Let's help a great new blog!

Hey all,

My girlfriend recently started a blog called The Caffeinated Closet! As a new start-up, it needs viewers and followers? Now, I'm the furthest thing away from a clothes guy (heck, I try to get her to stop shopping - unsuccessfully). However, the blog looks great and it's interesting and fun to read (even for me!) So stop by, check it out, follow it, tell your friends and state leaders!

http://thecaffeinatedcloset.blogspot.com/

I hope you're all doing well!
Andrew

Hiatus

Hey all,

I'm sorry to keep you hanging, I really am. Unfortunately, I'm going to be shelving the blog for a while. I've become so busy I won't be able to post regularly, and that's not fair to any of you. So, this is it from me for a while. I hope you all continue to look at earlier posts and explore some of the music I talk about on the blog. Most importantly, keep looking for new music you haven't heard before (as I assure you I still will).

Until next time (and I promise there will be a next time), enjoy all the music out there!

Sincerely,
Andrew

Best 5 Albums of the Year So Far is Coming Soon!

Sorry for my slowed posting pace, ladies and gents. Who knew that the beginning of summer would be just as hectic as the end of the school year? (Not me.)

That being said, I am in the process of searching for my top 5 albums of the year (so far) so stay tuned and enjoy previous posts in the meantime!

Be back soon,

Andrew

"Tamer Animals" by Other Lives

I am an avid listener of NPR's "All Songs Considered." On one of the more recent episodes, the two hosts went over their new musical discoveries from the Sasquatch Music Festival (which I was super bummed I couldn't attend).

I've loved two of their finds so far, and here's the first one.

Other Lives is a group that combines the wispy-ness of psychadelic/folk music with the darkness of Pink Floyd. I'd say the best comparison you could make about this band is that it's a cross between Radiohead and Pink Floyd.

That being said, there's a lot of interesting stuff going on in this album that can't be pigeonholed as a copy of another band's style. There are the acoustic guitars and airy vocals, yes. However, what sets this album and the group itself apart from others is how they can flirt with the darker side of music.

The best example of this occasionally foreboding sound can be found in "As I Lay My Head Down." Using strings, tambourine, and what I believe is a bassoon, Other Lives creates a brilliantly paced song which is at the same time beautiful and very unsettling.

Indeed, Other Lives makes great use of instruments, from those of "As I Lay My Head Down" to the wonderful piano work in "Tamer Animals." Overall, this record is a fresh look at alternative music, and is definitely one that you shouldn't be surprised if this album shows up later this year on a "Best Album" post.

Here's a link to the band's Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/otherlives/music

Check them out and, until next time, enjoy the music!

Andrew

"Big Echo" by The Morning Benders

As soon as I got home after my last day of the freshman year of college, I opened my iTunes and played one song: "Excuses" by The Morning Benders. The explosion of orchestral happiness at the beginning of the song channeled perfectly the excitement I was feeling at the prospect of summer.

And with that, this post is about "Big Echo" by The Morning Benders, the perfect soundtrack to anyone's summer. The album as a whole is so well done, so wonderfully "hipster," that it's impossible not to fall in love with.

The instrumentals can be both quiet (as in "Mason Jar") or boisterous (as in "Excuses"). Pair that with earnest, slightly waif-ish vocals and an honest, low-fidelity sound and you have an extraordinarily well-crafted 40 minutes of indie rock.

Also, though this is a small note, it's refreshing that the lyrics of the album are varied (as in, not 11 variations on the theme of a love song).

My three favorite songs on the album are "Excuses," "Stitches," "Mason Jar."

Here's a link to their Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/themorningbenders/music

With that, enjoy the beginning of your summer!

Andrew

"The Story and the Song" by Between the Trees

Hey all,

I'm sorry for the delay. It's finals week here at UCLA, so my last week has been filled with studying more information than is possible to memorize.

With that, however, I took my last final today and with just one essay left, it's time for another post!

"The Story and the Song" by Between the Trees has been in my iTunes library for years. I had forgotten about it, though, until a couple days ago, when my iTunes started playing a song off the CD randomly. I was shocked that I hadn't listened to them more!

For those of you who have been with the blog from the beginning, you know I am a huge fan of a band called Barcelona. Between the Trees plays with a similar general sound, with the largest similarity being the group's maturity and restraint. There are some great guitar riffs on this album, but they aren't shoved down your throat.

The other great asset of this album is the vocals. They are clearly not auto-tuned, and that rawness gives the frontman's voice a vulnerability that is very refreshing. I love when recording quality is not absolutely perfect. It means what you're listening to is authentic.

All in all, a super solid alternative rock band for the summer!

My three favorite songs are "White Lines & Red Lights," "The Fort," and "You Cry a Tear to Start a River."

Here's a link to their Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/betweenthetrees/music

Until next time, enjoy the music!

Andrew

The Best Albums of May 2011

School is almost over here at UCLA, ladies and gentlemen! With that said, I should be studying, so let's get right to it.

"The Way It Was" by Parachute

I've always been a big fan of Parachute. I've had the opportunity to see them live as well, and they're outstanding. That said, I was a little concerned approaching the sophomore album. It's a notoriously tricky album for bands, and, to be completely shallow for a minute, I don't trust albums with a simple picture of the whole band on the cover. I didn't need to worry. "The Way It Was" is the band's best album to date, and they explore a whole lot of new musical tools. 

"Helplessness Blues" by Fleet Foxes

It's been a long time coming for Fleet Foxes' second full length album. Don't worry, the wait was well worth it. Everything you know and love about the group is here. Though they don't necessarily try a whole lot of new things on this album. But, when their other music is as good as it is, do you want them changing the formula a ton? I for one am fine with Fleet Foxes doing what Fleet Foxes do best.

"Rome" by Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi

This is probably the least conventional album on this month's list, but it may very well be the best. "Rome" sounds like an ode to spaghetti westerns. There are great vocals by Jack White and Norah Jones, as well as some great elements of classical music. Listening to the album, you feel as though you're listening to a great movie soundtrack, minus the movie. Bravo. 

That's this month! Until next time, keep reading the blog, like the blog's Facebook page, and enjoy the music!

Andrew

"The Way It Was" by Parachute

Parachute has been one of my favorite bands for a while. Their debut album played repeatedly on my iPod for months before I moved on to other things. I still listen to the debut, but for a few months now I had thought that a follow-up album was past due.

Now, with "The Way It Was," Parachute has created a sophomore album that defies the phenomenon of the "sophomore slump."

The band has expanded its melodic repertoire greatly, especially in the use of more "instruments" than the standard band set-up. On the debut album, backing vocal effects (though not lyrics), were used to a certain extent, but this new album takes full advantage of everything the human voice can do beyond simply singing lyrics.

That being said, lyrics are not the strongest aspect of this album. That is not to say the lyrics are not well-written, they certainly get the point across. However, most of the songs revolve around the theme of love (which is an issue that I wish a huge amount of bands could deal with).

Nonetheless, every song on this album is well-executed and, as usual, is extremely catchy. For both longtime fans of Parachute and newcomers to the band's music, this is a success.

My three favorite songs on the album are "What I Know," "Kiss Me Slowly," and "Philadelphia."

Here's a link to their Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/parachute/music

Until next time, enjoy the music!

Andrew

"Magnetic North" by Aqualung

Most of my friends are done with school for the summer. This makes me sad. As a result, IT'S BALLAD TIME.

And, when it comes to outstanding balladry, there are few artists better than Aqualung.

My favorite album of Aqualung's is "Magnetic North," because it has a bit more musical variety than "Words and Music." That being said, the backbone of this album is piano and vocals. Each song is very simple. There aren't too many different melodic ideas in each song, but what's there is really good.

