Ultra....Smooth part 1

A new post for the new year! I have been listening to music far and wide but I am going to start the new year with something old and new. First let us start with some old...

By stepping back into the eighties I have found yet again another album and new group to expand my horizons. Ultravox was one essential New Wave/Synth Pop group that was laying down the foundation for the likes of the Euythmics, Duran Duran and others like them. Formed in Britain, Ultravox wouldn't see the success in the States like Duran Duran did, but they still hold a place in many hearts.

Ultravox has been around since the 70's but it wasn't until they found success with singer James (Midge) Ure in the early 80's. His cool, calm and collective voice with suits and ties, surrendered us to what was to become the real start of their careers.

Quick back story, Ultravox formed back in 1974. Originally called Tiger Lily with vocalist Dennis Leigh, keyboardist/violinist Billy Currie, drummer Warren Cann, bassist Chris Allen(Cross) and Stevie Shears on guitar. Sometime in 1976 they dropped Leigh and replaced him with John Foxx as lead vocalist and started using the name Ultravox! (notice the exclamation point). During Foxx's tenure they cut 3 albums with him leading the group. It was also during this time that they were more Post Punk/Glam rock than what was the Synth Pop/New Wave sound with Ure heading the group. During the touring of the last album with Foxx, the band almost split. In 1979 Ure came along after a time with Thin Lizzy, meeting up with Billy Currie in the short lived group Visage, the new Ultravox was formed along with other original members Cann and Cross.

The band's first album with Ure as singer was a commercial success, which was a surprise since the group had a fan base to begin with but with no real commerical success with Foxx. It was a slow rise but as the saying says "Third times the charm." really fit. Their third single "Vienna" is the bands rise to fame and most notable song off the debut album, Vienna with Midge Ure's vocals.

I seem to be stuck on this New Wave trend, but if I need to get a new fix on something old, I am glad it's with Ultravox. Having a vague recollection of hearing the faint piano melody of "Vienna", sticks in my mind. Not at all happy and upbeat, Ultravox tends to lean toward the dark side of New Wave Romantics. Cynical and creepy at times is what turned me onto this group.

Now the album Vienna is armed with synths, guitar and drum machines. The best you could do in the eighties and that's what Ultravox set out to accomplish. The album opener "Astradyne" is a lovely synth instrumental to get things going in the right direction, it is majestic and with the violin strolling through you get a sense of what is to come. We get a peek of post-punk with the second song "New Europeans".

My favorite tracks are "Vienna" of course with its eerie vibe. Just drum and piano until the break in the song where it changes mood and sounds like you've drifted into a Victorian era movie before ending with Ure telling "This means nothing to me.......oh Vienna"
"Sleepwalk" sounds like a Vince Clark/Depeche Mode number which is a great dance song. I have to say I don't care for the early Depeche Mode, but "Sleepwalk" reminds me of the pace that all New Wave bands were keen to keep on the radio, upbeat and danceable.  "Mr. X" is a moody number and a real treat with our drummer Warren taking on vocal duties. Not really singing but storytelling is Mr. Cann's way to keeping fans amused.  Last on the favorite list is the last song on the album, "All Stood Still". Dark and fast with a catch of Ure's cute Scottish brogue if you listen closely. Plus Ure's guitar work is awesome to say the least. Not exactly guitar god - Clapton, but still manages to grab you.

If you want to treat your self, go get the 2008 Definitive Remastered Edition of Vienna. You are treates to some live versions of the songs along with the best B-sides the group have done. In my honest opinion, "Passionate Reply" should have been on the album but is a nice treat along with the instrumental song "Alles Klar". I will be playing "Alles Klar" for a while as I have found it to be my new theme for the month. I would love to jump back to the 80's to hear this song spun on the DJ's table. Hey how about a remix to pump the song to new levels? Or we can just sit back and let Ultravox take us away to the days were suits and ties were worn all the time, by man and woman. Speaking of which, that will bring me to my next review. Check back soon!

Happy Holidays!

Hello to all Holiday Folk! This is a going to be a short post but I though I should at least blog about some holiday music, but there is a lot of music to choose from. Not to worry! I decided it would be appropriate to write about my favorite holiday song. And more specifically the artists performance I like most.

"Let It Snow!" has to be my favorite Christmas song. Not only does the song reference what Alaska is all about, it is romantic, playful and makes me really love Christmas more. Little tid bit for those who don't know, "Let It Snow!" was written in 1945 by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne in California on a very hot day, a day that broke a record temps across the states.

What I love most about Lena Horne's rendition is that she takes the song to another level for me. It is playful and honest how she doesn't just sing the lyrics but makes you believe she is singing directly to you and your partner. The break in the song with the powerhouse horn section gives you a wake up call before drifting off again to her voice wanting to see a little snow, a whole week of snow if you can catch the last bit of her singing in the outro.

A+ for this song. I grew up with this playing along with Tony Bennett's "Winter Wonderland" and a barrage of other oddities on a cassette tape my Papa would play every Christmas. I will forever be requesting Lena's version of "Let It Snow!" for years to come. 

