The Best Albums of December 2010

A note before I start this little ditty. To give myself another opportunity to get posts out more regularly, I'm going to try out a new series. In that series, I will look back at each month and give a quick preview of the three albums I think look the most promising and enjoyable. Now, I can't possibly listen to all of these (I am a college student, after all; I don't have that kind of money), however, I browse iTunes more than is healthy, and you can bet I've listened to an unearthly amount of previews of these songs, as well as reading up on reviews and listening to what I can through Myspace.

That being said, December probably isn't the best month to start this series--after all, it is the month of the Christmas EPs... blech. Still, I'm nothing if not persistent, so here are three albums I think have the potential to be great listens for anyone looking to fulfill an immediate music fix. Here we go!

1. "Tron Score" by Daft Punk

Yes, my most promising album of the month is an orchestral, but oh my is it an orchestral score. One word sums it up: epic. Daft Punk works in great electronics (not necessarily much that could be songs on their own, but definitely things that accent the other music here) with an orchestra that belts out all the majestic chord sequences that make a movie score great. Need something to make packing up to go back to school less boring? Put this on, you'll feel like you're saving the world, one mismatched pair of socks at a time.

2. "All You Need is Now" by Duran Duran

Eighties power pop is the guilty pleasure of a massive amount of music listeners. Hey, don't stop believin' that's true, because any way you want your other music, the eighties faithfully spew out extremely catchy music (ten bonus points to those of you who caught the three Journey references in there). This album sounds like it's going to be immensely catchy, an example of amazing eighties pop alive and well in the 21st century.

3. "In Darkness & In Light" by The Maine

The Maine is an alternative band near and dear to my heart. I've been listening to their "Can't Stop, Won't Stop" for years. The songs are catchy and uplifting and, despite the appearance of a typical alternative rock band, they pulse with a definite heartbeat. This album appears to be a B-Side album, something I always love to see from a band, because a B-Side album basically says, "Fans, this is for you; we know you'll appreciate it." And, I think we definitely will. On another note, the album cover is just plain awesome. Does that make me easily amused? ... Perhaps, but for Pete's sake it's like the clasp on an old notebook!

I hope that a couple (or hey, maybe all) of these albums give you an hour or two of enjoyable new music to get you through the month. I'm not a fan of December in the music world--to be completely honest, I'm a definite non-fan of holiday EPs. Give me Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole for my Christmas classics, thank you. In any case, next month looks to be a great month for new music, so keep checking back in for new album reviews and the next installment of this series at the end of next month!

Thanks for reading and, as always, enjoy all the music out there!

Happy New Year :)

Andrew

"The Wild Hunt" by The Tallest Man on Earth

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas (if that's your holiday). Needless to say, one of my gifts was some money for iTunes, and the first album I downloaded was this one right here. "The Wild Hunt" is The Tallest Man on Earth's most recent full length album. It's spectacular.

Kristian Matsson goes through most of this album using just a nimbly plucked and strummed acoustic guitar, combined with his raw, extraordinarily emotional vocals. However, the final two tracks on the CD are just him and a piano; it makes for a haunting combination. The comparisons of him and Bob Dylan are there for a reason. I personally think he's much better--his guitar work is on another level and his voice is more melodious.

In addition to instrumentation, Matsson's lyrical work is outstanding. Most of the songs on the album are self-reflective: some are happy, some are sad, and many are sung with a wry wit that makes each and every track an absolute joy to listen to.

If I were to describe the music of The Tallest Man on Earth in one word, it would be "captivating." Matsson is just one guy with an acoustic guitar, but he holds your attention throughout the entire album. I've also heard live performances, and his music is just as mesmerizing.

My three favorite songs on the album are "The Wild Hunt," "King of Spain," and "A Lion's Heart."

All in all, this album is the perfect driving album. This Swedish singer/songwriter makes everything on the CD so easy, blending blues and folk. For those who are looking for a great introduction to the world of folk, a la Bob Dylan, The Tallest Man on Earth is your go-to guy. His voice takes some getting used to at first, that's for sure, but once you make the adjustment, I guarantee you that his music will establish itself as one of the most satisfying albums in your library.

Here's a link to his Myspace!

http://www.myspace.com/thetallestmanonearth

As always, enjoy the music that's out there :)

"Reistu Þig Við, Sólin Er Komin Á Loft..." by For a Minor Reflection

A note before I start: I have decided to eschew the song by song review format of my blog posts in favor of a more cumulative, more traditional review format. Why? Cuz, quite frankly, I've increasingly noticed that my song by song posts are... shall we say... frickin long. So, that's that with that! Other than that, the blog will run pretty much the same! Onward!

Anyone heard of a band called Explosions in the Sky? Anyone who has heard of Explosions in the Sky want to hear about a band that basically takes that sound and increases the explosiveness by five? Then, dear people, For a Minor Reflection is the band for you. I went through an Icelandic phases a few months back; I downloaded this album and another instrumental album by Ólafur Arnalds (which I will probably review a little bit later). These guys can just flat out rock. Ironically, the album artwork is simple but epic in a way. That's this album in a nutshell. Here we go! (Just fyi, some of the song names have symbols I can't find on my computer, so I didn't type those symbols; I hope you forgive me.)

