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MARCY PLAYGROUND

MP3

 

1.

Spoonfed

2.

Blood in Alphabet Soup

3.

No One's Boy

4.

Hotter Than The Sun

5.

Rock And Roll Heroes

6.

Jesse Went To War

7.

Flag And Finger

8.

Deadly Handsome Man

9.

Punk Rock Superstar

10.

Paper Dolls

11.

Death Of A Cheerleader

12.

Brand New Day

13.

Sleepy Eyes

14.

Barfly

 

 
 

Five years in the making, MP3 is a mixture of new creations and archived songs salvaged from a flood in John Wozniak's (lead singer/songwriter/producer) basement studio.  The result is a pretty eclectic mix of songs, but all with Marcy Playground's sonic intricacies (enhanced with a good amount of strings and keys) and challenging lyrics that fans have come to expect. Themes range from isolationism (Spoonfed, Rock And Roll Heroes) to the desire for/pitfalls of fame (Hotter Than The Sun, Punk Rock Superstar) to some strong social commentary (Death Of A Cheerleader, Flag And Finger) All are tempered with a tongue-in-cheek attitude throughout.  It changes daily, but my current favorite track, 'Death Of A Cheerleader' (co-written with Chris Temple, formerly with the band, Lincoln), bops along with the chorus sung in cheerleader style "B-E-A-G-G-R-E-S-S-I-V-E" while reflecting on the tragedy with lyrics like, "Nobody doubted/The future was vast/No one noticed she grew up so fast/IRAs a shame the futures a thing of the past."  Every song offers something unique that you can't wait to hear again and again.

 

Highlights: Death Of A Cheerleader, Hotter Than The Sun, Barfly
Rating:

 


 

MATT NATHANSON

AT THE POINT

 

1.

Decade Of Hits

2.

Angel

3.

I Saw

4.

Church Clothes

5.

Curve Of The Earth

6. Princess
7. A Line From 'Lie'
8. Bent
9. All Been Said Before
10. Lost Myself In Search Of You
11. Romeo & Juliet

12.

St. Louis Pants

13.

Fall To Pieces

14.

More Than This

15.

Philadelphia Song

16.

Answering Machine

17.

Suspended

 

 
 

“Philadelphia: the sunshine state” – that’s the kind of non-sequiter you find yourself muttering at the end of one of Matt Nathanson’s live shows.  No, you’re not crazy, just reliving a special moment that falls into the category, “you had to be there.”  Now with At The Point, you can share the fun, and reason behind your unusual behavior, with your friends and relations. 

A long time coming, At The Point does a great job capturing the essential elements of Matt Nathanson in concert.  His recipe for a good time is a concoction of stellar songwriting, aggressive guitar styling, devastating humor (often self-deprecating) and certain flashes of anger (at himself, past relationship, stupid guy in the audience, etc.) that make for an unforgettable evening.  At The Point’s set list is a surprisingly diverse mix of songs from Nathanson’s five full-length CDs and one EP.  Many of the songs are concert staples (‘Answering Machine,’ ‘Church Clothes,’ ‘More Than This’), but each one seems to offer a little something special for this occasion.  One unique feature is the fact that Nathanson was fighting a serious upper respiratory infection during the recording of these songs, giving his voice a bit more of a sexy edge than his studio albums, marking the occasion in an odd, but satisfying way.

Although there are numerous live recordings floating around the strong and loyal community of Nathansonites, At The Point encapsulates the roller coaster ride that is a night with Nathanson, enhanced by having that perpetually screaming girl, gratefully, mixed out.  There is just enough crowd noise and banter to experience the easy give-and-take that Nathanson does so well as his audience is interspersed with a collection of songs (including an improvised one) that highlight the emotional range and intelligence of this very talented guy.

 

 

Highlights:

Curve Of The Earth, Romeo & Juliet, A Line From ‘Lie’

Rating:

 


 

MATTHEW RYAN

FROM A LATE NIGHT HIGH-RISE

 

1.

Follow the Leader

2.

And Never Look Back

3.

Babybird

4.

Gone For Good

5.

Providence

6. Misundercould
7. Everybody Always Leaves
8. All Lit Up
9. Love Is The Silence
10. Victory Waltz
11. June Returns For July
12. The Complete Family
   

 

 
 

Matthew Ryan has one of the most unique singing voices I’ve ever heard.  Reminiscent of Tom Waits, it’s got a throaty, guttural quality that listeners immediately respond to.  Take it or leave it, it’s what sets Ryan apart from many of the other singer/songwriters on the indie music scene these days.

And as distinct as his voice is, the lyrics and messages contained within From a Late Night High-Rise separate him from the crowd even further.  Written after two tragedies in his life (the death of a close friend and the sentencing of his brother to 30 years in prison), Ryan draws from deep inside himself to create a CD that is personal and reflective while also being accessible and universal.   

From the haunting first notes of ‘Follow the Leader’ the mood of the CD is set… dark, reflective, and somber.  As the songs progress, Ryan provides an unflinching glimpse at his struggles.  Lyrics like “I’m looking for you / I’ve been haunted / By all that I can’t have” and “And I’ll do what I must / To kill your memory” illustrate his pain.  And watch out for ‘The Complete Family’… it might just bring a tear to your eye.  Yet, no matter how personal the stories might be, they are themes we can all relate to.  We’ve all experienced loss in one form or another so Ryan’s messages are familiar.