One Thing Leads To Something New

Well I never thought my next music purchase would include a new album from a group I never really cared for. Listing to my local NPR radio station, I heard a magnificent song. By a outdated 80's band. But the song stuck with me all day long and I had to find out who it was. Finding out it was by The Fixx was a major surprise. The Fixx is a British new wave/pop band that had moderate success with 2 major singles in the U.S., those being "One Thing Leads To Another" and "Saved by Zero". Of course I never "really" listened to their music as I found "OTLTA" just too annoying so I conjured up the idea that the rest of their music would sound the same. Stands to reason, right? Wrong! Those comments "Stand to Fall" as they were really ahead of their time if you were to listen closely to what they were singing about. They were subtle in their attempts to grab legions of fans that stood with them since the beginning. And here they are with a brand new endeavour that is most amazing. I feel ashamed that I couldn't get pass "OTLTA". The only songs I enjoyed of theirs were "Stand or Fall" and "Red Skies" which were not as popular in the U.S as they were with the previously mentioned songs.

So without futher ado, this new album "Beautiful Friction" is a breath of fresh air to the sounds coming out of the radio today, all of which sound way over produced and alike. The Fixx reach deeper than they have before and bring a familiarity with them. I want to be blunt with you right now: the lead song "Anyone Else" is a song asking us to take our heads our of our asses and pay attention to all that we are doing for our future generations. The video for the song is just perfect. Being a kid and ignoring all the gay bashing, politicrits and religion fanatics and not being afraid of who you are and standing up to what you believe in. As Cy sings "I can only be myself, I can't be anyone else but me." Please believe in yourself!

They follow that up with a song titled "What God?" giving you a feeling of what you think God wants us to do in life, the things we don't want to do, asking questions over and over again, when you feel like you have lost all faith. Great guitar rockin' song! "Shaman" is a ethereal jam that evokes images of standing on a dune waiting for the power of the sun to infuse me with the knowledge and strength to journey through life unafraid of what might come. I have to say that Cy Curnin made me love his voice more when I heard "Something Ahead Of You", I feel he is somehow channeling Bowie with all the right moves. Curnin in his best form. "Girl With No Ceiling" starts with a bit of an island beat to accompany Cy. Then the tempo turns around: come the chours slowing to a waltz but is upbeat enough to still be swaying along to the song. Great guitar riffs through the song thanks to Jamie West-Oram.

I was not disappointed with this purchase and so glad I opened my eyes, heart and ears to this group. I am ready to take a look into this band that slipped by. I feel that I have to blame the radio stations for playing "OTLTA" too much and not more of "Red Skies" or other songs of theirs that hit you like a ton of bricks when you get the message they are sending. Like Cy sings "Stand or Fall, State your peace tonight", this is what I am stating. Damn you corporations that take over and play this so called crap you call music. I can't stand it. We need more music like The Fixx. We need more NPR stations that are free to play what they want, when they want. Thank you KNBA for giving me a chance to give The Fixx another chance. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have picked up "Beautiful Friction" based on one song and its sole video.

Songs to Listen to:  "What God", "Beautiful Friction",  "Anyone Else" and "Girl With No Ceiling"

Kimbra - Vows

A young woman from New Zealand is thrust into the spotlight due to the helping hand she lent for Gotye. Kimbra is not a poor wayfaring stranger and very much somebody that you are going to know!. :P I know, lame joke. But seriously, this woman can sing and its a breath of fresh air compaired to the stuff I normally hear on the radio. With Vows we are treated to a throwback to some motown, soul infulenced tunes. We get a nice start with "Settle Down" is a little treat that Kimbra shows her vocal style. "Cameo Lover" sounds like a euro soul song that I feel I could dance to on American Bandstand. I absolutely love this song. It's fun, upbeat. Try not bopping your head along. "Old Flame" is an odd track but has that landscape of 80's etherialness to it. Makes it special to have it on the album. All these tunes have an old time sound to them that just works. Esp for her. "Withdrawl" is incredibly sexy and what a head turner. She sings with an elegance that is held by some great soul singers. I think Kimbra is best when singing songs such as "Withdrawl". I like to combine listening to this album along with Little Jackie's "The Stoop", another great throwback to soul and funk music. I think the best tracks are "Settle Down", "Good Intent", "Withdrawl" and "Call Me" but you all go ahead and be the judge! So I challenge people to listen and hold Kimbra's "Vows" to your heart. This is an album that is a great listen with lots of fun upbeat tracks to the slow, ready for love tracks. Her videos are great too. Check out on Youtube videos for "Settle Down" and "Good Intent".

The Cars - The Cars

"enter text here to describe this album" Yeah right! I thought that this would be easy. No. How do you begin to describe an essiental classic rock album? You fumble your way through, that's how. So here goes nothing! I finally bought the Cars debut album "The Cars" and having already heard the majority of the songs, being on the radio and all, I only had 2 songs to really sit and listen to. 'I'm In Touch With Your World' was something i felt that would have jumped right out of some erie slasher flick. The deep vocals and erie vibe from Ric was awesome to hear and I got a sense of where their style would develop on other albums for example the songs 'Panorama' or 'Night Spots'. The second song I had yet to hear is the last song sung by Mr.Orr, 'All Mixed Up'. A perfect song to wrap up the album and on a slower note. A very dramatic touch to the rest of the heavy guitar laden songs previously heard on the album. Nothing wrong with that though! Benjamin was always the one to grab a woman's or man's attention with his emotional delivery. I know this sounds rushed but let's jump back and let me say something eloquent about the songs not mentioned. What can I say? 'Just What I Needed' and 'Let The Good Times Roll' are the main anthems on this album. Well, at least to me. You get a perfect blend of what rock was all about back then. Chilling, Girls, Guitars, Girls, Guitars and did I forget to mention girls? :P They really did a good job of sounding like the premire rock group. I tend to forget and think, "Where is their first album and what did it sound like?" You're listening to it, dummy! All in all, if you like good classic rock, this album is for you. Like I said before. It is hard to describe an album when its written all over the album sleeve, to the lyrics in the songs. So I thank Ric, Benjamin, Elliot, Dave and Greg for being the masters that they are as musicians.

