Freezing cold warmth…review time!

Hiya everybody, got another set of review for you, it’s kind of weird, once I stopped trying to keep to a schedule, suddenly, I have been able to keep these almost weekly. I guess once the pressure’s off to produce, it doesn’t hurt so much when you’re late. So, it has been really cold around here lately, I’m thinking I need to move to a warmer climate, of course popping in some of these tunes can help warm my frozen heart once again. Enjoy.

Andy Bopp – This Guitar Kills Singer Songwriters – *** – A sort-of best-of collection, featuring many of his songs from throughout his career done acoustically. It really lets the songs shine, proving they are good songs at their heart. Doesn’t really add to my appreciation of Andy Bopp, but it does emphasize the importance of Andy Bopping around.

The Chevelles – Barbarella Girl God – *** – I think this is a best-of as well. I haven’t heard anything new from these guys in a while, it’s nice to go back and review their best stuff. It reminds me how much I loved this band when I first heard them.

Hotel Lights – Firecracker People – *** – Slow moving, but interesting set of songs from this band. I liked their first album, and this one is more of the same, and very good to listen to on a rainy day.

Travis – Ode to J. Smith – ***1/2 – I have a hard time giving a bad review to Travis, because they are one of the first bands I really got into, so I am probably biased, but this album is great. A great set of songs, and I am glad to see they are back at work, releasing all sorts of music, so, OK then.

Greg Pope – Popmonster – ***1/2 – Really good album, there are so many great songs and it just keeps chugging at a cool pace, the only thing keeping me from giving it all 4 stars is that it kind of went into overkill near the end of the album, and I wasn’t as willing to accept the constant barage of poptasticness.

Howzabout dem apples, a new review blog from me!

Alright, we are the throes of fall, and as such, it’s time for some yummy apples, five of which I offer you below. These fresh fruits fell on my head recently, knocking out all sense and leaving me with a strange desire to bathe myself in apple cider. So please bear with me as I watch this leaf CHANGE COLORS IN MY VERY HAND!!!! Creepy. Well, enjoy.

Cliff Hillis – The Long Now – ***1/2 – Cliff does a great job with clean-cut pop songs. It’s very simply arranged and well put together. But it is still engaging and interesting, and great to listen to.

Antony & The Johnsons – Another World – *** – It took me a while to appreciate Antony & The Johnsons. At first, the songs seemed a little long and too stark to enjoy. But as I heard more of his songs and him singing other songs, it really hit me how talented he is. This new EP carries on that sound to great effect, having both sparse, long songs, but also some more upbeat songs.

Kelly Jones – SheBANG! – **** – Definitely one of the best things I have heard in a while. I heard Mike Viola was involved, and had to check it out. As soon as the first song breaks from a short intro, I was hooked. This album seems to hit all the right notes at the right time for the right reasons. It fits so well. You can’t help but fall in love with Kelly Jones and her fantastic album.

Barenaked Ladies – Snack Time – *** – As kids albums go, the Barenaked Ladies are good candidates for it. Both Barenaked Ladies and They Might Be Giants helped push me from my childhood music interests into my current music tastes. Now the one caveat is that I was able to do this because they felt grownup enough, but not too grownup…the problem with a kid’s album is that, it won’t necessarily support a move from children’s music to similar music in the future. Now as a grownup, taking this album from that perspective, it’s fun and funny and cool, so who knows what right anyway?

Keane – Perfect Symmetry – *** – I really liked the first Keane album…it was simple, clear, and memorable. Their next album was a bit larger in scope and I had trouble finding much to latch on. This third album continues this trend, with much more complex arrangements, more electronic sounds, just more in general. It’s not unpleasant, but it’s not the same Keane that we heard from originally.

Our national treasure…5 reviews for all

You know, it not often that we encounter a situation where the ultimate result is both a combination of what makes us really and at least a small part given to the answer we are looking for. Hopefully this blog will help to define what really makes us get out there.

Paul Westerberg – 3oclockkreep – *** – Another amalgamation of random bits and bops, melted into one beautiful mess. Being only 20 minutes, as compared to the earlier 45 minute piece, this one is a bit more digestable, and with one “real” track this time, it makes it just swell. It’s an interesting project he’s up to, with these tracks, and affordable for what you get.

McFly – Radio:ACTIVE – *** – I really do like McFly, I suppose I’m not supposed to, but they play great songs. This topic is discussed a bit in “One for the Radio” as kind of a response to those who say they aren’t “cool.” I like that they are able to be honest with what types of music they like to sign and play. I say keep at it boys!

Saul Zonana – Blue Monkey – ***1/2 – You cannot go wrong with Mr. Zonana. Another awesome set of great power popping songs, that sound fresh and cool. Whenever I start to doubt my love of pop music, I will just put this on, and rock out.

Plain White T’s – Big Bad World – *** – More of the same, solid pop songs from this group, who broke out with “Hey There Delilah” I sort of cringed the first time I heard their “followup” 1-2-3-4, which seems to just be trying to cash in on the success of that earlier single, but after a few listens, it does kind of catch on, so who knows.

Andrew Daly – Nine Sweaters – **** – What!? Comedy again? Well yes indeedy friends, and what a comedy this is. Andy Daly put together 9 characters based on 9 sweaters. These characters are twisted and crazy and lovable all at the same time. The way he comes at these characters and the depth that some have gives this CD a fresh and fun feel.