Brokencyde "Guilty Pleasurez"

This band is not one of my Guilty Pleasurez because they are not one of my favorite bands, nor do I feel guilty saying that they are not bad. They are more like a 40 oz of Bacardi compared to my cup of tea, so I won’t spend too much time on this. It would be easy to bash and criticize this band, but enough do it already. Like I’m “Doing My Thang,” they are doing theirs, so I am not going to hate on them for doing what they enjoy; especially if they don’t hurt anybody. “What about my ears? They hurt those.” All I gotta say to that is to avoid listening to them dumba--. “U Mad Bro?” Stay mad, and see what that does for you, but it would be better to let it go. This album is a mere continuation of what they have done with their first two albums, but then I have second thoughts. Either they have matured a little or I have become more tolerant of these guys. This is a good party album, and if you like Far East Movement (undeniably during their Free-Wired days) you may like this album; especially when they are “Burnin,” but also less apparent on later tracks. OMG!  If you like songs about “Girls Girls Girls,” partying, haters, swag, more partying, drinking, smoking, then this is for you. Their softer moments like “Ocean View” and “Fly Away” sound even more refined.

Hawk Nelson "Crazy Love"

If you miss MxPx, are a fan of the approach that Relient K and House of Heroes have to their music, and like secular artists like New Found Glory and Simple Plan, among others, then this band might be your new favorite. You might even have Crazy Love for this record. If you haven’t heard of this band, then maybe it is time you listened to their music, because there is a lot to like; unless you are an atheist, then you may not appreciate the message. However, the majority of the songs are relatable to everybody, despite what your belief is; relatable to teens and young adults alike. “Tally Ho” is like drinking a red-bull in under two minutes; with a metallic edge toward the end. "Your Love is a Mystery,” but who this song is about could not be more clear. The auto-tuned anthem, and title track is has a killer opening, but the message of unconditional, some may call it “Crazy, Love” could be exactly what is needed to change this crazy world. The fourth song is a little more open-ended, but it can easily be led to believe that when he sings about “My Next Breath,” he means it is needed less than God. On a side note, it would be interesting to hear 311 cover this song. “We’re Alright” is a very upbeat tune that has ghost horns, a slight doo-wop edge, and harmonies ready for a modern update of The Wizard of Oz (with a little Green Day). This song is not a mere “Skeleton,” but a smorgasboard of sounds reminiscent of Plain White Ts, MxPx, and Blink 182 , but what band would call the cutthroat scream? “We Can Change The World,” but we need more than just an infectious inspirational song to do it; that sounds like MxPx and Simple Plan (at least vocally) working together. This next is what it sounds like, a little preachy, but we do only have “One Shot” to make this the best life we can have. So if you sleep most of your days away, you have no one to blame but yourself; because usually the choice is yours. They say that imitation is flattery, but this “Fraud” is ticking off his host; it is almost like an after school special scored by the climax with Blink-182 inspired vocal rounds. “Joanna” is supposed to be a break-up song with a close to breakneck pace, but is so upbeat and infectious you only see the rainbows instead of the tears that came before. Not many people like airports, and if they had necks, this sum 41-esque (early 2000 era) would be the perfect refrain to accompany your attempt to break it, after you land in “LAX,” of course. “Done Holding On” is a fine book mark to the anthem about getting everyone together, and keeps the quirkiness balanced with some sentimentality. The final song is directed to all fans, old and new, saying “Thank You For The Beautiful Memories,” and I could not think of a better way to show their gratitude.

Wiz Khalifa "Rolling Papers"

