Music

Weekly reviews of albums. Old albums, new albums, great albums and even bad albums. No rules on genre either, it's all fair game. The goal is just to listen to new music and give it a fair chance. My intentions are to pick an album each week and listen to it all the way through multiple times, then jot down my thoughts about it here. As someone with no musical talent I do not consider myself to be a qualified or credible critic, so rather, these are the thoughts of a musical observer.


4/7/14

Andrew Ripp: Simple

I had heard about Andrew Ripp but it took me awhile to finally give him a shot. I have no idea why. Ripp is in that Dave Barnes-Ben Rector-Steve Moakler-singer/songwriter-Nashville circle. And though he displays the same instrument repertoire as the rest of those guys, his style is completely different. He has a certain soulfulness in his voice that pays homage to blues rather than country, but yet he still manages to maintain strong pop tones allowing him to pull off songs like his cover of Justin Timberlake's Mirrors. This particular album is honestly the only one of his I've listened to yet, but apparently the reason it is titled Simple is because it is scaled down acoustic versions of his 2013 release, I Won't Let Go. I'll definitely give the original versions a shot, buts something tells me I'm not going to like them as much as I love this whole Simple album.

Favorites

1. When You Fall In Love
2. Just Enough
3. Cool Ya

                                                         

3/31/14

Valley Maker: Yes I Know I've Loved This World 

I LOVE VALLEY MAKER. I owe @popealope for this one. We were road tripping back from ATL when he introduced me to these guys. That was back when they only had their self-titled album out. The cool part about their first album is that it is basically the book of Genesis in song form. If that concept piques your interest then check it out asap at valleymaker.com and I assure you that you will not be disappointed.

Valley Maker has a sound unlike any other band I've ever listened to. Frontman Austin Crane has such a unique voice that is complimented by harmonizing hipster female vocals. The kind of female vocals that definitely shop at Urban Outfitters and American Apparel. Driven mainly by whimsical acoustic riffs, Yes I Know I Loved This World is somewhat an open letter of admittance where Austin reveals that decisions he made brought temporary pleasure but left relationships and goodness shattered in his path. If you liked the darkness of Daughter's If You Leave, Valley Maker will up the ante. Disclaimer: Valley Maker will not leave you in high spirits.

Favorites

1. Something Like Someone
2. Goodness
3. The Mission

                                                         

3/24/14

Mark Schultz : Hymns

This album is a treat for me. Quick shameless plug: I work with Mark Schultz and was pretty involved on this project from the business side. It was my first album release that I saw come to fruition from start to finish.

Hymns is a great album. Mark takes some of his favorite classics from his childhood and gives them a face lift with resonating vocals and strong arrangements. The flow of the album is spot on. I assure you, there were maybe only 3 emails sent in regards to song order. How the flow came together that simply and perfectly is beyond me! The album starts off reverent yet boisterous, is uplifting and joyful in the middle, then finishes powerfully and intimate. Every time I would talk to Mark he would tell me, "Dude, this is the most fun I've ever had making a record" and the cool thing about that is that you can hear it. So give Hymns a listen cause it's quality and I guarantee it'll put a smile on your face.

Favorites

1. Amazing Grace
2. Before the Throne of God
3. This Is My Father's World

                                                         

3/17/14

Daughter : If You Leave

Listen to one song by Daughter, any song, and you are either going to love it or hate it. There's no middle ground. Her sound is so unlike anything else that you are either going to fall hard for it, or be thoroughly weirded out. Somber and elegant, soothing but haunting. Her voice is incredible. And the lyrics will wreck you too. I don't recommend this album for anyone who is already swimming in despair because happiness is not exactly a side effect of If You Leave. But it is fantastic. A phenomenal record with an original sound that is consistent across the board, and simultaneously evidences Daughter's efforts to grow musically beyond their prior works. Daughter: it's like Explosions In The Sky meets Florence + The Machine... sort of

1) Youth
2) Smother
3) Still

                                                       

3/10/14

The Fray : Helios

I love The Fray. They've always produced strong piano pop with driving melodies and hooks. And though their latest album Helios is consistent with their brand, it is unfortunately thoroughly underwhelming. Nothing stays in your mind, the songs all kind of sound the same, and it just doesn't engage the listener. At least not like Over My Head and How To Save A Life did. After the second day of listening to the album I wasn't excited anymore. I still love The Fray but I'm disappointed in Helios.

