Written by Jess Fullagar
Tuesday, 12 February 2008
The French kicks´ progress and consistency is what’s best about their new album Two thousand. A combination of the Cure, the Pixies, and other contemporary indie rock styles, this album is a good combination of highway tunes and chill out alternative music sessions. The guitar strums coordinated with other interesting music instruments gives this Melodic post punk album even more flavor, add Nick and Matthews harmonious soothing vocals with contrasting pitches, will have you listening to inspiring tunes that will keep you singing even when the songs are over. ¨Knee high¨ for instance, has a relaxed beat, yet the sound as a whole is enthusiastic: protagonistic and catchy guitar strums, beautifully pitched voices, and inspirational lyrics and beats. ¨Cloche¨ has appealing sounds surrounding the guitar and the song sounds striking with the melodic high vocals- full of life and emotion. All of the instruments in this album have a voice and harmoniously take part of the message the songs contain. Two Thousand is uplifting, and these musicians show us how an album can be filled of great songs each and carefully made to perfection, making a CD purchase worth every penny.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tegan and Sara - The Con
Written by Mariam Nasiri
Tuesday, 12 February 2008
My first reaction after I gave the album a listen was, “What did I just listen to?” The vocals were not the type I had been used to, the melodies were executed very strangely and the lyrics are vague. But then I realized that that is a good thing. I had never heard any of their previous albums so I have nothing to compare them to. It is actually refreshing to hear their voices, either as a duo or solo. It’s nice not having lyrics that are blatant and upfront, but rather, ones that you really have to sit down and think about (and you still may or may not get them).
Sometimes people try really hard to be different and they end up just looking obnoxious. This is not one of those circumstances. It’s a very different album that will most likely be very Hit or Miss with people (a matter of personal preference). It’s a simple album, the instruments aren’t over-the-top and it’s very relaxing. I really enjoyed it.
Tuesday, 12 February 2008
My first reaction after I gave the album a listen was, “What did I just listen to?” The vocals were not the type I had been used to, the melodies were executed very strangely and the lyrics are vague. But then I realized that that is a good thing. I had never heard any of their previous albums so I have nothing to compare them to. It is actually refreshing to hear their voices, either as a duo or solo. It’s nice not having lyrics that are blatant and upfront, but rather, ones that you really have to sit down and think about (and you still may or may not get them).
Sometimes people try really hard to be different and they end up just looking obnoxious. This is not one of those circumstances. It’s a very different album that will most likely be very Hit or Miss with people (a matter of personal preference). It’s a simple album, the instruments aren’t over-the-top and it’s very relaxing. I really enjoyed it.
Billy Talent - Billy Talent II
Written by Jess Fullagar
Monday, 06 November 2006
When talking about Billy Talent, the term mainstream would probably never come up. Maybe that is why I like them. Their music is full of confusion. Ben Kowalewicz, the band’s singer, has a strange, yet addicting voice. He has a considerable vocal range which is constantly changing. The chants in the back round are a trademark of this band, led by Ian D’sa and Jon Gallant, and their catchy choruses are constantly stuck in your head. As far as the album is concerned; it begins with “Devil In A Midnight Mass” a catchy, fast paced, opener. The verses are reminiscent of the previous cd, which is quite a compliment to fans of Billy Talent. The second song, “red flag”, begins with an over powering, almost cliché, yelling chorus. This song is not one of their best; in fact it hurts me to hear this chorus. Next is the track “The Suffering”. It’s powerfully gripping lyrics drew me in and the dynamic guitars which almost even remind me of a hit from their first cd “line and sinker” set the mood for a great song. Perhaps the most mainstream song on this cd; and even one of the better songs, would be track #5 “pins and needles”. It is a slower song which does pick up towards the middle but seems to be the best song on the cd. The rest of the songs are decent, making this a well-rounded disk; only the intros seem to sound mostly the same. One exception is burn the evidence which is an addicting ending to this all- together good album. Recommended Tracks: Track #5: Pins And Needles
Monday, 06 November 2006
