The Young Veins :Lushbeat Review

Okay, so here is my review for The Young Veins' debut album, "Take A Vacation!" as seen on Lushbeat.com

Check out the site for more fabulous review from fellow music enthusiasts. They do not disappoint!

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THE YOUNG VEINS: Take A Vacation!


In mid-2009, it was announced that Ryan Ross and Jon Walker of Panic! At The Disco were leaving the band due to creative differences, perhaps moving into a new direction with a new band entirely. Sure enough, Ross and Walker wrote some very un-Panic! tunes, added members Nick Murray, Andy Soukal, and Nick White, and channeled their inner retro rock band of which make up their first album, “Take A Vacation!”. Though The Young Veins is made up of half of Panic!, there is certainly no comparison in their sound. This is where the “creative difference” comes into play. Instead of the garage, pop/punk sound that Ross and Walker became famous for, we are now introduced to a sort of time-paradox: music edition. It is well into 2010, but “Take A Vacation!” is undoubtedly reminiscent of Ed Sullivan re-runs, hula-hoops and oil-free beaches.

Produced by Alex Greenwald (Phantom Planet) and Rob Mathes (Panic! At The Disco), “Take A Vacation!” is a simple, short, and sweet little album, full of 60’s-like pop, beachy harmonies, and lovable lyrics. “Take A Vacation!” is unique to this era, and therefore refreshing in a music generation lacking, well, the oldies. And just like the oldies, most songs on the album cease to reach the 3-minuet mark, making for a very short album. But sometimes simplicity just works, such as is for the first single off the album, “Change”. Reminiscent of The Monkees and perhaps a dash of Jet, “Change” is one of the groovier and lyrically simple tracks of the album. Lyrics like “I swear like a sailor, love is not a flavor/I find it’s just a concept that we live inside” are the template for the rest of the album. “Take A Vacation” and “Young Veins (Die Tonight)”, are sway-worthy tunes, bringing forth 1964 George Harrison guitar riffs while “Capetown” is sure to melt the hearts of girls in pony tails and bobby socks.

The album does take a slight turn towards a more current music style with the last few songs, including “Dangerous Blues”, “Defiance” and “Lie To Tell The Truth”. However, with the albums consistent 60’s croon-sound, it lacks some of the excitement that many debut albums exude. The album is undemanding to the listener, and sure the retro style is unique and new (to this decade), but can The Young Veins hold up against new and popular alternative rock bands of today? We surely cannot help but root for them, but there could be a struggle to keep up with the chart-toppers of the year.

Key tracks: Change/Everyone But You/Defiance


Lushbeat.com

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Hopefully I will have a review for Mt. Desolation's new track, "State Of Affairs" up for the masses tomorrow!

Lush Beat!

So...I now write for a groovy little music site called Lush Beat. Naturally you can find it at lushbeat.com! Check it out. Mucho good concert photos, interviews, reviews, etc.


While you are there, check out my latest interview with The Routine. They are some fun, hip fellas with some nice music.

That is all.

Neutron Star Collision (Love Is Forever) -MUSE

Early yesterday afternoon my Twitter timeline was filled with Musers anxiously waiting for Zane Lowe to start up Muse's new song, and featured single for the new Twilight movie. Truly it's name says it all: "Neutron Star Collision (Love Is Forever)". What are your first thoughts based on the title alone? Perhaps...cheesy? Epic overhaul? Colossal happenings? Grace and beauty? Well, there's your review. The title explains Bellamy's, Wolstenholme's and Howard's attempt and success of a dose of much needed Muse rock.

It begins with a very mature sounding Matthew Bellamy, accompanying himself with a simple piano melody as their ever-so-infamous choral vocals creep in from behind (the one's that remind us of Queen). A slight pause...putting all of us at the edge of our seats, awaiting the epicness that is sure to occur!...and then the show-tune/50's style beat begins.

"Love! (bumbum chick) is forever!" Bellamy exclaims, eluding corniness that perhaps surpasses that of "Guiding Light". It repeats continuously for a few moments. Is this it?




