The Swell Season - "Strict Joy"

"Strict Joy" was truly a treat to listen to... I can't recall having ever described an album in such a way before, but this music is absolutely beautiful.

The two artists, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, are both extremely talented. Throughout the album, both musicians sing and play multiple instruments. Their voices harmonize together very nicely, and I was pleased to hear some fairly uncommon instruments (compared to most music these days at least) - I think I even heard a zither or a similar instrument at one point.

The Swell Season's music is slightly reminiscent of Snow Patrol on some tracks. Overall, think along the lines of Damien Rice (especially on his tracks w/ Lisa Hannigan) and you'll have an idea of the genre. But maybe it's just the whole Irish thing going? Apparently, the Irish make some damn good heartfelt music.

This duo has an interesting back story too. If you've ever seen the movie "Once", I think that most of the soundtrack consists of music by these two, and I also think that the movie is about a couple. I've never seen the movie though, so I couldn't tell you. Anyway, I guess Hansard and Irglová dated for a while, then broke up, but still make music together. It makes the album a little more interesting, especially since I think it was made post break-up. I really don't know anything about that except that it's what I read online after I had listened to the album and I thought it was worth mentioning.

My main point: this album is phenomenal. You should get your hands on it for sure and let me know what you think after you take a listen.

My vote: 4.5 stars
My favorite tracks: "In These Arms" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UnwvI5Atwk&feature=PlayList&p=200C20BD5A1DA5F9&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=15 & "High Horses" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q95R10IgX-Y & "Two Tongues" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCb75fiysrM

Pete Yorn - "Musicforthemorningafter"

Pete Yorn's voice is amazing. It really doesn't take too much more than that to make a great album. Yeah yeah, of course I consider the lyrics and the actual music that he's singing to. But with a great voice, you can spice up a dull song. Though, Yorn's songs are far from dull to begin with.

Yorn uses a couple tricks and effects for his music right from the get-go on Musicforthemorningafter... which just makes it all the more fun. Tracks on this album cover a reasonably large range; the songs vary from upbeat and happy tracks, to ones oozing with so much sorrow and pain that you can actually hear it in Yorn's voice. I'm quite the sucker for depressing music so I get a little treat at some points. Don't worry though, this isn't an album that you'll be crying through. There are definitely enough changes in mood to keep you listening and happy.

I can't help but wonder about the album title...and I've concluded that this music may actually be good for the morning after. I've listed a couple of my favorite tracks below, but really every track on Musicforthemorningafter is great music. This is one of those albums that I liked on the first listen...and it hasn't gotten old either. I've had it for a couple of years now and still love listening to it. Basically...I HIGHLY recommend this one.

My vote: 4.5 stars
My favorite tracks: "Lose You" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyUXLzKWxLs & "For Nancy" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9AG0ltjkA0 & "A Girl Like You" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NF9ctxsjBPk

Mos Def - "The Ecstatic"

Frankly, this album irked me a bit. I'm all for alternative hip-hop, but I feel like Mos Def took it a little too far on this one. To be able to pull of 80s beats, sampled beats from Indian music, and songs in Spanish all in the same album is a bit far-fetched. Even so, it's not exactly the instrumentals that bother me on this album.

I actually enjoy all of the beats on this album...definitely some awesome producers on these tracks (i.e. Madlib and J. Dilla). I just don't really appreciate how they're mixed yet, and how Mos Def handles each one. His flow is very unique, and many of these beats don't compliment it. It even sounds like he's off-beat in some instances. That's not always a bad thing, but it did strike me in the wrong way this time.

If you listen to the tracks that I've chosen as my favorites, you'll see that they're not far off from old school Mos Def. Probably an indicator of my overall sentiment.

I'll give my honest opinion: Mos Def's music has been subpar (for my standards at least) since he left Rawkus. I mean, if you've ever seen Brown Sugar, you'll know what I'm talking about...Rawkus keeps it real... true hip-hop without any of the extra fuss tacked on. I'm not trying to hate on experimenting with different sounds, but I'm not feelin' the new sounds that he's got going on this album. Really though, I think Mos has been off a bit since his album "The New Danger". This album is a pretty significant improvement from that one.

As a parting note, I will say that I think this is the type of album that will grow on you after listening many times through. I've only listened to it a couple of times, but I think there is some promise for future days. I understand what Mos was trying to do here. He's been out of the game for a while and NEEDED to come back with a strong release after crashing and burning on "The New Danger". He wanted to bring a fresh, but familiar, sound. Anyway, I'll come back and update my opinion as necessary after listening to "The Ecstatic" some more.

