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Archives for 2006

Staff Recommendations September 24th 2006

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Julie Watanabe

Adie Camp – As the former frontwoman of rock ensemble The Benjamin Gate and songwriter Jeremy Camp’s wife, Adie has, for better or worse, no lack of ties to the music industry. This Tuesday, her first ever solo album Don’t Wait debuts through BEC Records. Her music is undeniably pop laced with acoustic rock, and despite being lumped into a competitive genre that’s already overpopulated, Adie manages to beat out much of her stake. For an idea of her style think catchy choruses like early Michelle Branch mixed with soft spoken vocal insight reminiscent of Anna Nalick. Check out “Your Way” on her myspace.
Myspace

Saosin – It’s been 3 years and waiting for early Saosin fans. 3 years since Translating The Name went public and the revolution was set in motion. The justifications are endless, but Saosin in your stereo is more important than money in your pocket. DON’T pirate this album! Saosin are the pioneers of this scene (no matter what you’d like to believe) and not buying this album would be of the highest disrespect. Look for the review soon.
Myspace

Michael Schneider

Matt Wertz – Matt has consistently been a favorite of mine since I was introduced to him. His infectious melodies and lyrics that connect with all listeners drive his entire catalogue and especially his new release “Everything In Between”

Cassidy Myers

mewithoutYou – Their new release “Brother, Sister” is absolutely amazing and will be one of the best releases to come out this year.

Rocky Votolato – Put out his amazing new album “Makers” this January. Rocky Votolato is the best solo artist to come out of Seattle.

Valida Prentice

I’m living in Barcelona right now and this past weekend was the big city festival, in honor of Barcelona’s patron Saint Mercedes. As part of the festivities, there was TONS of music, both traditional and contemporary. I think I’ll be drawing on the bands I first listened to at the free shows this weekend for the next few weeks’ recommendations. This week, I’ll recommend to you Canadians The Hidden Cameras who blend an array of string instruments with indie-pop keys & guitars and a poppin’ Spanish electronica quartet called Mendetz.

Reema Desai

The Format – Dog Problems was released in this year in the middle of the summer and I haven’t really stopped listening to it since. The lyrics and subject matter are as personal as songs can possibly be and the variety of instruments and techniques used on this album make it stick out from the crowd as well as add a certain flavor to the album. One can not listen to this album and not respect the evident hard work and sincerity that went into making it. The leap the band took from their previous record, Interventions and Lullabies to Dog Problems is truely phenomenal. This is easily one of if not the most witty and catchy pop albums of the year.

(On a side note, they also have the coolest website ever.)

This Providence – This Providence

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This Providence

Artist: This Providence
Album: This Providence
Label: Fueled By Ramen
Purchase: SmartPunk
Release Date: September 12, 2006

Overall: 7.1
Music: 7.0
Lyrics: 9.0
Production: 6.5

I wish I could judge a record based on its message because if I could, the second release by Seattle-natives ‘This Providence’ would be a perfect ten. In a music scene where negativity breeds popularity, This Providence has continually held strong to their faith-based lyrics and outstanding character even now being a part of a record company laden with immorality. Their first record ‘Our World’s Divorce’ was a perfect blend of pop-rock and off tempo indie-emo and held a flavor original to This Providence. While there signature sound is sometimes present, their Fueled By Ramen debut seems apt to follow the trends of popular music.

‘A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing’ is the strongest song on this album not only musically but lyrically as well. A conversation with the devil, the lyrics command that God will prevail over the sin of the earth. ‘Card House Dreamer’ and ‘Secret Love and the Fastest Way to Loneliness’ are solid, but would’ve been filler tracks on their first album. ‘My Beautiful Rescue’ again defines why This Providence is in my opinion one of the best bands in music lyrically. Directly admitting sinful nature, they plead “I’m crying out, wash my hands, these bloody hands, Lord.” It could be the simple personal connection, but it isn’t often you find such honesty in music. While I had hoped this was just a taste of the greatness present already on this album, unfortunately this track is the peak of the record.

After the first four songs, it feels like the band wrote to please someone. The songs vary in production style and lack in heart. ‘The Pursuit of Happiness: 1st Movement’ and ‘Anything is Possible’ would have rounded out a very impressive EP, but the stretch for a full-length record involved songs that just don’t cut the standard This Providence has made for themselves. The potential for greatness is definitely there and I’m anxious to see what comes next for these young and talented guys. If any other band had released this record, I might have given a higher rating, however with a bigger budget and wider audience than ever before, I had very high hopes.