But it’s not all gloom and doom.  In the midst of these heady thoughts are upbeat and catchy hooks that take hold.  You might tap your foot along to ‘And Never Look Back’ or rock out to ‘Misundercould.’  But don’t let the brightness of those melodies fool you; the lyrics aren’t exactly sunny. 

 

 

Highlights:

And Never Look Back, Everybody Always Leaves

Rating:

 


 

MODEST MOUSE

GOOD NEWS FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE BAD NEWS

 

1.

Horn Intro

2.

The World At Large

3.

Float On

4.

Ocean Breathes Salty

5.

Dig Your Grave

6.

Bury Me With It

7.

Dance Hall

8.

Bukowski

9.

This Devil's Workday

10.

The View

11.

Satin in A Coffin

12.

Interlude (Milo)

13.

Blame it On The Tetons

14.

Black Cadillacs

15.

One Chance

16.

The Good Times Are Killing Me

 

 
 

After hearing positive things about Modest Mouse for a number of years now from reliable sources, I finally decided to find out for myself.  I wasn't disappointed.  The horn intro, compliments of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, certainly catches your attention and then pretty much takes you for a roller coaster ride.  I've read about the instability of writer/lead singer Issac Brock's personality, which must account for a great deal of the mix of sounds, tempos, and moods, happening all over the record.  A short list of instruments used includes: guitar, piano, banjo, horns, pump organ and glockenspiel. However, the songs live happily together in their Sybil-like world due to Brock's interestingly dark take on the world.  My favorite song (at the moment), 'Burrows,' questions the meaning of life and faith with lyrics like, "If God controls the land and disease/Keeps a watchful eye on me/If he's really so damn mighty/ My problem is that I cant see/ Well, who'd wanna be/ Who'd wanna be such a control freak?" - with banjo, accordion and upright bass keeping your foot tapping along.  As I listen more, I'm finding something intriguing about every song.  This CD has certainly whetted my appetite for more Mouse, but I have a feeling that this one will remain my favorite.

 

 

Highlights: Bukowski, The World At Large, One Chance
Rating:

 


 

MUTUAL ADMIRATION SOCIETY

SELF-TITLED

 

1.

Comes A Time

2.

Sake Of The World

3.

Windmills

4.

Be Careful

5.

Running Out

6.

Somewhere Out There

7.

Francesca

8.

Trouble

9.

La Lune

10.

Reprise

11.

Think About Your Troubles

 

 
 
If I could use only one word to describe the Mutual Admiration Society CD, a collaboration of Glen Phillips (ex Toad the Wet Sprocket), Sara Watkins, Sean Watkins, and Chris Thile (all of Nickel Creek), it would be beautiful. And while that pretty much sums it up, I'm glad I have more words than that.  Recorded in just over six days in December 2000, it's taken almost four years for this CD to see the light of day.  For most fans of Glen Phillips and Nickel Creek, the result is worth the wait. The CD opens with 'Comes A Time,' a slow-tempo tune, laced with mandolin and violin, and haunting vocals from Phillips.  When the quartet belts out, "Sweet surrender, oh my Lord" on the bridge, you might just get goose bumps.  While some consider the song too slow, I think it sets the tone for the rest of the CD:  quiet, thoughtful, and beautiful.  On 'Windmills,' a remake of an old Toad favorite, Sara adds stellar harmonies and violin that complete the song, which I hadn't realized was missing anything until I heard this arrangement.  While many of the tracks are mellow and evoke meaningful images, MAS steps away from that in 'Think About Your Troubles,' (written by Harry Nilsson), which tells the story of the lifecycle of a teardrop, a metaphor for self-pity.  While Phillips sings lead on all the vocal tracks, fans of instrumentals will be pleased to hear 'Running Out' and 'Reprise,' featuring the strong musicianship of Sara, Sean, and Chris.

I waited a long time to hear this CD and love it.  Phillips' vocals paired with the harmonies and instruments of Nickel Creek make for a multi-layered, emotional CD.  I'm excited to see the group on tour in August.  Hopefully the mutual admiration will lead to at least one more CD.

 

Highlights: Trouble, Comes A Time, Francesca
Rating:

 

 
 

 

NADA SURF

THE WEIGHT IS A GIFT

 

1.

Concrete Bed

2.

Do It Again

3.

Always Love

4.

What Is Your Secret?

5.

Your Legs Grow

6.

All Is a Game

7.

Blankest Year

8.

Comes a Time

9.

In The Mirror

10.

Armies Walk

11.

Imaginary Friends

 
 
 

After signing with the Barsuk label and releasing the 2003 hit, Let Go, Nada Surf joined the ranks of other hip indie acts like Death Cab for Cutie and John Vanderslice.  If Let Go left any doubt that the band fits right in with the label, The Weight Is a Gift erases all of them.  Guided by the trademark falsetto of lead singer, Matthew Caw, and packed with universal themes of growing up, questioning clichés, and coming to terms with oneself, this album could challenge any of those offered up by their indie peers.

From the first notes, the tempo and mood of the CD is set:  up-tempo and hopeful.  From ‘Concrete Bed’ through ‘Imaginary Friends’ the band spins tales of sorrow and sadness, but lyrically stress that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.   “Maybe this weight was a gift/Like I had to see what I could lift.”  The arrangements and instrumentation throughout the set are so instantly catchy and fun, that it’s easy to overlook some lyrical slips (“To find someone you love/You gotta be someone you love”).  ‘Blankest Year’ is a pop gem and must have some industry folks pounding their fists:  while it’s a radio hit in the making, the “Fuck it”s make it unplayable. 

