House of Heroes "Suburba"

A punky and string-led number that burns with conviction, yet does not hurt to the sound may become engrained in your mind; as it starts the record in a big way; the message and hook will be "Relentless" when it comes to your memory. This is not your ordinary "Elevator"music, this seems more like a song made for the mosh pit with killer percussion in the last half, that jumping bassand the riff; it's powerful, hooky, yet dignified . "Love is For The Middle Class" is a punky riff-driven track about a young man's struggle with money and love, but  "If all I had was love, would I still be lovely/I all I gave was love, would you give up on me/But if you measure love in false securities/I owe you nothin' at all/Don't owe you nothin' at all/Don't need your lovin' at all." I feel "So Far Away" which is more laidback than the previous songs. "God Save The Foolish Kings" is for the outcasts sick of being pushed around and ready to fight back, I'm sick of it too, "But I met God on the street tonight/And he said,/'Choose your battles wisely/Or you'll never find Me';" it has some nice female vocals asking the foolish king not to do anything crazy."Salt in the Sea" is another slower heartfelt song, but makes a nice teeter totter with the power of "Independence Day For the Petty Thief." Let's say the track has an funky-rock sound that sort of drums like a hip hop track. "Somebody Knows" I'm either getting lazy or have nothing poignant to say, wait a second, when do I ever? HA!! It's slow but "Somebody knows/They're following the clues and/Tying up the loose ends/That we left at the scene/And when we're exposed/A jury of our peers can/Deliberate the facts and/Hear our last play." The next song just makes me want to "Dissapper" so no one can unexpectedly catch me rocking out.The song starts sloow, and you're probably like wtf?It slowly builds into a great air guitar hop. Another rocky with bad-bass attitude dedicated to "My lady, unpredictable/She preach file and brimstone in the study hall/In darkness, she's a lightening bolt/She's so powerful" among many other desciptors and metaphors.If anything, "She Mighty Mighty,"and she drives those drums when needed, but perfers to "come down" as those drums are driven and saves the day. A wise man once said that the only thing "Constant" is change, and without change stagnation will cause progress to rot and decay and regress.This is about how the only other thing constant was the love and support that the lord provides, and does so in an old school piano rock; it's heartfelt, but not sappy, and sounds more genuine than the piano rock made for radio. I suggest you "Burn Me Down," but like a pheonix I will rise from the ashes, or at least I hope so. Let's just say that if this last song is an indicatiion as to what we are to expect from their third record, then let's just say they are pretty flame-retardant, and resistant to going up in flames, in sound anyway. IfIHadToChooseOnly7Tracks: Relentless, Elevator, Love is For The Middle Class, Independence Day For A Petty Thief, Dissappear, She Mighty Mighty, and Burn Me Down.                                                                       

Ok Go "Of The Blue Colour of the Sky"

"WTF?" what the funk does that stand for? and did you hear that awesome solo towards the end? Even in the hard times let it be known that "This Too Shall Pass" when the morning comes,"Cuz when your mind don't move, then your knees don't bend/But don't go blaming the kids again." Just remember when you are at your lowest, and feel you have no one to talk to "All Is Not Lost," because I will always be there if someone needs to talk, but go ahead, ignore me as always. It has a positive message, and is driven by steel drums, with a powerful chorus. "Needing/Getting" starts with this shimmery kick a-- riff that reminds me of Polaris' "The Adventures of Pete and Pete" theme song and pounding drums that cause the song to hover and some added electronic touches."So skyscrapers, please forgive me. /I stand here a penitent man. /Skyscrapers, I'll never look down again. /Cause I guess all I ever loved was standing right before my eyesYeah, I guess all I ever loved was standing here all the time, and I was blind." Those "Skyscrapers" can give you "White Knuckles" because of all the anger you feel for letting the girl that you loved go, and you didn't even know, until it was too late. Now you have a taste for the blood in your mouth when you lick the wounds of your fisticuff's fury on the cement building, very intelligent. "White knuckles,Maybe it's not so bad/So let your hair down now/White knuckles/Yeah maybe it's not so bad/Aw go ahead and let it down./So come and let it all out/Let it bleed/Did you get what you want?/Did you get what you need?" The bass in the latter track bubbles and is backed by the clock striking Time To Rock, the guitar is funky but sensitive, and falls second to the screechy, angry, heartfelt vocals/yelps of Kulash. Drowning in desire, yet asyphixiating in obsession "I Want You So Bad I Can't Breathe," but no tank of oxygen can relieve this affliction.So hopefully when we see the "End Love" of this disco-funk track that is high on bass power and those high-hats getting a little workout; I think of Madonna when listening to this song for some reason. I like the rythym section on this song and the beat, but we should be used to the autotune/vocal effects by now because they apparantly existed "Before The Earth Was Round." I'm on my "Last Leaf'" and need to branch out. How about we play a nice sentimental song with just acoustic guitar? "While You Were Asleep" I came "Back From Kathmandu." The former is another song that has minimal instrumentals and focuses on the vocals of Kulash singing " Went walking down on Second Street through the leaves and the clutter/In the pale yellow sodium light, nothing has any color/Can't you love me? /Can't you love me how I want, please?"  While the latter, which technically comes first on the tracklisting, has us backopacking to the interstate and then hitching a ride home on this slow beat and dusty bass. Without a shoe, to cut your foot "In The Glass" is painful.The song, however, not nearly as painful, but has organs starting this horro-funk number; low serving of eerie, it's kinda cheerie actually, and ends on a better note than I had first thought. If I had to choose only 6 colors I would choose: WTF, This Too Shall Pass, All is Not Lost, Needing/Getting, White Knuckles, and Before The Earth Was Round.                                                                              

Caribou "Swim"

"Odessa" starts the record off with a bang. this undeniable bass, clanging percussion, and some sfx. Don't bother looking at the lyrics for this one, Just dance, or play this in the club with the organ and dance beat that requires no "Sun." A song with sax, flute, and heart.  "Kaili" keeps a tab on the love still around, her husband knows something on both their minds, but to keep piece he ignores his finds. I "Found Out" the secret to the perfect dance/electronic song. The beat is on lockdown, but you need some looping keys to open the secret door. Oriental harp flourishes, marimba, and a beat that has us calling Billie Jean to bring a friend because we have enough "Bowls" for one more person. "Leave House" has a round of tempos going on as once with a quicker one in front and this inclusion of aboop-boop-boop-boop starts another one until theres a quick chshchshcshcsh and the it slows down and we hear some saxophone. I told you to leave "Hannibal," now get outta my florkin house! Go to a club or something, in fact you should probably go to jail. "Lalibela" is one of Ethipopia holiest cites, and sounds as if it could be a tune played in the clubs for those feeling in the need of some spirit or a tune if the pastor is in the mood to dance. Is "Jamelia" written for the singer of the same name? If you read the lyrics it speaks of a relationship that he can no longer be in. If I was able to "Swim" in these five songs I would : Odessa, Kaili, Bowls, Leave House, and Lalibela.

J Mascis "Several Shades of Why"

Just "Listen To Me." If you are a fan of Mascis you probably will be ticked off at my review so do what you want. He cannot wait to see her, but "It shouldn't take so long/Something that's so real to come along."  All this waiting is killing him, he will wait, but only if he knows it worth it.On the title track, the riff is really nice in the beginning, and some string always helps a song such as this. This seems to be an introspective, contemplative number "There's no peace, little comfort, no one's shoulder/Not a wrinklings of a time that made you colder/I'm not saying much I tried hard that's all I do/Tried and waited then got tired, that's about it/With my time." The next song, "Very Nervous and Love" has him trying to find the courage to say something that the words will not come out "can't speak my mind/I can't even speak/I'm fine/Tell me why'd you go/Tell me 'cause I'm nervous/Take it slow/I don't see you wait/I don't see you coming/It's a dream." A song of love and wondering if that special person that we care for is the one is bascially what "Is It Done" is about. So then can he "Make It Right?" that track has some twang, and a little piano,strings and horns? Did I lose you, did you already go to another entry or homepage? I'm sorry, can you answer me? "Where Are You?" has some nice guitar work, and Mascis has an inviting voice that may take a little taking used to as it's kinda raspy. I feel like I am in "Too Deep" in trouble with some people who read this,which is one of the shorter songs on the record, but serves as a nice springboard for the next track."Can I," say that I like that riff that comes in after three and a half minutes? The whole song is really nice and has him wanting to go back, to go to sleep,free the one who always knows it's a sign. Oh, "I've been lost and lonely, still I made it through/If I lose again then there's nothing to do." "What Happened" to this review? As soon as I started it all shot to heck. "This is Not a review you a8888,you s888." The song has a nice change at the end. As said before his voice is endearing evn with it's rasp. If I had to choose several shades of why they would include: Several Shades of Why, Make It Right, Can I, and What Happened?                                                                                                   

