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.
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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.
For those who cut class or took a break studying for final exams to see Fall Out Boy perform at Washington Square Park in New York today, many were disappointed. Gracing fans with their presence for oh, just about 10 minutes, the band conducted a sing-along to fan favorite, “Grand Theft Autumn/Where Is Your Boy.”
After the nearly two-minute rendition, fans screamed for one more song as Wentz told the crowd, “If we’re doing anything else we’re getting arrested right now.” Not a complete loss, the band walked around shaking hands and giving out copies of their upcoming release, Folie à Deux as Wentz showed fans pictures of his newborn from his phone, saying, “How handsome is he?”
Watch below for Fall Out Boy’s performance in Washington Square Park, courtesy of MTV and to learn more of the details behind the impromptu concert, read MTV rock editor James Montgomery’s take on it here.
