To be completely honest, I never really got into "Lungs", their first album, very much at all. I listened to all of it and liked about half of what i heard. It was incredibly raw, being a debut album, and showed great potential. SO much potential, that her label approached her at the beginning of this project and asked her to come to America and work with American pop producers to help move her sound along and get her ideas across. Now. If there is ANYTHING I have learned from this album, it is that this gorgeous woman has absolutely NO PROBLEM getting her ideas across!! Her lyrics come from the depths of her soul. Thankfully, she declined despite having plans to go through with the project. And the final piece, "Ceremonials", is what we have in front of us now. :) As Florence put it, "a bigger better version of 'Lungs'", which is true, but it's also musically more mature.
I don't quite know how this entry is gunna go because so many of these songs hit home for me. It's quite inspirational what this woman does and how she goes about putting her perspective on life lyrically. So many of these songs reflect what was in the first album, sad and emotional. The album's lead single, although not the first they let loose, is "Shake it out". Which is kinda like "Dog days are over" 1.5. Not 2.0, just 1.5. Similar in the aspect that its an uplifting song, one of the only ones on the album, much like "DDAO" and it has a catchy, loud chorus with a nice drum beat to it. But, it fades very fast. I listened to it about 5 times and then couldn't really jam to it anymore, whereas with "DDAO", you best bet that i was blasting that song in my car speeding down the freeway everyday! Now onto the lyrics. What caught my eye with this entire album was her ability to take abstract objects or ideas and turn them into people. "Im always dragging that horse around" "the arms of the ocean deliver me""i had a dream....i threw my arms around her legs". She keeps referring to objects or ideas as people which i found so awesome! It really takes the journey through the album to a whole new level. She is telling complete stories with these tracks and you really have to listen to the music and the lyrics together to understand it all.
The first song we actually heard from the album because we were given the entire song AND a video, was "What the water gave me". This song makes me think of a drug trip and the story behind it is extremely morbid. It was inspired by the suicide of Virginia Woolf, who (after researching i learned) was an English author who drowned herself by putting on her jacket and filling her pockets with heavy stones. Hence the lyrics, "pockets full of stones, lay me down". Florence actually stated that death by drowning was a common theme for the entire album which, if you really listen to the entire album, youll find nearly every song has the word "ocean" in it. Filled with cryptic sad lyrics, "But oh my love dont forget me, i let the water take me". Anyone who has had a moment of severe depression can't help but have skipped heartbeats at these lines.
"Never let me go" is that one song that will never sound the same live as it was recorded. The recording and production of this song was spot on. Kudos to whoever takes credit for the cleaning up of this track because it is virtually flawless. From the echo-ey vocals, to the deep choral background vocals during the chorus. From the loud drum beats to her flawless vocals where she flips into her higher register oh so flawlessly. Excellent running song and (once again) pretty awesome lyrics. "And its breaking over me, a thousand miles onto the sea bed". Another song about how she is finding comfort in the depths of the ocean. FILLED with deep lyrics about how peaceful she finds the deep ocean.
My personal favorite song is "No Light, No Light". A song of desperation and taunting love. Filled to the brim with the thoughts inside of my own head. An INCREDIBLE song that truly showcases the pains and aches of a true love. No other song has truly made me as emotional as this one has through the first listen. "Cause its so easy to sing it to the crowd, but its so hard my love, to say it to you all alone". "You are the hole in my head, you are the space in my bed. You are the silence in between what i thought and what i said". WOW. I'm sorry, but anyone who has had a true love that they could never be with understands those lyrics perfectly. It starts out slower with a soft organ and a harp glissando and then builds up nice and steady into a gorgeous chorus. Her own background harmonies during the first verse are almost her soul singing. You can hear the desperation in her voice. When i'm listening only to the music, i can't help but think of "Lord of the Rings". It's very peaceful yet upbeat at the same time. haha. very hard to explain. But such an amazing piece of work.
So many other good songs. Vocally challenging songs like "Lover to Lover" and "Spectrum" (GREAT song) take the time to truly showcase her ability as an actual singer. "Leave my body" and "Seven Devil's" (scary song) are other honorable mentions. There were a couple songs that i wasn't too thrilled with. "Remain Nameless" being the main one. But no talk of negatives. Overall, i thought it was an awesome "full" album with a constant theme and a more complete sound than the first. If i have any hopes for any of the songs, i pray and pray that they release "No Light, No Light" as a single. Pure brilliance. Great album!!!!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Matt Cardle-Letters
Known as the X-factor winner 2010, he finally released his first album, "Letters" earlier this month! Naturally, i dug in. I first heard Matt on a paparazzi cover on youtube and the second i heard it, it was love at first belt. This boys voice. Needless to say, he is already beautiful as all hell, but he has this raspy/pure quality to his voice thats quite hard to explain actually, because when he starts to hit those higher notes it dissapears and fades into this gorgeous, bright tone which i just go crazy for. His vowel placement and all technique as far as vocals go really made me happy haha. If you haven't googled him circa X factor, you go right ahead and hit up your search engine because i can promise you.....you wont be dissapointed. You can tell this guy has talent through his covers. Especially his britney spears "Hit me baby one more time" and the "Paparazzi" one (we all know im a sucker for Gaga).
