I am a notorious as an anti-fan of the majority of the album reviews posted online at Spin Magazine but this is the most articulate and well executed reviews I've ever read.
Couldn't have said it any better myself, and this album is very important and special for me as a huge Jack White fan!
http://www.spin.com/#reviews/jack-white-blunderbuss-columbiathird-man
Epic Moment when I'll see him perform at Lollapalooza this year!!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Allen Stone Live Review
3/5/12 @ Lincoln Hall
I first saw funk/soul singer Allen Stone opening for Jack's Mannequin at the House of Blues in January. I'd never heard of him and a friend recommended that I not miss him as the opener for Jacks. Trusting his opinion, I made it on time.
At first glance, he has a very ecentric style. long curly blond hair, borderline coke bottle glasses and a fedora and a gap tooth smile. I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised, he was very crowd pleasing and charasmatic. Everyone was snapping, & clapping along, he really charmed the whole room, with his stage presence and pure joy and love for the art of soul music. He really appreciated the heart and soul that represented Chicago and House of Blues and wanted to do it well. His songs and arrangments would appeal to both young and older audiences, and it appeared they were already familar with him shouting ''play Unaware''
I found out later Unaware is an acoustic slow jam very different from the jazzy funk foot tapping beats of the songs he played in his set. I left with a rare feeling that I didn't want the set to end and for an opener that's very rare. and as an opener he accomplised the goal of getting the crowd ''ready'' and pumped to see the
I had to see this man again by himself when he had an entire set to play with.
For the first time in my music loving ticket buying world I won tickets to a sold out show via Facebook/Lincoln Hall.
It was a Monday night Allen Stone was nothing short of perfection, he did a cover of Marcy Playground's Sex & Candy that blew me away. Why hadn't someone made a soulful acoustic arrangment before? for the more funky songs you could tell the band were a tight knit group. During his acoustic sets he gave short charming aneodotes and told us stories about his upbringing and what he learned while going to school and traveling.
Allen even did a YouTube video series of playing in his mother's living room. A minister's son from Seattle, he comes from very humble beginnings but blessed with a unmeasurable amount of range and natural raw talent. Every vocal run and choice comes from the moment and isn't forced or planned. After the end of the set he waited at the merch table and greeted every single fan and took pictures and talked with everybody and it was a sold out show. He's simply amazing.
I first saw funk/soul singer Allen Stone opening for Jack's Mannequin at the House of Blues in January. I'd never heard of him and a friend recommended that I not miss him as the opener for Jacks. Trusting his opinion, I made it on time.
At first glance, he has a very ecentric style. long curly blond hair, borderline coke bottle glasses and a fedora and a gap tooth smile. I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised, he was very crowd pleasing and charasmatic. Everyone was snapping, & clapping along, he really charmed the whole room, with his stage presence and pure joy and love for the art of soul music. He really appreciated the heart and soul that represented Chicago and House of Blues and wanted to do it well. His songs and arrangments would appeal to both young and older audiences, and it appeared they were already familar with him shouting ''play Unaware''
I found out later Unaware is an acoustic slow jam very different from the jazzy funk foot tapping beats of the songs he played in his set. I left with a rare feeling that I didn't want the set to end and for an opener that's very rare. and as an opener he accomplised the goal of getting the crowd ''ready'' and pumped to see the
I had to see this man again by himself when he had an entire set to play with.
For the first time in my music loving ticket buying world I won tickets to a sold out show via Facebook/Lincoln Hall.
It was a Monday night Allen Stone was nothing short of perfection, he did a cover of Marcy Playground's Sex & Candy that blew me away. Why hadn't someone made a soulful acoustic arrangment before? for the more funky songs you could tell the band were a tight knit group. During his acoustic sets he gave short charming aneodotes and told us stories about his upbringing and what he learned while going to school and traveling.
Allen even did a YouTube video series of playing in his mother's living room. A minister's son from Seattle, he comes from very humble beginnings but blessed with a unmeasurable amount of range and natural raw talent. Every vocal run and choice comes from the moment and isn't forced or planned. After the end of the set he waited at the merch table and greeted every single fan and took pictures and talked with everybody and it was a sold out show. He's simply amazing.
Alabama Shakes live review
3/9/12 Lincoln Hall
Alabama Shakes have gained a lot of attention, press, & admiration before their debut album Boys & Girls was even released!
I first heard the band when they're video for You Ain't Alone on MTV2 one morning while getting ready for work, and I was excited about the bluesy, southern soul sound I think the music industry is missing at the current moment.
Even more surprised to find out that the lead singer was in fact a woman, at first listen I was sure it was a man. (a younger version of an Otis Redding or Al Green). I would hesistate to say that the vocals bring in the intial interest of fans and until you see them live you realize what a cohesive sound/group they present
The range of the vocals was also what impressed me the most from baratone low, to screeching high and with emotion I've rarely seen from artists of this time. I had to see them live and to determine for myself if this band was worth all of the hype.