This album is best taken and listened to as a whole, because most of the songs bleed together to make one hourlong piece of musical goodness. With guitars, bass, and drums, the people of For a Minor Reflection create long songs that almost tell stories in their own right. To me, this album sounds a bit like a journey. It starts off slow and thoughtful, almost as though you are waking up on the morning of the day you are to start something big: a project, a journey, an epic quest to find a magical piece of cheese, you name it.

Each song builds slowly, starting with a simple drum rhythm or guitar riff. As time goes on, other melodic elements come into play, and instrumentation increases. Eventually, the music builds to earth shattering proportions. The music on this album is simply explosive. It could be the soundtrack to someone's life. It has ups and downs; it can be sad, happy, urgent, and triumphant within a mere five minutes (qualities that life shares, I've noticed).

These builds can happen numerous times over the course of one song; just when you think these guys are getting ready to tone it down and end the song, they hit you with one, final, amazing melody change that throws you for a loop and leaves you wanting even more.

Seeing as there are no lyrics on this album, there really isn't much of a message to interpret from song to song, no overt theme that is obvious to the listener. But, as I said, this music reminds me of a journey (could this be because I rewatched The Lord of the Rings this week?.... Maybe). But still, that makes the music no less outstanding.

Explosions in the Sky is another band in the same vein as For a Minor Reflection, and they are much better known. However, if I had to pick a favorite between the two, it would be For a Minor Reflection simply because of the raw emotion in their music. It's rougher than the music of EITS, but its lows are lower and its highs are higher. Simply put, I think it's more powerful.

If you're looking for an album to melt away in, this is perfect. You don't have to pay attention to any lyrics; you just have to let go and float away into a musical landscape that these people from Iceland have created so well. I look forward to their next album.

Here's a link to their Myspace!

http://www.myspace.com/foraminorreflection

Until next time, enjoy all the great music out there, try some Icelandic music; it never fails to disappoint, in my experience.

Finally, and most importantly, happy holidays and happy new year!

P.S. For those of you who have read this far, I'm going to be starting a new post series which will talk about my top 3 favorite albums released each month. So, check back in frequently for more album reviews and month recaps!

"The Clarence Greenwood Recordings" by Citizen Cope

This album was released in 2004 (I know, ancient history, but bear with me). Citizen Cope (aka Clarence Greenwood) puts out interesting music; I think of it as a cross between alternative, indie, and reggae. As a result, the music takes some getting used to - his voice is raw, but filled with emotion. However, with extremely catchy music and really well-written lyrics, the album is a great listen. You might not love it immediately, but it's always worth coming back to years later (like I just did!). Considering the album artwork isn't anything noteworthy, we'll get straight into the songs!

1. "Nite Becomes Day" - The album starts off with a song that, though it speaks of some dark things, is essentially hopeful. The narrator sings that "things have been getting real heavy [and later, hectic] these days." He blames the media world, as well as the violence that humans inflict on one another. However, he finds hope in "the same thing that makes the night become day": love. Upbeat piano and a funky beat make this song a great start to the album.

2. "Pablo Picasso" - Definitely one of my top three favorite songs on the album. The narrator is insane, there's not much else to say. He sings about the woman he is in love with--in fact, she's a mural or massive poster: "The woman I love is forty feet tall." In fact, "she's the only one alive who knows that I'm not crazy." Though this is a disturbing idea, Greenwood goes about the song in such a down-on-his-luck, happy-go-lucky way that it's infectious. Expertly incorporated piano and drums, along with an excellent melody change about 2/3 of the way through make this song one to sway and bob to.

3. "My Way Home" - "Pablo Picasso" bleeds right into this song, which is essentially a continuation of the previous song. There aren't much lyrics to speak of. The narrator simply states that he's going to find his way home, no matter what is in his way. Though the music in the background is great, this song could definitely classify as filler, but it's enjoyable filler to be sure with an undeniable joy and determination coursing through it.

4. "Son's Gonna Rise (featuring Santana)" - This song is one of the most urgent on the album, and Santana's guitar work is an excellent accent (I think the guitar is the speeding car). The narrator is driving--fast. After all, his wife is entering labor in the back seat. This inspires urgency. The narrator speaks reassurances--though it's not entirely sure who he's reassuring. It could be his wife, it could be his child, or it could be him. Infectious choruses make this solid song one of the most energetic on the album.

5. "Sideways" - Another of my top three favorite songs on the album, and easily the most popular and commercialized on it. The song is so catchy, so undeniably sweet and sad at the same time, that it's almost not fair. The narrator sings that his feelings for his love are impossible to get rid of, and that "There's no words to describe it, in French or in English." The simple instrumentation of the song in the verses (mainly acoustic guitar) leads into the more impactful chorus (strings and piano add on to create musical awesomeness). This song is just flat out amazing.

