Exile From Conformity

The Roughs Release Video for "My Only Drug"

2012-01-26T01:00:00.002-05:00

I love this band. You should too. If you like Rooney, which you do you know you do, you'll remember guitarist Taylor Locke (or if you watched season 1 of The O.C. he randomly drops in a few scenes in the "Rooney" episode). Taylor has been busy with his new band, Taylor Locke And The Roughs who are just as amazing.

They released a new video for their song "My Only Drug" today and it's lovely (did you doubt that it would be? No, you didn't).

Check it out!

Taylor Locke and The Roughs - "My Only Drug" from Cinesthesia Pictures on Vimeo.

Concert: The Cab and The Summer Set

2012-01-25T14:52:00.001-05:00

I've been way too stoked for this show. I was dragging Champ along with me and this was another one of those ones where I had no idea if he liked the music at all (he is the hardest person to go to a show with. I can never tell if he likes what we're doing or if he's just like there), but he was coming nonetheless. We also met up with my friend Kat, who I met at the Yellowcard concert late last year. (I make friends everywhere.)

Again, weak on my part, I walked in green for this show's openers. I should have done some research but I didn't even recognize their names really so there wasn't a rush to find out who they were. I have to say, I'm glad I went in green. It was one of those things where I stood in the back with a beer and the parents and just took in their sound, devoid of all the fan girls yelling out overshadowing it. I love how I'm trying to justify being old and standing in the back. Sad right?

The first group up was Paradise Fears and despite being a little green, they were really good. Champ weighed in here pointing out that they reminded him of The Maine when we saw them three years ago when they toured with Boys Like Girls. There's a lot of potential there, they just need some more time under their belt playing for a larger crowd. I really liked the way they got the crowd going towards the end of their set and they had great energy which was infectious. That's sort of the key to a good opener, they have to get the crowd by the end. I'm looking forward to checking out their stuff and hearing more from them as they gain some steam. The cover they did was really good, melding two songs in a way that was just different, not a straight cover. A good opener should probably have a good cover too, and that's the best way to do it, something different that's not a straight cover but kids will recognize. Plus, I sort of love the hook to "My Heart's a Stereo" or whatever the Gym Class Hero's song is called.

In between sets I ducked over to The Summer Set's merch table which was being manned by lead man for My Girl Friday, Justin Godsey. I've been following him on twitter for a bit and find him rather charming there (and his hair is like…antigravity it's amazing in its own way). He's met some of my other friends and they swear he's a nice kid so I made a point of heading back to tell him another friend said hi and chat him up. Turns out? He's a really sweet guy, the nice kind who you walk away from and think "I want that guy to do well." I told him how much I had enjoyed the new EP his group put out and we talked about him coming through Atlanta again with them. I definitely said I'd go out to see him play, which I'm sure I will. They were that kind of good. Plus, he's a charming guy, won me over with one conversation.

Days Difference to the stage next and both Champ and I were impressed by how different their sound was. There was a heavy synth sort of sound in the back that took us a moment to place, but after a moment we had it. It's a U2 sound. I know, that's a stretch, but seriously it is. And they do it well. Not copying, but possibly heavily influenced. Very, very neat.

Last of the true openers was He is We, which actually surprised me as being fronted by a girl, not a guy. I don't know why this surprised me, I guess because I listen to so few bands with female leads. They had a good sound, but struck me as a kind of group that would have been better on an album rather than live. They did bring out Brian from The Summer Set to sing a duet with them, which was pretty neat. I'm forever amazed that people can sing with Brian given the interesting sound of his voice. That did win them over with the crowd since there seemed to be a huge fan base for TSS there.

Here's were I confess that The Summer Set are one of my guilty pleasures. To the point where when they came on stage and started singing I was already singing along and dancing a little. I have no idea why I like them so but I really, really do. It's fun, uplifting music and you can't help but get on your feet to it. Plus they started the set with "The Boys You Do (Get Back At You)" which I love. So yes, dancing was inevitable.

Their energy was great, and the crowd loves their frontman Brian to death. He's a cute kid which is probably why, but he did run all over stage, dancing up a storm when he wasn't singing (and when he was). They played a few songs from the new album and while I was able to pick out which songs they were, but not follow along with the words (there was also a sound issue? The vocals were way lower than the music which was hard to listen to as well). While sometimes hearing new music sometimes makes you feel left out, it really had me gunning to turn the music back on when I got home. Like, I wanted to hear more of Everything's Fine rather than wish they'd played more older tracks. That's a good sign in my book.

I was bummed that "Can You Find Me" didn't make the cut (that's one of my favorites) to be played, but I get that it might not be great live. Same with "Passenger Seat" but with ballads like "About A Girl" on the new album, that one would get passed over for "Punch Drunk Love" (which was great live).

We'd inched towards the front for The Cab to take the stage and I do love that they started with "Angel With A Shotgun". It's such a great start to the Symphony Soldier album, that it's a great kick off for the show. They played a ton of new music, all the favorites from the new album and mixed in some of the more popular old songs ("Bounce!" & "I'll Run" among others). At one point they slowed it down, just to Alex DeLeon and Alex Marshall on the stage, playing their ballads, starting with the first verse of "Vegas Skies". I died a little because I do love that song so very much. I wish they'd played more of it, but I can see why they did it that way. It rolled into "Lovesick Fool" which is also pretty great.

