AWmusic

This playlist was REALLY hard to think of. I didn’t have any tracks that included “leap” and that makes me sad lol.

1. Drift Away by Uncle Kracker (only title in my library with “drift” as our calendar would drift off if there were no
2. I Stand Corrected by Vampire Weekend (the point of leap years is to correct our calendar as approximately 1 year has an extra 6 hours)
3. Calendar Girl by Stars
4. Hours That You Keep by Maritime
5. Pace is the Trick by Interpol
6. Common People by Pulp (Doesn’t a leap year wish it wasn’t the black sheep and be a common year?)
7. The Happy Birthday Song by Andrew Bird (February 29 is arguably the coolest day to have a birthday on!)
8. Holla, Holla by Ja Rule (other then Saul Williams there aren’t many other musicians with February 29 as a birthday)

Only 8 tracks but enjoy!

Protest the Hero is a fairly popular Canadian hardcore/progressive/metalcore/mathcore metal band from Whitby, Ontario. ‘Fortress’ is their second album and the first album I’ve heard from them. The first time I listened to the album, I didn’t like it. That is probably because I don’t listen to that kind of metal.

I don’t like Protest’s vocals. It consists of a lot of screaming and growling accompanied by whiny unmelodic singing. The growling I don’t mind as much but it’s the bad singing that really gets me. They do have a fair bit of good guitar shredding though. “Sequoia Throne” and “Palms Read” both started off pretty good and then quickly fell flat, kind of like a soufflé made by an amateur chef that deflates before it gets to your table. “Spoils” and “Bone Marrow” both end in instrumental, which are really the only parts of this album I liked.

I’ve now listened to this album three times. I still don’t like it. Nothing really stands out for me and every song sounds alike. I should really listen to their first album before deciding if this is just a bad album or a bad band. There are quite a few Protest fans out there. Obviously we all have different tastes and I guess I just appreciate good metal music. I’m afraid this is an album I’m gonna have to protest (HIYO!).

Bloodmeat

Sequoia Throne

Spoils

Buy this album at:
Amazon.ca
CD Universe
InSound

I got a chance to see The Dirtbombs open for Black Rebel Motorcycle Club back in October. Their performance was pretty awesome…just fitting for the drunken, dirty audience we were! Hailing from Detroit, this comic band fuses garage rock into something more like your classic “nu” rock ’n’ roll—the likes of The Sounds, The Hives, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Their newest album, We Have You Surrounded (2008) was released two days ago. Overall, this album isn’t too bad, but it isn’t that great, either. It may be that I’m slipping away from this sound, but I found some songs a drag to listen to, despite its point to be comical. “Sherlock Holmes” has this psychedelic-like style to it, but the lead guitar sounds so uncreative and forced it becomes annoying. The vocals on “It’s Not Fun Until They See You Cry” sounds like a preacher who talks like a skipping record player. “Wreck My Flow” sounds way overplayed (the riff, the vocals, the overall style), and the lead guitar is also pretty annoying (it seriously sounds like a fire truck). Other songs are a little refreshing, definitely reminiscent to the garage punk rock sound (“Fire in the Western World”, “Ever Lovin’ Man”). There were some interesting tunes, but otherwise I didn’t really care for this album. I felt like they really weren’t getting into their music, and it seemed almost like a chore badly done.

I still maintain that they are great performers, however, and would urge anyone interested in this genre to see these guys live.

Here are the tracks I liked the most:

The Dirtbombs – Indivisible

The Dirtbombs – Ever Lovin’ Man

Buy this CD on Amazon
Buy on Insound
Buy this CD through CD Universe

One caution with music blogging is not to be influenced by the free cds, and the other perks we get doing something everyone genuinely likes to do which is to discuss music. I am kind of rolling my eyes in this case as to why a MGMT has become so popular of late. When I first received the e-mail about the contest opportunities they had 300K myspace hits and now they have a million.

The first thing promoted by the label was their sub-par/average performance on Letterman’s late show. Like what makes this performance stand out that it become a “hot video” on El.bows. It’s just a normal performance by a band that seemed relatively unknown to me.

The funny thing is I was talking to a friend about the worst bands she’s seen live and guess which band she mentioned, MGMT! Hah, unknown to her though was that MGMT was getting some considerable hype which seemed rather questionable to her.

I rejected the offer to hold a contest on my blog regarding MGMT, I cited that “Time To Pretend” seems like their only good song and the other tracks were not good enough to be promoted by me and I would rather promote smaller (indie and non-major) and more deserving bands.