6. "Penitentiary" - This song is not one of my favorites, because it's pretty repetitive. However, the lyrics are well written. Greenwood sings that he looks forward to the day people are free of all expectations in terms of how they live their life: "When the penitentiary is on fire." It's not a bad song by any means, and the music is great (dance-worthy and almost sensual, much like fire itself) but it pales in comparison to "Sideways." No song can really follow "Sideways" and hope to measure up.

7. "Hurricane Waters" - This is another of the few love-ish songs that Greenwood has sprinkled into these tracks. He sings of how he would carry his love "through the hurricane waters" and how he'll "remember [her] in the blue skies." Past that, however, there is an uncertainty to this song, as though Greenwood loves his significant other, but their relationship is not free of question. As always, the music in this song just makes you wanna move around, with piano and percussion creating some outstanding beats.

8. "D'Artagnan's Theme" - Another of my top three favorite songs on the album, but it has gotten virtually ZERO attention. The song starts off beautifully with piano and acoustic guitar, and that's how the song continues--beautifully. The lyrics are the epitome of beautiful simplicity. Greenwood sings of how he is caught up in the chaos of life, and of how he is just trying to mind his own business. Past that, "Well I don't know how else to say it." The chorus is absolutely wonderful. It's not as high profile as "Sideways" or "Bullet and a Target," but I would say that this song is my favorite on the album.

9. "Bullet and a Target" - Definitely the song with the most punch, politically. The song talks about our imperialist tendencies and how they have gotten us in a lot of hot water, in terms of having international friends. In fact, Greenwood bluntly states, "People wanna bomb us." Brutal honesty, much? He restates this later, with more humor and with some great wit: "What you've done here, is put yourself between a bullet and a target." Catchy, energetic, and bold. What's not to like?

10. "Fame" - The commentary on life continues in "Fame," which is essentially about all the different types of people that hope to make a living and a name for themselves in America. There's the con man, the guilty man, the innocent man, the buffalo soldier, the man at the "Spider Man" premiere... an endless variety of types of people, all wanting the same thing. The song is about desire, and the music emphasizes this message really well through a slow, lumbering, almost tired-sounding melody. Greenwood knows how to craft a song.

11. "Deep" - A simple, relaxing instrumental song to close out the album.

There's something about Clarence Greenwood's voice that is completely and undeniably human. It's raw,   very raw-- he wouldn't be winning any vocal talent shows, or making it past the first audition for the first matter. But he sings with such emotion that his voice is, in my opinion, much more powerful than the voice of someone who has been trained. This album is the perfect chill-out album, one to listen to while you drive or while you lay back to forget about life for a while.

Here's a link to his Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/citizencope

Until next time, enjoy the music :)

P.S. Spread the word about the blog through word of mouth, Facebook, giant banners in the sky, anything! I'd love some more readers :D

"Boxer" by The National

Fresh off my list of the Top Albums of 2010 is The National! No, the album isn't "High Violet." Actually, it's "Boxer," which I enjoyed more than HV. This was the first I had ever heard of The National, and after I heard the album for the first time, I listened to it on repeat at least five times over the next week. I had never heard anything QUITE like it. Namely, because of the lead singer's baritone, a tone that oozes melancholy and a deadpan sort of humor. In fact, he serves as the main instrument on the album; there are no big electronic guitar riffs to spek of; everything is there to support the vocals. The album artwork is one of those that doesn't really say anything about the album except that there is a vintage feel to the music, so here we go!

1. "Fake Empire" - This song sounds a bit like a dream - which I think is what the song itself is about. It is also my favorite song on the album, by far. Piano sets the stage for the song and they remain a huge part of the song throughout its entirety, which features lyrics about whimsy - "picking apples, making pies," and "tiptoe through our shiny city with our diamond slippers on." All this culminates in the final lines of each verse: "We're half awake in a fake empire." There is also an outstanding instrumental section during the song that made me all sorts of happy.

2. "Mistaken for Strangers" - This song has a sense of quiet urgency to it, of shadyness and shadow. Guitars set the scene with raw, grimy sounds at the beginning of the song, and that feel carries through the rest of the song. The subject of the song keeps himself at a distance from all those around him, only wanting to be in pictures if he seems far away. In fact, he is mistaken for strangers by his own friends (cue the "Hey, that's the title!" music). While the lyrics are interesting, this is one of my least favorite songs on the album.

3. "Brainy" - It would appear that the narrator of this song is whipped: "I've been dragging around from the end of your coat for two weeks." A moment of silence, please.... thank you. However, to our guy's credit, he has a good attitude about his girl, who seems to take him for granted. He tells her with a sort of wry sense of humor and determination, "You might need me more than you think you will." The melody of the chorus mirrors this sort of wry humor, making the song pretty enjoyable. Like many songs on the album, drums provide a solid and groove-friendly pulse, with guitars serving as accent pieces.