While the rockin’ songs are what Nada Surf is best known for, it’s on the slower, more melancholy songs that they really shine.  On ‘Comes a Time’ and ‘Your Legs Grow,’ Caws vocals paired with lush orchestration and harmonies move the CD beyond your typical offering from a pop/rock band.  And its during these songs when the production of Chris Walla (Death Cab for Cutie) is at it's best.

 
 
Highlights:

Always Love, Your Legs Grow, In the Mirror

Rating:

 


 

NICKEL CREEK

WHY SHOULD THE FIRE DIE?

 

1.

When In Rome

2.

Somebody More Like You

3.

Jealous of the Moon

4.

Scotch & Chocolate

5.

Can't Complain

6.

Tomorrow is a Long Time

7.

Eveline

8.

Stumptown

9.

Anthony

10.

Best of Luck

11.

Doubting Thomas

12.

First and Last Waltz

13.

Helena

14.

Why Should the Fire Die?

 

 
 

It’s always interesting to see a band evolve over several years.  When I first heard Nickel Creek’s self-titled CD release in 2000, they were primarily a bluegrass band.  By 2002’s This Side, the band had grown to include more complex arrangements and vocals; they were also pushing beyond the bluegrass genre, much to the dismay of some.  But the release of Why Should the Fire Die? shows just how much they have changed in five years.  With influences ranging from jazz to pop to rock to classical, Why Should the Fire Die? overflows with lyrical and instrumental highlights that extend beyond any individual genre.

It’s obvious from the first edgy notes on ‘When in Rome,’ that this Nickel Creek is a grown-up version of the one we came to love in 2000.  Chock full of minor chords, this track uses a bass and "stomps" as percussion instruments. When Thile’s lyrics are added, the end results are captivating.  The hard-hitting ‘Best of Luck’ is yet another step away from their bluegrass background.  With Sarah Watkins providing lead vocals, the track offers a glimpse into how hard Nickel Creek can rock.

Long gone are the songs of lighthouses and foxes.  In their place are tales of heartbreak, adultery, and sadness, as evidenced by Sean Watkins on ‘Somebody More Like You,’ “I hope you meet someone your height/so you can see eye to eye/with someone as small as you.”  The theme continues on ‘Can’t Complain,’ where Thile professes, “I cheated on her with a friend of mine/there are no days when we don’t fight/but remember that I warned her and I’m a guy/so she can’t complain.”

The tales of relationships gone wrong culminate on ‘Helena,’ in which Thile sings of a guy ending an affair. Sung from the man’s perspective, the track opens with a light-hearted mandolin trying to convince the woman (Helena) that this man’s heart is breaking because he feels he can’t leave his girlfriend.  As the tempo picks up and Helena realizes that he is just trying to keep her from telling his girlfriend of the affair, she begins to walk away.  It is then that Thile yells, “Go ahead and tell her anything you want/'cause Helena, guys like me never sleep alone at night."

 

 

Highlights: Somebody More Like You, Helena, Anthony 
Rating:

 


 

NICOLAI DUNGER

HERE'S MY SONG, YOU CAN HAVE IT... I DON'T WANT IT ANYMORE

 

1.

My Time Is Now

2.

Hunger

3.

slaves (We're Together Like)

4.

Someone New

5.

White Wild Horses

6. Tel Me
7. Country Lane
8. Way Up High
9. The Year of the Love And The Hurt Cycle
10. Harp's Coming In
11. ...and Falling Out
   

 

 
 

This is the 7th full-length album from this Swedish sensation, born out of the pain of a romantic break-up and the death of his mom.  Not surprisingly, the lyrics are pretty damn solemn.  In ‘Wild White Horses,’ Dunger pleads with his listener, “So won't you please do this/Take away my sadness/Wipe away this blues in here, take it away.”  Dunger sings these sad, sad lyrics with a passionate voice that ranges from guttural to falsetto and sets him apart from his co-horts.

While there is an underlying current of melancholy throughout, the musical styles are all over the map – from pop (‘Hunger’) to jazz (‘Slaves We’re Together) to orchestral (‘Someone New,’ ‘Harp’s Coming In’).  It’s as if you were watching snippets from 11 different art-house movies. Individually, the songs are all very well crafted and intriguing.  However, as a collection of songs, the experience is a bit disconcerting.  This can probably be explained by Dunger’s collaboration with the experimental/psych rock band, Mercury Rev (acting as his backing band on this recording) known for their innovative song arrangements and penchant for chaos, both in their music and in their band’s line-up.

It seems like Dunger is the kind of artist that other musicians love to love, and want to work with.  For the casual music fan, it takes a bit more time to fully appreciate his talent

 

 

Highlights:

Slaves (We’re Together Like), Tell Me, Hunger

Rating:

 

 

 

OK GO

OH NO

 

1.

Invincible

2.

Do What You Want

3.

Here It Goes Again

4.

A Good Idea at the Time

5.

Oh Lately It's So Quiet

6.

It's a Disaster

7.

A Million Ways

8.

No Sign of Life

9.

Let It Rain

10.

Crash the Party

11

Television, T elevision

12.

Maybe, This Time

13.

The House Wins

 

 
 

This is high energy, dance beat infused, modern pop music from a group of musicians who seem to be enjoying themselves a great deal.  Initially, Chicago – based OK Go made their name with their song, ‘Get Over It.’  Instead of simply repeating their success, the band spent the past three years working on their sophomore effort, rejecting over 60 songs in the process.  To ensure avoiding the sophomore slump that many modern bands suffer from, the band turned to producer, Tore Johansson who worked his power pop magic with Franz Ferdinand. Love it or hate it, Johansson knows how to channel a lot of energy into a 4-minute song.

