NMT 7/7/09 Maxwell, Discovery, Florence + The Machine & More!!

•Maxwell – BLACKsummers’night – “ In the beginning I always wanted to make things perfect, perfection is a process, and that process is a few mistakes along the way that end up in hindsight becoming perfection…In this album I don’t need everything to be completely in pitch or in whatever, if the emotion is right, then its right…”

I can’t remember the last time I was this excited for an R&B cd. Not since Robin Thicke’s The Evolution of Robin Thicke have I been so impressed by a collection of songs that make up one complete-sounding package. BLACKsummers’night is the 1st of 3 cd’s all sharing the same name but emphasizing a different word and atmosphere (Have you guessed what this one is? BLACK). Yes Maxwell is back, and he knocks it out of the park on BLACKsummers’night. If you do purchase the cd, there is a deluxe version which contains a video where Maxwell breaks down select songs and describes the inspiration and purpose which makes you appreciate them that much more. Self described as a darker, moodier album, BLACK loses a lot of the studio velvet-smooth perfection of his past works, leaving a much grittier, raw sound. Throughout Maxwell is accompanied by a live band with so much talent, the instrumentation almost gives Maxwell’s voice a run for its money. Before I break down each track, let me voice my only complaint: Why only 9 tracks? Now THIS is some real music…
o Bad Habits (uncut) – The album’s opener starts off with the following lyrics sung in falsetto “Lady, make me crazy, don’t speak no sound, I want you to prove it to me in the nude…” Picking up right where he left off…As the song builds, repeating Trumpets on the chorus bring to mind Dave Matthew’s Band’s classic #41.
o Cold – There is a sound in Cold which you can’t quite identify, but you are drawn to it, gravitating towards the subtle repetition like a record off its track. As Maxwell explains in the bonus footage, the entire song was built behind the sound of his windshield wipers on a rainy day. Talk about organic, they literally dropped a mic out the window of the studio, ran it into the car in the rain as the wipers were running, and built the song around that sound (even featuring the sound alone for part of the song). Pure genius!
o Pretty Wings – I’ve already covered this one in a past posting. If you don’t own it, then there is something wrong with you for real. This song is as perfect as it gets.
o Help Somebody – One of the least popular on the cd according to itunes’ bar chart, probably my favorite song behind Pretty Wings. I’ve heard other artists attempt to pull this style off (an up-tempo yet darker sounding, driving song– Alicia Keys’Karma, John Mayer’s Belief) and 9 out of 10 times they fail… Not this one. Help Somebody begins with a haunting, almost floating piano sound which is soon accompanied by driving electric guitars and horns, propelling the sound into something much bigger than I ever imagined possible for a primarily ballad singer such as Maxwell. Good message too.
o Stop the World – Great slow jam, Marvin Gaye and Al Green would be proud of this baby maker.
o Love You – I think this could be a great choice for a 2nd single. The up-tempo drums matched with a lot of organ give a strong 70’s vibe.
o Playing Possum – One of the slowest songs on the album, this song is very sentimental. Much more stripped down than the rest. Playing Possum is primarily Maxwell singing over an acoustic guitar, with echoing bongo’s and the occasional symbol smash. Great slow jam.
o Phoenix Rise – Suuuuch a cool song. This purely instrumental closing track has a very 70’s dance-groove vibe to it. I hope it’s a tease of what we can look forward to on SUMMERS’. Even though there are no words on Phoenix Rise, the music speaks volumes, get up and get your groove on; an amazing way to end an incredible cd, the perfect antidote to radio’s Soulja Boy noise.

AND THE REST...


• All Time Low – Break your little heart – Teen angst punk band…Dunno, I like it.

• Meese – Broadcast – Sophmore album from a band I’ve never heard of, but I think that’s probably gonna change. They remind me of The Silversun Pickups a little bit, Broadcast has more than a few noteworthy songs, including itunes free download of the week “Next in Line”
o Next in Line
o Say You’re Ok
o The Quiet Side

• Justin Bieber - One Time - With seemingly all of my friends in law school nowadays, I figured I’d help them prepare for the bar with some good old word association to describe this brand new treasure…

JMac is to Justin Timberlake as Justin Bieber is to JMac

Yes, you’ve associated correctly, an even younger, poppier version of JMac? It can’t be so! Well it is my friends… Just after his youtube video received over a million hits, Bieber was flown down to the ATL to sing for Usher. After a minor bidding war between Timberlake and Usher, Bieber releases his 1st single One Time, and it may be the funniest music video of all time. This 15 yr old looks like he’s 10, and knows how to throw one hell of a party at Usher’s house, bring your green hat and some red cups full of grenadine, cuz shit gon’ get crazay!!

• Lupe Fiasco - Shining Down – Back with Matthew Santos (singer on Superstar) Lupe debuts a new single. Not my favorite from Lupe, actually don’t care for it much. But as always, better than the majority of what hip-hop currently has to offer.