But then, something reminiscent of their "Resistance" finally charges through as Howard picks up the pace, Wolstenholme joins in, and the synth finally intervenes! This is it! Somehow the next chorus seems much less corny, and much more Muse rock. Bellamy hits every note flawlessly, as he tends to do, and his Manson guitar accompanies with a powerful punch. It's finally all put together; synth, guitar, hovering bass lines, that colossal drumming, and the beautiful voice, all echoing a melody you are sure to have stuck in your head for hours. Go on, try to forget about it. Good luck with that.

About three-fourths through, Bellamy entertains us with his guitar solo. It's nothing extremely sensational, though respectable and fun enough to air guitar to (you know you do it). The final verse and chorus finish up with a bang, making us all rubberneck it with the best of (Chris) them. We think it may be finished with the last chord....but similar to their last Twilight single, "I Belong To You/Mon Coer S'ouvre A Ta Voix", Bellamy charms us with this grace at the piano. For only slightly more than 30 seconds, Matthew croons and swoons us with his magical touch...until fin.

So though it may begin with that old high school musical feel, Muse does not dissapoint in rocking you out of your chair. It's catchy and simple, but that's what tends to make a song something of a hit. It does have the feel that maybe they whipped this up in a hurry, perhaps needing to make a deadline for the soundtracks release, but Lennon and McCartney did that with "A Hard Day's Night". And I think we all know how that one turned out.

Like I said before, the name says it all. But the sound says more:

Padre's Playlist

So my dad has been my biggest music influence. He introduced me to The Beatles, The Stones, The Who, of course.

But I ALSO thank him for introducing me to Peter Gabriel, The Talking Heads, Psychedelic Furs, John Hiatt, David Bowie, etc...

Because of his influence, I have decided to make him playlists of new (with a few recent classics in there) to keep him with the times; a sort of "return the favor" kind of thing. I make these about once every couple of months, and I must say they have quite an affect. For instance, he is dying to see The Killers live (this coming from a man who has seen The Who, Peter Gabriel, Jethro Tull, etc. live), and thinks Knights of Cydonia live is one colossal piece of musical bliss. So here I continue my brainwashing...and I also bring it to you.

I'm sure most of you have heard of these, but if not, I highly recommend having a listen. (May I also say that I took the time to put these in just the right order. It's a must.)


Padre's Playlist 4.19.10
1. The Nerve -MUTEMATH
2. Tourist -Julian Casablancas
3. 1901 -Phoenix
4. The '59 Sound -The Gaslight Anthem
5. Last Night -The Strokes
6. Invincible (H.A.A.R.P) -MUSE
7. Dream City -Free Energy
8. Now We Can See -The Thermals
9. Great DJ -The Ting Tings
10. I Predict A Riot -Kaiser Chiefs
11. Oscar Wilde -Company of Thieves
12. Armistice -MUTEMATH
13. U.R.A. Fever -The Kills
14. Transmission -Joy Division
15. Hope Child -Free Energy
16. You Have My Eyes Now -Clues
17. Brave Man's Death -J-Roddy Walston and The Business


There you have it. If you have yet to hear some of these tunes, DO, and let me know what you think!

Okay, enjoy.

MUSE Palace of Auburn Hills 3/13/10

I just realized I never put this review on here. This is the un-edited version (the one close to, but not quite the one published in the IC).

Okayenjoynow.

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British rock trio, Muse, have won an astonishing number of music awards for being the “Best Live Band” across the pond in Europe, and on Saturday the group brought their award-winning show to Detroit, Michigan. Muse are now touring in the United States after the release of their latest album “The Resistance” which came out last fall. Though Muse has had much greater success and recognition in the United Kingdom, the band is beginning to grow more popular here in the States with the help of games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero, as well as an appearance on the soundtrack of one well known vampire movie called “Twilight”. Regardless of how their fans found themselves amused and drawn into their music, over 12,000 of them poured into The Palace of Auburn Hills to “get their minds blown” (as warned by their opening band, Silversun Pickups.)




