"Illuminate" by Lydia

Lydia is one of my favorite all time bands. Why? They specialize in majestic-sounding songs ripe with emotional, well-written lyrics. This is their only full-length album, as both of their other releases (one before and one after) are more like EPs. "Illuminate" is, in its simplest form, a break-up album, as it tracks the events leading up to and surrounding the break up of the narrator and his love. It's not necessarily a happy album, but it definitely has cathartic value. The album artwork also emphasizes the somewhat mournful character of the whole set. However, it's a great listen, filled with some amazing melodies that anyone can enjoy. Here we go!

1. "This is Twice Now" - This song kicks off with a dainty little piano riff, before moving into a rolling drum beat and fluid, languishing vocals. Piano stays a major player in this song that has an undercurrent of frustration. The uncertainty surrounding the narrator's relationship with a Haley (I'm not sure how it's spelled in this set of songs, so I'm gonna go with this one; sorry to all who may be offended by this spelling choice. I'm only human. :D) has him feeling sick, and it's the "second time now and you've done this before," according to the narrator. Also present near the end of this song is something that makes Lydia such a great band - the overlapping of vocal harmonies, both male and female. A strong opener to the album.

2. "A Fine Evening for a Rogue" - In my opinion, this song is a perfect post-break up song (as well as a song with one of the cooler names out there: the use of "rogue" = plus 10 cool points). The song is rolling, much like the opener, but it is hesitant as well when it reaches the chorus. Mere musical footsteps accompany the narrator as he asks repeatedly, "Don't you ever get lonely?" The first instrumental feature (with requisite build) is in this song as well. The radio noise that accompanies the build makes it a simple, beautiful end to the song.

3. "I Woke Up Near the Sea" - Easily my favorite song on the album and one of my favorite songs overall. It opens with an insanely epic guitar melody (aided by drums and strings) which comes back during the chorus. Like most of my favorite songs, for some reason, this song is sad at its core (I don't have a problem, I promise). The narrator has found out that his love is not who he thought she was. He sings out in the chorus that "It turns out you were into yourself." Instrumentals make this song a powerhouse, along with the final line of the song: "And no one ever knew."

4. "Hospital" - This song almost sounds like a continuation of the previous song (several songs on the album bleeds into the next song, making it quite the cohesive set). In my opinion, the narrator has been unwound by his experience with his love. He is in a hospital, and he encourages the lady in is life to keep watching the hospital door, but that he won't ever come out. Not one of my favorites on the album because there's not a whole lot of dynamic change happening over the course of the song, but the lyrics are compelling.

5. "Fate" - More uncertainty plagues our young narrator, as the lady of this album has truly sent him spinning. He begs his love, "Place me on your scene and I'll take everything that you ever said to me." Like the previous song, "Fate" continues the album with the same general melodic idea, as well as the same uncertainty present in the lyrics. Once again, the songs in this middle section of the album are not my favorite (though there is a great extended chorus leading to the end of the song). I think they are all part of the story that is this entire album. The narrator's stuck, wallowing in his own uncertainty, and the music reflects his focus.

6. "Sleep Well" - Our narrator turns a new leaf in "Sleep Well," as a guitar riff kicks off the song with notes of persistent hope that continue throughout the entire song. Our narrator declares, "I'll be just fine." In fact, he no longer feels any responsibility for what went wrong in his relationship, as he pointedly declares, "Darling, you fucked up." This song is the first step in this album's healing process. He's not necessarily over his love, but he's going to try to move on anyway. A beautiful female vocal feature leads into a final chorus, filled with the epic guitar chords and vocal layering of Lydia's best work.

7. "Stay Awake" - Another beautiful, emotion-packed song. The narrator needs a change of scenery: "San Francisco sounds quite lovely." But, he still loves the girl (I'm assuming it's still the Haley of the opening song): "And so I'll just wait for your call, I promise...". Yet again, there's another great instrumental feature, this time guitar, bent slightly by electronica. Several sections of this song sound as though they are coming from underwater, as if our narrator is waiting for his love to save him from drowning in loneliness.

8. "All I See" - Hesitation courses through this song, as well as regret. It would appear that the narrator has realized that both he and Haley have have changed, and he sings, "All I see, scares me." As the song rolls on, the lyrics become more and more dejected as the narrator increasingly realizes that the relationship probably can't work because, as the song ends, "You're not the same, and I'm, I'm not the same, and..."

9. "One More Day" - This song brings back some of the rolling drums that were so instrumental in the first couple of songs on the album. And with them come the frustration and grim resolution of those two songs. Our narrator is leaving, that's decided for sure, and he tells Haley (after a screaming guitar leads into the chorus), "Don't you say that I've gone crazy, because I haven't gone crazy yet." Like so many of their other songs, Lydia takes this song to the final chorus (complete with awesome vocal layering, mind you) with a great instrumental section, beginning with piano and then into increasingly confident guitar.

10. "...Ha Yeah It Got Pretty Bad" - This is a short, one minute song which essentially sends the message that he's gone, leaving Haley to think about her own situation, alone. A little bit filler-esque, but the lyrics still make it a worthwhile minute.

11. "Now the One You Once Loved is Leaving" - This song ends things in style, I've gotta say. Why? It's in the form of an argument between the narrator and Haley. First things first, the title of the song establishes the bitterness that runs throughout this entire song. It begins with female vocals, written from Haley's perspective, and proceeds to switch off between the two. Alternately mournful and angry melodies support this perspective-switching. This was one ugly breakup, and the album ends with all the pent up emotion with which it began, fading softly away into silence.

"Illuminate" has become one of my most-played albums on iTunes. The band is just solid, there's nothing complicated about it. The lead vocals don't sound like you're conventional good singing voice, but, in my opinion, that just makes the emotion of the set more raw and powerful. Unfortunately, Lydia broke up earlier this year (I felt legitimate sadness). They released a final EP called "Assailants" which is definitely strong, but not as strong as "Illuminate." It's a bummer they won't be releasing any more music, but we'll always have this.