Track Listing
1. A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing
2. Card House Dreamer
3. Secret Love And The Fastest Way To Loneliness
4. My Beautiful Rescue
5. Losing Control
6. ..But What Will They Say
7. Anything Is Possible
8. The Road To Jericho Is Lined With Starving People
9. Walking On Water
10. An Ocean Between
11. The Pursuit Of Happiness: 1st Movement
12. The Pursuit Of Happiness: 2nd Movement

New Good Charlotte song not ‘Young’, but definitely ‘Hopeless’ **

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Head over to www.myspace.com/goodcharlotte to hear a brand new track off their upcoming album, tentatively titled ‘Good Morning Revival’. The track, entitled ‘Keep Your Hands Off My Girl’, is not set to be the single, but simply a pre-release preview for fans.

On a personal note, I had hope for this GC album. I love their old music – as much as I may get made fun of for that. But this song has dashed all hope I had of them ever making a musical come back.

** Witty title appears courtesy of Jill. I wish I could come up with this stuff on my own.

Matt Wertz – Everything In Between

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Matt Wertz - Everything In Between Artwork

Artist: Matt Wertz
Album: Everything In Between
Label: Nettwerk Management
Purchase: Aware Store
Release Date: September 19, 2006

Overall: 9.1
Music: 9.1
Lyrics: 9.0
Production: 9.0

Since my introduction to Matt Wertz’s music earlier this year I have not ever stopped short in telling anyone and everyone about it. Matt’s first two releases capture all of his emotions but also those of the common listener. His new record, ‘Everything In Between’ was recently released digitally on Nettwerk.com as well as through a pre-order linked above.

Everything In Between begins with ‘The Way I Feel About You’- a track Matt debuted on his spring tours. From the first riff Matt has a new funk that’s not present on his past efforts. Featuring guest vocals that are reminiscent of Stevie Wonder, it’s evident that Matt didn’t hold anything back for this record. ‘Carolina’ brings in the feel of a country road, mandolin and bright toned guitars on top of the acoustic blend perfectly. ‘Heartbreaker’ includes the funk of ‘The Way I Feel’ and ‘Over You’ is faster paced and builds up the record before the slowing down of ‘5:19.’

My favorite song on the record, 5:19 is softer than the first half of the CD. The lyrics, ‘We both know I could think myself dizzy, right now I’m spinnin around,’ show the simple yet clever song-writing Matt uses in his music. The toned down second half contains potential radio single ‘Like The Last Time’ and climaxes at the end with the ballad ‘Capitol City’.

Matt Wertz has taken what has proven to be quite difficult and written a solid follow up album. The hype surrounding now only has support in why he has quickly become one of the most popular singer-songwriters producing music today. On the verge of a major US tour with Christian music icons Jars Of Clay, take advantage of the opportunity and check out his third full-length record, ‘Everything In Between.’

Hundred Year War – Hello From The Children Of Planet Earth

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Hundred Year Storm

Artist: Hundred Year Storm
Album: Hello From The Children Of Planet Earth
Label: Floodgate Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: August 22, 2006

Overall: 8.5
Music: 9.0
Lyrics: 7.5
Production: 8.5

Usually when a band wants to make an experimental record, they wait until their second or third record to do it. Hundred Year Storm decided to skip a few steps, and here they are now with a debut album that can only be described as wellâ┚¬Ã‚¦experimental. Theyâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢ve managed to make it work though and the result was a surprisingly mature, well done debut album that to be honest, doesnâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t even sound like a debut. If the artwork or the clips of John F. Kennedy speaking about the space program on the track â┚¬Ã…”The Golden Ageâ┚¬? didnâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢t tip you off yet, the record is a concept album about outer space. [Read more…]

Angels & Airwaves Fall Tour

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Angels & Airwaves are heading out on a fall tour with The Sounds. You can check out the tour dates below.

November 4th
Salt Lake City, UT – Salt Lake Theatre
Pre-sale starts 9-20 @ 12 noon local venue time
Public on-sale begins 9-30 November 14th
Albany, NY – The Armory
Pre-sale starts 9-20 @ 12 noon local venue time
Public on-sale begins 9-22
November 6th
Oklahoma City, UT – Bricktown
Pre-sale starts 9-20 @ 12 noon local venue time
On-sale NOW! November 15th
Sayerville, NJ – Starland
Pre-sale starts 9-20 @ 12 noon local venue time
Public on-sale begins 9-23
November 7th
Tulsa, OK – Cainâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s Ballroom
Pre-sale starts 9-20 @ 12 noon local venue time
On-sale NOW! November 17th
Providence, RI – Lupoâ┚¬Ã¢”ž¢s
Pre-sale starts 9-20 @ 12 noon local venue time
Public on-sale begins 9-30
November 8th
Des Moines, IA – Val Air Ballroom
Pre-sale starts 9-20 @ 12 noon local venue time
Public on-sale begins 9-29 November 18th
Atlantic City, NJ – House of Blues
Pre-sale starts 9-20 @ 12 noon local venue time
Public on-sale begins 9-23
November 10th
Dekalb, IL – Northern Illinois University
Pre-sale starts 9-20 @ 12 noon local venue time
Public on-sale begins 9-22
November 19th
University Park, PA
Bryce Jordan Center
Pre-sale starts 9-20 @ 12 noon local venue time
Public on-sale begins 10-13
November 11th
Grand Rapids, MI – Orbit Room
Pre-sale starts 9-20 @ 12 noon local venue time
Public on-sale TBD November 21st
Hartford, CT – Webster Hall
Pre-sale starts 9-20 @ 12 noon local venue time
Public on-sale begins 9-30
November 12th
Pittsburgh, PA – The Ice Garden
Pre-sale starts 9-20 @ 12 noon local venue time
Public on-sale TBD November 29th
Mexico City, Mexico – Salon 21
Pre-sale starts 9-20 @ 12 noon local venue time
Public on-sale begins 9-20