The vocals are delivered in an understated way, with a slight British accent (in my opinion). The lyrics are also extremely well written. The one downside of this album is a result of this understated character of the album. The songs are not necessarily catchy and laden with hooks. You have to think about this music a bit, but if you invest the extra couple of minutes, the investment is well worth it.

There are some great guest vocals on this album as well, the best of which are from Sara Bareilles.

Overall, this album is a deep one, one of the deeper albums I've reviewed in a while, in fact. Trust me though. It's perfect for a cloudy summer day while you sit at your desk and wonder why you're not home for summer vacation yet.

My three favorite songs on the album are "New Friend," "Remember Us," and "Magnetic North."

Until next time, enjoy the music!

Andrew

"Gary Go" by Gary Go

You've all probably heard the song, "Wonderful," by Gary Go. It's been on the Disney Oceans trailer, as well as tons of other commercials that want to make their product or show seem uplifting or inspiring.

What you may not know, however, is that the rest of Gary Go's debut album is also outstanding pop/alternative music.

All of the reasons people love "Wonderful": the infectious melody, catchy hooks, and a chorus that begs to be sang out loud in your dorm room are also present on just about every other song of the album.

The lyrics are not necessarily groundbreaking, but they're sweet in their own way and definitely have a heart to them. No song is phoned in. Every song finds a way to put a smile on your face, whether it be with a beautiful piano line, beautiful strings, or a super-catchy guitar riff.

Gary Go is best known for super happy alt/pop, but he also shows that he can succeed at some slower, more "sad" songs as well.

Overall, this album is a remarkably diverse first foray into alternative/pop music for an artist who is definitely worth keeping track of.

My three favorite songs on the album are "Brooklyn," "Refuse to Lose," and "Wonderful."

Here's a link to his Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/garygo/music

Until next time, enjoy the music and spread the word about the blog!

Andrew

"Saosin" by Saosin

Alrighty, this album comes from a Southern California band! Random fact? Yes, but that's the best intro I could come up with this close to the end of the school year.

Saosin's self-titled debut is a straight-up adrenaline rush. The lyrics are not necessarily something to "ooh" and "ahh" over, though a couple songs have some great individual lines.

What keeps me coming back to this album over and over again is the music itself. The guitars are insanely good, with ridiculous hooks, riffs, and all sorts of other good stuff. The same goes for the drum work on the album, which constitutes the best drum work I've ever heard.

Another instrument which you wouldn't think of right off the bat is the voice of the lead vocalist. His voice can go to seemingly otherworldly heights without having to go into a falsetto. It's obscene, and for some reason it just makes the music that much more exciting.

If you're in the mood for a while to bang your head to music that is pure thrashing for the alternative music lover, Saosin is the band for you.

My three favorite songs on the album are "It's So Simple," "Voices," and "You're Not Alone."

Here's a link to their Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/saosin/music

Until next time, keep reading and enjoy the music!

Andrew

Like This Blog's Facebook Page!

The subject is fairly self-explanatory and this serves as nothing but a shameless plug, but please feel free to "like" the Facebook page for this blog! It's fun to see new readers start following the page :)

Thanks and, as always, enjoy the music!

Andrew

"Wait for Me" by Moby

Let me start off with my extraordinarily shallow first impression of this album: the album cover is one of my favorite album covers of all time. It's so simple, but it drew me in and it's a great representation of the music on the album.

"Wait for Me" by Moby is perfect driving music. Most of the songs are quiet, but some flow with a sense of urgency that makes them much more powerful than any louder song could be. Moby himself doesn't provide much vocal work for this album. Instead, he uses a variety of female singers, all of whom do great jobs on their respective songs.

At times complex, at times sparse, each song on the album brings something new to the table. You really do feel like the little being on the album cover, wandering on in some foreign place, feeling lonely and happy at the same time.

In addition to the vocal tracks, there are some great instrumental tracks that tie the album together. "Divisions," for example, serves as a sort of overture to the entire album. Once I heard that track, I was hooked.

Other tracks, such as "Pale Horses," evoke some feelings of nostalgia. The afore-mentioned song in particular made me feel like I was in a smokey underground club sometime in the 40s or 50s.

This is not the Moby of "Extreme Ways." It is a more restrained and more mature Moby. Everything on this album works, and I can't wait for his new one, due to be released soon.

My three favorite songs on the album are "Division," "Pale Horses," and "Study War."

Here's a link to his Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/moby/music

Until next time, keep reading and enjoy the music!

Andrew

"Thriving Ivory" by Thriving Ivory

Happy weekend, everyone!

This album, "Thriving Ivory" by Thriving Ivory, is one of my favorite alternative rock albums of the last few years for a couple reasons.

One of those is melody and instrumentation. Every song is really catchy and very angst-y in a non-emo way. In other words, this is really emotional alt rock without the overly whiney characteristics of a lot of standard emo rock (I think that the album cover is a pretty fair representation of this). This album is full of great guitar licks and great piano rhythms.

Building on these melodies are some of the catchiest choruses around. Every. Single. One. I would be shocked if, after listening to the album the first time through, you aren't gripped by the urge to listen to it again and sing along with the choruses. They're absolutely infectious.

This album does come with a bit of a "This is an acquired taste" disclaimer due to the vocalist's voice. It's not a singer's voice, and though he sings in tune and very well, it's in a scratchy voice that took me a while to get used to.

Once you do, however, this is great cloudy day music to float away into.

My three favorite songs on the album are "Angels On the Moon," "Alien," and "Hey Lady."

Here's a link to their Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/thrivingivory/music

Until next time, spread word about the blog and enjoy all the music out there,

Andrew

"(E)vening" by Mae

I know I've already gushed about "The Everglow," Mae's best album, but I think that "(E)vening is such a good finale to Mae's discography that it warrants a post of its own.

The album is beautiful, absolutely beautiful. And, as the band's final album, the music on it is especially poignant, the idea of nighttime mirrors the end of Mae's run as a great band.

Finally, Mae returns to the use of intricate piano that drew me completely into their music years ago. The three movements of "Seasons" combine to create one of the most beautiful song sequences in alternative music this year. It's a shame Mae didn't use this much piano in the rest of their work. Albums like "(A)fternoon" and "Singularity" suffered from the lack of it.

Once you hit "Sleep Well," (which is basically a poignant goodbye to the fans, in my opinion) you'll be feeling very bittersweet, because this album is by far the band's best work since "The Everglow."

It's sad that it's the band's last album, but it's great that they went out on such a beautiful note.

My three favorite songs on the album are "Bloom," "Seasons" (I'm counting all 3 movements as one song), "Sleep Well."

Here's a link to their Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/mae/music

Until next time, enjoy all the music out there!

Andrew

The Best Albums of April 2011

Hey there all!

Well, May is upon us (and with that, the ever-nearing end of school). This month had several great albums come out, so I'll get right to my top 2.

"Take Care, Take Care, Take Care" by Explosions in the  Sky

Well, it's just about impossible to equal "The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place," but this album from Explosions in the Sky comes close to matching their masterpiece. They've expanded their repertoire of musical tools, and the result is a post-rock album that you can easily float away in.

"Wasting Light" by Foo Fighters

This album was recorded on analog (super old school) and it succeeds in doing exactly one thing: rocking. There's a fury to this album that is backed up by the exorcising of some definite demons. The album is their best in a long time. 

I hope you like these albums and let's hope for a great musical month of May!

Until next time,

Andrew

"Victorious" by The Perishers

I'll begin this with a cliché: simplicity is beauty.

No doubt you've all heard it time and time again, but, the phrase is often used more as a general idea than a phrase applied to one specific action or entity.

Apply it to this album.

