Tag Archives: musician

Album Review: Bobby Long – Wishbone

“I was so in love with you, with what people do to me and you”

EvolutionThe process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the earth.

When an upcoming record – from an artist you have known for some time – is to be released, there’s a thrill of excitement that runs through you, a feeling of elation. Having no idea what to expect, you try to prepare yourself for what’s to come, by listening to that artist’s previous records and singles. You hope the latest album surpasses the former, but resign yourself to only accept the newest complication if it’s as good as its predecessor. When you finally are able to hold that record in your hand – see it waiting for you in your iTunes library – that feeling of elation transforms into nervousness. You try to delay the inevitable, sorting through several (good and bad) scenarios in your mind, knowing that you’ll receive no peace until your headphones are securely in place and the first track is running through your ears. In most cases, your anxiety is unfounded, but somehow warranted. Sometimes, it is well founded and is quite disappointing. In rare instances, it should have never existed – the album going above and beyond your expectations. When my Wishbone experience began two weeks ago, I had no idea I would be left in complete and utter shock.

More After the Cut!

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Press Play (Wednesday Edition): Ryan Adams

“It’s Only Gonna Make You Love Me More”

Source: Google Images

Welcome to a very special installment of Press Play! I’m glad you could make it. You might have noticed this isn’t our usual meeting place; those special Fridays we had reserved now overrun by vampires and hybrids. It’s just not right to let you go without, so I thought we all could use a good mid-week music fix.

It’s been quite some time since we saw a new face around here, heard a new song; our desire to add to that well-worn list of melodic favorites put on the back burner for some time now. What we need is to get back into a rhythm; find a beat that will take us where we need to go, an artist that will make us want to jump up onto our feet and sing along. Luckily, I have just the person for you. Meet singer/songwriter, Ryan Adams. With 10+ albums under his belt, I’m sure many of you have already met this über talented musician, so I’ll make this introduction brief.

Ryan Adams has become one of those quintessential go-to artists. With deep, blues-inspired melodies, lines and lines of magnificently crafted lyrics, and that typical eccentricity we readily look for amongst musicians, Adams has easily made himself a comfortable home on many of our iPod playlists. Combining long threads of words – heartbreaking and passionate – with coarse guitar strains, Adams signature style transcends the stereotype and becomes something else entirely. His unique rasp is well-known, making it impossible for you not to recognize a track or two.

More Music After the Cut!

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Album Review: Jason Mraz – Love Is a Four Letter Word

“It’s not hard for me to love you”

Source: Google Images

Peace. Love. Happiness. Finding melodies that truly illustrate these words in their purest form can sometimes be hard to find. An artist willing to share their own story of success – to be able to achieve what we all desire in our lifetime – can be even more of a rarity. Anyone can write a love song. Yet there is something about the way Jason Mraz combines his authentic lyrics and intricate strains of music that generates clear, raw emotion. He writes honestly – like a man in love, at a point in his life where every piece of the puzzle finally fits together. He creates a world with this album, where mankind has moved into a state of tranquility, where every soul holds hands and sings the song inside their heart. You want to live there, if only for just a day. Gone is the gritty realism we’d come to expect from our favorite curbside prophet. In its place lies the laid back, mellow side of Jason Mraz.

Love Is a Four Letter Word is the next chapter from Mr. A-Z, this being his fourth studio album. Die hard fans – that would be me – have been fervently waiting for this highly anticipated record since 2008′s We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things.

When you first listen to the album, you will unmistakably notice the mixture of styles, an amalgamation of Mraz’s previous recordings. The artist has evolved, providing us with something discrete, though distinctly intertwined with a sense of familiarity. The vocals are outstanding, but why would we expect anything different? Those looking for the contrast of integrated Pop/Rock style, like Mraz’s first two records, might be disappointed. The album is primarily Pop. Nevertheless, I have to commend Mraz for always bringing something unique and unknown to us each and every time. Admittedly, the record takes a few listens to truly comprehend. In the end, you’ll find the repetition, undoubtedly, worth your time.

As always, I want to hear what you have to say about the album. Head down to the comments and write down your thoughts. I’ll be there in just a minute. For now, how about a track-by-track review?

More After the Cut!

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Jason Mraz “I Won’t Give Up”

“Cause even the stars they burn, some even fall to the earth.”

