It’s been a long long time.

I feel like I have left you all in the lurch. I just have been falling back on listening to new music. I have a ton in the queue, but I can’t get to it with all the other stuff I listen to. What’s that, you ask? Oh OK, since you asked… Recently I have been listening to old music I found on the Small Town Pleasures blog: http://smalltownpleasures.blogspot.com/ so that’s been a lot of fun. I know a lot of those bands, but hearing their full albums really puts it in perspective. I also get a ton of stuff from the Power Pop Criminals blog: http://powerpopcriminals.blogspot.com/ I listen to a ton of Podcasts, both music related and comedy related. For music, I listen to the Time Machine; Pop Garden Radio; Paste Culture Club; Coverville; Luxuriamusic.com shows like Come to the Sunshine and Pepperland Spicerack; WFMU’s Michael Shelley show. For comedy/general interest I listen to The Sound of Young America; Jordan, Jesse, Go!; Never Not Funny; The Best Show on WFMU; Wiretap. So if you get a chance, check those shows out! Now on the the reviews:

The Trews – No Time For Later – *** – Good continuation of The Trews solid rock sound. Not much different from their last album, just more examples of the sound they are comfortable with. I would love to see more of a mix of sound styles, like on some of their earlier records, but it is still a solid achievement.

The Leftovers – Eager To Please – ***1/2 – A fun, cool, solid rock ‘n roll album. Very garagey in parts, though not limited to it, adding some more elements of pop-punk and power pop.

Butterfly Boucher – Scary Fragile – ***1/2 – I loved her album Flutterby a lot, so it’s hard for me to say much negative about Butterfly Boucher, I think this album is just as good as that one, and adds some cool flourishes throughout, making it a nice package.

Uglifruit – Presents – *** – What it lacks in production value, it gains in style. A cool, interesting record. Using nice harmonies, and interesting soundscapes to create something cool. But it would also benefit from a full production.

Marizane – Cosmosis – *** – Very interesting record. Very atmospheric in parts, but not lacking in song structure. Overall enjoyable.

Happy Independent Blog Day!

Hallo folks. It’s been quite a week. As we sit back and think about the invention of America, we must reflect on all the stuff we blowed up real good. I am also realizing it has almost been an entire year since I started writing these reviews. In fact my first review blog was on July 8 of last year. So, I suppose I should have waited a week to post that fact. But whatevs, I might not even blog next week. So yeah, that’s interesting. Here’s some stats for ya!

I have posted 32 blogs, with 5 reviews each, so I have reviewed 160 records. Wow. That actually surprises me. My weakest month was November, with only 1 post, but I made up for it, with 4 posts each the next two months. Overall, a successful experiment, I have felt really good, writing these and delivering you, my fans, a heaping helping of cool records to give a listen to. I hope you all have enjoyed it. Let’s make it 200 records for the next year!

Tony Cox – Unpublished – ***1/2 – A fantastic record from this guy, which in the end plays out much like a Dodgy record, using the singing and playing of Nigel. But all the songs are written by Tony Cox, which definitely gives it a new flavor. Tony seems to be a very good songwriter and producer.

The Smithereens – Play Tommy – *** – I’ve never really listened to Tommy, with the exception of Pinball Wizard. I’ve also seen a few clips from the movie, so I was well informed about it. So it’s interesting to hear this tribute first. I liked it quite a bit, there is definitely the Smithereens flair to the whole thing, which is good.

The Simple Carnival – Girls Aliens Food – ***1/2 – A really fun record, very Beach Boys/Brian Wilson-esque. I like how it kind of takes this template, which many have used, but makes it sound interesting by subverting things, both lyrically and musically. Whether it’s singing from odd persepctives, or playing strange sound effects or instruments, makes for a very interesting experience.

Michael Carpenter – Redemption #39 – *** – You really can’t go wrong with Michael Carpenter. This album carries on the great tradition of his music, adding a bit more of the alt.country elements as well. Overall a good listen, and fun album.

Former – And Nothing But The Truth – **1/2 – A nice example of this heavier pop sound, very good clean soaring rock/pop. A little on the long side, but still enjoyable. Great in small doses.