Album time!!!! Fun Fact: he is the first X Factor winner to not be exclusively signed to Simon Cowell's label, but to be co-signed with Columbia Records, which is pretty cool. So far, the album has 3 singles out and about. I've gotta say, for the debut album of a UK artist, its pretty good. I have my criticisms but he is really great at songwriting and if all else fails (i hope it doesnt; he has an angelic voice) i could see him being a songwriter. Obviously, the album didn't get too much hype over here because people don't really know who he is. First single: When We Collide was first performed on the X Factor finale (as they always are on these types of shows) and was released as a single on December 12th, 2010. Hit the top of the UK charts (i believe) simply because it displays his vocals and he had literally JUST won X Factor. Still a good song! But not the best on the album by any means. Second single: "Run for your life" which, ironically, is the only song on the album he didn't co-write and it is my second favorite off the album, borderline first. He states that once he heard it, it was SO him that he was near tears recording it in the studio. Smart move boo, because your voice absolutely fits this song. Best part: end chorus with his heart wrenching belts and anthem-like strings in the background. The chorus is incredibly catchy and the lyrics are moving. Basically, feeling like you're not good enough for the one you love. GREAT song. My actual favorite song is one (not a single) called "All for Nothing" which has some interesting lyrics. Almost as if his love is sick? Or went away for something and him praying she gets back safe? Its very vague but its an awesome song. I love this song because it's so raw. "Don't make it all for nothing". And let me tell you he is werkin with these vocals. He wasn't joking around in that studio now!
3rd single: "Starlight". Pretty good song. Nothing too awesome or amazing. Sounds very Coldplay-esque. It's almost a breath of fresh air on the album because its more upbeat and exciting. Other note-able mentions: "Pull Me Under", "Beat of a Breaking Heart" and "Walking on Water", which is like.....the ONLY acoustic track on the album, sadly, and tied for second place on my favorites list. Listen to it!
Overall its a great album as far as vocals and songwriting goes but to be honest on his next album he needs to progress to a new theme of song because there are a LOT of love songs on here. Great ones nonetheless, however i feel like its just kinda sitting in water and not really going anywhere. I was kinda dissapointed in the fact that there weren't any acoustic songs. I believe his strong suit and why people truly love him in the UK is due to the fact that he has some BITCHIN vocals and the fact that he can play acoustic guitar incredibly well. It's sexy and it captures peoples attention. So why he didn't do that on this album? Im lost there. Anywho, pretty decent material to work with! I hope we see more of it over here in the US.
Album time!!!! Fun Fact: he is the first X Factor winner to not be exclusively signed to Simon Cowell's label, but to be co-signed with Columbia Records, which is pretty cool. So far, the album has 3 singles out and about. I've gotta say, for the debut album of a UK artist, its pretty good. I have my criticisms but he is really great at songwriting and if all else fails (i hope it doesnt; he has an angelic voice) i could see him being a songwriter. Obviously, the album didn't get too much hype over here because people don't really know who he is. First single: When We Collide was first performed on the X Factor finale (as they always are on these types of shows) and was released as a single on December 12th, 2010. Hit the top of the UK charts (i believe) simply because it displays his vocals and he had literally JUST won X Factor. Still a good song! But not the best on the album by any means. Second single: "Run for your life" which, ironically, is the only song on the album he didn't co-write and it is my second favorite off the album, borderline first. He states that once he heard it, it was SO him that he was near tears recording it in the studio. Smart move boo, because your voice absolutely fits this song. Best part: end chorus with his heart wrenching belts and anthem-like strings in the background. The chorus is incredibly catchy and the lyrics are moving. Basically, feeling like you're not good enough for the one you love. GREAT song. My actual favorite song is one (not a single) called "All for Nothing" which has some interesting lyrics. Almost as if his love is sick? Or went away for something and him praying she gets back safe? Its very vague but its an awesome song. I love this song because it's so raw. "Don't make it all for nothing". And let me tell you he is werkin with these vocals. He wasn't joking around in that studio now!
3rd single: "Starlight". Pretty good song. Nothing too awesome or amazing. Sounds very Coldplay-esque. It's almost a breath of fresh air on the album because its more upbeat and exciting. Other note-able mentions: "Pull Me Under", "Beat of a Breaking Heart" and "Walking on Water", which is like.....the ONLY acoustic track on the album, sadly, and tied for second place on my favorites list. Listen to it!
Overall its a great album as far as vocals and songwriting goes but to be honest on his next album he needs to progress to a new theme of song because there are a LOT of love songs on here. Great ones nonetheless, however i feel like its just kinda sitting in water and not really going anywhere. I was kinda dissapointed in the fact that there weren't any acoustic songs. I believe his strong suit and why people truly love him in the UK is due to the fact that he has some BITCHIN vocals and the fact that he can play acoustic guitar incredibly well. It's sexy and it captures peoples attention. So why he didn't do that on this album? Im lost there. Anywho, pretty decent material to work with! I hope we see more of it over here in the US.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Disney
Does anyone remember the days of being a kid and blasting Disney songs in their rooms alone? I DO. I know it's a random thing to bring up but i'm just gunna take a moment to reminisce about all of the different hits that changed our childhood. "Go The Distance", "Reflection", "Circle of Life", "Part of your World", "A Whole New World" and so much more. I was talking to my roomate about this tonight and i guess it just kinda upsets me that Disney stopped making movies with music in them. I guess kids still watch all the movies i used to watch but they aren't growing up with these characters. Which kinda breaks my heart to be honest. We had such a priviledge of being able to go see Mulan in theatres and The Lion King in theatres. Think about what this music did to our generation. I mean these songs are big deals. Nowadays, they are used all the way from high school choirs to Broadway auditions. To 7 year olds singing in the bathroom mirror to orchestrated concerts. I truly feel that Disney had some incredible writers for their movies. These songs are beautiful in context and in nature. And now they're done with. boooooooo.