If anything can be said by first impressions, then the appearance of the stage set up alone said wonders about the grand and elaborate show before Muse even began their set. Three huge pillars decorated as skyscrapers lined the stage, surrounded by several different kinds of lighting equipment; yes, even lasers. The intro began as the pillars lit up, and the crowd's cheering nearly over powered the sound of the band's music. Shadows of people appeared to walk up the “buildings”, and when these shadows stopped and began to fall, the crowd knew Muse was not far behind. Finally, the curtains around each pillar fell and revealed each member of the band as the riff to “Uprising” pumped out of the speakers. The adrenaline that had been building during the anticipation of Muse's appearance was powered out in claps and fist pumps as the crowd all chanted:“They will not force us/They will stop degrading us!/They will not control us/We will be victorious; So come on!” What greater way to begin a rock concert than with a little rebellion?



Eventually, the pillars lowered, freeing the band to roam and rock out with their impossible-to-stand-still songs such as “New Born”, “Hysteria”, and “MK Ultra.” Matthew Bellamy, lead guitarist and vocalist, spun around on the stage with his famous Manson guitars in hand, often landing on his knees while belting out unbelievable guitar riffs as laser beams filled the arena. Chris Wolstenholme head banged along with the best of his fellow fans and drummer Dom Howard forced an uncontrollable beat throughout the entire set. The only chance to breathe was during portions of more melancholy tunes, such as the beginning of “United States of Eurasia”, in which Muse were back on their pillars, rising above the packed and excitable crowd. Bellamy played upon his piano and lights danced along with his fingertips.

The crowd ignited with songs such as “Supermassive Black Hole” and “Undisclosed Desires”, and cheered on Howard and Wolstenholme as they jammed out together during a short instrumental piece; all while atop a rotating center “stage”. There was certainly nothing too over the top for this band. And did I mention giant eye-ball confetti filled balloons? The theme “Big brother is watching you” from Orson Welles, 1984 is well expressed in “The Resistance”'s lyrics, so it was also reflected in the shows props and screen-plastered images. During fan favorite “Plug In Baby”, the giant eye-ball balloons floated into the crowd from the ceiling and burst with confetti for one hit of an ending.





But this crown would not have it. The band left the stage, but the audience only cheered and chanted louder. There were three more songs these fans just could not leave without. Soon enough, Matt, Chris, and Dom took the stage once again to end the night right. The encore began with the orchestra heavy ballad “Exogenesis: Part 1” as the adrenaline rose once again. The mighty “Stockholm Syndrome” got the legs jumping and the heads banging before “Knights of Cydonia” roared a colossal finish.

There was no denying something huge happened that night. Certainly Muse has deserved every “Best Live Band” award they have ever received. Only few bands have ever reached packed-arena show potential yet Muse undoubtedly stands among them. And though their acceptance and success may not yet be frequently revealed on the American charts, with concerts as elaborate and unforgettable as this, it is only a matter of time before the United States deems Muse as victorious.




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Basically, it rocked our socks. Front row was pretty amazing, though any seat in the whole stadium saw an amazing show. If you have never seen these guys live, you MUST get on that! If you are in the States, you will have a chance this Fall when they come back for their second leg of the tour. Yeah buddy!

That's all for now.

More MUSE photos (and other concert photos of mine) can be seen here:


http://www.flickr.com/photos/belsiechaird


Toodles.

GOSSIP: Holy Synth n' Disco: Pop Goes The World Video

Pop Goes The World Official Video 45143945 - Buzznet


Courtesy of Buzznet.com I bring you Gossip's new video for "Pop Goes The World". If you like synth, dancing, crazy hair, and wicked eye makeup, this one's for you.

What WAS I waiting for?

Yes, I realize I've fallen behind. I mean, this must be true considering I am JUST NOW hearing "Animal" by Neon Trees for the first time. But alas, I have heard, I continue to listen, and I review.

I like it. I like it quite a huge bit.