4. "Squalor Victoria" - Let me begin by saying the title of this song is just plain cool. That being said, there's not a whole lot to the lyrics of this song. Drums kick it off before being joined by cello (yay!) and piano. That simple feel keeps going through the whole song, and what can I say, I love me some cello and piano. The narrator repeats a few phrases setting the stage that he is trying to appear as a member of a higher quality than he is. The final line of the song confirms this: "This isn't working, you, my middlebrow fuck-up." That made me chuckle. Plus five points for sarcastic lyrics.

5. "Green Gloves" - Continuing with the unique premises of these songs, "Green Gloves," as much as I can interpret it, is about a man who loses his friends to drugs - they are no longer themselves. So, he appears to take their lives upon himself and inserts himself into what they would otherwise be doing. It's a weird, almost dystopian song, but I love it. Acoustic guitar provides a refreshing musical change of place; it is joined by electric guitar as well; they both provide an outstanding bed for the vocalist to work on.

6. "Slow Show" - This song is simple: it's about a man who has screwed up his relationship and wants it back. The narrator has "made a mistake in [his] life today," which I presume has something to do with his love in the song. He is lost, and all he wants to do is go home to hear, "put on a slow, dumb show for you, and crack you up." This song is a great example of the sort of melancholy sense of humor that I wrote about earlier. The instrumentation and music of this song is perfect for the lyrics as well; you can just see this guy running down the sidewalk back home. Another one of my favorites.

7. "Apartment Story" - I dare say the couple in this song has had a bit to drink. The narrator sings of things he and his love do. They are "tired and wired," while they wait for winter to be over. They are hiding from the outside world (I'm thinking metaphorically) and he says that they'll "do whatever the TV tells us." An odd little song, and not one of my favorites.

8. "Start a War" - I really like this song, which essentially constitutes a warning from the narrator of the song to his girlfriend not to leave him: "Walk away now and you're gonna start a war." How charming. The couple is clearly disillusioned with how the relationship is going, but the narrator holds on to the grim determination that the relationship will fix itself and that "I'll get money, I'll get funny again." Ironically, the song's instrumentation is basically just an almost dainty acoustic guitar, joined later by strings and electric guitar; one of the best songs on the album (I have a feeling I've said this type of thing several times on this review, woops!).

9. "Guest Room" - To be honest, I can't say I completely understand the lyrics of this song (most of these songs don't really click the first time through, but I've never really gotten a hold of this one). It seems that a couple has basically lost it, neither of them are completely right in the head, and they're hiding in a guest room, where they are convinced people will eventually find them and take them away. I said I loved the album, I didn't say I loved every song.

10. "Racing Like A Pro" - Another great song. This time, the lyrics are about a young, middle class woman who is stuck in the same old, middle class routine. Her body does all the same things - sometimes she bakes a cake, sometimes she stays in bed. However, he mind longs to get out of her situation - "you're mind is racing like a pro." Another dystopian song, as this one reminds me of the Stepford Wives. Again, acoustic guitars provide an amazing bed of sound, with strings and piano playing a supporting role. Just plain outstanding.

11. "Ada" - In another song about a disturbed woman, "Ada" is a lady who doesn't want to tackle any issues around her. She appears to be paranoid, maybe even insane (whoever writes the lyrics must have dated some doozies for the inspiration for these songs). She refuses to talk about things that bother her, despite the narrator's urgings: "Ada, don't talk about reasons about why you don't wanna talk about reasons why you don't wanna talk." The music, once again, perfectly mirrors the lyrics, with piano and guitar creating a troubled musical atmosphere; it's almost shifty. You can imagine Ada looking around her for something that isn't quite there.

12. "Gospel" - Another one of my favorite songs on the album, and probably the sweetest. The narrator wants to do anything he can do to spend time with his love, from bringing over magazines to hanging her holiday lights in the garden (appropriate timing much?). He sums it up by saying, "Let me come over, I can waste your time, I'm bored." This song features some of my favorite music as well, with acoustic guitar and piano creating a musical atmosphere that is both simple and absolutely beautiful.

The National is a band with a very unique sound - the frontman's voice is not for everyone. In fact, it took me a couple listens to really get used to the tone of the voice and to completely understand what he was saying. However, if you take the time to get used to his voice, it allows you to really listen to all the great melodic things going on in this album. Instrumentation that creates wonderful beds of sound, outstanding drums, and an all-around classic, antique-like sound. "High Violet" is a great album as well--a little more accessible and contemporary. For me though, "Boxer" will always be the quintessential album by The National.

