one thing is certain, this is definitely not your typically confident, entertaining Kanye West. Though, not necessarily a bad thing.
West distinguishes himself on 808s & Heartbreak. Sure, it’s a breakup album but this record exemplifies that even world renown musicians like West don’t always have it so easy. West opens up and shows listeners that he is just like them — struggling with death, heartbreak and questioning it all the while, albeit with a more luxurious lifestyle. He is dealing with heartache the only way and best way he can — by immersing himself into his music, giving the listener and the world a little more of himself.
As depressing as the record may sound on the surface with titles like “Welcome to Heartbreak,” “Heartless” and “Bad News” West does bring about some surprises. Six-minute long track “Pinocchio” exemplifies his powerful live performance as well as his complete honesty in the heartfelt song. A man of his word, he has told fans and media alike that he wants to reinvent the industry and be “the next Elvis.” While he hasn’t accomplished that goal just yet, 808s & Heartbreak proves that he’s willing to take the plunge and try something new, regardless of what critics or fans think, once again differentiating himself from the crowd.
What are your thoughts on Kanye’s new album? I’d love to hear what you think.
I know all the music bloggers and magazines have been writing about their favorite albums, songs and moments of 2008, but instead of reading another journalist’s massive “best of” list for 2008, I’m more curious to know YOUR favorites. Was there an album you continually had on repeat in your car or your iTunes play list? What song could you absolutely not get out of your head no matter how hard you tried? What about your least favorite song you seemingly couldn’t escape from wherever you went — be it your drive to work, shopping at the mall or at your favorite bar? I’d love to read your “best of” lists! Plus, it’ll give me some new music to listen to as I ring in 2009!
Below, I’ll post some of the music I’ve featured on my blog this year — hinting at 10 of my favorites to give you some possibilities of new music to check out for yourself. Take a listen. I think you’ll enjoy them as well.
Brent Shuttleworth‘s video for “When I Reach California” below.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FT-MlVxQcoc]
Joshua Radin – “I’d Rather Be With You” listen here.
Jason Reeves – “You In A Song.” For Windows click here, for Quicktime click here.
Brett Dennen‘s music video for “Make You Crazy” featuring Mandy Moore below.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F58TfYHqLak]
Passenger – “Night Vision Binoculars” check out here.
Pete Murray performing “Opportunity” live below with John Mayer or check out the music video here.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynnKd18eCJU]
Serena Ryder – “Brand New Love” here. For Windows users you can listen here.
Sia performing on Late Night with Conan O’Brien. For Windows. For Quicktime.
Theresa Andersson‘s video for “Birds Fly Away” recorded live in her kitchen.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMXqn42AykM]
Lastly, Ray LaMontagne‘s “You Are the Best Thing.” You can listen to it here for Windows Media or here for Quicktime if you haven’t yet.
What do you think? Can’t wait to read your lists! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Reviews to Peruse . . . I like the rhyme to that, don’t you? I digress. In addition to keeping up my blog on a daily basis, I’ve also been busy working on a bunch of album reviews for a Web site I started writing for a few months ago — ReviewYou.com. Below are three of my latest reviews by Fico, Down the Lees and Ace Merrill. I have a few more albums I’m working on reviewing as we speak as well as transcribing my interviews with Hellogoodbye and Ace Enders from last month. My goal is to have one of those up in the upcoming week so be on the lookout! Click on the links below to read my reviews posted on ReviewYou.com or the above links to check out each artist’s MySpace.
Wide Eyed Sleeper’s most recent EP, Choking on Menthol might be the most versatile record I’ve heard this past year. Each song is entirely different from the previous and it’s hard to classify exactly what genre the band fits into. Varying from a Foo Fighters rock vibe to a mix of indie, pop and even a little country intertwined, Choking on Menthol has a lot to offer for a five song disc.
Not newcomers to the music scene, band Wide Eyed Sleeper is made up of frontman Brett Ryan Stewart, guitarist Chris Tench, bassist Doc Downs and drummer Kevin Cuchia. Each member has had varying success on their previous endeavors, whether it was a well-received solo album or earning a 2007 nomination for IAC.com’s Indie Song of the Year. The four have combined their talents for an all-around solid release.
Having shared the stage with bands, such as The Strokes, Van Halen, No Doubt, Rush, and Brad Paisley to name a few, Wide Eyed Sleeper shows much promise and Choking on Menthol won’t disappoint. Recorded in Stewart’s home studio, the original plan was to make a follow-up to his debut album. However, once his band came together and the writing became communal, they decided to make the project a band effort.
Opening track, “Let Me Down Again” has that Foo Fighters rock anthem feel, as frontman Stewart’s vocals sound strikingly similar to that of Dave Grohl’s. Even the musical accompaniment is guitar heavy, making it easy to imagine an arena filled with fans singing along.
