MGMT - Congratulations.

MGMT’s first studio album Oracular Spectacular was the soundtrack to my summer of 2008. I don’t know what it was, but something in that music that just made me smile until it hurt and dance my ass off, so much so I even created a dance with friends for ‘Electric Feel’. And yes as you may have guessed, it was beyond awful.

So, two years have passed, multiple remixes and re-hashed versions of ‘Kids’ by other artists have been released, radio stations have milked all of their singles so much so I think I actually hate  them now, and finally, MGMT’s second studio release ‘Congratulations’ is to be released on April 13th.

I was told to go to their website, and what appeared was a message from the band stating:

Hey everybody, the album leaked, and we wanted you to be able to hear it from us. We wanted to offer it as a free download but that didn’t make sense to anyone but us.

YUM YUM YUM, right?

Well, if you expected the great psychedelic synth pop that was on Oracular and nothing else, then think again.

However, if you are like me and have an open mind, then you will actually really enjoy it.

When the band released ‘Flash Delirium’ a few weeks ago, on first listen I thought it was the biggest pile of shite that I had ever heard. This was because, like many other people, we were expecting the same kind of songs from O.S, the ones that gave our hearts to the band.

But as I listened more, I really grew to like it, and then I couldn’t wait to hear the rest of the album. Now I’ve had that chance I can say that I am totally in love.  It feels as if MGMT have fused music from every decade since the 60’s, turned them inside out, made sure the psychedelic, surf pop esque feeling was the strongest in the mix and then blurted it all out. That explanation makes it sound terrible, but trust me, it is seriously good stuff.

‘Songs For Dan Treacy’, ‘Someone’s Missing’, ‘Brian Eno’ and ‘Congratulations’ are my favourites, but I’m 100% sure that everyone will have different opinions.

The band said they wouldn’t be releasing any songs from the album as singles, which I think is the right call, knowing how poor the majority of the UK’s music tastes are, then they wouldn’t even make the top 100.

Take it from me though, head over to their website and have a listen, because its great.

http://www.whoismgmt.com/

[Via http://ryannanahara.wordpress.com]

Carrie Underwood Paired Against Katy Perry in Round 1!

Esquire magazine has chosen their top64 selections for “Sexiest Woman Alive” and is holding a bracket championship.

In the categories of Music and Fashion, Sports, and Movies, they want you to make your own choices! Round 1 has begun (PRINTABLE BRACKET HERE) and Country Music artist [lastfm]Carrie Underwood[/lastfm] has been paired up with Pop artist, [lastfm]Katy Perry[/lastfm]!

Click here to vote in Round 1 to get started!

Photo credit:Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic (Underwood); Sheryl Nields/Esquire (Perry)

[Via http://wycd.radio.com]

20 greatest albums everyone should at least listen to or own at one time (myself included)

These are in no order whatsoever, but are just numbered. Sorry.

