Mirah- (a)spera

Album release: March 10, 2009

Ever since Feist taught everyone how to count in Apple commercials last year, I've felt this influx of female singer-songwriters has become too much.  Who are Yael Naim, Colbie Caillat, Sarah Bareilles and where did they come from?  Are they all one trick ponies, or is there something memorable about them?  Do they hold any staying power?  Any merit?

As the strings crescendoed in "Generosity," the first song of (a)spera, I felt something special.  Something's there, I know it.  After doing some quick research (read: wikipedia), I discovered Mirah has been around for a few years (twelve, to be exact) and after a four year hiatus, will be releasing her fourth album (the one I'm reviewing).

While her older albums are either very poppy (You Think It's Like This But Really It's Like This) or very folky (Advisory Committee  and C'mon Miracle), this album is a perfect blend.  She uses many unique and odd instruments, ones I've rarely if ever heard on an album.  Anybody ever hear of a Mandinka Kora before?  There are some very ethnic, poppy, get-off-your-ass-and-onto-your-feet dancey songs: "Country of the Future" makes me wanna cha-cha.  And as poppy and feel-good as some tracks are, that how morose "The River" and "While We Have The Sun" are.     

Mirah is the singer in the intimate, smokey bar or coffee house.  She may play unnoticed, but for the one or two people who catch her peaking through the chaos, they are lucky.  It's hard to predict what will become Mirah in the future.  She sure as hell doesn't know.  In "Generosity," she timidly asks "Am I invited to stay?/I've worn my welcome."

Mirah, stay as long as you want.

(a)spera comes out on K Records March 10, 2009.

I thought this was Funny: Every Album Ever?

Just throwing this out there...

...but if anyone has any ideas for an upcoming album they think should be checked out and even reviewed, feel free to leave YOUR recommendations in the comments.  YOU'RE reading this, so let's make it interactive and a tighter community.

New Found Glory- Not Without a FIght

Album Release: March 10, 2009

What year is it?  Calendars and newspapers try their best to convince me it's 2009, but they must be liars.  It feels like the summer of 2003, a summer comprised of backyard bar-be-ques, acoustic guitar sing-alongs, and some of the catchiest, most meaningful pop-punk ever listened to by human ears.  First, Blink 182 decide to go on tour and release a new album this summer, and then New Found Glory create an album like Not Without a Fight.  How am I supposed to believe my eyes, when I can hardly believe my ears?

I wasn't a huge fan of New Found Glory's last two efforts, Catalyst and Coming Home; I missed the hooks and overall poppiness of their older albums.  New Found Glory had matured, and I always equate maturity with darkness and solemnness.  So, news of a new album didn't phase me.  They were starting to remind me of Adam Sandler: abandoning the feel-good attitude of the 90's, and replacing it with mediocrity.  Sandler wanted to get back to his comediac roots and made Don't Mess With the Zohan.  Not Without a Fight is not Zohan. 

Not Without a Fight is good.

The first half of the album is stronger then the later: "Right Where We Left Off" and "Don't Let Her Pull You Down" could both be the next single, following "Listen To Your Friends".  Majority of the songs still focus around girls and relationships, but they say write what you know.  What I've always admired about NFG was how they're able to take heartbreak with a snide smile ("47"), and their ability to create a dichotomy between rigid, punk music and hopeful lyrics ("Truck Stop Blues").  The content is probably more relatable to high school kids, then say, anyone else, but when nostalgia hits, it feels like I'm home.

Complete with crunching guitars and trademark drum fills, Not Without a Fight feels like it was created right after New Found Glory's breakthrough self-titled album.  NWAF is not their best album, but it is pretty comforting to hear something close.  I picture myself wearing my old blue Midtown t-shirt, a pair of overly baggy cargo shorts, my old grey-and-green Puma's, and jumping around with my friends, while rocking out to this blasting through the CD player. Catchy and anthemic, each track is made to be sung at the top of your lungs, windows down and driving fast.   

Not Without a Fight comes out March 10, 2009 on Epitaph Records.

The Search for Radiohead

I'm not one to watch the Grammy’s.  It has become more of a popularity contest rather than an awards ceremony that honors those who have significantly made great strides in the music industry, not to mention that the majority of the artists I listen to are never nominated. Things changed this year, however, when I heard that Radiohead would be performing at the award ceremony.  I was surprised because they are my favorite band ever and confused because in past years, Radiohead have been open about their dislike of the show. Nevertheless, I sat down with my big Radiohead foam finger on Sunday night at 8pm to watch.