Title track, “Choking on Menthol” has more of a country vibe to it. Wearing his heart on his sleeve, Stewart sings, “I used to want to talk to you for hours/But now I’m not so sure that you even hear my voice/Oh, I don’t see the point of love.” Narrating the emotionally-filled ballad, he later sings “Oh, I don’t see the point of love/It never lasts that long/Oh, I don’t see the point of love/We’re still going to die alone” as his lyrics play on the listener’s heartstrings.
While “Choking on Menthol” and “Left to Write” are slower ballads, “Wake Me Up” is an edgier track with fitting guitar accompaniment. The music is rougher than heard previously on the album, but suits the band well. Singing, “Wake me up when the revolution comes,” if anything is certain, Wide Eyed Sleeper won’t be in a slumber for too much longer after this release.
You can also read this review first posted on ReviewYou.com.
Be sure to check out Wide Eyed Sleeper on MySpace and listen to songs featured on the EP I wrote about above.
Scott Krokoff’s debut solo effort A Better Life is a 13-track album of solid music, both lyrically and musically and one of those albums that can be easily kept on repeat all day long. An attorney turned musician is not always looked upon highly as a wise career choice, but after giving A Better Life a close listen I’m glad Krokoff quit his day job to pursue his passion.
An accomplished acoustic and electric guitar player, the musical accompaniment throughout A Better Life is strong and never falters. An intriguing storyteller, Krokoff’s songs are full of relatable tales about relationships and life in general. “I Know Your Story” begins the album with Krokoff convincingly singing, “I know your reasons why you are guarded and concerned/You’ve been through this before there are lessons that you have learned/But don’t be frightened I won’t be like your last boyfriend.” With heartfelt and honest lyrics like that, who couldn’t believe him?
While his music has been compared to a blend of John Mayer and James Taylor, his calming vocals are also slightly reminiscent to that of Matt Nathanson. Comparisons aside, Krokoff brings something unique to his music. Whether its saxophone or electric guitar interludes, the music throughout each track blends perfectly with his vocals and as a listener, you can’t help but pay close attention to each story presented in every song.
It’s hard to put Krokoff into a specific genre. Tracks like “A Better Life” and “Holy Fire” have a country vibe to them while other songs have more of that acoustic singer-songwriter feel. All the while, many of his songs could be easily heard on the radio. Regardless, Krokoff is headed in the right direction with his debut solo effort. On title track “A Better Life” he sings “Destiny is in my grasp for I can see it/It is waiting there for me to simply reach it/I work so hard for a better day, a better life/And it’s finally time for me to feel alive and have a better life.” An accurate portrayal of his life, Krokoff’s destiny looks bright as a musician.
A punk rocker turned acoustic singer-songwriter may be incredulous for some to grasp, but for Kansas native Adam Ruskowitz it could work. While at some moments the listener can picture a frontman screaming the lyrics over a loud bass guitar and drum beat, Ruskowitz’s second solo-acoustic album gives the listener a glimpse into his past and an idea of where he is headed.
At times, Boxed Wine and Bottle Rockets is hard to grasp, with fluctuating vocals and rough guitar features. While his guitar playing isn’t necessarily weak, in tracks like “Hurricane” and “July” the squeaking sound between the changing of each chord played is unbearable.
Yet, Ruskowitz’s strong storytelling throughout each track is ever present. While “Trampoline” vaguely elicits a comparison to the Gin Blossoms with his soft vocals and light guitar strumming other instances suggest a slight resemblance to Elliott Smith. I found myself liking tracks like “Trampoline” and “Five Years Later” most because of Ruskowitz’s deeper vocals. At times, his higher-pitched voice on songs like opening track, “Hurricane” comes across irritating. A great songwriter and good singer on tracks with a slightly lower register, Boxed Wine and Bottle Rockets isn’t a complete loss. Only his second solo effort, it will be interesting to hear what the future holds for Ruskowitz.
You can read this review originally posted on ReviewYou.com here.
Though it’s only five tracks, there is much depth to David Kitchen’s latest EP release, Underground. While Kitchen describes his EP as “post modern melodic guitar pop,” there is a bit of an acoustic, jazzy, roots rock combination throughout. On his upbeat title track, the D.C.-based singer-songwriter’s vocals are slightly reminiscent to that of Jakob Dylan’s. With Gin Blossoms-esque musical accompaniment down to the solid guitar interludes, “Underground” is one of those songs that is sure to be stuck in your head long after the track is over.
“Mean Old Mister Gravity” is the most unique sounding song on the EP. Seemingly taking the listener back in time, the song has that classic feel with saxophone and flute interludes. A bit jazzy, the piano features throughout the song are strong, but never overpowering the light flute and edgy saxophone sound. Kitchen’s voice blends well in this song, and the constant repetition of lyrics, “Mean old mister gravity/Don’t bring me down, down, down” and “I want that weightless feeling again” fit well into the song.
