tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47900003479433069202024-03-13T12:56:13.319-06:00Sell the LieSell the Lie is an MP3 music blog with a focus on alternative music.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-11831030394388808122008-06-04T21:05:00.002-06:002008-06-05T00:48:51.844-06:00Review: Mason Jennings - In the Ever<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SENUFj6eyWI/AAAAAAAAANk/IjIZJAv-JP4/s1600-h/intheever.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SENUFj6eyWI/AAAAAAAAANk/IjIZJAv-JP4/s320/intheever.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207098048687032674" border="0" /></a><br />There's something about the combination of Mason's stripped down, acoustic-driven music, soulful lyrics and vocal delivery that has attracted me to his music since my first listen. He hooked me hard enough with Sorry Signs on Cash Machines that I ended up buying up his entire back catalog in a about a weeks time back when I really had no business buying more than a CD or two a month.<br /><br />Each album saw Mason grow and experiment a bit more without ever losing touch of what he truly is - a singer songwriter with a knack for telling stories anyone can relate with. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boneclouds-Mason-Jennings/dp/B000F8O48G/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1212376268&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">Boneclouds</span></a> felt like the attempt to bring Mason to the masses, but for one reason or another it fell short. To this day it's probably my favorite album in Mason's catalog but it seems it wasn't poppy, slick or accessible enough to bring him to the "next level".<br /><br />Personally, I'm happy that Mason didn't quite make it. I wish Mason the best and all, but I'm not sure I could stand to have Mason worshiped like, say, Jack Johnson. I like Jack but it can get on my nerves when 15 year old cheerleaders are listening to JJ one second, then to Gwen Stefani the next. There's something quite wrong with that transition in my mind.<br /><br />Now, to the review...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ever-Mason-Jennings/dp/B0017V7HUM/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1212376418&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">In the Ever</span></a> is Mason's latest release and his first on Brushfire Records. With this album, his second that hasn't been self-released, we see Mason take a step back from what we heard on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boneclouds-Mason-Jennings/dp/B000F8O48G/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1212376268&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">Boneclouds</span></a>. Gone is the lush, full band sound that has slowly been building with each previous release. Instead we find Mason stripping it down to the basics for one of his rawest-sounding releases yet.<br /><br />I'll admit, at first listen I was very disappointed with the album. I fell in love with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boneclouds-Mason-Jennings/dp/B000F8O48G/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1212376268&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">Boneclouds</span></a> because of the exquisite songwriting and that full band sound I'd been waiting for. I was expecting much of the same, especially after hearing Fighter Girl.<br /><br />After a few listens I let go of my prior expectations and let myself listen to what the album was rather than what I wanted it to be. Once I took these steps I was quite pleased with what I heard. I found an album that is quite possibly Mason's most personal and features his strongest lyrical content to date.<br /><br />A few tracks that really hit home come early with Something About Your Love and I Love You and Buddha Too. Mason has written some beautiful love songs over the past few years and Something About Your Love goes right up there with songs like Ballad for My One True Love and Be Here Now. I Love You and Buddha Too explores religious tolerance in a light hearted way that just may be the best way to get the point across.<br /><br />We also have the patented sing-alongs that Mason writes best with Fighter Girl and Soldier Boy. I saw Mason live before I ever really heard his recorded material so these are still the songs that scream "MASON!!" to me. Soldier Boy is the only spot we hear an electric guitar on the album and Fighter Girl has the "yeah, yeah yeahs" that will stick in your head all night long.<br /><br />Only one track feels "weak" to me and it comes at track 5. Your New Man is a funny story but I'm not sure that it reaches the level of the rest of the album. It feels more like something Mason wrote and threw away back when he was releasing his self-titled album but decided to throw in here for one reason or another. It feels a little out of place compared to the rest of the album.