1. Out of the Blue (1987) - Debbie Gibson. To many fans of the 1980’s, this is a pop gem. Also it must be noted that Gibson was the youngest person to ever help produce a record (the single Foolish Beat) at the tender age of 16.
2. Victory (1984) - The Jacksons.
3. Lead Me On (1988) - Amy Grant. This is perhaps the best Contemporary Christian album ever made. It has a timeless mix in both sound and lyric.
4. Thriller (1984) - Michael Jackson. Probably one of the best R&B/pop/rock albums ever. With such gems as Human Nature, Thriller, Beat It and Wanna Be Starting Somethin’ one cannot go wrong with this classic.
5. Kilroy Was Here (1983) - Styx. One of the great rock operas of all time. Rarely does a good album tell a moral story, and Styx knocks it out of the ballpark with the ever-popular Mr. Roboto.
6. Dreamboat Annie (1976) - Heart. One of the most underrated albums and groups of all time. Ann Wilson is one of the greatest rock vocalist of all time. Better yet, she still sounds good even now, despite her age. Nancy is also a talented guitarist. Nancy shows off her chops on the songs Magic Man, Crazy on You, and White Lightning and Wine.
7. God (1996) Rebecca St. James – Good things come out of Australia and Rebecca St. James is no exception. This album is better than her previous teen-pop album and has a style reminiscent of the grunge scene albeit with a twist: its Christian music. One noteworthy cover St. James does is a reworking of You’re The Voice, a song previously made popular by Heart. Other great songs to check out are God, Abba (Father), and Go and Sin No More.
8. Boy (1980) – U2. Arguably this band is the greatest Christian rock band. However, this them before they became Christians I believe but either way, they sound great. This is one that I want to add to my collection.
9. October (1981) - U2. Once again, U2 proves that they are one of the greatest rock bands, or even Christian rock bands, ever to chart. Only Bono, Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. can pull off such songs as Gloria, Rejoice and the hauntingly beautiful title track.
10. Tragic Kingdom (1996) - No Doubt. This is a great introduction to ska-punk. However, the pièce de résistance is none other than Gwen Stefani’s voice. Best songs to look out for are Spiderwebs, Hey You, Sixteen, Don’t Speak, Excuse Me Mister, and Tragic Kingdom.
11. Rhythm Nation 1812 (1989) – Janet Jackson. Smoothly produced R&B with a kick and a socially aware message.
12. Out of the Grey (1992) – Out of the Grey. The Contemporary Christian duo has an incomparable alternative sound which is only highlighted by Christine Dente’s Debbie Harry-style voice and the excellent guitar playing of husband Scott Dente. This album is nothing short of a classic with songs like Remember This, The Dance, The Only Moment, and the duo’s swan song Wishes. Also, the songwriting on this album is not cheesy, unlike some Christian music of the time.
13. Top Gun Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1986) – Various Artists. This is probably one of the greatest action movie soundtracks of all time. It is one action-packed soundtrack filled with such songs as Danger Zone and Playing With the Boys by Kenny Loggins – who shows he has some rock chops. Other great tracks include Mighty Wings by Cheap Trick, Lead Me On by Teena Marie, Hot Summer Nights by Miami Sound Machine and finally, the eponymous Top Gun Anthem.
14. Raising Sand (2008) - Alison Krauss and Robert Plant. Bluegrass meets hard rock. However, don’t be fooled because this album is more roots-rock with songs such as Gone Gone Gone (Done Me Wrong) and Let Your Loss Be Your Lesson.
15. Learning to Crawl (1983-1984) - The Pretenders. Chrissie Hynde is one of the greatest female frontwomen in rock music. Here she proves that she is also an accomplished guitar player and harmonicist with a song like Middle of the Road. However, this album only gets better with such songs like Back On the Chain Gang – which spawned a new meaning for the band after James Honeyman-Scott died of a drug overdose at the age of 25.  Every song on the album is one of greatness; including Time the Avenger, My City Was Gone, and Thumbelina.
16. Here For the Party (2004) – Gretchen Wilson. In 2004, there was this little-known group in Nashville, TN called the Muzik Mafia. However, among them were such members as John Rich, Big Kenny, and Gretchen Wilson. Wilson burst onto the country music scene in 2004 with Redneck Woman, which went straight up to the top of the country charts. The whole album essentially revitalized the southern rock genre with songs like the title track, Homewrecker, and Redneck Woman.
17. Surfer Girl (1963) – The Beach Boys. Probably one of the greatest surf-rock bands that served to usher in the greatness of the music of California. With songs like In My Room, Surfer Girl, and Little Deuce Coup, you cannot go wrong.
18. If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears (1966) –  The Mamas and the Papas. The lush harmonies of “Mama” Cass Elliot, John Phillips, Denny Doherty, and Michelle Phillips are introduced to the world with such songs as Monday Monday and California Dreamin’.
19. Synchronicity (1983) – The Police. This album is probably the quintessential Police album with songs like Spirits in the Material World, King of Pain, Synchronicity II, and the ever-popular Every Breath You Take.
20. Are You Experienced (1967) - The Jimi Hendrix Experience. This album is the equivalent of standing on your head musically. It is great with such songs as the title track and All Along the Watchtower.

[Via http://christinahildebrand.wordpress.com]

The Muzik Machine - PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

The truth is the music that is readily available to us everyday from Radio, TV, and Record Companies (CD’s, Electronic Downloads, etc…), for the most part, is not what “people” have chosen/want to hear. What is available is a “SOUND” (it changes slightly now and again) that the Corporations, mentioned above, have spent BILLIONS on researching and marketing to be sure that what “They” allow to be in the marketplace sells fast and meets their rediculous expectations. “They” then flood the market with “Their” sound and people, the sheep we are, believe that it must be popular so we listen to and buy what they offer. Some good music makes it through but it’s quickly shut down so we think it must have sucked (no demand for the song/group/band/individual) because we no longer hear it, but WE thought it was good, right? So did MANY others but it did not fit within the framework and it was removed.
The Muzik Machine – www.facebook.com/themuzikmachine – will take all the songs/groups/bands/individuals they can find and get that music to people, that may not have known it exists, and let them decide what they like. The Corporations (Radio/TV/Record Companies) WILL hear us. We no longer want “Them” to play/sell the Music “They” like, or even worse, what “They” tell us we like. WE know what Music we like to listen to/purchase and we’ll let “Them” know what that is.
We want everyone to have exposure to good music because we believe a good song/music can change your life. Ask any musician why they play the music they do and most of the time it’s because of a song they heard, a concert they went to, or a group – who’s music – made them realize how amazing music is and can be. Music is amazing and has the power to relax us, pump us up, make a bad day good, enhance the “Mood”, and bring millions together with one voice. Why would we allow anyone to completely control what, so profoundly (originating in or penetrating to the depths of one’s being), affects us.