Underground segues nicely to soft ballad, “Find Our Way.” With a light drum beat and guitar strumming, the song draws the listener into Kitchen’s heartfelt lyrics. He opens the song singing, “If you came to me, I wouldn’t hide/Set aside my pride and stand beside you/It may never be the way it used to be/And it’ll take some time, but surely we will find our way.” “You Know That I Will” is the next ballad showcased on the album with a bit of an edgier sound and strong guitar interludes. With lyrics, “If I can make time stand still/You know that I will” you feel the longing in Kitchen’s vocals.
“Remembering” picks up the pace from the previous two ballads and ends Underground on a high note. Having been writing and performing for over three decades, Kitchen is showing no signs of slowing down and this EP only demonstrates his versatility. Whether he’s pouring out his emotions in “You Know That I Will” or shredding throughout rock-hard guitar interludes, each track peaks the listener’s attention.
You can also read this review on ReviewYou.com.
Be sure to check out David Kitchen on MySpace and listen to songs featured on the EP I wrote about above.
It’s that time of the year again — the leaves are changing colors, you can find candy corn in all your local grocery stores and now it’s the appropriate time to carve some pumpkins. Fall just may be my favorite time of the year, except for the fact that I have to put all my summer flip-flops away. Wearing sneakers and boots instead of sandals is a huge adjustment, but I digress. This fall there are many albums hitting the shelves or more aptly, iTunes — many from bands I’ve covered for the blog, as well as some others you should definitely check out. Below is brief list of some albums I’m especially looking forward to.
Antony and the Johnsons – out this week 10/7
Another World
I recently received a copy of Antony and the Johnsons‘ EP — a five-song piano-filled disc of deep, emotional ballads. At first listen, the EP gives off an incredibly relaxing and soothing feel. But, when listening more closely to the lyrics the perception is quite different. Called an EP of “political- and eco-minded songs” by Rolling Stone, I couldn’t agree more.
Ray LaMontagne – 10/14
Gossip in the Grain
You heard him and song, “You Are the Best Thing” from my previous “Song of the Week” post two weeks ago and from what I’ve heard on his MySpace and other reviews, Gossip in the Grain is an album to definitely give a listen. LaMontagne has that classic singer-songwriter feel, but offers the listener something unique as well. I haven’t been able to stop playing “You Are the Best Thing” over the past few weeks and if this is any indication as to how his album sounds, LaMontagne will be the talk of the town pretty soon.
Brett Dennen – 10/21
Hope for the Hopeless
I was lucky enough to catch Brett Dennen‘s performance this summer on John Mayer’s tour and he blew me away. Brett has such a skill for songwriting and aptly gets the message in his lyrics across to the listener, not always an easy task for a musician. Check out a live performance of his first single, “Make You Go Crazy” — which features Fela Kuti on the album — below. Stay tuned for his music video for the song with Mandy Moore within the upcoming weeks.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycqhqDKq5a0]
Fall Out Boy – 11/4
Folie a Deux
The kings of long song titles are back with their fifth studio album on Election Day. Avid advocates for Obama, while the disc apparently has no politically charged songs, if it’s anything like their last album, Infinity on High, Fall Out Boy are sure to surprise and make every die-hard FOB fan content.
Switchfoot – 11/4
The Best Yet
It’s surprising that Switchfoot doesn’t have a “best of” album yet, being that they’ve released six albums and have been touring for the better part of the last 10 years. However, this November ‘Foot cans can look forward to The Best Yet, which features 18 hit singles including “This Is Home” from The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian movie soundtrack as well as radio hits “Meant To Live” and “Dare You to Move.” In addition to the songs, the deluxe edition will feature 14 videos which includes MTV hits as well as rare, never before released videos.
To listen to a stream of “This Is Home” for Windows, click here.
For QuickTime, click here.
Taylor Swift – 11/11
Fearless
Taylor Swift has become a personal favorite of mine as of late. Maybe it’s my desire to move to Nashville and cover more country artists and emerging musicians. Whether you like country or not, you can’t deny her crossover power between genres. Not only is she a respected country artist, but pop fans love her as well. Her first single off the album, “Love Story” is that perfect story-book tale of a Romeo and Juliet romance. Down to the appropriately catchy banjo accompaniment, the song is full of that hopeless romantic vibe that draws many music fans to her. Check it out on YouTube.
All-American Rejects – 11/18
When the World Comes Down
I featured their first single, “Gives You Hell” last week on the blog and it’s undeniably catchy. A bit more of a mature sound than their previous two albums, AAR have grown up and their musicianship and solid guitar riffs can be heard throughout. This album is one I’m personally looking forward to and planning on picking up for myself. Check out “Gives You Hell” below.
http://media.imeem.com/m/61tvnwcGSh/aus=false/
David Cook – 11/18
TBD
I recently read an article which reported that Cook will be working with frontman Raine Maida of Our Lady Peace for his release expected in late November. I caught Maida’s performance a few months ago at the Mercury Lounge and I can only imagine the creativity he will bring to Cook’s debut since winning American Idol.