<br /><br />If I'm describing <span style="font-style: italic;">In the Ever</span> with one word I suppose I'd have to pick "personal". The album is quiet, extremely acoustic-driven and way more lo-fi than anything we've heard from Mason in a good while. If you're expecting a sequel to <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Boneclouds-Mason-Jennings/dp/B000F8O48G/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1212376268&sr=8-1">Boneclouds</a> then you should look elsewhere. However, if you're looking for an album that you can sit down and truly explore then look no further. I'd recommend picking this up if you're into the singer-songwriter scene or if you have any of Mason's previous work. The only caveat - be sure to give it more than one listen through, you'll find this is a grower.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sellthelie.blogspot.com/2008/01/album-reviews-rating-guide.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SENl2PUEm3I/AAAAAAAAANs/8T-HCOAMi40/s320/4star.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207117576668486514" border="0" /></a><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/fightergirl.mp3">Fighter Girl</a><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/soldierboy.mp3">Soldier Boy</a><br /><br />Buy the album: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ever-Mason-Jennings/dp/B0017V7HUM/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1212372180&sr=8-1">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=280508836&s=143441">iTunes</a><br /><br />Visit Mason online: <a href="http://www.masonjennings.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/masonjennings">Myspace</a><br />Buy his music: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url?%5Fencoding=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=music&field-artist=Mason%20Jennings">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=7376123">iTunes</a>Kraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665150244894868893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-21482311037063589932008-06-02T12:08:00.001-06:002008-06-05T00:49:07.185-06:00Review: Old 97's - Blame It On Gravity<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SENS6pJaj4I/AAAAAAAAANc/woM2eJT5jM0/s1600-h/blameitongravity.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SENS6pJaj4I/AAAAAAAAANc/woM2eJT5jM0/s320/blameitongravity.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207096761601658754" border="0" /></a><br />I may not admit this often, but I grew up on country music. Garth Brooks rang through my pa's car stereo through my early life and I sang along with "Rodeo" so much that the damn song is still emblazoned in my skull. I could probably sing it right now. In fact, I <span style="font-style: italic;">know</span> I could sing it right now.<br /><br />What does Garth Brooks have to do with anything? Well, I suppose those early years of listening to twang combined with my later years listening to grunge pretty well explains my positive disposition towards the alternative-country genre. After all, alternative country at it's best should be taking the positive aspects of country music and combining it with the drive of rock 'n roll. Basically, you need to take the drawl out of the country vocals and dirty up your distortion pedals a bit more. Oh, and no songs about dogs or trucks - those are a no-go. If you look at it this way, no band does it better than the Old 97's.<br /><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Blame-Gravity-Old-97s/dp/B00146378G/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1212379755&sr=8-1">Blame it on Gravity</a> is the sixth proper album from the Old 97's, the first since 2004's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Drag-Up-Old-97s/dp/B0002E5OA0/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1212379927&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">Drag It Up</span></a>. We find the boys returning to their roots and turning it up to 11 for most of the album. This is quite welcome after Drag It Up, an album which I can describe no better than as a "downer".<br /><br />The album kicks off in a rockin' enough style with The Fool and Dance With Me. Both of these tracks move and groove, you'll likely find yourself shakin' your hips when Dance With Me comes on if they aren't already gyrating. After that 1-2 punch we see the boys turn it down a bit with No Baby I and My Two Feet. No Baby I delivers the album's namesake in the chorus with the lovely line:<br /><blockquote>"You've got these tears/that fall like pearls/blame it on gravity/blame it on bein' a girl".</blockquote><br />The rest of the album alternates pretty well with "rockers" and slow songs. We see the boys combining the country, rock and surf elements on Early Morning for what is quite possibly the best mix of the genres theyi've ever pulled off. The song itself is a microcosm of the album and genius segway from the first to the second half. The One finishes out the proper album. Rather than finishing on a somber, acoustic number as most bands do, the boys chose to give us one last up-tempo rocker to remember them by.<br /><br />The aspect that has surprised me the most about this album is the songs sung by Murray. I have generally found myself skipping most "Murray songs" on other Old 97's records - not because they aren't "good" songs, but more because of my love for Rhett's voice. I never have found a reason to listen through most of Murray's songs when I know I can hear Rhett's voice on the next track. This is <span style="font-style: italic;">far</span> from the case on <span style="font-style: italic;">Blame it on Gravity</span> though. This Beautiful Thing and Color of a Lonely Heart is Blue are not only some of the best "Murray songs" on any Old 97's album, they are two of the best tracks on this album - far and away better than nearly any song by Rhett.