There is something to be said for just being in the crowd in a show and not much more. I love seeing the small bands play, the tiny shows, all of that. I love going to see Bryan play and being up front and one of the 20 people who know all the words to all his songs. I do. But during this show? I was in the middle of things, singing my lungs out, dancing around, hands in the air. There is something to be said for that and how much fun it is. I loved it. I don't get to do that too much when I see my small bands play (if the video with my audible gasp being heard is enough proof at how embarrassing that can be in a small crowd), so it was fun to do here.

The Cab closed out their set before the encore with "Living Louder" which should have always been done live, with a huge crowd singing it back. It's an anthem and beautiful live. Brian from TSS came out to help out and it was truly lovely. I really enjoyed it. The encore closed out with "Bad" (of course the new 'single'), but that was fun too even if Alex seemed to be losing his voice there towards the end.

I managed to walk out with a drumstick, crazy I know, but since the guys were around after I had Alex sign it for me and got a cute picture (alright it's kind of cheesy but I enjoy it!) Good fun. Great night. Beautiful music.

Concert: Evanescence

2012-01-24T11:25:00.001-05:00

I love shows, but it's been a while since I've been to one where I didn't have some deep love for one of the bands playing. This show though, was my best friend Gina's favorite band, Evanescence, and her Christmas present from her husband: a night out with their best friends, seeing her favorite band.

I've always like Evanescence, but somewhat high level. I'd seen them ages ago when I was still in college and they opened for Seether. I knew they would put on good show, because back then I'd been amazed and they weren't to the level they are now. So even though I was certain I'd only know the few songs that were on the radio, I knew that it'd be worth the time.

I was disappointed that I'd never even heard of the openers (I have higher expectations for myself these days I guess) but as soon as the first band, Electric Touch, started I was hooked. They had a good beat, something upbeat and testing that pop rock sound while holding true to something older (very obvious when they covered "Blitzkrieg Bop" by The Ramones and got the crowd jumping). Their energy was through the roof, especially for a first opener and bringing in a medley of covers, which included covering The Rolling Stones and Foster and the People, gave a little nod to their mixed heritage. I have to say, I was tweeting after the first song that I was hooked, but more entertained to find them tweeting me back the moment they got off stage. I'm eager to see what they can do when they have a different crowd that might be slightly more in tune to their music and they get some more fans under their belt. They are touring this summer with Hot Chelle Ray, so that should be a good start.

(Electric Touch...did not have the good camera with me sorry)

Rival Sons was up next and I had done more research on them, only to find more than one person compare them to "classic rock". That gives one pause since classic rock is a time gone by, but Rival Sons might have gotten their hands on it. On stage the reminded me of Stillwater from Almost Famous though their lead singer moved an awful lot like William Bekcett from The Academy Is… Their sound was like Led Zeppelin for their upbeat numbers and like the Black Crowes when they slowed it down. While they had moments of losing the crowd during their longer ballads, part of that can be blamed on the crowd. They were there to see a bass heavy goth rock with a powerful female singer and a classic rock sound that echoed through the 5th minute of a song is going to lose the crowd. Still, they were brilliant and have a sound that the music industry has long since forgotten.

(Rival Sons)

Evanescence has a presence that really can't be explained until you see them. Amy Lee looks so unassuming, a pretty girl in a exquisite dress and from the balcony it's not like she's very tall. The moment she opens her mouth though and it's paired with the strong guitars and base line from the rest of the band, it's hard not to get completely sucked into the music. I haven't been keeping up with Evanescence as a group as well as my best friend has, but I do know enough of their songs to really enjoy the show. There was something additionally awesome though about watching Gina get completely sucked into the show. I wonder if that's what I'm like at shows (I'm guessing maybe). That was probably the best part, sharing that with my best friend, that moment of being lost in music you love so dearly.

(Evanescence)

Even towards the end, as Amy is out there alone with just the piano they'd rolled out for her, and she was saying she'd lost her voice, there was no way she even faltered on notes. I'm forever amazed by her, how she can move around so much and how she can sing like that with such power. I can barely sing along in the car and not screw up (I definitely don't try on Rock Band, that's all Gina). I'm not sure where she thought she wasn't doing a great job, because "My Immortal" almost had tears in my eyes. A solid showing, all around. And I'm definitely checking out Electric Touch after this.

Follow them on Twitter!
@ElectricTouch @rivalsons @evanescence

What's Playing

2012-01-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

Most of my what's playing this week is rooted in the concert I have this weekend. Sunday is The Summer Set and The Cab and I can't properly explain how excited I am for this. I wanted to see The Summer Set a while ago, but I couldn't bring myself to pay to see All Time Low, even if Yellowcard and TSS were opening. I've watched to see The Cab since Rana got me hooked on them. The two in one show that came through Atlanta was kismet and I am unbelievably stoked. I'll be posting about it come Monday I'm sure.

