Arcade Fire was one of those bands that any music purist was crazy about before they became, well, Arcade Fire. They were the underground Indie group that everyone loved to love, and it was really no surprise hat they became a huge success in the mainstream world of music. Still, we music snobs like to point out frequently that we stumbled upon their music and adored them with a deep devotion before the rest of the world discovered them, handed them several Grammy awards, and therefore made concert tickets about four times more expensive.
Whenever my favorite off-the-beaten path bands produce a new album post-fame, I always get nervous for them. What if they cave in and sound mainstream? What if they lost their je ne sais quoi quality? What if they start buying $500 grudgy looking tops and skinny jeans to still look hispter but really aren't anymore? I held my breath for Arcade Fire with each album they release. Despite their success, this band refuses to lose their Indie appeal. Following their wildly successful album The Suburbs, the band just recently released their album Refelktor and Her. Good news, kids: the album is quite good. It has a bit more of a 70's flare with a dash of funk than former albums, but it's still the same great vibe that we've come to know know and love. It has a bit more sass as well, which I'm always a fan of as I'm sure any regular readers know. Be sure to check out their latest album. I've included their former albums so you can pull a marathon Arcade Fire music session if that's the way your day needs to play out. Enjoy!
It's in indisputable fact that redheads are born with an insurmountable measure of sass. My friends and I call it the "saucy minx gene" and I have no problem disclosing that I possess said trait. It should come as no surprise that I adore a song that is can only be described as cheeky and fabulous, and not too long ago, I came across a great band called the New Politics.The punk-pop group from Denmark wrote songs together for three years before moving to the United States and setting up shop in my favorite city that never sleeps. It turned out to be a good move on their part, because NYC was good to them. In 2010 their self titled album The New Politics produced the hit song "Yeah Yeah Yeah."
A couple months ago, they released their album A Bad Girl in Harlem featuring the marvelous, slightly impudent hit "Harlem." Let me tell you, I love this song. I don't know if the bad girl in Harlem is a redhead, but I'm pretty sure she has the saucy minx gene and is a handful to deal with! When the radio is bogged down by overly produced, synthed out tracks, this single is lighthearted and flippant fun.
The whole album is worth listening to, so tune in and see what you think. You can listen to both their albums here.
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It's no secret I can't stand Taylor Swift's music. I know I just committed musical heresy to girls everywhere, but I think her former albums sound trite and are like musical cotton candy. Way, way, waaaaay too sweet and lacking sustaining substance. I'll also gladly admit that I think she's an incredibly talented songwriter in many ways. She's quite talented and wildly successful. I think she's sold a bajillion records at this point or something, which is impressive to even the least inspired like me. She also taps into her own thoughts and feelings in a way that (might be TMI???) that is extremely open and honest. Perhaps it's the over saturation of fairy-tale loving, wide eyed innocence, or country twang, but I've never been able to get into her songs. Still, I believe in giving every musician a fair try (excluding Justin Bieber whom I loathe and despise for his girly eyebrows and perfect application of lipstick/lipgloss), so I listened to Swift's latest album Red.
Um, wait, what? This is Taylor Swift??? Ok, first things first: wasn't she a country music singer? I'm so confused. Second: I liked it (I was shocked) Third: is she going through identity crisis, because I felt like the genres were all over the map. ALL OVER IT. But successfully so, and in a manner worth listening to. It turns out I like a brokenhearted Taylor Swift much better than a "Romeo + Juliet" Swift. I hope she has tons more breakups with bad boys. It's so much better for her music.
Probably due to my astonishment that I am able to like a Taylor Swift song and that the album isn't a saccharine sweet tribute to love, I've decided to do a review of some individual tracks:
1. State of Grace: ok, I did not see this coming. Apparently, I'm not the only one side-swiped, because Swift sings that "I never saw you coming..." and works it into a song that sound nothing like country and everything like a catchy, trendy Indie tune. Don't know what the heck is going on here, but I like it. The song leads with driving drums and a bit of hipster vibe. I like the clever lyrics.
