Noteworthy Artist: Andrew Bird

What do you get when you mix a bit of pre-war jazz, a dash of gypsy folk-rock and a side of baroque pop? The whimsical sound of Andrew Bird. In a style that is pure pleasantries and the essence of simple joys, Bird creates music that is just, well, fun. I love the use of guitars and fiddles throughout each album. People say music takes you places, and I absolutely agree. Bird's music takes you to a place that conjures the same feelings are true-blue skies, open meadows, and that perfect day that knows how to hide away from the stress of everyday life.

As a child, Bird was heavily influenced by classical music, Irish tunes and bluegrass. The American singer-songwriter has a degree in violin performance, and his early self-released album Music of Hair showcased both his violin skills and his love for European folk traditions and music. He later join the band Bowl of Fire but left the group in 2003 to radically reinvent himself and his art. He's known for his free-flowing improvisation at concerts and his ability to play multiple instruments throughout shows. Bird's latest album Break It Yourself is a fine realization of his talent as both a musician, singer, and song-writer. Listen to his albums here:

XOXO

Camie

New Album Review: Pines by A Fine Frenzy

I remember when Alison Sudol first hit the musical scene with her album "One Cell in the Sea" featuring hits like "Almost Lover" and "Ashes and Wine." Her whimsical, melodic ballads had all the magical ingredients of coffee-shop reveries and indie-kids background tunes. Intelligent, wistful with just the right tinge of something sad and something sweet, her first album quickly won me over. Oh, and a random fun fact: the name A Fine Frenzy was taken from one of my favorite Shakespeare plays A Midsummer's Night Dream. It's an appropriate name, because Sudol's style is an artsy dreamscape for the listening ear.

While I was less inspired by her second album "Bomb in a Birdcage", Sudol still proved her staying powers as a singer-songwriter. I was really curious to see how her latest album "Pines" would play out (literally and figuratively) and I was pleasantly surprised. It's obvious Sudol has grown up and experienced more of the world. A heavier tone of sorrow is woven throughout the album. I found something very powerful and meaningful in this album. It wrenched at my heart in a way her last album failed to do. While there's definitely more depth to her latest work, Sudol also spins out brighter, livelier tunes like "Now Is the Start." One last review that has nothing to do with music: while I might be partial to red hair, I think she look sooo fabulous as a redhead. I'm not into this new do at all, but fortunately it's not effecting her music;) Check out her latest album and listen to A Fine Frenzy's past albums as well!

XOXO

Camie

 

Concert Review: M83 at the Palladium Ballroom

Some people are wine critics or food connoisseur. While I enjoy my glass of red wine and delicious new entree at the hottest, happening restaurants in Dallas, I simply prefer to indulge in music. The DFW area is always hopping with concerts, and so my man and I try to frequent as many as we can. We recently went to the M83 concert at the Palladium Ballroom, and it was AMAZING!!!!!! We were neck deep in hipsters and emo kids, and I loved every second of it! 

M83 is a phenomenal new wave revival band, with a fresh and surprisingly soulful electronically driven sound. While the band's lates album sports plenty of gorgeous, introspective ballads, they also have a mix of interstellar jams. They're even better live, which can be a rare thing for a music group that relies heavily on synthetic sounds. In addition to rocking the stage, there was an accompanying light show that basically rocked everyone's senses. "Midnight City" is the band's biggest hit, and it was oh so wonderful to hear live! The live saxophone mixed with the driving beats was a blend that ended up being perfection. Two of my all time favorite songs of the evening were "We Own The Sky" and "Wait." If you haven't heard it before, I highly recommend it! Check it M83's album Hurry Up, We're Dreaming here:

XOXO

Camie

New Album Review: Babel by Mumford & Sons

Let's just say time does indeed fly when you're having fun, and I've been having a non-stop parade of wonderful experiences that have kept me oh so happy, but far too busy to blog. Trips to Chicago, Austin and abroad have satisfied my wanderlust but made it difficult to fit in music reviews:) Plus, fall is always a busy time for DFW Music Studio as students get back into the swing of things. My man and I just got back from my birthday trip to Belize, Cozumel, and St. Lucia, and we threw in a road trip to New Orleans for good measure. I'm a road trip fanatic, and my DJ skills make up for my overwhelming lack of navigating skills. M&S new album came out just in time for my Libra birthday month, so I got to listen to the entire album (ummm, several times, much to my mister's chagrin) as we made our way to New Orleans. The verdict: absolutely BRILLIANT! M&S didn't disappoint at all!!! Hooray!

Keeping with the same glorious folk sound that brought English folk music to the spotlight in a big way, the music and lyrics are rich and meaningful. While the sound is distinctly true to M&S, each song is refreshingly unique and doesn't sound like a giant repeat of their first hit album. Whether or not you're a fan of the band, it's a pretty big accomplishment to reach an audience so wide that their music is even played on progressive rock stations that spin out tunes by 9 Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson.

The album contains a fabulous mix of fast tunes as well as heartfelt slower songs. I know there's a lot of action with mandolins and banjos, but those boys can rock my face off. The band has been on a relentless touring schedule, and the road has definitely influenced their sound. With an added edge of brightness and energy, many songs capture the energy and high that comes from touring the world. But there's also the sense of longing for stability and companionship that create heavier emotions in this album. Songs like "My Love Don't Fade" and "Ghosts We Knew" express the pain of going through difficult times and needing support. A true gem on the album is "Lover of the Light" which is played with such gusto and emotion that it's obvious the band threw all they had at the track. There wasn't a single song I didn't enjoy, so I have to say: bravo, Mumford & Sons! Listen to their album here:

XOXO

Camie