I guess this entry is more about the ending of an old generation and the beginning of a new generation moreso than it is about music. But i think its important that people can recognize when music changes and being able to look back and smile :)
I guess this entry is more about the ending of an old generation and the beginning of a new generation moreso than it is about music. But i think its important that people can recognize when music changes and being able to look back and smile :)
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Coldplay- Mylo Xyloto
I'm just gunna dive right in. Because I truly with all of my heart am enjoying this album faster than any of their other albums and any other album of the year. In case you are wondering, yes, thats a big deal for me. There are so many tracks to cover, and so little time. This one's gunna be a long one folks. You in for the ride?
It took 36 people to write, record, mix, produce, "Enoxificate" and dust off this work of art, Mylo Xyloto. They had this incredible idea to release the album before the end of 2010 as a "Decade Ender" which, i think, goes along swimmingly with the experimental theme that this album has going on, but alas, it wasn't even near completion. APPARANTLY, according to Metacritic, the album only recieved 57/100 which to me is just a bit rude. Simply because they aren't writing the same exact songs they were writing a couple years ago doesn't mean their current music is any better or worse than their old. It means that as artists and as a group, they have matured. And with that maturity comes what i like to call "Music Maturity" and i believe it is a common theme in artists that stay in the public eye for around a decade or more. Their whole point this time around was to create something that was new, experimental, fun and something that you could take a step back at the end of the day and say, "hm. thats an incredible album". Which i think they definately accomplished with "Viva La Vida" and now they are doing the same thing with this one.
A lot of people are upset because they are hearing a more poppy, mainstream sound from them on this album but i can assure you that is not all that is on here. YES ill give it to them that they managed to widen their perspective a bit and they did get a couple songs with some pretty intense beats that i definately pulled out my studio headphones for. My personal favorite off the album, "Princess of China" (Ill come back to it), "Paradise" and "Up in Flames" are the more beat driven tracks, which too be honest, i think just added to their ability to kick ass on a track. I think Paradise was AMAZING with all of its different elements and anthem-like chorus. But that beat. Holy Moses. The way that bass and beat go together can make a satan worshiper fall to his knees. Princess of China. WOW. Now when i heard they were collabing with Rihanna i got my hopes up. I had already heard paradise so i figured it was also gunna have a kick ass beat. and it did. (thank god). Nowadays a lot of people toss around the idea of collaberation. They have stupid ideas and they do not have the right mix of people going on. The true idea of a collaberation is to take a risk, and to take two artists and have them have something in common through that track. almost a bridge in music, to make the two just CLICK so that you dont even think twice about the fact that there are two different people on the track. SOME collaberations, ill keep my mouth shut now, are just off and sound horrible. But i have to say, Coldplay and Rihanna hit it home with this one. Great songwriting, GREAT production and what an incredible way they blended with one another. At one point they are singing the same melody line together and it still sounds incredible. I hope this track shocked people and in a good way. They took two types of music and literally formed a bridge. They took a HUGE risk, it has Rihannas name on it and it has Coldplays name on in. Two people with a lot of credibility and they took that risk and made magic with it. It was more than a collaberation. It was a duet. And props to Brian Eno for taking Coldplay's sound: strings, drums, Chris Martin's vocals, a raging guitar line, and taking Rihanna's sound, her voice, the DEEP beat, the ever soft spacy sounding synths in the background and literally swirling them into one track. They all did such a beautiful mixture here. I cant stress enough how amazing it was. I'll leave it at that.
I think one of the basic themes as far as lyrics go for this album was definately positivity. So many of these songs talk of hope, happiness and love. Even if they had their sad tracks, every album does. Paradise, U.F.O "then that light, it's your eye, i move i swim", Charlie Brown, hurts like heaven "no we won't let them take control", every teardrop is a waterfall and much more.
Another one of my faves was "Every teardrop is a waterfall". Its very classic Coldplay with a nice twist. The guitar work almost sounds like bagpipes!!! i love it. It reminds me of a song that i listen to when im running in the mornings. Very runner's high. If youre trying to find some sort of good in the world, this is the track for you. If you haven't heard the entire EP, i definately recommend it. The EP included "Every teardrop is a waterfall", "Major Minus" and (I DIE) "Moving to Mars". Now, i was sorely not impressed with "Major Minus". Granted, ive still only had a couple listen throughs to the album. But "Moving to Mars" really blew me away. Sadly, it never made the album. But its a mixture of "death and all his friends, and 42 from the last album. So nostalgic and sorrowful, i had it on repeat for a hot second. It eventually picks up in the middle and has a pretty cool music interlude that i thoroughly enjoyed but those lyrics are pretty awesome. "and i heard it on the radio that one day we'll be living in the stars. maybe moving us to mars." Anyways, listen to the trio of songs. pretty great.