It’s always such a great day when we get new music from our favorite artists. That first glimpse of an upcoming album brings with it a splendid level of excitement, a feeling of anticipation we welcome eagerly. It is even stronger when we have followed that artist since the beginning. Today we have one of those artists. Our resident Curbside Prophet has brought us another remedy for our music obsession. I Won’t Give Up is the first sample off of Jason Mraz’s fourth studio album, “Love is a Four Letter Word”, which is expected April 17, 2012. The song is a little bit different from what we’re used to, a sweet mix of folk and pop we haven’t really heard from him before. It seems Jason Mraz has now become the go-to-guy for romantic, pop ballads. The song shifts from a soft acoustic performance, to a powerful vocal chorus, ending with a gospel style ensemble of voices. I won’t Give Up is another brilliant, beautiful melody from the singer, emotion flows out of every phrase. I love how the song is played as such a simple truth. “I won’t give up on us, even if the skies get rough. I’m giving you all my love. I’m still looking up.” Go on, music lovers. Give it a listen and tell me what you think.

What did you think of the song? Can’t wait for the new album? What is your favorite Jason Mraz song? Favorite album? Tell me in the comments!

For more Kim the FanGirl follow the blog on Twitter @kimthefangirl and on Facebook

Tagged , , , ,

Florence + The Machine “No Light, No Light”

“You want a revelation, some kind of resolution”

Florence Welch sways above the New York City backdrop – wind gliding through her auburn hair – as a chorus of Catholic school children accompany her melodic voice. All the while, the candles flicker and dim, while a voodoo priest dances to the relentless drum beat of No Light, No Light. Our musical songstress takes flight, fleeing her demons. God. Religion. Love. Death.“You want a revelation. You want to get it right.” Florence seemingly jumps from her heavenly perch; falling – begging for someone to catch her. Breaking the glass ceiling, she settles in the arms of the choir. A soft caress. A kiss. A whisper. Florence’s eyes open to her savior, her lover. We expect nothing less than the usual eccentric storytelling we receive from every Florence + The Machine music video, and No Light, No Light is no different. The visual metaphors spill into every crevice of the expressive picture, hiding images for you to catch and decipher. A woman finding a skeptical romance in the arms of her lover? A lost soul, running away from heartache? There are so many perceptions and images voicing their words in this visually engaging video, that it takes at least a couple of views to understand and appreciate the presented artwork. I think all of you Florence Fans will undoubtedly recognize and love the newest addition to the group; finding the artistic sights of the video Flo-worthy. Take a gander, friends. Tell me what you think of the latest from Ceremonials.

What did you think of the ‘No Light, No Light’ music video? What’s your favorite scene? Love the song? What is your favorite track on Ceremonials? Tell me in the comments!

For more Kim the FanGirl follow the blog on Twitter @kimthefangirl and on Facebook

Tagged , , , , , ,

Album Review: Florence + The Machine – Ceremonials

“And I did cartwheels in your honour. Dancing on tiptoes; my own secret ceremonials”

Source: Google Images

When you first sit down and listen to Ceremonials, there is a blissful moment when you realize you’re not in Kansas anymore. You’ve been transported to some strange and wonderful dreamlike location; where ghosts roam the streets, lovers embrace and break into song, and Florence Welch looks down upon you from her majestic tree. There is no other place like it. You want to be there. You want to keep Florence in your pocket and have her sing you lullabies. Or maybe, that’s just me?

With the follow-up to their 2009 debut album, Lungs, Florence + The Machine (once again) present us with a dazzling and strong record we will be talking about endlessly. Songstress, Florence Welch, explores the deepest of emotion with intense poetic lyrics and her passionate, powerful voice. Alongside, The Machine create a vigorous performance, giving life to the each and every song.

Ceremonials is a delightful departure from her first album, combining the best bits and pieces from what we loved so much about Lungs, and fusing those with something new and original. Nothing is as you expect. This album is a seamless puzzle of varied styles of music and voices, perfectly pieced together.

More After The Cut!

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Album Review: Jack’s Mannequin – People and Things

“Keep your eyes on the road, on the Glass Passenger. He sings for a traveling band.”