"Victorious" by The Perishers is a very simple, but very powerful album. It's made up of 13 well-crafted and subtle acoustic/acoustic rock songs. The chord progressions and melodies are simple (I was able to figure out the opening riff on "Midnight Skies" in no time at all--I don't play guitar though, so that's pretty much all I can play, mind you). And yet, in these simple melodies there's a weight, a soothing power.

These melodies are backed up by excellent and very sincere vocals. The songs are about all sorts of topics, from reflection to friendship and from love to feelings of humble triumph. Each and every song is delivered so earnestly that you can't help but ride the ups and downs of the music with the band.

In modern music, there seems to be a trend developing: "how much can you possible fit into one song?" Yes, I'm looking primarily the pop sector, but the idea has infected other realms of music as well. This album, however, takes its time and does nothing fancy. The album is an excellent fresh of breath air.

My three favorite songs on the album are "Midnight Skies," "Victorious," and "Best Friends."

Here's a link to their Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/theperishers/music

Until next time, enjoy the music!

Andrew

"On Your Side" by A Rocket to the Moon

This, ladies and gentlemen, certainly falls under the umbrella of a guilty pleasure.

"On Your Side," by A Rocket to the Moon, is an album full of sugar-laden hooks and extremely catchy choruses. Most of the songs are variations on love songs, but quite frankly, they're so well done and infectious that it doesn't really bother me.

The songs on this album could be the soundtrack to someone's high school experience. From declaring that you really don't need that girl that you obviously still have feelings for (and you know it) ("Annabelle") to falling in love at first sight ("Dakota"), these songs cover most of the teen relationship bases.

The band can even check off the oft-neglected "my friends hate my girlfriend and she annoys me but I love her anyway" song subject box.

Despite the fact that most pop/alternative albums are of this general ilk, I can't help but prefer this album to many of its kind because the lyrics and song subjects are clever variations on the admittedly common theme. That, and the melodies in these songs are far better than those of comparable bands.

So, if you're in the market for a light 40 minutes of purely catchy music, look no further!

My three favorite songs on the album are "Mr. Right," "Like We Used To," and "Dakota."

Here's a link to their Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/arockettothemoon/music

Until next time, get your friends to check out the blog and enjoy all the music out there,

Andrew

"Palomino" by Trampled by Turtles

What's not to like about bluegrass? You've got banjos being furiously plucked, vocals being earnestly delivered, and an all-around down home fun musical atmosphere.

Ever since Mumford and Sons hit it big, I've been looking for great bluegrass groups. I love Mumford and Sons, but I wanted even more of that sound. What can I say, I'm a sucker for the banjo.

Then, I stumbled across "Palomino," by Trampled by Turtles. Admittedly, I was initially drawn in by the album's cover. It struck me as an indie-esque album cover (their band name includes turtles but the album cover is of an owl? I must know more!), and I started listening to samples. I was immediately hooked.

Trampled by Turtles is one of the best bluegrass bands I have ever heard. Think Mumford and Sons but faster and more raw. This band can rock the socks off of bluegrass. At the same time, however, the group seems to be just as comfortable slowing things down in ballads that are beautiful in their own way.

The songs on this album are extremely well written, with lead vocalist Dave Simonett singing his heart out about love, loss and frustration. You can't go wrong with this album.

My three favorite songs on the album are "Wait So Long," "Victory," and "Bloodshot Eyes."

Here's a link to the band's Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/trampledbyturtles/music

Until next time, enjoy all the music out there!

Andrew

"Hand Built By Robots" by Newton Faulkner

Well, ladies and gentlemen, it's starting to get pretty hot down here in southern California. I was enjoying the little cold streak we were having (Redheads aren't equipped well to handle lots of sun, in most cases). Anyway, with the rising heat and the gradually growing desire to have summer vacation instead of school, here's a great summer music album as a bit of a teaser!

"Hand Built By Robots" by Newton Faulker is simple, great acoustic guitar (with some extra bells and whistles every once in a while) with upbeat vocals. Google Faulkner (be sure not to click on the sites about the author, or you'll end up reading some very dry literature), take a look at his hair, and you'll immediately know the feel of this album. It's perfect if you happen to be sitting around a fire on some tropical island with no music to listen to.

Much like the artist he reminds me most of (Tyrone Wells), Faulkner's lyrics are the weakest part of his music. For the most part, they are uplifting and often verge on corny. Sometimes, though, that's exactly what we're in the mood for! So, just enjoy it for what it is: happy, relaxing music.

The best part of the album by far is Faulkner's guitar-work. It's simply ridiculous; I'm not sure I've heard anyone play the acoustic guitar more nimbly and effortlessly than Faulkner does in his music. Every once in a while, Faulkner will add piano or strings to his songs, which give them even more beauty and depth.

There's not much else to say about this music, other than to tell you exactly what you'll be doing when you listen: smiling.

My three favorite songs on the album are "To The Light," "Aging Superhero," and "Lullaby."

Here's a link to his Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/newtonfaulkner/music

Until next time, enjoy all the music :)

Andrew

"Yuck" by Yuck

Anyone up for a return to the 90's?

I first saw this album on iTunes and was initially scared off by the album artwork. It's, shall we say ... interesting? Now, I am an avid listener to NPR's "All Songs Considered," and Yuck got some love on a recent show.

So, I decided to give it a shot. Oh jeez, I'm so glad I did. There haven't been many old-fashioned style rock and roll albums in a long time, a long long time. "Yuck" is a triumphant return to the 90s. Throughout the album, the listener is thrown headfirst into gritty guitars, a "low-definition" sound, and an overall awesome garage rock experience.

Now, I'm not a big fan of really hard rock, which is another thing this album has going for it. It rocks with some awesome guitar riffs, but it doesn't try to melt your face off (which I appreciate and take as a sign of musical maturity). Yuck shows restraint when it matters most, resulting in a few songs that could even be interpreted as semi-sorta-rock-ballads.

To say it even more simply, this album can groove. On a Rhapsody review of the album, the album is described as being able to both rock and roll.

There's not a whole lot of lyrical depth to this album, but the vocals are delivered rockishly yet boyishly at the same time. It's endearing, and I really enjoyed the semi-sweet vocals in contrast to the garage rock music behind them.

So, if you've been wishing on a star for a solid, 90s revival rock album, look no further than "Yuck." The end result is anything but its namesake.

My three favorite songs on the album are "Get Away," "Shook Down," and "Rose Gives a Lilly."

Here's a link to their Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/yuckband/music

Until next time, enjoy the music and please spread the word about the blog!

Andrew

"Strict Joy" by The Swell Season

I'm a fan of indie movies (I know, try to contain your shock as I continue my most recent post on my blog that features a lot of indie music). One of my very favorites is "Once," starring Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. It's incredibly low-budget-feeling, even by indie movie standards, but it's honest and it's raw. I also like it because, a) Irish accents are cool and (b) the soundtrack is one of the best movie soundtracks I've ever heard.

This album by The Swell Season (which, on this album, is essentially just Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova with instrumental accompaniment) is a perfect album for those who were entranced by songs like "Lies" and "Falling Slowly" (I once sang a cover of "Falling Slowly" with two friends of mine for a Benefit Concert and I'm relatively sure it's partially responsible for my current girlfriend noticing me haha).

The delicacy is there, as are the raw and poignant vocals by Hansard and Irglova. As usual, their vocal harmonies are spot on, making each song an exercise in tranquility.

Hansard and Irglova broke up around the time of this album, however, and the lyrics reflect a sort of sad longing, a sort of wistful reminiscence and a "hope against logic" feel. The result is a set of songs that cuts right into your heart. You feel their pain, you feel their longing, and you feel their lingering hope.

"Strict Joy" is itself a perfect title for the album. That's what the album could be, almost as if Hansard and Irglova are filled with joy at creating such beautiful music, but it has to be restrained as a result of their complicated personal relationship.