<br /><br />We've finally found what the Old 97's are all about on this album. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alive-Wired-Old-97s/dp/B000AQ68WS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1212379882&sr=8-2"><span style="font-style: italic;">Alive and Wired</span></a> captured them at their best - live - but for one reason or another none of their albums have been able to capture that ferocity in a studio setting. You can feel the raw energy throughout but the songs still feel as polished and lush as anything from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fight-Songs-Old-97s/dp/B00000IL0L/ref=pd_bbs_sr_7?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1212379755&sr=8-7"><span style="font-style: italic;">Fight Songs</span></a>. The songwriting is sensational and each track is a true keeper. No fillers here, folks.<br /><br />There's no more need for a mix tape if you're trying to describe what alt-country is to a newcomer. <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Blame-Gravity-Old-97s/dp/B00146378G/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1212379755&sr=8-1">Blame it On Gravity</a> not only defines the Old 97's, it very well describes the entire genre. It's that good.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sellthelie.blogspot.com/2008/01/album-reviews-rating-guide.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/SENyMlHZdNI/AAAAAAAAAN0/-2Mx7bE17Hw/s320/5star.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207131154617562322" border="0" /></a><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/earlymorning.mp3">Early Morning</a><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/dancewithme.mp3">Dance With Me<br /><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="on down" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);"></span></span></a><br />Buy the album: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blame-Gravity-Old-97s/dp/B00146378G/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1212371000&sr=8-1">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=279866934&s=143441">iTunes</a><br /><br />Visit the Old 97's online: <a href="http://www.old97s.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/theold97s">Myspace</a><br />Buy their music: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url?%5Fencoding=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=music&field-artist=Old%2097%27s">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=149205">iTunes</a>Kraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665150244894868893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-14713795756605287952008-05-22T08:15:00.001-06:002008-05-22T08:15:01.879-06:00Review: Can't Love, Can't Hurt<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__yGq-f7cCkg/SDDIugmtfpI/AAAAAAAAAC0/wfJwTbAIeNQ/s1600-h/cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__yGq-f7cCkg/SDDIugmtfpI/AAAAAAAAAC0/wfJwTbAIeNQ/s320/cover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201878270964760210" border="0" /></a>At some point along the way, someone must have decided that Augustana needed more piano. This probably was due, at least in part, to their successful single, "Boston," from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/All-Stars-Boulevards-Augustana/dp/B000AA300M/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1211157254&sr=1-2"><span style="font-style: italic;">All the Stars and Boulevards</span></a>. Though "Boston" brought them some popular success, it was not the draw for me. I became a fan of their pop-rock sound from songs like "Bullets" and "Lonely People." Unfortunately, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cant-Love-Hurt-Augustana/dp/B0015FQZEY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1211157372&sr=1-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">Can't Love, Can't Hurt</span></a>, Augustana's latest release, is missing this sound. As I alluded to, the piano is a key (pun!) and prominent element on this record, much to the dismay (I imagine) of most Augustana fans.<br /><br />"Hey Now" was an ominous start for me; it doesn't even halfway measure up to their demo of "Heart Shaped Gun (Hey Now)." I'm not huge into alt-country, but even I can tell "Heart Shaped Gun" is a vastly superior song (Kraig posted this demo <a href="http://sellthelie.blogspot.com/2008/02/augustana-can-love-can-hurt.html">some time ago, check it out</a>). I can't emphasize enough that you should check out the "Heart Shaped Gun" demo, it may be better than anything you hear on the album. Song #2, "I Still Ain't Over You," is not the strongest lyrically (seriously Dan, "back and forth, and side to side/right ain't wrong if wrong ain't right," what were you thinking?), and sounds like a watered down track from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/All-Stars-Boulevards-Augustana/dp/B000AA300M/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1211157254&sr=1-2"><span style="font-style: italic;">All the Stars and Boulevards</span></a>.