In The Car

It was Pioneer by The Maine and that lead to a great moment of Champ actually turning the volume up to loud and saying he was surprised that as a band they weren't bigger. Color me amazed. I might have stared at him like he was insane. I kept that playing for a little longer, but then switched to The Cab's new album Symphony Solider which is just fantastic. Great driving music. Plus it's getting me more than stoked for this weekend.

On the Computer

I've had more time to crank iTunes and I've been spending a good bit of time listening through the new album, Everything's Fine from the Summer Set. I like their old stuff and while the new stuff hasn't grown on me the same way, I do still enjoy it. Trying to get a good grasp of it for the show so I don't stand there awkwardly through songs wondering what the words are.

The bonus tracks off Go Radio's Deluxe version of Lucky Street have gotten a good bit of air time as well. I practically burned a hole in the album when I first got it, but added content is great, including their cover "Rolling In The Deep" (my second favorite cover, I'm partial to the Cage the Elephant version as well. There's also my favorite "Stay Gone" which comes with the line "You're better off in Boston" which is a regular tweet of mine. (I know, lame, I can't help it, I love that place.)

On the iPod

While I work to listen to new music on my computer, the iPod always goes back to my comfort music in the end. Lately it's been stuck on a playlist I made for someone, which is pretty darn good if you ask me, but there's also been a lot of Jack's Mannequin playing and even more The Tower and The Fool. I really can't get enough of either band these days and it seems to be fitting my moods.

Quick Walk Outside

2012-01-19T19:10:00.000-05:00

Took some time to actually go outside today, which was misguided in a few fronts (I had no idea how cold it was out there), but I did talk a walk along the water that the neighborhood I live in backs up to and towards the park that's a short distance (under some bridges) away. I had to turn back when my hands got too cold, but I did get some good photos. It was fun the practice with the new camera some more as well. Direction for those going under the bridge on the water (I hope this makes Meaghan smile) This one is my favorite. Absolute.

"Spacism" Video by "Young Statues"

2012-01-19T11:55:00.000-05:00

It's too lovely for words, done by the immensely talented Mitchell Wojcik, this video really does give a feel for the song. Fall in love all over again.

A Treat for Hump Day

2012-01-18T11:01:00.000-05:00

Found the video from the $2 VIP Holiday Show of Bryan and Small Talk performing "The Quiet Things that No One Ever Knows" by Brand New.

(fun fact: I think you can hear my audible gasp type noise around 2:41 because yeah, it's that great.)

Album Review: "Empty Sky" By Vultures

2012-01-11T20:37:00.000-05:00

Being past my loud angry music phase for the most part, I could tell from the first listen through of the Vultures EP, Empty Sky (which is a name I really like), hit me as one of those collections of songs that really, really needs to be seen live. There's something to be said about screaming lyrics that just work so much better live.

That said, the EP rings true to what hard rock should be, what it needs to be. Strong guitar lines are back with powerful drums, so much that the longer musical interludes become my favorite parts of the songs. My favorite track on the album is "Medicate the Masses" which, even without the lyrics, has a feel that lives up to it's name. And by the end of "Never Good Enough" I'm imaging myself cheering "I'll never give up" right along with it.

I feel like the EP itself doesn't quite give the band the right feel, that it would be something, like I said, you'd have to see live to really, truly appreciate, but at the same time, the EP Is a great taste of what it's store for a live show.

Pick up and stream the EP on their bandcamp page.

Follow Vultures on twitter!

Album Review: "Laugh and the World Laughs With You..." by Chest Rockwell

2012-01-09T22:08:00.000-05:00

You know Bowling Green, Kentucky. The non name town that got a bigger dot on the map lately because of Cage the Elephant (I have a friend who lives in Scotland who has actually said, more than once, that she wants to visit Kentucky. I lived there for three years and I have no idea what's wrong with her). Bowling Green never had much to offer me, but it has become a safe haven for musicians. There's always been talent there. Sleeper Agent, another BG band, is starting to make a name for itself and now I'm giving you another hot spot of talent from the sleepy town I lived in in high school.

Meet: Chest Rockwell.

They just released a new EP Laugh and The World Laughs With You… which you can pick up on their bandcamp page. You can stream it there too, which I strongly recommend.

I, begrudgingly, admit that I actually jumped out of my skin when "Black Reign" started. Like jolted form the massive hit of drums to start the song. I was instantly giving the computer a dirty look for scaring me, thinking "wouldn't it be fair if I could just inch my way into this" but that's not the case. It's a loud welcome to the group. I looked into it a little more and I laughed at myself for being surprised. Their drummer, who've I've watched play for a good 10+ years has always played like that.

It's no surprise to me that the EP is laden with tracks that sing deeply of talented musicians, the band is full of them. i know I can vouch first hand for at three of them. They were good when I was lurking in the background of a crowd in high school watching them play. It's a roller coaster ride of an EP, up and down in mood and tone, taking the box and blowing out a different side of it with each track. While it all sounds like themselves, each track sounds different and unique from the first. Each track shows off something else that they have that other bands either don't or don't have the guts to show off.

It doesn't make sense to say I was both surprised and not, but that's how it was. I was surprised that I enjoyed it so much and I wasn't because, hey, I know these guys. I know to expect good things.

Add another to list of what Bowling Green can give the world (that almost sounded like a compliment for that town…don't' judge me).