When talking about Billy Talent, the term mainstream would probably never come up. Maybe that is why I like them. Their music is full of confusion. Ben Kowalewicz, the band’s singer, has a strange, yet addicting voice. He has a considerable vocal range which is constantly changing. The chants in the back round are a trademark of this band, led by Ian D’sa and Jon Gallant, and their catchy choruses are constantly stuck in your head. As far as the album is concerned; it begins with “Devil In A Midnight Mass” a catchy, fast paced, opener. The verses are reminiscent of the previous cd, which is quite a compliment to fans of Billy Talent. The second song, “red flag”, begins with an over powering, almost cliché, yelling chorus. This song is not one of their best; in fact it hurts me to hear this chorus. Next is the track “The Suffering”. It’s powerfully gripping lyrics drew me in and the dynamic guitars which almost even remind me of a hit from their first cd “line and sinker” set the mood for a great song. Perhaps the most mainstream song on this cd; and even one of the better songs, would be track #5 “pins and needles”. It is a slower song which does pick up towards the middle but seems to be the best song on the cd. The rest of the songs are decent, making this a well-rounded disk; only the intros seem to sound mostly the same. One exception is burn the evidence which is an addicting ending to this all- together good album. Recommended Tracks: Track #5: Pins And Needles
Rise Against - The Sufferer & The Witness
Written byScott Ricci
Tuesday, 07 November 2006
As a CD on the whole I would say that it is sub-par in comparison with some of Rise Against’s earlier albums such as Revolutions Per Minute. There are some bright spots such as the single “Ready To Fall” and the first song on the CD “Chamber The Cartridge”. These two songs do well in keeping with Rise Against’s social-political critic reminiscent of old Rise Against allowing an old fan to have a nice nostalgic moment within the CD. Probably the worst song on the whole album is track 11 entitled “Roadside”. Now I know, we all loved “Swing Life Away” I mean hell that’s a great track on the album Siren Song of the Counter Culture but another slow sappy song come on boys what where you thinking. I want to rock not listen to a Nickelback CD.
Tuesday, 07 November 2006
As a CD on the whole I would say that it is sub-par in comparison with some of Rise Against’s earlier albums such as Revolutions Per Minute. There are some bright spots such as the single “Ready To Fall” and the first song on the CD “Chamber The Cartridge”. These two songs do well in keeping with Rise Against’s social-political critic reminiscent of old Rise Against allowing an old fan to have a nice nostalgic moment within the CD. Probably the worst song on the whole album is track 11 entitled “Roadside”. Now I know, we all loved “Swing Life Away” I mean hell that’s a great track on the album Siren Song of the Counter Culture but another slow sappy song come on boys what where you thinking. I want to rock not listen to a Nickelback CD.
Ben Folds - SuperSunnySpeedGraphic, the LP
Written by John Poretta
Tuesday, 07 November 2006
Ben Folds' third and latest solo album, “SuperSunnySpeedGraphic, the LP” is a collection of songs taken mostly from his limited edition EPs: “Super”, “Sunny 16”, and “Speed Graphic.” The Lp also includes songs from “The Bens EP,” which was a short CD of songs written and recorded by Ben Lee, Ben Kweller, and of course, Ben Folds. Another distinctive feature of the new album is that it includes three cover songs: The Cure’s “In Between Days” The Darkness’ “Get Your Hands Off My Woman” and a humorous rendition of Dr. Dre’s “B****** Ain’t S***.” Although these songs may seem like a big departure from the regular sound he plays, there is so much Ben Folds influence in the songs that most listeners won’t even realize that they aren’t originals. The twelve-track CD includes everything a Ben Folds fan would expect: clever lyrics, catchy melodies, and his powerful voice. Although I wouldn’t expect to hear any of these songs on mainstream radio, it doesn’t change the fact that “SuperSunnySpeedGraphic” may be one of the best albums this fall season.
Tuesday, 07 November 2006
Ben Folds' third and latest solo album, “SuperSunnySpeedGraphic, the LP” is a collection of songs taken mostly from his limited edition EPs: “Super”, “Sunny 16”, and “Speed Graphic.” The Lp also includes songs from “The Bens EP,” which was a short CD of songs written and recorded by Ben Lee, Ben Kweller, and of course, Ben Folds. Another distinctive feature of the new album is that it includes three cover songs: The Cure’s “In Between Days” The Darkness’ “Get Your Hands Off My Woman” and a humorous rendition of Dr. Dre’s “B****** Ain’t S***.” Although these songs may seem like a big departure from the regular sound he plays, there is so much Ben Folds influence in the songs that most listeners won’t even realize that they aren’t originals. The twelve-track CD includes everything a Ben Folds fan would expect: clever lyrics, catchy melodies, and his powerful voice. Although I wouldn’t expect to hear any of these songs on mainstream radio, it doesn’t change the fact that “SuperSunnySpeedGraphic” may be one of the best albums this fall season.