Freeway "Stimulus Package"

"Stimulus Intro" is a nice way to start the disc, but is pretty busy with the horns, drums,strings, and the throwback groove in only 1:54. The next song makes you want to "Throw Your Hands Up" like there is money falling from the sky, and has to let you know what you're listening to. With a handclap assisted beat, string/horn team up, and classic disc-scratching you can't go wrong! Forget the redundant catchy chorus, and listen to the verses, especially the one addressing "All fake and false rappers can fall and collapse/Drop and die, them and I/Will not miss you, no ribbon in the sky, no!" The next song may have you put "One Foot In" but nix the hokey pokey still shake it all around, if you found a girl and say "She Makes Me Feel Alright" that's what it's all about! "I'm about to bring that '98 hip-hop back/I got (99 Problems) but my rhyme is not a problem (ye-yeah!)" and that one was off the last track, but the next that follows in from the hollows is a girl that is the one, coming undone, but as soon as you see her you know she's number one.Sooo lame, HA! (my verse not his) "Never Gonna Change" aren't ya? Me? I'll consider it if it's for the better, but right now I am okay with myself. This track is definately dependent on the drums as there is interplay between the drums and Freeway, it is not just there in the background, and makes for an interesting listen, and don't even get me started on the verses. If  I had to say "One Thing" that everybody needs, besides food and water, I would have to say it depends on each person because everyone is different. "Know What I Mean?"  is a how-to-live-longer-and prosper-in-the-hood type song. Now  pay motherf***in attention; there is no disrespect in these words, NONE! Always a good idea to check out "The Product" before you buy it, and be careful because this one is a "microphone killa" with a great driving hand clap and a beepbeepabeepbeep with some great verses to listen to now take a flippin seat! Birdman and Freeway are ready to dance but tell you to "Follow My Moves" instead."I was piss poor, water used to leak in my place/First we struggled then we hustled till the paper got straight/Copped weight, place got straight then we chopped it up bagged it twelve twelves five eights." "SHo' Nuff" has this nice xylophone and guitar loop nad name drops MJ, Diddy, LL and Rock the Bells,and who can forget that Bun B drops some barsin this track?. "Freekin' The Beat" featuring Latoiya Williams has a great throwback groove and instrumentals. While "Money" can cause people to sell their souls for it,this song has plenty of bumping bass, beat, and (heart and) soul with Omilio Sparks and Mr. Porter laying down the soul.Who can forget the verses; a lot of heartfelt stuff. "We are people, who've been tried through time/Rejected by society (I'm tempted)/Left to wander deaf, dumb and blind (know what I mean)/We know the depth of darkness, ignorance's shame/(How I'm supposed to react?)/A people lost without a name (uh huh)" That was a verse from "Free People," which would be a rap anthem for those who feel lost, depressed or for those who feel like an outcast.I forgot to mention it has az great outro in the song that sounds like a great drum'led credit music. "Stimulus Outro" is a great way to end the record with several letters from fans read as a couple bars and some of his own inclusions to the tuned of a nice beat,strings, and piano. Let's say this is one of the best stimulus packages, and it's effects will last the longest, but if I could only choose 7 of the most stimulating tracks, for me, they would be: Stimulus Intro, Never Gonna Change, Sho' Nuff, Freekin' The Beat, Money, Free People, and Stimulus Outro. The whole record was awesome though, seriously, check it out.                                                                  

Duff Mckagan's Loaded "The Taking"

"Lord of Abaddon" has exquisite drumming and a great guitar. There is this killer solo that then leads to a quicker pace on "Executioner's Song," and the backing vocals owe debt to Alice In Chains. We all have "Dead Skin,"or our scars, but this song is about a woman who is having trust issues because of a past relationships, and now he's paying for it.The game of love can be treacherous and unforgiving, but sometimes "We Win." this song's chorus is real easy to remember, and the sentiment is is strong. It does not get "Easier Lying," well it shouldn't because "Nothing is easy when nothing is true." It has this addictive bass and hi-hat synergy, that then moves to a guitar solo. "She's an Anchor" has another strong and addictive rythmic performance, and is about that one girl who you may like at first, but then when you see a pattern and just calls when she's drunk and feeling dirty, you realize waiting for her to fall in love with you is a waste of time, and you don't like her as much as you thought. "Indian Summer" is one of those phenomenons dealing with the weather when the fall has abnormally high temperatures and then some hazy and dry conditions, but only after a frost set to kill. Well, knowing that you would think the song is depressing, but it's one of the more uptempo numbers. He heard from an old friend and some of his friends think he still thinks of her in that way,but he put that behind him because it hurts so much.The b**** is a "Wrecking Ball" because this song talks about a relationship with a cheat who wants to destroy the foundation of the relationship, I'm "King of the World!" This song  has a nice little bass solo; just listening to this song.....uh..."it's like getting high" but does not have the effect that "Cocaine" has. This song has a real nice groove and beat and is a sleazy yet truthful confessional, but now ready to move on to a life without an "Empty bottle of Vicodin/The dirty clothes that I slept in/Today I'm finally through, it's time for something new/Morning coffee and Ritalin/Haven't slept since I don't know when/I need a friend or two, someone I haven't used." I forgot "Your Name" again, what is it? but i won't forget that fast drum sig-punk stamp after 2:16.  "Follow Me To H#ll" sounds really ticked off, and has this great psyche-punk vibe with the addictive bass and beat working together, and a short solo about forty-five seconds before the song, and then a kickin riff at the near end of the song. If I had to choose 6 songs to take home with me I would choose: Lords of Abaddon, Easier Lying, Executioner's Song, King of the World, Cocaine, and Follow Me To H#ll.                                                                              

La Roux

I guess to say that this record goes "In For The Kill" at first track with those higher notes would not be much of a stretch, such a lovely voice Elly Jackson has. Does Vincent Price make an appearance in "Tigerlily" as he asks"Have you ever felt like you're being followed?/Or watched the ones that held your stare?/Turned around to see who's behind you to find there's no one there/Lurking in the dark there's someone who breathes you night and day/There's a friend who wants so much more/And if they can't have you, they'll never let you walk away." Ooooh Eerie! Two consecutive kicasers. Why not make it three, Not sure. The synthy ground is not as solid as I thought; I seem to be sinking in the "Quicksand," and while the next song's chorus was catchy, the song doesn't seem as "Bulletproof" when compared to the next track that paints with shades of grays, or "Colourless Colours" in this masterpiece of a song. "I'm Not Your Toy," but it's so fun to play with people's hearts isn't it? Yeah, only for sadistic a-holes and witches. Let's just say the song is fine the way it is and need not be played with or tweaked. I would rather not cover my ears for the next song, but "Cover My Eyes," and that feeling she describes is so universal for those who love that loves someone else backed by a slow carny-synth, and a little elle backing choir.  The next song just whizzed by "As If By Magic," so I can barely describe it, but I didn't hate it. What's with all this "Fascination"with making music? Why are there so many flipping bands ou there, and how come so many cime out of the woodwork each and every year? Maybe their fascination with new sensations, which cause my frustrations. Let's just say the "Reflections Are Protections" that I use.This song is one of my favorites and the bassy-synth, little funky blip solo and harmony are almost as protective as any "Armour Love" could be. I think the lyrics are repetitive because of "Growing Pains" which could be the reason why this review s(_)cks .The songs you should check out are In For the Kill, Tigerlily,Quicksand, Colourless Colors, Cover My Eyes, Fascination, and Reflections are Protections.                                                                                .

