Citizen Cope - The Rainwater LP

So, I had no idea he was coming out with a new album until I saw him reply to someone on Twitter, “Thank you.” I guess I was twitter stalking a bit, but I clicked on the person he was replying to and it said, “I love the new album!” My reaction, WHAT!!? Finally! I’ve been waiting for new Citizen Cope stuff to see if my love for the band was real. If you haven’t ever heard of Citizen Cope, he usually combines folk and hip hop styles. Lets start the adventure now, shall we?

Well, Clarence Greenwood starts off singing a shorter than three minute song, “Keep Asking,” which sounds like the same style as Greenwood always had. Lyrics of the chorus go something like, “Keep askin' how long will my love it last, always. Keep askin’ how long will my days they pass, always.”

Again, with the chorus being the introduction of the song, “Healing Hands,” starts off much slower. Opening with only acoustic guitar and then picking up the beat and lyrics at about 30 seconds. This song is about all the hard times that people have experienced in their lives, yes everyone. While leaders are (or were) being killed, there’s violence in the world, but still there’s still that hope for happiness with these healing hands. Greenwood name-drops in reference to John F. Kennedy, singing “He left Jackie O for Marilyn Monroe.”

The next song, “I Couldn’t Explain Why,” is about just what it sounds like. Wondering about the unexplainable things, the little things, that happen every day. Well, I’ve never experienced anything he’s talking about, but I understand the message.

Lifeline is a slower beat song, and again, a little bit depressing. “Well the children still dying in the streets, the babies still living with disease, the cops got guns, the poor folks got sons, who work for Mr. Franklin every week,” The guitar is accompanied with a little bit of piano and they compliment each other well. When the piano picks up, that’s all I can hear and it’s nice. The effect I love about this album is that you can hear the “record” between each track.

As soon as “Off The Ground” starts, I’m loving it. I probably love it because it’s got a reggae feel to it, and I’m a sucker for reggae music. I was beginning to think this album was going to be a big circle of depressing moments, but the keys are upbeat and I can’t help but moving these shoulders of mine. I know, just my shoulders, but that’s a lot of movement when I’m just sitting here. It sounds as though he cut the guitar completely out of this song. Interesting!

I want to give what I think about this album so far right in the middle of my article. So far, I’m a little sad about it. The Clarence Greenwood Recordings was my favorite album by him and I feel like it might be hard to top. I don’t want to be negative, but I just wish this was an album where I couldn’t pick my favorite song! With only a few more songs to review I feel as though, maybe, just maybe, “Off The Ground” is going to be the only one that I will remember. Lets continue with the adventure…

Jericho is different, but not over the top. It’s very upbeat and interesting but I can’t tell if I like it or not. To be honest, I can’t really understand much of the lyrics so I’m going to move on with this one.

Slow it back down now. Next up is “The Newspaper,” which is sounds a little bluesy and jazzy. The first verse is an explanation of how all news is bad news. “A Father’s Son,” is probably my other favorite following “Off The Ground.” It sounds like a lot’s going on with the beat, but whatever is going on, is working.

Coming up to conclude the album are the “barefeet” version of “Lifeline” and acoustic “Keep Askin’.” I’m not really sure what the difference is in the barefeet version, and when I listen to the song, it sounds exactly the same. The lyrics say, “His barefeet touching her barefeet, the air breathes sweet,” but I’m not sure how that changes the song from the first version! In the acoustic version of “Keep Askin’” you notice almost immediately that the piano was dropped.

Yes, my opinion hasn’t changed from midreview. It’s sad I know, but this happens from time to time doesn’t it? I don’t hate the album, I just had my hopes up according to previous ones. I miss songs like, “Bullet and a Target,” and “My Way Home,” or even “Let the Drummer Kick.” I’m not mad about my purchase decision, I’m still thinking about seeing Citizen Cope at First Ave in Minneapolis over spring break. In order to rate the album, I’ll give it a 7/10.