I feel like im writing too much so im gunna pick one more track and roll with it and then ill be done. As most know, I'm truly a sap. I'm a sucker for Coldplay and Adele-like sad love songs. I just am. "Us against the World" hits home for a lot of people im sure. "And if we could float away, fly up to the surface and just start again, and lift off before trouble erodes us in the rain" "and i just wanna be there when the lightning strikes....and sing slow it down". Besides having that classic depressing acoustic Coldplay sound to it, the lyrics are beautiful. A song about wishing you could go back right when things started going wrong. To be there on the sidelines and telling yourself to slow it down. Giving yourself pointers from the future. Because lets be real. How many of us have wished that before? I know i have. One of the reasons i think Coldplay reaches across to SO many people who listen to all different types of music is through their ability to relate. They started out writing alternative rock music and had that occasional love song that blew everyones mind whether it was acoustic or not. "Yellow", "The Scientist", "Violet Hill". Think about how many people know these songs. Its truly a groundbreaking thing they have done. Chris Martin said in a recent interview that he "knows his lyrics are shit" but i beg to differ. They are complex and beautiful. Some of the realest out there.
Anyways, I'm going to conclude this short novel. I don't know yet what songs will be chosen for singles or how many singles will be released but i definately feel they can't go wrong with this album. They set themselves up for success and i can see this album continuing to get recognized for quite some time. Of course i have my hopes for singles but you never know. I truly hope that if you have the time you listen and look up the lyrics. This album is filled with amazing lyrics that i never mentioned. These guys know music. Thank you Coldplay. Always know i can count on you.
It took 36 people to write, record, mix, produce, "Enoxificate" and dust off this work of art, Mylo Xyloto. They had this incredible idea to release the album before the end of 2010 as a "Decade Ender" which, i think, goes along swimmingly with the experimental theme that this album has going on, but alas, it wasn't even near completion. APPARANTLY, according to Metacritic, the album only recieved 57/100 which to me is just a bit rude. Simply because they aren't writing the same exact songs they were writing a couple years ago doesn't mean their current music is any better or worse than their old. It means that as artists and as a group, they have matured. And with that maturity comes what i like to call "Music Maturity" and i believe it is a common theme in artists that stay in the public eye for around a decade or more. Their whole point this time around was to create something that was new, experimental, fun and something that you could take a step back at the end of the day and say, "hm. thats an incredible album". Which i think they definately accomplished with "Viva La Vida" and now they are doing the same thing with this one.
A lot of people are upset because they are hearing a more poppy, mainstream sound from them on this album but i can assure you that is not all that is on here. YES ill give it to them that they managed to widen their perspective a bit and they did get a couple songs with some pretty intense beats that i definately pulled out my studio headphones for. My personal favorite off the album, "Princess of China" (Ill come back to it), "Paradise" and "Up in Flames" are the more beat driven tracks, which too be honest, i think just added to their ability to kick ass on a track. I think Paradise was AMAZING with all of its different elements and anthem-like chorus. But that beat. Holy Moses. The way that bass and beat go together can make a satan worshiper fall to his knees. Princess of China. WOW. Now when i heard they were collabing with Rihanna i got my hopes up. I had already heard paradise so i figured it was also gunna have a kick ass beat. and it did. (thank god). Nowadays a lot of people toss around the idea of collaberation. They have stupid ideas and they do not have the right mix of people going on. The true idea of a collaberation is to take a risk, and to take two artists and have them have something in common through that track. almost a bridge in music, to make the two just CLICK so that you dont even think twice about the fact that there are two different people on the track. SOME collaberations, ill keep my mouth shut now, are just off and sound horrible. But i have to say, Coldplay and Rihanna hit it home with this one. Great songwriting, GREAT production and what an incredible way they blended with one another. At one point they are singing the same melody line together and it still sounds incredible. I hope this track shocked people and in a good way. They took two types of music and literally formed a bridge. They took a HUGE risk, it has Rihannas name on it and it has Coldplays name on in. Two people with a lot of credibility and they took that risk and made magic with it. It was more than a collaberation. It was a duet. And props to Brian Eno for taking Coldplay's sound: strings, drums, Chris Martin's vocals, a raging guitar line, and taking Rihanna's sound, her voice, the DEEP beat, the ever soft spacy sounding synths in the background and literally swirling them into one track. They all did such a beautiful mixture here. I cant stress enough how amazing it was. I'll leave it at that.
I think one of the basic themes as far as lyrics go for this album was definately positivity. So many of these songs talk of hope, happiness and love. Even if they had their sad tracks, every album does. Paradise, U.F.O "then that light, it's your eye, i move i swim", Charlie Brown, hurts like heaven "no we won't let them take control", every teardrop is a waterfall and much more.