Here's a link to their Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/lydia

Until next time, enjoy :)

"'Til We See the Shore" by Seabird

Not many bands sound like Seabird. There are two reasons for that: the vocalist, whose voice (as weird as it sounds) almost sound sarcastic, with a sort of deadpan humor about life that is just fun to listen to. The other thing that makes this band great is their musical work: the instrumentations for just about all their songs are fresh and funky. Yes, the traditional instrumentation is here, but Seabird's choice in terms of how those instruments and melodies fit together are hard to find elsewhere. These guys will get you hooked after a couple songs, trust me. And here we go!

1. "Black & Blue" - Kick it off with some funky piano and guitar, maestro! The song is mischievous to the highest degree. The narrator sings about seeing something he shouldn't have seen, and his subsequent punishment for seeing it. He sings, "We're black and blue" over the course of the chorus. However, the melody of the entire piece has a feel of resistance to it, and you just know that our guy will live to make more trouble in the future.

2. "Apparitions" - This song opens up quite differently than the first song off the album, with an almost classical piano intro. However, Seabird kicks it into gear almost immediately, getting right back into the high energy base, piano, and guitar type of melody that I've grown to love. The lyrics of the song are, once again, clever and humorous, as our guy is singing of ghosts (literal or figurative, I'm not sure) that are trying to chase him out of the house he has worked so hard to attain. He's ready for them though: "Bring it on," he sings over and over again. Even more humorous is the shout out to the listeners at the end of the song: "Well, we don't really care what they think about our stupid songs, we just hope by the end that you'll all be sining along." Oh Seabird, silly silly Seabird.

3. "Not Alone" - This song sends things into a little bit more romantic territory, though with Seabird no love song is the typical "Hey I love you, cool me too" theme. Our narrator is singing to his love, who has, in a couple simple words, screwed up. Still, he assures her that Forgiveness (who he constructs as an actual entity) is with them, and they'll be alright. As always, the lead vocalist's rough and almost punkish voice lends extra energy and emotion to the song. One of my favorite songs on the album.

4. "Rescue" - Another one of my favorite songs, and (like many of my favorite songs, it's not exactly happy). Piano plays a big role in this song, which begins with the vocalist singing, "I'm pushing up daisies, I wish they were roses." The song kicks into high gear in the chorus, which is insanely catchy. What's more, the song is believable; our guy is pleading for someone to save him, and we really want that person to listen.

5. "Let Me Go On" - One of the more bitter songs on the album. Bass rumbles along, with piano joining it later. The lyrics are essentially break-up lyrics, and it ain't exactly a happy one. Exhibit A: "And now we know why they call it the bitter end." A fun song, but one of the weaker ones on the album in my opinion.

6. "Stronger" - Guess which instrument plays a cameo in this song: THE BANJO. Darn right it does. The banjo then hands the melody off to the guitar and the piano, something I had never heard before and was quite frankly just frickin good. Our guy is talking to himself. There's a girl he is obviously crazy about, but who he's never had the guts to say anything. Tonight, though, his conscious is telling him she's way to beautiful to stay quiet. It's one of my favorites, and it has a theme which I, along with tons of other guys and gals out there, can probably relate to.

7. "Cottonmouth (Jargon)" - Organ and vocals open up this melancholy number. It's about casting a friend out who has become a cancer to the group. Once again, the song is extremely relatable because, let's face it, our friends now are not the ones we started with in elementary school. Vocals really help this song along with the vocalist's raw frustration seeping through. A funky piano rhythm also pops in and out, which is always fun.

8. "Patience" - This song is morbid, but the lyrics are brilliantly written. Mournful piano also helps to make this song the powerhouse that it is. It's one of the few true ballads on this album, and I honestly think it's the strongest and most mature song on the album. The song is about one man who has lingered too long in the winter of his life. He has waited until all those around him have passed on. At the end of the song, he urges his caretaker to let Death in through the door "this time." Just a great song.

9. "Sometimes" - This song opens up with a sweet little keyboard melody, bolstered by guitar, bass, and then piano. Finally, vocals enter in to what becomes a fun beat that carries through for the verses. This song is a perfect song to dance and sing along to. It's got two very different sides - the emotional chorus and the bouncy verses. Let the head bobbing begin.

10. "Falling For You" - Get it started piano! Another piano ballad about confessing love. Our narrator has been in love with a girl since they were just kids, and he finally admits; "I'm falling, I'm falling for you, oh darling, it's finally true." Unfortunately, the piano sounds almost sad and the vocals sound a tad mournful. We hope that the song brings his love to him, but when it comes down to it, we really don't know. Ain't that life?

11. "Maggie Mahoney" - This song is also a love song, but it's downright goofy. The beat and vocals are delivered in a funky, almost jig-like manner. The pianos actually remind me a bit of "Naked in the Rain" by The Queen Killing Kings. The girl in the song led our guy on, and he's the sarcastic type (sarcastic people of the world, unite): "I know this girl named Phone Mahoney." Not exactly the friendliest set of lyrics, but that line alone, along with the infectious chorus and melody, have me sold.

12. "'Til We See the Shore" - Though these lyrics don't exactly tell a story, I think they are the most emotionally affecting. The message of this song is simple: never stop singing, not until you finally die. It is a song about the cathartic nature of singing, which I for one have employed in many a situation. Two lines sum this song, and the album for that matter, up perfectly: "Sing til your heart hurts, then sing some more. Don't stop singin til we see the shore." The lead singer backs these lyrics up perfectly, singing his heart out til the very end of the song, which is really uplifting. On a musical note, a great instrumental break leads up to the most emphatic chorus of the song, which really brings it home in style.

My brother introduced me to this band, and man am I glad he did. They really aren't like anything I had heard or have heard since. It sounds like these guys have a blast making music, and that makes its way through your headphones and right into you. This whole album is just a testament to how fun music can be to listen to. Give it a shot!

Here's a link to their Myspace

http://www.myspace.com/seabird

Please tell your friends about the blog! I'd love some more readers and/or followers :)

And, as always, until next time, enjoy!