Keep It Dark

I felt like I needed to post about this song because of all the UFO sightings going on around the world and everything falling apart around us. I think I needed to reconnect to my feelings on the world outside.

The song tells the tale of a man who was kidnapped by aliens and taken to a world "full of people and hearts filled with joy" as he sings along, but lies to the people at home about where he was taken: "I wish, that I could really tell you. All the things that happened to me and all that I have seen."

For those of you Genesis fans, this song is one of my favorites. The atmosphere around this song is just fantastic. This song soars! A bit of trivia for you: This song is one of few songs where Phil sings in falsetto and that the song is in a 3/2 time signature. But who I am blogging about is not the Genesis version. This is about Simon Collins, son of Phil Collins who made a very impressionable cover of one of his father's songs. I wasn't quite sure if I would like a cover of this song as it is such a strong song.

In the original, a nice guitar arrangement sweeps around the interweaving synths that accompany the drum beat and bass line which is so tight it melds with the drums. In this cover, Simon's singing is very much like his father's but for a younger generation. We still have the same synchopated guitar playing and the interweaving synths but much more. I almost expect to hear someone else singing but then Simon pulls me back to him. This electronic rock sound spectacular is beautiful and a great driving song. Simon has a knack of making music just as full of feeling as his father.

A futuristic song for a generation of people waiting to be taken to a place yet to be seen. Sounds funny huh? I guess I will just sit under the stars with this playing and hoping for the stuff yet to come.

Ugly Kid Joe - Everything About You

I have to get this out of my system. I keep hearing this song on my iPod, so it seems to reason that I need to write about it. So here it goes. Back in 1992 a group called Ugly Kid Joe released a single called "Everything About You" and it was a hit in the UK at #3 and #9 for us in the grand ole US. The song also gained popularity by being used in Wayne's World.

When I first heard this song on the radio and only being 10 years old, I thought it to be very annoying, couldn't stand the guys voice and would find the next best station to listen to. Now that I am older I have a better appreciation for the song. I find this song very amusing and a great way to put a smile on my face when I seem to be in the most sourest of moods. I think it reminds me that I can keep a positive attitude and say "to Hell" with everyone else, I am going to be me and keep my head held high. No one can bring me down!

As the voice croons "I hate the rain and sunny weather" I find myself thinking how much I like the rain on a tin roof and sunny weather when I want to be out side, "I hate the beach and mountains too" I think about how much I like being in the woods and hiking mountains that takes our breath away.

Of course since the song has to be edited for radio listeners of all ages, we the listeners do not get to hear the lines omitted for radio release. Unless you went out and got the album with the full length version you will know what I mean.
For those of you who do not know what I am talking about please look at the following lines or skip below if you are not interested or with gentle ears.


'I don't really care about you're sister,
Fuck the little bitch 'cause I already kissed her,
One thing that I did to your old lady,
Was I put her on the bed and she didn't say maybe.'


Don't say I didn't warn you! :) I think everyone needs a perspective song in their life to kick them in the butt or to make them laugh. Remember that life is short and to have fun and when someone irritates the crap out of you, just keep this song handy on your iPod/MP3 player and kill them with kindness and a smile. Like the man sings,
"and I get sick when I'm around, I can't stand to be around, I hate everything about you."

Candy-O

I knew when I listened to The Cars's Complete Greatest Hits, that I was getting into trouble. Fun trouble that is. I couldn't stop there. I needed to hear more Cars and not less. I wanted to hear more of Ric Ocasek's writing, Ocasek and Benjamin Orr's vocals. So I got the albums Candy-O and Shake It Up (which I will write about later). Without further ado, here is my thoughts on Candy-O.

We get to start the album on one of my favorite songs by the group "Let's Go". Again a great tune with Benjamin crooning "I like the night life baby!" Simple, straight forward radio friendly song. I could go on and on about this song but let's leave it as is. Now after a great song like "Let's Go" we get to jump into a rockabilly sounding song with "Since I Held You" which features both Ric and Benjamin on lead vocals. We hear some awesome playing from Elliot Easton, which he never let's us down. I am going to mention the next song only cause it's hard not to mention it. "It's All I Can Do" goes hand in hand with the previous song. Mr. Orr graces the flowing lines on this number and I think it's one of his best. More awesome guitar playing from Easton and the layered synths from Greg Hawkes is not overpowering like some future songs from the band.

Now I am trying not to be too critical of both vocalists, I prefer Benjamin Orr's voice over Ric's, but I have to say that I think this album showcases Ocasek at his best. The standout tracks for Ric in my honest opinion are "Since I Held You", "Got A Lot On My Head" and "Dangerous Type". I don't care too much for the tune "Candy-O" sung by Orr, which seems to be a fan favorite (Shoo Be Doo is not a favorite of mine either) and I don't think the tracks that Benjamin sings in this album are as strong as they could have been, which I think you get to see that on later albums. But since we are talking about this album I think Benjamin's strong songs are "Let's Go" and "You Can't Hold On Too Long"

In the middle of the album we get 2 quirky tunes from Ric and they are great. I love how simple "Double Life" is with a very sparse arrangement which slowly picks up the further you get into the song. Then jumping into "Night Spots" which sounds choppy and a bit chaotic with the bass line jumping in between the drumming.

