Friday, July 14, 2006

Turn Back The Clock

I wanted everyone to feel like the summer isn't just about half over. So, I thought I'd send you your June discs. I call it "puttin a little Junio in your Julio"

(I thought the Spanish version made it sound much more like a sexual innuendo)

Check out the comments for a breakdown of the music on your new disc

I also have a Word file with my comments, if it is easier for you to print and consult. Let me know.

1 Comments:

Blogger B-Qbd said...

Amos Lee – S/T
A very mellow, mostly acoustic album, that I think has a Norah Jones-like feel. Top 3 are the first 3 songs of the album, but you should listen to more.

Ben Harper – Both Sides of the Gun
Admittedly, I have not given this album much of a chance. I need to give it a few more listens. I’m a huge Ben Harper fan, but at this point, I’m not sure about the album yet. You will notice the drastic difference between the two albums; even more striking than the difference between the 2 Live from Mars albums.

Carbon Leaf – Indian Summer
They’ve got a very slight Irish or Celtic feel… at least to me. Don’t expect Irish Drinking Songs, cuz that ain’t what this is. Carbon Leaf is blessed with multiple vocalists that work in harmony very well. The first song you must listen to is Let Your Troubles Roll By. Then, What About Everything? and Life Less Ordinary

Citizen Cope – The Clarence Greenwood Recordings
I love this album because I find myself bobbing my head to the beat as if it were a hip-hop album. His rap-like lyrics and style help that along some. The only downside for me is overly-repetitive lyrics in some instances. Listen to Sons Gonna Rise, Night Becomes Day, and Bullet and a Target. (in that order)

Damien Rice – O
This Irish singer/songwriter has put together a really nice, mellow album, that you may have heard some tracks from. Some very emotional folk music. Listen to Cannonball, Volcano, and Delicate

The Fray – How to Save a Life
I’m sure you’ve heard some of their stuff. You might like it, you might not. Pretty straightforward pop/rock. Standouts are How to Save a Life, Over My Head, and She Is

Gary Jules – Trading Snakeoil for Wolftickets
I would call this folk music too. Definitely one of the top 3 albums here. I stumbled across this SoCal native, and can’t get enough. I swear he’d be one of the most popular artists around, if not for the poor handling of his record by his former record company. It’s a shame really, but who knows… he might not be as good as he is today if it weren’t for that atrocity. His music has a relaxed, down south feel, yet still very much California. I honestly love just about every song on here. Standouts include DTLA, Barstool, and Patchwork G. Oh, and also check out Mad World - a Tears For Fears cover, featured in the movie Donnie Darko.

Guster – Keep It Together
For the most part, a great, very catchy album. Not really much more for me to say. You’ll notice some of their religious beliefs snuck in there. Anyway, check out Diane, Careful, and Ramona. You’ve probably already heard Amsterdam.

Keane – Hopes and Fears
Keane’s debut album was phenominal. A drummer, keyboardist, and lead singer… that’s it. Wonderfully catchy riffs with great vocals. Think Coldplay, stripped down. Try Somewhere Only We Know, Bend and Break, and Everybody’s Changing.

Keane – Under the Iron Sea
Only listened to it a few times. I like it, but it doesn’t compare to Hopes and Fears. Is It Any Wonder? is the obvious standout. Also check out Nothing In My Way and The Frog Prince

Kings of Convenience – Riot on an Empty Street
I love this album. Definitely in the top 3 of the albums here. This Norwegian duo is like nothing I’ve ever heard before. Check out I’d Rather Dance (and try not to bob your head), Misread, and Love Is No Big Truth. Oh, and the tracks featuring Feist are good too.

Remy Shand – The Way I Feel
This white boy from Canada (aka America Jr.) can really do some Soul. His album was nominated for multiple Grammys, mostly in the R&B realm. It’s odd, cuz it sounds as if some of the guitar riffs were sold to some porn companies to use as background music. Hah – don’t let that deter you from listening to this gem. Try The Way I Feel, Everlasting, and Take a Message

Sam Roberts – We Were Born in a Flame
Another fairly straightforward rock/pop album. Top 3: Hard Road, Brother Down, and No Sleep

Starsailor – Love Is Here
A very dark and seemingly depressing album, yet just enough upbeat material to let you know that all is not lost. Comparable to Radiohead. Check out Poor Misguided Fool, Good Souls, and Tie Up My Hands

Stereophonics – Language Sex Violence Other
When I first heard these guys, I thought they would be my new favorite band. However, I believe they are plagued with what I’ll call “hit or miss syndrome”. I think one song is incredible, then the next is forgettable. This album is pretty solid though, aside from a few “misses”. Try Devil, Dakota, Pedalpusher, and Deadhead. If you like this album and want more, definitely check out their live album, released rather recently.

Enjoy.

1:31 AM  

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