"Light Chasers" by Cloud Cult

I'm a big fan of concept albums, albums that operate along some sort of narrative storyline or theme. One such album is "Light Chasers" by Cloud Cult. Sci-fi fans rejoice, it's all about a society that has taken to space in order to find a new place to live. And with that theme comes all sorts of great opportunity for lyrics of exploration, hope and loss. And Cloud Cult delivers.

Now, a disclaimer. The lead singer for Cloud Cult does not have a great voice. It can sounds strained at times and his range is limited. But I've always thought that a raw voice can be improved if he or she is passionate with delivery. And man, this guy delivers his lyrics so earnestly that I don't really care that he doesn't have a great voice.

Beyond that, you're not listening to the album for his voice. You're listening for the orchestration (which is brilliantly symphonic and epic in some places and delicate in others) and the lyrics (which really are great). When all is said and done, you will have heard a great album that tells a story. As such, this isn't an album you can listen to on a track-by-track basis. In my opinion, you need to listen to this album in its entirety.

Some highlights on the album are "Unexplainable Stories," the epic first song on the album and "You Were Born," which has the most touching lyrics on the entire album.

They've got a bunch of music over on the new Myspace, so check it out!

And as always, enjoy the music.

Andrew

It's Good to Be Back - "Diluvia" by Freelance Whales

Well, it's been more than a year and a half since I last posted! I had to take a break from the blog in order to be an editor for my school paper and then I studied abroad, but I'm back and ready to keep writing about Great Music You Haven't Heard! Thank you to everyone who visited the blog while I was away, and I look forward to even more readers finding their way to the site.

I thought it'd be appropriate for me to re-start my blog with the new Freelance Whales album, since their first album "Weathervanes" was one of my first posts for this blog! "Diluvia" is an exercise in purely pretty music - it's not necessarily as focused on narrative and lyricism as "Weathervanes" is in my opinion (not that the lyrics of this album are bad). But that's okay. Instead, it focuses more on soundscapes; warm washes of sound under rising and falling vocal hooks. Listen to the first track off the album, "Aeolus," and you'll see what I mean. It's got a simple riff from the beginning and it gradually builds to include ethereal backing vocals and all-around greatness.

Another particularly great song is "DNA Bank," which clocks in at about seven and a half minutes. Picking favorites off this album is a bit of a futile exercise, though. This is definitely an album best listened to in one sitting — and believe me, you'll want to.

Head over the the new Myspace (which decided to get awesome in the time I was away) and check out their page. Here's the link: https://new.myspace.com/freelancewhales/music/albums.

Bear with me as I get back into the swing of things, and I'm looking forward to posting more and more often! As always, enjoy the music :)

Andrew

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