Finishing up the album is my favorite song from the album; which to my surprise is sung by Ric. "Dangerous Type" is a 'in your face' attitude song. One of the best in The Cars's catalog of songs in my humble opinion. It is one you don't forget and make this album very memorable and a great closing track.

Yes after this album and finally listening to Door to Door, I can say out of all the Cars albums: this one is number 1 with me, even with my not so favorite songs. A must for music aficionados.

Gram Rabbit - Music To Start A Cult To

A quick review of this album might be harder than I think it will be. For one thing this band is very different from your run of the mill rock band. Group members include Jesika von Rabbit(vocals/keys/bass/guitar), Todd Rutherford (guitar/ bass/programmer/vocals), Hayden Scott (drums) and Ethan Allen (guitar/producer).

Their music is a blend of electro/rock/pop music and it's very somber sounding, to me anyways. Very laidback and stylized. Jesika at times envokes memories of Martha Davis (the Motels) and Madonna with her vocals. It's a weird combo but it works. Songs like "Cowboy Up" and "Disco #2" show the electro side with some cool guitars that sound like they are out on the range waiting to be picked up in a whirlwind and dropped in a dance club.

"Witness" reminds me of some wacky B-52's leftover from the Mesopotamia days. Would certainly fit with that album. The song features both Jesika and Todd singing. There is even some words that are thrown in saying to 'Kill Jesika'. A fun song, though a bit repeative.

"Devil's Playround" is the country rock thrown into the mix. Once the song kicks in you can't help but still keep tapping along. "New Engery" evokes images of traveling down that dusty road with guitar slung across your back and moving to the next town that you might lose your heart in. Another song of team effort for Jesika and Todd. great song, definately my favorite along with the previously mentioned song.

Overall if you want an album to pass the time along to, this is it. The catchy songs get your attention and you don't forget the songs cause they are full of thought provoking images and landscapes that are waiting to be drawn out in the minds of the listeners.

The Cars - Complete Greatest Hits

I do this every time I get "interested" in new music or just some one/band I am rediscovering. So last weekend I made my way to visit my mom. While I was there I was looking at the rack of mixed Cds and DVDs on the wall. I noticed there was a Cd still wrapped in the cellophane packaging. Nice mom, how long have you had that cd? 2 years?

So the Cd sitting there peaked my curiosity and I pulled it out. What do you know it's "The Cars - Complete Greatest Hits". I am looking at the Cd and thinking 'So What?' It's just The Cars. I started to think 'Do I like any of their songs?" Yes and I can count them on one hand, "Drive" and "Let's Go". I felt since the cd hasn't been listened to and I really would like to hear some classic rock music, I asked my mom if she wouldn't mind me listening to it since I didn't think she ever would, being in plastic wrap and all. She didn't. So when I left on my way home, I popped the Cd in since I knew it would take me a while to get home and some new/old music to hear.

Here is what I can tell you, I felt cheated. I felt cheated because of 2 separate reasons. One, there were songs on the disc that I have heard before but had a better appreciation for like "Just What I Needed" and "Dangerous Type". Ric Ocasek's writing is pretty amazing. He could turn some cynical, self loathing rock song into a singable tune like "My Best Friends Girl" to "You're All I Got Tonight". I felt cheated of this because I have heard the songs before but just passed them off as mediocre songs. No they really aren't. They are staples of an era of songs that have made music all for the better with great guitar licks and tight drumming on behalf of Elliot Easton and David Robinson respectively. Reason two, Ben Orr. He is the voice/bassist of The Cars I like or love. He is the voice of "Drive" and Let's Go". Ben's voice is smoother than Ric's and more in control of putting emotion behind the song. Apparently Rick Ocasek had stated that whenever he felt like the song was more of a ballad or just needed that emotion to be heard he gave it to Ben to sing. Ben's voice was suited to those. Why do I feel cheated of Ben? Because I didn't have the appreciation for him when I saw him performing here in Alaska at the State Fair. I knew the songs but didn't know much about the music of The Cars or the other songs him and Big People were performing. I got to see Ben Orr in his very last performance before he passed away from us of pancreatic cancer. I think, had I been listening to the Cars way before the performance, I would have been ecstatic and had a better reason to be there overall. For some odd reason I feel like someone else should have been there besides me to take in the last performance.

After that trip down memory lane, how do you listen to a group you thought were just another rock n' roll band with such a heavy heart? You just do and with wide eyes and ears at full operating capacity to hear the sweet sounds of Easton's guitar solos, Robinson's power drumming and Greg Hawkes's erie keys and synths.

I think I got an overall sound of what the Cars brought to the music world. The memorable "Moving In Stereo" is creepy and most notable for being played in the movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High, any guy would know what I am talking about. ;P
"I'm Not The One" is slow and has a guitar lick that is reminiscent of Clapton. Gotta love the Easton's pain staking playing, playing left handed by the way. Go Lefties! "Touch and Go" is interesting for the drum beat, a kind of samba number before launching into the chorus's go get'm attitude that the Cars have. I have to mention "Bye Bye Love" because it is now my favorite tune of theirs. Just goes to prove what kind of lyrics Ocasek writes. How can you not like a lyric like "With your eyes of porcelain and of blue, they shock me into sense. You think you're so illustrious you call yourself intense" and with Orr's voice descending on those lyrics, what's not to love. I wasn't going to mention "Drive" because it is their signature song and everyone knows it. What can I say? RIP Ben Orr, you were amazing, you gave the song 'just what it needed'.