My vote: 2.5 stars
My favorite tracks: "History" ft. Talib Kweli - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdqG6EfOe6g & "Auditorium" ft. Slick Rick - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UT-hYXqTN38 & "Priority" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkUs13bIBao

Saul Williams - "Amethyst Rock Star"

Saul Williams speaks the truth, and you've gotta respect him for that. "Amethyst Rock Star" features a bunch of William's spoken word tracks set to some rockin' beats (literally).

If you're into rap for the artistic nature of it, then you'll appreciate this album, regardless of whether you end up hating or loving it. Williams successfully satisfies the inner-poet in hip-hop heads with this one. The man's words stimulate intellectual thought...can't say that about most artists nowadays, sadly.

I'm not quite sold on the instrumentals on this album though. I suppose I'm not really listening to it for the music, but rather the poetry. I haven't listened to his other album releases yet, but hopefully they feature slightly more interesting beats (just as long as they don't take away from the lyrics).

Williams' complex lyricism cannot be matched by anyone I've heard, as of late. Alliteration, consonance, metaphor, simile - all part of Williams' arsenal. I'm pretty sure he's used every sort of poetic trick that exists for anyone to have up their sleeve. Then again, I'm not poetic enough to know that for sure. I am, however, fairly sure that most people would find it nearly impossible to decipher what Williams actually means with many of his slams.

"Amethyst Rock Star" provides a fresh and reassuring alternative to pretty much any type of music that most people listen to, be it mainstream radio, underground hip-hop, or indie rock. Worth a listen for sure, but try not to let the music take away from the art. Realize it for what it is, and you'll at least semi-approve. Listen to it for the musicality, and you'll be disappointed.

My vote: 2.5 stars
My favorite tracks: "Tao of Now" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRN9YTXEXkU & "Untimely Meditations" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMOVrVS75cM

Mr Hudson - "A Tale of Two Cities"

I heard of Mr Hudson thanks to my brother, who downloaded the upcoming album and said he thought I'd enjoy it. So...I did a bit of research for myself and found Mr Hudson's older album, "A Tale of Two Cities". Glad I took a listen!

As you'll be able to tell through his ridiculously thick accent and use of funny words, Mr Hudson is a British musician that I can't quite put under any one particular genre. Vocals resemble Coldplay on some tracks - especially "Upon the Heath", and the Kooks on others. It may just be that I can't differentiate one British band from another, but that would be my two cents if you want to know what you're getting yourself into. Pretty much, if you took the sounds of Coldplay and the Kooks and put them looped to some simple drum beats to accent the bass and piano notes, you'd get Mr Hudson.

Oh, another interesting point that I haven't mentioned yet - I notice that everywhere I search Mr Hudson online, they all come up with no period (".") after the Mr part...just something to note.

To listen to this whole album, check out Mr Hudson's myspace page. Like I mentioned before, he's coming out with a new mixtape/album titled "Straight No Chaser" featuring the likes of many famous American artists (check out "Supernova" ft. Kanye West). For now, Mr Hudson gets my rave review.

My vote: 4 stars
My favorite track:
"Bread & Roses" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga4aX00fy9k&feature=related,
"2x2" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdjlxsdWsik&feature=related &
"Upon the Heath" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtEumm88SI0

Ratatat - "LP3"

It looks like you can certainly count on Ratatat to create some innovative music. Talk about instrumentation! I was quite impressed to hear a harpsichord on the track "Dura". I rather like the new spin they put on ridiculously old sounds. Does anyone even produce harpsichords anymore?

The rest of the tracks on this CD are same old, same old for Ratatat. Good, but don't stand out too much in the crowd. All in all, this is an okay album.

For what it's worth, Ratatat did a better job on their CD "Classics". Maybe that's why it has such a ballsy album title? Just food for thought.

I would recommend checking that one out if you're just starting to listen to Ratatat. However, if you're a long-time Ratatat fan, give "LP3" a listen and make your own decision.

My vote: 3
My favorite track: "Dura" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9huLvX63Uf4

Slowing it Down...

One of my rules of thumb is to never give up. Although, I know impossible when I see it, and I've realized that it's pretty much impossible for me to blog a review on a new CD everyday... mostly because I don't have time to listen to a new CD everyday. At least not right now. Soon enough, my friends, soon enough.

Look out for a new post within the next few days. Until then, you'll just have to try to find some other source for satisfaction ;)

Matt Costa - "Unfamiliar Faces"

VERY. GOOD. ALBUM.