The Verdict? Yes and No.
I actually had the good fotune to be very front row touching the stage, gazing in awe of the magic I witnessed. But I left somehow disappointed that as a new band, they weren't interacting as much with the fans as I would of liked. Fans already seemed to ''know'' Brittany Howard chanting her name and encouraging her every vocal shift. & the drummer, bassist and guitarist seemed to be having fun, but maybe they were just ''in the zone'' where it's hard to present yourself as accessible to the audience while in the moment.
Or maybe all the press they received has gotten to their heads.. Would their be a successful band without Brittany? Drummer Steve Johnson and lead vocalist Brittany had met some years ago in a record store while both in other bands punk & rock so I suppose the progression into blues was a product of geography and upbringing in Athens, GA and the influence of the additional members individual style.
See a more indepth article about the back story and composition of the band here from Spinner:
http://www.spinner.com/2012/03/27/alabama-shakes-stevie-johnson-interview/
Of course only time will tell. But I cannot stress enough, that a band is nothing without their fans, a fact that artists no matter how talented or accomplished should never forget
Alabama Shakes have gained a lot of attention, press, & admiration before their debut album Boys & Girls was even released!
I first heard the band when they're video for You Ain't Alone on MTV2 one morning while getting ready for work, and I was excited about the bluesy, southern soul sound I think the music industry is missing at the current moment.
Even more surprised to find out that the lead singer was in fact a woman, at first listen I was sure it was a man. (a younger version of an Otis Redding or Al Green). I would hesistate to say that the vocals bring in the intial interest of fans and until you see them live you realize what a cohesive sound/group they present
The range of the vocals was also what impressed me the most from baratone low, to screeching high and with emotion I've rarely seen from artists of this time. I had to see them live and to determine for myself if this band was worth all of the hype.
The Verdict? Yes and No.
I actually had the good fotune to be very front row touching the stage, gazing in awe of the magic I witnessed. But I left somehow disappointed that as a new band, they weren't interacting as much with the fans as I would of liked. Fans already seemed to ''know'' Brittany Howard chanting her name and encouraging her every vocal shift. & the drummer, bassist and guitarist seemed to be having fun, but maybe they were just ''in the zone'' where it's hard to present yourself as accessible to the audience while in the moment.
Or maybe all the press they received has gotten to their heads.. Would their be a successful band without Brittany? Drummer Steve Johnson and lead vocalist Brittany had met some years ago in a record store while both in other bands punk & rock so I suppose the progression into blues was a product of geography and upbringing in Athens, GA and the influence of the additional members individual style.
See a more indepth article about the back story and composition of the band here from Spinner:
http://www.spinner.com/2012/03/27/alabama-shakes-stevie-johnson-interview/
Of course only time will tell. But I cannot stress enough, that a band is nothing without their fans, a fact that artists no matter how talented or accomplished should never forget
Monday, April 2, 2012
Playlist: Shades of Grey
This playlist (or a variation) is also listed on Spotify.
It's called Shades of Grey because music is also my therapy this playlist is a bit dark & cloudy with some sunny spots mixed in:)
Hope you like it!
Dirty Ghosts-Ropes That Way-- Dirty Ghosts are a strong all female band, with the lead singer remniscent of a younger Karen O. or Joan Jett, with catchy beats and chorus every time
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvgkQK4sADg
Yuna-Come as you are (cover)-- I normally frown up on Nirvana covers, but this one is undeniably sexy! and breaks down the lyrics and conveys the true sense of longing and desire of the subject.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0dwfRt8LcI
Dirty Ghosts-Shout it in
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvUHlxWeiyk
Childish Gambino-Heartbeat--It's difficult for me to differentiate between Donald Glover the actor better known as Troy on the show Community. His lyrics are sharp and on point no doubt but they're almost too raw and forced, because he knows he has something to prove and street cred to gain?
► 3:23► 3:23www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONsTnobkeys
Blouse-Into Black--Blouse reminds of me the xx's moody, meloncholy, whispery lead voclas and electronic beats-- combines all of my favorite things in just the right way.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwvflpqOb5M
Hurricane Bells-Possibilities-- the first line of the lyrics get me every time, and the guitar playing has an unique high def sound. It should be on a soundtrack somewhere soon
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K8oEOxb7pU
Films of Colour-Running
soundcloud.com/interludemusic/films-of-colour-runningCached
Swim Deep-King City--the video is the best part! just a bunch of goofy guys having fun. Can't lose.