2. Red: Sounding more like Swift's past songs, which as basically pop tunes with a little banjo action to call it country, but again, I think this will be radio hit. It's pretty formulaic, but it's a formula that works. I didn't get into it, but it wasn't painful to listen to.
3. Treacherous: Oh, squeaky clean image, good girl Swift, we all have a run in with a bad boy at some point. You just make songs about it. In a tune that's filled with strumming guitars and pages of her diary, Swift creates a song that builds and builds to a powerful finale.
4. I Knew You Were Trouble: I hate it when singers all jump on the same idea and overkill it. Dubstep is dubstep, stop messing with it! Yes, Swift/Bieber/Rihanna, I'm talking to you. I'm sorry, she can't pull it off. I love dubstep, and it belongs many places but on a Taylor Swift album isn't one of them. Again, isn't she a country singer? Ok, whatever. I feel like this album is screaming, "I'm being experimental and I haven't even graduated from college so I have no clue who I am!!!!" OMG, get a grip. Here's the song:
5. All Too Well: After a little bit of musical schizophrenia Swift returns to her roots. Which means I do not not not like this song. I'm sure girls everywhere will have this track on repeat. It's so precious, aww. Classic Swift: guitars, finding love lyrics, sorta-country, whatever. I don't care for it, but you jump right on board if you'd like.
6. 22: oh to be young again! 22 is an ode to being in your early 20's. This song sounds so annoying to me, but I applaud the tribute to being young. It pretty accurately summarizes what it's like to be 22 in an over the top pop kind of way. Again, does Swift HAVE a style any more???
7. I Almost Do: in a EP style of simple guitar and drums, Swift struggles with post breakup regret as she fights not calling her ex. It's entirely real, entirely girl, and somehow truly sad. Swift captures what it's like to be hurt by someone but still want them back, despite who they are and what they've done. The inner emo kid in me likes sad tunes oh so much.
8. Never Getting Back Together: I begrudgingly like this song. It's so catchy, and every girl in the entire world can relate to the exhausting catch and release---and catch and release again---dating game. Allegedly (according to everyone in the world including Swift) it refers to her relationship with the oh so hottie McHotterson Jake Gyllenhael. I'm a fan of the song until the break in the music when she has a mini conversation using "like" about a hundred times in two seconds. Also, the radio is quickly over playing it. Thank you Spotify and Pandora for saving me. Side note: what is up were her PJ's and super over the top glasses?
9. Stay Stay Stay: one of the more cutesy, immature tracks on an otherwise well developing album. She disses past ex's and collapses into a fit of giggles at the end ("It's so fun!" she exclaims to the horror of my nerves)
10. Begin Again: ending the album on a more peaceful, forgiving note, Swift finds a bit of hope after all the heart break. Despite all the heart goes through, it can begin again.
It's been almost three years since the last album by The Gaslight Anthem, but they're back and here's their latest. If you're a fan of the American rock genre, this is one band that does it well. Staying true to their dash of punk and a splash of indie on the side, their latest keep the style people have come to recognize. Check out their highly anticipated album here!