Another one of my faves was "Every teardrop is a waterfall". Its very classic Coldplay with a nice twist. The guitar work almost sounds like bagpipes!!! i love it. It reminds me of a song that i listen to when im running in the mornings. Very runner's high. If youre trying to find some sort of good in the world, this is the track for you. If you haven't heard the entire EP, i definately recommend it. The EP included "Every teardrop is a waterfall", "Major Minus" and (I DIE) "Moving to Mars". Now, i was sorely not impressed with "Major Minus". Granted, ive still only had a couple listen throughs to the album. But "Moving to Mars" really blew me away. Sadly, it never made the album. But its a mixture of "death and all his friends, and 42 from the last album. So nostalgic and sorrowful, i had it on repeat for a hot second. It eventually picks up in the middle and has a pretty cool music interlude that i thoroughly enjoyed but those lyrics are pretty awesome. "and i heard it on the radio that one day we'll be living in the stars. maybe moving us to mars." Anyways, listen to the trio of songs. pretty great.
I feel like im writing too much so im gunna pick one more track and roll with it and then ill be done. As most know, I'm truly a sap. I'm a sucker for Coldplay and Adele-like sad love songs. I just am. "Us against the World" hits home for a lot of people im sure. "And if we could float away, fly up to the surface and just start again, and lift off before trouble erodes us in the rain" "and i just wanna be there when the lightning strikes....and sing slow it down". Besides having that classic depressing acoustic Coldplay sound to it, the lyrics are beautiful. A song about wishing you could go back right when things started going wrong. To be there on the sidelines and telling yourself to slow it down. Giving yourself pointers from the future. Because lets be real. How many of us have wished that before? I know i have. One of the reasons i think Coldplay reaches across to SO many people who listen to all different types of music is through their ability to relate. They started out writing alternative rock music and had that occasional love song that blew everyones mind whether it was acoustic or not. "Yellow", "The Scientist", "Violet Hill". Think about how many people know these songs. Its truly a groundbreaking thing they have done. Chris Martin said in a recent interview that he "knows his lyrics are shit" but i beg to differ. They are complex and beautiful. Some of the realest out there.
Anyways, I'm going to conclude this short novel. I don't know yet what songs will be chosen for singles or how many singles will be released but i definately feel they can't go wrong with this album. They set themselves up for success and i can see this album continuing to get recognized for quite some time. Of course i have my hopes for singles but you never know. I truly hope that if you have the time you listen and look up the lyrics. This album is filled with amazing lyrics that i never mentioned. These guys know music. Thank you Coldplay. Always know i can count on you.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Foster The People
Alright this one is going to be kinda short simply because A- im sleep deprived and B- this band only has 1 album out.
Foster The People. To be honest i see them at 3 sexy guys making some damn good music having the time of their lives right now. Which normally i see indie bands as hipsters trying too hard to sound different. Now, the lead single off the album was released late 2010 but the album didn't drop until may 23rd, same day as Lady Gaga's album, which gave everyone time to figure out who they were before the entire album came out. Hey it worked for me! EARLY 2011 three of their songs were playing at my day job. When i saw on i-Tunes that Foster The People had an album i clicked on it and downloaded it.
Shocking to find that the album is a short 38 minutes. But let me tell you, this is one of the BEST indie albums as a whole out there right now. They have been compared to MGMT and Phoenix but i find MGMT to be a bit more synthy and less vocally appealing than FTP. Their debut album, "Torches" topped several charts including rock, alternative and top 200 but most importantly hit number 5 on Hot 100. Pretty impressive for an indie band's debut album. The lead single and the ever popular "Pumped Up Kicks" rose to the top of several charts as well but hit number 3 on the bilboard hot 100.
In a matter of 6 months, they managed to be in several T.V. shows, major films, commercials, their music has been sampled by other artists and im SURE either the lead single, its video or the album will be up for several awards this year PLUS their music plays EVERYWHERE. I heard their album playing in my neighborhood bodega the other night and was pleasantly shocked. Mark Foster from the band wrote and produced nearly the ENTIRE album by himself which doesn't sound as impressive considering a lot of indie bands do that but i assure you. Once you listen to it, you'll be amazed.
To tell the truth the entire album is pretty great but my favorite track off the album is "Houdini", an upbeat, synthy, poppy song with some incredible percussions that you can't help but nod your head too. I don't mean to rant but this song.is.AWESOME. I almost feel that it could pass for a pop single. Grea lyrics and overall a damn good track. "Helena Beat" has an EPIC beginning as well and was paired with an......interesting video that kinda creeped me out. "Miss You" is probably my second favorite. Listen to the lyrics, they're actually pretty good. "Call it what you want" really displays their creativity and talent when it comes to writing music whereas the lyrics are their strong suit throughout the album. And obviously "Pumped Up Kicks", which is now getting the attention it deserves, brought the house down with it's eery meaning despite the cheery music. Altogether i think this album serves an awesome driving music. Sure to lift you up any day. They really have an interesting sound and i really love what they did for "Torches". Wonder what's next!
Foster The People. To be honest i see them at 3 sexy guys making some damn good music having the time of their lives right now. Which normally i see indie bands as hipsters trying too hard to sound different. Now, the lead single off the album was released late 2010 but the album didn't drop until may 23rd, same day as Lady Gaga's album, which gave everyone time to figure out who they were before the entire album came out. Hey it worked for me! EARLY 2011 three of their songs were playing at my day job. When i saw on i-Tunes that Foster The People had an album i clicked on it and downloaded it.