Since the guys don't have a twitter (GET ON IT), here's a treat. 12 years ago I watched 4/5 of them play in an elementary school gym, a one time deal, never to be seen again. I scrapped the photos not too long ago (another one of my hobbies) just because I loved it so. So here you go, a bonus treat.

2012 Concert Schedule

2012-01-05T16:46:00.000-05:00

It's a new year which means a new list of concerts I've got in mind to see. So far the list is sparse, but I'm hoping to add to it as the year goes.

1/14 - Evanescence
1/19 - The Cab and The Summer Set
3/8 - A Great Big Pile of Leaves, Mansions and Young Statues

That's all I have planned at the current moment, but I'm hoping for another EMB show and probably another Tower show as well.

Anyone else have anything fun on deck? or anything I shouldn't miss?

Album Review: "Midnight Sun" EP by Our Vintage Film

2012-01-03T00:22:00.000-05:00

I got caught up in "Road Trip" off Nashville band, Our Vintage Fim's Midnight Sun EP from the first few bars. There's something to be said about a rock band, pop punk or whatever style you think, that incorporates a good keys/piano sound into their music. It speaks to a greater understanding of how to music works together, how a piano sound doesn't have to slow a rock song to a ballad. I'm biased but I've always loved a good piano rock song (think a la Something Corporate).

While "Road Trip" is simplistic in its lyrics the music behind it is was catches the ears, not the lyrics. That's the same through the EP, straightforward words with a complicated musical backing. It's not to say that the lyrics aren't good, but they aren't as original, and at times a little cliche. There's nothing wrong with phrases like "all time lows" and "forever young" but they are over done. The moments described are likely actual moments that happened, direct memory to song correlations, making the music fit the moment.

Writing a more complicated music phrase, one that is explicitly stating the thought and the moment comes with time though and something that can be learned. It doesn't take away from the music, I just feel like it would keep it from striking as a deep a chord with a listener as it might with the person who wrote it. Parts of the songs are relatable, but in general I don't know if it will be the kind of music that sinks home deeply. "Midnight Sun (War)" gets the closest to those type of lyrics that resonate, that when the meaning finally gets through stick in your head, and it's probably the best song on the entire EP lyrically.

With as good as "Road Trip" is musically and "Midnight Sun (War)" is lyrically, "Summer" is as cliche as it gets. It sounds like a bad attempt to be what mainstream music is pushing pop punk style bands into, cheesy lyrics and this one comes with an added rap bit in the middle of it. The music isn't as good as they've already proved they are capable of writing and compared to the other songs, it's weak in comparison. It's trying too hard to force the group into the Big Time Rush bubble, the Justin Bieber corner and it's not good, even compared to its more popular counterparts that aren't good either, it's much worse. While the rest of the EP is worth listening to, something I'd hang on to and add into rotations and playlists, that song I'm not keeping. There's not need to force hip hop into a band that doesn't need it, or to push the lines of how many months are girls' names. There are moments of the song that could be redeemable, but no enough to make up for the worse parts.

I recommend checking out their music off their EP on their Facebook page, but don't be surprised if "Summer" is a let down. If you like it, it's available on iTunes.

Follow Our Vintage Film on twitter

Ringing In the New Year

2012-01-01T14:56:00.000-05:00

Champ and I went to his brother's for the holiday, down in Savannah, GA. He throws a party every year and invites a ton of old friends form college and his first few years in Savannah. It's a fun crowd and while Champ and I skirted around the debauchery, I did have a good time catch some of it on my camera (my DSLR camera that Santa brought me by the way!).

So here's a few of the tamer shots, do enjoy.

Happy New Year from the warrior! Here's hoping 2012 brings you all you could want and more!

Best Albums of 2011

2011-12-31T14:23:00.002-05:00

It was a good year for music and shockingly enough there was more good than bad. Though it's also the year that I swore off the radio and most mainstream music, so to me it seemed like a great year. I don't think Taylor Swift came out with a new album, unless she had some sort of live thing or we count wherever that horrid rendition of "White Christmas" came from. (I can not stand her as an artist. I think she is way over hyped and if I really get into it we'll lose track of what I'm trying to write about.) It took me a bit to come up with a list, but here's some of my favorite albums of the year, in no real order.

Early Morning Blues - Newest Versions EP - I'm not fully remembering when Bryan put this out, but I lean towards early early in the new year and it's been my favorite go-to music all year. Obviously, if you've read anything I've been up to this year that should be obvious. If you want to talk about music that save your life this is my music. Not because I was in a bad place or anything, but listening to it got me motivated to see it live and then I was actually living my life, writing about things I cared about and meeting new friends who shared the same passions.

I've got high hopes for the upcoming album, that there might be more coming our way that will be just as great or better. I'm hoping that will be around in 2012 and I can almost promise it will make the top of my list next year too. Yes I'm biased.

Cage the Elephant - Thank You, Happy Birthday - The sophomore album from my friends from high school dropped this year and made my January. It was so cool to see it out at Target, to see it sell out at stores and Rolling Stone grace them with a bigger honor, naming it their number #15 album of the top 50 of the year. There wasn't as much competition here on my blog, but yes this was a 'must have' of the year.