[Via http://themuzikmachine.wordpress.com]

Retraction...

I thought I would never see the day; maybe there is some hope for my moral fiber. Yesterday, after hearing about listening to, and re-listening to Lady Gaga’s songs, reading her lyrics, and reading her background on Wikipedia, I went to work on a post that displayed my, “in the heat of the moment,” feelings toward her. Those that read it should pay attention to what follows in this post, and those that did not get the chance, I regret to inform, will probably never get the opportunity, for I have tranformed the post back into a mere draft that will remain in my creative writing archives for…

Basically, in my post, I went into great detail about the components of Gaga and her music, and consequently, I did not speak too favorably of either, to put it lightly. Despite there being some conveniently, cleverly written blurbs, it was in poor taste. For the most part, I look favorably on things, food movies, wines, and songs, which impart a lasting memory within my mind. Gaga’s songs did that, whether i want to admit it, accept it or not, they did. Therefore, I must uphold my own integrity by stating that while what she created is far from transcendent, it does possess some characteristics with merit. Simply put, the sound of her songs, particulary Bad Romance, is catchy.

After typing my post yesterday, in between humming Bad Romance in my head, I thought about what I wrote about it and its creator. Though complexity and greatness can come together to produce some wonderful things, like a good bottle of aged Cab, simplicity and greatness are just as likely to occur together, as in Italian cooking. There is not much to the lyrics of her songs, in what they mean an how they make me think, but they blen well with the music and keep the song moving forward. Even the spoken sounds that are intended only to enhance the music itself, add something intangible, nevertheless, appealing to the song.

For a band, or musical group, to become popular and remain so for many years, across more than one generation, is a feat of note. However, it should not dichotomous; that is, one should not embark on a musical career with the sole intention of enduring the times. Make the music for today, put it out there today, get your fans to like it today, and if tomorrow the song(s) is forgotten, write another one. Live for the moment; like what is happening now. Of course, I did compose yesterday’s blog, given my immediate mood, ad that led to a bad aftertaste in my brain, but no philosophy is completely universal.

I said that Gaga’s songs sound no different than any other pop song out today. That is about as true as saying Black Dog and Free bird sound the same just because the primary instruments used were guitars. Though the style of Gaga’s songs is similar to that of many other pop songs blairing out of club speakers across the world, that is because they are songs from the same genre; they are supposed to sound the same.

Beginning a couple hours after I posted yesterday, I actually felt bad that I had made public such hateful feelings. It is not my right to put my values on to others; although it is unlikely that “Gaga Rules” will end up on the inside of my college ring (“Metallica Rules” is on the inside of my high school ring), that should not keep me, nor anyone else from enjoying a different flavor of music. “Heat” is not my favorite movie of all time, but I continue to re-watch it and I still enjoy each time.

So, I feel better. Though I do not believe in them, some might say my conscience is now clear. It is just more enjoyable for me to speak favorably about things I experience. That fact does not and will not prevent me from keeping my eyes open to the harsh truths of reality, but trying to see the good in most situations is healthy. Do not confuse that with the group of people who extract and distill good out of everything, which is impossible, illogical, and unrealistic.

Being one who does not like to rock the boat, if you are popular, keep comin, what the crowd deeming you popular, seeks.

[Via http://thebonepicker.wordpress.com]

Review: Bascom Hill - Inevitable

Bascom Hill – Inevitable
July 8, 2009

Bascom Hill - Inevitable

Bascom Hill is a band I’ve been following around since late 2006. They debuted with their album “Maybe” in 2005 and the smooth mainstream pop/rock sound they displayed was of a very high level already. I remember feeling impressed with how natural it sounded. They have a sound similar to Vertical Horizon, The Fray, John Mayer, Lifehouse, and other contemporaries, but I would especially refer to Vertical Horizon, because Bascom Hill showcases that same sound that has the roots in the songwriting but still comes together as a band sound.