Here's a link to their Myspace!

http://www.myspace.com/thenational

Until next time, enjoy some music :)

The Top 10 Albums of 2010

I'll be frank: 2010 was the year of the single. Albums taken as a whole generally took a back seat to what happened to be the catchiest song being played to death on the radio at the time. I hope 2011 is not the same! And, to be perfectly honest, there were not an abundance of stand out albums to me. However, there were definitely enough great albums for me to come up with a list of my Top 10 Albums of 2010! Now, a note: you've definitely heard of several of these albums, but I didn't want to compromise my list and include a weaker album just because it was one you hadn't heard. Keep in mind, these are purely my opinions. I haven't posted on several of these albums, but just because the year is over doesn't mean I can't post on them tomorrow (not that I will; coming up with a ten best albums list turned out to be much more time consuming than I originally thought--don't worry though, I'm sure my finals understood.) Hope you enjoy the list!

1. "Go" by Jónsi

In my opinion, easily the best album of the year. When he's not fighting crime or making solo music, Jónsi is the frontman of Sigur Rós and member of Sigur Rós spin-off, Jónsi and Alex. This album is more accessible than the music of the other two groups, while still maintaining the magic and alternating longing and joy of their best music. "Go" is a wonderful listen; there really is no weak track, and, in a year where singles appear to have dominated the scene, it fits together as a great album to listen to in its entirety. No, I haven't posted on it, but the blog is still young! Top 3 favorite songs: "Go Do," "Grow Till Tall," and "Hengilas."

2. "Sigh No More" by Mumford & Sons (released in 2010 in everywhere but UK)

Disclaimer: this album was TECHNICALLY released in the UK in 2009, but seeing as it came out everywhere else in 2010, I'm including it in this year's list. My love of this album (and the banjo in said album) is well documented in an earlier post. The album does have a couple singles that have gotten quite a few plays ("Little Lion Man" and "The Cave"), but I think what brings this album home is all of the OTHER songs. Great lyrics, literary references, and a sense of urgency and frustration (while still maintaining hope) give this album a great pace. Oh, did I mention that banjo is prominent? Top 3 favorite songs: "The Cave," "Little Lion Man," and "Winter Winds."

3. "High Violet" by The National

I only got to this album recently. I've been a fan of The National for years, since the first time the songs of "Boxer" graced my ears. Outstanding vocals (for those of you who haven't heard the frontman's rumbling baritone, it makes the band what it is) and great melodies are TN standards. The melancholy songs are still here, but there's some punch to them. Another solid set of songs from The National. Top 3 favorite songs: "Terrible Love," "Lemonworld," and "England."

4. "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" by Kanye West

Well, I think it's safe to say Kanye's back, don't you? I don't pretend to be a big fan of rap, but I have to respect this album. Great beats, and a surprising amount of melodic complexity. Strings play a big role in this album, which features more guest stars than an awards show. The songs are all very different (some definitely better than others), and Kanye does have some honest self-reflection sprinkled in. The album plays out like it should be the main event in the music world, and--to be honest--it pretty much has been for the last couple weeks. Top 3 favorite songs: "Lost in the World," "Blame Game," and "Power."

5. "To Travels & Trunks" by Hey Marseilles

From Kanye to a band that I'd be willing to bet 90% of you have never heard of. Hey Marseilles is the dream band for a music nerd like me. The album prominently features accordion and trumpets, which I absolutely love. The lyrics are clever, with some unique ways of reassuring someone everything's going to be okay: "There's always Brazilian boys to discover." Vocals are delivered honestly, with the occasional minor pitch problems which, despite the word "problem," I like to see in an album because it assures me that autotune isn't showing too much of its ugly head. Top 3 favorite songs: "To Travels & Trunks," "Rio," and "Cities."

6. "The Wild Hunt" by The Tallest Man on Earth

The Tallest Man on Earth has probably been my most pleasant surprise of the year. I would characterize him as a Bob Dylan-type singer/songwriter who plays the guitar more nimbly and sings better. Why yes, I am saying he's better than Bob Dylan, thanks for asking! The emotion in this Swede's singing is just about tangible, and he sounds the exact same live as on recordings (= yay!). His music is simple, but this little man and his guitar are simply captivating. Top 3 favorite songs: "The Wild Hunt," "King of Spain," and "A Lion's Heart."

7. "Recovery" by Eminem

Eminem, like Kanye, returned to the hip hop scene with gusto (let's just forget the mediocrity that was "Relapse," shall we?). Eminem's furiously-delivered lyrics about life and himself are out in full force here, and the songs pump me up for homework like no others (yes, I listen to it before I do homework... problem?). Eminem also brings in some great guest performances on this album; the most popular is obviously Rihanna but I enjoyed Lil Wayne's work on "No Love" as well. Top 3 favorite songs: "Going Through Changes," "Not Afraid," and "Space Bound" (this song also happens to be the prime duet song of my roommate and I--we rock it).

8. "Young the Giant" by Young the Giant

I know many of you may think I'm biased in my love for the hometown heroes of Young the Giant, but the fact is that their debut full-length is one of the best albums of the year, and easily one of the best rock albums of the year. Their sound is refreshing thanks to their astounding variety of melodies running around throughout this album. Vocals are bluesy and are delivered with energy and outstanding range. Each song brings something different to the table, and with a couple exceptions, every single one is rock solid (no pun intended). Top 3 favorite songs: "I Got," "Strings," and "Cough Syrup."