Oh No is a combination of dance rhythms with post punk guitar beats.  While the first three songs are disappointingly similar, the rest of the album offers up some refreshing diversity.  Because of strong rhythmic music, the lyrics tend to get downplayed which is unfortunate since they are just as satisfying as ones by Fountains of Wayne or Weezer.  One of the best examples is on the song ‘Maybe, This Time,’ “In the valley of intent and deed, you must have mastered this, the fragile art of a good excuse, the little things that get you to believe.”  But, the message that ‘Oh No’ leaves with the listener is just how fun modern music can be.  Do yourself a favor and watch the band’s video for their first single, ‘A Million Ways.’  I wouldn’t be too quick to challenge OK Go to a group band dance off!

 

 

Highlights:

The House Wins, A Million Ways. A Good Idea at the Time

Rating:

 

 
 

 

PATRICK PARK

LONELINESS KNOWS MY NAME

 

1.

Thunderbolt

2.

Honest Skrew

3.

Sons Of Guns

4.

Nothing's Wrong

5.

Your Smile's A Drug

6.

Something Pretty

7.

Silver Girl

8.

Desperation Eyes

9.

Past Poisons

10.

Bullets By The Door

11.

Home For Now
 
 
 
Just when you think the male singer/songwriter genre is saturated, soon arrives a pleasant surprise. With his major label debut CD, Patrick Park has a familiar, yet refreshing, voice that begs attention. His voice is reminiscent of Semisonic's Dan Wilson and his songwriting ability akin to Jeff Buckley. Park has the ability to express feelings of despair and longing with a touch of humor and sarcasm that makes it so inviting. The music is also a blend of traditional Americana rock with harmonica and finger picked guitar with lush string arrangements that come in at just the right moment. The best example of this musical marriage is 'Your Smile's A Drug.' The song starts out with quiet, acoustic guitar (reminding me of Matt Nathanson's 'Angel') that morphs into a soaring arrangement of strings and drums. Along with the musical arrangement, Your Smile's A Drug' boasts some of Park's best lyrics, "When I say it'll be alright/I'll be a risky bet/Cuz I'm about as good as I'm gonna get/These chains are tight/And the courage that I showed left a long time ago."  Park is, easily, the best bet if you are looking for something new for your CD collection.
 

 

Highlights: Your Smile's A Drug, Thunderbolt, Something Pretty
Rating:

 


 

PATTY GRIFFIN

IMPOSSIBLE DREAM

 

1.

Love Throws A Line

2.

Cold As it Gets

3.

Kite Song

4.

Standing

5.

Useless Desires

6.

Top Of The World

7.

Rowing Song

8.

When It Doesn't Come Easy

9.

Florida

10.

Mother Of God

11.

Icicles

 

 
 

Best described as "gloomy folk," sadness reigns in Patty Griffin's latest collection of songs. Introduced to her music by cover versions sung by male singers, I trusted in her songwriting abilities, but wasn't sure I'd warm to her country music background. The songs combine elements of country music and traditional spirituals - neither being typical to my liking. However, Griffin's voice has an undeniably beautiful, heart-breaking quality. And, her lyrics are thought provoking, story telling and painfully honest.

As a listener, I'm still drawn more to the more accessible, mid-tempo songs such as 'Useless Desires.'  But, I can appreciate the overtly spiritual tunes such as 'Top of the World' (fading out with a recording of her parents singing, acapella, a bit of the song, 'Impossible Dream') since they are sung with so much honesty and heart. As it was in the beginning, Griffin's lyrics are the things that stick with me the most, such as, "In the middle of the night/The world turns with all its might/A little diamond colored blue/In the middle of the night/We keep sending little kites/Until a little light gets through" from the quiet, piano-driven ballad, 'Kite Song.'

 

Highlights: Kite Song, Useless Desires, Florida
Rating:

 


 

PETER BRADLEY ADAMS

GATHER UP

 

1.

Unreconciled

2.

Teresa

3.

Lay Your Head Down

4.

One Foot Down

5.

Chant

6. Little Stranger
7. Upside Down
8. He Sang
9. Queen Of Hearts
10. Gather Up
11. One Picture
   

 

 
 

Some readers might remember the group eastmountainsouth, who released a fabulous self-titled CD a few years ago.  After the demise of that duo, Peter Bradley Adams, the male vocal of the pair, embarked on a solo career.  Following a well-received EP, Gather Up is a full-length CD that capitalizes on the acoustic sound, paired with a female voice, which first put him on the map.

On this collection, Adams turns to folky songs that speak of the joy and hope that go hand-in-hand with heartbreak and loss.  After all, is it really possible to have one without the other?   These stories are the perfect backdrop for Adams’ wispy voice and haunting keyboard accompaniment.  Bouncing between light-hearted tunes (‘One Foot Down’) and slower, more melancholy melodies (‘Little Stranger’), the compilation quickly takes on a comfortable, peaceful feel, reinforced by sparse strings and quiet harmonies.

Unfortunately for long-time fans of Adams who may have purchased his previously released EP, beware that all of the songs on that collection appear here, meaning you’re only getting four new songs.  Granted, the songs have been reworked for this offering, but they aren’t truly new.  We wish Adams had strayed a little further from his previous effort and given fans a fresh batch of songs.