Drive By Truckers - The Big to Do

The Drive-By Truckers have been around since 1998 and they’re still making music that the alternative crowd loves. Described as an alternative country band, this group released their eighth studio album, “The Big To-Do” March 16. I got to listen to some music that I’ve never actually given a chance. So far, The Drive-By Truckers’ style is unique and incomparable to anything else I’ve heard, in my opinion. I wanted to make note of the change in the record label. This is their first time that their album was released for the ATO record label, founded by Dave Matthews.
They start the album off with a song, “Daddy Learned to Fly,” which sounds to me like a classic rock song. It has some sadder lyrics but the beat remains upbeat and alternative, pretty much like the rest of the album.

The most known song from the album, “This F---- Job” is a song where lead singer Patterson Hood vents about his job. “It ain’t getting’ me further than this dump that I live in/ It ain't gettin' me further than the next paycheck.” While the verses seem negative, the chorus turns the vibe around lyrically to a more optimistic perspective about learning and living.

“Birthday Boy” is another good one. The guitar is catchy and the drumming gets you moving. Up to this point already, I’m loving these guys’ lyrics. They’re just interesting. “Working for the money like you got eight hands, flat on your back under a mean old man, just thinking happy thoughts, breathing in.” This is a song referring to the acts of prostitution. Kind of a depressing song with a misleading beat.

“Get Downtown” was entertaining and funny lyrically, the vocals sung by Mike Cooley are edgy and semi-country. Different from the others, this song used quite a bit of piano to make it even more appealing to the ears.

“The Flying Wallendas” was too slow for my likings. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice to hear a slow song from them for once, but while all the other songs are lyrically depressing, I couldn’t handle it tempo-wise for this song. It kind of reminds me of one of those depressing country songs that you get scared to even listen to. It might be a song that would grow on me after a few listens, but for this listening round, I didn’t really make it through it all. Sorry.

“After The Scene Dies” is another fast tempo song that utilizes the guitar awesomely. The singing is whiny, in a good way, and interesting, combined with the guitar solos, this song is great.

“Grab the Lake Charlie” is another song that begs you to listen to it. It’s kind of funny again, and has a unique style. A lot of these songs remind me of some classics, and that’s always nice to come across. I can tell that Lynyrd Skynyrd had to have been an influence on these guys.

When I came across the track listing, it’s obvious why “The Wig He Made Her Wear,” was the first track name I actually remembered. It starts off with some laughter in like a studio. The whole song sounds amazing right off the bat. It’s a different kind of beat but it’s great. Once the singing starts, I was even more interested. This song for sure is one of my favorites on this album. There’s a huge guitar solo towards the end that puts the cherry on top. It’s awesome.

“The Forth Night Of Drinking,” was another song I was intrigued by the title. It’s embarrassing to admit but I am pretty sure I’ve had moments like this. “I was looking for my keys, I was half blind and stinkin’ and bloody at the knees.” Well if you know me, you know that I’m the type of person who needs a key whistle.

While the lyrics were a little depressing throughout the album, the upbeat tempo on the album created a perfect balance. On iTunes discussion boards people compared this album to Drive-By Truckers’ album Southern Rock Opera from 2001. I am definitely interested in these guys now that I gave them a chance, buying this album was a good decision.

Live in Las Vegas

Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds are back at it again! December 12, 2009 the duo got back together to play a show in Las Vegas, and the album was released Feb 9. Tim Reynolds became a part of Dave Matthews Band last year when Big Whiskey and the Groo Grux King was released, but they’ve always been together for the acoustic shows. Live in Las Vegas is the third acoustic album for the duo, following Live at Luther College (1999), and Live at Radio City (2007).

The album starts off with a song that DMB only plays live, Eh-Hee. Next up is a fan favorite written in 1994, Dancing Nancies. If you’re a Dave fan, you’ve got your Dancing Nancy window decal proving your devotion to the band. It’s played almost identical to the other acoustic versions of the song, but still, a classic. Tim does, indeed, go crazy on his guitar once the singing stops.

The duo then plays Squirm, a song from Big Whiskey. Dave plays his guitar as he would normally, while Reynolds provides us with the guitar that fills in for the rest of the instruments in the band that are lacking in the acoustic show.

Matthews vents about his broken heart and the only way he can move on in Grace is Gone from 2002. The live version follows closely to the Busted Stuff album version. At the end, you hear Dave finally speak, “Thank you kind people. I don’t gamble so I didn’t win anything, and I didn’t lose anything either. Life is a gamble!” I love when he talks at concerts.