► 4:21► 4:21www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATxs0N_DFTw
Beach House-Myth (new song)-- This single, from their new second album has the dreamy melodies fans have come to expect but they're verses and chorus are much less abstract and easier to follow and understand. You can tell the production on this track is more thought out and higher quality than anything previously released.. But as a band I think there is still room for growth.
stereogum.com/969951/beach-house-myth/mp3s/Cached
Polica-
In a time where music now embraces the auto-tune in several different genres- Polica does it with flare and purpose, on two different tracks featuring Mike Noyce, both sexy and enduring loungey although I wondered how this heavily produced sound would translate live, their recent appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon should help them get a wider fan base. But the lead singer needs to work on her her spastic stage presence, it's quite awkward & distracting)
http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2012/4/26/watch-polica-leading-to-death-live-on-fallon.html
College & Electric Youth-- Taken from the soundtrack of the movie Drive, I think this track was definiitely misused and taken from another an earlier decade, (80's inspired for sure) but I respect College as a band, they are trying to bring back a genre and redefine it in their own way.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DSVDcw6iW8
Crocodiles-Jet Boy Jet Girl -- controvesial lyrics, but very snappy
► 5:33► 5:33www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aO_Bp7qxSA
Anya Marina You are Invisible www.youtube.com/watch?v=TX-YkXMXvKg
Compared to her first album and the track she released on the Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack it's less tortured soul ''just went through a breakup'' sounding and more empowered message, beat & hook based with a raspy strong lyrics simliar to that of Duffy or Kelly Clarkson. Flinty is also a track I recommend, I think she's growing at a pace in which we will soon see her headlining her own shows by next year. (Currently she's on tour with Eric Hutchinson--odd pair if you ask me his acoustic pop )
Best Coast-The Only Place (new song)
stereogum.com/985591/best-coast-the-only-place/mp3s
It's called Shades of Grey because music is also my therapy this playlist is a bit dark & cloudy with some sunny spots mixed in:)
Hope you like it!
Dirty Ghosts-Ropes That Way-- Dirty Ghosts are a strong all female band, with the lead singer remniscent of a younger Karen O. or Joan Jett, with catchy beats and chorus every time
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvgkQK4sADg
Yuna-Come as you are (cover)-- I normally frown up on Nirvana covers, but this one is undeniably sexy! and breaks down the lyrics and conveys the true sense of longing and desire of the subject.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0dwfRt8LcI
Dirty Ghosts-Shout it in
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvUHlxWeiyk
Childish Gambino-Heartbeat--It's difficult for me to differentiate between Donald Glover the actor better known as Troy on the show Community. His lyrics are sharp and on point no doubt but they're almost too raw and forced, because he knows he has something to prove and street cred to gain?
► 3:23► 3:23www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONsTnobkeys
Blouse-Into Black--Blouse reminds of me the xx's moody, meloncholy, whispery lead voclas and electronic beats-- combines all of my favorite things in just the right way.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwvflpqOb5M
Hurricane Bells-Possibilities-- the first line of the lyrics get me every time, and the guitar playing has an unique high def sound. It should be on a soundtrack somewhere soon
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K8oEOxb7pU
Films of Colour-Running
soundcloud.com/interludemusic/films-of-colour-runningCached
Swim Deep-King City--the video is the best part! just a bunch of goofy guys having fun. Can't lose.
► 4:21► 4:21www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATxs0N_DFTw
Beach House-Myth (new song)-- This single, from their new second album has the dreamy melodies fans have come to expect but they're verses and chorus are much less abstract and easier to follow and understand. You can tell the production on this track is more thought out and higher quality than anything previously released.. But as a band I think there is still room for growth.
stereogum.com/969951/beach-house-myth/mp3s/Cached
Polica-
In a time where music now embraces the auto-tune in several different genres- Polica does it with flare and purpose, on two different tracks featuring Mike Noyce, both sexy and enduring loungey although I wondered how this heavily produced sound would translate live, their recent appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon should help them get a wider fan base. But the lead singer needs to work on her her spastic stage presence, it's quite awkward & distracting)
http://www.somekindofawesome.com/journal/2012/4/26/watch-polica-leading-to-death-live-on-fallon.html
College & Electric Youth-- Taken from the soundtrack of the movie Drive, I think this track was definiitely misused and taken from another an earlier decade, (80's inspired for sure) but I respect College as a band, they are trying to bring back a genre and redefine it in their own way.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DSVDcw6iW8
Crocodiles-Jet Boy Jet Girl -- controvesial lyrics, but very snappy
► 5:33► 5:33www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aO_Bp7qxSA
Anya Marina You are Invisible www.youtube.com/watch?v=TX-YkXMXvKg
Compared to her first album and the track she released on the Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack it's less tortured soul ''just went through a breakup'' sounding and more empowered message, beat & hook based with a raspy strong lyrics simliar to that of Duffy or Kelly Clarkson. Flinty is also a track I recommend, I think she's growing at a pace in which we will soon see her headlining her own shows by next year. (Currently she's on tour with Eric Hutchinson--odd pair if you ask me his acoustic pop )
Best Coast-The Only Place (new song)
stereogum.com/985591/best-coast-the-only-place/mp3s
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