Source: Google Images

Debuting their third studio album, Jack’s Mannequin has once again, brought us back to a place we love and remember so fondly. It’s great to be here again, isn’t it? With a new, but delightfully familiar sound, People and Things is the latest creation of melodies & lyrics from our friend and resident musical genius, Andrew McMahon. For fans, People and Things will be a surprising fusion of the easy, rock & pop inspired Everything in Transit and the powerful & personal journey of The Glass Passenger. It will be easy to recognize the usual flawless execution Andrew presents with each and every song he writes. Saying that, I’ve now had a week to break down the lyrics and phrasing – the melodies and the comforting refrains. I’ve listened to each song countless times. I’ve written ‘I love Andrew’ on all my notebooks (Not true, but the sentiment is there). I can honestly say, that whether or not you’re a fan, there is no doubt this album is an exceptionally crafted musical voyage you will instantly fall in love with. The thing that will bring you back time and time again, is the recognition that every Jack’s Mannequin song has a voice; each selection is unique and noteworthy.

Amy, I has to be my favorite song on the record and another classic Jack’s Mannequin track. I have no doubt this is one tune that will have audiences singing along at every show. The song is an exceptional addition to People and Things. Tracks like Television and Release Me also confirm Andrew’s success at writing heartfelt, endearing hooks.

More Music After The Cut!

Tagged , , , , ,

Music News: Florence and The Machine “What The Water Gave Me”

“Oh, my love. Don’t forget me.”

Hey, music lovers! Did you miss me? Yeah, I know you did (*wink*). Guess what? I’ve got some super-awesome music news for you today. This past week Florence and The Machine announced that their highly anticipated second album – The title is unknown as of yet – will be released November 7th, 2011. Now, I know you’re busy doing your happy dance and praising the musical goddess that is Florence Welch, but there’s more. Yes, you heard correctly. What The Water Gave Me, the first track off the new album, is now available for your listening pleasure. Oh, and it’s so good. And what’s this? An official music video? Why, yes. Yes, it is. You may now proceed to squee like a FanGirl. Go on, take a listen and tell me what you think.

What did you think of “What The Water Gave Me? Are you excited for the new album? Loved the music video? What’s your favorite Florence and The Machine song? Tell me in the comments!

For more Kim the FanGirl follow the blog on Twitter @kimthefangirl and on Facebook

Tagged , , , ,

Music News: Jack’s Mannequin “People And Things”

“We break with speed, That girl can read my racing thoughts.”

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Piano Man, Andrew McMahon and his super awesome posse of musicians, aka Jack’s Mannequin announced yesterday that their long-awaited third studio album, People And Things will be officially released on October 4th, 2011. While this enough to make you break out into your happy dance (Yeah, I did it), they also announced that the first single “My  Racing Thoughts” will be available to purchase at your local online music establishment, August 2nd. Wait. There’s more. I know. Could it get any more awesome? You can preview the single right now. That’s right, people. Drop whatever you are doing, pick up those headphones, and get ready to listen to another stunning anthem from Jack’s Mannequin.

For more information check out the official website for Jack’s Mannequin HERE

What did you think of “My Racing Thoughts?Are you excited for the new album? What is your favorite Jack’s Mannequin song? Favorite album? Tell me in the comments!

For more Kim the FanGirl follow the blog on Twitter @kimthefangirl and on Facebook

Tagged , , , , ,

Press Play Friday: Sara Bareilles

“I do it for love”

Source: Photobucket

What time is it? It’s Press Play Friday. Yes, you heard correctly. I know, it’s been awhile, hasn’t it? My apologies, music addicts. This week, we go to Vegas, write Love Song‘s, and find Uncharted territory (See what I did there?). Thinking about which artist to feature this week had me in a tizzy. After such a long time, I figured this PPF had to be extra special. I needed to find someone who I knew you would love, or maybe someone you already did. That left me with only one option. Sara Bareilles. I know! Good choice, right?

She’s the Queen of her genre and one my favorite artists. She’s one part Pop, one part Rock, one part Blues, and a whole lot of awesome (Sorry. I’ve been watching too much HIMYM lately). With her debut album Little Voice, Sara Bareilles immediately set-up a permanent place amongst the best in music. Not to mention, I think everyone was singing Love Song for about six months after it made routine stops on every local music station. Then in 2010, Sara once again gave radio DJ’s everywhere another excuse to stop taking requests with her mega-hit King of Anything; plus, another amazing #1 album entitled Kaleidoscope Heart.

More After The Cut!

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 147 other followers