After he finishes his gamble ramble, the duo starts playing the southern, folk, Louisiana style, “Alligator Pie.” Without the banjo, the two manage to make the song sound awesome acoustically.

Another favorite about our Mother Earth, “One Sweet World” makes my stomach rowdy as soon as I hear the introduction. Dave uses his traditional vocal noises to fill in spots where no singing of words are involved. This act by Dave is an example of his South African roots. At the four and a half minute mark, Dave decides to turn the song into a childhood favorite, Ring Around the Rosy.

The next song, Dave begins to explain it as, “Cause love can save your life more than food, you can feel it. Like water.” Then, with the guitar combined with his quote, you know it is “Loving Wings.” The guitar gets lower in the second verse and almost tricks me into thinking Stefan Lessard is back with his bass guitar. Dave begins “coughing” on beat. At first I thought he was really coughing, and then I realized he’s substituting the drum part of the song with his vocals again. Love it.

Dave gives Tim a chance to show his stuff with Kundalini Bonfire. It’s an extremely face paced song in which he needs to use a guitar pick. This song makes you think that Tim Reynolds is a crazy, crazily awesome guitar player. It’s like he can’t stop, won’t stop, and the song gets more and more intense each minute. As the crowd expresses their love for the song with a ridiculously loud and long applause, I’m pretty sure I hear Dave expressing his love for him as well.

Dave goes into singing, “Oh,” a classic song that he claimed at Radio City, to be about his grandfather. Then, as soon as the first notes are played of the next song, the crowd goes crazy. “Christmas Song,” which isn’t played live very often for obvious reasons. Talking about Jesus, “A surprise on the way, any day, any day, one healthy little giggling dribbling baby boy, the wise men came three made their way to shower him with love. It’s a very sweet song.

Then Dave and Tim together acoustically change up the style of hit song, “Funny the Way it Is,” while keeping it the same. It’s amazing how the two can use their guitars to sound like the instruments they aren’t using. “Stay or Leave,” is next up and still as beautiful as it always has been. “Shake Me Like a Monkey,” and “Lying in the Hands of God,” from the new album are also featured on this one. Both great songs in their own ways. One’s ridiculously crazy lyrics, while the other’s are more deep and thoughtful. “Save your sermons for someone who’s afraid to love… If you never flew, why would you cut the wings off a butterfly?”

At first I was waiting to hear some covers, since Dave always does a cover. I heard this new one, Little Red Bird and thought it was one. Nope, in the album booklet it says Dave wrote the song in 2009, so yes! A new song for fans to fall in love with. It’s soft, higher pitched and somewhat precious. “Guns and gods and little red birds
'comfort to count the battles won after the war is lost.”

I’m running out of room by rambling, but this 26 track, two-disc set, also features the new song, You & Me, an F-bomb in Bartender, fan favorite Crush, my personal favorite, Typical Situation, and Two Step for the encore. If I had ten thumbs, all of them would be up for this album, but I’m also obsessed with David John Matthews.

Lady Antebellum Need You Now

It’s only been two years since this trio’s last self-titled album. Most country fans know Lady Antebellum from hit singles, “love Don’t Live Here Anymore,” and “I Run to You.” Sophomore album, “Need You Now” was released Jan. 26, while the title track hit the charts in August and rose to the top through October and November. One thing I love about Lady Antebellum is that they are one of the only country bands that I know that write a majority of their own music.

Oh, remember those nights where you wake up the next day and check your call log? Maybe you were thinking about an ex way too much while a night of drinking, and you need to make sure you didn’t make any bad decisions. “Need You Now,” is a song about missing someone, and calling in search of a little T.L.C. “I wonder if I every cross your mind. For me it happens all the time. It’s a quarter after one, I’m a little drunk and I need you now.” Yeah, we’ve all had those nights!

Starting the next song with some low piano and a highly enthusiastic exclamation from Charles Kelley, “Our Kind of Love” is a song that compares love to everyday joys. “Hello World” is a mellow song that Kelley took control over vocally, while a symphony was being built up in the background.

A song to make everyone happy, “Perfect Day,” written by the trio again along with Jerry Flowers, starts off with deep, rock guitar that plays softly throughout the background while the country twang picks up again. “It was a perfect day
What I’d give if I could find a way to stay lost in this moment, now
Ain’t worried about tomorrow when you’re busy livin’ in a perfect day.” With lyrics like this combined with Scott’s vocals, you can’t help but smile – or hit the back button to listen to it again!