Kylesa "Spiral Shadow"

With all Mastodon comparisns aside, they know how to make great metal. A "Tired Climb" begins the song before they start screaming "Keyed up, all tore up/Free from thought, walking backwards/ Tranquil anxiety/ Refraining from walking backwards/Reverse and rewind/Contemplate moving forward/ Regrets indicate, moving forth is walking backwards." With these pounding drums and a catchy riff, it's almost as if they're "Cheating Synergy." This song has an awesome groove and drum signature, with a great riff that reminds me when "I Ran (So Far Away)." Believe me, it's bad-@ss!!! "Drop Out" starts pounding the drums before opening with this ominous riff that then has the mosh pit jumping "Truth that doesn't fit/A curse of inspiration/Try to stay afloat/Too much information/Bow and take an exit/Face vacant destination/ Disappointment won't console/There is no celebration" before the build up of tension and an explosion of anger along with more great instrumentals. "Crowded Road" may be a song that could have been written by those pachydermic behemoths, but the song is distinctly Kylesa's. "Don't Look Back" and keep that poppy riff, because the song is a great one about living in the present and making sure you keep those regrets to a minimum because regrets usually deter progress. This has those whirring riffs that may be similiar to them ,but this song is also worth your time. Can a song create the illusion of "Distance Closing In?" this one can, just the muted refrain of Philip Cope "Let down again/Walls fade away/Distance closing in/Another time delay," the bass, and persistant beat, some feedback all work for an imagined, but perfectly safe simulation of claustrophobia. It's easy to forgive, but "To Forget" is another story. It almost feels like being "Forsaken" maybe easier with its feedback and then galloping drums, with low tuned guitar to get stoned to, and those muted screams that one cannot hear for being so high above them."Spiral Shadow" is a great dizzying track that open the first three minutes with top notch riffs and percussion, and "I'm settled in fear/Why? How?/Is death near?" for the fear is a perfect example of their talent and drive. I feel like I'm going "Back and Forth" like a chicken with it's head cut off rushing to finish the bulk of these entries before the school season starts. But if you don't keep up with the world that is constantly moving you will be left in the "Dust." This is a GREAT album, but If I only coul make six shadows I would choose: Tired Climb, Cheating Synergy, Drop Out, Don't Look Back, Distance       Closing In, and Spiral Shadow.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Best Coast "Crazy For You"

I think we've all been here before,or some of us have. This one crush that you have is on your best friend and would do anything for them,but all they see when they see you is their best friend. "I'd love him to the very end but instead he's just a friend/I wish he was my boyfriend/The other girl is not like me/She's prettier and skinnier/She has a college degree/I dropped out when I was seventeen/If only I could get her out of the picture/Then he would know how much I want him." Bethany Constantino's voice is so addictive and charming to the ears. Next track you make me "Crazy for You," with all this positive energy I feel and those addictive surf harmonies and instrumentals. "The End" is about how she wants to make this relationship last, but she want more than just a friendship, any guy that she dates never measures up."Why do we have to make this hard when it doesn't have to be?/You say that we're just friends/but I want this til the end." You know that the pangs of love are harsh when nothing makes you happy, "Not even tv or a bunch of weed/Everytime you leave this house, everything falls apart." She lost her job, she misses her mom, if only her cat could talk, how come? "Goodbye" just hurts too much.There is something about this next song that puts me in a "Summer Mood," all of 'em do actually, the sound is very positive, full of summery harmonies and melodies that sound similiar yet different, but it could be the mood that it sets that makes them sound similiar to each other in the fact they can put the person in a good mood.  So apparantly "Our Deal" is one of the worst of it's kind in the history of a relationship,because I write all this SHizz and would be willing to talk to someone if they need to talk, but everyone ignores me and  just reads these things as if they're from an evil alien or something. Well, in the deal her love takes all her money and weed without remorse when he leaves and never tells her how he feels because it's not in the contract; and you want to be with someone like that? That is pitiful, and makes me feel bad. "I Want To" be with someone I care about even "When The Sun Doesn't Shine" or when there is not much to say, but I miss you so my love."Hop on a plane,come back and see me/I promise I won't be such a brat/I promise I won't be such a brat/If I promise you anything, I promise you that" oh "Bratty B" why must you annoy me; oh, you miunderstood, the song itself is not annoying, and I will eventually come back , but I would appreciate  that; if you stopped being a brat. I don't know if this "Honey" tastes sweeter than some of the other songs, bu this one just seems different.This song has a quick tempo, that may have you jumping,or skipping for joy because you're "Happy." I know she is, because she mentions happy 39 times; how can a song like this not drive some of those blues of the road? "Every day's the same, I feel like i'm losing my mind/All I do is think about you all of the time/I don't even know why I care as much as I do/I just wish that you would tell me, "is this real or are we through?" "When I'm With You" I feel so alive. What more do I need to say? Oh , I Love You? Sorry, I don't exactly know you enough to say that. But if I needed to choose 6 songs to sympathize with I would choose: Boyfriend, Crazy For You, Goodbye, I Want To, Honey, and Happy.                                                                                       

Gorillaz "Plastic Beach"

Like you couldn't wait for the disc to get started; this one takes two tracks to do that. We have "Orchstral Intro (Featuring Sinfonia ViVa)" that proves this disc is going to be huge. We're still waiting to be let in, and it's starting to tick us off. Sappy strings, you trying to make me feel bad for you? I had to wait a minute oh nine before... What's the commotion? Who...wait a second what's with the horns. That's why they were so boistrous...Snoop is relaying the message:"Welcome To The World of The Plastic Beach," and the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble bring the smoke. The National Orchestra For Arabic Music kicks this song off before Bashy's distictive delivery and voice starts the rhyme-spitting, "No castaway, no survivor/I ain't lost and this ain't shipwrecked/I feel small in this big wide world/and mommy ain't said 'Honey, I shrunk the kids' yet " accompanied by Kano,who "Just found it like Nemo/on the d-low./I don't know if it's greener, but it's green though:/On the other side of the fence./Bind to the ends./Look:/No fence, no stress, no rent, no superficial sh8t, /This real flow." and a great rythm section on "White Flag". "Rhinestone Eyes" finally produces Albarns distinct voice with his laidback semi-sleepy delivery style and plenty of moog. The first single has "Stylo" with a disco bassline and beat alongside soulful vocals of Bobby Womack and the wordplaywordsmith Mos Def. Better watch this "Superfast Jellyfish" or it will sting your  temporal lobe and form a pimple that holds this song constantly in your memory with it's cute and silly speaking passages (Real short), witty wordplay from Gruff Rhys and DE LA SOUL as they"All hail king Neptune and his water breathers/No snail thing too quick for his water feeders/Don't waste time wit cha net, our net worth/Is set, ready, go, many know others (what?), and the funky horns, singalong chorus and hook, with a little autotune. "Empire Ants" is a slow dreamy number that by the time it hits 2:28 becomes a different animal with vocals contributed from a Little Dragon. So I hear it's better to let the"Glitter Freeze." Any thoughts? Ringing synths and low bass-bump that makes way for the intergalactic visitor known as Mark E. Smith. "Some Kind of Nature" features Lou Reed, and may have you running  "On Melacholy Hill" with it's breezy yet ironic instrumentals that sound much more positive and fun than the title suggests. Congratulations! You have won the "Sweepstakes," but since we don't have enough money to pay you your prize we will have to pay you in rhymes from Mos Def  and  trippy brassy instrumentals from the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. Can't say no one ever wins these things. "Plastic Beach" features Mick Jones and Paul Simonon with its techno-bloop funk. "To Binge" featuring Little Dragon has reggae on the mind of organs. "Cloud of Unknowing" features the soulful vocals of Bobby Womack and sinfonia VIVA in a slow contemplatiive number with sentimental strings toward the end. Who's got the loot? The "Pirate Jet" stole the organ to use it for their selfish purposes, and those fish cannot escape the clutches of the plastic handbags. If I could only choose 8 plastic sailboats I would choose: Welcome to the World of Plastic Beach, White Flag, Stylo, Superfast Jellyfish, On Melancholy Hill, Sweepstakes, To Binge, and Cloud of Unknowing.                                                                                                  

Natasha Bedingfield "Strip Me"

We've all had "A Little Too Much" at least once, whether it was legal or not. You know who you are. "All I Need" is some vocal delivered with conviction and a rock attitude, with a rolling beat and r&B/rock flavor and then I may be convinced that mainstream pop is not worthless. "Strip Me" is one of my favorites because it is about accepting yourself, and to ignore the haters because they only have the power to make you feel bad if you let them."Take what you want steal my pride/Build me up or cut me down to size/Shut me out but I'll just scream  /I'm only one voice in a million." The next song has has an addictive marching band beat that runs along the "Neon Lights" which almost has you feeling "Weightless" as the next song expresses everyone's individuality "I have to keep reminding myself /I'm not like anyone else//That's my face on my ID / That makes me V.I.P. /No one exactly like this /No one with my fingerprints /No one can touch you like me / No I can't fake what you see /They told me: "Girl, to get you're way, you've got to be a bitch!"/They say that: "A guy won't get the girl, if he's not filthy rich!" ,You stop with little changes, /'Til you don't know who you are /Surround yourself with friends /Who only call you a superstar" because no one wants to be called loser. "Can't Fall Down" is a nice track that has these lovely chimes and rocksound made for soaring airplanes and panoramic views of mountains from those airplanes. Even if you think you can't do it, the least you could do is "Try" with this sappy piano number about not giving up, or being afraid to tell that special someone how you feel. "Touch" is a dance song that starts with a riff that could rival "The Edge," and tells the story of a serendipitous occurance that leads to something more. "Run Run Run" has a song with a hook and instrumentals can run through your head all day, until it makes a "Break Thru." I mean that is dedication; the song would climb a mountain, dance in the shadows, and travel to the ends of the earth just to make a breakthrough. I am "No Mozart," but apparantly it does not matter to Natasha because "Too many things go unsaid cause you think you can't say them right\/Get them out in the open instead of all bottled up inside/Cause I don't mind if it comes out all emotional/And I don't mind as long as what you say is real/I know you're the kind of man who wants to show your best side/But we can't always be perfect, and that's alright." It basically says as long as you are you and what you say is true, then that's all that matters as long as it comes from the heart; I just love the message and sentiment of that song, which makes me feel beter about myself. To "Recover"  we will end with more dripping sentiment that only the a higher altitude we will take away what is weighing the song down. If I had to strip to 7 songs I would strip to: A Little Too Much, All I Need, Strip Me, Touch, Run Run Run, and No Mozart.                           

