Bayside - Acoustic

This one's for Laura. I don't know how it played out, but for some reason, the first Bayside song I'd ever listened to was "Megan," which for you music lovers out there, is a Smoking Popes song. So, with one song, I got hooked to two bands. The rest of this album is a mix of covers, acoustic versions of pre-existing tracks, and "Winter" which is an original tribute to John Holohan, their drummer, who tragically died in a car wreck back in 2005. I actually remember reading about it on Punknews.org when it happened, before I got into the band. Anthony Raneri's familiar voice croons through the tracks, expertly weaving in and out of the acoustic guitars. Acoustic albums can make or break bands, as the depth of songwriting becomes transparent without the effects: chord changes and riffs cannot be hidden behind a wall of distortion...it's bare and plainly audible for the listener. All-in-all, it's slow and melancholy, an acoustic-punk dirge if you will...but still a brilliant listen. Especially Josh Caterer's guest vocals on "Megan."

1. Winter
2. Blame It on Bad Luck
3. They Looked Like Strong Hands
4. Masterpiece
5. Megan
6. Montauk
7. Devotion and Desire
8. Baby Britain
9. Paternal Reversal
10. Don't Call Me Peanut (Live)

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

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

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.

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

Chuck Ragan - Gold Country

I've always been a fan of Chuck Ragan, from Hot Water Music to his solo stuff. This is by far my favorite solo piece he's put together. The melodies are more pronounced with this album, mixing the alt-indie-folk twang with a healthy dose of beat and rhythm. The choruses are catchy and blend the verses without pause or awkwardness. Traditional country instruments punctuate Chuck's all-too familiar vocals, with the violins and lap guitars slicing through his smoke-and-whiskey tempered vocal chords. Rather than relying on percussion, he lets his acoustic set the pace, which allows the other strings to provide the leads. It's a super solid record,well worthy of a purchase, especially for hardcore alt-country/HWM fans.

1. For Goodness Sake
2. Glory
3. Rotterdam
4. Done and Done
5. The Trench
6. Don't Say A Word
7. 10 West
8. Old Diesel
9. Cut Em Down
10. Let It Rain
11. Good Enough For Rock and Roll
12. Get Em All Home

Link:
See Comments

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

Lucero - 1372 Overton Park

Lucero's sixth-album dropped with little fan-fare (which is why I missed it), but it definitely deserves a spot on the blog. The band definitely retains the twang, and Ben Nichol's unmistakable crooning has never been better. The major developments include an expanded use of horns, synthesizers and keyboards (i.e. "What are You Willing to Lose"). The expansion with the horns and keyboards help the band further blend the bluesy-punk-country combination that they have grown to command over the years. Even though the extra money from Universal Records may be the reason for the added instrumentation and mixing, I'd say it was worth it to add the new dimensions to the band. Some of the older fans may not enjoy the new path they're on, but just give it a listen once or twice. You may find something you'll like.

1. Smoke
2. What are You Willing To Lose
3. Sound of The City
4. Can't Feel a Thing
5. The Devil and Maggie Chascarillo
6. Sixes and Sevens
7. Goodbye again
8. Johnny Davis
9. Darken My Door
10. Halfway Wrong
11. Hey Darlin' Do You Gamble
12. Mom

*FIXED* Link: See Comments