There is a reason why his name starts with Wiz, because he is one when it comes to creating catchy pop hooks that stick in your head. The piano lead opener is a perfect anthem for "When I'm Gone," you know you'll miss me. PBBBT. yeah right. We cannot forget the strings, and the bars which address how everyone says his songs are just about girls and drinking, but then goes to say how he'll spend his money on his friends and supporters because he cannot do so when he's gone. You can probably get "On My Level" and go higher, but this song's hook does not really on pop but more so a spooky SFX; it doesn't hurt that the man that claims he's Too $hort is on the song.Wiz proclaims even after all of that smoking and drinking he is still levels higher than the competition; which, when you consider what he smokes has a slightly different meaning. The supremely catchy anthem that goes "Black and Yellow," Black and Y..ou know what it is;  I would call it an anthem for his lifestyle; what he does with what he has, and a pure braggadocio workout. Wiz definitely likes to "Roll Up" his verses in infectious pop hooks, and there is a reason why this was a single; its synths, and its interesting sounding percussion that is wrapped around his dedication, his sincerity, and his reliability to his girlfriend, who can also be his homie, despite what her ignorant friends say. Everyone has their own ambitions and some get to achieve them, but some never do. This track's slight blues note that echoes, self-important drum machine, vocal distortion, and some more swimming synth make it sweet, but these kind of "Hopes and Dreams" aren't that good for you. Remember, you can live for the future, but then you may not be living! You sort of need to live in the present and the future at the same time.You can work for your dream, but you need to "Wake Up" so you can live out your life as you prepare for the future. The song has a very prominent hand-clap beat, and some nice humming to back that synth. While the verses address his life as a dream, the sound does not argue with that notion, and when he says "I can take you up higher than you ever know" we know he means so in more than one way. He is part of "The Race" that is life, but is a song that can be scored to a slow-motion running scene about a different boxer that smokes weed and we'll call him Ganja! He says no disrespect to those who came before him, but he does his own thing. There is some more spacey and carny style synth that may be "Star of the Show," and are nice for smoking weed to, but some of the verses talk about something everybody can relate to; such as wanting to be a superstar, and to stay away from fake friends who came to you after the fame. These few lines:                                                          "I only like to see the h*** who keep their nose up                                                            have any n**** in the World but she chose us                                                               I remember them same h*** aint even notice us                                                           get you to buy us a drink than its over cuz                                                          we back around the time that she sober’d up."                                 The next track is perfect party anthem for those that receive "No Sleep," and this party he is throwing seems completely crazy considering everything is free; we know how he likes his weed and he says its on him? He must be blown out of his mind on some great stuff. The only problem is this song is too laid back, there is not enough energy for a song like this. Girl, "Get Your "S**t" and leave, which is basically what this song is about (A relationship gone bad), and the song is scored perfectly to that type of sitch. I would love to hear the next song on the elevator as I go up to the "Top Floor." The song is very fun to listen to,  and the subject matter includes another woman suffering the epidemic of avarice, more verses about partying or hanging out and living the dream. That track led us to the "Rooftops," which is a song that is more than just about Curren$y and its negative effects on some women, but also touches on his self-made success on a story of in admittance to running the place. The final track ends the album with a nice bookend drenched in pop, and may even have you smile at the "Cameras" no matter who you are. My Favorites: When I'm Gone, Roll Up, Hopes and Dreams, Wake Up, No Sleep, Get Your Sh*t, Fly Solo, and Cameras.

Justice "Audio, Video, Disco"

Decades after these bands have graced stadiums and stages there are echoes of their sound found throughout this record, and may also be found in the hippest of discotheques. There would be no justice if this band does not get the recognition they deserve for their disarming debut, or its thrilling follow-up; They have big shoes to fill, but taking it for its worth they do pretty well. Whether it’s The Who, The What (Pink Floyd), The When (Black Sabbath), The Where (Queen) and The How (Led Zeppelin) you can hear these bands re-imagined for the dance floor ( not literally). The first song not only runs on “Horsepower,” but seems to run out in the fields as the harpies ask to come sail away. The next song sounds like Daft Punk and The Who collaborated to create the perfect musical “Civilization,” as soon as I figure out whose vocals they remind me of. The arpeggio sounds like dance music played in Hotel California; despite the fact they are in “Ohio,” and the harmonies resemble Queen (who were from London). “Canon (Primo)” was nothing more than twenty six seconds randomly recorded to prepare you for what was to Follow. The “Canon” sounds like a mixture of the king of pop collaborating with the band fronted by the prince of darkness, and some daft punk (what the h***? You don’t know those artists?). This zeppelin is prepared to go “On’n’On,” vowing not to stop until it arrives in Kashmir, so are you ready? OK GO! I either read this through “Brianvision,” or was that just my reflection? This “Parade” is of those that bite the hand that feeds, like their Floyd pink, and proclaim to rock you with that beat!   On forging “New Lands” they proclaim that it don’t matter if you’re black or white and refuse to breakdown, and no matter who they are, racism shouldn’t be tolerated. The title track may be more repetitious than most songs, but it is only saying one word throughout; who needs words when you have a chugging rhythm like this?             

Yellowcard "When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes!"