 

 

Highlights:

One Foot Down, Upside Down, Unreconciled

Rating:

 

 
 
 
Q
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

RACHEL SAGE

THE BLISTERING SUN

 

1.

Alright, OK

2.

Featherwoman

3.

93 Maidens

4.

Wildflower

5.

Violet Or Blue

6. Lonely Streets
7. Older
8. Hit Song
9. Burning Witch
10. Paperplane
11. Proof
12. Surprise
13. Anything, Anywhere
14. C'mon Over
15. Calypso
   

 

 
 

Rachael Sage is a force to be reckoned with on the indie music scene.  She’s a singer, songwriter, producer, record label owner (Mpress Records), and player of instruments most people can’t even pronounce.  Coming off a win at the 2005 Independent Music Award for the Best Folk/AAA artist, she is riding high and garnering attention from critics, radio, and music lovers across the country.  But, don’t let the ‘folk’ title scare you.  On The Blistering Sun, Sage shows that she’s more than a woman with an acoustic guitar.  She has some ‘rock’ in her that she isn’t afraid to let out at the right time

Listening to The Blistering Sun is like spending a day at an amusement park.  Each song is a different ride with its own personality and feel.  While tracks like ‘Proof’ and ‘Anything Anywhere’ are like a ride on a carousel (slow and leisurely), others like ‘Alright, OK’ and ‘Wildflower’ are a trip on a roller coaster (upbeat, tempo changes, quick turns).  But whatever song is playing, there’s always a happy surprise.  Whether it’s an unexpected trumpet appearance, a brief flute section, or a cello solo, the listener never knows what’s coming next, but you can count on it being fantastic.

 

 

Highlights:

Alright, OK, Featherwoman, Anything Anywhere

Rating:

 


 

RED HEART THE TICKER

FOR THE WICKED

 

1.

For The Wicked

2.

Go-Cart Thrills

3.

Racing Stripe Winter

4.

Steel Toe Drinking

5.

Where Are You Nashville

6. Pilot Eyes
7. Slightly Under Water
8. Blinking
9. Leather Boots
10. Gravestone
11. Depression
12. Jackknives
13. One Last Tear
14. Drinking Cup
   

 

 
 

For Red Heart the Ticker’s duo of Robin MacArthur and Tyler Gibbons, musical collaboration seems to be pure destiny.  Both MacArthur’s and Gibbon’s formative years were spent surrounded by myriad musical styles from folk to rock to classical.  High school friends, and now betrothed, MacArthur and Gibbons moved to the wilds of Vermont to build themselves a cabin and write songs.  For The Wicked is the result of this creative time together. 

With songs titles like ‘Depression,’ ‘One Last Tear,’ and ‘Gravestone,’ it’s not altogether surprising that RHTT’s music tends toward the somber and moody end of the musical spectrum.  Not that you can’t find faster paced, hooky songs in this collection such as ‘Go-Cart Thrills’ and ‘Racing Stripe Winter.’   However, both MacArthur’s and Gibbon’s voices are finely suited to quieter, more finessed notes.  While a 14-song debut CD may seem ambitious, a couple of the tunes come in under a minute in length.  One of the most intriguing songs, ‘Slightly Under Water,’ is mainly an instrumental with just a few thoughtful lyrics used as a bridge between a bluegrass/folk tune that successfully morphs into a classic rock sound.  In fact, there are plenty of interesting elements in this collection (lyrically, sonically, atmospherically) letting the listener discover something new during each successive pass.

 

 

Highlights:

Leather Boots, Slightly Under Watcr, Drinking Cup

Rating:

 

 
 

 

SAM ROBERTS

WE WERE BORN IN A FLAME

 

1.

Hard Road

2.

Don't Walk Away Eileen

3.

Brother Down

4.

Where Have All The Good People Gone?

5.

Taj Mahal

6.

Every Part Of Me

7.

Higher Learning

8.

Rarified

9.

On The Run

10.

No Sleep

11.

This Wreck Of A Life

12.

Dead End

13.

Paranoia

 
 

If you've spent any time listening to Canadian radio in the past year, you already know about Sam Roberts. He cleaned up at the 2004 Juno's (Canada's version of the Grammy's) winning for artist, album and rock album of the year, along with tons of airplay for his debut single, 'Brother Down.'

Being new to Roberts' music, I've enjoy discovering this young, talented artist who seems to have learned a lot about writing and arranging from a wide variety of influences such as The Beatles, The Smiths and The Tragically Hip. His debut full-length CD, We Were Born In A Flame, houses a collection of hooky songs, which all feel quite retro. His lyrics are emotional and intriguing without being too clever. In fact, the songs seem so familiar that it takes a few listens to catch all of the nuances. The arrangements are classic rock with tinges of orchestral influences, with Roberts playing all but drums on the record (including violin that he began playing at age 4). While the diverse style and sound of the songs may turn off some listeners, it's a welcome change to this music fan.

 

Highlights:

Brother Down, Dead End, Every Part Of Me

Rating:

 


 

THE SHINS

WINCING THE NIGHT AWAY

 

1.

Sleeping Lessons

2.

Australia

3.

Pam Berry

4.

Phantom Limb

5.

Sea Legs

6. Red Rabbits
7. Turn On Me
8. Black Wave
9. Spilt Needles
10. Girl Sailor
11. A Girl Appears
   

 

 
 

The Shins became a household name after the appearance on the Garden State soundtrack.  But, the cool kids knew of them long before from their two prior releases, including Chutes Too Narrow, which earned them a loyal fan base in the indie realm.  Trying to build on their new found success, the band recently released the long awaited, Wincing The Night Away, a collection of songs that are so uniquely The Shins. 