9. "... And They Have Escaped the Weight of Darkness" by Ólafur Arnalds

Three cheers for the second of two Icelandic musician's in my top 10! Arnalds crafts the best instrumental album of the year using only a piano and stringed instruments. Why is it so good? Each song is simple, but has such deep emotion flowing under the surface that the album grabs you and doesn't let you go until the last track is over. As soon as I heard it, I declared to my empty car: "This is the most beautiful album I've ever heard." And you know what? I still believe it, several months later. Top 3 favorite songs: "o(can't type the symbol, so I put o)ú Ert Sólin," "Hægt, Kemur Ljósio", and "3055."

10. "Big Echo" by The Morning Benders

Another album that I discovered recently, "Big Echo" is pure, folksy goodness. With vocals delivered like the vocalist is as innocent as can be and with outstanding melodies and instrumentation, the album pulses with such energy that it's impossible not to be swept up for the ride. Top 3 favorite songs: "Excuses," "Cold War," and "Mason Jar."


And for the purists who think I'm committing musical heresy by including the Mumford & Sons Album even though it was released in the UK in 2009, you can mentally delete it from the list and continue on to Album #11.


11. "Take A Bow" by Greg Laswell

I've had a soft spot in my musical heart for Greg Laswell's songs since I heard "Three Flights from Alto Nido." This album maintains the same deadpan, wry wit of "Alto Nido," but ups the intensity, atmospheric instrumentation, and overall punch. Laswell can be alternately accusing, self-deprecating, and sweet (in his own way). I think he can be compared to Mat Kearney, though I enjoy his music more. Definitely a solid acoustic-ish, rock-ish, singer/songwriter-ish album. Top 3 favorite songs: "Take Everything," "Come Clean," "Goodbye." 

If you made it through all of that, congratulations and thanks for reading! I'll be posting on individual albums in a couple days, but until then explore these albums! All of them bring something different to the table, and all are amazing.  

Happy holidays and, until next time, enjoy all the music out there :)

Andrew

"My 10 Favorite Albums of the Year" Post is Coming Soon!

Hey all,

I know it's been a while since I've posted, but I want to assure you that I've been working on the blog in the last few days looking through this year's music for my 10 favorite albums of the year! Thanks again for your readership and for your patience, the post will be up by this weekend :).

Until then, enjoy the music out there!

Andrew

Wow, the year's almost over!

Hey all,

As the year (sorta almost) begins to wind down, I just wanted to thank everyone for reading the blog. It's been a blast for me to write so far and I'm looking forward to continuing with it into the future. Keep checking back for periodic album reviews, as well as a "Best Albums of the Year" entry that I'll post near mid to late December.

Thanks again for reading! If you like the blog, tell your friends!

As always, until next time, enjoy all the good music out there :)

Andrew

"Life in Cartoon Motion" by Mika

Well, here's another college final exam edition of the blog. What does that mean? Why, it's time for some happy music of course! Or, happy for the most part, that is. "Life in Cartoon Motion" is Mika's trip into silly, bouncy poppish rock. It's not my usual diet of indie, acoustic-ey stuff, but I still love listening to this album because it's impossible not to chuckle at. Just look at the album artwork, doesn't that really say it all? For the most part, this CD is a happy hour of music to listen to, with the occasional exception. Here we go!

1. "Grace Kelly" - This song features one of the catchiest choruses on the entire album. Filled to bursting with bouncy piano and clapping, the song is one man's... weird attempt at flirting with an older woman. He insists he could essentially be anything she wanted. Female voiceovers that occur at the beginning and end of the song, along with Mika making the sound of a cash register, lead us to believe that his efforts may in fact have been successful.

2. "Lollipop" - Definitely the silliest song on the album. Exhibit A: A young child opens the song by yelling, "Hey! What's the big idea??" The song sounds like a child's limited experience with love, complete with Mom's perspective on love: basically, that "love's gonna get you down." Still, the song is unquestionably happy, as Mika pounds a track that encourages immediate bobbing. Low brass, piano, and the occasional children's remark make this song a jazzy joy.

3. "My Interpretation" - In true form, this song is about Mika's defense of his own unique viewpoint of the world. In this case, the narrator is telling a former significant other what he thinks about how their relationship went wrong and that, quite frankly, what she thinks doesn't matter. "I don't need a reason not to care what you say or what happened in the end. This is my interpretation and it don't, don't make sense." Yet another extremely well-executed song with a unique twist on a common theme.

4. "Love Today" - This is the song that I had heard off this album before getting the entire. Yet another happy song declaring that everyone in the world is going to get love today. Mika's vocal range is on full display here, as his falsetto borders on the ridiculously high while still being in tune. A heartbeat pulses throughout the entire song, and the chorus is--surprise, surprise--insanely catchy. This is a song that begs to be played at full volume whenever it shows it's clown-painted face.