Well, I know it’s hard but after a “Perfect Day,” something has to go wrong. For example, you have a clearly, not mutual crush. It can be painful, can’t it? “Something about her, it just don’t work. But I can’t walk away. It’s like I love this pain.” Although it’s not an extremely positive song, the beat is tremendously appealing. Again, Kelley starts off with an energetic “Come on!” to get all of us country fans pumped up. “Love This Pain,” sung by Kelley, provides our ears with catchy guitar and relatable lyrics.

“When You Got A Good Thing,” is a slower, sappier, love song with a traditional country twang. There aren’t too many of these on this CD. Near the end an intense guitar solo was used to fade out the song. Maybe it was to pump us up for, “Stars Tonight,” where Kelley and Scott alternate singing. Reaching the chorus, you hear a few chantable yeahs until Kelley picks it up again. Rather than singing about stars in the sky they are singing about us being stars! You heard it, us. Now all of us can have our 5 minutes of fame with this one. “On the floor, in the stands, tonight we’re all in the band. We’re screaming out yeah, yeah, yeah.”

“If I Knew Then,” takes us back to that traditional country, sappy song. I feel bad because I lose interest with these ones. With only about four of them on the album, I should be lucky. While Kelley sings about how many times he blew his chance with a girl, even mentioning a time in the back of his car where he took it too far, he mentions, “If I knew then, what I know now I’d fall in love.”

It’s hard to imagine Charles Kelley being related to a pop singer (Josh Kelley) when he’s got such a southern voice. “Something About A Woman” really allows Kelley to express his southern voice. Written by the trio along with the help of Craig Wiseman, Kelley takes full control of vocals for this song. No worries though, Scott hops in on the next song with the power now, and you almost forgot how nice her voice is. “I’m ready to feel now, no longer am I afraid of the fall down, It must be time to move on now, Without the fear of how it might end, I guess I’m ready to love again.”

Overall the album was a solid, alternative country album. With outstanding guitar playing and only minimal twangy instruments, you almost forget that these three are part of a country band. Well that is, until they start singing. With voices and lyrics that stand out, and are so original, it’s hard to pass up this album.

Valentine's Day Movie Soundtrack

February 7, 2010

Oh, yes, it’s almost that time to celebrate love, affection, and compassion. Get your shoebox mailboxes out and wait for someone to drop off that cute little valentine for you. While I’m waiting for this day to come, I’m listening to the Valentine’s Day Movie Soundtrack. Sure, sure, there are a lot of famous actors and actresses in the movie, but if by chance the movie doesn’t turn out as well as all us ladies hoped, maybe we can have some decent music to listen to from it.

Last year, Kanye didn’t let her speak, but here she starts off the album with an upbeat country love song comparing life to a fairytale. “Today Was a Fairytale,” is a song by Taylor Swift, who by the way plays a role in the movie (previews show her as a young, crazy cheerleader). “Can you feel this magic in the air, it musta been the way you kissed me.” She doesn’t only contribute one song to the album, but two! Track 13, “Jump then Fall,” is another Taylor Swift song where she tries to convince a man to fall in love with her, yes, another one. Not bad though, I’m starting to get used to her sad story love songs with happy endings.

Oh, you’re ready to shake your hips you say? This song, “Say Hey (I love you)” by Michael Franti and Spearhead, is a song with a dancehall reggae vibe. If you’ve heard this song once, you know exactly what song I’m talking about. Be careful playing this song while you’re driving.

Willy Nelson, sings a classic, jazzy, swing song, “On the Street where you live,” originally by Nat King Cole. Not typically Willy’s style, but different isn’t always bad. It starts off with some guitar, and then straight into piano and bass. Speaking of Nat King Cole, he graces the album with his presence for Spanish song “Te Quiero Dijiste.” I love Spanish music! It means, “’I love you,’ you said.” It’s a beautiful song too. Contact me if you want me to translate it for you.

Saulsalito Foxtrot provides us with a cute cover of Buddy Holly’s “Everyday,” and after, Jewel sings a song called “Stay Here Forever.” Her voice doesn’t have that yoddle anymore. Kinda makes me sad.