Now, the word on the Internets was that Radiohead would be opening the show.  However, when U2 took the stage I figured I would have to wait a while to see my heroes perform.  U2 performed Get on Your Boots which sounded like a pop-punk version of Subterranean Homesick Blues- a lot about humanitarianism, stop the war stuff. You know- Bono-mics.  What was most shocking was when Bono removed his sunglasses and exposed his dirty little secret to the world… he wears eyeliner! 

The first award of the night was presented by a less cracked out but equally as entertaining Whitney Houston. Before she awarded Jennifer Hudson with R&B Album of the Year she made sure to blow kisses to Clive Davis.  As The Rock… I mean Dwayne Johnson walked onto the stage I knew this had to be it! However, to my dismay he was only introducing Justin Timberlake so he could botch a joke about a general store to introduce a performance of himself, Al Green and Keith Urban.  As Al and J.T. falsetto-ed over Keith Urban’s guitar solo I thought “How long am I going to have to sit through this to see Radiohead?” But as Simon Baker walked onto the stage I knew that a group of performing Brits were about to be announced; and I was right. Sadly though, it was only Coldplay.  Chris Martin performed Lost? Or Lost! (?!) alongside Jay-Z.  Martin soon joined his other quasi baroque-rock adorned band mates for a rendition of Viva la Vida.  As Carrie Underwood sang I Don’t Even Know His Last Name, I couldn’t help but think that I had become so detached with popular music that I practically didn’t know anybody’s name at the award show.  After Coldplay accepted their award for Song of the Year, they rightfully apologized to Paul McCartney for recycling the Sgt. Peppers outfits though they did not apologize to Radiohead for recycling The Bends for the first part of their career. Speaking of recycling, Kid Rock performed his trailer-rock version of Werewolves in London.  Though I did not hear any howling of wolves, I think I did hear Warren Zevon rolling in his grave. 

As I started to anxiously pace in anticipation and confusion of Radiohead’s upcoming performance in my room, I was eased by the announcement that coming up would, in fact, be Radiohead. I could breathe easy for a while. Now, I am not the biggest fan of Taylor Swift but I, surprisingly, enjoyed listening to her sing.  Miley Cyrus, on the other hand, left something to be desired.  When approached with the opportunity to perform with Cyrus, Taylor Swift, taking her own advice, should’ve said no. Coldplay won best rock album. Surprise -(yawn). But more important than that was the presenters of the award- a reunited Blink 182 who announced their reunion would go past just tonight and they would, in fact, be “getting-back-together” as they say in the music biz, to make music.  Katy Perry informed us, for the one-millionth time, that she kissed a girl and that she liked it.  Though she subliminally reminded us that she still liked boys by making her entrance on a 30-foot banana that would certainly make the Chiquita Banana lady happy. Another Kanye West sighting as he performed American Boy looking like Lionel Richie alongside Estelle.  Any ceremony wouldn’t be complete without Kanye West complaining about something as he whined that he never won Best New Artist.  I began praying to God to just bring out Radiohead! I thought my prayers were answered when I heard his voice. Well, not God's voice, but Morgan Freeman’s.  I knew only Morgan Freeman could be worthy enough to present Radiohead. Turns out he was only worthy enough to introduce Kenny Chesney. Bathroom break!  

When I returned I found Queen Latifah introducing a  pregnant M.I.A. singing few lines from Paper Planes, or was it a sample from Swagga Like Us? Finally, something worth watching.  Though I am not the biggest hip-hop fan I enjoyed the “Rap-Pack” of Jay-Z, T.I., Kanye West and Lil Wayne. 

As the performance ended I found myself growing weak.  As the minutes passed I could no longer stand it. I was going crazy. Was Radiohead ever going to play or did they remember that they hated the Grammy’s and decide to leave.  I was about to shut off the T.V.  when I saw Gwyneth Paltrow walk out on stage.  She was announcing a performer. I wasn’t really listening to her but all of a sudden I caught a few words that sounded like lyrics from 15 Step, the song that Radiohead was rumored to be performing with the USC marching band. Could it be? The moment I had been waiting for? IT WAS!!!!! As the wall came down and Thom Yorke began to sing my wait was over. Now, it wasn’t the whole band but Thom Yorke and Johnny Greenwood would certainly make do. I can not really remember much of the performance because of the trance-like state I was in, but what I do remember was, dare I say, utterly brilliant!