I can’t think of a better opening track for this CD than ‘Sleeping Lesson.’  What starts out as a slow tempo-ed, falsetto-laden tune, bursts into a rocking song within the first minute.  And this approach is just what you’d expect from the group and singer/songwriter James Mercer.  The lead-in is simply setting the stage for the subtle nuances to come. 

But the offering isn’t just “typical” Shins.  The group shows growth and expansion in some unusual places.  On ‘Pam Berry,’ there is hint of surf-rock that carries the tune throughout.  And one can’t overlook the hip-hop beats on 'Sea Legs,' which makes it an unforgettable addition to this collection.

Wincing is not the best The Shins have to offer.  If you’re looking for that, run out and get Chutes Too Narrow.  But, this is a great CD, nonetheless.  Now, if only their new fans would let them move beyond Garden State

 

 

Highlights:

Sleeping Lessons, Sea Legs, Turn On Me

Rating:

 


 

SNOW PATROL

FINAL STRAW

 

1.

How To Be Dead

2.

Wow

3.

Gleaming Auction

4.

Whatever's Left

5.

Spitting Games

6.

Chocolate

7.

Run

8.

Grazed Knees

9.

Ways & Means

10.

Tiny Little Fractures

11.

Somewhere A Clock Is Ticking

12.

Same

 

 
 

Any time that I can pick up good, new music for $7.99, it's destined to be a good day.  Recently I found Final Straw, the U.S. debut by Snow Patrol, who hail from Northern Ireland.  With producer Garret Lee (a.k.a. Jackknife Lee, who provided remixes of singles by artists like Pink, Eminem, and Tom Jones), Snow Patrol has managed to create a textbook pop-rock CD for the masses.

Songwriter and lead singer, Gary Lightbody, recounts situations that many of us can relate to:  wanting to be understood (How to be Dead), noticed (Spitting Games), and given another chance (Grazed Knees).  These stories are ones I can understand and appreciate.  When told in Lightbody's lush voice, they're even more compelling.  Often times, however, the pounding drums and distorted guitars overshadow Lightbody's beautiful voice and modest lyrics.

A review of the CD wouldn't be complete without a mention of 'Run,' which could be considered Snow Patrol's attempt to be the next Coldplay.  In this mid-tempo ditty, Lightbody's vocals rise over the soaring guitars while he sings, "Light up, light up/as if you have a choice/Even if you can not hear my voice/Al be right beside you, dear."  While not the most complex lyrics, heads definitely giving Coldplay a run for their money.

All in all, the CD has what it takes to get noticed in the States:  clanging guitars supporting intriguing hooks, haunting strings and harmonies, all surrounding thoughtful melodies.

 

 

Highlights: How To Be Dead, Chocolate, Grazed Knees
Rating:

 


 

SONDRE LERCHE

TWO WAY MONOLOGUE

 

1.

Love You

2.

Track You Down

3.

On The Tower

4.

Two Way Monologue

5.

Days That Are Over

6. Wet Ground
7. Counter Spark
8. It's Over
9. Stupid Memory
10. It's Too Late
11. It's Our Job
12. Maybe You're Gone
13. Rain
14. If You Go
   

 

 
 

Hailing from Bergen, Norway, 22-year-old Sondre Lerche benefits from an intriguing personal history including the fact that he wrote songs for his first full-length (critically acclaimed) CD when he was only 16 years old. Two Way Monologue is his sophomore effort.  The music is lovely, the lyrics are good, the arrangements are eclectic and his voice is very soothing. But, there's something missing for me. Even after multiple plays, the songs still sound unfamiliar, and I am not compelled to repeatedly play any one song in order to study a lyric or melody.  All of the songs are very well constructed, but just a bit too laid back to listen to the CD in its entirety. That being said, in the right mellow mood, this CD would hit the spot just as effectively as other favorites such as Prefab Sprout and Nick Drake.

 

 

Highlights:

On The Tower, Stupid Memory, Days That Are Over

Rating:

 


 

STEPHEN FRETWELL

MAGPIE

 

1.

Do You Want To Come With?

2.

What's That You Say Little Girl

3.

Run

4.

Bad Bad You, Bad Bad Me

5.

Rose

6. Lost Without You
7. Emily
8. Lines
9. Play
10. Brother
11. New York
12. -
13. Rain
14. If You Go
   

 

 

In the purest sense, Stephen Fretwell is a modern troubadour.  He fell in love with the acoustic guitar as a teenager and, at the same time, was introduced to the music of Bob Dylan.  With only 23 years behind him, Fretwell has two independently released EPs and one full-length album to his credit.  Already being crowned the “next big thing” in the UK, Fretwell seems to be taking the pressure in stride.

Engineered at the famous Abbey Road Studios, Magpie is a collection of songs that are more like personal letters to a loved one than anything else.  Be it looking toward the future or bemoaning some sad experience from his brief past, you can’t help but relate to the raw emotions communicated throughout the CD.  Fretwell’s voice has a familiar tone, evoking singer/songwriters of the ‘70s such as Harry Chapin or Cat Stevens.  But his lyrics have just enough edge to ensure a decidedly current feel.  For example in ‘Brother,’ he sings, “And keep sake once, three, four/But the girls up Swan Street must cost you more/Now you’ve got the money.”