Next, Amy Winehouse puts a jazzy/soul spin off of Sam Cooke’s “Cupid.” Maroon 5 sings “The Way You Look Tonight,” which included a lot of horns and a swing beat. If you ever wanted to hear a real upbeat version of the song here it is. It’s exciting, but a lot different than Frank Sinatra’s. This version though, only seems like a perfect fit for the movie. Diane Birch sings an optimistic but wishful love song called “Valentino.” “Oh Valentino, my tears don’t show, oh but honey they flow.”

This next “musician” on the album is Queen B in Gossip Girl. Leighton Meester, or “Blair Waldorf.” Seriously, I saw her on a Christmas album and she ruined my favorite Holiday song. I think she should stick to being that rich girl on the CW, personally. Along with Robin Thicke she sings “Someobody to Love.” I don’t really believe it’s her, she sounds weird, and not to mention the beat and lyrics. “But wait, now how long could this take? It’s hard to find a man, when you’re gone before he wakes, they say it’s hard to achieve But can’t a girl believe?” I’m not sure if I’m just judging her since she does the one thing I hate famous people doing, switching medias. It’s different if you’re good at it, but anyway….

Stevie Wonder’s “Sign Sealed Delievered I’m Yours” shows up on the album, but by Anju Yamapriyam. This version is sped up, high-pitched, and kind of obnoxious. Also featuring artists like, Jools Holland and Jamiroquai, Ben E King, Joss Stone, Black Gold, and Steel Magnolia, this album hits all different genres and would make for a decent Valentine’s Day mix. If you’re a girl who wants to hear lovey-dovey songs all week this week to get you pumped for the special Hallmark holiday, maybe you should buy this album. Or guys, buy this for your girlfriend by Sunday!

Sweet Heart Rodeo

Sweet hearted, folk-voiced, and occasional member of Hem, Dawn Landes released her fourth (third if we aren’t counting her self released) album, Sweet Heart Rodeo, Jan. 19. Born in Louisville, Kentucky but based in New York, Dawn Landes combines alternative and country to create a “sweet heart rodeo.” If it were needed to compare her voice to another musician, I’d say a new age Sheryl Crow. If it was needed to compare her music to another musicians, I’d be speechless.

Remember that song a few summers ago, “Young Folks” (Peter, Bjorn & John)? Dawn Landes is known for covering it with the WST Band, while putting a bluegrass spin on it.

The Album starts off alternative with “Young Girl.” With lyrics that start off a little dirty, Landes expresses why she doesn’t like this young girl. “Young girl I don’t like you, everybody wants to stand beside you.” While the lyrics make subtle references to the title of the album, the percussion and guitar are what make this song danceable.

Everyone knows what it’s like to be let down or waiting all day to hear from the man you’re so interested in. Oh, everyone’s had a crush before. “Romeo” is a song about a girl persistently trying to be with this guy, but after being let down for so long she had to let go with the mindset, “What goes around comes around.”

“Money In The Bank” is a song that introduces the horns to the album while slowing down the pace. The most country we find on the album is found in “Sweetheart of the Rodeo.” It’s an upbeat song that puts you in the wild, wild West. Landes took the typical Johnny Cash beat and spiced it up a bit with intense harmonica and pick guitar. Not to mention the baritone male vocals used as an instrument in the background, this is a complete old-fashioned country song. I don’t know why, but to me, it somewhat resembles the Highway Men (“Ghost Riders in the Sky”).

Okay, I’m sure I’m not the only one, but I had this Yamaha Portasound Keyboard when I was in elementary school, and “Clown” certainly starts off with one of those demo rhythms that come with the keyboard. “You know how to shake that thang, run around around again, you-hoo chase anything.” A lot is going on, but with the clapping, kazooing, laughter and lyrics, the song is entertaining and fun.

With a quick guitar tempo while being a chill song, Landes starts to sing about a relationship between two girls who work together. “Little Miss Holiday…” “They put you in a film that you couldn’t play the part of yourself, okay, show your face. No one knows your name.”

Acoustic instruments always grab my attention and I think that’s why I enjoy this folk album. “Dance Area” expresses Landes’ beautiful vocals and musical advice. She says that money isn’t that important but if you’re broke, why not dance since dancing’s free? “If you’re going to be a broke little bunny, you better get on the floor and dance with me.”