Midtown - Forget What you Know
Written by Steve Parker
Tuesday, 07 November 2006
To be honest I have been a Midtown fanatic since I started listening to music intently. Midtown was one of the very first bands I ever truly listened to. Their debut album “Save The World, Lose The Girl” is one of the three best albums that I personally have ever listened to. However, “Forget What You Know” is far from the midtown I am used to. In my opinion, it is actually a lot… worse. Their opening track “To Our Savior” is probably one of the best tracks on this CD. The chorus is different then the midtown I’m used to, but its still a bit catchy. The second song, “Give It Up” is actually their breakout song which was put out as their single, and it is also a pretty decent song. From here on, sadly, the album takes a steep decline. Except for “A Whole New World” and a short, but catchy instrumental “The Tragedy Of The Human Condition”, the Album is less then mediocre. This is a sad to my midtown obsession. I was used to being able to listen to entire albums by them and now, I have to pick and choose…(tear). Recommended Tracks: Track #2: To Our Saviors (clean) Track #3: Give It Up (clean) Track #6: Whole New World (clean)
Tuesday, 07 November 2006
To be honest I have been a Midtown fanatic since I started listening to music intently. Midtown was one of the very first bands I ever truly listened to. Their debut album “Save The World, Lose The Girl” is one of the three best albums that I personally have ever listened to. However, “Forget What You Know” is far from the midtown I am used to. In my opinion, it is actually a lot… worse. Their opening track “To Our Savior” is probably one of the best tracks on this CD. The chorus is different then the midtown I’m used to, but its still a bit catchy. The second song, “Give It Up” is actually their breakout song which was put out as their single, and it is also a pretty decent song. From here on, sadly, the album takes a steep decline. Except for “A Whole New World” and a short, but catchy instrumental “The Tragedy Of The Human Condition”, the Album is less then mediocre. This is a sad to my midtown obsession. I was used to being able to listen to entire albums by them and now, I have to pick and choose…(tear). Recommended Tracks: Track #2: To Our Saviors (clean) Track #3: Give It Up (clean) Track #6: Whole New World (clean)
Norma Jean - O’ God, The Aftermath: The Marvelous End Of The Exhausted Contender
Written by Steve Parker
Tuesday, 07 November 2006
To Be quiet honest I am a bit bias in reviewing this record. Solid State is my favorite label, heralding such bands as Underoath, As Cities Burn, Emery, and The Almost. Another bias I have is more of a tolerance; a tolerance and even liking of harder music. Norma Jean starts this cd off with an amazing song; “Murderotica”. Probably my favorite song on this album comes at the middle. Track #6 “Liarsenic” is a great song with catchy vocals (meaning singing) and great guitar riffs. On track #7 “Disconnecktie” there is a long drawn out palm-muted part which really makes you stop and listen to the singing in the back round. It then turns into a long period of just simple instrumentals, which almost makes you forget that this is such a heavy cd. The screams are dynamic, as I like them, and the wailing guitars just contribute to the heavy, dark, atmosphere that engulfs you throughout this song. However, the song assures “there is hope for us yet”. This cd is pretty much one elongated hardcore anthem. The songs may sound similar at most times, but the intricate details, different guitar riffs and mosh-pit invoking breakdowns separate this album from almost all albums. Unfortunately, there would be no place on the radio for this cd, it is too genre specific and only people who really do enjoy a good hardcore song (such as me) would even want to listen to it. Recommended Tracks: None
Tuesday, 07 November 2006
To Be quiet honest I am a bit bias in reviewing this record. Solid State is my favorite label, heralding such bands as Underoath, As Cities Burn, Emery, and The Almost. Another bias I have is more of a tolerance; a tolerance and even liking of harder music. Norma Jean starts this cd off with an amazing song; “Murderotica”. Probably my favorite song on this album comes at the middle. Track #6 “Liarsenic” is a great song with catchy vocals (meaning singing) and great guitar riffs. On track #7 “Disconnecktie” there is a long drawn out palm-muted part which really makes you stop and listen to the singing in the back round. It then turns into a long period of just simple instrumentals, which almost makes you forget that this is such a heavy cd. The screams are dynamic, as I like them, and the wailing guitars just contribute to the heavy, dark, atmosphere that engulfs you throughout this song. However, the song assures “there is hope for us yet”. This cd is pretty much one elongated hardcore anthem. The songs may sound similar at most times, but the intricate details, different guitar riffs and mosh-pit invoking breakdowns separate this album from almost all albums. Unfortunately, there would be no place on the radio for this cd, it is too genre specific and only people who really do enjoy a good hardcore song (such as me) would even want to listen to it. Recommended Tracks: None
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