Still, for anyone looking for absolutely beautiful songs, you don't need to look any further. "Strict Joy" is the album for you.

My three favorite songs are "Low Rising," "In These Arms," and "I Have Loved You Wrong."

Until next time, enjoy all the music out there, like the blog's Facebook page, and please recommend the page to your friends because I'd love to get some more regular readers :)

Andrew

"Siegfried: An Original Score" by The Calm Blue Sea

This is going to be a fairly short post because ... wait for it ... IT'S AN INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM.

The Calm Blue Sea is a little bit like Explosions in the Sky and a little bit like For a Minor Reflection. I think they're just as good. They have the ability to be as delicate as Explosions in the Sky at times, but they mostly choose not to.

"Siegfried: An Original Score" is an epic hour and a half of brilliant ambient rock. The band uses all the traditional instruments: guitars, drums, etc. They also use a lot of piano, which I love. Each song is like an independent mini-epic that combines to form one massive epic.

There are no lyrics to analyze, which means I really don't have that much else to say. If you're looking for value, this entire thing is only $9.99 on iTunes, and it's one of the better instrumental albums I've heard. Over such a long time, it could be easy to lose the listener's attention. This album grabs you and then doesn't let go. I caught myself air-conducting several times.

Ten bucks says you can't resist, either.

Here's a link to their Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/thecalmbluesea/music

Until next time,

Andrew

"Narcotic" by No Second Troy

As paradoxical as it may seem, I never would have discovered this band or this album without the help of ESPN. Sportscenter had a special segment, and one of the intro songs the show used was "The Gardens After Lockout," which has been one of my top 20 favorite songs ever since I heard it several years ago.

I was blown away, by both the song and the band's name, which, having just been acquainted with Homer fairly recently, I found incredibly cool. Needless to say, I immediately bought the entire album (and was then pleasantly surprised by the album artwork, which I also think looks just plain cool).

"Narcotic" is almost an hour of epic alternative rock music that can be, at the same time, delicate. For some songs such as "Gone" and "The Gardens After Lockout," piano plays a very prominent role. As we know, that's an easy way into my musical heart and soul.

The lyrics on the album are fairly well-written, though they do not stand out by any standards from other songs at the time. Still, the band does take a multi-faceted stance on love, ranging from feeling "Feint" in a love's presence to comparing love to a "Narcotic."

Other songs are much more aggressive, "One In Ten" being a perfect example - the lyrics in the song are delivered with what amounts to growing frustration and determination to settle a score with a rival.

It's the vocals and instrumental melodies that take the biggest role in this album's success. The frontman sings with an extremely clear voice that is pretty much always right on point.

The music itself is my favorite part of the album, with every song featuring a very different melody. Listening to this album, you never feel tired of the same old melody. There is no filler present. Melodies are simple, but the band has done an excellent job of mirroring the emotions of the lyrics without being too in-your-face about it.

These two factors combine to create some really memorable choruses that are impossible to resist. This is no light album, but it's one of artistic merit that has not gotten the attention it deserved.

My three favorite songs on the album are "Feint," "The Gardens After Lockout," and "Gone."

Here's a link to their Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/nosecondtroy

Until next time, enjoy all the music that's out there!

Andrew

"Gorilla Manor" by Local Natives

I. Love. This. Album. Now that you've been warned, continue!

I came across this album a few months ago when I first started really getting into indie style music/folk music, etc. I had fallen in love with the music of Fleet Foxes. I loved the vocal harmonies and the songs which were simple but, at the same time, could be majestic, epic, and all sorts of awesome.

With "Gorilla Manor," Local Natives catapulted themselves above Fleet Foxes in my book. They have everything Fleet Foxes have, plus one thing. They can rock as a full band - electric guitars, drums, a bass, and keyboards (a quick way to make me a fan).

The album is a diverse collection of universally well-written and well-executed songs. The melodies and hooks are extremely catchy. The amount of musical diversity is astounding and leads to an extremely refreshing set of tracks.

What sets this band apart, however, is their complex vocal harmonies. Simply put, they're spot on. You really don't need a ton of lyrical complexity when three people's voices mesh together this well. Local Natives do both. The band also has the maturity to include purely instrumental sections in their music, something that's always a plus in my book.

As I posted earlier, these guys are amazing live as well. I couldn't have been happier when I heard on stage EXACTLY what I hear in my headphones. I look forward to their new album that should be coming around the bend sometime this year.

My three favorite songs on the album are "Wide Eyes," "Shape Shifter," and "Stranger Thread."

Here's a link to their Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/localnatives

Please remember to keep checking back in, like the page on Facebook, and click on the link on the "I Need Your Help" post!

Until next time, enjoy the music!

Andrew

Live Performance - Local Natives

Hey all,

I'll be writing a review of Local Natives' album either tonight or tomorrow, but I wanted to get this post up here while the amazingness is still fresh in my mind. Today at UCLA, Local Natives played an AMAZING hour long set. I was in indie music nerd heaven. They sound exactly the same live as they do on the album!

They played a lot of songs, the more commercial songs, the less commercial songs. I'm really looking forward to hearing on their new album which the frontman said was due in the next year.

If you get the chance to see this band live, do it. They have great on stage energy and they seem like a nice, quirky bunch of guys. They definitely have some new fans after today, because Bruin Plaza was full to bursting with cheering music lovers.

It does the heart good :)

Until the review,
Andrew

The Best Albums of March 2011

Hey all, it's time for the best albums of March 2011. This was another good month for music (but there have certainly been better). There have been several good albums, but none that necessarily blew me right out of the water. Still, there was some solid music, and I'll lovingly recommend three albums to you, because it's what I do!


"Last Night on Earth" by Noah and the Whale

Last time around, Noah and the Whale produced a mournful but amazing album. This album is great too, but in a very different, much happier way. At times, they verge on electro-pop. Loyal and longtime fans may think that's a bad thing, but I think they did it tastefully in what is an anthemic and joyful album.

"Build A Rocket Boys!" by Elbow

Gotta love Brit rock. Elbow's new album is at times intimate, and at other times amazingly epic. In both settings, the result is pure goodness. Great melodies, great vocals, great flow, great everything. It reminds me a little bit of Aqualung, but a rock-ier version as opposed to a ballad-based band. This band deserves much more exposure, and look for them to be in a future post. Definitely my favorite album of the month, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if it shows up in my top albums of 2012 post.

"Lucky Street" by Go Radio

My feelings for Go Radio are well documented. Great hooks, outstanding choruses, and amazing lyrics from the always clever Jason Lancaster. A great choice if you're looking for 45 minutes or so of diverting alternative/punk rock. Nothing new here, but what's here is great!

As April begins, I once again look forward to some great new music! Not many major anticipated releases (Dr. Dre has pretty much monopolized April hype at this point), which is a great thing for a blog called "Great Music You Haven't Heard." Remember to look up the Facebook page for this blog and like it, recommend it to your friends, and click on the link in the "I Need Your Help" post.

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

Andrew

"Lucky Street" by Go Radio

A couple years ago, Jason Lancaster left one of the better punk/alternative bands around, Mayday Parade. A bit later, I found out that he had become involved with another project called "Go Radio." Since that point, the band came out with a couple EPs and finally one full length, the recently released and definitely great "Lucky Street."

Now, I'm still a fan of Mayday Parade, but there is a component that only Jason Lancaster brought to their music. The great hooks are there in both bands, but the magical Jason Lancaster ingredient is lyrics. He is one of the best lyric writers I have ever had the pleasure of hearing.

Go Radio's songs are personal and reflective, sometimes happy and sometimes sad, but always powerful.

Now, the music of Go Radio is straight punk/alternative music. But man, is it good. The electric guitar work is great and melodies are always catchy, but my favorite songs are the ones when the main players are Lancaster and the piano. It is those songs that hit home the hardest, and it is those songs that set Go Radio apart from the songs of other punk/alternative rock bands out there.