The Maine - Pioneer - This was a much anticipated album of the year, the self-produced album that was so different than their other music, but lived up to expectations. I kept it in my car for weeks, listening to it on loop and only pulled it out because Champ couldn't stand to listen to the album over and over again on a five hour drive. I would have been fine with it though, it's that good.

The Cab - Symphony Soldier - I've said before that while I only had to wait a few weeks for this one and the rest of the fanbase had been waiting years, it was worth every second. It's annoying to say an album is perfect, but Symphony Solider toes that line so well. Every song is good and every song gets better with each play. I listen to it when i"m driving, when I'm working out, when I'm sitting at my desk trying to get through the day.

Yellowcard - When You're Through Thinking Say Yes - It's always great when a band I already loved comes back with another album, but when a band I loved in college comes back with a vengeance and an album that sounds like a grown up version of what I used to listen to, I can't help but be thrilled. And it's just that. It's Ocean Avenue grown up and blasting in the car stereo.

Jack's Mannequin - People and Things - In a way I live for Andrew's music and this one, was completely fantastic. I'd gotten a taste of it seeing them live before the album released, but I had no idea what I was going to be getting when it did come out. It's a fantastic album, the work of a true singer/songwriter and the kind that you can just listen to over and over again (which is obviously a trend with my favorite albums this year).

So there you go, grab what you don't have already, because it's all good. What were your favorites that didn't make my list?

Theres a lot in store for 2012, so much that I can't wait. I'm looking forward of telling you all about it.

Album Review: "American Kids" by My Girl Friday

2011-12-28T14:00:00.000-05:00

I've been pestered for a while to listen to My Girl Friday, and hadn't actually gotten around to it, but the new EP, American Kids just dropped this week and I figured now was as good a time as any to start listening to them.

Part of me wants to send the whole EP to country music execs and remind them how it's possible to toe the line of country and rock without a fake drumbeat backing a song. (That could yield a rant though on my current levels of disappointment in the country music scene in general, so I'll spare you.) The title track, "American Kids", calls out Springsteen, and it has that feel to it, the old Boss songs from the 90s / 80s that were happy, easy to listen to and about growing up or just living. Probably a result of listening to too much of the Boss and Mellencamp, but when I was 20 I was doing the same thing. The whole EP actually samples from that kind of sound, simple songs that don't get so specific in their topics that someone in different shoes can't relate to the words.

I have a hard time with the 'alternative' tag that iTunes gives the EP, because I'm not sure it fits, because it doesn't seem to encompass the light hearted feel of the EP. It's a 'sound track for your summer' collection of songs, with happy beats that are easy to tap your toes to. Makes me wish it was warmer out to pop it in the stereo on the car while driving at night with the windows down. Sadly I'm sitting here with a scarf on waiting for winter to end.

It's bound to be a guilty pleasure music, probably better to speak to a generation below me (I know if I was 19 it would speak to me more), but I can see myself going to it when the day gets hard, or work gets too long, something to get through the day. What else could be the point of a song like "Love Will Find You" besides hope?

As a whole the 6 songs are easy to listen to over and over again, with catchy tunes that get stuck in your head. It's completely reasonable that I'll wake up humming one of them, but really? That's not the worst thing.

Pick American Kids up on iTunes.

Follow My Girl Friday on Twitter.

H.E.L.L. Compilation: Pre-Order

2011-12-28T10:00:00.000-05:00

Had a great thing blow up my twitter feed yesterday. H.E.L.L. (Helping Everyone Live Longer) is a non-profit group in Boston that works with bike safety awareness and they have gotten together with the punk and alternative scene in Boston to put together a compilation album that proceeds from will go directly to helping H.E.L.L.

There's tons of music, some never heard before, some additions from local groups. Some of my favorites, Early Morning Blues, Ghost Thrower, and The Tower and The Fool, have all joined up to add their music.

Use your Christmas monies for something good and for a huge collection of great music from great talent. More information on where you can pre-order the LP, a digital copy, or the casette (Seriously casette) here

What's Playing For Christmas

2011-12-22T00:05:00.000-05:00

The Christmas holiday is around the corner, quite literally and of course I'm not done with shopping but that shouldn't surprise you really. Still, while you're rushing about trying to enjoy the holiday while doing too much at once, check out some Christmasy and winter type tunes.

First up is the Christmas-type release from This Century and their single "Kiss Me Like It's Christmas." It's adorable and catchy and though not entirely Christmasy and a little sad, you'll still be singing it for hours on end. Pick it up here.

What would Christmas be without one of my favorite punk rock bands releasing a Holiday EP? I know it sounds ridiculous , but here you go, Ghost Thrower put out a Holiday EP and I have to admit that I love it. Of course it's a little dark, because it's Ghost Thrower, but who says everything around the holiday has to be super happy? Change it up from whatever cheesy Justin Bieber song that got released.

I'm also really enjoying the free track I picked up off The Civil Wars winter EP Tracks In The Snow, "O Come, O Come Emanuel" which I never thought I'd enjoy. I should be tired of this song, especially after being raised in the Catholic Church that sings this one for the four weeks leading up to Christmas, every week, at every Mass, but I do like their version.