I'm listening to it only for the second time as I write this very sentence, but it's already got a hold of these ears. It's catchy and it's fun, full of synthy goodness, new wave drum beats, and continuous running bass riffs. Tyler Glenn (lead vocals, keys) channels in a mixture of Rufus Wainwright and Aswan North (lead vocalist of Paper Tongues), showing off his wide range as he belts out "Oh, oh, what are you waiting for!" from the chorus. Surely this mixture of sound defines the direction in which new alt-rock is (hopefully) heading.

And the lyrics? Well haven't we all been through that time in life when we wanted someone just out of reach? But this time...hell, we are going for it! Here, it is expressed clever, concrete imagery and spirals in the music:



Here we are again/I feel the chemicals kicking in/
It's getting heavy and I want run and hide/I want to run and hide

I do it every time/You're killing me now/and i won't be denied by you/
The animal inside of you



Makes me all gitty inside! Perhaps this love will fade, but for now I'm going to enjoy this little burst of energy.

You should to. It's free this week on iTunes. Or I guess you could just watch here:

This Providence Toledo, OH 1/30/10

Seattle, Washington seems to be busting at the seams with rock music, bringing out the sounds of bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden. On Saturday night, the pop-punk band This Providence brought their version on Seattle rock to Toledo.

The band is made up of the talented long-haired and leather clad musicians Dan Young (vocals;guitar), David Blaise (bass), Gavin Phillips (lead guitar) and Andy Horst (drums) who prove to be a big hit on the small stage. Though their first headlining show in Toledo attracted mostly teens, their music could certainly reach out to any fan of edgy rock or even melancholy acoustic. Their influences include the likes of Oasis, Third Eye Blind, The Beatles, and Jimmy Eat World, and currently the band is supporting Motion City Soundtrack on their “Dino Initiative Tour”.

This Providence may have little experience headlining shows, but they have been around the music scene since 2003. They have three studio albums, the last two released by Fuled By Ramen; a record label distributing albums from artsist such as Paramore, Panic! At the Disco, and Cobra Starship. They have also toured with bands like Ludo, and even had an appearance at last years Warped Tour. David Blaise ensured that though they will not be at this years Warped Tour due to the construction of their next album, they do hope to make appearances in the future.

“Warped Tour was a lot of fun,” said Blaise. “We would love to tour with Jimmy Eat World” and “it wouldn't really work for us, but it would be amazing to support The Hives.”

When asked how their music has changed from their first album, “Our Worlds Divorce”, to their most recent “Who Are You Now”, the band agrees that they have become very versatile and have really grown musically.

“Our sound varies from album to album,” lead guitarist Gavin Phillips stated. David Blaise added that “with this album (Who Are You Now?) we tried to be better song writers instead of having cool guitar riffs or being too flashy.”

As far as their message to their listeners, “love is in there a lot,” according to both Blaise and Phillips. They have mostly positive messages, and tell stories of love and sometimes heartbreak with lyrics like “I've been dancing on the tops of buildings,At the top of my lungs,I'm singing you a song,Don't you leave me along” from their recent single “My Beautiful Rescue.”

Songs like “That Girl's a Trick” and “Wolf in Sheep's Clothing” had the audience bouncing and dancing , as was encouraged by front man Dan Young. The show was well constructed, and flowed easily with breaks from the hard rock with songs like “Keeping on Without You”. There was an undeniable energy that poured out of this band that begged for louder reaction and more movement. And though it seemed very “rock n roll” to play in such a small, dodgy venue, these guys are a band for the masses. Their ongoing and increasingly strong fan base tends to agree, and there is no doubt that This Providence will be a band to look out for in the coming years. This Providence will continue touring with Motion City Sountrack for much of 2010, and will also be working on their fourth studio album while on the road.

Vampire Weekend "Contra"

It's a band for the bloggers, the independent film watchers and probably anyone who loves Jesse Eisenberg or Michael Cera. After all, Vampire Weekend did gain their popularity pre-album debut thanks to bloggers and rare-music hunters and since then, the band has been all over the indie music scene. Lead singer Ezra Koenig and company have swirled up quite a unique storm in popular music these days, bringing the likes of African pop music, classical strings and piano, ska, and funky drum beats through our headphones. Their sudden success came before their self titled debut album in 2008, with songs like “A-Punk” deserving awards like “Song Most Likely to get Stuck in Your Head”. Two years later, Vampire Weekend has returned with a stronger, more complex and organized album they call “Contra”. Though “Contra” lacks the catchy “Aye! Aye! Aye!” that consumed their first album, it still has a great likableness to it. Really, it has been best described as “charming.” Who doesn't love a little charm in their ears?