When most people hear the name Matt Costa, they think simply of "that guy who opened for Jack Johnson". Admittedly, I thought of him that way for quite some time, but now actually consider him to be his own person.

Costa keeps getting better and better, both live and recorded. Seeing him perform live is a treat, as he's unmistakably an alcoholic and is always drunk at his shows... I love it!

Costa's music has been amusing from the very beginning. Yes, he only has two albums, but both are well put-together. Many of his tracks are playful and sound like songs from childhood (listen to "Mr. Pitiful" and "Miss Magnolia" on this album...you'll see what I mean). There's a great balance between upbeat and downbeat songs on "Unfamiliar Faces". Just enough variety to cheer me up when I'm starting to feel mildly depressed :)

I have several favorites on this CD, and enjoy almost every song. I think "Miss Magnolia" tops the list with its old school tune though. Sounds like something my parents would listen to.

I'm eagerly awaiting Costa's next album, if you couldn't tell.

My vote: 4 stars
My favorite tracks: "Never Looking Back" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgPvPLTQSwM&feature=PlayList&p=D13160DC277710B9&index=0&playnext=1 & "Vienna" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JUzf433NPw & "Miss Magnolia" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgLp04qc3yY

MSTRKRFT - "Fist of God"

This album was my introduction to MSTRKFT. This music definitely makes me feel like I have A.D.D. Not necessarily a bad thing, but I surely wouldn't recommend "Fist of God" as study music.

On first listen, I would say this album sounds like a harder-hitting Daft Punk with a little bit of rap flavor questionably mixed in. The album features many interesting collaborations with well-known rappers such as N.O.R.E. (formerly Noriega), E-40, Lil' Mo, and Ghostface Killah. I think MSTRKRFT could've picked a bit better in terms of choosing artists that match the mood/beat of the music. I commend the effort to mix genres nonetheless.

"Bounce" is probably the most radio-ready song on the album and sets you in a party atmosphere with N.O.R.E. as your MC. This was really the only collaboration on the CD that I thought to work out decently. I also particularly enjoy "1000 Cigarettes" because it is one of the few instrumental songs that actually allows MSTRKRFT to show off their skill without a bellowing voice to ruin it all.

MSTRKRFT did do a great job on mixing the CD though, as the transitions from song to song seem to be nearly flawless. On the other hand, this makes it difficult to remember which tracks you like! But it does give the album more of a club feel.

So, hopefully you realize that you can choose to completely disregard what I'm about to say because I really don't have any musical talent, but only an ear for music that I consider to be "good"...

To become a great artist, MSTRKRFT needs to diversify their beats more, break off to their own unique sound so that they aren't completely reminiscent of Daft Punk (because they're easily mistaken as such), and find better matches in style for collaborations. THEN, I will take a serious listen to what they've got goin' on. For now, "Fist of God" will do and does have its highlights.

My vote: 2.5 stars
My favorite tracks: "1000 Cigarettes" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ap286UhKQVo & "Bounce" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USF4z9w-V_U&feature=related

Owl City - "Ocean Eyes"

I first heard Owl City's song "Fireflies" on the radio, and then looked them up as soon as I came home. I think the best way to describe this music is as Hellogoodbye meets Postal Service meets Jack's Mannequin. Pretty teen-pop sounding, but the seriously Nintendo-sounding electronica (probably coming from a Casio beat-machine) make the CD slightly more acceptable to be listening to once over the age of 15.

Regardless, I did take a listen and found their music to be amusing. Not to mention, the album cover photo of Dubai caught my eye as well. "Ocean Eyes" is Owl City's first full-length album, as I understand it. They had previously released a couple of EP's.

Owl City has potential, and could easily transition to more mature music by writing more sophisticated lyrics. I think that, paired with a few new whistles and horns, could really clean up their sound and make them more marketable to the older crowd. Although, I guess artists target certain audiences...the teen girl one isn't too bad of a market, considering the kids have their parents to buy them everything they want.

All in all, Owl City is nothing too exceptional, but is surely a fun listen every now and then.

My vote: 2.5 stars
My favorite track: "Fireflies" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI4JLa0hbUw

Zion I & Grouch - "Heroes in the City of Dope"

I just want to lay something out there for ya'll who don't dig the hip-hop scene, and therefore aren't familiar with Zion I (DJ AmpLive + Zumbi) & the Grouch. Despite what the album cover may look like to you, these dudes don't lay fat beats with meaningless lyrics like so many of the lame rappers these days do. Just thought to clarify before you turn your anti-rap radar on if you have one. Don't take that too personally.