If you're in the mood for about 45 minutes of super well-executed alternative rock music, this is the perfect album for you. The songs are great to sing along too, and just about every chorus is just the right amount of rock, just the right amount of consistent lyrical presence. All in all, just plain solid.

My three favorite songs on the album are "Why I'm Home," "Forever My Father," and "The Truth Is."

Here's a link to the band's Myspace!

http://www.myspace.com/goradio

Until next time, enjoy the music, please click the link on the "I Need Your Help" post and look for the post on the best albums of the month coming soon!

Andrew

"With Arrows, With Poise" by The Myriad

I'm reaching way back into my vault of music for this one. I first came across this album three years ago, bought it for the album artwork, and listened to it a ton only to forget about it later (that's the problem with a music addiction folks, sometimes it results in music ADD). Then, a couple days ago, I rediscovered it, and have since been listening to it repeatedly.

The album is "With Arrows, With Poise" by The Myriad. I went to investigate why they haven't released any new music and found out that the band's drummer tragically passed away after a fight with cancer. The band's music still lives on, however, and for that I'm glad.

There is an undercurrent of darkness to the whole album, a sort of quiet urgency that wouldn't be out of place in a movie scene (imagine the protagonists hiding, fleeing from some shady foe that don't really see or understand). It makes for some pretty powerful music (and though the band is known as a Christian band, these songs are by no means limited in their appeal to music listeners of all creeds). The lyrics are dark, reflective, and earnestly delivered by a frontman with a great voice and a solid falsetto.

The choruses on this album are what makes it special. They're just flat out catchy; in fact, all of these songs are really easy to sing along with. And with some of the awesome song titles on this album (examples are "You Waste Time Like a Grandfather Clock," "Don't Let Them See You!," and "Polar Bears and Shark Fins," you'll want to).

The final piece of this puzzle is this music, a polished but gritty and dark set of well-executed songs and riffs that inspire some definite head bobbing. This album is just plain good.

My three favorite songs on the album are "A Clean Shot," "A Thousand Winters Melting" (one of my all time top 20 favorite songs), and "Don't Let Them See You!".

Here's a link to the band's Myspace, which is still up and running (but it's a little eerie; to be honest, it's a bit like being in a Myspace ghost-town).

http://www.myspace.com/themyriad

Until next time, enjoy the music!

Andrew

Like The Blog's Facebook Page!

Please and thank you :) please invite all your friends to like it as well! I'd love to spread this blog to some more readers!

As always, until next time,
Andrew

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

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

Well, seeing as it's finals week next wekk and I'm stressed out (becoming completely obsessed with "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" probably could have come at a better time), I'm going to write an entry! This one isn't really going to be a super long post, because this album has to be taken as a whole, it can't really be effectively broken down into songs.

"... And They Have Escaped The Weight of Darkness" is about 45 minutes or so of straight up beauty. It's an instrumental album, and on it Arnalds skill fully composes works featuring predominately piano and strings, with occasional percussion.

When I first heard this album, I knew it was probably the music subtly beautiful CD I had heard in a long time, if not ever. That hasn't changed. It is ridiculously easy to float away in this music. Some sound morose and mournful, some sound hopeful, and some pulse with a majestic feel. All are executed almost flawlessly.

There isn't a whole lot else to say about this album other than that it is amazing and a perfect way to relax. If you're stressed (oh, I don't know, by studying for a final exam worth 30% of your final grade), this is perfect music to play either for a breather or while your studying. It makes everything happening around you seem a little bit less overwhelming.

It's hard to say what my three favorite songs are because, in addition to the album being best listened to as one long composition, I love every single song on here. I have a soft spot for classic-oriented instrumental albums, and this album hit the spot.

Here's a link to his Myspace!

http://www.myspace.com/olafurarnalds

Until next time, please enjoy some music and click the link on the "I Need Your Help" post!

Andrew

P.S. We're almost at 5,000 total views, but I'd love for that to skyrocket until executives somewhere have no choice but to give me an obscenely lucrative contract (a ridiculous dream, you say? Probably :]).

"What Separates Me From You" by A Day to Remember

I have a confession to make when it comes to the subject of this post. This album represents a guilty pleasure of mine. I don't pretend to say that it breaks any major barriers musically or lyrically, but man is it catchy. That, and how cool is the album cover??

"What Separates Me From You" by A Day to Remember is ADTR's most commercial and most accessible release to date. I probably like "Homesick" a little better on a whole. However, this album is by far the best for those who thought ADTR's previous work was just a tad too rough for them.

On this album, the band is pissed. That much is obvious. Almost every song pulses with straight fury and angst. This goes for the lyrics as well, which detail abandonment, anger, and an overall "F you" to the people of the past.

I know this is not a new bit of subject matter. But holy heck do these guys do it well. Every single song is extremely catchy. The electric guitar riffs, the melodies and lyrics of the choruses in particular, everything just grabs you and doesn't let go. Every. Single. Song.

This is not an example of a band branching out and taking their music to new places that it hasn't previously been. ADTR is returning to familiar territory willingly, and they are continuing to show that musical genre who's boss.

If you're angry or upset or just feel like using music to let off some steam, this album is just the ticket.

My favorite three songs are "All I Want," "This Is The House That Doubt Built," and "If I Leave."

Here's a link to their Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/adaytoremember

And here's a link to the Facebook page for this blog! Like it and pass it along to your friends!

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

Until next time, enjoy all the music out there!

Andrew

"Signs and Wonders" by Animal Kingdom

How's it going everyone? Well, as it starts to be, once again, time to start studying for finals (have you ever noticed how I almost always have a midterm or an essay or a final to work on? Yay quarter system!), I wanted to get another post on here for you!

The album, ladies and gents, is "Signs and Wonders" by Animal Kingdom. This album popped up about 1.5-2 years ago, and I didn't buy it for a while because I had foolishly gotten it into my head that I wouldn't like an album that was a reincarnation of psychedelic rock.

Obviously, I was wrong. This album is amazing. There are definitely strong elements of psych rock in here that remind me a little bit of Pink Floyd (never a bad thing), but there's a heart of rock pulsing under the airy vocals.

For a relatively new artist, Animal Kingdom is able to put together an incredibly diverse set of songs. Nothing on here feels like filler, and there's always some new melodic element that the band is adding into their songs.

The lyrics are clever as well, well-written but unassuming. They are not the star of this album, though the frontman's airy/almost falsetto vocals do add a ton to the album. The choruses on this album are some of the best I've heard in a while.

You're probably thinking that I'm about to say the music is the star of the album, if the lyrics aren't, right? Wrong! The music is also a critical element of the album, but the trick of this album, and the facet of it that makes it so special is that there isn't a star. The music is at times light and ethereal, and at times more rock-ish and psychedelic, but it's always well-executed and it always backs up the vocals perfectly.

This album has been floating around for a while now, so I can only hope that a new album is in the works! Here's a link to their Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/weareanimalkingdom

My three favorite tracks on the album are "Tin Man," "Silence Summons You," and "Chalk Stars."

Until next time, enjoy the music and follow the link on the "I Need Your Help" link! :)

Thanks,
Andrew

The Best Albums of February 2011

Hey all!

As I sit here recovering from what was an overall boring Oscars show, I figured it was a perfect time to write out my top three albums for February 2011! It was another good month for music, but not quite as solid as January (that month of music is going to be hard to top). Anyway, here they are! I hope you enjoy!