“Contra” opens with “Horchata,” a track mostly noted for its safari-like sound, and Ezra's fine ability to rhyme words with the title. Right off the bat, Vampire Weekend proves that they are not just another “indie” band, and though some may argue that a band like this who have yet to attract any imitators, there is an uncanny feel to the album that shouts originality at its most genuine form. “Holiday” is more of the VW we have heard before, with its bouncy, off-beat guitar and catchy melody. “California English” brings on all kinds of experimentation, packing all kinds of sound from strings, hurried drums, even some auto-tune. But Contra is not only for the ears. The lyrics Koenig sings are one's for the mind. Vampire Weekend is also a band for the thinkers, the reflective, and the relaxed.

The fast paced and string-filled “California English” not only brings a different take on Auto-Tune in American pop music, but it also has something to say. Ezra sings, “Blasted from a disconnected light switch/ Through the condo that they’ll never finish/ Bounced across a Saudi satellite dish/ And through your brain to California English,” painting the picture of a life perhaps taken for granted and easily overlooked. Ezra is trying to tell us something here; perhaps there is some sort of decline in the value people find in themselves and more so in the way they are perceived by others. “And if it’s all a curse /And we’re just getting worse /Baby, please don’t lose your faith in the good earth.”

Perhaps the most relatable song on the album is “Run,” a simple synth based tune with lyrics that could be found in practically anyone's diary at some point in life. Hasn’t everyone had that “stuck” feeling? That feeling that “there’s nowhere else to go?” But, just as hopeful and happy-go-lucky as Vampire Weekend sounds, the lyrics also put a silver lining along the darker meaning behind the words; “But changing roles /It struck me that the two of us could run /Worlds away from cars /And all the stars and bars /Where a little bit of condensation means so much /And a little bit of change is all your little fingers touch.” Ezra’s charm practically pours through the speakers.

The rest of the album is just as charming. “Cousins,” the first single off the album, is fast. “Giving up the Gun” is probably the most pop oriented of them all, hand in hand with words of hope and encouragement for better days and strength.”Diplomats Son” is one of VW's longer songs, just past 6 minutes, dipping into a reggae-esque, mellowed out sound, even sampling M.I.A's “Hussel”. And it just wouldn't be right if this charismatic album didn't end with a romantically charismatic song. “I Think UR a Contra” is a mixture of confusion and relaxation all wrapped in one.

Overall, “Contra” is a nice change of pace. It's satisfying in that it brings new to the American music table. These boys are shining light on the lesser known music style of the world, similar to a young Peter Gabriel. It flows, and if you are a sucker for thought provoking and interesting lyrics, Ezra and friends have just what you may be looking for. In short? Imagine Paul Simon, Michael Cera, McCartney (mid-60's Beatles Lennon and McCartney) all in one room, telling visually colorful stories whilst playing old Atari games, and watching Animal Planet. You may very well begin to hear “Contra” floating in your ear drums. Here, Vampire Weekend seemed to have gathered weird, sweet, and smart all into 36 minutes of decent listening material.

2000: Songs of Too Little Simple Yellow Bathwater and Stronger Hooks

Okay, so it is now the new decade, friends, which means it's time to remember the goodness that was the last decade. Yep, we are now in the ..."10's"...the "pre-teens", maybe? So let's make some memories of those songs from the new millennium 2000 to the last HU-RAH! of 2009. And here. we. GO.

2000
Age:12/13

"Hate To Say I Told You So" -The Hives

"DO WHAT I WANT, CAUSE I CAN IF I DON'T, BECAUSE I WANNA!"
I really don't feel like I need to say anything more. Who in their pre-teens (or even after, I suppose!) did NOT love a good IN YO FACE!, rock out!, heavyguitarrifftastic song to jump around to? Yeah, we all loved it. And The Hives continue to rock it out just as well as they did 10 years ago, and we thank them for it.
"OHHH YEEEAAH!"