"Med sud i eyrum vid spilum endalaust" by Sigur Rós

This, ladies and gentlemen, is Sigur Rós's most recent studio release. One of my cousins helped me to discover this band years ago and it has become probably my favorite band overall. In Irvine, being one of the four people who knew of and enjoyed the band's music was quite the bummer, and though I have found a few more people who know of them here at UCLA, these guys from Iceland don't get near as much attention as they deserve. I chose to review their most recent release because it is their most accessible. Admittedly, Sigur Rós is an acquired taste. Their sound is unique (perhaps you gathered that they're unique from their au naturale album artwork, but don't let that dissuade you from listening!), and the lead singer, Jónsi, doesn't sing in English. I believe there may be some Icelandic in there, but he's also known for singing emotions, if that makes sense. He sings feelings, not in any language. For some this may be a turn off, but in my opinion it makes the album universally accessible for anyone who values the emotion of music. Also, I think Jónsi has one of the most powerful, emotional voices of any lead singer out there. It's one of the most beautiful and transcending sounds of any band I've ever heard. Here we go!

1. "Gobbledigook" - This song starts extremely happy happy and stays extremely happy. With clapping and "la, la, la's" throughout, it's joy in musical form. Drums and guitar keep the song rolling along, and the complex layering of vocals ensure there is always something to listen to. This is one of the more mainstream-sounding songs on the album, if you can believe that. The song ends just as merrily as it begins. It just makes you smile!

2. "Inní mér syngur vitleysingur" - One of my favorite songs on the album. It starts of with a muted trumpet fanfare before exploding into an amazing xylophone (I think) melody. Jónsi's amazing vocal range is again on display here, but it's really the melody and instrumentation choices of the group that make this song such a standout. A beautiful, little instrumental section leads up the final triumphant statement of the song. Strings and trumpets play big roles in this song, which is a quick way for any song to snare my heart. Dance around and enjoy.

3. "Gódan daginn" - A beautiful, primarily acoustic guitar-driven ballad, something that Sigur Rós didn't do much of in their previous releases. It's definitely geared for a broader audience, but it's so beautiful that I frankly don't care. Synths provide a soft bed on top of which guitar and Jónsi's vocals work. Delicate and extremely well-executed, this is a perfect example of Jónsi singing his emotions (which is often what he does in lieu of singing in any particular language).

4. "Vid spilum endalaust" - Another happy song! It starts off with woodwinds and bass (how often have you heard that about a song?). The opening verse leads into yet another epic Sigur Rós chorus featuring trumpets, strings, and outstanding vocal harmonies. Like so many other Sigur Rós songs, the song culminates in an epic build the likes of which Zeus would even be excited by. These guys just have a talent for the majestic.

5. "Festival" - This song slows things down and resembles much more the kind of songs that we heard in Sigur Rós's previous albums. Subtle beds of synthesizer and string sound provide a bed on top of which Jónsi shows off his incredible vocal range and haunting voice. The song's first half is sad, contemplative, and melancholy, but it's beautiful nonetheless. Then it shifts gears into an equally wonderful, faster rhythm and melody. It becomes, once again, extremely majestic, with soaring strings, brass, guitar, and vocals creating one of the second-most uplifting moments on the album (keep reading to hear about the most uplifting). What I'm about to say will make reveal to you how much of a music nerd I am, but it should be noted that I make no attempt to hide my intense music nerdiness. Quite frankly, I could see myself walking through Middle Earth to this.

6. "Med sud í eyrum" - Piano and vocals once again share center stage in this song. Drums create the feel of marching ever onward, and this feel continues for most of the song. In fact, the drums are my favorite part of this song, which, though it is an good song, is probably one of the least dynamic on the album.

7. "Ára bátur" - My favorite song hands down and the most epic song I have ever heard in my life. That's saying something, because the amount of music I listen to borders on ridiculous. For the first half of the song, pianos and Jónsi create a slow, beautiful ballad-feel. Around the halfway mark, the song begins to build in volume and intensity... slowly at first, then gradually adding instruments and awesomeness until finally we get to the best moment on the album, in my opinion. It is, in a world, ethereal. A full symphony, children's choir, and Jónsi explode in a musical moment unlike anything else you're likely to hear outside of a movie theater. It's a 9 minute song, but I never skip it when it comes up on my iTunes, no matter how musical ADD I'm feeling. Sit back, enjoy, and feel free to conduct along - I always do :).

8. "Íllgresi" - After the Olympic-like feel of the previous song, Sigur Rós once again mellows things out with a ballad featuring acoustic guitar and, like always, Jónsi's raw, emotional voice. The song is beautiful, but not in the majestic way that other songs by the group are. Instead, this is a more intimate and subdued listen. Strings enter in towards the end of the song, adding to its delicate atmosphere.

9. "Fljótavík" - One of the saddest-sounding songs on the album, and definitely one of the most heart-wrenching. Without sounding too morbid, this song would fit in perfectly in the soundtrack of someone's life at a funeral when someone is looking at a loved one that has passed on... heartbroken that they are gone, but remembering all they did in life. Close your eyes and just fall into this song. The mournful combination of piano and strings, along with some of Jónsi's most emotional vocal work on the album, will definitely get to you. If any song were ever to make me tear up, this is it. I can't say enough... it's just heartbreaking.

10. "Straumnes" - This is an instrumental interlude, almost like it's easing you out of the emotional whirlwind that was the previous song. There's not much to it, simply lush pads of string sound for a couple minutes, though it has the same general melodic feel as "Fljótavík."

11. "All Alright" -  Once again, this song opens with delicate piano and vocals. Brass joins in to what is another mournful song. However, there is something else in this song that enters with another subtle piano melody a few minutes in: hope. Hope for the future, hope that all will be better in the future. Heartwrenching yet uplifting, intimate yet majestic - the perfect ending to the album.

I never get tired of listening to Sigur Rós's music. It's beautiful and ethereal at many times, but at others it can be joyous and frivolous. Unfortunately, the band announced that it would be on an indefinite hiatus as of January 2010. I cannot stress how much I hope this is not all we've seen of Sigur Rós. Still, the sound is not gone. Jónsi has released a solo album entitled "Go" that is wonderful; I'm sure I'll review it at some point. Until the day that Sigur Rós once again convinces me (as they always do) that music can truly do amazing things, I'll be listening to their previous CDs, listening, conducting, and enjoying.