<br /><br />In the hole is the first single, "Sweet and Low," which, for lack of a better word, is tame. I liked it for the first few listens, but after a while the riff started to sound very monotonous and boring. "Twenty Years" sounds like a re-made "Boston" (or at least like a future-single that's going to be pushed as a 2nd "Boston"). It actually may be too slow in spots to be a pop single though (the listening public has a short attention span, this always must be taken into account). A couple filler tracks are stuffed right in the middle of the CD ("Meet You There" and "Fire"), with the latter being short, solo, and all piano. Perhaps I should be impressed with Dan Layus holding a note for a goodly amount of time, but it just didn't do it for me. I am a fan of the next song, "Either Way, I'll Break Your Heart Someday," for no reason in particular; it's some good alt-pop, I like it.<br /><br />"Dust" has some of the most interesting elements and probably the most feeling to be heard on the album. It starts out sounding alt-country, but fades to rock as the song progresses. It's very good, I definitely recommend a listen. "Rest, Shame, Love" is downright mellow and almost doesn't fit with the rest of the album. The closeout number, "Where Love Went Wrong," is excellent. More piano (noticing a trend yet?), but this song is very well done; it may be my favorite song on the album.<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/EitherWay.mp3">Either Way, I'll Break Your Heart Someday</a><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/08%20Dust.mp3">Dust</a><br />[mp3] <a href="http://www.sellthelie.com/mp3s/10%20Where%20Love%20Went%20Wrong.mp3">Where Love Went Wrong</a><br /><br />Overall, I just didn't hear the passion (or the rock) that I heard throughout <a href="http://www.amazon.com/All-Stars-Boulevards-Augustana/dp/B000AA300M/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1211157254&sr=1-2"><span style="font-style: italic;">All the Stars and Boulevards</span></a> on this outing. It makes appearances in spots, but it just isn't sustained. I really wanted to like this album too. And the album does grow on you, but unfortunately not to the point that I think many are hoping for.<br /><br /><u>In Conclusion</u><br />-check out "<a href="http://sellthelie.blogspot.com/2008/02/augustana-can-love-can-hurt.html">Heart Shaped Gun</a>"<br />-damn, why couldn't the album be 10 "Heart Shaped Guns"?<br />-loads of piano<br />-too much pop, not enough rock (or alt-country)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sellthelie.blogspot.com/2008/01/album-reviews-rating-guide.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__yGq-f7cCkg/SDDIQgmtfoI/AAAAAAAAACs/SSzzyRkvqO8/s320/3star.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201877755568684674" border="0" /></a>Visit them: <a href="http://www.augustanamusic.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/augustana">Myspace</a><br />Buy some: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url?%5Fencoding=UTF8&search-type=ss&index=music&field-artist=Augustana">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=62450480">iTunes</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-63937078774567001742008-03-30T13:45:00.000-06:002008-04-03T12:35:04.333-06:00Review - Saturday Nights and Sunday Mornings<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BqVTUcAVRV4/R-lH9Ah-AZI/AAAAAAAAAB0/nsr75zR7A2o/s1600-h/counting-crows-2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181751959706534290" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BqVTUcAVRV4/R-lH9Ah-AZI/AAAAAAAAAB0/nsr75zR7A2o/s320/counting-crows-2.jpg" border="0" /></a>Album Review - <em>Saturday Nights and Sunday Mornings</em> by Counting Crows<br /></div><p>It has arrived! Today Kraig and Brock will take you through the new album from Adam Duritz and the gang. It's a two-part album, so how about a two-part review?<strong><br /></strong></p><p><strong><br />Saturday Nights </strong>(Kraig)<br /></p>The first half of the album (Saturday Nights) has long been referred to has the "edgier" half. Adam promised some balls-out rock and the boys deliver, right from the opening riff of 1492 and all the way through to Cowboys.<br /><br />Speaking of Cowboys, while it's the last track of the Saturday Nights side, it was also the first track to leak from the sessions that became Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings. I was elated, nay, ecstatic upon my first listen of Cowboys. Adam's vocals were passionate - downright pissed at times. The guitars were ferocious. The lyrical content was beautiful - definitely leaning heavily on the Recovering the Satellites days.<br /><br />Sadly, the rest of the cuts from Saturday Nights are hit and miss. 1492 makes me feel like Adam is trying a bit too hard to be a "rocker". Hanging Tree <span style="font-style: italic;">almost</span> has it, then they throw in a bit too much in the bridge. Los Angeles, Sundays and Insignificant are all fine tracks - just not up to the standard that they set with Cowboys.<br /><br />While the Saturday Nights side is short, I can't really say it's sweet. I want to love this album, I really do - it just doesn't quite do it for me. Cowboys and Hanging Tree seem to be the standout tracks on this side, the rest seems to be more "filler" than "killer".