The shocker on the album for me was the song "Hello Again". I had to pull off the side of the road because I didn't believe for a minute I was hearing The Cars still blasting through my speakers. Having heard the song on the radio when I was younger, Never thought for a moment that song was them. Then again it did sound like them, the familiar synth work and drumming. Was shocked and proceeded to start driving again.

So I am going to close off on this note: You might think you've heard it all and then all it takes to Shake it p is a little Magic by one of rock's greatest bands.

Pretend We're Dead

Ok for those of you who have played Rockband 2, you will have played this song too many times to count and will have had it stuck in your head for weeks. My sister and I decided to make a music video for the song and we took our Rockband instruments with us.

Hope you enjoy.

Pretend We're Dead by L7

A Blast from the Past

Well I guess a lot of you won't be expecting this at all. For those of you who do not know about this band let me give you the lowdown. Kidd Video is band that came from the cartoon series of the same name back in the mid 80's. The synopsis of the series was that the band gets together to practice their music and end up being sucked into a land known as the Flipside by the villain known as Master Blaster and they are rescued by a fairy named Glitter. Most of the episodes deal with the band trying to find a way home and their encounters in the strange world they find themselves in.

Viewers were drawn to the show because it also featured popular music and music videos that were played during the series original run. The band even showcased their own music videos. And to top it off our beloved characters from the cartoon were so popular that they made an album which was only available in Israel. Which brings me to the point of my blog, the Kidd Video Album. No, I do not own a copy but I do have all the songs from someone online.

Why am I blogging about a stupid cheesy fake 80's Band you ask? Because as cheesy as they are, they make me smile and laugh at the times when I thought the songs were cool, being only 4 or 5 when I watched the cartoon.

So to begin I have to say that this album is not bad but it is dated and they lyrics speak for themselves. The album cover features the cast in their cartoon selves and real counterparts. Robbie Rist, Bryan Scott, Gabriele Bennett-Rozzi and Steve Alterman are the cast/band. Yes, Robbie Rist is also known as Cousin Oliver on the Brady Bunch, but here he is known as Whiz the Whiz. :P

Most of the songs are of the men singing, but there are 2 songs which feature Gabriele on lead vocals which are Turn Me Up and It's Over When the Phone Stops Ringing. Interesting note, the song It's Over When The Phone Stops Ringing, was written by Bernie Taupin - friend and co writer of Elton John and Holly Knight who has written numerous hit songs such as "Better Be Good To Me" for Tina Turner and "Ragdoll" for Aerosmith.

There are a couple songs on the album that could have been radio friendly such as the ever popular "Where Did Our Love Go" which Diana Ross and the Supremes did originally. "A Little TLC" and of course the main theme music "Video To Radio" would have been good choices for radio tunes. But the album lacks strong songs to keep it more accessible and more popular. Had there been another song by Holly Knight that they could have covered, this so called band could have made a bigger impact on American audiences.

Overall the album is a classic in its own right, just for a younger crowd and for those die hard fans that need to cover every inch of the 80's. I think its a fun concept and by listening to the music you can tell what songs were inspired by famous stars of that time. Don't take the music seriously folks, its just good fun music to laugh or sing along to. To check out some tunes from the album go to:

http://www.kvflipside.org/

I haven't visited the site in a long time but I think they should have some of the songs posted and some maybe available for download. Since I am on a slow connection I am not able to open the site to tell you.

Enjoy!

Spoon Song Review

At first I wasn't a huge Spoon fan but now they have me wondering what other gems are they hiding. "You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb" by Spoon, is one very catchy song. I found myself tapping along to the beat and doing a little office chair dance. Silly as it may seem, I am liking this song the more I listen to it.

What is so appealing to me is the the song layout. It sounds like a Motown revival song. If I listen to just the music and shut out the man singing, I can almost picture Stevie Wonder singing the song and playing along with piano at hand.
The kicker in the song? The awesome xylophone or vibraphone playing during the whole song. Only Spoon can pull that off. :)

Yes, the song is that cool! Cool enough to be ranked #16 by Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Best Songs of 2007. Way to go Spoon!

A Strange Education

I am a little late to pick up this band, as they started around 2003 and their first album out in 2007, which is the one I have been listening to recently.
I have found myself in love with those bands that are punk rock influenced and this is one of them. The Cinematics are an original band hailing from Scotland. Yahoo! I love bands from Europe. They seem to be more unique than those from the US. Sorry to those who are offended, I am just voicing my opinion.

Now yes they may seem just like your average band that throws out a good tune but when you listen to tracks like "Race to the City" "Break" and "Alright" you quickly forget that and are lost in the beats, rhythmic bass lines and interesting arrangements. They also do a good job of covering Beck's song "Sunday Sun" from his Sea Change album. A Strange Education is a nice collection of songs to keep the mood up and in forward motion.