• Tommy Guerero - No Time for Time – “Tommy Guerero is fucking sick” – random youtube comment. Judging by this song, I’d have to agree…

• Mos Def – Quiet Dog – By Erin’s request, I give you Mos Def’s new single Quiet Dog. This is a cool song that bounces along on all kinds of drums, giving it kindof a cave-like sound. It will make you want to bounce right along, just make sure you’re wearing your helmet Erin, safety first!

• Paramore – Ignorance – Warner Music has taken down every last version of this song in studio quality on the internet, so frustrating. Just go to itunes to hear it...Paramore release their 1st single off their highly anticipated 3rd album Brand New Eyes. To be released in September after they finish the No Doubt Tour. What is really interesting to me is how No Doubt sounding this single is. The way Hayley wrote this song brings to mind early some of Gwen Stefani’s Tragic Kingdome work. You can also hear a similarity to their blow up single Misery Business. Ignorance isn’t their best work, but it is high energy and showcases Hayley’s crazy vocal ability. Can’t wait for the concert…

• Discovery – LP – What do you get when you take one part Vampire Weekend keyboardist and one part Ra Ra Riot vocalist? A great side project titled Discovery.Their latest LP aptly titled LP is a great twist on electro pop, with influences from both bands’ sounds in the mix. These songs all have something new to bring to your music collection, whether it be the unique tempo change of So Insane or the bubbly, airy cover of the Jackson 5’s classic I Want You Back, this LP is one great Discovery.
o So Insane
o Orange Shirt
o Osaka Loop Line
o I Want You Back

• Florence + The Machine – Lungs - I somehow missed this review in my last posting, but better late than never. While team G.B. may have next to nothing to offer in the Olympics (aside from good old Tom Daley of course), they more than make up for it in the music world. Florence + The Machine is Britain’s latest gold medal contender. Described as soul inspired indie, Florence + the Machine create a sound that is entirely theirs. Florence’s voice is very soulful, breaking at just the right times, keeping you very engaged throughout; and the music of the Machine backing her has a complex layered sound which elevates their material over comparable artists. Florence definitely gives nods to singers such as Kate Bush and Tori Amos in her musical delivery and direction, but unlike the other 2, Florence + The Machine manage to walk the fine line between artistic and just plain strange. If nothing else, Cosmic Love is nothing short of brilliant now LISTEN!
o Cosmic Love
o Rabbit Heart
o Drumming Song
o Blinding

• M83 – Saturdays = Youth – Who misses the 80’s new wave? That’s right we all do. M83 is bringing new wave back in all its glory. With music videos like that of Kim & Jessie M83 is truly a force to be reckoned with, so strap up your roller skates and hold on…
o Kim & Jessie
o We Own the Sky – Very cool video, and at 2:50, the music elevates into greatness
o Too Late

Music Videos

o Britney Spears - Radar – Disappointed in the video, and single choice; great song when it first came out on her 2nd to last cd, but why now make it a video? And a boring one at that.

o Beyonce - Sweet Dreams – Even Beyonce’s takin us back to the 80’s with her latest video. Definitely out there, kinda reminds me of a Stevie Nicks video… This song is growing on me. I like the part at 1:30 when she sings “my guilty pleasure I ain’t goin nowhere”… Oh and Bridgitte Nielson Beyonce at the end of the video scares the hell out of me…

NMT 7/05/09 Let the Summer Jams Begin! (Re- Post)

RE-POSTING after the 1st post mysteriously disappeared...

First off happy 4th of July, one of my top 3 holidays because lets face it, the US of A is the best country in the world!!!

Aaaaand we’re back, just like Michael Jackson’s sales…

Oh, did you hear Michael Jackson died? I know, isn’t this blog news breaking? What they didn’t show you was his last known footage…But no worries, I have it HERE

Shut up, kick back, take a ride in you’re new corvette… - My favorite saying age 5 AKA Indie Beach Tunes

• Jonas Brothers – only thing worth noting about the Jonas Brothers new cd is the fact that Common loses some serious street cred for his collaboration on Don’t Charge me for the Crime. Oh consider yourself charged for this one Common…

• Third Eye Blind – Don’t Believe a Word – Latest single from one of the greatest bands to come out of the 90’s, San Francisco’s own Third Eye Blind! Who knew they were still together? And it gets even better as we can expect a brand new album Ursa Major out this August – Lead singer Stephan Jenkins (valedictorian of the University of Berkeley class of 87’) can continue to give hope to kids with minor speech impediments everywhere…

• Pete Yorn – This guy seems pretty weird, but he can make some good songs. The live version of Paradise Cove below sounds just as good as the recorded version, maybe even better. Very relaxing, not emo sad relaxing though, uplifting relaxing; great songs to go with a glass of Fog Nog down at the beach.
o Paradise Cove
o Shotgun

• Matt Costa – Vienna – Don’t know much about this guy, other than he’s from Huntington Beach CA, but I really enjoy this song Vienna. Laid back sound.

• Colbie Calliat – Fallin For You - Another Southern California native, Calliat returns from riding the crazy wave of her debut album’s success to bring some more classic Colbie. Another effortless sounding song that is just in time for summer, Fallin For You doesn’t have the same spark that Bubbly did, but it will please fans nevertheless.