<br /><br />[mp3] <a href="http://boxstr.com/files/1531680_rarzl/Cowboys.mp3">Cowboys</a><br /><p></p><strong>Sunday Mornings </strong>(Brock)<br /><p><br />The fierce, driving guitars of "Cowboys" give way to the delicate picking of "Washington Square," and we begin the remorse and reparations of Sunday morning. Even though Adam claims to have sold his piano in the first line, piano music provides a gorgeous backdrop to the lush arrangement. Every note is deliberate and excellent, as guitar, piano, banjo, and harmonica join together on the walk home to Washington Square. The stand-out track for me is definitely "When I Dream of Michelangelo." It is acoustic perfection, and ties together a lot of ideas from previous Crows records.</p><p>Lyrically Sunday feels to be on par with the rest of Counting Crows' catalog, and musically it feels like an acoustic This Desert Life. As you can most likely tell, I want very much to heap praise on this latest offering from my all-time favorite band. I just can't.</p><p>[mp3] <a href="http://boxstr.com/files/1531681_ourdh/When%20I%20Dream%20of%20Michelangelo.mp3">When I Dream of Michelangelo</a></p><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Conclusion</span> (Kraig)<br /><p>In all, the album is solid. If you're a fan of Counting Crows then you'll be pleased with the majority of the songs. The main gripe we seemed to have was that they tried to do a bit too much on this album. If this was cut down to a 10-12 track album it would probably be getting stellar reviews across the web. Instead, we got stuck with more "filler" than "killer" which left us forgetting some of the higher points of the album.<br /></p><p>But seriously, Cowboys is good enough in it's own right for the entire price of admission. It's that good.<br /></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sellthelie.blogspot.com/2008/01/album-reviews-rating-guide.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/R_QPH1S2NjI/AAAAAAAAAIo/8rpsO0z9Vfg/s320/35star.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184785698249913906" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Order the album: </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Saturday-Nights-Sunday-Mornings-Counting/dp/B000WMGDD4/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1206838035&sr=8-1">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=276357021&s=143441">iTunes</a><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Visit Counting Crows on the web:</span> <a href="http://www.countingcrows.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/countingcrows">Myspace</a><br /></p>Brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07483752465392415644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-30392448498522289802008-02-20T17:36:00.000-07:002008-04-03T12:42:23.192-06:00Review: JUNO Soundtrack<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.firstshowing.net/img/juno-poster2-big.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.firstshowing.net/img/juno-poster2-big.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>For one reason or another I can quite vividly recall seeing the first poster go up for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Juno</span> back in December of last year in my local theater. Neither of the faces jumped out at me, but the poster struck a cord, so I stuck the name in the back of my mind and proceeded in to watch<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> I Am Legend</span>.<div><br /><div> </div><div>Within a few weeks <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Juno</span> started spreading like wildfire across the nation and inter-web, even into the desolate regions of northern Utah that I call home. While news about the film started piling up, I waited patiently for my chance to see it. Unfortunately for me (and the other residents of Logan who like watching a good flick) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Juno</span> didn't last in theaters long. Most non-blockbuster films don't do particularly well in Cache Valley, especially those with an R-rating. </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Keep in mind, all of the theaters (except 1, I believe) in Logan (now over 100,000 residents in the greater area) are owned by the same company which gets an overwhelming barrage of complaints from the local yokels when there aren't enough "family friendly" movies for viewing. Thusly, Juno didn't fare much better than <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Little Miss Sunshine</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Into the Wild</span> or <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Thank You For Smoking</span>, all of which either had one week in a major theater or no opening at all with a brief stint in a tired old "Independent Film" theater. I'll run out to watch <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Juno</span> when it comes out on DVD, but until then all I have to go by is the soundtrack...