Further heightening the mood of the songs is the airy and delicate instrumentation. A number of the songs open with a solo acoustic guitar or piano and then softly build to surround his voice and words. This quiet approach may mislead the casual listener into thinking that the songs are simple little love songs.  However, giving a bit more attention to the lyrics, the payoff is so much more meaningful and worth the effort.
 

 

Highlights:

New York, Emily, What’s That You Say Little Girl

Rating:

 


 

STRANGER THAN FICTION

SOUNDTRACK

 

1.

The Book I Write

2.

Going Missing

3.

Whole Wide World

4.

Flours

5.

The Way We Get By

6. Mind Your Own Business
7. Bottles & Bones
8. Writer's Block
9. My Mathematical Mind
10. La Petite Fille De La Mer
11. That's Entertainment
12. Dubbing In The Back Seat
13. Auditor
14. Vittorio E
15. In Church

 

 
 

Very few soundtracks make good stand alone CDs.  If you haven’t seen the movie, the soundtrack might not make much sense as an “album”; rather it would just be heard as a random collection of songs.  And when there’s instrumentals included, forget about it!

But, the soundtrack to Stranger Than Fiction is a little different.  With Spoon scoring much of the collection (4 full-length songs and 3 instrumentals), it has a more cohesive feel than many soundtracks.  And even the songs Spoon isn’t involved with seem to flow very well in the context of the CD. 

Of course, having seen, and loved, the movie, I can place many of these songs in the scenes from which they came.  Even if that weren’t the case, the first six songs alone make this collection worth your time and ears.  ‘Whole Wide World’ is one of the catchiest songs created in years.  ‘Going Missing’ plays over and over in my head, much to my dismay at times.  And don’t even get me started on ‘The Book I Write’ and ‘The Way We Get By.’  It’s Spoon at its best.

 

 

Highlights:

Going Missing, The Way We Get By, Whole Wide World

Rating:

 


 

STRAYS DON'T SLEEP

SELF - TITLED

 

1.

Love Don't Owe You Anything

2.

Pretty Girl

3.

Martin Luther Ave.

4.

Night Is Still

5.

For Blue Skies

6. Spirit Fingers
7. April's Smiling At Me
8. Cars And History
9. Falling Asleep With You
   

 

 
 

Strays Don’t Sleep is a collaboration between Matthew Ryan and Neilson Hubbard, two established Nashville-based singer/songwriters. On paper, this pairing seems like a case of opposites attracting. With Ryan, you get a dark, brooding soul with a guttural voice reminiscent of Tom Waits.  On the other end of the spectrum, Neilson Hubbard tends to explore the world with an optimistic view looking for signs of grace and hope with a warm voice. Intended as a side project for each, it didn’t take long for the guys to realize their combined talents and personalities were gelling into something more than simply the sum of the parts.

Their self-titled debut album contains only 9 nine songs, but certainly doesn’t skimp on thought-provoking lyrics and atmosphere. Most of the songs rely on a mix of electric guitar and keys with a splash of synthesizer to complement the blend of edgy and rounded vocal stylings. It’s this dreamy, ethereal sound that really pulls the listener in, while poignant lyrics help build a picture in your mind of where it’s all heading. In fact, the CD is packaged with a DVD of videos that offer a cinematic take on each of the songs thanks to the talents of various friends lending their vision to this unique duo. 
 

 

Highlights:

For Blue Skies, April's Smiling At Me, Night Is Still

Rating:

 

 
 

 

TEDDY THOMPSON

SEPARATE WAYS

 

1.

Shine So Bright

2.

I Should Get Up

3.

Everybody Move It

4.

I Wish It Was Over

5.

Separate Ways

6. Sorry To See Me Go
7. Altered State
8. Think Again
9. That's Enough Out Of You
10. No Way To Be
11. You Made It
12. Frontlines
   

 

 

For better or worse, Teddy Thompson will be ever linked with his folk icon parents, Richard and Linda.  So, why not embrace the connection and have them help out with your major label debut? That’s exactly what Thompson does on Separate Ways with Richard playing guitar on 5 of the 12 tracks, and Linda dueting with him on a sweet cover of the Everly Brothers’ ‘Take A Message To Mary’ as a hidden track.  Not content with just those guest musicians, Rufus and Martha Wainwright lend their striking voices to a few songs, including the bluegrassy rap song, ‘Everybody Move It,’ that entices even the chillest person to “Bump and grind, have a good time.”

Rather than going folk, Thompson’s style is more in the vein of singer/songwriter mixed with alt-country soul. Lyrically, Thompson (a self-confessed pessimist) reveals a life in transition, both in career and romantic aspirations.  In the bouncy opening track, ‘Shine So Bright,’ Thompson sings like someone who has seen the highs and lows of fame/success; understanding the allure, but cynical enough to anticipate the consequences.  There is a similar message in the hypnotic song, ‘You Made It,’ with the lyrics, “Yeah, you made it/What you gonna do now?”

Turning to his romantic troubles, Thompson doesn’t just write typical break-up songs; he crafts acerbically funny songs in anticipation of the break-up.  His beautiful voice soars in ‘I Wish It Was Over,’ as he unabashedly admits his desire to be well and done with his partner.  Some of his most revealing lyrics come in the drowsy tune, ‘Think Again’ when he sings, “Hard to believe that I could be/Someone’s idea of love.”  There might be need for a Dr. Phil intervention in his future. But, in the meantime, it sure is fun listening to his take on the subject of love.