1. "Smart Flesh" by The Low Anthem

The Low Anthem does several things superbly in this album. They tread the lines between folk music, indie rock, and classic rock with amazing precision. In addition to their clever lyrics, what really got me hooked on this album is their multi-faceted instrumentation, which occasionally includes a clarinet. I had never heard a clarinet used in contemporary music, and as a clarinet player myself, it sent shivers of "Wow my instrument CAN be cool!" down my spine. You can safely expect this album in a future post.

2. "Barton Hollow" by The Civil Wars

What makes this album stands out is the male/female harmonies. Together, the vocalists of The Civil Wars craft an album that is so extremely delicate and so intimate that it's easy to simply float away into their songs. Along with sweet lyrics, simple and delicate instrumentation makes this album a light treat to listen to. It'd be safe to expect to see this album later as well.

3. "The Cold Still" by The Boxer Rebellion

I suppose it's probably safe to assume that many more of you have heard of this album than the previous two in this month's list. "The Cold Still" is an admirable heir to "Union," which catapulted the band to popularity with its epic and anthemic feel. The epic songs are in this album as well, but even more impressive and haunting is the dark, brooding songs that dominate the first half of the album. This album gets to you with its poignancy, and doesn't let you go for a while, throwing you through peaks and valleys. It's quite the musical ride. 

Hope you enjoy the music and I'll see you all on the other side of my essay due this week (no worries, it's only worth 30% of my grade... gulp). 

Andrew

"Copia" by Eluvium

Well, ladies and gentlemen, it's time for another review of an instrumental only album. In this case, it's the "ambient/electronica but not really" album titled "Copia" by Eluvium, one of my favorite ambient artists, though his most recent album features vocals.

The album is the amazing combination of relaxing and epic. If you don't believe me, just take a look at the album artwork. The human-ish creature on the cover is a recurring character in most of Eluvium's album artwork. It's as if we as listeners are following his journey. And that's exactly what this album feels like: a journey to some majestic, far-away place.

It's the perfect set of songs to just float away into. I listen to it when I'm doing homework and I absolutely need to focus or when I'm reading and I just want to forget every single bit of stress around me. Thirty seconds into the first piece and I'm gone. Nothing can bother me.

The album almost feels like one big classical composition in itself. Strings, woodwinds, piano, and brass make up a huge part of the instrumentation. It feels as though your listening to a soundtrack. If only there was a movie that went to this music. I'd be in line waiting to see it. This feel of one big orchestral effort is aided by the song titles, many of which include musical terms such as "hymn," "prelude," "requiem," and "ostinato."

As a little sidenote, the final song on the album, "Repose In Blue," is the grand finale to the symphony, complete with the sounds of fireworks.

For anyone looking to expose themselves to some great ambient music, the work of Eluvium is a perfect introduction. For those of you who are already fans of that genre and are looking for another great artist to follow, look no further.

My three favorite songs on the album are "Amreik," "Requiem On Frankfort Ave," and "Repose In Blue."

Here's a link to Eluvium's Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/eluviumtaken

Until next time, enjoy the music and please tell all your friends to go to the "I Need Your Help" post and click on the link to Castle Ink to help me win a scholarship!

Thanks :)

Andrew

I Need Your Help!

Hello everyone,

So, this isn't a music post. I am taking part in a scholarship competition through Castle Ink. My job is bring as many visitors to their site through a statement encouraging recycling. I'd greatly appreciate it if you could visit it (as many times as you want :]) and tell your friends to visit it; re-post it wherever you can and send it to anyone you can. Thanks again so much and here goes!

If recycling inspires you, click on the link below. If it doesn't, click on the link below because: 1) maybe you'll discover a passion for keeping the earth green and 2) this blog doesn't help my parents pay for my college education, but this scholarship will. Please and thank you!

http://www.castleink.com

Thanks again so much and I'll be back soon with another music post!

"The Everglow" by Mae

Having to decide which classes to take next quarter can be a stressful thing. In such times, I tend to find other things to do. Cue the "Heroic Entry of the Blog" music!

This album was going to show up on this blog at some point. It was inevitable. "The Everglow" by Mae is one of my all time favorite albums by one of my favorite all time bands. Also, how freakin' cool is the album artwork? The answer is artsy, unique and awesome.

The album is a sold hour of absolutely wonderful music. The lyrics are not philosophical, for the most part, but they touching to be sure. And, they are delivered by a frontman that sings in such an earnest, down-on-his-luck-but-you-can't-help-but-love-him voice that they become infectious in a heartbeat. It's like Oliver Twist is singing to you. You can't help but want some more.

On a side note, however, "Say anything, but say what you mean," a lyric from my favorite song on the album and one of my favorite all time songs, was my senior quote.

The ultimate plus of this album is its melodic brilliance. Piano, electric guitar, bass, and percussion create intricate melodies that soar above all the lyrical work. Many times, the songs will start off softly before building to earth-shattering levels.

What I enjoy most about the music, however, is the instrumental sections that Mae's members conjure up. They can be up to a couple minutes, and they are sections of pure musical epic awesomeness. Those moments are what make the album what it is.

This album defined my junior year, and it's become an everlasting, everglowing (ahh, puns) part of my music library. Unfortunately, they are on a farewell tour, but their entire discography is safe and sound in my music selection.

My three favorite songs on the album are "We're So Far Away," "Suspension," and "The Sun and the Moon."

Here's a link to their Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/mae

Until next time, enjoy the music!

Andrew

"Miike Snow" by Miike Snow

Midterms are finally over (yay) which means it's time for another post!

"Miike Snow" by Miike Snow is not like many of the other albums I review on this blog, namely because it's electronics-based alternative pop music. That's a genre I usually steer clear of, but in the case of this CD, I made an exception. I'm so glad I did.

This CD is a smart and extremely catchy 47 minutes of music. The great synth work is there, as are some great "electronic bass-type" riffs. Each song is a joy to listen to, and each is a definite pump-up song. If you're looking for gym music, look no further. On another musical note, however, piano makes the occasional foray into the scene, which I'm always a fan of.

Music aside, the vocals and lyrics on this side are another great element in the album, used to accent the music, which is refreshing. Many electronic-based bands include sparse, shallow lyrics as a way to broaden their appeal. Not so with Miike Snow. The lyrics are clever. At times dark and at times humorous, they open up every song for more enjoyment.

Though the band does use auto-tune, it's done tastefully, or to the point where the voice becomes another instrument. In my opinion, you either barely use autotune (or not at all) or use to it the point that you make the voice an instrument to be manipulated. Kudos to Miike Snow on treading that line with grace.

There is not one boring song on this album, and trust me, you'll be bobbing your head in spite of yourself after the very first song on the album. Only after the final song on the album will you regain control of your ability to groove.

My three favorite songs on the album are "Animal," "Silvia," and "Black & Blue."

Here's a link to their Myspace!

http://www.myspace.com/miikesnow

Until next time, PLEASE tell your friends about the blog and enjoy all the good music out there!

Andrew

"Songs for Lonely Boys and Girls With Fleeting Crushes" by Leif

Anyone ever noticed that studying for midterms is little to no fun at all? Yep. So have I.

Well, I've been listening to an album by a very under-the-radar artist for a couple days now which has made the process infinitely less stressful. This man has gotten significantly less attention than he deserves, and I'm so glad I found it on iTunes. The album artwork caught my eye for the wonderfully quirky, hand-drawn scene it features. You'll come to find out that the cover mirrors the feel of the music on the album quite well.

I decided to write about the album because I've been listening to it while I study, but this album is just as at home playing in the car or in a dark room, accompanying merely you and your thoughts.

For those of who would like some soothing study-music, or for those of you who would just like a wonderful and simple set of relaxing songs, boy do I have the album for you.

"Songs for Lonely Boys and Girls With Fleeting Crushes" (which by the way, is one of the best album names I have come across in a while) is about a half hour pure relaxation. Simple acoustic guitar creates an almost ever-present bed of warm sound for Leif's vocals to rest lightly on top of.