Shocking to find that the album is a short 38 minutes. But let me tell you, this is one of the BEST indie albums as a whole out there right now. They have been compared to MGMT and Phoenix but i find MGMT to be a bit more synthy and less vocally appealing than FTP. Their debut album, "Torches" topped several charts including rock, alternative and top 200 but most importantly hit number 5 on Hot 100. Pretty impressive for an indie band's debut album. The lead single and the ever popular "Pumped Up Kicks" rose to the top of several charts as well but hit number 3 on the bilboard hot 100.
In a matter of 6 months, they managed to be in several T.V. shows, major films, commercials, their music has been sampled by other artists and im SURE either the lead single, its video or the album will be up for several awards this year PLUS their music plays EVERYWHERE. I heard their album playing in my neighborhood bodega the other night and was pleasantly shocked. Mark Foster from the band wrote and produced nearly the ENTIRE album by himself which doesn't sound as impressive considering a lot of indie bands do that but i assure you. Once you listen to it, you'll be amazed.
To tell the truth the entire album is pretty great but my favorite track off the album is "Houdini", an upbeat, synthy, poppy song with some incredible percussions that you can't help but nod your head too. I don't mean to rant but this song.is.AWESOME. I almost feel that it could pass for a pop single. Grea lyrics and overall a damn good track. "Helena Beat" has an EPIC beginning as well and was paired with an......interesting video that kinda creeped me out. "Miss You" is probably my second favorite. Listen to the lyrics, they're actually pretty good. "Call it what you want" really displays their creativity and talent when it comes to writing music whereas the lyrics are their strong suit throughout the album. And obviously "Pumped Up Kicks", which is now getting the attention it deserves, brought the house down with it's eery meaning despite the cheery music. Altogether i think this album serves an awesome driving music. Sure to lift you up any day. They really have an interesting sound and i really love what they did for "Torches". Wonder what's next!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Robyn
In honor of all of my friends out in Hollywood going to go see Robyn tonight at the bowl, i decided i'd take a small second and talk about Robyn. The first time i heard Robyn was in a light blue toyota corrola with my friend Andrea when "Body Talk Part 1" first came the summer of 2010 i believe. (could be wrong) and i'll be the first to admit i was hesitant when i first heard this song.
Little does everyone know this, and i was informed by my industry-friendly friend Brian, that she actually was a popstar in the 90's coming out with several hits and then weaning out and eventually losing interest from the mainstream media. And i mean....GOOD songs. From her first album, "Robyn is Here" songs like "Show me love", "Do you know what it takes" and "Do you really want me". GOOD songs. I describe her old music as very Britney circa 90's. They had very similar types of songs which actually makes a lot of sense because she worked a lot with Max Martin back then when she was still signed with BMG. In fact i could honestly see Britney singing some of her songs. Her second album, "My Truth" was a bit of a flop if you ask me. Kinda weird and boring but you know what? She stayed true to who she was and continued to write her own music. Now....HERE is where it gets awesome: After fading somewhat from the industry's eye for a while and swapping labels inside BMG a couple times, she ended up leaving Jive Records because they didn't like her new sound. So what does our homegirl do??? She gives them a big FUCK YOU and starts her own record label, "Konichiwa Records". LOVE IT!!!! This is where we get the Robyn we all know and love. Still wasn't quite making it big but she still came out with some awesome music.
Her 4th album, "Robyn", had such bad-ass music that i can't even deal. Most of these songs are just proving how freaking awesome she is. "Be Mine", "You can't handle me" and "Konichiwa Bitches". The latter, i feel, is her way of saying, "PEACE BMG, ill be famous on my own", which of course i just go crazy for. After mini-collabing with Britney Spears and opening for Madonna, she FINALLY came out with Body Talk Part 1 under Interscope (I'm TELLING YOU this label makes superstars) and she did something so random and creative. She released a trilogy of albums, "Body Talk Part 1,2 and 3 (later changed to "Body Talk" all within 6 months of each other, which was a brilliant way to bombard everyone with her talent and music. To be honest this is probably the sole reason I ever got hooked on Robyn. After hearing about her different album releases online i had to take a peek and i loved what i heard. Another cool thing she did with the Body Talk trilogy: on each album she had an acoustic song which was a preview for the next album. Each acoustic song would be the next album's lead single. If you ever have a free moment and you haven't listened to these albums before, download them ALL, get a decent pair of headphones and enjoy. Her sound is so incredibly unique, her beats WILL get stuck in your head all day and she also displays how she is able to have softer music with her acoustic releases. Compare and contrast "Hang With Me" acoustic from "part 1" and original from "part 2". You see how beautiful and serene, almost nostalgic, it is and then BOOM she comes out with this beat to the track that just.....blows your mind because you just weren't even expecting it. She also re-collabed with Max Martin after a long vacant period with "Time Machine" (in my opinion the best track on Body Talk Part 3). All 3 albums have a similar sound but different purposes i feel. Part 1 is filled with sad, break-up songs. "hang with me-acoustic", "Cry when you get older", "Fembot" and the ever popular "Dancing on my own". Part 2 is definately more upbeat and displays her incredible vocals on the track, "In My Eyes" and the original "Hang With Me" which carries a FIERCE beat, and "Include Me Out" which has been accurately described as "digitised stop-start funk". Part 3 was basically a re-release of the 2 latter with some new tracks mixed in there. Most importantly "Stars-4-Ever" and "Time Machine" which reeks of a club. Heavy, deep beat with an arpeggio-tic high pitched synth and a wavy deep synth in the background. Max Martin did an amazing job on that track. I wont even get started on the lyrics of these albums because i will never stop. They are amazing to say the least. Throughout the years Robyn has proved, she has TALENT. Lyrically, and musically, this woman has ALWAYS written her own stuff which was very rare for pop stars in the 90's and she deserves more credit than she gets.