Warpaint "The Fool"

"Set Your Arms Down" Why must you talk with your fists? Can't ye be civ-el and talk like good uman bee-engs? The eponymous track of the band is one of killer percussion and grooves, great tempo changes, and if this song can define their reputation than they should be more well known because of this song. I feel the "Undertow" pulling me under with this beat that builds into driving funky drumming, and a catchy riff  but then gives way to strings horns, and cymbals. This song is the "Bees" knees with the hip hop inflected percussion and great riffs that has this undeniably catchy song in your head and the rythm in your feet, or neck. "Shadows" follow us, but if you became the shadow of yourself how would you feel, with no way to set things right? Only following the one who caused you to fall in love, but no net to catch you."Oh I love your games/Strong enouch to make me stay/And now it will be alright" The Next song has made it difficult to keep my "Composure" with it's slow start, and then all of the sudden this quicker tempo funk beat comes in and the riff rings as the beat speeds up gradually, and then reverts to the beginning  tempo but is definatly not the same as it fades out toward the end. "Baby" is more sentimental and slow with the acoustic strumming

"Don't you call anybody else baby/'Cause I'm your baby still/You took a long time to make it/But I'll never change my mind/I've never tried to fake it/Never drew the line." Just be careful not to offend her "Majesty"  which jumps into a techno/disco groove toward the end, or "Lissie's Heart Murmur" will get ya! We start with piano, and vocals slowly drowning in echo and cymbal crashesbefore the water starts running even faster and the drums speed up, now you can only hear the echo of an echo and those loud crashes. I will go to war, and paint my memory with these great tracks! Set Your Arms Down, Warpaint, Undertow, Bees..but seriously all the songs are great. AWESOME!                                                                  

School of Seven Bells "Disconnect From Desire"

Whistling in a "Windstorm" never sounded so rightwith those high ringing hoos, and those captivating vocals. The "Heart is Strange" and the mind is stranger as I recall a family resemblance to this track's older brother, "You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)" by Dead or live in 1985; but like those under the shadow of their famous relatives make their own path. The "Dust Devil" is a long 6:02 minute track that seems to ride across a dusty desert,or score a drive over one; the beat suits that visual and the shimmery keys assist its fruition. I will not lie "I L U," which is short for you know what. It starts off with the focus on the vocals and sentiment of Deheza, but then loses some of it's power once the beat's volume rises. The airy notes have us in those clouds again, but not as high because those feelings of love are not reciprocated, she is gradually becoming ground bound.Words seem to escape me as my mind cannot produce enough eloquence to even say that "Babelonia" is good; ok, enough eloquence to say something else than that it's good. "Joviann" starts with this spacey, and desert scene intro, before "Joviann, how can I sustain moments like these/ Oh/how the time crumbles out of existence/When something has changed/And become a need/My heart is weighted with a resistance/That deadens the pain/When you're not with me" I use these dreamy vocals and shimmering keys to please, but with finger cymbals I do so with ease. A lot of these songs are just nice to listen to, and are hard to describe, so I will not describe every song, I'm not that eloquent, I'm sorry, but I try. "I dreamed my perspective was on a dial/Wired to spare me from my will/I saw my world so dimly lit I felt my heart fainting within/And I was relieved to find how freely/The cold and strange/Could set its hue/To the setting sun/To subdue the most immersive blue" is what the next song can do.The Deheza sisters start to turn the "Dial" as they instrumentals come in louder and the pace a little quicker after their dual-harmonizing after that atmospheric and long winded start ,ok a little over a minute, but it's over a fifth of the song. I doubt there were, but it sounded like there was a bagpipe there. That would be cool to change a bad mood into a good one just by turning a dial. "Bye Bye Bye" anticipation, "The Wait" is over.The hook of the former will make it hard to say goodbye whileThe latter focuses more on the vocals, and you'll be surprised by how time flies by.  You no longer have to waste your time.I do suggest playing these 7 bells: Windstorm, The Heart is Strange, Babelonia, Joviann, Dial, Bye Bye Bye, and The Wait.

Jamey Johnson "The Guitar Song"

Jamey Johnson had produced one heckuva country album, and has one of the strongest voices made for country. This one album has made me appreciate country a whole lot more because it has a ton of heart, wit, and great songs! Maybe because it is real country music. A Double Disc! A record that was much better than anticipated! It gets "Lonely At The Top," and with a starter like this it would not be hard to see why,but believe me if this isn't your cup of tea it gets even better."Cover Your Eyes," and you can envision Santana playing the guitar at times, and then it gets to this bombastic bridge with strings as he sings "It can't hurt forever/Soon I wont ever cross your mind/Cover your eyes/It don't see me going/There's no way of knowing/When it's time to cry/Cover your eyes." Well if you weren't already, maybe the next song will have you singing the "Poor Man Blues," which is about one of those people that are rich and powerful that think they own the world and use the 'po folk for entertainment "Well son you'd better watch your back when a poor man gets the blues." When it's time I'll let you know, no need to tell you twice "Set 'Em Up Joe," and some of those old favorite records that were played on constant will suffice. We'll start with a little background "When the only LA I knew was lower Alabama/Back when me and Hannah were wishing on a southern star/Now its so complicated, I really hate it, why'd I ever want to go so far/Taking depression pills in the Hollywood Hills/Acting like I'm playing the part/All this gripping and grinning, losing and winning, and running/Promises break like an egg on the hot asphalt/What the hell was I thinking, drinking like I'd never get caught/ These high dollar women, and the fame and the fortune, ain't worth the ticket I bought" as he wears a mask, a whole different face, pretending to be happy even when he may feel like a disgrace, it cost so much I cannot go back now, "Playing the Part" never seemed so hard.The song is just so catchy, and the instrumentals just suit the lyrics so well that this walkon the boulevard seems as the red carpet on the way to the Another sentimental song follows with "Baby Don't Cry" as he includes three little pigs and little bo peep in the beginning, and promises that before she cries to call him and he will be there as fast as can be to make her smile. Most of us hope to be "Heaven Bound," and Jamey feels that he may already be in heaven with his love by his side, but if he can't past the gates at least he enjoyed the ride. "Can't Cash My Checks' is the longest at 7:17, and a slow burner with a persistance of will, and a tale of a hard working man who gets up before the sunshine, and goes deeper in debt, but proclaims "And you can't cash my checks/And you can't feel this hunger/You can push me into the water/But you can't hold me under/You can bring me down/But you can't make me beg/You can take my word/ But you can't cash my checks." A heartbreaker this song is really, and the vocals are very powerful, the songs pace seems kind of dizzying, not that it's fast, but this whirlwind of emotion and tempo sort of does that before 4:37, and then it finishes the last few minutes with a nice instrumental suffix. So, "That's How I Don't Love You" mentions things he does because he loves someone, but then drinks the bitter sting of rejection and unrequited love causing his love to die, and him to suffer "Heartache," which is a real great rocking song; in this song he narrates and takes the point of view of a heartache, which is pretty interesting. I suggest you pay attention to the lyrics, but I will give you a taste:"I was born by fire in a cold dark cave /In the age of the dinosaur/When a cave man caught his cave woman lovin' /On the missing link livin' next door/There was cryin' and screamin' and war drums a beatin'/ And a wave o' violence/None o' them folks survived but me/And I been hangin' 'round ever since." Then he plans "Mental Revenge" which also follows in the same vein of the dark side of the mood,  because unrequited love can be very persuasive when it comes to self-loathing and anger. "Even The Skies Are Blue," but it cannot prevent you from feeling blue too in this slow paced struggle between good and evil, but the title refers to the skies being blue emotionally, so technically if equate it with its visual the sky would be gray and cloudy. Living life "By The Seat Of Your Pants" can have you filled with adrenaline, and never get boring,but can also tire you out.The title just sounds so silly, and the song is fun to listen to, but doesn't start until 0:45; this beat just hops for joy and the fact that the song preceding it was pretty depressing shows that Johnson is pretty capable of writing songs that cover all emotions, and we can't forget his sense of humor. The last few songs were wearing me out with their negaitivity, and finally we have an uplifting fun song to bring our spirits up; so high that "California Riots" cannot bring us back down. It is about the nice life in Cali, but has him saying he would not want to be here when it riots or live there forever, but would love to visit. "A Dog In The Yard" is a metaphor concerning a relationship he has, or could have, with someone. The title track features Bill Anderson and is in the point of view of a guitar, another great fun song to listen to with speaking passages between Johnson and Anderson and "I've seem at least a million of those tiny smoke bar rooms/And I've help to heal some heartaches /And I've helped to sell some beer/And the last on to help me/Just couldn't wait to sell me/For 20 dollars and left me hanging here/But I dream about the spot light /And the roaring of the people/And I wonder if I'm ever gonna hear 'em sing along." If you must know the reason, to all the time I spend, on this guitarn and on a broken heart, well, "That's Why I Write Songs," and for more reasons known. "Macon" seems like a nice place, and their excitement call out some curiosity, they also have some a choir of southern belle choirgospel, and that guitarwork till noon. Hot climates and droughts such as these can make anyone "Thankful For The Rain," and this song does too. "Good Morning Sunrise, How long has it been?/Well It looks like, I drank myself sober again/Ever Since she left me, You've been so hard to face/Good Morning Sunrise, Guess I'll call it a day," and hang out on the "Front Porch Swing Afternoon," okay? It is such a nice song, and ends with piano, a song that is made to be listened to on a nice summer day out in the country or rural areas of relatives. If you ever say "I Remember You" I hope that it's for only good reasons, instead of being a pain in the butt. It is a heartfelt tale of God looking back on one of his children from whence he was born, through sunday school and all throughout that child's life. Another upbeat, quick paced rocker that has us hoping for the good times, or even accompanies them, but "The Good Times Ain't What They Used To Be." Let's just say that this record ends on a one two punch,"For The Good Times" we wait, but "My Way To You" is the trip that I would wait the longest if only you could read this.Just the sentiment in the latter track and the sound seems so grand that onr could watch over a valley with that solo, and Johnson'stop-notch vocals made excusively for country; and then there is this short little instrumrntal after some silence. IF I Could play these twelve guitar songs I would choose: Cover Your Eyes, Poor Man Blues, Heaven Bound, Can't Cash My Checks, Heartache, Mental Revenge, By The Seat of Your Pants,The Guitar Song, Front Porch Swing Afternoon, I Remember You, Good Times Ain't What They Used Be, and  For The Good Times.                                                         

