Thursday, November 26, 2009

fun. - Aim and Ignite


If I had to describe this album in one word, "fun." aptly does the job. Loud choruses, crazy vocal and instrumental backings really make this album loud. When I say "loud choruses," I literally mean a choral element punctuates this indie-pop record. Nate Ruess (The Format) leads the charge on your ears, and his tone is familiar, even if the surrounding ambiance is not. It is cool to see established artists push their envelope with side-projects, and this is definitely a serious departure from anything The Format has released so far. The pace is quicker, and the songs are poppy; just what you'd want from a bad named "fun." There is no low-point to this album, it's all uppity and clever. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

1. Be Calm
2. Benson Hedges
3. All The Pretty Girls
4. I Wanna Be The One
5. At Least I'm Not As Sad (As I Used To Be)
6. Light A Roman Candle
7. Walking The Dog
8. Barlights
9. The Gambler
10. Take Your Time (Coming Home)
11. Walking the Dog II (Bonus Track)
12. Take Your Time (Acoustic) [Bonus Track]

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?4jlbwamtlze

Friday, November 20, 2009

Cassino - Kingprince


I actually got into Cassino before I heard about Northstar, and actually used Northstar to fill the gap between Sounds of Salvation and this album. It's folksy and quiet, perfect for relaxing. The whole sound of the album is a little bit brighter than his previous effort, but the tone and message remain the same. For me, that's what's most important: I loved the previous album, and with a few tweaks, Nick Torres has written deeper lyrics and expanded his range of musicianship. The lap guitars and violins are still there, but there is a sense of greater beat and rhythm. And Tyler Odom's fingerpicking has dramatically improved (check out "Debickashaw"). The songs are more on the softer, melancholy-side, but good nonetheless. It's a pleasant listen all-around, perfect for a lazy weekend.

1. Djom
2. Kingprince
3. The Gin War
4. The Ice Factory
5. Maddie Bloom
6. Amelia
7. Cannonball
8. Debickashaw
9. Boomerang
10. Ghost
11. The Levee
12. The River

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?gney3mjyaq2

Thursday, October 29, 2009

I forgot

I'll be traveling through Nov. 20th, so updates probably won't happen between now and then. Just thought I'd let everyone know. But make sure you grab old stuff, and use the "search" function up at the top of the page. It's pretty helpful.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Weezer - Raditude




To be honest, I'm not sure how long this post is going to last. In any case, it's starting to spill around the internet, so naturally, to keep everyone current on music, I'll include it on the blog. First impressions (for those that care): poppy. Not that I was expecting anything else, but yes, there is a bit of electronic backing to the album. If you were anticipating that, then by all means keep reading and listening. The band is actually has leaned a tiny bit back towards the alternative roots, with more biting guitar that bounces off the keyboards and synthesizers quite well. You'll tap your foot to the entire album in time with the chords and choruses, more so than the Red Album (in my opinion). I mean, it's no Blue Album, but the band is forever hard-pressed to live up to that amazing record...or Pinkerton. If you're a Weezer fan, pick it up, might as well keep your discography complete. The sample track was completely picked at random, because almost every single track is unique from every other one on this album.

  1. (If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To
  2. I'm Your Daddy
  3. The Girl Got Hot
  4. Can't Stop Partying
  5. Put Me Back Together
  6. Trippin' Down The Freeway
  7. Love Is the Answer
  8. Let It All Hang Out
  9. In The Mall
  10. I Don't Want To Let You Go
  11. Turn Me 'Round
CD2
  1. Get Me Some
  2. Run Over By A Truck
  3. The Prettiest Girl In the Whole Wide World
  4. The Underdogs
Link:
Check the comments below

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Castevet - Summer Fences


I was looking for some post-rock to relax to, and I came across this wonderful band hailing from Chicago. I've heard them described with lots of influences, but the one that I agree with the most is Minus the Bear. So, if you like them, give this great band a try. The music is post-rock at its best. The lows and highs aren't as varied as Explosions in the Sky, with the tone and pace befitting a band that places heavy emphasis on their punk roots. I'm posting a more mellow track, but keep in mind that they only get heavier from there. Honestly, I've been playing this album for the better part of three days to better try and describe it. The titles are as catchy as the beat, and the album reeks of honest musicians who believe in what they are playing.

1. Between Beyrun And Bryawum
2. Beating high Schoolers At Arcade Games
3. Plays one On TV
4. I Know What A Lion Is
5. Stranger You Know
6. Space Jam (The Return)
7. Evil Robot With Swords For Hands
8. When A Movie’s Made In France It's Called Cinemas

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?imiddzmei05

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

The Avett Brothers - introduce Emotionalism


This is by far the folk-iest thing I've posted thus far, but really, if you find yourself just sitting around, drinking whiskey, and into folk-rock, this band is definitely for you. Or if you like banjos. Because they're good at it. They may only be brothers, but this duo brings a Partirdge family-worth of instruments and vocals. Their style shifts seamlessly from slow folk to more upbeat alt-country, and their vocals follow suit. I'm pretty sure the entire albums is acoustic instruments, which I'm always a fan of. The lyrics are interesting, and provide and honest take on relationships and life (hence the Emotionalism-aspect). If you're an alt-country fan or acoustic fan, check it out. The creativity abounds and you shouldn't be disappointed. Thanks to Dom for the recommendation.

1. Die Die Die
2. Shame
3. Paranoia In Bflat Major
4. The Weight Of Lies
5. Will You Return?
6. The Ballad Of Love And Hate
7. Salina
8. Pretty Girl From Chile
9. All My Mistakes
10. Living Of Love
11. I Would Be Sad
12. Pretty Girl From San Diego
13. Go To Sleep
14. Hand-Me-Down Time

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?moqozmjmmnt

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Bloc Party - Silent Alarm

I was just perusing my "five-stars" playlist on the iPod, which is a compilation of my favorite songs (hence 5-stars), and "This Modern Love" came on. It made me realize two things: how awesome Bloc Party is, and how I haven't posted anything from them...yet. So, here it is, my favorite Bloc Party album, Silent Alarm. I think it was released back in 2005 to much acclaim, but if you haven't heard it, or them, before, combine indie rock with an eclectic beat and you get this album. Full of great rhythm and interesting lyrics, the band definitely gets your foot tapping from the start. And if you're not a foot tapper, then definitely head nodding to the beat. It's the perfect album to bring to a party, or have it going in the background of a kickback. Check it out, if you're in the mood for something that doesn't stop delivering with a great beat, this album is full of it.

1. Like Eating Glass
2. Helicopter
3. Positive Tension
4. Banquet
5. Blue Light
6. She's Hearing Voices
7. This Modern Love
8. Pioneers
9. Price of Gas
10. So Here We Are
11. Luno
12. Plans
13. Compliments

Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?dynmyonmybn