I’ve hit the big time!

Hey all my loyal fans and readers, just wanted to send out a message to let you know that you’re OK. Just keep on keeping on, my friends. Hey, if you enjoy the blog, why not let your friends know. You know, we can’t just keep these things to ourselves. And with your help, we can raise the awareness of this blog ten-fold. Oh yeah! Let’s make this happen! Keep hip!

Mandy Moore – Amanda Leigh – **** – I can’t help it! I love it too much. I don’t know what it is about Mike Viola and his latest batch of albums and collaborations that just make me go crazy, but it does, and this is no exception. Finally, a Mandy Moore album, which I am with 100%, the last two were good, but I still felt a bit unsure of them. This album matches her style well, and works just great.

Office – Mecca – ***1/2 – Well, they say never to look a gift horse in the mouth, but here goes nothing. This, the second album by Office, was offered by the band for free online. As I was a fan of their first, I snatched it up, and it was great. I think it might even be better than the first. It seems like they have found their sound, and feel comfortable in it.

Greg Pope – PETE EP – *** – Fun little thing from Mr. Pope. Fun, groovy power pop.

Broken Promise Keeper – Ice Cold Pop – *** – Good solid power-pop from this one-man band. Very reminiscent of Shoes, definitely more of an indie-pop sound as well.

Rhett Miller – Rhett Miller – ***1/2 – I have enjoyed both of Rhett’s previous solo albums, though I found the second one had to grow on me a bit. I think the same is the case of this album. It is enjoyable on first listen, but will probably take a couple more listens to let the hooks sink in, and really take hold. I still recommend it though!

Music reviews – no joke!

OK, fun fun fun, that’s what this is. We’ve got a groovy set of reviews for you this week. I literally cannot come up with anything interesting to say, and you people are probably sick of my rambling. I bet you’d like me to just shut up and get on to the reviews. And I understand that, I hate it when bloggers just go on and on about whatever is important to them, and never even regard their potential audience. Like it’s like do we like really care? I mean for reals you guys and gals. So that’s why I’m gonna just move on to the reviews. Here you go, for your enjoyment, a set of reviews, that will literally climb into your brain and explode your very mind. Enjoy!

Franz Ferdinand – Tonight – **1/2 – Hmm… not sure what to say about this one. It was fine, but seemed a bit samey throughout and did not have as much as a variety of sounds and hooks to keep me interested for long.

Edward Guglielmino – Late At Night – ** – Interesting record. Really great songwriting and arranging, but falls apart a bit in the vocals department. He is a fine singer, but for the ambitious arrangements and songs, it doesn’t always fit. This can be seen when he has a guest vocalist on one track, who really brings something different to the mix.

Nerd Parade – The Span of a Life – *** – Interesting album from this band. Melding several influences, from atmospheric, harmonic, mid-tempo pop, hard guitars, etc. It makes for a familiar, but unique sound. Nice balance of male and female voices as well.

Jewel – Lullaby – **1/2 – OK, this sounds more like Jewel, definitely back to her folkier roots, this album is good, a bit long, and would probably do better putting parents asleep than their babies, but who knows.

Bleu – A Watched Pot – ***1/2 – At long last, Bleu’s album is being released. It is available to stream here (). I was so excited to be hearing this album, I had heard many early mixes, but the final mix and the way the album flows brings it all home, and it is great. You really can’t go wrong with Bleu, even with a few songs that sort of come out of left field, they are still interesting and may grow on me.

Summer is calling

OK, so here we are, in possibly the nicest week of the year, not too cold, not too hot, and what am I doing, sitting at work all day. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t like working most of the time, but when it’s so nice out, it makes it that more miserable. So, instead I try to forget it’s nice out, and just get through it. But, hope arrives this weekend with a three day weekend, what are your plans for the holiday? I’m gonna try to get some sleep and fun in the sun. Oh, and I might have some familial visitors! Cool beans! Reviews, then?

Ben Folds Presents: University A Capella – *** – A really cool record. All the groups do a great job of arranging the songs, and it brings a freshness to the songs as well. It’s great to just get a refresher of some of Ben Folds best songs.