   If this album had the ability to text this is what it would send me. “I know we have recently met, but I have something to ask you. Do YOU LOVE ME? You can take as much time as you want to answer, but all I ask is that When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes.” That is a lot to think about especially coinsidering that when they blew up in 2003 they were just one of a paroxysm of popular pop-punk bands on the radio, and in general, doing almost exactly the same thing as every other band, but with a violin. The title track gave me the urge to either laugh or throw up, especially when the lyrics were concerned. Let’s just say that after I decided to give it a chance with an open mind I appreciated the Lights and Sounds from Ocean Avenue a lot more, but that was after I heard the former; which was a definite progression from their sophomore CD, and a step in uncharted territory for them. With every record they kept getting better, and my first record that I truly loved whole heartedly was an album built on Paper Walls. It was the record I had the strongest connection with, and one I listened to the most; I must confess I probably should listen to their other records a little more. Regardless, If that was the last record they had made I would be fine with it because it was a very strong swan song; lots of energy, captivating compositions, speedy rockers, cool guitar solos, great violin work, slower somber songs, and etc. So how would their next record match up? Well, you can read more to find out.                                                                                                                                         “The Sound of You and Me” displays a duality between this relationship that starts off with some fighting (as per the song) which is hooked up with a speed violin infused pop-punk sound. The second half asks her to bring her defenses down and let love in as the violins float above a hooky guitar riff and catchy rhythm. I am a fan of the first single and second track that starts with off with some vibrant violin, a nice breakdown and a subtle touch to help make the ending perfect. The song is a mixture of both dynamics to create a quick paced song where speed is second to great songwriting; the catchiness of ocean avenue with the power of the takedown. If you still believe they write crud well this song is a gift “For You, and Your Denial.”  It just seems that life is better “With You Around.” When does that offend someone? I really do not think that the last record featured a downbeat mid-tempo song like this; the song may "Hang You Up" in trying to decipher why I made this into such a dilemma. I can see why this song is a single; who cannot relate to a song about two drifting hearts?  The charade that is a “Life of Leaving Home” for a musical vagabond, can also be misinterpreted as a life without H.I.M. If you are a fan of earlier Jimmy Eat World, it might be  a good idea to add this to your “Soundtrack.” This next track is probably the most inspirational out of all the others on this record, and has the same emotional impact as Dear Bobbie, or maybe more because it is not nearly as specific. The song is about survival through any type of tragedy and hardship that is thrown at us and the positive change that we create in spite of it. Just close your eyes, and life is but a dream, so live it while you can (cause we don’t know how long) and “Sing for Me.” I bet you that you cannot “See Me Smiling” as I listen to this song, maybe because you’re way away, because I’m not. I do envision this song performed over a cliff as waves crash, and water sprays on the avenue; if it’s any consolation, I do like the song. While this record does not have an engaging eponymous track to end the record, it does have an equally engaging ending track that urges us to “Be the Young.” My Favorites: The Sound of You and Me, For You and Your Denial, With You Around, Hang You Up, Life of Leaving Home, Sing For Me, and Be The Young.     

Kasabian "Velociraptor!"

When I looked at the album cover of their new album I thought of the Red Hot Chili Peppers' Blood Sugar Sex Magic, but is there anything else on this album that reminds me of the album or the band itself? That is for you to decide. "Let's Roll Just Like We Used To." There are some funky rhythms and grooves underneath those morose lyrics that slightly reek of depression and may sound like aughties chili peppers proposing that the "Days Are Forgotten." You can definitely hear the influence of another pepper in this next song, and even in the way the song is sung, I mean "I see Lucy in the sky telling me I’m high" in this trip on the psychedelic plane and "La Fee Verte." This song's ferocity may not match that of a "Velociraptor!" I believe the lust is there, but instead of blood the homosapien is looking for something else; Watch Out!!! There is a higher vivacity in this song that has more energy over these 2:51 minutes compared to songs twice the length, but that does not mean I do not enjoy those songs. After that last encounter I may need an "Acid Turkish Bath (Shelter From The Storm)" which has cleaned my gashes that I have received; some that are deep enough to be cut from a deli (or Delhi?), and was a nice safe trip taking in the sights. I hear this club beat, some funky Radiohead, this recurring jingling of keys, and not only that, but "I Hear Voices!" and they tell me to stop trying to be funny because "seriously, you are not funny at all."   I have already mentioned the Beatles, but they "Re-Wired" to include Led Zeppelin, and even Smash Mouth?! Ok, they are not classic rock, but I can hear some of their later material. Just because you are a simple man, or a "Man of Simple Pleasures" does not mean you are a fool, or that you are only capable of simple thoughts; while this may sound simple there is more to be uncovered after several listens. The Sound of this next track is probably my favorite; it has more energy than the title track, it is a little schizo,and can be played at a club, score a scene from an action film, or just get ready to kick the faces of those that wear those "Switchblade Smiles." Let's take it a little easier and smoke some more of that stuff that is perfect for "Neon Noon!" No, you are not dead, you are just high, and WTF? I am an idiotic guy. My Favorites:  Let's Just Roll Like We Used To, Days Are Forgotten, Velociraptor, I Hear Voices, Re-Wired, and Switchblade Smiles.