</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>The soundtrack itself seems to fit well with what I know of the movie. I guess the best word to describe it would be "quirky". While not all of the sound track is my cup of tea, some tracks did stand out to me, most notably "Superstar" by <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Sonic Youth</span> and "Sea of Love" by <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.matadorrecords.com/cat_power/">Cat Power</a></span>. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The majority of the soundtrack is dominated by <a href="http://www.kimyadawson.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Kimya Dawson</span></a> and her former band, The Moldy Peaches. These tracks are pretty much the best of what anti-folk has to offer. If you're into off-beat poetry laced with some acoustic guitar, look no further. A few old-school selections round out the rest of the album (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Buddy Holly</span>,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> The Kinks</span>,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> The Velvet Underground</span>), but the focus of the soundtrack is on the anti-folk songs provided by <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Kimya Dawson</span>. While these aren't necessarily my favorite of tunes, I can certainly see how they'd fit into an off-beat flick like <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Juno</span>.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>I guess my main dislike of the soundtrack has more to do with the unexpected welcoming of the film and soundtrack into mainstream society rather than the songs themselves. The songs fit the movie like a glove, but I can't really think for a minute that <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">The Moldy Peaches</span> thought the annoying girl in accounting was going to be singing "Anyone Else But You" after switching out her <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Fergie</span> CD - but that's exactly what's happening (believe me, I heard it last week).</div><div> </div><div>"Indie" music is indie for a reason - so the suits won't like it. </div><div><br /></div><div>We'll have to see if Juno has lasting appeal in mainstream society or if it was just a flash in the pan. I doubt we'll see <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">The Moldy Peaches</span> selling out The Delta Center anytime soon, but who knows - it didn't take the stock brokers long to start singing "Smells Like Teen Spirit" when grunge exploded. All I know is that I can't stand when people who listen to top 40 radio and watch American Idol suddenly start diggin' the underground.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>All in all, this album is worth picking up if you find yourself in any of the following categories:</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>1- You loved Juno</div><div>2- You enjoy folk music</div><div>3- You think "mainstream" folk is kinda lame, but you still like the sound (welcome to anti-folk!)</div><div>4- You enjoy a good indie-themed mix tape</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>If you don't fit into those groups then you probably won't care much for the soundtrack. If you do fall into those groups then I'd highly recommend picking it up.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br />Here's a few tracks so those of you who haven't seen the movie (like me) can get a general idea of what you're getting into:<br /></div><div> </div><div><br />[mp3] <a href="http://boxstr.com/files/1134763_jfntm/Superstar.mp3">Superstar - Sonic Youth</a></div><div>[mp3] <a href="http://boxstr.com/files/1134764_sortd/Anyone%20Else%20But%20You.mp3">Anyone Else But You - The Moldy Peaches</a><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/R_UkEVS2N2I/AAAAAAAAALA/G3hZS50p3jc/s1600-h/3star.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/R_UkEVS2N2I/AAAAAAAAALA/G3hZS50p3jc/s320/3star.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185090202841266018" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.foxsearchlight.com/juno/">Visit the official website for the film Juno</a>.</div><div>Purchase the Juno soundtrack: <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=269736803&s=143441">iTunes</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Juno-Original-Soundtrack/dp/B00104W8T6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1203542942&sr=1-1">Amazon</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Visit the Moldy Peaches on the web: <a href="http://www.moldypeaches.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/themoldypeachesfans">Myspace</a></div><div>Visit Sonic Youth on the web: <a href="http://www.sonicyouth.com/">Official</a> | <a href="http://www.myspace.com/sonicyouth">Myspace</a></div></div>Kraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665150244894868893noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4790000347943306920.post-4788510983647741922008-01-30T01:01:00.000-07:002008-04-03T12:31:15.303-06:00Album Reviews: Rating GuideWe've tried to capture our feelings towards the albums we review in handy, one or two word phrases with shiny stars to help make the reviews as painless as possible. In order to better understand what we mean by "Good" or "Subpar" we've taken the time to write up this handy guide. Enjoy!