Chester French – Love The Future – *** – I had heard the leaked version of this last year, but this had some new songs and a new order. I think this holds together more as an album, and the nice orchestral arrangements throughout give it a nice feel. You get the feeling that maybe they are a bit overambitious, but it has an interesting charm.

Spongetones – Scrambled Eggs – *** – This album carries on what the Spongetones have been up to the past few records. Just solid pop with a good feel. Keep it up!

John Mulaney – The Top Part – *** – Great comedy CD from this guy. While very similar to Mike Birbiglia, he offers his own charm and perspective. His strength is building scenes that quickly expose the holes evident in our culture (things like Law & Order, The Bible, and Bar Culture are ripe for the funning).

I Was A King – I Was A King – *** – Good album, if a bit uneven. Great jangly indie pop sound. I suppose it’s more about the mood of the songs rather than super catchy refrains, etc. It is a lovely album to listen to.

Cinco De Mayo!

OK, all I know about Cinco De Mayo I immediately forgot after Spanish class in 10th grade. So I don’t really have anything to say about it. But, it does mean that Spring has sprung, and I am loving the warmer weather. And with warm weather comes the search for the perfect summer record. I’m not sure if we have one yet this year, so we might just have to pull Kelly Jones’ SheBANG! back out for now. And while you’re at it, check out these sweet new releases from some old favorites and some brand new bands featuring other old favorites.

Jellybricks – Goodnight to Everyone – *** – Another winner from the Jellybricks. This album definitely seems more polished than previous Jellybricks stuff, and that is great, it makes it clear what good pop songs this band can pop out.

Honeydogs – Sunshine Committee – *** – Love the Honeydogs, and this is another example of why. A great unique sound, that is engaging and fun. Great insightful lyrics, and good messages. Would love to have a full-length, but this is still great.

Outrageous Cherry – Universal Malcontents – ***1/2 – I think a step up for this band, who I’ve never been to sure of. I feel like this album definitely shows the best they can be. Great psychedlic style music, with a great sound, and interesting perspective on the world.

Tinted Windows – Tinted Windows – ***1/2 – A good energetic record from this supergroup featuring Taylor Hanson, Adam Schlesinger, James Iha and Bun E. Carlos. Some really catchy songs like “Kind of A Girl” and “Cha Cha” make it worth the price, but mostly the record doesn’t grab you on first listen, I’m not sure how lasting the impact of the record will be. Time will tell.

Ben Harper & Relentless7 – White Lies For Dark Times – *** – I’ve never been a huge Ben Harper fan. His stuff has been a bit hit or miss. I really liked Diamonds on the Inside, though. So when I heard this new song Shimmer & Shine, I was both shocked and intrigued. It was rockin’ and so I was hoping the rest of the album would be the same, but the song is kind of an anomaly, and the rest of the album doesn’t quite hit the mark. I see he is trying to be harder rocking, but he fails to pull it off most of the time.

Time to go!

OK, people, this is it. We gotta make this year a good one, we are finally getting a bit of a flood of new music, so I am about as happy as a clam. I would know because I am a clam. So the challenge I put out to all of you right now, is let’s go! Let’s do this thing! What thing? I don’t know. Seriously. Then why are you telling us to…? Umm, well, it just means that…uh…well you know, let’s go! Whatever.

Fastball – Little White Lies – *** – I love Fastball, and was so happy to hear they had some new music. And this is definitely Fastball, doing what they do best. While perhaps not quite as good as their last, it does have some great tracks included.

Valley Lodge – Semester At Sea – ***1/2 – I just discovered this band this year, loving their debut from a few years back. So it couldn’t have been better timing as this new album hits me with some more rock action! Great, fun, power pop.

Ace Enders & A Million Different People – When I Hit The Ground – *** – A cool album from the Early November front-man. He has really moved away from the emo style of his early stuff, to just pure pop/rock goodness.

Salim Nourallah – Constellation – ***1/2 – OK, this is the real Salim Nourallah release for 2009. It works great as an album, the songs all belong together, and it creates a great mood and atmosphere. Don’t look to rock out too much on this one, for these are beautifully subdued songs.