5. "Relax, Take It Easy" - This song is another one featuring the message that, no matter how scary life seems to be, freaking out about it isn't going to do any good. In this song, the narrator is flat out scared about where he is in life, but continually reminds himself to relax. A well-executed 80s-ish song, but one of my least favorites on the album to be sure.

6. "Ring Ring" - As well as I can interpret it, this song is about one young man's struggle with a creepy woman who keeps calling, freaking the young man out in the process. There's really not much else I can say, you kinda just have to hear the lyrics to understand it. I don't have much experience critiquing songs about creepers. It's a fairly limited genre. From a musical standpoint, however, the song is solid, with pianos and synths creating a wonderfully frantic and urgent feel. A good, weird song.

7. "Any Other World" - Mika starts the song off right, with piano and cello (once again, two of the easiest ways to get into my heart). The message of the song can, in my opinion, be applied both to life and to this album. Mika encourages the listener to "say goodbye to the world you thought you lived in." I believe he means that mankind needs to let go and just go with the flow. I also apply the message to the music of the album, as well. Just let go, don't take the music too seriously, and just enjoy. Strings and children's choirs also play extremely prominent parts, along with wonderful vocals. Mika may has well named the song, "Andrew's Ideal Song."

8. "Billy Brown" - Since we've covered large women in this album, why not move on to gay men. Billy Brown is a man leading a normal, heterosexual life when he suddenly falls in love with the guy of his dreams. His love essentially sends his life tumbling out of order, eventually bringing him to an island off the coast of Mexico to clear his mind, only to hook up with another woman. Well-executed falsetto lyrics play with trumpets and jazzy drums to set the atmosphere of what is yet another fun song.

9. "Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)" - The first of this album's several outright silly songs. The narrator has a love for... shall we say... wide women. Bouncy melodies, as well as restaurant sound effects, accompany some of the silliest lyrics I've ever heard. "Walks into the room, feels like a big balloon. Diet coke and a pizza please, diet coke and I'm on my knees screamin 'Big girl, you are beautiful'." Not your typical love song, is it? Blast it in the car! Why? .... Why not?

10. "Stuck in the Middle" - This song kicks off with a jazzy, dance-like piano beat. Like many songs on this album, the song is a unique take on the nature of a relationship. There's some tension in this pair, they seem to argue a lot, and yet they appear to still be together. This certainly applies to a lot of couples, but how often do you hear a song about it? A fine song, but I'm not a huge fan of it.

11. "Erase" - The first of a few more serious songs on the album, "Erase" tells the tale of a man who has messed up his relationship by leaving a nasty phone message. He wishes he could just erase all his mistakes; however, his former love is trying to erase memories of him at the same time. Ahh, musical irony! Piano and powerful, emotional lyrics combine to form a beautiful song with one of my favorite choruses on the album.

12. "Happy Ending" - My favorite song on the album, by far. It's the most majestic of all the songs on the CD, mostly due to the prominence of choir vocals and an absolutely explosive build and final chorus section (complete with full choir and string section). The narrator cannot get the end of his relationship off of his mind. It's hard for him to think about: "happy ending's gone forevermore." Also, from a music nerd's perspective, Mika's great use of chord structure is the cherry on top of the sundae that is this album.

13. "Over My Shoulder" - The most mournful song on the entire album, and I think it's great. Mika tones things down to almost minimalist proportions, with simply his lamenting vocals and a lilting piano carrying the load for this entire song. The lyrics are not nearly as complex as the other songs on the album; this message is simple. The narrator feels as though he's falling, and is looking over his shoulder the entire way down. A subdued way to close out the album.

For an entertaining hour of music with no need for intense self-analysis, this is the album to go to. I use it as an album to turn on after I've been studying. There's nothing studious about this album. It's the perfect listen for emptying your mind of all cares. As seemingly frivolous as the album, Mika uses outstanding instrumentals, unique melodies, and good vocals delivered with an outstanding voice to produce a diverse album the likes of which you probably aren't very likely to hear very often.

Here's a link to his Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/mikamyspace

Until next time, enjoy!

"Metal & Wood" by Tyrone Wells

It's time for an album made for closing your eyes and singing along as you sway to the music. "Metal and Wood" does, at times, stray into the corny. However, seeing as it's finals time here at UCLA, I feel the desire to listen to music that you can just immerse yourself in, and that's exactly what this album by Tyrone Wells is. Infectious melodies and heartfelt (if at times cliched) lyrics that are easy to sing along to, make this album a fun, relaxing listen. The album artwork says it all: an artsy, cartoonish image of a city and nature sharing the same world, splitting its proverbial heart in two. Ready your island getaway and campfire, because this album is made to be danced to on the beach. Here we go!