The newest band I was recently introduced to is called the Lumineers. They're a folk-rock band from Colorado, and their music has this fabulous, rustic, wear-your-heart-on-your-sleeve kind of sound that gets me every time. Every time, people. It's just that good! I'm going to go out on a limb and predict this band is going to go big or go home. With a Grammy or two, that is. I am currently addicted to their entire album, particularly their song "Ho Hey" which is not the same thing as "Hey, Ho." That may or may not be how I've been announcing this great little number to friends, shouting with WILD enthusiasm, "You must listen to this new song called "Hey, Ho!" My friend: "I don't do rap. You know that." Me: "It is not rap. It's the opposite of rap. Wait, that's country. This is Indie-folk, so it's like the second opposite of rap. The opposite's cousin." Friend: "Your head-space is a strange and wondrous place." Me: Like Pan's Labyrinth. I insist you give this band a try! If you love Indie or even tolerate it, or you just want to stick it to all the rap artists out there, you need to check the Lunineers out! Unfamiliar with the group? Here are some fun facts:
The band consists of Wesley Schultz on guitar and lead vocals, Jeremiah Fraites on drums, and Neyla Pekarek on cello, mandolin, piano, and vocals. Random fact: they found Pekarek on Craigslist and added him to the band. I'm personally terrified of Craigslist, since it seems like a great place for serial killers to mingle and whatnot, but good thing it worked out for the Lumineers! Their music is described as "walking that line with an unerring gift for timeless melodies and soul-stirring lyrics." I tried to think of a better way of phrasing that, but that sentence just summed it up so well. Why mess with a good thing? This is one time a little copy-and-paste was a must. (And also for some college research papers back in the day. Shh. Don't tell...) I have no clue how they came up with the album title "Ho Hey", which I invariably and rather embarrassingly call "Hey Ho", but whatever. It's a killer album. Listen to it here, or catch them live on their tour.
This is one band who knows how to make music. Grace Potter & the Nocturnals can rock it out, and lead singer Potter's style blues and rock vocals are often reminiscent of Janis Joplin or Koko Taylor with a bit of '70s flare. For those of you who might be unfamiliar with the band, they're an American rock/blues based group who found huge international success with their third self titled album in 2010.
They recently put out their latest album The Lion & the Beast, and it's all the things I adore about this band and then some. It's easy for artists to get stuck in a sound-rut or to lost their own style in a desperate effort to get innovative, they completely forget what their original sound was at all. Grace Potter & the Nocturnals manage to successfully hold true to their unique sound, while adding a little something different to each track. Songs from the new album that you won't want to miss:
It's been an album that the band has been working on for the past year, and Maroon 5 finally released their latest called "Overexposed." According to the band, the album is "a chock-full collection of undeniable, anthemic melodies." Whatever that's supposed to mean, it's pretty obvious the band wanted to retain their new fan following, so most of the tracks follow the same dance-pop disco sounds of "Moves Like Mick Jagger" single. Adam Levine achieved huge success with his "Moves Like Mick Jagger" single, which frankly, I like for the first one or two times I heard it. Now I absolutely despise the song and blame the radio for OD my auditory senses by playing it WAY TOO MUCH. I'm not even sure what kind of moves Mick Jagger has anyways, but I do know he can't get no satisfaction.
I don't think the album is mind-blowing or contains genius material, but it's catchy and enjoyable to listen to. Will I probably forget about it by next summer? For sure. Does it make for some fun summer tracks now? Sure. Some of the better tracks are "Beautiful Goodbye" which has a bit of a reggae beat, . "Wipe Your Eyes" and "Payphone" are those classic Maroon 5 love-esque songs that they do well, while songs like "One More Night" branch out to a completely different sound. Want to judge for yourself? Check out Overexposed here:
Now, here's one new wave music band who will get you hooked to their sound. First, The Temper Trap is from Australia which instantly make me love them by merit of accent alone. Second, they've got a unique style, great vocals and a stellar blend of musicianship in every track they produce. Their last album Conditions was their debut release in 2009, and they completely won me over with their single "Sweet Disposition." I was eager to hear more from them, and at last! At last! They finally produced and released their latest album The Temper Trap.
The verdict is in: I'm a fan! The band hasn't strayed from their original sound and keeps a great mix of both electronic and Indie-rock throughout the album. Unlike many electronic influenced bands who rely more on the power of the beat to produce impact than the quality of the song itself, The Temper Trap has a range of depth via lyrics and melody as well. There are some slower songs like "I'm Gonna Wait", "Rabbit Hole" and "Dreams" that are nothing short of beautiful.
If you live in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, get excited because The Temper Trap is playing at our very own House of Blues. If you haven't purchased your ticket, go go go and get one! I'll see you there!