Think of an upbeat version of Interpol without the droning vocals. The singer Scott Rinning is in control of his voice and at times he reminds me of Adam Ant when singing higher notes. With Scott at the helm and infectious tunes to rock out to, I hope their sophomore effort is as good as this one. Now if more US newbies were more indivdualistic as this group is, I would be listening to the radio more often. But then again I don't think the Alaska is up to date with the rest of the continental US or the rest of the world.

If you are a fan of Bloc Party, Shiny Toy Guns, Interpol or The Bravery, you just might like this group.

In Memory of Michael Jackson

No words can express how I felt when I heard the King of Pop had died. I felt sad for his family and close friends. I also felt a little happy that he is in a place now that he can be happy and without harsh words. But in reality they are still there. The negative comments and people wanting to tear him apart. But I won't listen to those people.

Michael was a human being with a heart. A heart that felt happiness and sadness as much as the next person and I think people forgot that along his journey here.
I want to remember him as a musician, someone people adored and looked up to with wide eyes wondering if they could have a chance in the spotlight like him.

I want to sit back in my car with "Beat It" blaring through the speakers and singing along with MJ. I want to sing along to "Black or White" when some one is talking trash about Jewish, African American or any other discriminated ethnic groups.

Michael gave us music to think on and hope for a better future and I don't think people see that. I think people misread his thoughts and say what they want about the music. I hope that people will see beyond that.

I really can't put words down as for what I really wish to say cause they just aren't there. All I can say for myself and any others who feel the same way:
Please let Michael go. Let his music and memories stay good and without bad intent.
Love him, let his family grieve, remember the wonderful moments that he put in our minds and hearts. Let us all stop being monsters and creatures of a dark night that should be forgotten. People will always wonder and ask why.
All those words, careless memories and cold hearts will still be there the next day, but in the end "it's just human nature".

I have a lot of Eric Clapton and sometimes I don't listen to a lot of it. So today two Clapton songs came up on my ipod while having it on shuffle, song one was his version of "I Shot The Sheriff". When I was little I hated this song, both Marley and Clapton's versions. So I am supposed to be scanning and I decided not to skip it when the song came on. Soon I realized I am bopping back and forth to the beat of the song and actually listening to the lyrics. I found myself intrigued by the lyrics and the groove of the song. Soon I stopped scanning completely to listen to the song twice in a row: Once through just for the lyrics and then the second time for the music. I think I have a new respect for the song. I loved the piano and organ bits, the drumming is very slick and organized, the bass groove and the guitar riffs that are simple and timely. And the girls singing wasn't annoying me anymore. I have always loved Marcy Levy since hearing her on Clapton's Behind the Sun album. She is Clapton's most recognized backing vocalist since joining him in 1974 after singing with Bob Seger. She has written a few songs with Clapton as well, most notably "Lay Down Sally".

So that was song one that I found a new appreciation for. Song two was a song not written by Clapton, but on his August album called "Grand Illusion", which I though i never liked. Boy was I wrong. I have never even listened to the dang song since today. WTF. Sooooo, once again I had to stop and listen to the song twice through for the lyrics and then for the music. A dark somber song that I recognized the drumming and the drummer behind the kit. Yes, Phil Collins. If Eric Clapton hadn't started singing, I could have sworn it was a b-side of Collins that could have filled his "No Jacket Required" album. Simple lyrics but still very powerful. I love the bridge into the chours where the thumping of the drums ask you for attention. The best line in the song in my opinion:

"I used to chase the moments of desire
Back to when my young heart burned like a fire."

Ladyhawke

Just when I think I have heard all the best stuff from 2008, my friend Brandi tells me about this gem. All she said to me was, "I know you love 80's music, so just go buy this album, Ladyhawke. I guarantee you will love the whole album. Please just go out and buy it." Well, I couldn't cause its a rule that during December no one in the family gets their selves gifts. So I told her I'd have to wait and see if Santa brings it to me. My sister gave me the cd for x-mas and all I can say is WOW!

First off I have to say it again with previous albums I've reviewed, my own words won't fully give the best description but I DO try. If you love 80's tunes and the memories/feelings it invokes, this is a must have. Some songs invoke different 80's artists and I will tell you which songs I think have a similar feeling. Phillipa Brown/ Pip Brown (aka Ladyhawke) is a bit of everything you can imagine. Another cool aspect of Ladyhawke, she plays just about every instrument on the album from guitar, bass drums and synths. So without further ado, onto the album.

Magic, the opening track makes me think of lots of different 80's things. To me it makes me think of riding on the back of Falcor from The Neverending Story and the next I feel like I am Sarah running through the Labyrinth.

Manipulating Woman reminds me of a 'Til Tuesday song, Ladyhawke sounds a lot like Aimee Mann with the chorus of "ooh ooh's" in the background. I love the beat as its eerily cheerful as well as those 'oh oh's' being sung.

My Delirium is my absolute favorite as i feel as its Pat Benatar inspired, I love Pat Benatar and I can easily see her singing this song. I can also picture Missing Persons doing this as well, when Dale Bozzio isn't doing so much of her 'poppy voice' like in the song "Words" . I see it in a similar vein as "Noticeable One" It's the drums and the bass that places the song into my Driving Music playlist on my ipod and way before I saw the music video for the song. The music video features a water colored Ladyhawke in a car driving down a desert highway, which I think was inspired by a-ha's "Take On Me" video. This song was also chosen to be a single.