Here's a link to their Myspace

http://www.myspace.com/sigurros

Until next time, enjoy :)

"Please Come Home" by Dustin Kensrue

If you have a porch with a rocking chair on it, you get fifty bonus points for listening to this album on it. "Please Come Home" by Dustin Kensrue is Kensrue's solo project away from Thrice. Now, before you think, "Whoa, Thrice???" be assured that Kensrue is one versatile guy. This album is an acoustic set with a Southern feel (the album artwork contributes to the vintage feel of the whole set of songs). The lyrical excellence of Thrice is here, as is Kensrue's rock solid voice. I had the opportunity to see Kensrue perform most of this album live, and he sounds exactly the same live. In short, this guy's the real deal. Here we go!

1. "I Knew You Before" - This song begins with emphatically strummed acoustic guitar and the sweet southern twang of an electric guitar. The theme is potent and relevant as well. Kensrue singes of a young woman, who he used to know well, succumbing to society's pressures and using her body and other superficial things to get the attention of people. The lines of the chorus are especially blunt and well-written. They capture the change of the girl over time: "Oh, and all I can say is I knew you before you were beautiful back then; before you grew up, before you gave in."

2. "Pistol" - Break out the harmonica! "Pistol" is by far the most romantic song on the album, despite it's name. From what I've heard, Kensrue wrote this for his wife, and adoration for her is pouring out of the lyrics. However, it doesn't stray into the unoriginal love song formula. He compares his wife to a pistol who "shoots [him] straight and true." I picture a man serenading his love on the back porch; it's intimate, but accessible at the same time. In the ultimate profession of love, Kensrue declares "Time to lay down my life, honey I'd do it gladly for you." With guitar and harmonica trading off importance over the course of the song, this is easily one of my favorite songs on the album.

3. "I Believe" - This song is just a great, simple song that encourages both head bopping and foot-tapping. Kensrue sings that "It's safe to say, I really don't know a thing" but that he firmly believes there will always be more good things down the road. I can't say this was one of my favorite songs of the set because it was almost bare in terms of melody, but the lyrics are, as always, well-written and well-sung.

4. "Please Come Home" - This is another of my favorite songs on the album. It is a heartbreaking plea from a father for his son to come home. The son had apparently left home and gone his own way, hitting rock bottom along the way. Still, the father loves his son unconditionally, and waits for him, staring at the road with tears in his eyes. He assures his son: "Don't you know son that I love you, and I don't care where you've been." Piano and guitar emphasize Kensrue's anguish-filled lyrics in what is probably the most emotional song on the album.

5. "Blood and Wine" - Easily the most humorous song on the album (in a dark sort of way). The narrator of this song is, to put it lightly, not sitting atop the pinnacle of society. A womanizer and a drug user, this song is about his own unique view on life. Drums and guitar run along urgently with the lyrics, mirroring the same frantic nature that I'm sure pervades this young scoundrel's life. A quick, energetic, and fun song.

6. "Consider the Ravens" - Another great song about a man who has little but nature and faith (plus the title's just plain cool). The narrator is sick of the pressures that society places on him; money ain't his strong suit. He's content with what he has, though: "Between the river and the ravens I'm fed, between oblivion and blazes I'm led, Father give me faith, providence, and grace." A plunky piano solo adds exponentially to the song, in my opinion. Listening to this song, you might as well be sitting in a saloon in the Old West. Sit back and enjoy.

7. "Weary Saints" - Kensrue is a master of writing from the perspective of others. This song is no exception. Here, he rights from the perspective of who I assume are travelling saints - missionaries, maybe. In addition to the guitar, which runs persistently on with the same general rhythm (much like the steps of the traveling saints), the lyrics take the form of a continuous narrative, as opposed to a verse and chorus feel. Kensrue captures the confusion and faith that the saints would feel, and presents them not as ethereal messengers of God, but more as human men, just as liable to have doubts as anyone else.

8. "Blanket of Ghosts" - This song opens with organ-like synths, setting an almost church choir-like atmosphere for the song, though it's more of a personal reflection than a song praising God. This man is lost; it seems he tries to do what is right, but always seems to miss his chances. He wants to go to Heaven, but he's not sure he can. He asks to be buried in snow until he's worthy. He asks; "Wake me when it's Springtime in heaven." A beautiful song to close out the album.

This album is quite different from Kensrue's other band, Thrice, but most certainly not in a bad way. I've never been a particularly religious man, but I respect the raw faith and emotion that he infuses his songs with. His lyrics are always emotional and well-written, and his raw voice multiplies the power of his lyrics tenfold. At a half-hour, this album is a perfect one to listen to if you have some spare time. Alternately fun, sweet, and questioning, this is Kensrue in top form yet again.

Here's a link to his Myspace

http://www.myspace.com/dustinkensrue

Until next time, enjoy :)

"Sigh No More" by Mumford & Sons

This album may be a relatively popular indie/alternative new release, but I think it still warrants a post because the songs on it are so unique in their alternative rock/freak folk sound. A quick disclaimer: I was already predisposed to like these songs as soon as the band had the ideas for them. Why? Banjo is one of the main stars of this album, and, as I have said extensively, I love me some banjo. The album artwork gives a fairly good representation of the music on the album. Namely, that its unique and quirky (exhibit A on the cover: the members of the band are posed inside an old-style shop window like mannequins. Unique much?). And with that, here we go!

1. "Sigh No More" - The album opens off in an almost Fleet Foxes-esque manner. A cappella style vocals, accompanied by simple piano and guitar. Around the midway point of the song, however, the Londoners of Mumford & Sons kick it into high gear with energetic vocals synth, guitar, and banjo! Overall, a strong and head-bopping opener.

2. "The Cave" - Banjo and almost indignant vocals share the stage in this song. Trumpets enter into the works as well in what becomes a wonderful cross between folk and rock. The lyrics are also clever in this song, as the narrator steadfastly declares "I will hold on hold on and I won't let you choke on the noose around your neck, and I'll find strength in pain and I will change my ways." The song builds to an triumphant and uptempo chorus that takes it out with a bang.

3. "Winter Winds" - We've got some good old fashioned guitar and banjo strumming going on in this song, which makes you feel like you're sitting around a campfire in the mountains somewhere. There's just a raw sense of joy to this song. Trumpet and other instruments combine to create infectious choruses. The song's message, in my opinion, is simple: we're all going to die eventually, so let's make the most of it while we can. That's it really. This song just sounds like, well, life.