In “Brighton,” Landes starts singing an octave higher and pulls it off so well. The combination of her voice and the slow violins in the background, it’s a positive, peaceful song to listen to.

Catchy, catchy, catchy. Less than two minute long, “All Dressed in White” has to be one of the catchiest songs on the album. No, there aren’t any words. There are vocals, but just doo doo’s and dum da da’s. It starts off mixing beats and melodies and then she comes in with her vocal instrumental. The song practically moves directly into, “Tous les garçons et les filles.” I don’t speak French. I don’t really enjoy the French language, but this song is beautiful. Percussion picks up heavy at the chorus and keeps it interesting. I wish I knew what she was talking about. Someone listen to it, translate it, and get back to me.

With the help of Dartmoor Music, Landes kind of chant/sings the final track on the album, “Love.” It’s kind of cluttered and my least favorite song to listen to on the album. Safe to say, if I ever put the CD in I would not go to track 12 willingly. Pretty much the album ends with obnoxious screaming and then a little chuckle from Landes. Meh, maybe some find it creative and fun.

Although this alternative artist has a country vibe to her, I’d consider it folk. Overall, this Sweet Heart Rodeo was almost perfect. All different emotions are expressed throughout the album and it’s easy to listen to. I bought the album on iTunes for $9.99, and I’m definitely not upset with my purchase.

Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky

1/14/2010

After five years of silence from OK Go, they finally release a creative, trippy album, Of The Blue Colour of the Sky . OK Go is best known for their hit single, released in 2006, “Here It Goes Again.” Rather than being the same dance, pop-punk as Oh No was, this album is more artistic and combines multiple genres of music emphasizing synthesizers to create magical beats. Through this album, it’s clear that Prince’s vocals, along with other musicians’ styles, were influences. Needless to say, there wasn’t one specific style or idea for this album.

Starting off with a song titled, WTF?, which was released as their first single from the album last November, the album starts off kind of grungy and loud. Damian Kulash Jr., lead vocals, softens the grunge with his high-pitched singing (not to mention the cowbells). Lyrically, it’s a song that pretty much is asking the question in the title. “WTF is happening? Whatcha do with my head?” Towards the very end of the song, we finally are reintroduced to Kulash’s “Here It Goes Again” voice.

Conan O’Brien accepted OK Go on The Tonight Show, January 8, to perform track 2 on the album, “This Too Shall Pass” with backup vocals from a gospel choir. The song provides distinct bass guitar from Tim Nordwind, and aggressive drumming from Dan Konopka. Yes, the gospel choir did add a motivational feel to emphasize the fact that hard times won’t last.

Eventually, the album loses its originality and OK Go ends up putting a creative spin on other artists’ music. Personally I find the majority of the songs enjoyable, but awfully closely related to MGMT, Daft Punk, Band of Horses, and Prince, all of which are bands I enjoy listening to.

The best track to move to, “White Knuckles” is a combination of Prince’s voice and Daft Punk’s electronic beats. Yes, an interesting combination, but no, not a bad thing. The beat is intense and enticing, while the voice is just as fitting. There are some Prince-like spastic screaming and some mind activating lyrics. “But couldn’t good be good enough, cause nothing ever doesn’t change but nothing changes much.”

The album slows tempo, and mellows the synthpop for “I Want You So Bad I Can’t Breathe” which was featured on the new 90210 series last year. Slower than the other songs, it still is a song that everyone can dance to, like most of the tracks on the album. Kulash has the same Prince-like voice until the next track.

“While You Were Asleep” seems creepy for the first 30 seconds, but as soon as Kulash comes in, the creepiness diminishes and it sounds like a beautiful, wind chime, lullaby. Halfway through, there is a drum roll to prepare for Konopka to pick the beat up. Although it was peaceful and meditating for two minutes, the creepiness picks up at the end to provide is with a dungeon, nightmare feel.

The title of the Album comes from a book by General A. J. Pleasonton, The Influence of The Blue Ray Of The Sunlight and of the Blue Color of the Sky. The album can be found on iTunes for $9.99, and in other stores now. If you want a CD that contains a little bit of everything, with a synthpop vibe to it, then here it is.