Buke and Gass "Riposte"

I think my "Medulla Oblongata" just had a hemmorhage; this shimmery beginning leads in to this acoustic pounding with one signature and shortly goes into another signature. I didn't know I needed a co-signer! Okay, now it's air drum pound!!! Dancing, a nice bookend ending with acoustic strunning. "Medicina" is needed quick, or you can just give me another dose of what you're playing. Then you get synthy and dancy instead of slow and heartfelt? How can I know if you mean what you say when you're dancing like a crazy person "Just like you do when you say I love you/But you're too smart to let that bother you/You waited too long/Those that cry do so alone/You waited too long. " What is that supposed to mean? It sounds like an insult. "Your Face Left Before You," and now you're just like every other @-hole that has commital problems and just played with my heart!!!"Your face is leaving you/Before you can turn your head/Your new disguise/Don't you ever think you'll never love another mankind(x2)/Face is on the fierce run/Too bad you lack the guts/Fixing to fight too much." Rose Colored Glasses, nice build up of strings, and "Naked Cities" Oh "I've gone blind but it's all right/Cause my specs give me perfect sight/And in a second I can see it all/ Everything becomes delightful" even in times such as these. "Sleep Gets Your Ghost," but then who gets your body?  Better keep a close eye on that. Nice fiddling and ringing riff "You gave up, how sad/How could you say to me I couldn't wait for you?/I couldn't wait for..." a little synth, and like thoet in the dream, a riff that goes inside my head, but won't let go, AND, I try and try, and it's not leaving me, PLEASE just "Revel in Contempt." Who has time to enjoy the negativity that life has to offer? Who enjoys experiencing the dark rush of hate and treating others like crud because they THINK they are better than others? But actually are not! No friends of mine, life is too short, but maybe you can pretend to as you dance to this song. "Red Hood Came Home"starts lost and afraid with this slow paced first two minutes and a half, and then the wolf appears out of nowhere.Now she is running for dear life; you could actually hear her heartbeat pounding out of her d***chest! That high pitch could have easily alerted the woodsman. Why didn't she just go to ask "Horse Head Nebula" for help? Because he comes and goes in a flash, and he's too slow I guess! "Immoral But Just Fine, Okay" can have you thinking if those rose colored glasses had broke. "Neurosis and Her Sisters" are so nerve-wracking I can only stand them for a few seconds. Thank gosh, they can only stand being there for a few seconds too. "These days you're waking up in a bundle of orgasm/These days your wisdom lines all the windows in your kitchen" have to be some of the best lines in "Bundletuck." This song has made it hard to describe the kind of song it is, or from  what genre. Just won't come, "STOP TRYING TO PUT THEM IN A BOX!" Ok, geez, you don't have to scream at me, and I'm not, I was just saying this sounds as if it would be fine placed in a certain genre but cannot put it in words. Too bad there isn't another "Page Break" like this. Get "Outt!" Of my head! I cannot stand this groove, and those vocals, UGh! Why does that beat have to stick in my head, and those lyrics? How could you forget them? Angry? nah! Ok, a little slow passage with trinkling and low metal. Well, at least their "Heart" is in the right place, short but sweet.If only I could write a brilliant "Riposte" to accompany this record, but alas, I can only write a mediocre and derivative work. I will Say I liked these best: Medulla Oblongata, Medicina, Naked Cities, Revel in Contempt, Red Hood Came Home, Page Break, and Outt!                   

BT "These Hopeful Machines"

This is one of those few records that are long, but are worth the time spent listening to it. You can listen to it while doing something else and still enjoy it."Suddenly" I feel faint; could it be all that pain that crossed here, or could it be the funky shimmery synth,or maybe it's just the last two minutes with that prominent bass and tech-riff. "The Emergency" just has you dancing like you're in love and out of control with happiness; it is a song of love and how his heart is bleeding because of his incredible love as he sings "I Love you" over and over, but the ambulance has left and he knows today is the day he will come in first. He has a wonderful voice, even with that reverberating distortion, and the song endsewith those soaring strings."Every Other Way" just seems wrong with these beautiful heartfelt vocals, and the nice acoustic strumming, little bleeps, and just the sound of crashing waves. This nice beat kicks in at 4:00, but it goes back and forth. You would think a song in trance or techno could not have soul or make you feel someything, but it does "And do you count on me now/And do you wait up for me all night/I wish I could run/To you when you need me/You know I can't be far/For long/Heart don't fail me now/'Cause there's no time to waste/Don't shut me out/We shouldn't wait another day/I've searched for you/On my hearts high speed chase." It's always great, as well as difficult, to see "The Light In Things," but this song's wonderful vocals and beat with those bass distortionloops are really nice.F! You just feel the energy in your bones, and the keys and other sfx just make you want to dance., no duh! redumbdant? "Rose of Jericho" was one without vocals, but was a nice listening song. I hope it's not that easy to "Forget Me," but I won't be too surprised if it is. I love how the driving drumsand the great riff, and then cue the fun synths, back to the guitar, and nice beat with reverberating guitar; I must like it because of the rock flavor this song has. I sense a nice change at 5:30 , and I just want to cry at 6:30 where this young child, Kaia, sings "Let us remember/ Life's just a beautiful mistake/It's precious and fragile/Sometimes more than we can take/It's stronger than fire/Greater than all the wars we wage/And I don't know what you want me to be/I don't want to be perfect anymore" while a music box plays and then you cain hear rain start around 7:20. ..  "A Million Stars" or tons more may be in the sky, some of which may harbor life, but that may not always detract our interest in the opposite sex or the prospect of love. Well, "Love Can Kill You" which starts with this great riff, and this big drum pound and then goes in a nice rythym. Basically, it is how love can be a double edged sword by either saving us or killing us. This next song was "Always" the one I would remember first, and I'm not sure why. It is a good song, and that beat is nice it must just be the vocals. "Le Nocturne De Lumiere" starts slow you can almost hear the night sky twinkling, a little warp into a minute fifty and then we go into a trad trance bass groove, some light twinkling in back, chimes, and then it has a nice beat change around 6:40 as time ticks, the tempo SLowS DOwn aND ReveRTS BAcK To normal until it changes again at 8;00, once more, and we'll leave it at that. "The Unbreakable" has those wonderful vocals again, and nice istrumentals but "Even the sun in the light of the day/Never it turns, never turns my way/I-I'm not breaking/ Somewhere with love in the space I have known/In a massive city of stone/Even though/Even though/I'm not breaking." I have always liked this next song, but I didn't even hear it by the original writer I first heard Mark Mgrath's cover(Sugar Ray) that was specifically recorded for the "50 First Dates"OST, and when I heard this I was like"I know that song!" the cover is mostly acoustic guitar which sounds real nice, and then a female vocalist joins around 5:10. There is then an instrumental passage that then starts a drum pattern at 6:08, and it's inevitable that there will be some electronic elements coming in, but it's very nonchalant and minimal.  IF I had to choose the most hopeful of these machines I would choose The Emergency, The Light in Things, Forget Me, Love Can Kill You, Always, and Ghost In You.      