As the song wrapped up I felt relief throughout my whole body. The wait was over and it was worth it.  The rest of the night was filled with once in a lifetime performances. Paul McCartney and Dave Grohl performing I Saw Her Standing There.  John Mayer, B.B. King, Keith Urban and Buddy Guy paid tribute to Bo-Diddly. But the most shocking of all was Neil Diamond performing a rare Grammy version of Sweet Caroline! I was fortunate enough to catch Robert Plant and Allison Kraus perform a few songs of their album despite my current dazed condition. As I was coming down from my high, the older and blonder Green Day walked to the podium to present Album of the Year.  As the nominees were read and they slowly opened the envelope I just kept repeating one thing… “Not Coldplay. Not Coldplay. NOT COLDPLAY!!!!” As Robert Plant and Allison Krauss were awarded their rightfully deserved Grammy I breathed a sigh of relief; for not only did Coldplay not win but also the three and a half hour ceremony was over.

 As Stevie closed the show I… wondered. Why is it that I, as other lovers of music, have come to find the Grammy’s as the epitome of all that is wrong with music?  Why can we not just accept the fact that maybe its just the way is and we are going to have to get used to it. But I learned something from watching the Grammy’s: it isn’t the Recording Academy that has ruined music.  It is not their fault that good artists do not get recognized. They are not to blame for the devolution of music. The Jonas Brothers are.

A Grammy review is coming, but Blink 182 have announced their reunion, and in my opinion, that is all that matters.

Courtesy of their MySpace:

Hi. We're blink-182. This past week there’ve been a lot of questions about the current status of the band, and we wanted you to hear it straight from us. To put it simply, We're back. We mean, really back. Picking up where we left off and then some. In the studio writing and recording a new album. Preparing to tour the world yet again. Friendships reformed. 17 years deep in our legacy. 

Summer 2009. 

Thanks and get ready...

Lily Allen- It's Not Me, It's You

Album release: February 10, 2009

Lily Allen, I missed you.  I first saw you as a modern day Jessica Rabbit in the music video for the Mark Ronson collaborated cover of "Oh My God," and I fell in love.  I downloaded bought your debut album Alright, Still...and thought you were a pop genius.  Then I heard all these tabloidy-Perez Hilton stories about you, and I defended you.  No, not my Lily!  She can't let the spotlight blind her!  She wouldn't.  She can't let me down!  She's not Britney, she's not Amy (Winehouse, who she's exchanged a few words with)!  She's better then that!

And she is.

Back with her new album, It's Not Me, It's You, Lily couldn't make me happier.  She continues to make great pop songs with meaning, this time experimenting more with electronica and a hint of Americana/country.  She's capable of pulling off catchy pop tunes with a message, something many artists can't imagine, let alone execute.

 There's opening track, "Everyone's At It", calls out hypocrisy and denial when it comes to drug abusage, leaving no one safe in the fray, even herself.  There's first single, "The Fear," is a wake up call to those celebrities who are more famous for their private life, then their career life.  There's even the upbeat political send-off to the former president, "Fuck You".  But, for the avid Lily Allen fan, keep in mind she does get off the soapbox and sing about sex and love and ex's and currents.  

Lily sings about guys who suck in bed ("Not Fair"), guys she's happy about leaving ("I Could Say" and "Never Gonna Happen") and new relationships ("Who'd Have Known").  She sings about God in "Him", and what if He were one of us (thanks, Joan Osbourne).  She reminds us that she's still a daddy's girl in the honky-tonk "He Wasn't There."  She reminds us that she's still as great as ever.

What I love about Lily Allen is that regardless of how raw she comes off, she still seems approachable.  There's one part in "Who'd Have Known" where she sings "And today, you accidently called me baby," and I can't help but smile.  She goes from ripping Bush a new one and putting down all these "celebrities" to coming off as harmless, naive, and innocent.  That's Lily Allen for ya: the pop singer for the anti-Britney fan, the spokeswoman for the unspoken, and the sweetheart with a heart of gold and mouth of a sailor.  I missed you Lily, and I couldn't be happier that you're back.  

It's Not Me, It's You comes out February 10, 2009 on Capitol Records.