Best songs: Hold My Hand, Hurricane and Break Your Plans

                                                       

3/3/14

Twin Forks : Twin Forks

I am a fan of all things Chris Carrabba. I still listen to Dashboard on a lonely night time drive and sing every lyric out loud just as passionately as I did when I was an irrationally emotional 15 year old. Twin Forks is Carrabba's latest side project and it is AWESOME. The lyrical content is so consistent with his brand that true Dashboard fans will instantly fall in love. Carrabba blends new bluegrass styles in this project that bring a certain kind of upbeat-lightheartedness that reminds me of The Format. I know that's weird to say but The Format always sang really high energy and upbeat-poppy songs that actually were full of really depressing lyrical content. Twin Forks is similar in that fashion. Upbeat bluegrass tunes with sad emotional lyrics. It's quirky and it works, I love it.

Top 3 Favs

1) Danger

2) Plans

3) Can't Be Broken

                                                        

2/24/14

Dierks Bentley : Riser

I'm ready for summer. There is no better season for country music than summer. Roll your windows down, enjoy the sunset and fireflies. And I promise you, country music sounds even better when you listen to it in Music City. America's music.

Dierks Bentley released Riser this week. I was highly anticipating this album, mainly because his single "I Hold On" is one of the best real country songs I've heard in years. The whole album is a good listen top to bottom. Way better than Eric Paslay's recent album release. Dierks has a very commercial sound to his music and this album is no exception, however, the fascinating thing about him is his ability to incorporate soul. Radio loves commercial-sounding country which is why they are going to spin Dierks' tracks, but fans are going to connect with the soul of this album. And the soul in this album comes from a pretty personal place for Dierks, considering he lost his father while writing it. If you like modern country, you'll like this album. Start with Bourbon in Kentucky, then Pretty Girls, then Drunk On A Plane and then finish strong with I Hold On.

                                                       

2/17/14

RDGLDGRN : Red Gold Green

These guys have an attitude about them that is just fun. That's why I'm a fan. Their style is almost a mix of the Arctic Monkeys and Kid Cudi. Honestly, after the first listen you don't really think they are anything special. But then you listen again. And then you do your research. That's when you fall in love.

Three piece band : one guy only wears the color red, one guy only wears the color gold and one guy only wears the color green. Everyday. You don't even know the band members names, they just call each other Red, Gold and Green. That's too cool. Then you find out Pharrell helped produce their record and Dave Grohl tracked drums for them. I assure you that these guys are going places so keep an eye out for them.

1) I Love Lamp
2) Lootin' in London
3) Doing the Most

                                                    

2/10/14

Volcano Choir : Repave

Sometimes you're just late to the party. Rather than feeling sorry for myself about this one I'm just going to roll with it. I came across this band, Volcano Choir, on Spotify related artists. Gave them a quick listen and really liked them; they had a familiar sound. Two songs in I'm thinking to myself, "Man, these guys sound like a mix between Bon Iver and The National or something." Sure enough, Volcano Choir is one of Justin Vernon's (Bon Iver) side projects.