Titus Andronicus "The Monitor"

We could not start with "A More Perfect Union," As Abraham Lincoln addresses the Young Men's Lyceum of Springfield, Illinois during January 1838 while Titus proclaims "No, I never wanted to change the world, but I'm looking for a new New Jersey/Because tramps like us, baby, we were born to die." Starting with old school punk ideals and attitude, as well as a passion for history they say "Titus Andronicus Forever!" which is an awesome 1:55 minute nugget. "No Future Part Three: Escape From No Future" has a lot of depressing lyrics, but seems like a song of finding who you are and being fine with it; just escape the doubt, the self-loathing and your old mistakes, and change for the better or else things would stay the same. "Richard II Or Extraordinary Popular Dimensions and Madness of Crowds (Responsible Hate Anthem)" could be an anthem for self-loathing, but one that seems worthy of self-loathing by reading the lyrics, and like a true remorseless @-hole they respond with anger because they cannot deny what is said, but "Of course, you have never been to blame/For the various horrible things that you did/You may have gotten away with them too/If not for those meddling kids/The lump in your throat, the ache in your bones/They are nobody's fault but your own." Excuse me while I look for "A Pot in Which To P***," or maybe a shoulder in which to cry on because "Nothing means anything anymore /Everything is less than zero/And I know it won't do much good/Getting drunk and sad and singing/But I'm at the end of my rope" in this poignant 8:53 punk platter. "Four Score and Seven" starts slow, with feeling, but you add the horns and the strings, and now at 4:10 we kick off th p*ssed off second half."Cause these humans treat humans like humans treat hogs/They get used up, coughed up, and fried in a pan/But I wasn't born to die like a dog,/I was born to die just like a man/I was born to die just like a man!" and then we have the instrumental passage with raining drums and determination as they proclaim "It's still us against them/And they're winning." Do any bars play "The Theme From Cheers'?" which is a song made for those who love to drink, need a drink, or need a break from their duty whether it be civil, military, or anything else. That piano towards the end as well as the song itself cannot help but have me envision a civil war soldier going to find solace in a drink as they toast "To Old Friends and New;" a quiet piano led bar singalong with guest vocals from Cassie Ramone and many of powerful passages , but "You are not the only one who thinks that life is so cruel/Me, I have got problems of my own./But if you talk and nobody's listening/Then it's almost like being alone." "...And Ever"  is a great old-school rock song driven by sax and piano, that ends the second shortest tune with a powerful lyrical passage. "The Battle of Hampton Roads"is a long and treacherous one with a beast of a teen who is filled with hate 70 inches tall, grabbing his balls, chugging a beer, and waiting for the signal, love turning to hate, and rejection of vices become acceptance of spices, asking "Is there a girl at this college who hasn't been raped?/Is there a boy in this town thats not exploding with hate?/Is there a human alive aint looked themself in the face without winking or saying what they mean without drinking without leaving something without thinking what if somebody doesn't approve?...there a song this earth that isn't too frightened to move?" Just read the lyrics if you must know. After :10 we have the horns which leads to a bagpipe solo that slowly builds into something which one couldn't think was punky to something epic. If IHadToChoose7SongsIWouldChoose: Titus Andronicus Forever, No Future part Three:Escape From No Future, Richard II or Extraodinary popular Dimensions and madness of Crowds (Responsible hate Anthem), To Old Friends and New, ...And Ever, and The Battle of Hampton Roads.                                        

The National "High Violet"

Its "Terrible Love" when I hear my heart break, it's terrible love when I see those tears fall, it's terrible love when that beat builds and everything else just sounds awesome; if it is, then maybe this love isn't so terrible at all. All of us do the tango with, engage in fisticuffs with, wrestle with "Sorrow." Some of us do so more than others and sometimes more than anyone could ever know. A tale of a love hate relatinship between the sorrow that has taken hold of him when he thinks of his lost love, but the pain comes slow and harsh, yet he cannot let it go because that moment of solace seems worth the pain he carries with him all the time., which can be "Anyone's Ghost."  The next song has a nice beat and keys. Slow and somber with a touch of echo and strings and this muted bass trill with a slow-techno beat, and some more viola "Little Faith" keep us going. Some people are born hermits, and just like to be left alone, others are just "Afraid of Everyone." Surfjan Stevens arranges the backing vocals, as well as plays the harmonium on this one; the bassoon is nice. I don't know what else to say,but "I don't have the drugs to sort it out, sort it out/I don't have the drugs to sort it out, sort it out."  OH! I'm on a "Bloodbuzz Ohio,"and what a great sound you have. I will now take you to another place, a place of yellow that sounds sweet, but is sour to the taste, to "Lemonworld" we go where "The only sentimental thing I could think of/With cousins and colors and somewhere overseas/But it'll take a better war to kill a college man like me." Sometimes people feel like thay want to "Runaway." But he will not be led to the flood or run into the fire,because he said he would be there forever,  and meant it. We can start from number one and count on until "Conversation 16," but why did we stop there? Was it the driving beat? the lovely harmonies and backing vocals? The piano or bass? Or the poignant lyrics? "England" is as if you are flying above the trees with those strings of balloons, and weightless horns, the drums stay quiet, but need to go to the bathroom, so they speak up. Like things could not get worse until the"Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks" came to ruin the party. They are so darn sensitive it isn't even funny, they cannot hear a little strings without balling their eyes out, and this slow beat works perfect in the song."All the very best of us /String ourselves up for love." This record is much better than I remember, and...quick I can only choose six shades of violet. Are there really that many? So.. Terrible Love, Sorrow, Little Faith, Afraid of Everyone, Bloodbuzz Ohio, and Conversation 16.                                                                        

Sugarland "The Incredible Machine"

  This song is a great anthem, with a great riff, and an atmosphere that sounds as if Nettles is singing over a valley proclaiming "All We Are." There is also some nice harmonizing between both members at the end. "Incredible Machine" has this looping piano and steady beat that that sounds as if you are taking the scenic route over the valleys and lonely streets there is this nice epic BRIDGE at about 2:18 as we drive over to the other side of the canyon. The next song is"Stuck Like Glue" inside my head with it's reggae tinged strumming and that reg hop delivery of Nettles  as she sings"Whoa-oh, whoa-oh, you almost stay out/Two stuck together from the ATL out/Whoa-oh, whoa-oh, feelin' kinda sick/Just a spoon full of sugar make it better real quick/I say, whoa-oh, whoa-oh, whatcha gonna do with that?/Whoa-oh, whoa-oh, come on over here with that/Sugar sticky sweet stuff, come and give me that stuff/Everybody want some." The rasta just gets ahold ofher and she just goes crazy, it sounds like she is having a great time though; did i mention there are also light echoes of Nettles in autotune too? "Tonight" is another good song. The next track has Kristian Bush giving "The Incredible Machine (Interlude)" another voice as he sings in this short interlude. I like the bass in the next song, as well as the touch of accordion and organ, real nice, especially that short driving beat at the end and the sentiment of finding a "Girl Like Me," or maybe not, that did not sound awkward, but I'm not sure if i would like to find one like me. Everyone remember the Mr. men and "Little Miss?" I like those characters, as well as this song, which is an anthem for all types of girls, just read the lyrics. You cannot help but smile listening to the song, girl or not; it just sounds as if it was meant for the stadium. I hate when that happens!I lost my keys, I lost my wallet, but can you help me "Find The Beat Again?" The punky bass and pop-punk attitude, and there is a nice catchy beat with call and response of "Hey!" Would it be correct to say Litany? Organ? check! Well, the sound of track nine is "Wide Open" with that little drum hiccup/tempo change in the beginning as she says "Wi-Wi-Wide Open," and several times throughout the song.Cue the choir;Kristian time to get ready and the drums to end with a nice finish. It's dark out in the world, but if you "Shine A Light" it doesn't seem so bad. This song is a heartfelt piano driven number that "...when you just need someone to remind you/That it's all gonna be okay, I will shine the light/I will shine the light, I will shine the light/When you're staring down your demons/Weighing in your darkest night, I will shine the light/Sometimes we jump into the great unknown/Sorrows, we all will have to walk alone/ But waiting there in the end is a heart that calls you a friend/That's me, clapping the loudest, welcoming you home." These five gears make this record an "Incredible Machine": All We Are, Incredible Machine, Stuck Like Glue, Little Miss, and Find The Beat Again.            