The lyrics have a meditative feel to them, in my opinion, and they succeed in making you think without getting you down. Leif sings in a soft voice, a little above a whisper. But, he sings with a pure tone. The result is an extremely intimate sound. He might as well be singing to you in your living room.

Even though the album is soft throughout, there are still different ranges of dynamics. There are peaks and valleys to every song, from quietly triumphant (if that's not too much of an oxymoron) to soft and thoughtful.

For those of you who'd like an artist in the music world to link Leif to in terms musical style, I suppose the closest would be Joshua Radin, though I think Leif's music is more atmospheric.

I sincerely hope you give Leif's album a chance. It'll provide you with an escape from stress whenever you need it (or simply some music to float away in at any time).

My three favorite tracks are: "November," "Morning," and "1:22 a.m."

Here's a link to Leif's page on the site of Holster Records.

http://holsterrecords.com/artist/leif/

Until next time, spread the word about the blog and enjoy the music!

Andrew

"Blind Man's Hill" by The Bridge

Apologies for the sporadic posting, with midterms going at full speed ahead, it's been hard to find a few minutes to just sit and do nothing, let alone find the time to type up a blog entry.

But, now that I have a few minutes not being filled by notecards about various subjects, here's a post for you guys!

I found this album walking down Bruin Walk. A stand was selling CDs for a quarter each. I couldn't just walk past it! So, I bought "Blind Man's Hill" along with two other albums. This is by far the strongest. And perhaps the biggest reason I love this album is that it represents a genre that is sorely under-heard lately.

That would be down home, southern rock.

Now, to those of you who just began to freak out because you associate the above phrase with country music, don't fear. "Blind Man's Hill" is not a country album. There is none of the trademark twang that signals a country tune.

The music is solid and simple, featuring guitars, percussion, some organ, and the occasional saxophone feature, which I always love. In addition, the music is varied. Each melody has something unique to bring to the table, a quality in music that is greatly under-appreciated, in my opinion.

There are light and happy songs. There are dark songs. There are uplifting and almost ethereal songs. This band has it all, and they definitely execute it all with flying colors.

As the final cherry on top of this multifaceted musical sundae, the frontman has a wonderful voice. It's pure, without any glittery auto-tune. The guy has a presence, and he gives the listener the impression that he's well-acquainted with all the world has to offer.

This genre might be greeted with skepticism if it's grouped with country. I really hope it isn't, because I had never heard of this band in my life before picking the CD up (based completely on its album artwork, I confess). I can't believe they haven't made more of a name for themselves, and all I can say is I hope they continue to make more great music.

My three favorite songs are: "Honey Bee," "Devil On Me," and "Lasting Hymn."

Here's a link to their Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/thebridgebaltimore

Until next time,
Andrew

The Best Albums of January 2011

January, ladies and gents, was a darn good month for new music. Excellent albums were everywhere. I had plenty of music to choose from for this installment of the best monthly music series. Also, looking back on this entry having already written it, I feel the need to promise I didn't know that two thirds of my list were Irish products. Hope you enjoy!

1. "Science & Faith" by The Script

If The Script were a retail store, they would be selling "Essence of Catchy." Every single song on this album is an emotional, extremely catchy and melodic song. Most of the album is about the ups and downs of love. It's not exactly a light listen - no album by this band is. But, every song on this CD is well-written and extremely well-executed. So much so, that you forget how sad the songs are sometimes, you're so swept up in the music. Buy it and blast it in your room. A side note: they're from Ireland = plus ten awesome points. 

2. "Early in the Morning" by James Vincent McMorrow

This album represents the US release of this album, which has apparently already become something of a hot item in the UK. The guy's from Ireland, which gets him ten awesome points (as a redhead, I feel obligated to give them out to Ireland-based bands, don't judge me). James Vincent McMorrow has one of the smokiest, most soulful voices that I have heard in a long time. It brings to mind Bon Iver, but McMorrow's voice is much more intimate, as is his music. Acoustic guitars, the occasional piano, wonderful lyrics, and McMorrow's heartfelt delivery make this album a hidden gem that deserves to be shone to anyone interested in a solid indie/folk album.

3. "Immersion" by Pendulum 

"Immersion" would have to be the odd man out in this group. I don't even really know how to classify it. There are vocals, yes, but they are not the main focus of this album. Instead, it is the crazy, intense, electronic melodies and beats going on behind the vocals. However, Pendulum can then completely surprise you on tracks such as "Watercolour" by lulling you with some piano before smacking you in the face with more epic electronic music. In places, the vocals themselves become a sort of instrument through autotune. All in all, this album is a huge collections of cinematic alternative/electronic songs. If you need to be pumped up for a while, put this album on your iPod and reap the benefits. 

Well, that's January! Don't think that these three are the only albums of note to come out this month. Far from it. These are just my picks, so go on iTunes and explore for yourself! I hope you enjoyed this list and, as always, I hope I've helped to point you in the direction of some new favorite music. 

It might be a few days before I can post again, just like it was a while in between posts this week (midterms are an absolute joy).

Until next time, enjoy some music :)

Andrew

3,000 Views - Thank You!

Hey all,

I just wanted to thank everyone who's been reading and checking back in every few days. We've reached 3,000 views in just a little over three months. Not bad, not bad at all!

But I'd love to have even more, who knows, maybe even get noticed on a larger scale (pipe dream, sure, but pipe dreams are all the rage). So please, tell your friends, share it on Facebook, invite people to like the Facebook page for the site. I'd appreciate it a ton.

In the meantime, I'll keep writing about music :)

Thanks always,
Andrew

"Early in the Morning" by James Vincent McMorrow

I had been behaving. I wasn't buying any new music off iTunes, I was just listening to what I had (I used to have a little bit of an obsession with buying new music). I've gotten a lot better, but when I heard the samples of this music on iTunes, I had to make an exception.

"Early in the Morning" is the perfect album to listen to while you're laying under a tree in a meadow somewhere. Don't know where one is? FIND ONE. :).

The album is about 50 minutes of absolutely wonderful, soulful acoustic folk. There's acoustic guitar, piano, and if my instincts are right.... wait for it.... I DO BELIEVE THERE'S SOME BANJO IN THERE.

The music is expertly executed; it sounds effortless, just an easy groove to sing along to in many places. In others, however, McMorrow pulls out the stops and jams in some great instrumental sections.

As great as the music is, however, the lyrics are even better. In almost each and every of his songs, McMorrow tells what sounds like a story somewhat based on his life - the songs just sound that personal and honest. They are really impossible not to invest in. Some of these songs are metaphorical (example: I think "Sparrow and the Wolf" is), and almost all of them pulse with a "small town, reflecting on the porch" feel. McMorrow might as well be in your living room with you.

Even more spectacular than the lyrics and the music is the McMorrow's voice. It's haunting, smokey awesomeness. There's not a whole lot else to say. The man's voice grabs you and doesn't let go. If I were to draw a comparison to someone else in the music world, I would say the other artist his voice resembles the most is Bon Iver, but it's smokier and more intimate, less etherial and more earthy. It's what sets this album apart. The man's also from Ireland. Just a side note, ten bonus points.

So, if you're in the mood for some good, old fashioned folksy music that will stick with you long after the last track has ended, check out this album.

My three favorite tracks are: "Sparrow and the Wolf," "We Don't Eat," and "And If My Heart Should Somehow Stop."

Here's a link to his Myspace!

http://www.myspace.com/jamesvmcmorrow

Until next time, please spread word of the blog and enjoy the music!

Andrew

"My Private Nation" by Train

Let it be said right here, before y'all go making fun of me for being a fan of Train. I was a fan years before "Hey Soul Sister" catapulted them into the public eye. The song is great, to be sure, but it's not what Train is to me.