Volcano Choir's sophomore album, Repave, released early this past fall and it is impressive. I started looking up the YouTube videos and was shocked to see how few views the songs have all acquired. Clearly I'm not the only one out of the loop here. The thing about Justin Vernon that blows my mind is his consistency. The music Bon Iver makes is so unique that I really thought they'd never be able to replicate it. But they did. And Justin Vernon has done it again with Repave. Falsetto mixed with deep vocals and driving melodic rock. Favorite songs are Tiderays, Dancepack and Comrade. Trust me, just click the YouTube video link below and let the music do the rest.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vvp305B9FoQ

                                                    

2/3/14

Wolf Gang : Suego Falts

I have Spotify "related artists" to thank for these guys. Came across them a couple weeks back and made a playlist but forgot to listen to it until recently. These guys have a strong alt-indie rock vibe and I'm a fan. Again, another great album top to bottom and fortunately this one starts off pretty strong. Similar to Fly Golden Eagle, if you're not into them by song #3 then you should stop listening. Admittedly their sound is fairly commercialized, but it's consistent and it doesn't seem like they're trying too hard, which I like. According to my research these guys have scored opening spots with bands like Metric, Florence and the Machine and even Coldplay. Yes, after the first and second play through you will probably think, "all these songs sound the same..." but if you like their sound then there's nothing really to complain about. Start with Lions In Cages, Stay And Defend then Midnight Dancers.


                                                    

1/27/14

The 1975 : The 1975

I think I was late to the party on these guys but when I finally gave them a listen I was hooked. I categorize them as "brit-pop" if that is even a thing. They remind me of Cartel for some reason but I don't think most people would agree with that. They definitely are trying to give off this tough guy rocker vibe with edgy lyrical content, but they are undeniably an electronic rock-pop band. And I dig some pop so I'm into these guys. The whole album is great and perfect for night time city cruising with some friends. It's all pretty fast paced so this is best suited for the kind of cruising where you're looking for some fun, rather than coming from some fun... if that makes sense. Favorite tracks are below.

1) Chocolate
2) The City
3) Girls

                                                  

1/20/14

Switchfoot : Fading West

Switchfoot is my favorite band of all time. Growing up I was only allowed to listen to Christian music, and outside of DC Talk these guys were the first band to make music cool for me. This album does not disappoint. Switchfoot has found a way to consistently innovate while maintaining a certain sound that resonates with their fans. They have evolved with the times incorporating popular tones, mixes and even synth, while still holding fast to their reputation of powerful lyric driven content. Overall, there is a certain optimism that this album exudes, a certain sense of joy. Favorite tracks are Love Alone Is Worth The Fight, Let It Out and Slipping Away.

                                                   

1/13/14

Fly Golden Eagle : Swagger

The first time I heard this band I was sitting in the waiting room at a local Nashville speakeasy. Naturally SoundHound didn't recognize these guys cause they were simply "too obscure" so I went and asked the hostess if she knew who was playing. She told me about this band, Fly Golden Eagle, and how one of their old busboys was the drummer; so Nashville. The record is solid all the way thru, top to bottom. For some reason they remind me of an electro-pop version of the Black Keys with a little funk. Favorite track by far is Psyche's Dagger, but if you take a listen start at the top with 2nd Hour Of The Night and let it ride. The first 4 songs flow perfectly so if you're not hooked just stop listening altogether. Unfortunately this is the only album they've released and it came out back in 2011. Not sure if these guys are still making moves, but at least we got this one album out of them.

                                                   

1/6/14

The National : Trouble Will Find Me

I've heard plenty about The National. Most people with great taste in music who I thoroughly respect have always been big fans of these guys, but I could just never get into the lead singer's voice. However, in the spirit of giving albums a fair chance I listened to Trouble Will Find Me every morning on the way to work this week, and you know what? It is fantastic. The production and arrangements that surround this incredibly unique voice are similar to the salt in a salted caramel hot chocolate. "Why the heck do you guys put salt in my hot chocolate?! Oooohhh... it brings out the caramel and mocha, you say? Well... in that case, I'll give it a shot!" And giving The National a shot was such a good call. Favorite tracks are below. Listen to them and really allow the melodies to bring out the mocha in this dudes deep voice.

1) Graceless
2) This Is The Last Time
3) I Need My Girl