• Regina Spektor – Far - 3 words to describe Russian American Regina Spektor’s music: 1) Quirky, 2) Poetic, 3) Original. You may not like her oddball style, but don’t let her originality and talent fall on deaf ears. I have trouble getting into a lot of her songs because of how unpredictable the melodies can be, brilliant for moments, but then odd at times, but that’s part of what makes her stand out.
o Eet
o Laughing With
o Folding Chair

• Greg Laswell – Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Ok, this is my Debbie downer of this weeks post. Get your knives out people. A very slow and forlorn version of an otherwise fun and upbeat song, it’s no surprise this song comes to us off the “My Sister’s Keeper” soundtrack. Unfortunately it is an album only purchase, so if you feel so inclined, put your eye-patch on and take to the online seas.


The Ladies of Rhythm and Blues

• Laura Izibor – Let the Truth Be Told - Not your average Irish girl, this Irish/Nigerian singer comes with a strong soulful sound, similar to Joss Stone. After listening through her U.S. debut album, there may only be a couple of highlights, however, she is undeniably talented. Might want to remember her name, I have a feeling we’ll be hearing more from her in the future.
o What Would You Do? – a very inspirational, building melody. Couldn’t find a studio version for you, but I’d highly recommend checking out the 30 second sample on itunes to get the full picture.
o From My Heart to Yours – 1st single, more potential to appeal to the masses (though I prefer What Would you Do), this light summery track will get stuck in your head after a few listens

• Beyonce – Ego – While it isn’t new, it is Beyonce’s newest single, and damn does it destroy her latest efforts. THIS is what I look forward to from Beyonce (a single which won’t force you to take 2 aspirin after the 2nd listen- Single Ladies can even agree there). Kanye version optional if you want, but I think we’ve all heard just about enough of that little bastard lately!

• Amerie – Why R U? - Ladies and Gentlemen I give you one of R&B’s most underrated artists: Amerie. This African American/Korean singer truly has it all in my opinion: extremely attractive, great identifiable voice, good songs, and she double majored at Georgetown. While she may be best known for her hit 1 Thing, Her latest single Why R U has garnered very high critical success; will it blow her up into mainstream success? Sadly I don’t think so, but it’s classic Amerie style combining gritty-ness of hip-hop with a refined, classy R&B sound.

• Mariah Carey – Obsessed – Kat, this one’s for you! Although Mariah’s brand new single is so new it isn’t even up for sale yet, Kat commented on the last post and opened my ears to one hell of a song. “Will the real MC please step to the mic…” This Eminem diss of a single has the potential to be Carey’s 19th, count that 19TH #1 single in the US! (just to put into perspective Elvis at #3 had 17 and The Beatles at #1 had 20) Produced by The Dream, Carey’s never had so much swagger and she better be able to pull it off with lyrics like “He’s all up in my George Foreman” good news, she does. Thanks Kat, great song!

p.s. spell check wanted “much swagger” to be “many swaggers” Nerd alert spell check…

Get your glowsticks out and start poppin those Claritin pills…

• Sick Music – Does anyone remember the song Freestyler by FreakTex? I bet you might if you heard it…Why am I bringing this up you ask? Well Sick Music, a collection of dance tracks coming by way of the UK, immediately brings to mind that same British dance vibe, a vibe which once had white 7th graders trying to break-dance in their kitchen (or at least my friend Kyle and me). Starting with my favorite, MRSA’s Different, the following tracks are not your everyday sounds, rare gems, snippets of which can be found today in the best car commercials.
o MRSA - Different
o The Burbs - Organic
o London Electricity - Just One Second (Apex Remix)

• Mobin Master – Show Me Love (Safari Remix) – The credit goes to Nate on this one. I had another Show Me Love remix up for review, which just came out, but after listening to it through, I realized this version Nate sent me a while back is better, so I figured I’d post it.

Pushing the Envelope into my iPod

• Bloc Party – One More Chance – Yes friends, Bloc Party has released another new song!! Further strengthening their grip on my ipod. One More Chance takes Bloc Party even further into uncharted territory. Sampling early 90’s Chicago trance with the repeating piano clip, this song makes you want to get up and dance while maintaining a dark undertone, classic Bloc Party.

• Mew – Introducing Palace Players – You have to respect artists that push the boundaries of music, and Mew is one of those artists. Introducing Palace Players will take you to the edge, and probably push you over, but you’ll like it! Odd intro that may have you questioning your sobriety, but stick with it as it blossoms into sweet sweet sonic inebriation.

• Nelly Furtado – Manos Al Aire – I’m starting to see just how impressive Nelly Furtado really is. While other artists may change their image from album to album, picking up random accents along the way (cough, MADONNA, cough) Furtado truly is a chameleon. From folk, to urban pop, to Portuguese crooning, to Spanish, to God knows what, Nelly can do it all and do it well. Loose was hands down top 5 albums of 2006, but instead of sticking with what worked so well, she’s once again mixing it up with her latest single en espanol. ¡Escuche, usted disfrutará de!