If you know me, you know I'm always up for a heated "hip-hop" vs. "rap" discussion. I think it's important to break down the popular (mis)conceptions that always seem to leave out the fact that subcategories, in fact, exist in this genre. I listen to anything that has substance, either instrumentally, lyrically, or preferably both. It doesn't matter what title people want to give it- if it's good, it's good. Anyway, I'll leave it at that.

Zion I & Grouch always make for good partners in crime. The trio are all Bay Area rappers and sometimes dabble in "Bay rap" or "hyphy" music. They manage to keep their style for sure, but you'll notice the "hyphy" influence in some of their tracks even though it's fairly subtle on this album.

AmpLive keeps the beats sweet and simple on this album. Grouch and Zumbi flow in styles different enough to keep things fresh, but similar enough to compliment each other. Some tracks feature just one of the two MCs, while others have alternating verses with Grouch and Zumbi layin' it down.

My favorite track on this album, "Trigger", has some serious bass to it. I just can't seem to get the song out of my head. This is definitely a track you want to BUMP on a nice stereo system. The hook (chorus, for those of you who don't know the lingo) is tight and is different than any other song I've heard from Zion I & Grouch. I'm not usually one to play songs more than twice a day, but I've listened to this song at least 6 times today and would love to listen to it again.

I'm sure that seeing some of these tracks performed live probably contributes to my appreciation for the album. If you dig this stuff after taking a listen, make sure to check out Zion I and Grouch separately, since this is really just a collaborative album. Grouch has several solo albums, and is also a member of the Living Legends...another dope hip-hop group.

My vote: 3.5 stars
My favorite track: "Trigger" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHAxAQESeVw

A Fine Frenzy - "Bomb in a Birdcage"

Me gusta. Unlike girls singing reggae music, I am starting to enjoy girls singing alternative/singer-songwriter type of songs quite a bit.

I don't know all too much about A Fine Frenzy, but she's got a nice voice and a style that is different enough from other artists so as to catch my ear. She's having a show in Sacramento this November at this little place I like called the Boardwalk. Given the size of the place she's performing at, I'm guessing she's just starting the trek on her road up to the big time.

If I could think of an artist to compare A Fine Frenzy to, I would tell you. But right now, no one comes to mind. Some of her music is a bit more upbeat than that of the Tristan Prettyman's and Ingrid Michaelson's of the world. Maybe think Michelle Branch, but less radio pop sounding and more real. How about you just listen for yourself and then you can choose?

I especially enjoy the song "Electric Twist". This track puts a creative spin on the album that deviates from the rather standard guitar and piano playing fun (although that stuff is good too). The beat is catchy and it's really just a fun song. Check out A Fine Frenzy for sure.

My vote: 4 stars
My favorite track: "Electric Twist" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TT69Y8uxWUI

Groundation - "Here I Am"

I would have never guessed that anything so roots-reggae sounding could come from a group of nerdy-looking white guys with gnarly beards! Groundation is a (somewhat) local group from the San Jose area, if I'm not mistaken. Their music qualifies as what most would consider to simply be reggae, but it really throws in a bit of funky jazz fusion and dub into the mix too.

This album came out earlier this year and slipped under my radar, so I'm just listening to it now for the first time through. So far, I'd say it's not as good as their past album "Hebron Gate" - which is just one of many that they've released. I guess I lied when I said I would only review albums I liked....

It's not that I *dislike* this CD per se, but I think they have more potential than they show with this set of songs. I am particularly drawn to the instrumental interlude parts of songs that are loaded with some sick trumpet-solos. I think that this album could be better with some more changes in mood. Reggae isn't supposed to sound all the same. Common features, yes, but using beats that sound similar to eachother that you can't differentiate them is not a good thing.

There is one other thing that truly irks me about this album. Call me sexist, but apparently I really don't like women singing reggae. I'm not even sure who the woman singing on this CD is, but I just know I don't enjoy it at all. Even though she wasn't on every track, it still bothered me enough to knock the rating a little bit.

My vote: 2.5 stars
My favorite track: "By All Means" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uz1wi6SK0P8

Cafe Tacuba - "Cuatro Caminos"

I think Cafe Tacuba actually kind of sounds like the Smashing Pumpkins of Spanish rock (Rock en Español, if you prefer). Could be just the voice resembling Billy Corgan's style at times, though.