4. "Roll Away Your Stone" - This song opens up with a meandering guitar rhythm akin to what you might hear on a morning in the country. Then, the tempo kicks into high gear as the day gets going. If you don't know this about me by now, I feel I should let you know that I'm a big fan of the banjo. The lyrics of this song also echo with a sort of sarcastic irony that I found extremely refreshing. The narrator muses: "It seems that all my bridges have been burned, but you say that's exactly how this grace thing works." Great music and lyrics + made me chuckle = happy listening camper.

5. "White Blank Page" - There's a bit more urgency to this song than others on this album. The song echoes with feelings of frustration at a love scorned, held back as much as possible, but still boiling under the surface. Vocals echo the feel of the lyrics perfectly; you can almost hear the concealed rage in the narrator's voice as he sings: "You did not think when you sent me to the brink... You desired my attention but denied my affections."

6. "I Gave You All" - This song fools you. It starts quietly, but builds into one of the most furious songs on the album. The impression I got was that a relationship is over, but the narrator doesn't quite understand. He asks, "How can you say your truth is better than ours?" As his anger grows, so too does the volume of the music and vocals. A chant begins: "I gave you all"... softly at first, then repeating over and over again, growing in intensity and anger until finally it explodes into a furious and still-confuses release of emotion, finally ending with "And now you've won, but I gave you all... [repeated]". Our narrator's pissed, and this song packs quite a punch.

7. "Little Lion Man" - This has been the biggest commercial hit off the album, and I'm sure you've heard the chorus to it somewhere. It's one of my favorites. The song starts with eager strumming. The song its entirety has sort of a controlled frantic-ness to it, as though the narrator has messed something up and is trying desperately to fix it. The chorus gives us a look into the heart of the problem: "And it was not your fault but mine, and it was your heart on the line. I really fucked it up this time, didn't I my dear?" Sentiments that have been echoed by men that have probably been echoed at least a couple times over the course of history. The song ends with a vocals-only repetition of the chorus, reinforcing the fact that the fault lies with the narrator, and with him alone.

8. "Timshel" - Though I think it's one of the least dynamic songs on the album, I liked it all the same from the beginning due to the name of the song along. For us literature nerds, "timshel," which John Steinbeck translates as "thou mayest," is basically the moral of East of Eden. Incidentally, I interpreted this song as a sort of retelling of the story line of the classic novel. The song opens up in Fleet Foxes fashion and builds slowly, using emotional lyrics that revolve around the idea of brotherhood: "But you are not alone in this... as brothers we will stand and we'll hold your hand."

9. "Thistle & Weeds" - This song echoes the sentiments of "The Cave," as the narrator sings about feeling alone and abandoned. He seems to feel as though his faith in God has gotten him nothing. He laments to God, "I know you have felt much more love than you've shown." Still, the narrator refuses to give up his entire system of beliefs. As strings, piano, and guitar provide some of the most emotional music on the album, the narrator sings out and repeats, "I will hold on." The song is pure, raw emotion, and it's one of the most affecting songs of the set.

10. "Awake My Soul" - This song is a bit more uptempo, and takes on the feel of musings. The narrator feels as though he is weak, and he must admit it. Still, he knows there is more to him than meets the eye, and he sings out to someone (it could be be God, it could be a lover, I guess that's where personal interpretation comes in) that, though he "struggle[s] to find any truth in your lies," he begs for whoever he sings to to "awake [his] soul." Through bass, banjo, guitar, and what sounds like organ, the song builds up to a hopeful repetition of a chant of "awake my soul." The song is uplifting in a down-to-earth kind of way. It allows you to buy completely into what this man is singing.

11. "Dust Bowl Dance" - Probably one of the best-written songs on this entire album. It song opens as a ballad, with solitary piano and vocals singing of the desolate Oklahoma panhandle during the time of the series of events surrounding the Dust Bowl and the resulting migration west. Banjo joins piano in what turns into a beautiful song, rich with emotion. It truly gives you a sense of the hopelessness and resignation people must have felt as they turned their backs on land that they had poured their sweat and blood into, only to have it spurn them by becoming barren. The narrator of the song becomes a man who is alone and has nothing to lose, a dangerous combination. Lay back and listen closely - the lyrics make this song a humdinger.

12. "After the Storm" - The final song on the album continues with the theme of "Dust Bowl Dance," ending the CD with our narrator beaten down, but not quite ready to give up hope. He sings about a time when he will once again be happy: "And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears." I got the impression that the narrator was either an older brother singing to reassure his little sister that they would see home once again, or a young husband reassuring his young wife of the same thing. The song tugs at your heartstrings, and ends the album beautifully.

When I first listened to this album in the car, I was along in the car. Immediately upon finishing the CD, I began it again and sang along with it all the way through once more. The album is overflowing with raw emotion, which makes it an extraordinarily powerful listen. The vocals are rough, making the always well-written lyrics that much more impactful. If you've never considered yourself much of a folk person, this is the perfect album to serve as an introduction. If you're a music fan in general, this is a perfect album to add to your collection.

Here's a link to their Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/mumfordandsons

Thanks for reading! Spread the word if you liked the post and as always...

Until next time, enjoy :)

"Almost Everything I Wish I'd Said The Last Time I Saw You..." by Wakey!Wakey!

About a year ago, I made an impulse buy, probably one of the top 3 most impulse-esque music purchases I've ever made. One of the main reasons was, as always, the album artwork. It just screamed, "I'm going to be a cool indie-alternative album with some attitude, buy me!" So I did, and I'm so glad I did! This album took me a couple listens to get used to, but after I got used to the Wakey!Wakey! sound, I listen to it often. The best way I can describe this set of songs is that it almost has some musical theater elements to it. Almost every song has a bit of a theatrical feel to it. The instrumental and melodic work of this album is where it excels, as well as in its vocal rhythms and hooks. This album may be an acquired taste, but trust me, if you give it a chance, it will become a staple in your musical diet.

1. "Almost Everything" - This song starts the album off in amazing fashion, with amazing instrumentals featuring strings. The song may as well have been named "Something to get Andrew to Buy this Album." Not only that, but the song is touching. It's about a guy telling his love that he understands that things are rough right now, "but it's gonna get better some day." A great melodic song to start off this album, and probably my favorite of the set of songs.