Better Than Sunday is another Aimee Mann sound alike. Her voice sounds a bit synthesized during the verses and the lyrics for the chorus makes me think of "Everyday Is Like Sunday" by Morrissey.

Another Runaway is a bit of all sorts of 80's artists. "Oh Oh Oh I don't believe it" makes me think of the Buggles 'Video Killed the Radio Star" while the rest of the chorus makes me think of Chrissy Hynde. I know you're thinking what kind of combo is that, but you just have to go and listen for yourself and figure out which songs remind you of 80's people/bands.

Love Don't Live Here Anymore sounds like the early eighties in this song, ranging from Quarterflash to Pat Benatar to Loverboy's "Turn Me Loose". It's the quality of the sound. Like it was recorded back then.

Back Of The Van is another favorite and so reminds me of Kim Carnes's "You Make My Heart Beat Faster" I also think of this song being a counterpart to Icehouse's song "Not My Kind". The video to this song is so neat as its dedicated to stylized 80's videos: Her hair, the back drops, the dancers, all of it is pure 80's in its best form. Some might think its cheesy, but I love it. Also I like the little things of songs like when Ladyhawke is singing the "You set me on" during the chorus and she goes up a note on the word 'You' make the song better in my opinion.

Paris Is Burning reminds me of Bananarama with the verse's percussion and Gary Newman's song "Cars". Easy to sing along to and it's her main single from the album.

Professional Suicide, another Gary Numan sounding song. With all the synths I also think of Human League and other heavy synth bands during the early eighties.

Dusk Till Dawn is a great dance song with feelings of Survivor's drum beat of "Eye Of The Tiger" and sounds like it could have made the cut on Duran Duran's first album, the tone of the album and a side song to "Friends Of Mine" I could also see Laura Branigan making this song a classic hit for her self.

Crazy World is something Cyndi Lauper or Belinda Carlisle would have splashed on either their first or second albums. The thing about Ladyhawk's singing is that you hear her but you can't help but picture all these amazing artists who inspired her to make this and other songs. It's like putting together a puzzle of your past.

and last but not least the album closes with a song to wind down with Morning Dreams. This makes me think of Eric Clapton's "Never Meant to Make You Cry" and "It All Depends" from his 'Behind the Sun' album.

So as you can see, Ladyhawke is just about anything you can remember from your childhood in the eighties. Writing all her music and playing it is a hard thing to do but she goes out of the way to make her songs her own. All of the eighties wasn't bad. She reminds us of that.

Not Another Broken Heart

There comes a time when you buy an album and after 5 spins on the cd player, mp3 player or what ever listening device you have, you finally see why the album was popular at the time of its release and why that album will stand the test of time. First off, I want to set the record straight: I didn't know what I was getting into when I bought this album and didn't know what to expect. I also want to say I never really cared for the band Yes. That was until I heard a song at work called "I've Seen All Good People", I instantly loved the jingle jangle guitar work and the layered vocals. I had to know who was the band/singer of the song and found it to be the band Yes. I wanted to hear more of the layered vocals and odd instrumentation. Because of this I pulled their "90125" album out again to hear what I found I liked about this rock band.

"90125" is/was the start of a new beginning for the group and the return of former vocalist Jon Anderson, who quit back in 1979 and the introduction of new member Trevor Rabin on guitars/vocals/keys. This was also their turn to use the synths and keyboards to the best of their knowledge and combine it with their rock roots to make an album that was radio friendly and a hit with fans and with new listeners.

Of course everyone loved "Owner Of A Broken Heart" which I think gets a bit repetitive. Don't get me wrong! I like the song but there is only so much of it I can take. The other songs that made it to radio and on the charts are "Hold On" which plays like a down trodden track that you should listen to when you need a good friend to pick you up. This is one of my favorites on this album. "It Can Happen" leaves an oriental image in my head with the oriental sound in the intro of the song. I like this song as it is a message for you to open your eyes to what could be and what is happening to your life. "Changes" I remember hearing on the radio when I was little and has an eerie feeling to it. The song is about how you take the changes in your life and how the things you do can affect not only you but others around you. "Leave It" is a fun song full of the stuff that everyone can recognize as being "80's" I think everyone can figure out what this song talks about, taking what you can and leave the rest behind. Funny thing about this song, the first time I heard it brought back a memory. I remember hearing this song on the radio, the tv being on and seeing Gumby on the screen. So now whenever i hear it I think of the fun toys the 80's brought us. Also as a bit of trivia, this song had a video for it as that was the popular thing to do as a musician/band in the '80's. Actually this song has 15 videos made by Godley and Cream who were responsible for a lot of popular videos back then.

The other songs on this album are classics as well in their own right. "City of Love" is awesome as it sounds like it is a slowed down cousin song of Starship's "We Built This City" as the guitars take precedence over the keys and synths. When the keys come in the song, they aren't over the top. The cool deepness to the guitars and the cheeriness of the keys are a good combo. The vocals are strong and tight and I like that. One of the best songs on this album.
The track "Hearts" closes the album on a tender note, may it be considered the 'ballad' on the album since there really are no ballads. Also "Cinema" is the only instrumental song on the album.

Overall the album is a 4 out of 5 stars for me. All the songs are great, but 2 that are not standouts like others. I think the band faired very well with Jon Anderson returning and getting ex-Buggle/Art of Noise member Trevor Horn to join the band and produce the album to make it an album from the eighties well worth having in your collection.