So while the radio keeps playing Taylor Swift ruining "White Christmas" plug in those headphones and listen to something else, something worthwhile.

Have a happy and safe holiday, no matter how you celebrate!

Album Review: Self-Titled from Young Statues

2011-12-18T16:48:00.002-05:00

The full length, self-titled release from Philadelphia based group, Young Statues has been out for a bit but I finally got my hands on it. I really enjoyed their set when I saw them live in October and really did want access to more of their music, but it wasn't until just recently that I was able to order it online.

The album has a great sound, sort of a mellow feel overall. I can't help but wonder if it would have been part of The O.C. soundtrack if that show was still on the air. It definitely has that feel to it. Maybe it's the similarity to Death Cab for Cutie in front man Carmen's voice. Or maybe it's that the songs seem to have a similar beat to the same indie rock back. Either way, I'm voting for this album to be the cornerstone for the show if it ever makes a come back (If they bring back Arrested Development they can bring back The O.C. right?).

Maybe though it's just the beachy feel from tunes ilk "Half Light' which seems to be more named for the feel it creates than the lyrics (despite the title being mentioned in the lyrics). It sounds like the beach in half light, somewhere towards the end of the day or just as dawn breaks.

The same goes for "Athens" which actually sounds like Athens, GA (where I've been a couple of times) more than anything else. Turns out it was the first song recorded there and is named for the same reason, because it just feels like the city. That's what it is about the album that really jumps out at me, more than the lyrics or the guitar lines or drum beats, the feel of it as a whole.

It's a great album to put in and just let play while getting work done or just relaxing. It has that mellowing feel like I said and has become one of my favorites for at work to alleviate the stress of the day.

You can pick up a copy here and follow Young Statues on twitter.

Concert: $2 VIP Platinum Holiday Show

2011-12-17T13:49:00.002-05:00

Another trip to Boston (again, it's my thing) and another show. There was a joke that Bryan didn't have a show that weekend until about four days before it and then suddenly he was playing at the big show that weekend. I had to laugh just a little, but I did scrounge and manage to get my hands on a ticket at the last minute.

The show was call the $2 VIP Platinum Holiday Show, a play on a local band that was charging $40 to get VIP passes into a show in their hometown. Thinking it was a ridiculous idea, this one was much cheaper to get into and every ticket was VIP. A collection of local bands were each playing a cover set of a more well known band.

The afternoon started with One Step Away a local group out of Andover, MA covering Boys Like Girls. Just a little awkward yes with Bryan there, but he wasn't in the room for their set, rightfully so. They sounded fantastic though, taking on one a few of the harder songs in the BLG line up. I was impressed when they busted out "Heart Heart Heartbreak" even more so when they went with "Dance Hall Drug" as well. There was a mess up where the lead singer seemed to have forgotten the lyrics to the second verse of Dance Hall Drug, but luckily for him, the entirety of the crowd was able to power through, a good set of fan girls.

The local BLG girls were really pleased when the lead singer busted out Martin's line from the live shows for "Hero/Heroine" where he asks the crowd "What do I got?" then sings the second verse of the song. I know Rana next to me got all excited. It was a really good set overall and I was pleased to see the crowd support the guys despite the awkward feeing it left a lot of us with.

The location seemed to know and as Bryan and the guys from Small Talk finished setting up for the next set, the house music started playing "Chapter One" by Early Morning Blues. It was a ton of fun to start singing the lyrics as loud as Rana and I could. It was also fun to watch Small Talk's front man Jimmy Welsh ask Bryan if it was him and Bryan shake his head to say it was weird.

Decked in his Ghost Thrower t-shirt, Bryan took the stage with the two guys from Small Talk for an acoustic set of Brand New songs. They didn't do a full band show because I believe they are in a bit of a transition between band members, but there wasn't a need for the full band set.

Jimmy has an amazing voice that lent to the music well and Bryan provided perfect back up vocals. I lost my breath a little during "The Quiet Things That No Ever Knows"; it was that good. The set was solid, especially as Jimmy finished it up with two songs, just him, the guitar and the microphone.

I have to admit that it made me ache for an Early Morning Blues ballad. Bryan's obviously got the chops for it, but i do realize that their sound doesn't exactly lend to ballads. Or nothing more ballad-like than "Never Leave" at least. Still, a girl can hope that maybe one day.

During the Dear Zim set Rana and I took a break and snuck out the back for a chat with Bryan and Jimmy, then heading out in search of a snack. They were play an All Time Low set and neither she or I like ATL that much (or at all?). I am glad we got the few moments with Bryan as he left not long after, needing to be somewhere else that afternoon. He did seem pleased to see that I'd showed up and mentioned one of my tweets about my trip being worthwhile if he played a show.

We got back just in time for The Jealous Sea to play their Fall Out Boy set. Overall their sound was great and I thought that they did FOB justice. I really liked the song choices, ranging from older tracks off the first album to some of the more recent singles.

Their stage presence was fun, a little silly from time to time. There was a moment or two where it was a little uncomfortable for those of us who weren't huge fan girls, but the fan girls ate it up. There's something to be said about appealing to your target audience.