Jeremih "All About You"

Track one starts with this shimmery riff,"Peppermint Kiss/Juicy Couture /All on my time/Baby it's yours/Tell me that you coming/I'm awake/You know Mr.Cd of the Wendy's open late" on "All About You." This addictive muted organ sounding hook, and lovely piano, along with the muted hi-hat, and handclaps, and his cute vocals have me writing "X's &O's" to this next song. Okay,  you don't need to get "Down On Me" for me to explain this comeback hit that includes Fiddy and prominent percussion, along with some robotic vocals from Jeremih.Ok, Let's "Take Off" with this slow handclap beat and quicker tempo arpeggio of piano in back. "I Like" this song with it's cute toy piano, ppurring synth, and it's bumping beat with slow funkin' intentions, and a dose of Ludacris "Lookin dapper, then I put her on her back and attack her/No time for the chitter chat, just gimme the kitty kat/And you’ll get it back after/We set the mood right/Giving you a littlerelaxation/Ima get your groove right/Take your body on a little vacation/We island hoppin, and clubs is /rocking, and haters jockin/Trunk pop lock droppin, and speakers knockin/And bottles poppin/I could talk all day/Let me stimulate your mind/While I tell you what I like in you/But for now ima just sit back/Let jeremih tell you what he’d like to do." The Next song "Waiter/The 5 Senses" is a catchy, but tender devotional, especially part two which sounds very heartfelt and his vocals dripping with syrup. "Broken Down"  starts with this prominent slow beat looped piano, and digitally enhanced vocal round; the piano still rings and the hand clap metronome gives a more soulful flavor, and the dash of guitar help the song. "Holding On" has a very catchy hook, and a powerful message, along with top notch vocals from Jeremih. "Wanna Get Up" those "Sleepers" because if you're a sleeper, Jeremih will have to keep you, because sleepers have dreams too, and these sleepers have dreams of slow freakin."Love Don't Change" and neither do the sentiments and devotion "Cause I know true love aint easy. And girl I know it's you, Cause you /complete me. And I just don't want you to leave me, Even tho I give you reasons/Cause baby sometimes, I can tell just by your face this part of us been gone for so long. And I know there's no replacing what we had going on... for so long." If I had to choose 6 Songs I Would Choose: X's & O's, Take Off, I like, Waitrer/The 5 Senses, Broken Down, and Holding On.                                                           

Charlie Musselwhite " The Well"

It seems I have caught the "Rambler's Blues," and caught them fast. The harmonica is only making it worse, but I "Dig The Pain." With a bop and a heart, and a toe tappin' to start "The Well"  will continue to go "Where Hwy 61 Runs," and will do so with a tenacious attitude. It's a "Sad and Beautiful World" out there and with a companion to endure this harsh truth, Mavis Staples, it doesn't sound so bad.How much does this cost? It sounds really good. "It's only 2:22" Really?! I'll take two please! "I got an order for the 'Sonny Payne Special'." On a full stomach full of good food it doesn't end, because "Good Times" are here to stay my friend; the song is more downtempo,and doesn't seem to have as much energy as some of the other songs, but good times are not all fast paced. This is a good song to relax to. But "Just You, Just Blues" can take it nice and slow, and help the times last a little longer, but urges those "Cadillac Women" to leave this town. A tale of his mother's pleas for him to heed her warning when he sees them"Too Hot For Him/But for me she's just right/Despite what they say/ I can't let her be/ too hot for the devil/ And just right for me."  She's a "Hoodoo Queen!" Latter is a slow funky drumroll, with the bass of a witchy woman. Excuse me, I'll have to take the "Clarksdale Getaway," but magic knows no bounds does it? I have changed into a harmonica, and now I am being played. I have no voice to cry for help except the notes that are created from my yelp. "Cook County Blues" is cooking up something funky and fierce. Sometimes there's no justice/ sometimes there's no truth/30 days in Cook County/ Is the Cook County Blues." The Final song recalls a sorcerer in his earlier day. Let's say I fell in "The Well"Can you bring these seven songs to helpe me out? Rambler's Blues, The Well, Sad and Beautiful World, Good Times, Just You Just Blues, Hoodoo Queen, and Cook County Blues.

Monsters of Folk

The first song is written "Dear God (Sincerely M.O.F.)"" I know,a short letter, but the instrumentals and vocals say all that is meant to be said; a great way to start it off, but if you want a good rock song just "Say Please." "Whole Lotta Losin" "Temezcal" seems like "The Right Place" for a country-flavored piano rock song that says if you have the right feeling and like everything you see and do, wherever it is, it's right for you.The formeris slower,and almost eerie but has a lovely strum pattern and melody. "Baby Boomer" is a quicker paced song "I think if I was ever publisher I’d buy a pirate ship /Where the mission at each position is to shoot and to click /Clean the photos up a little, censor the ship out of it /So when we put it up in borders, turn a profit on the trip /Charge the public for the overhead of 1492/And if they need a better reason tell them we got livin’ proof." Why would you not want to buy something from a "Man Named Truth?" I would worry about buying something from someone named deceit; anyway the strumming and finger picking is real nice on this song. I learned a "Goodway," and would graciously thank you for that riff tonight.  "Now the sky is pink /Rooftop swimming pool /I’m not carefree, no /I’m free to care /I just never do" is one of those lines that hits me, anyways, from "Ahead of The Curve."I know you want to be there first, but "Slow Down Jo."The next song is a minimal strumming, vocal harmony focused slow rocker. The next song may have you "Losin Yo Head," and having a good time. Maybe it's about getting rid of inhibitions and just trying to live life, but I can't ignore the first group of lyrics "comin home alone at night i'm so scared! /turn on all the lights, check underneath the stairs /open all the closets, make sure they're no monsters in there!?  livin in a small house, it's fairly easy to check. If i were livin in a mansion, i'd probably just sleep out on the deck." Are you thinking i'm an idiot? Are you thinking I'm crazy? What about paranoid? or maybe the song is about anxiety. Could it be all three, and do they laugh at me for thinking that? OMG! Do they lagh that i had used that acronym? I used a "Magic Marker" to make this "Map of the World" with it's ticking beat on the guitar or timpani and quick acoustic strumming that has you sailing on  raging rapids that slows down as you get closer to the edge, but luckily you are able to row hard enough to run into "The Sandman, the Brakeman, and Me" on the other side of the river; the latter of which is a slow song sailing along dreamy and hypnotic passages. It seems as if the boat is moving on its own volition by the direction of "His Master's Voice." If I could Only Choose 7 songs to keep those monsters away I Would choose: Say Please, Whole Lotta Losin,The Right Place, Man Named Truth, Losin Yo Head, Map of the World, and the Sand man, The Brakeman, and Me.                                                                                 

Gyptian "Hold You"

"Prelude (To Be Held)" at 1:02 A.M. This "Beautiful Lady" has Gyptian under her spell, while this song is pure pop-witchcraft, and "Woman of my dreams/You have become reality/Part of my subconsciousness/And my immortality/I'm the happiest man in the world/Because I have you for my girl." Why make him wait? "Call Gyptian" girl, and I tell you the slowed dancehall will get you hooked. This melody will soon be "All In You" and have you moving to the dance  making her debut. "Nah Let Go" is a great tune, but reminds me of Sean Kingston's ""Me Luv," but is still great anyway. "Tease Me (Haffi Easy)" has a prominent street beat and rude boy  attitude that is an unquestionable club banger! "L.U=V.E" is a beautiful interlude guided by piano and those cloud inhabiting strings. the next cut is  a slow and sentimental reggae burner that prepares one for a good time, and a song that sounds like it was made for something that I will not mention.  The next song has me "So Much In Love," with its devotional "Baby, you’re the one that makes me strong/And together we want, we keep .. on and on/If it’s something baby you will love to try/All you got to do is .. stronger." Love can be a tease, and sex can cause temporary blindness, so was it "Rendezvous" that had him in love? "Na Na Na (A Love Song)" has autotuned Gyptian proclaiming he is looking for love in all the right places and sex is not in one of those directly in the spotlight of priority for love.  "Drive Me Crazy" with that darn autotune, which is overused, but sounds so sweet in this song. A beautiful blast of island breeze on a hot summer day has never made one feel better, and "Where you Belong" is on a hammock.  You live your own life, stop judging us because of your stupid assumptions, and "Leave Us Alone" which has some nice guitar,a rapped verse, horns,drrummachine hip hop, autotune and that says if we're not bothering anybody just let us be. "Selah" is a beautiful string-led ballad that sounds perfect as the waves crash on a rock with Gyptian and his love in a powerful embrace surrounded by a huge bright blue sky. IfI Could Hold These 7 Songs Close to me I would: Call Gyptian, All In You, Hold you (Hold Yuh), Nah Let Go, Tease Me (Haffi Easy), Drive Me Crazy, and Leave Us Alone                                                                