<br /><div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br /><br /><big><big><b>Rating Guide</b></big></big><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/R_UgFFS2NxI/AAAAAAAAAKY/YRFltzyNro8/s1600-h/5star.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/R_UgFFS2NxI/AAAAAAAAAKY/YRFltzyNro8/s320/5star.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185085817679656722" border="0" /></a></div><br />Simply put, this album is an essential in any collection. If you're taking the time to read the album review then you should slap yourself - you're wasting valuable listening time! Get out and buy this album IMMEDIATELY. If you have no money, visit the pawn shop or sell some plasma. You'll thank us later.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/R_UgWlS2N1I/AAAAAAAAAK4/r-JBY2OSpVs/s1600-h/45star.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/R_UgWlS2N1I/AAAAAAAAAK4/r-JBY2OSpVs/s320/45star.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185086118327367506" border="0" /></a></div><br />A fine album that will stand up to the test of time. If you haven't already picked this album up, you should do so ASAP. All the cool kids will be talking about this through the next few months, so pick it up if you want to be involved in the discussions.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/R_UgE1S2NwI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/u9-jRmZZiKU/s1600-h/4star.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/R_UgE1S2NwI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/u9-jRmZZiKU/s320/4star.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185085813384689410" border="0" /></a></div><br />A great album that's worth taking a look at even if the genre isn't normally "your thing". There may be a few tracks to skip over, but by and large the album has a lot to offer to ANY listener.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/R_UgWlS2N0I/AAAAAAAAAKw/5B-V77p_1UU/s1600-h/35star.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/R_UgWlS2N0I/AAAAAAAAAKw/5B-V77p_1UU/s320/35star.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185086118327367490" border="0" /></a></div><br />This album isn't "essential" by any means, but if you're a fan of the artist's previous work or the genre in general then you'll like what's enclosed. There won't be anything ground-breaking or mind-blowing, but a handful of tracks make the whole set a worthwhile pick up.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/R_UgElS2NvI/AAAAAAAAAKI/fMXqe9fR6W4/s1600-h/3star.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/R_UgElS2NvI/AAAAAAAAAKI/fMXqe9fR6W4/s320/3star.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185085809089722098" border="0" /></a></div><br />Everything about this album screams "mediocrity". There's a few good songs worth a listen, but unless you're a fan of the artist you'll probably leave disappointed. Rather then spending your hard-earned cash on the whole album, it probably makes sense to buy a few tracks and lave the rest behind.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/R_UgWVS2NzI/AAAAAAAAAKo/uqTWZzoW8QQ/s1600-h/25star.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/R_UgWVS2NzI/AAAAAAAAAKo/uqTWZzoW8QQ/s320/25star.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185086114032400178" border="0" /></a></div><br />Unless you're a die-hard fan then you simply don't have a reason to own this album. One, maybe two tracks are worthwhile but when taken as a whole the album feels uninspired and uninteresting.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/R_UgElS2NuI/AAAAAAAAAKA/1xaWQ4RG3UE/s1600-h/2star.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/R_UgElS2NuI/AAAAAAAAAKA/1xaWQ4RG3UE/s320/2star.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185085809089722082" border="0" /></a></div><br />Even the biggest enthusiasts will have a hard time listening through this album, let alone giving it repeat action. The music just isn't there, they've simply missed the boat this time. Don't bother picking up the album, just wait and hope that the next offering will be better.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/R_UgWVS2NyI/AAAAAAAAAKg/kvCYoAr03aY/s1600-h/15star.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/R_UgWVS2NyI/AAAAAAAAAKg/kvCYoAr03aY/s320/15star.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185086114032400162" border="0" /></a></div><br />This album finds itself in the realm of "guilty pleasures" - not a category one steps into knowingly. The artist - and anyone who owns this album - should be ashamed. The songs are dull and you'll certainly feel like you've been "caught red handed" if anyone finds you near this.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/R_UgEVS2NtI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/r01nXIFEZOw/s1600-h/1star.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Nq4cOkq0wwE/R_UgEVS2NtI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/r01nXIFEZOw/s320/1star.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5185085804794754770" border="0" /></a></div><br />Whoever made this stinking pile of shit called music should be forcibly relocated to a secluded farm in the mid-west to mull over their failures as an artist.<br /></div>Kraighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665150244894868893noreply@blogger.com0