 

 

Highlights:

Everybody Move It, I Should Get Up, Separate Ways

Rating:

 

 

 

TEITUR

STAY UNDER THE STARS

 

1.

Don't Want You to Wake Up

2.

Louis, Louis

3.

You Get Me

4.

I Run the Carousel

5.

Thief About to Break In

6. Great Balls of Fire
7. Night Time Works
8. Umbrellas in the Rain
9. Boy, She Can Sing!
10. Hitchhiker
11. Waiting for Mars
12. All My Mistakes
   

 

 
 

Faroe Island's favorite son, Teitur Lassen, is back with his sophomore release, Stay Under the Stars, to follow up his critically aclaimed debut, Poetry & Aeroplanes. Teitur has a unique voice in today's crowded singer/songwriter field, both lyrically and vocally. His songs tend toward the melancholy; singing stories filled with reflections of love and loss, and the fleeting nature of happiness. While these themes may not be totally novel, his vocal stylings are. With hints of Paul Simon and Nick Drake in tone, Teitur's take on nearly every word he sings is his own. There's something extremely sensual about the way he sings, hums, and breathes emotion into every note. Added to that sensuality is a slightly off-tempo rhythm that can only be described as "Teitur-esque."

Because of intriguing nature of Teitur's singing style, the music beneath it can be tricky. While Poetry & Aeroplanes tended toward chamber pop with elegant strings, keys, and acoustic guitar consistently showcasing his voice, Stay Under the Stars ventures into some new, uneven directions. The opening tracks, 'Don't Want You to Wake Up' and 'You Get Me,' are classic Teitur. But, then the production heads off into a number of directions - avant-guard, baroque, and jangle pop that, unfortunately, distract more than compliment. The CD finishes in more suitable territory with the beautifully orchestrated 'Waiting For Mars' and 'All My Mistakes.' Experimentation is a musician's right, but it's a heavy price to pay when it's at the expense of the core talent.

 

 

Highlights:

All My Mistakes, Don't Want You to Wake Up, Waiting For Mars

Rating:

 

 
 
 
U
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
V
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

THE WEEPIES

SAY I AM YOU

 

1.

Take it From Me

2.

Gotta Have You

3.

World Spins Madly On

4.

Citywide Rodeo

5.

Riga Girls

6. Suicide Blonde
7. Painting By Chagall
8. Nobody Knows Me At All
9. Not Your Year
10. Living In Twilight
11. Stars
12. Love Doesn't Last Too Long
13. Slow Pony Home
   

 

 
 

The story of how the The Weepies came to be seems to be a work of fiction. Being mutual fans of each other's independent releases, singer/songwriters, Deb Talan and Steve Tannen met at a show four years ago, began writing together that night, and have been together (musicially and romantically) ever since.

Say I Am You is their second collection of songs as The Weepies. It's filled with folk pop songs that weave their magic with subtle yet hooky finger-picked acoutic melodies, perfectly accented with electric guitar, bass, keys and drums. Added to the hooky melodies are lyrics that can only be described as "poetic." Not pretentious, but ones that make you pause and reflect on the images they are creating in your mind's eye. One of the best examples is from the opening track, 'Take It From Me,' "I get a bit confused with every Spring; flowers that bloom your eyes, hummingbirds side by side/My heart won't stay entirely in this rib cage." These little treasures continue to reveal themselves the more you attend to the songs.

Thematically, the songs deal with universal issues of the power of new love/passion, finding your place in the world, and surviving all of life's joys and sorrows. Taking turns on lead vocals, Talan and Tannen have those kinds of voices that sound familiar and comforting, but fresh and unique at the same time. Just as their songwriting collaboration seemed to be fated, so do their voices in harmony. In short, Say I Am You is one of the nicest surprises of the year for this music lover.

 

 

Highlights:

Nobody Knows Me At All, Take it From Me, Not Your Year

Rating:

 


 

WILCO

A GHOST IS BORN

 

1.

At Least That's What You Said

2.

Hell Is Chrome

3.

Spiders (Kidsmoke)

4.

Muzzle Of Bees

5.

Hummingbird

6. Handshake Drugs
7. Wishful Thinking
8. Company In My Back
9. I'm A Wheel
10. Theologians
11. Less Than You Think
12. The Late Greats
   

 

 

Looking back, it seems as though Yankee Foxtrot Hotel was a primer for this latest work from Wilco preparing our ears, and minds, for where they wanted to go sonically (under the care of Sonic Youth's multi-instrumentalist/producer, Jim O'Rourke).  Initially, I was asking, "Why did they do that?" referring to the jam band-like interludes.  Now, I'm asking, "How did they do that?" wishing I knew even a tiny bit about the musical creative process.  The best description I've read is that Wilco applied "colored silence" - a musical device that employs random sounds such as amp noise, radio static and feedback to subtly change the music's backdrop and, in turn, the entire mood of the song.  The first few listens were a near assault to my senses. But, Tweedy's lyrics and heart-breaking voice kept me coming back for more.  Being a fan of YFH, I do miss not hearing an instantly memorable/addictive tune like 'Heavy Metal Drummer 'or a beautifully sad (and prophetic) song like 'Jesus, etc'.  Beyond that complaint, a ghost is born is a wonderful example of what interesting, challenging, emotive music can developwhen the artists are given enough space to create.  I trust that it will continue to surprise and delight me as I spend more quality time with it.

 

 

Highlights:

Spiders (Kidsmoke), Hummingbird, Handshake Drugs

Rating:

 

 
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