The Early November – The Mother, The Mechanic, The Path

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The Early November

Artist: The Early November
Album: The Mother, The Mechanic, The Path
Label: Drive-Thru
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: July 11, 2006

Overall: 7.2
Music: 7.0
Lyrics: 8.0
Production: 7.5

This is my concise review of the multi-disc release by The Early November.
Over three years have passed since The Early November released their only full-length album, The Room’s Too Cold. Since then, song-writer and front man Ace Enders has embarked on multiple ventures including a solo full-length under pseudonym ‘I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody’s Business.’ However, even for such an aim-high thinker, nothing he has ever tried comes close to the magnitude of the release of triple-disc “The Mother, The Mechanic, The Path.” While the potential is there, rarely does this 30+ song adventure achieve what I expected out of one of my all-time favorite bands.

The Mechanic
Disc one starts off quickly with the pop rock tune ‘Money in His Hand.’ While solid musically, despite the opportunity of auto-tuner it just never feels like Ace’s voice is completely on. After a mostly boring introduction also containing ‘The Rest Of My Life’ we finally arrive at the first breath of fresh air, ‘Decoration.’ Live, it is one of the most energetic and passionate in their discography. I felt it would be quite difficult to capture in a recording but as it stands it is just as aesthetically pleasing. Skipping past the next filler tracks, ‘The One You Hated’ is vocally the most outstanding song on all three of the discs. ‘Long Talks’ is catchy and belongs on Top 40 radio. Other than those few songs, the rest of the album belongs at the bottom of the pile.

The Mother
Personally, I find this disc to be the best of the three. Starting off a bit slowly, it contains definite standout tracks. ‘Hair’ is one of the more upbeat of this disc and will be stuck in your head for days following a single listen. ‘Driving South’ & ‘From Here To LA’ are both simple and probably took as long to write as to listen to, but lyrically match the depth and confusion I’ve grown to love in Ace’s song-writing. ‘The Truth Is’ a perfect ending to the softer side of The Early November we are exposed to on this disc. Again, some great tracks, and some that shouldn’t have ever gone past the demo stage.

The Path
All I can say about this disc is that it’s a mess. With 24 tracks, this disc has a 49:28 total running time. With tracks as short as twenty seconds and the final going past six minutes, I feel like I’m listening to a whole bunch of random out-takes. Besides the orchestrated acoustic version of Decoration, there’s not much worth listening to on the entire disc.

Like I stated earlier, my expectations for this record(s) were high, maybe a bit too high, but regardless I don’t think the band came close to their reputation. Reminding myself that it sells for $10 completely redeems the record, because you can find an album worth of tracks worthy enough of your money. I believe this record would’ve scored above a 9 for me overall if they had done just that and stuck to 12-13 tracks. Triple disc, bad idea, sorry guys.

Track Listing:
Disc 1
1. Money In His Hand
2. The Rest Of My Life
3. Decoration
4. No Good At Saying Sorry (One More Chance)
5. This Wasn’t In Our Plan
6. The One That You Hated
7. Long Talks
8. Outside
9. Make A Decision
10. The Car In 20
11. Figure It Out

Disc 2
1. My Lack Of Skill
2. A Little More Time
3. Little Black Heart
4. Hair
5. Driving South
6. Scared To Lose
7. From Here To L.A.
8. Is It My Fault
9. I Don’t Know How To Say This
10. The Truth Is
11. 1000 Times A Day

Disc 3
1. Intro
2. We Grew Up The Same
3. Runaway (Part 1)
4. Session 1
5. This Is Love
6. Session 2
7. We’re Finding Something Out
8. Session 3
9. Decoration
10. Session 4
11. Uncle
12. Session 5
13. Never Coming Back
14. Guess What
15. Session 6
16. You Don’t Know What It’s Like
17. Session 7
18. Look At Me
19. Session 8 (Part 1)
20. Session 8 (Part 2)
21. Runaway (Part 2)
22. Session 9
23. I Think This Is Love
24. A Bigger Meaning