Last up was STAY, a local group that I was pretty sure wasn't going to fit on stage there were so many of them. They played a Blink-182 set with tons of energy from the get-go. Again I'm forced to admit that my old self loved the set and how old all the music they picked was (or maybe Blink is just that old..) It was like an instant transport back to the better moments of high school, which were few and far between, but they all had either a FOB or Good Charlotte soundtrack.

The show definitely left me interested in all of the bands, except maybe Small Talk, but more because I already have their music. The true highlight though was seeing all my friends once more before the winter (and I don't make the trek because of the snow). I had to go out of 2011 with a great show and I think I did just that. It's been a great year, but I'm already looking forward to what's coming in the next year.

Album Review: "Pioneer" by The Maine

2011-12-16T10:23:00.000-05:00

If an album can be a statement, then the newest release from The Maine is a loud statement of the fact that they are no longer the boys dressed in neon from the Can't Stop, Won't Stop days. Those days are long gone and while they got the now young men where they are now, they aren't going back any time soon.

To call the albume a "deviation" from their previous sound seems like a weak explanation, but it is nothing short. There was a deviation from the poppy sound of Can't Stop, Won't Stop with Black and White as that album had more of a folk feel, soft songs without a kicked up drum beat and deeper lyrics.

Pioneer goes down a completely different road, as the name implies. Gone are the cute lyrics about growing up and girls breaking their hearts. The new songs are harder, backed with a stronger base line and guitar riffs that prove that the guys aren't just pretty, but talented as well.

Some of the same sound is still there. John still croons his way through "I'm Sorry" which sounds very reminiscent of the B&W album songs, but if I remember correctly he was performing this one acousticly long before they went into the studio to work on this album. "Some Days" has the same feel, but the chorus isn't fooling around and is a lead into what to expect for the rest of the album. It's a shame it's not the first song, though it does fit well where it comes up and I fell in love with "Identify" after the first few beats.

That's where the similarities end, though don't take that as it being a bad album. As a whole the album is great and even with only a couple listen throughs, I like most of the songs. It's just not what I envisioned the third album from this group would be like. LIke aspects of Black and White it's a testament to where they are in their lives. "Don't Give Up On 'Us'" toes line, just as "Listen to Your Heart" on Black and White did, toes the line of not as much being about a girl, but about the band themselves.

That's really the mesasge to the fans of this self-produced album. Dont' give up on The Maine.

Follow The Maine on twitter and pick up Pioneer on iTunes.

The Endless Summer Releases New Single

2011-12-12T14:40:00.000-05:00

I'm not entirely sure how I came across a band out of Missouri (I blame twitter), but I'm sort of in love with these guys. Their sound has a refreshing feel to it, strong vocals and great music. It's a talented group of musicians backing The Endless Summer and I can't get enough of it.

Their newest single "Satellites" just dropped and after loving the Fairweather EP as much as I did, I had to get my hands on it as soon as I could. Just like the EP the single doesn't disappoint and I can't help but admit that more than once I've hit repeat just to hear it again.

Definitely worth the test drive, trust me. And their singer Nick has a cute dog (if that helps sway your decision in any way). And apparently the dog follows me on twitter. Can't help but love that at least a little.

Pick up "Satellites" and the Fairweather EP on iTunes.
Follow The Endless Summer on Twitter.

Apologies and What's in Store

2011-12-12T11:33:00.000-05:00

I owe updates from the last show I went to as well as at least two album reviews (hopefully I'll get my copy of Pioneer soon and I can review that as well!) but I've been pretty sick with the flu or a cold or something, and haven't been up for writing anything coherent. I'm feeling better today though! Which means I should be getting back to writing as soon as possible.

Upcoming posts:

- The $2 VIP Plantium Holiday Show in Boston MA (yup I went back)
- Review of the Young Statues
- Who from Run For Cover Records is getting replayed on my iTunes
- Review of the EP From Vultures
- Some holiday music suggestions

and hopefully that Pioneer review as well.

Hopefully everyone else is healthy and happy. Talk to you soon!

New Beginnings

2011-11-25T19:21:00.000-05:00

I've been trying to post about this for a while, but it's been a little hard for me to do that.

When Boys Like Girls announced their return and posted their video update, they also announced they were short a bassist, one who seems to frequent my blog, Bryan Donahue.

Bryan took to twitter a few hours later and said that he'd been kicked out of the band and that it wasn't his decision to leave. (Yes. Whatever you are guessing in the way of my reaction is accurate.)

So the announcement of the new album from Boys Like Girls does come with mixed feelings, but Bryan's pointed out that he's still playing with The Tower and The Fool as well as Early Morning Blues. Early Morning Blues (Bryan) has also announced that their new EP is in work and that they'll tour as soon as they get booked and it's done. All good news.

It's a sad moment, but in a way it's good news. I've been a big Early Morning Blues fan (if the tattoo on my side is any indicator) and being able to go to small shows to see Bryan play was starting to get to be a thing. Losing that would make me sad (though there are plenty of small bands I go see now, but it wouldn't quite be the same).

Best of luck to Bryan in everything he does, and I'm guessing I'll be trailing along behind him no matter what it is.

Thankful For...

2011-11-24T19:16:00.000-05:00

Spending Thanksgiving with Champ's family, which is always nice, but it makes me miss my family, obviously.