After watching a few videos of MGMT and their music video for Time To Pretend, I have become increasingly annoyed by their popularity. Mainly because this seems like another average or “meh” band that due to the structure of the music industry (major vs indie) is having success when I don’t think it’s all that deserving. (They aren’t that special, they are basically a pop band without any complexity).

They have received some hype from Rolling Stone and Spin, but does that count in my world where indie has an equal footing with mainstream rock? Getting a review from Pitchfork is not bad but who cares about a 6.8 out of 10? and PrefixMag doesn’t count (it’s a blog calling itself a magazine, why I don’t I just start one up?).

Their style also annoys the crap out of me. It comes off as fake, and overdone. MGMT is nothing special but it feels like their acting like their such “hipsters” it disgusts me. Here’s a hint to you musicians who actually want to be cool, make good music! They apparently perform pagan festivals in their free time (sure sure) and dress like fools while giving off the pro-drugs vibe with their “psychedelic” video. One rule of thumb for me is music comes before style or you’re just some loser wannabe.

If you watch the video for Time To Pretend, it’s a fucking joke (Click here). If you fall for this shit and come as off as saying MGMT is so hip and cool, you’re more gullible then a dog. I guess there’s more meaning to “Time To Pretend” .

Time To Pretend by MGMT

Flame away!

I’m pretty stoked to receive something like and it makes me feek special. Either way, check out the Dr. Rythm Remix. I’m not sure if I should include the spelling mistake and I feel inclined to put in the “h” just to show everyone I can spell!

It seems to me anything Facteur does will be a success so you should check his stuff if you’re into the dance/electronica/house genres. He’s also a really nice guy and I’m stoked to being able to put up this track.

Dr Rythm Remix by Facteur

I don’t know who has done the original track. The track was done by the New Europeans. Here is another post on Facteur on Kidz by Colette… it’s in French.

Hmm…how would I describe their music? Definitely a fusion of post-rock and jazz. You’ll find this fusion is more apparent in Same Same, But Different than it is in Easily Misunderstood; “Counting Sheep,” “Sing Slow, Walk Fast,” and “Postmans Joke” (all from Same Same, But Different) are some notable tracks where you can definitely sense that post-rock-jazz fusion. I can hear the d&b influence in album-titled track, “Same Same, But Different” as well; too bad there’s not more like it. There is an excellent blend of instruments without making it sound overdone; “Michael Collins Autograph” (Easily Misunderstood) is a good example. There’s not a lot of pedal delay, reverb, etc. as you might expect from the post-rock sound. This band can definitely convey a variety of rhythms, from fast-beat bright sounds to psychedelic mellow compositions, but overall they are pretty upbeat which is great if you’re not looking into long-ass crescendo-decrescendo pieces familiar to the genre.

Although I’m not an expert in post-rock, I can definitely say The Samuel Jackson Five step it up from the mainstream. There are some tracks where I find myself go, “Oh yeah—that’s familiar,” but most other tracks surprise the hell out of me. Definitely one of my favourite post-rock artists to date! The band is looking to release their third album this year; possibly with vocals this time round. I highly recommend this band as an essential listen for those interested in getting into the post-rock genre. You will not be disappointed.

Here are a couple of my favourite tracks:

The Samuel Jackson Five – Clubbers Dream (Same Same, But Different, 2004)

The Samuel Jackson Five – Postmans Joke (Same Same, But Different, 2004)

The Samuel Jackson Five – If You Show Off the Milk, Who’s Gonna Buy the Cow (Easily Misunderstood, 2005)

The Samuel Jackson Five – Michael Collins Autograph (Easily Misunderstood, 2005)

Check out their official website to find instructions on how to order their albums.

Bring Me Your Love was given a tough task, hoping to top the raving reviews of Sometimes, which was released in 2005. After the first listen, Bring Me Your Love becomes distinctly different from Green’s original work, and listeners will find it nearly impossible to compare it to the first album. The biggest change audiences may find is the noticeable addition of more folk oriented instruments. Sometimes offered Green’s vocal prowess combined with his smooth acoustic guitar and enchanting piano work. Instead, Bring Me Your Love offers a faster, more rhythmic version that includes the occasional banjo, harmonica and drum line.

With all that said have the changes dampened the quality of the music or improved upon an already impressive sound? In all honesty, neither is the case, because Bring Me Your Love is just as impressive, without being the same and this really shows the versatility of Dallas Green. Right off the bat the album starts off with an emotionally driven song, Forgive Me, but as the album progresses, we begin to see the lighter side of the album. Songs like Body In A Box and Sleeping Sickness, feel very inspired, and although they are very lyrically sad, the tone is almost uplifting. It is this ‘happy to be alive’ feel that truly speaks to the soul, and provides a perfect nostalgic feeling. In terms of vocals, Green continues to impress me with his soft prominent voice.