Big Boi "Sir Luscious Left Foot...The Son of Chico Dusty"

I probably would not want to feel those dirty piano keys, but I don’t mind listening to them. “Feel Me?” The speakerboxx returns with some funky guitar for the intro.  He sounds like Skee-Lo, and even Coolio, talk about flashback! Seems like "Daddy Fat Sax"  went somewhere near the river that had someone playing  a tecnochordion. Oh, Joi! This song “Turns Me On.” Not really, but Sleepy Brown returns to make another sexy anthem for the ladies with the Big Boi. You might be able to remember the name, but not be able to pronounce it because it sounds like he’s from space (Vonnegut), and so do these synths. “Follow us” or face the wrath of Big Rube. “Self-preservation is the rule when you do aim” and caught in my system this “Shutterbugg” became; while being worthy of replay, not just for vocoder and short re-interpolay. “General Patton” is coming in with fury, and it is not just the beat, the bombastic fanfare, or even Big Rube; who sounds like someone you would rather not face,even in a chess match. It is the verses delivered with fury and passion. What’s her name, Billie Jean or “Tangerine?” Does it matter when she shake it like a tambourine? That beat, amidst the horny brass when she shake it you know I’m talkin’ bout her a--. Khujo Goodie and distinctive guitar, T.I just show how fly you are. Boy I’m lame, but rhyme like a star, and when I say that I mean from far. To those who deliriously believe they are rappers because they DJ, this one’s for you, oh and “You Ain’t No DJ” either. The real ones don’t proclaim, but leave that to their name. I can’t tell whose verses are better, Yelawolf or Luscious Leftfoot, it’s insane. Debra Killings and Jamie Foxx assist  on vocals on an anthem for those who never stop. The song focuses more on the vocals, and has a more laidback production style; that will give you time to wipe off all that “Hustle Blood” off your face after losing with a nonexistent rebuttal. Even though he doesn’t seem very spiritual he mentions the bible within his lyrics in several songs throughout this record. Janelle Monae contributes her vocals , and urges young hearts to “Be Still.” The best George Clinton can do “Fo Yo Sorrows” is to roll you a blunt, to apologize for smoking one in your face, and for satisfying your girl’s oral fixation. I didn’t say anything that wasn’t practically sung, but I would prefer to showcase something that has more substance and strikes a chord instead:                                   “Kill yo'self like Sean Kingston, suicidal for a title

                                    My recitals are vital and maybe needed for survival

                                   Like the Bible or any other good book that you read

                                   Why are 75% of our youth readin magazines?

                                   'Cause they used to fantasy, and that's what they do to dream

                                   Call it fiction addiction 'cause the truth is a heavy thing!”                                           His verse did seem Too $hort, but it was enough for Boi to be featured with one of his favorite rappers. This song is one of the best, and not because one of the innovators of funk, or more specifically architect of P-funk, is present, or that occasional two-step beat; just listen to it, it may relieve some of that sadness without that kush. When Big Boi says “Night Night” you best “Stay sharp as broken glass, get busted on or smashed/When you’re a-- cross paths with this half of the Kast” as best informed by fellow a(T)lien B.o.B. I am reminded of Idlewild when I listen to this song, but that could also be due to the Joi-filled backing vocals. I have more love for the “Shine Blockas” then I should, but the soulful backing vocals are so engrossing; remember, haters make you better because you know who you don’t wanna be like. Speaking of Idlewild, one of my favorite songs will always be the original ride on the train. This trip takes its time, devoid of those soulful vocals, and that addicive riff; what replaces it is a song that sounds like some of the instruments are high, as Big Boi slays with his verses and Sam Chris’ vocals resemble Clinton’s on “The Train, Pt. 2 (Sir Luscious Left Foot Saves The Day).” No girl wants to be some guy’s “Back Up Plan,” but that is what this song is about. This may be a bonus track, but it would be a worthy “Theme Song” for anybody who chooses, or at least a great ringtone. Is there a subtle message there? There is also a “Shine Blockas (Remix)” featuring Bun B, Gucci Mane, and Project Pat.