Still, it was a nice day, even with a few mishaps here and there, including a nice bumping of cars in the driveway (Not a good moment). I like his grandparents, probably because I've never had any, and I like his aunt and uncle quite a bit. It was a nice chance for a big meal with family. Of course the idea of eating again seems miserable.

That said, I figure it's a good idea to make a list of what I'm thankful for, what's good, and maybe give something to focus on in the harder colder days ahead. So without further ramblings, here's my list.

I'm thankful for:

- Family and Friends
I love my family, as strange as they've gotten over the years (it's hard to explain that I have an honorary nephew, who's dad is my mom's best friend's son, who is like my brother.), but I love them all. My friends have been there for me through so much, some are still part of my life, some aren't as much anymore and some are coming back (for those I feel beyond thankful).

-Good Health
Lucky girl that I have little wrong with me though a bout with the flu a few weeks ago had me worried I wasn't going to get well again.

-The Music
If it's not listening to it, it's traveling to see it, it's meeting people through it. I have good, real, friends who I've met through traveling to see concerts, I've had the honor to meet some people who I really truly adore and idolize. There's been a pull to follow what makes me passionate, write here, talk about it to others. I love it. And I am so grateful for it.

-The Future
There is so much coming, even if it is just getting a new job, just starting to write more and trying to find somewhere to write full time, it's going to be good. It keeps getting better. There's potential out there, even if sometimes it feels like it's not there. So much potential.

What are you thankful for?

Turn Up the Radio

2011-11-17T09:55:00.002-05:00

I love this video. You don't have to like 30 Seconds to Mars to like this video they made about touring, about playing for a crowd about what music means to people. Yes, it's crazy that Jared Leto might look younger now than he did in My So Called Life, but this video explains it all. Towards the end, there's a girl, adorable scene kid with a lip ring and sad smile who says this:

"Some people believe in God, I believe in music. Some people pray, I turn up the radio."

I've seen people be offend by that line, but in this generation, in this world, where religion has meant so many bad things, I can't blame her. I know I feel the same way.

I was reminded of it again when I was at Yellowcard last week. I saw them for the first time in college when they were touring for the Ocean Avenue album. I went with a sorority sister, Whitney, whom I started the night off mad at because she was late and we missed The Starting Line’s set. As we were watching the show, she grabs my arm during “Believe” and says, “close your eyes.”

I have to admit, at the time I thought she was insane. We were at the Tabernacle, full of people and in the back and she’s telling me ridiculous things. But she shakes my arm and I figured ‘what the hell’ and went for it.

“Believe” is a beautiful song in any context. In 2004 or so though, 9/11 was still a raw memory, the images were still burned deeply in our heads, more than they are now that it’s been a decade. Closing my eyes had me there, living it, and my breath catching in my throat. The music wasn’t just there, it was flowing through me and I wasn’t listening, I was feeling. It changed everything about that song in one instant.

I grew up on music. I got my first boom box with a tape deck and radio when I was in elementary school and it was full of New Kids on the Block, Amy Grant and Paula Abdul cassettes. I’ve been listening to the same local pop station in Atlanta for over two decades. My mother blasted it in the car, current pop music, sixties tunes and later on in life country music. I was in the band by the 5th grade and didn’t quit for good until my brother broke my clarinet when he was in college. He’s the musician though, getting his Masters in Music Performance this spring.

In high school it was what I did, lay in my room and listen to the radio or CDs. When we moved to Kentucky, the Nashville radio station I listened to while doing homework did a “Top 5 at 9” that I wrote down in my agenda almost every night. There was no point in documenting it, but I did anyway. (They had a contest probably, but I never called in). Before that Yellowcard concert, I’d bee to other shows, I’d listened to tons of music, headphones or stero or computer blaring. I have to say though, that was one of the first times that I realized what it could do, what music could mean.

Lyrics had always been important, but in that moment it was everything. Just the last, tattooed and pierced kid says in the end of that video.

It would happen again, in London, when I went to see Bright Eyes. I knew about half of their music, not enough to justify the show, but I was in London on study abroad and I wanted to go. The venue was sweet, the weather great and I had a friend to go with. Halfway through the show I realized that if Conor Oberst started a cult, I’d join. It was that kind of music, it flowed through me like that. I didn’t have to know the words, I just had to feel it.

Standing in the Masque to see Yellowcard again, when they played “Believe” I closed my eyes. It wasn’t the same as before but it was still there, still in me. It never really leaves, which is probably why we’re so attached to the music we love. When all else fails the songs are still there. All we have to do it turn up the volume.

New Boys Like Girls album!

2011-11-16T13:49:00.001-05:00

After much speculation from Bryan Donahue's hints at 'news' and 'announcements' everyone's favorite drummer let the cat out of the bag today.

Leave it to Beef to announce the return of Boys Like Girls to the studio with his own bit of flair.

There's chatter that his other band, Empire Kids, are also busy demoing (in the same place?) which means more music on the front for all of us.

The last puzzle piece is a missing blond bassist, but he's also got an EP in the works for Early Morning Blues. Here's hoping for good things all around. I'll take winter if it brings a spring and summer of new music.