Anyways, after long tangents of how much talent this girl has i just would like to say one more thing and let this be a lesson to ALL. If you have an artistic vision or a goal in life and people tell you you'll never make it? Do what Robyn did: Stay true to who you are, stay true to your dreams and your voice will be heard. Thank you Robyn for the incredible music, and the incredible lessons. I look forward to hearing what is next <3
Little does everyone know this, and i was informed by my industry-friendly friend Brian, that she actually was a popstar in the 90's coming out with several hits and then weaning out and eventually losing interest from the mainstream media. And i mean....GOOD songs. From her first album, "Robyn is Here" songs like "Show me love", "Do you know what it takes" and "Do you really want me". GOOD songs. I describe her old music as very Britney circa 90's. They had very similar types of songs which actually makes a lot of sense because she worked a lot with Max Martin back then when she was still signed with BMG. In fact i could honestly see Britney singing some of her songs. Her second album, "My Truth" was a bit of a flop if you ask me. Kinda weird and boring but you know what? She stayed true to who she was and continued to write her own music. Now....HERE is where it gets awesome: After fading somewhat from the industry's eye for a while and swapping labels inside BMG a couple times, she ended up leaving Jive Records because they didn't like her new sound. So what does our homegirl do??? She gives them a big FUCK YOU and starts her own record label, "Konichiwa Records". LOVE IT!!!! This is where we get the Robyn we all know and love. Still wasn't quite making it big but she still came out with some awesome music.
Her 4th album, "Robyn", had such bad-ass music that i can't even deal. Most of these songs are just proving how freaking awesome she is. "Be Mine", "You can't handle me" and "Konichiwa Bitches". The latter, i feel, is her way of saying, "PEACE BMG, ill be famous on my own", which of course i just go crazy for. After mini-collabing with Britney Spears and opening for Madonna, she FINALLY came out with Body Talk Part 1 under Interscope (I'm TELLING YOU this label makes superstars) and she did something so random and creative. She released a trilogy of albums, "Body Talk Part 1,2 and 3 (later changed to "Body Talk" all within 6 months of each other, which was a brilliant way to bombard everyone with her talent and music. To be honest this is probably the sole reason I ever got hooked on Robyn. After hearing about her different album releases online i had to take a peek and i loved what i heard. Another cool thing she did with the Body Talk trilogy: on each album she had an acoustic song which was a preview for the next album. Each acoustic song would be the next album's lead single. If you ever have a free moment and you haven't listened to these albums before, download them ALL, get a decent pair of headphones and enjoy. Her sound is so incredibly unique, her beats WILL get stuck in your head all day and she also displays how she is able to have softer music with her acoustic releases. Compare and contrast "Hang With Me" acoustic from "part 1" and original from "part 2". You see how beautiful and serene, almost nostalgic, it is and then BOOM she comes out with this beat to the track that just.....blows your mind because you just weren't even expecting it. She also re-collabed with Max Martin after a long vacant period with "Time Machine" (in my opinion the best track on Body Talk Part 3). All 3 albums have a similar sound but different purposes i feel. Part 1 is filled with sad, break-up songs. "hang with me-acoustic", "Cry when you get older", "Fembot" and the ever popular "Dancing on my own". Part 2 is definately more upbeat and displays her incredible vocals on the track, "In My Eyes" and the original "Hang With Me" which carries a FIERCE beat, and "Include Me Out" which has been accurately described as "digitised stop-start funk". Part 3 was basically a re-release of the 2 latter with some new tracks mixed in there. Most importantly "Stars-4-Ever" and "Time Machine" which reeks of a club. Heavy, deep beat with an arpeggio-tic high pitched synth and a wavy deep synth in the background. Max Martin did an amazing job on that track. I wont even get started on the lyrics of these albums because i will never stop. They are amazing to say the least. Throughout the years Robyn has proved, she has TALENT. Lyrically, and musically, this woman has ALWAYS written her own stuff which was very rare for pop stars in the 90's and she deserves more credit than she gets.