1. "Running Around in My Dreams" - The album starts off with immediately catchy guitar melodies that sound like they were transplanted right off of an island. It's an undeniably sweet song, focusing on the narrator's experience of love at first sight. You've probably heard the chorus of this song, which is ridiculously catchy and features some lyrics that almost any guy would love to use: "I'm as sure as a boy could be, you are the girl that's been running around in my dreams." Probably my favorite song on the album, it's just plain addicting.

2. "Metal & Wood" - In this song, Tyrone has a message, several actually. He sees issues with the way the world operates, and croons about how they can be fixed. The lyrics border on corny at times: "Take all the metal and wood used in the waging of war, and teach the men that make those weapons to build shelter for the poor." Yes, it would appear to belong as a promo for an inspirational speech, but Wells delivers the lyrics honestly and with skillfully-played guitar, so I didn't dock him many points. There are certainly less constructive lyrics out there.

3. "And the Birds Sing" - This song is just plain happy. Couldn't you tell by the title? A singing bird is an almost exclusively happy image (except for maybe a nightingale, but I'm not here to debate bird emotions). Wells sings of the sun shining on people of all different creeds, from poor and rich men to preachers and atheists. The birds proceed to sing: "doo-doo-doo...." No, the lyrics aren't groundbreaking, but you can't help but smile when Wells sings the song (complete with vocal harmonies), and isn't that part of the reason we listen to music.

4. "All I'm Thinking Of" - One of the album's love songs. A simple, sweet, profession of his unconditional love for a lovely lady. Still, there's genuine emotion to this song. The chorus, which begins with, "I am on your side," cuts right to the hopes that many people harbor for their future relationships. The song is one of the most intimate-sounding on the album; it's almost as if Wells is singing from below someone's window. Also of note is that Wells includes a melody change during the song, something that I always like to hear.

5. "Happy As the Sun" - Another song made up of pure, unadulterated happiness. This is another love song, but it flows with more of a youthful joy and infatuation than mature feelings. The guitar melody feels a little similar to "Running Around in My Dreams" in it's island, campfire-esque atmosphere. He's "happy as the sun, lighter than a feather, walking on the clouds when [they] are together." Like many of the other songs on the album, the chorus is super catchy and it brings a smile to my face. Success.

6. "Give Me One Reason (featuring Jason Reeves)" - Wells switches up the emotions with this song. A relationship is in turmoil, it would seem. However, the narrator is looking for his love to give him a reason, just one reason, to either stay or leave. It would seem that he will do whatever makes her happiest; he'll be okay either way, in the end. Wells delivers the lyrics perfectly, at the same time brimming with hope and sadness; probably one of the most emotional song on the album and definitely one of my favorites. Vocal harmonies with Jason Reeves are also spot on, and take the song to a whole other level. A solid song.

7. "Let Go" - This song explores yet another theme that many of us would rather not address, but it's always there: the fragility and seemingly lightning-quick process of life. The narrator sings of how aging is the act of stepping ever more into the uncertainty of what life will bring, and when it will end. Wells sings in the chorus: "It's hard to see you go, cause you mean everything to me.... it's time, you're leaving now. Your hands are cold as I kiss your brow, and I will try, but I don't know how, to let go..." The saddest song on the album, easily the most emotional, and one of my favorites.

8. "Time of Our Lives" - Another emotional juggernaut. Wells really surprised me with this last half of the album, going from frivolous songs to ones that cut straight to the heart. The narrator is saying goodbye to someone he once loved. He knows that things will never be the same, but he sings that, "if it has to end, I'm glad you have been my friend in the time of our lives." Powerful lyrics + sung with the heart = a strong, strong song.

9. "Use Somebody" - This cover of the Kings of Leon's hit spins the song in a new direction: one filled with longing. Wells specializes that pumping emotion into his voice, and he does it to perfection with this song, also adding some new guitar elements that add to the song, while still keeping the iconic guitar solo intact for the most part. It's a much more intimate version of the KoL song. To be honest, I prefer this version hands down. Like so many other songs on this album, it makes you want to just close your eyes and float away into the music.

10. "Pull Me Through" - The "biggest" song on the album, as Wells eschews the acoustic guitar in favor of electric guitars, chimes, bass, drums: overall, a more complete band feel. The narrator sings of needing someone to see him through troubling times. Though the song is well-executed, it doesn't quite fit with the feel of the rest of the album, and I found myself missing the simple, catchy acoustic guitar.

Yes, Tyrone Wells walks the line between corny and genuine. However, in my opinion, he does it well and creates a set of songs that come off as honest and that really affect the listener. I know they always get to me, at least. When things aren't going so well, put this album on and I guarantee you you'll come out the other side with a smile on your face in spite of yourself.

Here's a link to his Myspace

http://www.myspace.com/tyronewells

Until next time, enjoy :)

P.S. I'm going to try to get another post up between now and next Wednesday (when I'm done with finals) but I can't be 100% sure. So, in the meantime, feel free to read my other posts, tell your friends, and feel free to suggest albums to me on the Facebook page for this site!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Great-Music-You-Havent-Heard/157409857629889