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!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
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:
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:
Monday, April 19, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
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.
---------------------------------------------------
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.
-------------------------------------------
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.
Okayenjoynow.
---------------------------------------------------
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.
-------------------------------------------
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.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
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.
Monday, March 22, 2010
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:
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:
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