There's a good variety of music-types on this album, slow, fast, fast, slow, medium? Whatever. My point is, Cafe Tacuba shows off their musicality on this album by covering a large portion of the musical spectrum. This comes through on the instrumentals as well as the vocal-style on each track. And, I'm willing to guess that the lyrics probably show the same trend if you listen closely enough.

This album is decent sounding...not great, but not bad. A bit different than your standard pop-sounding music that usually hits the music scene in the U.S. I, personally, tend to like their style on the slower songs more than their sound on the fast-tempo ones.

My vote: 3
My favorite track: "Eres" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZDbdxNpK_0

Monsters of Folk - "Monsters of Folk"

Monsters of Folk... seems like their name says enough, no? This band consists of a few well-known folk artists: Conor Oberst & Mike Mogus (of Bright Eyes) and M. Ward & Jim James (of My Morning Jacket). This album is their first formally recorded collaboration, although they often perform together. So, basically if you're a fan of Bright Eyes or My Morning Jacket, logic would lead me to believe that you will enjoy tunes by Monsters of Folk.

In my opinion, each track sounds distinctly like a Bright Eyes one or a My Morning Jacket one. Which, thankfully, works out well for me since I like both bands. The only major difference I can hear is that Oberst is slightly less whiny-sounding than he is on Bright Eyes albums. This results in a somewhat more cheerful overall vibe.

I think it would be safe to say that if you don't like folk music, you probably won't like this album. If you do, however, then it's a great one. And if you *really* enjoy it after listening, Monsters of Folk is actually having a concert in Oakland at the Fox Theatre - look into it if you're interested.

My vote: 4 stars
My favorite tracks: "The Right Place" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnL96oSKVSc and "Map of the World" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uS4uNzffHPk&feature=related

Kid Cudi - "Man on the Moon: The End of Day"

I'm not often one to enjoy what some might call "mainstream" rap, but Kid Cudi's new album is pretty dope. I'm guessing my keen interest in this album spawns from his awesome collaboration with Ratatat and MGMT ("Pursuit of Happiness") as well as his second collabo with just Ratatat ("Alive").

These two tracks are nothing short of fantastic. "Pursuit of Happiness" has MGMT and Ratatat written all over it; their unique sounds take over the chorus and the beat respectively. This track is sure to please all fans of any of the three artists involved. On "Alive", Cudi delivers his smooth, sing-songy flow over Ratatat's heavy-electronic sounds. Don't get me wrong, there are definitely a couple of other tracks on the CD that Cudi shines by himself on too.

"Man on the Moon" boasts several songs meant for those who enjoy nature (*cough cough*). Whether or not you partake in such activities, the album is worth looking into. You'll find a few tracks to groove to regardless.

My vote: 3.5 stars
My favorite tracks: "Alive" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Purub08zwJI and
"Pursuit of Happiness" -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXFeEMf_NQY&feature=related

The Black Keys - "Attack & Release"

Let me just start this off by saying that if you've never listened to the Black Keys, I feel sorry for you. Hopefully after reading this you'll take a listen to the track I've linked and fall in love.

The Keys have an eclectic sound that combines elements from blues, funk, jazz, hard rock, folk, and indie rock all topped off by raspy (and sometimes synthesized) vocals from Dan Auerbach. And I must say, they do it with style. This album is great for listening to when you just want to chill out.

"Attack & Release" is definitely worth listening to, and I'll even go a step further and say that you should for sure snag a copy of it one way or another. Some of the songs on the album lean a little bit more towards the softer sounding side in comparison to older Keys albums. Either way, the change is refreshing.

My vote: 4 stars.
My favorite track: "So He Won't Break" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdc1w8ypfVE

Off to See the Wizard...

I guess I would be the Wizard? Not sure on that. Anyway, I figured I would take this first post to explain exactly what you can expect out of this blog. I was sitting on the Quad today watching a band (The Stone Foxes) perform. The first thing I thought of was that they sounded almost exactly like The Black Keys. Coincidently, I just got a hold of The Keys' newest album "Attack & Release" and have listened to it almost everyday since. I've been raving to friends about this CD and thought that I really do such things quite often. Combining this with my love to give music recommendations to everyone and anyone willing to take them, I decided that I would start a blog.

Now I'm hoping that I'm able to post one album each day on here...and only ones that I enjoyed listening to. Yes, this may be a little bit ambitious but I'll try my best. Basically, you can follow me along and see which artists I've been diggin' lately. At the end of each "review", I'll rate the album between 0 and 5 stars, give you the name of my favorite song, and link a youtube clip (if I can) so that you can listen for yourself.

Consider this my online music recommendation pool - I hope you take a dive in! Happy listening :)