2. "The Oh Song" - This song is exactly what it sounds. It starts with an extended "Ohhhhh" chant, which lathers, rinses, and repeats are various points throughout the song. The song has other lyrics though, don't worry, and though this song won't win any lyric awards, it's such a fun song to listen to that it doesn't matter. Violin makes another strong appearance in a wonderful little interlude in the middle of the song that builds into another chorus.

3. "Twenty Two" - I thought the whole concept of this song was great and original. It seemed to me that it was about a girl who got in over her head in a new environment, and the narrator of the song is telling her to leave while she's still got some money left. I also loved the chant-heavy chorus of this song, and the instrumentation and melody makes the song really catchy. With whistling sprinkled in at several points in the song, you can imaging the song playing in the girl's head as she packed, a last reminder of the guy who gave her some good advice. Overall, the song left me with the impression of "Life's gonna move on, no matter what happens."

4. "Square Peg Round Hole" - One of my favorites on the album, for a couple reasons. First, piano, strings, and vocals are the stars in this theatrical and infinitely catchy song. The chorus is essentially "Square peg in a round ho-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh......." It's just so fun to listen to that you find yourself bouncing along with the melody. Simple, enjoyable music is one of the things that Wakey!Wakey! does best, and this song is a prime example.

5. "Dance So Good" - This song slows it down a bit, and it's another touching song. The narrator is trying to cheer up the girl in the song. He doesn't understand why she's so sad, when she's so beautiful. He wants her to cheer up and forget her cares for a while on the dance floor: "So tell me why we're talking when we dance so good." It's another wonderful song about taking life as it comes and making the best of it if life hands you lemons. A sweet song that brings a smile to my face every time I hear it.

6. "1876 - The Brooklyn Theater Fire" - Though I'm not a huge fan of the lyrics of this song (there doesn't seem to be a strong theme), the instrumentation of the verses and chorus, as well as the vocal harmonies in the chorus, make this song yet another enjoyable listen. For such a good melody, though, I wish the lyrics were a bit tighter. Not that that's going to stop me from conducting along with the chorus.

7. "Feral Love" - This would have to be my least favorite song on the album. It's got a nice groove to it, and there's a great instrumental section around three-fourths of the way through it, but the song doesn't progress much other than that. It's well executed, but it has a slight "filler" feeling to it.

8. "Got It All Wrong" - This is a great song, with great piano melodies with string accompaniment and still more well-written lyrics. From what I can interpret, the narrator is thinking about how he and his ex-girlfriend broke up when there was really nothing left to do to save the relationship, though they tried. Still, he thinks they may have been able to more, and asks continuously, "What if we got it all wrong?" Definitely a thought that has run through most of our heads at some point or another. The song finishes off beautifully with strings (what can I say, I'm a sucker for strings).

9. "Light Outside" - Ahh piano and strings, you've done it again. This is another of my favorite songs on the album. The instrumentation of this entire song is just plain beautiful. Electric guitars add in every once in a while for melodic bonus points. The lyrics are also well written and beautifully delivered. Yet another strong song.

10. "Car Crash" - I really thought this was a beautiful song, though it doesn't necessarily mesh with the feel of the album, in that this song is about a specific event - in this case, a car crash. The narrator is singing about how he's stuck in a burning car, "but at least you [his love] were thrown clear. When the strings, pianos, and brass enter for an instrumental lead in to the final series of vocals, it is such a beautiful musical sequence that it gives me shivers every single time. Another of my favorite songs on the album.

11. "Take It Like a Man" - This is a very two sided song. On one side is a string intro that sounds like a Russian polka, and on the other is a beautiful string and piano-driven chorus that gets me swaying to it without fail. And then, just when you get comfortable, the Russian polka violin re-enters. Still, it's an original and fun song, if nothing else. It ends with another Russian polka section after an amazing, majestic chorus that is introduced by... wait for it... a great instrumental build.

My recommendation for after you hear this album for the first time: listen to it again. The songs go by fast, and listening to the album a couple times in a row really helps you pick up the little nuances that make this set of songs so enjoyable. This music is great for walking somewhere at a fairly quick clip. For some reason, it just motivates you to walk faster. It tugs at your heartstrings and makes you feel like you're ready to take on anything.

Here's a link to their Myspace!

http://www.myspace.com/wakeywakey

Until next time, enjoy :)

"The Alchemy Index" by Thrice

This entry is going to be a little different than my previous posts, namely because of one thing: this album lends itself to reviewing sections more than individual songs. That album is "The Alchemy Index" by Thrice (another band originally from Irvine, thank you very much). The album was released in two installments and contains for sections: fire, water, air, and earth. The music in each section emulates the feel of each respective elements. It's an extremely artistic cd, and it's executed really well. The album art is simple but effective. It makes you feel as though you are about to hear something ancient, something that has been in the works for generations. And with that, here we go!

"Fire" - Been dumped recently and pissed about it? Gotten a bad grade and pissed about it? Found out that you are out of ice cream and feel as though the world is out to get you? Look no further for musical therapy than this section of "The Alchemy Index." Fury courses through the veins of the six songs that make up the fire section. Harsh vocals and furious guitars mirror the uncontrollable power and fury of flames. The section explores what fire is used for and the damage it can do. The final song of the section is written in the form of a sonnet, from the point of view of the element (this is also true for each of the subsequent sections of the album). "The Flame Deluge" is fire's lament that man has misused it. It feels as though he could be so much more than simply a destroyer: "My curse, this awful power to unmake." The melody of this song mirrors this mourning; the beginning of the song opens like a lament, then kicks into frustration and anger. It's a powerful end to quite the power packed six song set.

"Water" - From fire, we move on to water, a more subdued section of the album. The water section of the album feels as though it is performed underwater, with the songs having a sort of murky quality. Still, all the songs in this set have a sort of quiet intensity. They can be both calm and powerful, just like the ocean. Don't underestimate this section, because it packs quite the emotional punch at times. For example, in "The Whaler," a daughter cries out to her father, "Father where do you go, so far out upon the sea, when are you coming home to me?" We never know if he does. The sonnet from water to man, entitled "Kings Upon the Main," offers a chilling possible conclusion to the whaler's story. It cautions man to respect it and not to let their own pride take over. Water warns, "When kings upon the main have clung to pride and held themselves as masters of the sea, I've held them down beneath the crushing tide til they have learned that no one masters me." Beautiful and chilling at the same time, this song sticks with you.