Dennis Schocket – The Cinderblock Mansion – *** – Great album from ex-Starbelly member. Fantastic pure-pop goodness. Seems also to be a bit more personal and reflective.

April Showers bring Music Reviews

Ah April. That month of months. Spring attempting, and failing, to turn into Summer. You would think it would learn that it’s just not grown up enough to make real Summer. Instead it just rains a bunch. Oh, and the bunnies come out to play of course. Imagine the month of April as a little bunny, trying to inflict pain on something. Instead, it just bats its little soft paws into it, and falls asleep before finishing the job. That’s what April is.

Alice Peacock – Love Remains – *** – A great album from this artist, who is really a pop-rock artist with a bit of country thrown in. Some of the more overtly country songs are a bit much, but overall, it’s a great collection of songs.

Doves – Kingdom of Rust – *** – Another good album from Doves, and it’s been awhile. But they still have that great epic sound, atmospheric and energetic at the same time.

Pat Dinizio – Buddy Holly – *** – Buddy Holly is someone who’s music I love, but I’ve never taken the time to really delve into his catalog. This helps, although I don’t know if slowing down the songs does much to enhance it. But with Pat singing, it’s A-OK!

Gavin Degraw – Free – *** – While I feel this album is a bit too overwrought, and doesn’t have as much fun as the first two albums, I am glad he is evolving a bit as an artist, the second album seemed a bit too much of a re-hash.

Brakes – Touchdown – ***1/2 – Awesome, Brakes just keeps getting better. As much as I liked their energetic and odd debut, I am really liking the more produced, toned down feel of this record. They don’t abandon the weird and energetic stuff, but they slow it down in the right places, and it makes for a pleasant experience.

Time Marches On – Review time

OK, I know it’s been like two weeks, but I can explain. I can’t explain. I just haven’t been listening to much new music lately. So sue me. I’d like to see you try. Oh my, so negative, I’m deeply sorry, folks, I…I…well, I just… ugh. Forget it. Just read these reviews, OK?!

Mitch Freidman – Game Show Teeth – **1/2 – An interesting record. Mitch has a style that borrows a bit from XTC, They Might Be Giants, David Yazbek, and has quite a few good songs.

Making April – Egg Hunt – *** – A recent find, this band sounds a bit like Something Corporate, but really bring a unique and energetic sound to the emo template.

The Webstirs – So Long – ***1/2 – This was a fantastic record. Definitely a slice of delicious power pop, this band rocks out and is just a fun fantastic record to listen to.

Starsailor – All The Plans – *** – Kind of more of the same from Starsailor, but is still pretty good. It may grow on me.

Superdrag – Industry Giants – *** – They are back, and while the album is a bit darker and louder than previous albums, it was actually still quite enjoyable.

Love Is You

Here’s something. I put my iPod on shuffle and answered the following questions with each song that came up. Maybe a few make sense?…comment and let me know…

IF SOMEONE SAYS ‘ARE YOU OKAY’ YOU SAY? Will You Marry Me? (Ed James)

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF? Yer Stoned Italian Cowboy (The Go)

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL? So Long Johnny (The Go)

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY? Girlkillsbear (Softlightes)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE? Break Me (Jewel)

WHAT’S YOUR MOTTO? Margot Known As Missy (The Judybats)

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU? Wishin’ And Hopin’ (Bachrach – Baroque)

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU? Avenger Hill Street Blues (The Soundtrack of Our Lives)

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN? Waiting For Nothing (Hot Hot Heat)

WHAT IS 2 + 2? Tatum O’ Tot and the Fried Vegetables (Redd Kross)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND? Crown Victoria (Robbers On High Street)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY? Sipping On The Sweet Nectar (Jens Lekman)

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? The Future Has Arrived (The All-American Rejects)

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE? Witches Night (The Judybats)

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING? You Can’t Fool Me Dennis (Mystery Jets)

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL? I Speak Your Mind (Frisbie)

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST? Swingin’ In The Sky (Stephen Brodsky)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR? Little White Lies (The Romantics)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET? Out Here In The Cold (Gotye)

WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW? Honeydew (Ooberman)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS? I Started A Fire (Ash)

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS? Love Is You (Redd Kross)