On “Inevitable”, the band showcases that mix of pop and rock influences again. The production of the album is very well done and the songs come out in a way that mainstream radio can only embrace them. Catchy, uptempo singalongs with relatable lyrics. With a bit of luck this could very well be the band’s break out album.

Starting with the very catchy Go On which has that alternative pop feel reminiscent of Vertical Horizon on “Everything You Want”, the album is off to a very good start. With energy and passionate vocals this song has the right inensity to shine on the radio. Bascom Hill continues with another catchy pop/rock song called Between Poses. The song has the radio-friendliness of a The Fray song and the vocals are from a very high quality. If you aren’t singing along to the chorus after two listens I think you’re doing something wrong.

Then on to one of my favorites. My World is another song that needs to be heard on radio. It was actually the first song off “Inevitable” I heard and I was instantly convinced of its potential. Very catchy and the chorus, once again, is money in the bank. On Ever Wish, the band takes down the pace and that results in a beautiful acoustic, mid-tempo ballad. The lyrics speak to you, because of the universally recognizable message in them and the combination of the ’smaller sound’ of the song and the soothing vocals give this song just the right character. The band sticks to an (semi-)acoustic sounds on Hello, but they combine it with the uptempo catchiness from the previous songs. A very laid-back, yet energetic (interesting, right?) track and when Charlie Victor sings “you had already walked away..” I can just feel what he’s singing.

On Mystified, Bascom Hill shows a more gritty, rock & roll sound and the added energy and power doesn’t take away anything from the song. Just like on their debut CD, the band shows that they know how to balance between a more poppy and a more alternative sound. Good placement of the song too! A more soulful, soothing sound is shown on Ivy, which is a song that grows on you. The arrangement is actually very strong and with every listen I start to like it a little bit more.

Everytime I listen to For You, I just get silent and let the music take over. The subtle instruments, the touching vocals and the impressive build up of this song are excellent. I like how the acoustic guitar and the piano bring out the mood of this song with near perfection. It may not be the jumpy, uptempo radio single, but musically this is quite impressive. My initial thoughts were that Prettiest Girl isn’t the most memorable track on the album. It doesn’t hold a lot of tension or excitement in the arrangement and while musically and vocally it is performed perfectly and the song is very soothing, it has more of a bonus track feel to it than an actual album track.

Then back to one of my favorites. Save Me is another radio single candidate if you ask me. The pointy, uptempo song has a modern rock & roll feel and is an instant foot tapper. It’s quite danceable and has a killer chorus. Good hooks and outstanding musical delivery. One of the very best songs on the album. The title track, Inevitable, is a very cool rock & roll track with a very good beat to it. Mix it, press it onto a CDS and release it to radio and both pop & rock fans should both start to request this on their local stations.

We then get to the interesting album closer. Where’d You Go has a little bit of an americana/blues feel to it, especially in the intro and in the vocal vibe. It is slightly (just slightly) reminiscent of a John Mayer-esque song. It is quite different from the rest of the album, and the demo feel of the song really works. It’s like a dessert after the main course. And it tastes very well!

Bascom Hill makes music that falls into the most crowded genre of music possible. So a lot of critics might say it sounds like this or that, say it is nothing we haven’t heard before, etc. etc. I tend to disagree. Yes, there are similarities with other bands, I named a few myself. But Bascom Hill manages to display a sound of their own, and they bring quality, intensity and enthusiasm to the table. They show they have what it takes to make it. “Inevitable” is a record that shows diversity within the genre and shows that the band can easily pull off that variety. There is a high level of songwriting, convincing and believable delivery of the songs and an overall class that makes them not only noticeable but also ranks them among the top acts in their genre.

[Via http://innerearmedia.wordpress.com]

Charlotte Gainsbourg - IRM (2009)

320kbps

1. “Master’s Hands” 2:49
2. “IRM” 2:35
3. “Le Chat du Café des Artistes” 4:03
4. “In the End” 2:00
5. “Heaven Can Wait” 2:41
6. “Me and Jane Doe” 3:21
7. “Vanities” 3:38
8. “Time of the Assassins” 2:46
9. “Trick Pony” 2:53
10. “Greenwich Mean Time” 2:25
11. “Dandelion” 3:18
12. “Voyage” 4:05
13. “La Collectionneuse” 5:15

Bonus track

14. “Looking Glass Blues”

http://hotfile.com/dl/31705117/ca03de1/CG-IRM320kbps-hotfilemusic.wordpress.com.rar.html

[Via http://hotfilemusic.wordpress.com]