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. :)

Back To The Future

So we all know that the '80's have made a comeback. With cartoons being released on DVD, re-releasing albums, toys, etc.
But what about a band that sounds like they were from the '80's? New Young Pony Club does just that, but with their own
flavor. Its like an 80's flashback but even better. Every single song on here makes me think of another 80's song or artist, but as its counterpart.

"Get Lucky" the first song off this album and the first single, makes you think punk attitude. They even mention an "psycho killer" which makes you think of Talking Heads inspiration. The next song "Hiding on the Staircase" makes me think of The Tom Tom club with its jungle drum like beats and percussion.

"Ice Cream" is a afterthough to Blondie's "Live It Up" off of their Autoamerican album, and glad to be one of the albums singles. Very punk/dance sounding, with a mention to Sid and Nancy. "The Bomb" is another single, catchy and sounds like it could have lept off of Cyndi Lauper's debut album She's So Unusual. The bass is so cool and is the focal point on all songs, esp this one.

"Jerk Me" is another Bow Wow Wow or Bananarama sound alike. I'd like to hear Bananarama sing this one. I don't care too much for the chorus on this song, the rest of the track is good. Percussion is neat and tight sounding on this track.

One of my favs is "The Get Go." It sounds so like its a Smith or R.E.M song. The vocals on this one is neat and reminds me of Amiee Mann during her Til' Tuesday adventures. This should be released as a single. "Talking Talking" is smooth seductive and sounds like Duran Duran during their first labor of love - their self titled debut. A sequel to Nightboat anyone?

"Grey" is definately their own song. I can't really make a comparison to the 80's with this song. The closest I can come up with is possible Icehouse during their 'Primitive Man' album or even Men At Work. I say Men At wor because of the vocals and the harmonies. "F.A.N" screams Human League. I love this song. The guitar sounds very familiar in this. Can anyone tell me why? I can't put my finger on it.

Last and closing the album is "Tight Fit." A familiarity to The Clash, the drum track/percussion sounds like a slowed down Rock the Casbah. A great closing track.

Overrall this album is not really a sound alike competition. Its a band that makes their songs take you back to forgotten and guilty pleasures. I think thats why I love this album so much. Its fun and upbeat.

If you like Talking Heads, Cyndi Lauper, The Clash during 'Combat Rock', The Smiths, early Duran Duran - Please give this a chance. I got this on a whim and is a favorite.

Standout tracks: "The Get Go" "Ice Cream" "The Bomb" and "F.A.N"

Ivy - Long Distance

I really don't think this band has gotten the recognition that it deserves. Being a band that gets its music noticed by having tv shows air their songs at the "romantic moments" is not what I call "Record Breaking" but at least it brings in the listener to buy an album and hopefully this one in particular. Ivy is a dream pop group with 3 main members Andy Chase, Adam Schlesinger and Dominique Durand. Having 2 albums prior to this one, gained them popularity in the New York scene.

I'll first start off with a little bit about the singer. Dominique breaks the music with a softness that makes you float away into dreamland. Some might say she sounds like she never changes the tone or the feeling with her voice, but I think otherwise. She gets the point across perfectly with the help of her fellow band mates.

It was this album with a cover of the Blow Monkey's song "Digging Your Scene" and "Edge of The Ocean" that caused a stir among fans. "Edge Of The Ocean" is a slow ballad that sounds like a AM radio staple. One of those songs that has a easy sing-song "Sha La La" after the chorus. This was also used in many tv shows such as Roswell, Alias, Grey's Anatomy and the movie Shallow Hal. The upbeat "Digging Your Scene" with sweet summertime guitars playing in the back. Dom's vocals are serene and simple.

That's not the end of the good songs. Its the song "Disappointed" that I adore. The snappy drum beat and guitars fill the song with a haunted feeling. Mrs. Durand sounds so strong and sure of herself with the simplicity of the songs lyrics.
"While We're in Love" is a neat song with a heavy bass filling up the song and staying put throughout it. I would love to hear a remix of this song. "Lucy Doesn't Love You" is one of the best songs that screams rollickin' good fun. The song has a 60's feeling to it. Sounds like a song you just might have heard by The Association or early Chicago. Neat break with horns and a Motown piano trying to bust a move. Sure to put a smile on your face!

"I Think Of You" is another song with a great drum beat. Definately changes the mood towards the end of the album esp. with more slower songs near the end of the album. A song that sounds like its should be on the radio. Thats the overall feeling with this album. A familiarity with each song and makes you want to keep listening. I am glad I gave this album a second chance. I almost put it in the "Toss away/Exchange" pile but quickly pulled it back with a few more listens. This album should be listened to with care and tenderness, thats how Mrs. Durand pulls you to her.