The Drums

The drums would like to be your "Best Friend. They had one but then that one died when they were 23 their friend 25. What a cryptic way to start a song and a record, but the song does not sound gloomy at all,it sounds very positive, and has a catchy chorus as they wait hoping to see their friend again. Should you tell them or should I? "Me and The Moon" had a little chat, and the moon told me that I was not competent in what I was talking. He told me don't even try describing the song. Ok, I said. I mean it hasd th...what?          "Let's Go Surfing" instead on the prominent bass and quick tempo..drums..whistling..and a beach boy esque bridge? I have heard of a book of maps, a book of text, a book of notes, a book of pockets, but a "Book of Stories" is new to me. I feel like "Skippin' Town" because "I know you're trying to kiss me/I know you're really trying to kill me/Cuz' you're driving me around town/In your car/You drive it off a bridge and crash it to the ground/You're following me 'round town until I turn around." Or maybe In the breakdown I'll look for Lovers in Japan. May this shimmery hook, lovely harmonies, and hi-hat continue "Forever and Ever Amen." If you play that bass down by the water, it's okay if it's ruined,cause we can still play the horns "Down by the water" is a nice slow bass/and horn song; also very catchy. "It Will All End in Tears" is another one of those song about a relationship where the other just doesn't give a fudgesicle, but takes a dilly bar, and you would have given them both without any hope of reciprocation. "Baby, I know you hate me so/I gave you everything, why do you hate me so?/I don't feel sorry when you cry/I don't believe you when you lie/Because your eyes are always saying goodbye/Saying goodbye." The next track uses something that sounds similiar to hand-claps, and this this driving bass and passenger guitar on "We Tried." "I Need Fun in My Life" is about a young lad who is a prolific and profound thinker,but spends too much time thinking and doing things; he has no life to live, so he decides to walk around New York, and finds a sticker on a car "It said "The less you own the more freedom you have"/The less you own the more freedom you have/So I went home and I threw it all away." This coincides with the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism to some extent, but it is worded differently. Lenny Kravitz had said he was trying to follow those values in an interview I read a few years back. "I'll Never Drop My Sword," and you cannot make me, even in "The Future" which seems to predict a bright one for them. If i had to choose 6 drums to play it would be: Best Friend, Let's Go Surfing, Skippin' Town, Down By The Water,It Will All End in Tears, and I Need Fun in My Life.                                            

Two Door Cinema Club "Tourist Theory"

I smell some "Cigarettes in the Theatre" which has those drums burning a whole in those skins, and that synth whizzing the smoke away. "Come Back Home" Sir Dance-Rock with that fat bass, percussive pounding and those ringing guitar. May I borrow the loudspeaker? The "Undercover Martyn" is a fan of prominent drums and a game of hide and seek. The other competitor always  hides in the basement, and threw up in the chair, so they gave away a clue. Somehow, she is always back for another mission in another quick-paced track with it's little breaks and driving beats and summery riff. "Do You Want It All?" or just another fast paced song that makes sure you understand the question.In this song I find I cannot help but notice Alex Trimble sounds like Chris Walla. "This is the Life," If I find that it's the right mood, and hits the right notes "Something Good Can Work" with a splash of funk and island percussion. "I Can Talk" starts with a little uh oh uh uh oh  and then has another quick paced song. "What You Know" about good music? Probably more than I do. With a quick pace, some nice bass, and a nice breakdown and key loop it seems you know more than first though."Eat That Up, It's Good For You," but you know what they say about having too much of a good thing. You can never have enough! It's possible, and this is just starting to be the same.You know "You're Not Stubborn", I just fail to bend to your whim all the time; its another dancy song with driving percussion and a cat-chy riff that's stuckinmyhead probably should giveup or I'll endupdead because of all thisstress I am suchamess this writing seems to continueto re-gress If i had to choose five songs to play whilechecking tourist traps i would choose: Cigarettes in the Theatre, Come Back Home, Undercover Martyn, Something Good Can Work, and What You Know.

Black Keys "Brothers"

A girl with Narcissus Syndrome? "Next Girl" please."Well, the look on the cake/It ain't always the taste/My ex-girl she had/Such a beautiful face/I wanted love/But not for myself/But for the girl/So she could love herself" starts of this garage-funk number with a newfound hope in finding a girl that loves someone other than herself. If you're going out you better "Tighten Up" your game because you are running wild and your thoughts might have no filter, and without one you may screw it up before you even begin. A lot of nice instrumentals in this track. "Howlin' For You"  has our friend on his knees at the turn of the full moon morphing his love into a werewolf of an obsession."She's Long Gone" and that guitar is not going to bring her back, but may I ask does it help you feel better when you hit those cymbals? "Black Mud" is a nice instrumental to listen to as you wash your feet."The Only One"to hate this song  would be one who hates it when i say this song has (light) swaggerin' groove with those vocals on the higher end of the spectrum.  Sometimes I feel "Too Afraid to Love You" because I fear that my feelings will not be reciprocated; this song is an anthem for those well intentioned hearts that avoid taking part of the game because of high risk of rejection, or what would happen if they had lost the one they loved. Whatcha gonna do with that "Ten Cent Pistol?" How much damage can it truly do? Well, if you ruin her reputation she will ransack your brain and blugeon your face, a tale of revenge and those who took no heed will never be the same.This funk I'm in..I can't get out of..just the groove has me typing like this. There is something about this "Sinister Kid" that has my attention, it could just be that bass. This next track has some more whistlin and horn, but this "Go Getter" seems to be just running in the gutter, and "I'm Not The One" to judge, but he seems pretty cocky; only to the notion that he does not measure up. "Unknown Brother" is an ode to an elder sibling that had planty of stories to display his character for a younger to admire, and even if he did not know him personally he hopes to see him again in another life. "Never Gonna Give You Up" is a persistent devotional to that one love that just takes your love for granted and brushes you off like an insignificant fly, that has an old-school R&B flavor. "These Days" I have been so busy working on this shizz that I get little sleep, and succumb to my tendency to live as a recluse when I'm not working or doing something else. So If I had to choose which keys I play on this piano I would choose : Next Girl, Tighten Up,Howlin For You,Too Afraid To Love, Sinister Kid,Unknown Brother, and Never Gonna Give You Up.                                                                             

The New Pornographers "Together"

United we stand, and divided we fall, but "Together" we can make music timeless as ever. They have got the "Moves," and those"Crash Years" come at the speed of "Light a candle's end/You are a light turned low/And like the rest of us/You got those old eternity blues." The song that reminds me of you, but I Haven't Met You Yet; Odd."Your Hands (Together)" with mine feel so fine and this rhyme is so much less than divine however, this rhythm is slightly off kilter as the riff seems like a car trying to start until the end where it slowly glides away; the strings are audible, but add that feeling of airs . This "Silver Jenny Dollar" is ambrosia to the ears. I know this is just "Sweet Talk, Sweet Talk" but when a piano is on a trampoline, it is often more fun to bounce with more than just one.. "My Shepherd" keeps my thoughts in line, and preventing to be led astray into the darkness; so would that make the shepherd my conscience? I prefer to stay in light, and avoid dabbling in the destructive power of hate.  The track may lead us into the Suite Lines. "If You Can't See My Mirrors" you must be "Up In The Dark." The latter is a great rocking track that has you rolling on the concrete, but I suggest you put more than just knee pads because it could get dangerous.The former treads lightly with horns There's a "Valkyrie in the Roller Disco," on second thought you may be fine just wearing knee pads because this one is very gentle, but, as always, I suggest a helmet. The beat is hopping, and the the hook just took "A Bite Out Of My Bed." Typical, maybe all it wanted was some attention; maybe if I had hummed too it would have left it alone. is minimal on lyrics but has plenty of horn to go around. Did you read the ending first? Is that why you had revealed you were one of the "Daughters of Sorrow?"  You read that "We End Up Together?" That's great! Oh, wait you hate my guts, well why do you have to read the beginning first? You know the old saying "if you assume you make an -ss out of you and me." I mean can't you just give me a chance? If I could only Choose 6 possible dates I would choose: Crash Years, Silver Jenny Dollar, Up in The Dark, Took A Bite Out of My Bed, and Daughters of Sorrow.