Love Is Dead

Some might say that Kerli sounds like the same pop stars of today singing about losing in love and hating the world. I don't think so. She made this album about coming out of that hate/depression and seeing everything for what its really worth: and I like that. It's a breath of fresh air. She is a gothic pop rocker who invokes a bit of bjork in her voice and the familiarity of something yet to come. Not all the songs seem that dark and sad but she does leave you with a sense of pride and self reliance when she is singing about being strong and not giving into all that dark stuff. That is shown in the song "The Creationist" when you need to know that the sun will come out and to make the best of what you have. Don't be afraid to outshine others. But let's not jump to far into the album, let me start with the opening song and single "Love Is Dead" which tells you the harsh reality that hits when someone just isn't in love with you. Sort of in your face during the chorus "Love is dead, love is gone, love don't live here anymore" but also she sounds so sincere when singing something that can be sad and angry at the same time.

"Walking On Air" brings about a darkness but fun to sing along to. Vivid imagery. Light string arrangement in the song makes the song feel floaty even with the pop beats and synth bass, which I absolutely love. Near the end of the song at the bridge, she shows her bjorkness. :P

One song I haven't made heads or tails of is "Up,Up,Up" which has a strange whispered voice repeating the lyrics Kerli has sung. I think it's a beautiful song. I really don't know if it's supposed to have that affect; may not be her strongest and bit out of place on this album. I really don't care, I still enjoy this song.

"Beautiful Day" sounds like it could have been produced by Timbaland, you know that signature sound of his. Radio friendly hit right here folks. This should get some airplay to propel this fantastic artist from Estonia. Speaking of Estonia, you get to know Kerli more by listening to "Creepshow" which is my least liked song. Not that its bad, it just starts to get on my nerves. Maybe it will grow on me the more I listen. I think of Siouxsie Sioux when I hear the song.

"Hurt Me" has a awesome drum beat that I wish I could play. An angry song with a killer chours. This is a song that's worth hearing in concert to jump and pump your fist to. Someone out there,please make a remix of this song!

"Strange Boy" is another drum song. I think this song could have made it on a Inxs album. There is just something about the instrumentation that makes me feel that it would be a song fit for them. I wish we still had Michael Hutchinson with us so I could hear him and the boys rock a song like this.

The one thing that would have made this album even better is the song "She's In Parties" which was released on her E.P."Kerli", please everyone go out and find this song and support this girl. It is too cool and a crazy Kerli song which fun. She really must be a new generation Bjork for the kids these days. I sure hope she makes more music like this. This is what she is good at and makes it her own. She writes all of her music which is a plus.

Kerli from Estonia, please don't be sad anymore, we love you. :)

Thriller

From the words of Michael Jackson's song, I really "wanna be startin' something" different when I start to write a review on his
album "Thriller" but what can I say that someone hasn't already written already? All I can say is what this album makes me feel and the songs that I enjoy. To share my thoughts, feelings and memories. So that's what I plan on writing.

I guess I will start off by addressing the very first song "Wanna Be Startin' Something". What a great song to start an album and I think so because of the drum and bass lines in their rhythm that catches my attention. I usually listen to it so attentively that I forget to listen to Michael. The lyrics are simple and fun to sing along to. Within the lyrics we see that you don't want to be messin' with Mr. Jackson, only if you wanna be startin' something. We also get a glimpse of Billie Jean before we get to the song of the same name. Some people might get tired listening of the same lyrics for 6 minutes but it gets better when we get to the climax of a change of lyrics at 4:44 into the song, "Ma ma se, ma ma sa, ma ma coo sa" and no instrumentation for 32 seconds before the instruments return and fade out.


"Baby Be Mine" wasn't my favorite song when I first heard it but that was a long time ago. Now hearing it again brings back memories and a whole new love for the song. What I love about this song is the synth-bass line which makes it a staple of R&B music and the smooth sexiness to it. The song picks itself up with the addition of a horn section which makes it more fun to listen to. I am not a huge fan of horn sections in songs but only if its written right for a song and here it gives the song flavor.

I am not going to get into the next three songs cause they are the three that made the record sell. We pick up the middle with the singles "Thriller" "Beat It" and "Billie Jean". What can I say that would do these songs justice? Not much, so I will say that I admire whatever inspiration these songs gave others to write and perform. These songs will become classics down the road.

"Human Nature" is an interesting song. This song wasn't even one song considered to be on the album but according to Q. Jones, they needed another "ballad/soft song" for the record to round it out. They picked this song because of the signature "why why, da da da da da , why why." it was then that Jones sent the song to John Bettis to write lyrics for the tune that Steve Pocaro of Toto had written. Now for me this song is the most innocent sounding song on this album. This song has always had a sadness or loneliness to it. For me the first time I can clearly remember hearing this song on the radio was when I was really little and I thought to myself that it was very sad it me. I didn't understand then and I still don't know why I still feel that way when I hear it. I think this track is one of the most amazing songs Michael has recorded.

The last upbeat song "P.Y.T" (Pretty Young Thing), is fun and catchy. Our P.Y.T's on this album include sisters Janet and Latoya Jackson, Becky Lopez and Bunny Hull. There is a great breakdown with Michael and the ladies singing back and forth. Near the end of the song we get a vocoder making Michael's voice sound like Alvin of the Chipmunks.

I can see why this album did so well during its time. Not only was it a Pop album but one with R&B, Dance and Rock rolled into one nice package that everyone could enjoy.