"My Private Nation" was one of the first CDs I owned myself, and I've had a soft spot in my musical heart for it ever since. It's Train's best album in my opinion. Yes, I'll say that "Drops of Jupiter" was better than any individual song on MPR, but MPR is a better album on the whole.

It's a collection of 11 songs and 45 minutes of catchy alternative rock. Pat Monahan, the lead vocalist for the band (and really the essence of Train's sound), sings of love, loss, and hope with such raw emotion that it's impossible not to invest yourself in the songs.

Train's lyrics are not groundbreaking in their content, but they are original, heartfelt and sometimes quirky in the line to line writing of each song. From "All American Girl," which tells the funny story of a girl who is clearly out of the narrator's league ("And I know I'm just here to amuse you"), to "I'm About to Come Alive," which tells the heartbreaking story of a couple that married too young and is now stuck in a situation that drains them both--even though the man wants his wife to keep faith in him ("Don't let them be right after all that we've been through"), each song is perfect to sing along to.

As an interesting little side note, any Angels Baseball fans will recognize Train's "Calling All Angels," a song off this album that serves as the music for the Angels video montage before every game.

The verses are all well written, but what makes Train so amazing is their ability to bust out with some of the best and most consistently catchy choruses of any band I've listened to.

If you're still not convinced that they're the real deal, see them live. Monahan has a commanding stage presence and his voice soars, sounding exactly the same live as it does on a recording.

Train has released a wealth of music over the years, blending alternative rock with some funk and southern, almost country-esque rock/soul grooves. Give them a shot, and maybe you'll jump on the bandwagon that existed before it got painted all shiny with "Hey Soul Sister."

My three favorite songs on the album are "Get to Me," "Your Every Color," and "I'm About to Come Alive."

Here's a link to their Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/train

Until next time, tell your friends to check out the blog cuz I'd love some more readers! And, enjoy all the music out there :)

P.S. Look for my most promising albums of January post, coming soon!

"Science & Faith" by The Script

Yes, I know this just come out today, and yes, I'm sure it's going to be one of the most popular releases of the month. But I wanna review it, so there! I guess this can be some great music that you haven't heard yet.


The Script has for years been one of my go-to bands for an extraordinarily catchy, melancholy song. They're fun to sing along to, and the musical instrumentation that the band uses results in some of the most emotionally powerful music of any music group I've heard. The amazing vocal harmonies and falsetto of the band's frontman doesn't hurt either.

"Science & Faith" is another exercise in The Script's constant catchiness. In The Script's self-titled debut album, all the songs were very good, but there were about four powerhouses with choruses that just flat out rocked your socks. On this album, there are about eight. The choruses that these boys rock out on are infectious and impossible to skip over; they just grab on to you and don't let go.

That being said, these are not happy songs. The lyrics, though wonderfully written in my opinion, channel pain, disappointment, and loneliness. However, there is hope in this album, a faint whisper of the possibility that we are not alone in our journey through life.

The album can be interpreted as a prolonged journal entry, a sort of crying out for fellow men and women to hear you and understand what you're going through.

All I can say is, I wish there were more of this album. If they had come out with two new albums at the same time, I'd be thrilled. There is not one boring song. Every single one screams: "We are The Script, and this is why you love us." I also give them fifty points for being Irish, but that's just my own personal bias haha.

In my residence hall, people sing songs off The Script's first album all the time. Thanks to this new album, we all now have an abundance of new material to belt out to our heart's content.

My three favorite songs on the album are: "Nothing," "If You Ever Come Back," and "Exit Wounds," with the honorable mention going to "This = Love."

Here's a link to their Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/thescript

Until next time, enjoy the new music :)

Andrew

"Razia's Shadow: A Musical" by Forgive Durden

Like some other albums I put on this blog, this CD is definitely an acquired taste. The album artwork, though freakin' awesome in my opinion, should serve as a little warning of that.

Why? It's a musical, plot, narrator and all.

If you're still here, let's get to it. "Razia's Shadow" is brilliant. It's a full scale musical in terms of instrumentation, orchestra and cinematic music fills every song. That, and the songs are all incredibly diverse. Have I said it's brilliant yet?

Most notably, not one song has traditional "rock band" instrumentation. This may be surprising and a bad thing for some, but in my opinion it was extremely well done, as well as being very refreshing. The music is at times light, at times twisted, and at times majestic to the umpteenth degree.

The story is solid as well. A plethora of characters (played by various guest artists) play out a complex, sweeping plot line that takes place over the span of more than one hundred years in about an hour. It is a story of love, finding yourself, dealing with your heritage, and, ultimately, deciding who you really are and dealing with the consequences of that choice.

The plot is well thought out, and all the songs combine to make one emotional roller-coaster. The final song may very well put an apple in your throat.

If you're in the mood for a theatrical musical experience without having to spend sixty bucks on theater tickets, this is the perfect album for you. You can also listen in your pj's, something frowned upon at most theater houses, last time I checked.

This album is one of my all-time favorites. Yes, it may be partially because I'm a sucker for musicals and symphonic orchestration, but it's also because this is a bold, incredibly original and incredibly well done set of songs.

My three favorite songs on the album are: "The Missing Piece," "The Exit," and "The End and the Beginning." Honorable mention goes to "Life Is Looking Up."

A side note is that there is also a purely instrumental version of the album available for download, something I highly recommend.

Here's a link to Forgive Durden's Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/forgivedurden

Until next time, enjoy some music, try something new :)

Andrew

"Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd

Yes, most of the posts on this blog are about contemporary artists. But, that doesn't mean I don't have a soft spot in my heart for the classics.

This next album has no doubt been heard by a huge amount of people, but I'm betting that there's a large amount of college students who haven't heard it. So, if you're a person who has heard this album, I hope you think the review does it justice and if you haven't, well by golly I do believe that's the point! Moments of geek-dom aside, here we go.

The album is "Wish You Were Here," by Pink Floyd. Now, by far the most commercially popular of PF's albums is "Dark Side of the Moon." Here's a shocker: I like that album, yes, but I like this album more, and I ALSO like "Animals" more. I haven't had a chance to listen to "The Wall" yet.

"WYWH" is an airy, mournful tribute to the band's recently (at the time) deceased guitarist. The first track on the album, "Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Parts 1-5" bookends the album with "Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Parts 6-9" which is the final song on the album. It is a tribute to the fallen bandmate, with the band's new lead guitarist soloing for a huge portion of the 26 total minutes the two songs take up. The album artwork reinforces this idea, with one man in flames (I assume the dead guitarist) shaking the hand of another man, as if he is handing over the guitarist reins to the new guitarist.

You'd think that would get boring, especially since the solo essentially serves as a dirge. Wrong-o. The songs are beautiful, and they soar with a sort of otherworldly sadness that is completely captivating.

The other three tracks on the album are outstanding as well, with "Welcome to the Machine" serving as a brilliant dystopian social commentary that reminds me of George Orwell's 1984: "Welcome my son, welcome to the machine." "Have a Cigar" is the lightest song on the album (if you can call it that), and "Wish You Were Here" is a sad song meant for the deceased lead guitarist. It's mournful and touching.

The lyrics are outstandingly written, the music is in top form. But, in my opinion, the two songs that take the day are the two simplest. The two-part series of "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" is the album in a nutshell. It captures all the emotions that the other members of the band are feeling with minimal need for lyrics. It's a testament to the emotional power of one instrument.

I'm sure I'll review "Animals" at some point (it revolves around the themes in Orwell's Animal Farm), but, for now, give this album a shot. It was my first Pink Floyd album, and I immediately went out and bought two more.

Here's a link to the band's Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/pinkfloyd

Until next time, tell your friends about the blog and enjoy all the music out there.

Andrew