Oh Seattle, there's so much to love about you: a glorious skyline, outdoor fun, artsy people, and a great a downtown scene that makes you want to stay and play for a bit. Ok, so maybe Washington is known for its overcast skies and fictional residents like the Cullens, but it also has a fabulous performing arts scene. Proving its worth in the music industry, Seattle has recently delivered yet another great band called The Head & the Heart. These relatively new artists met up in 2009 and self debuted their eponymous album The Head & the Heart. Their sound is decidedly Indie folk-pop (quite a mouthful, but an accurate description), and it's as heartfelt as it is innovative.
The group of artists create their sound with a gorgeous mix of piano, violin and vocals, and they enhance their melodies with deep lyrics that will make even the most romantic heart happy and the intellectual head rejoice. The use of percussion is subtle and never distracting from the music, making for the perfect easy listening soundtrack. What I love about this group is that they do indeed mesh together that perfect balance of all that makes the head and heart work together. According to the band, "So many decisions in life and in the music we love can come down to a critical tug between the logic in our heads and the hot red blood beating through our hearts. The Head and the Heart live authentically in that crux, finding joy and beauty wedged there. Our music pulses effervescently—both explosively danceable and intuitively intelligent. With Americana roots and strong vocal harmonics that swell like a river, this band finds its anchor in solid songwriting that has even the jaded humming along by the second listen."
If you're unfamiliar with The Head and the Heart, expect to hear more of them as they continue their speedy rise to becoming a well-known name. The band has hooked up with other Indie Musians open for Vampire Weekend, My Morning Jacket, Death and other great artists, but they've gained more attention and now headline for themselves. Be sure to check out their album here, or their tour dates to catch their latest show!
Adam Lambert is nothing if not entertaining, but he also knows how to do music. Even though he's a product of the squeaky-clean, main stream show American Idol, he successfully broke the mold and did his own thing. Since his discovery on the show, his sound has developed something very closely akin to modern day Prince or Queen. I'm not saying he's on level with those greats---few are, let's be real---but he's holding his own for sure. In his new album Trespassing, his sound has a lot of club-esque, high energy, fist pumping tunes that make you wanna dance-dance-dance! There's more use of electronic undertones and sassy overtones than in his previous album, and it works. He successfully contrasts this NYC underground party with some very deep, emotional songs like Runnin', Chokehold, and Outlaws of Love.
Adam Lambert has proven he deserves his place in the music arena, and he's delivering tunes that make me want to keep listen. On the whole, I enjoyed the album. It's that summer album that I love, because it's perfect for cruising around with the windows down and jamming to a great driving beat, or for that boat party that needs some high intensity tunes. Songs I'm going for: Trespassing, Kickin' In, Runnin', Check out his album here:
Maybe I have a bit of a maverick streak, but I really favor bands that are unknown and not on the top 20 Billboards. I consider Beiber Fever very closely akin to the Plague that wiped out most of Europe, and I'm still trying to figure out why Miley Cyrus is considered a singer. With that caveat, I'm going to throw at you super-star Norah Jones' new album "Little Broken Hearts". That's right, this is happening. Mainstream but fabulous! Let's get one thing straight, I loved Norah Jones before she was Norah Jones: sensation of the music world and winner of a giant heap of Grammys. Her songs have this quality of getting inside and rearranging my thoughts a bit so that life, love, and a rainy day make more sense. Her voice has that amazing vintage, soulful quality of Billy Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, while still being completely contemporary and achieving her own style and sound.
Jones' new album just got released, and I listened to it non-stop on it's release date. It.Is.Fabulous. People who love her past albums won't be disappointed; rather, they'll be moved by the added depth and character Norah Jones has infused into her songs. The music is decidedly dedicated to more heartache than her past albums, but sadness suites Jones' music well. It turns out, she can do melancholy with the same comfortable beauty that she does a love song. You can listen to the whole album for free here. In the meantime, catch some of her songs here.