If I had to choose between the two albums, I would definitely go with Bring Me Your Love. Sometimes offered a wide array of soulful acoustic pieces, but Bring Me Your Love has a more inspiring feel to it that can be attributed by the apparent folk influences. The heart and soul of Dallas Green still remains, but the new path it has taken is unparalleled. I would recommend this album to anyone who enjoys to just sit down, relax, and listen to great honest music that’s from the heart.

Be sure to check out their Myspace to stream more songs.

Two of my favourite tracks:

City and Colour – Body In A Box

City and Colour – The Girl

Buy the album at Amazon, Insound, or CD Universe.

“Sleep Through The Static” when first played, is definitely a different Jack Johnson I’ve heard. Most of the album IS quieter then his previous releases believe it or not. Quieter in the sense that singing wise it feels soft with nothing emphasized, and the guitar sounds seems rather dull without any “interesting” intros. JJ doesn’t really show us his vocal prowess to make songs enjoyable. I’ve listened to it just a few times and I don’t think I can bare anymore…

Lyrically mature songs aside, I have a difficult time adjusting to the structure of the songs that don’t seem to work. I probably would like Sleep Through The Static if it stayed with a simpler pop structure (sure critics would’ve hated it but critics miss the point sometimes too). Songs by Jack Johnson usually are on the relaxing side but STTS definitely makes me want to sleep through the static of this record. Everything just feels like a mess and put together randomly it’s difficult liking one song if any.

Jack Johnson is a great singer but like many popular artists, they become hard to defend against the haters when they release something as this. In the case of Jack Johnson, Sleep Through The Static really challenges my loyalty and liking of Jack Johnson. I don’t really get how people are calling this record going back to Jack Johnson’s old style as this record features more experimenting but I ended up hating it. I don’t have time to let it “sink in” because I feel like this record doesn’t even me give me a chance to like anything.

Score: 1.0 out of 5.0.

If I Had Eyes by Jack Johnson

Buy the album: CD Universe/Insound

Fateur’s music is more on the electro side like Simian Mobile Disco rather then the likes of Daft Punk and Justice. I definitely enjoy electro a lot, it feels more dance-able and something I’d enjoy listening to in all kinds of situations.

There seems to be a little bit of info on Facteur and most of it seems to be in French so I tried looking for some some posts and found an interview post at Boule A Facettes. It’s in French so I’ll summarize (with the use of a translator). Facteur is Simon Henner who’s 28 and been living in Marseille, France for 8 years. Some musical influences include Stevie Wonder, The Hives, Snoop Dog and of course Daft Punk. He has a wide variety of sources and I think if you give him a try you’ll agree.

Anyway Facteur’s demo includes 8 tracks with 5 original tracks and 3 remixed including the aforementioned Queen remix. I have to say these are awesome tracks you can download them here. There is really no way I can find to support him so if you like his stuff, spread the word!

Here are the stand out tracks for me:

California by Facteur

Dangerous Flight With Mr. Shure by Facteur

Bites The Dust (Queen) Remix by Facteur

Well, let’s just get into this deal: this album is quite good! The Four Trees feature mellow and illuminating complements; the very idea of post-rock music just at the tip of your tongue. Conventional, some might argue, but still damn good! You’ll definitely enjoy Caspian if you enjoy the likes of Mogwai and Explosions in the Sky. Each song lingers with suspense, making you crave more and more. That might sound predictable, but in this case it’s a good thing. When listening to “Brombie,” for the first time, I was on my toes waiting for the peak; the ultimate orgasm, you might say. And you just know you’ll enjoy it right from the beginning. Kind of like sex. Hey…maybe it is sex. With that being said—yes, many of the tracks feature the post-rock convention of the crescendo-decrescendo technique…but it sounds good, so what’s the big deal?

Some core elements found in The Four Trees include lots of pedal effects, delays, and reverb (“The Dove” being so reminiscent to Sigur Ros) and bright guitar-driven melody (oh, and freaking pedal steels!). This album definitely great; it goes to show that the roots of post-rock have always sounded this good and will for a long time.

Here are some of my favourite tracks on the album:

Caspian – Book IX

Caspian – ASA

Caspian – Crawlspace

Buy The Four Trees on Amazon
Buy the album on CD Universe