"Air" - Probably my favorite section on the album. The air section of the album sounds like, well, just that. The songs in the set are light (but not happy), almost unsubstantial, as if you must listen to them while you can before the wind sweeps them away. The songs are beautiful, and lyrics are extremely strong (though, that tends to be true of just about every single Thrice song thanks to Dustin Kensrue). "Daedalus," for example, is a retelling of a Greek myth. A father encourages his son, Icarus, to fly to the mainland. The song ends in tragedy, however, when Icarus flies to close to the sun, leaving the father to lament his own cruel fate. The sonnet from air to man entitled "Silver Wings" is also my favorite sonnet on the album. Air speaks of how it tries to do nothing but help man: "I drew the poison from summer's sting, and eased the fire out of your fevered skin." The song ends with my favorite lyrics of any song that I have ever heard, because of the sheer emotion and sadness that they are delivered with. Air wonders helplessly: "And after all of this, I am amazed that I am cursed for more than I am praised." That line never fails to get me. I can't even explain it.

"Earth" - Earth is the roughest sounding of the sections of this album, as well it should be. Raw acoustic guitar is the primary instrument of choice in this section. The section speaks of how the Earth knows much in terms of what has happened on it and what people are like, but it professes that "I don't know the first thing about love." Piano also makes a mark on this section, especially in "Digging My Own Grave," which tells the man who, through bad habits such as drinking, is digging his own grave. He pleads: "Someone please save myself from me." Overall, this section flows with a sort of plodding patience, because the earth isn't going anywhere. The sonnet that concludes this section, entitled "Child of Dust," is yet another beautiful piece of lyric-writing to conclude the album. The Earth, taking a sort of Mother Earth role, speaks of how it has tried to raise man: "And though I only ever gave you love, like every child you've chosen to rebel" by, in my opinion, treating the earth terribly (pollution, war, etc.) The album closes with the end of man's existence. Mother Earth beckons for the now dead human race to come back to her for eternal rest. The powerful last lines of the album close things out with a subdued finality: "Now safe beneath their wisdom and their feet, here I will teach you truly how to sleep."

I can't say enough about the lyrical excellence of this album. It makes it the absolute emotional rollercoaster that it is. In my opinion, it is best-written set of songs that I have ever heard. I return to it often, and I always finish the last song with the same sense of wonder that I did the first time this music was introduced to me. For anyone who is looking to lay back for an hour and a half and absorb a complete musical experience, this is the album to do it with.

Here is a link to their Myspace

http://www.myspace.com/thrice

Until next time, enjoy :)

"Omni" by Minus the Bear

So, I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts, ESPN Fantasy Focus: Football (why yes I do play fantasy football, thank you very much), and Minus the Bear was mentioned as the podcast's official indie band in what became a long term conversation on the show. I had only heard of Minus the Bear in the context of them touring with Young the Giant (they may have still been The Jakes at that point, I'm not entirely sure). So I gave them a listen and I liked them a lot! So here we go with my review of their newest album entitled "Omni."

1. "My Time"- The opening track on the album opens up with a super happy synthesizer melody. In fact, the use of synth throughout the whole song makes it feel almost as though the song could be made into an animated scene. The song is about - without getting too blunt - a romantic rendezvous, which I found interesting combined with the synth. There is a synth solo (how many times have you ever heard that) about two thirds of the way through the song that just makes you smile. A great song and a fun, catchy way to start off the CD.

2. "Summer Angel" - In this song, the narrator is taking a walk through a garden with a girl that he is obviously infatuated with. He describes her beauty in various ways, my favorite being that he clipped a rose that had jealously "stole[n] a thread from her skirted thigh." The guitar and drum work in this song made me think of exactly what the song is about - walking through a garden on a warm, summer night. It's a great song, with lyrics and melodies combining forces to make a tightly knit and well-written song.

3. "Secret Country" - The secret country of the song's name is, from what I can tell, a secret place that is only the narrator's and his lady friend's. He is lost in her, and he feels as though he is straying from reality when he is with her, almost as if a dream: "As I float out to you, I dream of your caress." Once again, instrumentation sets the scene well with an energetic set of melodies that are both intense and dreamlike.

4. "Hold Me Down" - Our narrator feels as though he's flying all around, not in control of where he's going. He says: "I am going to let me take it where it may." However, he also hopes that his romantic interest will hold him down, get him out of the wind, and give him some comfort and stability. This song has chordy and guitary goodness that makes it a simple and enjoyable song (if not groundbreaking in its melodies).

5. "Excuses" - Perhaps my favorite song on the album. I loved the guitar melody at the beginning of the song (and all the way through the song, for that matter), as well as the message of the lyrics. The main theme appears to be that two people have feelings for each other that they can no longer hide: "Running out of excuses when we know what the truth is." It's a beautiful, almost reflective song with a theme that I'm sure many of us can relate to.

6. "The Thief" - One of my least favorite songs on the album. The lyrics are well written about a young man without much financial means who wants to steal a girl (not literally obviously) who is, financially at least, out of his league. It's got it's great music moments (especially in the chorus), but I wasn't a fan of the music in the verses. That's just me, though.

7. "Into the Mirror" - I loved this song. Like "Excuses," the melody at the beginning of the song hooked me immediately with its catchy synth and guitar work. The lyrics are also clever; it is a description of a the nightlife in what is probably a less-than-reputable lounge/bar, and the music mirrors the smokey, dark atmosphere perfectly. MTB gets everything right on this song, which included a refreshing female vocal appearance and an awesome instrumentals-only section. Ranks up there as one of my favorite songs on the album.

8. "Animal Backwards" - This song sounds like a cool music video out of a techno movie, like Tron. I love the synth riffs that make their way through the song. The lyrics are clever, as well, I especially like the line: "She is a wolf looking through my window."

9. "Daylight Vista Rd." - This is another of my favorite songs on the album. I absolutely love the guitar work that runs through the first part of the song. The entire song has an epic feel to it. It really does feel like you're standing on a vista, looking out at the ocean or a majestic valley. A great song to just lay back and absorb.

10. "Fooled by the Night" - A beautiful song to end the album. The vocals are delivered really well, and the melody sets up a blank, atmospheric base that the vocalist builds upon. The song builds in intensity periodically over the course of its 7 and a half minutes. Overall, a semi-quiet, semi-epic, and 100% well done way to finish the album.