Anyways, after long tangents of how much talent this girl has i just would like to say one more thing and let this be a lesson to ALL. If you have an artistic vision or a goal in life and people tell you you'll never make it? Do what Robyn did: Stay true to who you are, stay true to your dreams and your voice will be heard. Thank you Robyn for the incredible music, and the incredible lessons. I look forward to hearing what is next <3
Friday, October 21, 2011
Rihanna- Part 1
So i need to get this off of my chest. I WILL post more about Rihanna in the very near future when her album drops next month and so on and so forth. BUT. I just have to talk about my passion for this woman and her ability to stay in the public eye for so freaking long. It's incredible. Her ability to collaberate, make amazing music video's, change her style so many times, and still make some DAMN good music has captured the eyes and ears of those all around the world. I truly feel she is the most powerful superstar in Hollywood right now. No, she is not the most talented, but she has a good thing going for her and i think she really knows how to keep it coming. She must have a fabulous management and creative team behind her because the way she promotes her albums and rarely does ANY live performances is crazy. i mean....how many live performances do you find of her on TV? hardly any, really. SNL and maybe one or two other gigs here and there. But nothing like Katy Perry or Lady Gaga who perform on any freaking occasion they get. Which can get really irritating and if anything that will be the reason these stars fade eventually.
I find her ability to stay so private and keep such an incredible image of herself up SO refreshing. Her music and albums DO tend to have themes. Rated R was a very raw, weak Rihanna struggling to get over past experiences whereas i find Loud to be SUCH a breath of fresh air in the music industry. I feel like she wasn't afraid to let loose and tell the world who SHE really was. I feel this album is most "her" and i definately assume that she had a pretty large part in the creative process of that album, as opposed to her previous albums where she was just singing songs that her label was throwing at her and having a really good producer on the track. Songs like "Man Down" and "What's my Name" that had such a carribean feel to it. And songs like "Cheers" that showed her ability to have fun and not go crazy and songs like "California King Bed" and "Fading"which showed that she isnt a crazy bitch in love. Whereas " Russian Roulette" DEFINATELY showed that she was a crazy bitch trying to get over an extremely abusive relationship. "Rude Boy", i feel, was her way of trying to make Chris Brown jealous by showing him what he was missing out on. I don't know. Ive found a lot of people who truly love that album. To be honest, when i first heard it i couldnt STAND it. i hated it. Now, i tend to respect it a little bit more. She shed some light on what was going on in her mind and i feel it gave her closure from something she really didn't have closure on and i definatley feel it was a stepping stool up to "Loud", where she just blossomed into this beautiful creature making beautiful, MEANINGFUL music. "Good Girl Gone Bad" was where she truly hit it big and people started to really love her. Her label kinda wanted a fresh take on her, i feel. If i remember correctly, she cut her hair around that time, and started portraying her image to people. Great album. Still blast that ish on my i-pod all the time. I'm extremely ecstatic to see what "Talk that Talk" is gunna bring to the table. I feel its going to be more modern, more poppy and electric. Judging by "We Found Love", at least, it's defintely going to take the next step forward from "Loud" and be a more mature, exploratory album.
I'm HOPING to see more collabs on it. Think about it. Rihanna's KNOWN for collabs. Drake, Sean Paul, Jeezy, David Guetta (which i hope to see more of), Calvin Harris, Eminem, Jay-Z, Neyo, and most recently, Coldplay. This woman is amazing and challenging different types of music and forming it into one. Her voice and energy just lets it happen.
Congratulations on 5 successful albums, Rihanna and cheers to the sixth being even more monumental and successful.
I find her ability to stay so private and keep such an incredible image of herself up SO refreshing. Her music and albums DO tend to have themes. Rated R was a very raw, weak Rihanna struggling to get over past experiences whereas i find Loud to be SUCH a breath of fresh air in the music industry. I feel like she wasn't afraid to let loose and tell the world who SHE really was. I feel this album is most "her" and i definately assume that she had a pretty large part in the creative process of that album, as opposed to her previous albums where she was just singing songs that her label was throwing at her and having a really good producer on the track. Songs like "Man Down" and "What's my Name" that had such a carribean feel to it. And songs like "Cheers" that showed her ability to have fun and not go crazy and songs like "California King Bed" and "Fading"which showed that she isnt a crazy bitch in love. Whereas " Russian Roulette" DEFINATELY showed that she was a crazy bitch trying to get over an extremely abusive relationship. "Rude Boy", i feel, was her way of trying to make Chris Brown jealous by showing him what he was missing out on. I don't know. Ive found a lot of people who truly love that album. To be honest, when i first heard it i couldnt STAND it. i hated it. Now, i tend to respect it a little bit more. She shed some light on what was going on in her mind and i feel it gave her closure from something she really didn't have closure on and i definatley feel it was a stepping stool up to "Loud", where she just blossomed into this beautiful creature making beautiful, MEANINGFUL music. "Good Girl Gone Bad" was where she truly hit it big and people started to really love her. Her label kinda wanted a fresh take on her, i feel. If i remember correctly, she cut her hair around that time, and started portraying her image to people. Great album. Still blast that ish on my i-pod all the time. I'm extremely ecstatic to see what "Talk that Talk" is gunna bring to the table. I feel its going to be more modern, more poppy and electric. Judging by "We Found Love", at least, it's defintely going to take the next step forward from "Loud" and be a more mature, exploratory album.
I'm HOPING to see more collabs on it. Think about it. Rihanna's KNOWN for collabs. Drake, Sean Paul, Jeezy, David Guetta (which i hope to see more of), Calvin Harris, Eminem, Jay-Z, Neyo, and most recently, Coldplay. This woman is amazing and challenging different types of music and forming it into one. Her voice and energy just lets it happen.
Congratulations on 5 successful albums, Rihanna and cheers to the sixth being even more monumental and successful.
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