"Too Little Too Late" -Barenaked Ladies

May dad, having a huge influence on my music choices, brought these guys to my attention early in life. And though I was weary of the band name...I couldn't deny the fun the music brought. Nope, they aren't deep or music GODS or anything, but these guys have a friendly, good-time spirit about them. And so does this song.
"Too Little To Late" is the opening track to the bands album "Maroon", and is full of dance worthy, "WOO" shouting, hand clapping goodness. It's not a complicated song, but as you will see in a majority of my list, simplicity is a highlight. It's easy to dance to, easy to sing along, and gets your feet moving. Most songs with hand claps are sure winners. Audience participation FTW.


"Bathwater" -No Doubt

Once again, my dad sends me the good music. I had liked No Doubt since I was wee little, thanks to him, so when Return to Saturn came out in 2000, I already knew what was coming. Sort of. Other songs from this album will show up later in this list, but "Bathwater" is one of those poppy, funtosingalong songs. It has it all. Stomp!a!ble!drumbeats!, fun lyrics ("My pregnant mid is fat full with envy again"), vintagey horns, and Gwen. It's one you can even kick line to, if you wanted.

I can't help it, it's my kind of song.
....okay, I'm done.






"Stronger" -Brittany Spears
Do not deny it. You do have Brittany (bitch) in your iPod. And if you don't now, you had some mix CD, or just her whole album, in your portable CD player in 2000. I was never a huge fan, and certainly am not at this point...except for this song. I like the lyrics, I like the danciness, I like the buildup (I'm a sucker for build ups). And yes, I still have it "checked" on my iTunes. So there. It's a good song. Go ahead, and listen.


"Off The Hook" -Barnaked Ladies
Yes, again. But this one is actually semi-more serious. It's about a cheater and no one likes them. Nope. I played this one on repeat quite a bit back in the day, not quite understanding the meaning. But it had a grasp on you somehow, and left you thinking. One of their finer songs, absolutely.


****You know, as I think about it, just get Maroon. It really does have quite a lot of good quality songs, with a wide variety of style. Most bands have a certain sound, or idea that they go for in an album, but Maroon has everything from hilarious, to satire to WTF?, to lonely. Many of those songs would make this list, so go on and just listen to them all. Okay, moving on...



"Simple Kind of Life" -No Doubt

One of the singles from Return to Saturn, "Simple Kind Of Life" is one for the famous. And though I was never famous, I loved Gwen and the gang. It's another "simple" song, and it is one about heartache, tough decisions, and longing -everything that pop song art is about. But regardless, the guys still rock out, and Gwen pours her heart out. Gosh, I love them. (Also a great album. Get it all.).


"Walk On" and "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of" -U2

I really remember getting ready for school in the morning and watching music videos on MTV and VH1. These videos were ALWAYS on, and I always loved them. A little bit of sadness, and a little bit of hope. And it's U2. Not a bad way to start of the day.


"Yellow" -Coldplay

I think we knew this was coming. I'm not sure of many people who don't like this song. Sure, it was played like crazy, but regardless, there is still no denying how lovely this song it. It comes from Coldplay's debut album, Parachutes, and hearing the album now, I think they knew exactly how big they would be in the next 10 years. We were introduced to one of the biggest names in rock and pop music with this song, and all around the world, girls hoped boys would write songs like this for them. Chris, you set the standard.



And of course...we cannot forget:

"Blue (Da Ba Dee" -Eiffel 65
"I Try" -Macy Gray
"Who Let The Dog's Out" Bah Ha Men

Oh, how music has changed. As well as my CD collection. Or digital collection...


So there it is. The beginning of the decade and the music it brought. Really, this list could have gone on and on, and I know I left some amazing things out. But it's what I was about when I was just turning into a teenager, and no matter how odd my choices may have been, they all lead me to the music I love today. Next year to follow....