I'm so glad I decided to give this album a listen. Almost every song is well constructed and flows really well. The vocals are well-delivered, melodies beautifully executed, and lyrics well-written. A great album to listen to for anyone who is looking for a sold indie rock band.

Here's the link to their myspace if you'd like to give "Omni" a listen.

http://www.myspace.com/minusthebear

Until next time, enjoy :)

"Tidal Eyes" by The Queen Killing Kings

Where to start on this next album? I guess the most important thing to say at the start is that I doubt you've ever heard a set of songs that sounds like this. It's hard to describe what it even sounds like. There are funky piano rhythms and dark lyrics delivered wonderfully, often in an almost upbeat way. There is no guitar on the album, which brings the piano out even more as one of the defining characteristics of the music. There's even some organ mixed in. It is one of my all time, top 5 favorite albums. The album artwork is just ridiculously cool, as well. A mailman is delivering mail (surprise) to a house nestled into the branch of a tree. To be completely honest, it's half the reason I bought the album in the first place. Now to write about the other 11 reasons I love this album.

1. "Dark Hearts" - The song begins with a sort of marching bass and drum beat, with piano jumping in around the chorus with lyrics that sum up the joyful, dark feel of the entire set of songs: "We came to wake the dead with thunder in our breath, with fire in our hands we'll make the world our prisoner." The song concludes with piano and bass taking it away into what we can only assume is a night just dark enough for these "dark hearts" to do their work.

2. "Into the Woods" - This song starts off fairly slowly, almost thoughtfully. The narrator of the song has a dark secret that he only wants to show one person. We are never told outright EXACTLY what he has hidden; all he tells us is that "out in the woods is a place you can bury your dead." Stick with me here, yes it sounds odd, but the lyrics are so well written and so well-delivered by a vocalist with a stand-out voice that you'll find yourself singing along in spite of yourself.

3. "Reinventing Language" -  Piano sets the scene of this song with what I like to describe as a sort of demented waltz melody. It draws you in immediately. Great vocal harmonies interplay with this funky rhythm (aided by organ) to create an extremely catchy song about surrendering to dark urges ("when you dance with the devil...").

4. "Like Lions" - One of my favorite songs on the album. Drums open the song sounding as if they are underwater, with almost mournful piano joining in shortly after. The narrator of the song is singing about a sinking ship and his fear that few will survive. It is indeed a bit morbid, but there is an element of heartbreak and love in this song as well. After the band switches things up to a counter melody (something I always love when a band does it), the narrator sings out to a love he won't see again, ensuring her that "I won't return though I told you I would; just know that I tried hard with all that I could; I wanted you to know, I wanted you to know; Like lions we fought in the face of this storm; Like giants we stood when our ship wouldn't float; I wanted you to know, I wanted you to know." Lone piano ends the song as the ship finally slips underwater.

5. "Ivory" - This song is as conventional a love song as you will find on this album. Ivory, the object of the narrator's love in this song, is a gypsy. He is debating running away with Ivory to New Orleans. The chorus of this song is one of my favorites; the vocals shine through with the aid of the instrumentation that makes this music so catchy and easy to dance around to.

6. "Strangers in Love" - This song opens with organ and the narrator talking of a secret affair. Low-pitched, foreboding piano enters as the narrator tells his lover: "Don't tell a soul the things we've done." From then on, piano and vocals (including some outstanding harmonies) carry the day in a song that makes me think of two lovers heading different directions, stealing quickly back home in the night.

7. "Naked in the Rain" - Another of my favorites. The song features my favorite piano melody on the album. It's an amazing combination of funky and darkness. It's just about impossible not to move along with this music; the piano doesn't let you just sit there. The chorus also features primal vocal echoes and clapping. All in all, a solid song. I suggested that a dance ensemble dance to this (yes, I know, not exactly the feel of a dance concert, but I'm still convinced it would have been cool).

8. "Birds with Iron Wings" - From what I can interpret, this song is a dirty message to virginity. It is essentially stating that young women who don't have sex are birds with iron wings, in that they don't have the opportunity to fly into... well how bout I just give you a couple lines of lyrics and you use your imagination from there. "Birds with iron wings won't try to leave the ground and touch the sky; In chastity, she never gets to fly."

9. "Warden" - One of the darkest songs on this album, and it's by far my favorite. The song is from the perspective of a prison inmate who has gone insane. He killed his wife and kids, but he still pleads for someone to tell them that he's not a criminal. He doesn't know how long he's been in prison and he questions his own sanity. Organ and piano sets the scene of this man's twisted mind. The song ends with the inmate being killed in a gas chamber, though he doesn't know what's happening. "And the guards are taking me to a chamber, a room full of strangers, what could this mean?;  Everyone was looking round, they watched the clock counting down, what could this be?; Suddenly, I start to choke, the room is filling up with smoke, what could this mean." The piano ends, leaving a monotone, atonal sound that I can only assume is the man's vitals flat-lining. It's a dark song, yes, but it's haunting and even beautiful.

10. "The Streets" - This song opens up with a piano melody that is almost jazzy. The narrator is a member of some sort of community that has had to hide and escape people all their lives. The instrumentation in the chorus sounds like they are marching on and on. The song is good, but it is one of my least favorite on the album. Still, when it comes to this CD, that's like saying carrot cake is your least favorite type of cake-- it's still cake.)

11. "This Night" - This song is a great ending to the album. The narrator confesses to someone in the song (I almost think he is confessing to the listener) that he has a "closet full of bones." He talks about a sort of dark passenger that he carries in him always. It is a sort of characterization of the album, in general, saying that the set of songs is a sort of musical dark passenger, a lurking entity hiding in the shadows, but always there.

I honestly can't say enough about The Queen Killing Queens and their album. I can't wait until they come out with the next one, and I hope they get the attention they deserve, because I can't think of any band like them. The pianos are outstanding, the lyrics dark and well-written, and the vocals well-delivered in a way that is at the same time strong and smokey. I promise that if you give this album a chance, you'll never regret it.

Here's a link to their myspace for you to listen to their stuff!

http://www.myspace.com/thequeenkillingkings

Until next time, enjoy :)