The music, my friend, is blowing in the wind....

Greetings, music lovers!  I hope you've enjoyed my last few posts!  I'm only going to review 2 albums this time, but to be fair, one of the has 4 discs and 80 songs.......So, on to the first:

ELBOW:  THE SELDOM SEEN KID

First of all, not a band I had ever heard of before.  But, as with much of the music I have been listening to, this was suggested by a friend.  A couple of nights ago, Lee and I were talking about Radiohead; specifically Ok Computer, and how it was a virtually perfect record.  So, he suggested I give this Elbow record a listen.  I tell you already, it gets a 4 out of 5. 

Some of this review will honestly be based on portions of my first impressions of what Lee played me, and how he accurately expressed what I was thinking before I could formulate the words. 

Pretty much, if early Radiohead, Coldplay and Peter Gabriel had a supergroup, this is what it would sound like.  It's a beautiful marriage of ingenuity, melody, fantastic musicianship, intelligent (sometimes TOO much so, which is why I gave it 4 out of 5) lyrics and a great overall vibe and flow.

Standout tracks are:  Starling, Grounds For Divorce, and The Fix.  Starling is just a great way to start the record; it totally sets you up for the feel of the rest of the record.  Grounds For Divorce features a great "stomp-clap" through the entire song, and is a perfect example of the Coldplay-Radiohead-Gabriel love-child aspect of their music.  The Fix features Richard Hawley; kinda a creepy song that sounds as though it was composed by Danny Elfman for a Tim Burton film.  Though I know he doesn't sing on it, it almost sounds like a duet between Peter Gabriel and David Bowie.  Fantastic track. 


CHIMES OF FREEDOM:  THE SONGS OF BOB DYLAN HONORING 50 YEARS OF AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL. 

Let me put it out there in the universe, and I'll not speak of it again.  I am not the biggest Bob Dylan fan.  I think his lyrics are amazingly written, and he is a very important artist; and I DO regard him as a poet.  I will also say that two of my favorite songs of all time, Hurricane, and Boots of Spanish Leather are Dylan songs.  Also, Johnny Cash and Dylan were good friends, and Cash covers 3 of Dylan's songs on Orange Blossom Special.  But, I've just never really been able to get past Dylan's voice. 

That said, this album illustrates the clear artistry of his lyrical and songwriting skills.  And it also shows his far reach into American culture and music.  Not to mention that it benefits a great cause and organization. 

It took me FOREVER to get through.  It is 73 tracks, and the artists on it read like a veritable who's who of commerical and popular music for the last 50 years.  There are some very high points, and some very low points, but overall it's fantastic.  Surprising, even.  First, to tell you just WHO is on it.....

Before you ask, OF COURSE my favorite track is the Johnny Cash/Avett Brother's song, One Too Many Mornings.  It's the original Cash vocals from a duet he did on Dylan's song that has never officially been released.  It was recorded in 1967 I believe, and they went back to the original tapes, stripped the instrumentation and Dylan's vocal track and replaced it with the Avett's.  I mean, it's very clearly fabricated, but it's awesome. 

Again, there are a lot of standout tracks on this record.  The next I will talk about, is certainly one I don't want to admit is good, and surprised the hell out of me.  It's.....Miley Cyrus...  Yes, I said, Miley Cyrus.  She does a great version of You're Going To Make Me Lonesome When I Go.  Her voice on this reminds me of Dolly Parton mixed with a little Coal Miner's Daughter-era Loretta Lynn...if they both smoked 3 packs a day.  Great song. 

Another standout track is the Band Of Skulls version of It Ain't Me Babe.  The original is of course one of my favorite songs, having been recorded by Johnny and June.  But this version keeps the awesome harmonies, but slows it way down and strips all instrumentation but sparse acoustic guitar away.  Stunningly beautiful. 

 There are way too many songs to list, but some other highlights are by Queens Of The Stone Age, Gaslight Anthem, Lenny Kravitz, Joe Perry, Pete Townsend, Sting and Flogging Molly. 

Now for the LOWLIGHTS of the album.....

I love ADELE.  But not on this song.  It's a live version of Make You Feel Love.  I guess it's the way she almost unintelligibly pronounces words that kills me.  It's Dylan.  The lyrics are the most important part.  You're British, not an alien.  Speak words that we understand.  I don't care how "fierce" your belt is, if I don't understand a damn thing you say, I really don't care what your tone quality is like. 

And the worst for last.  Ke$ha.  It pains me to even type a $ sign in the middle of an "artist"'s name.  And, I use the word artist in the purely ironic, completely sarcastic way.  This track is crap.  Like rancid crap.  First of all, she thought it would be a good idea to "cry" through the whole thing.  As though a fake display of emotions will sell anyone on here being a singer.  Which brings me to the main point:  her vocals are terrible.  I'd rather hear Bob sing them NOW, which isn't saying much because he barely has a voice to speak of.  I've never heard any of her other shit...oops...I mean, "music", but since I was avoiding it before, I'm now just completely boycotting her and pretending she doesn't exist. 

So, there in a nutshell are the highs and lows of the Dylan tribute record.  It is a MUST HAVE for anyone who loves Dylan, or anyone who like even two or three artists on it.  Because of the two afformentioned BLECH tracks, I give it a 4 out of 5. 

Next time, I'll be back to reviewing at least 3 regular full-length albums.  Then, I'll tackle some of the full catalogues of artists I mentioned in my first blog.  Happy listening!

He ain't heavy.....he's my brother.....

Hopefully those of you who checked out my first post are planning on tuning in for more.....because, trust me, I could review three records a day for the next month without listening to anything new and I STILL won't get through all I've listened to.  So, now for three completely different albums.....

BILLY WOODWARD AND THE SENDERS:  2 STEPS FORWARD AND 1 STEP BACK EP, SURVIVAL/HOPING, WAITING (SINGLE FROM UPCOMING FULL-LENGTH RELEASE). 

First of all, let me say, that yes, Billy is my good buddy on tour.  Let me also say he is the epitome of 50's throwback cool.  From his perfect pompadour to his vintage suits, and most importantly HIS MUSIC. 

He may be the Elvis/Cash u/s on tour, but he has a music and a style all his own.  It certainly is a throwback to 50's rock n' roll and more "classic rock", but not in a kitchy way; it is accessible, well-written, modern rockabilly.  The first track on the EP, which is also my favorite is a tune called The One.  A great upbeat song with a great backbeat and almost a Calypso-sounding guitar lick.  Complete with "shoo-op" backing vocals.  I'm sorry, but I'm a sucker for this type of thing.  Makes me wanna jump in a '55 Chevy with the top down, cruise around town and head to the drive-in.  Love it.  The second track, Headline of the Week cranks it up a notch with some tasty distortion and some solid chunky guitar playing.  The piano really comes through on this one, and it is a FANTASTIC touch.  This one isn't quite as rockabilly as the first track, but that's because Billy is a good enough song writer, and his band is adept enough to write/play in any style they want.  Things slow way down for the third track, Same Old Song And Dance; kinda what a would call a good old fashioned weeper.  I dig.  Really reminds me of Gene Vincent.  I dunno why.  Billy does this great little flip into his falsetto as the instruments cut out, and it's perfect. 

Now, as for the new single.....I couldn't be more excited.  Survival is hot all the way around.  I mean, c'mon....what better way to start off a record than with the line "I'm on that midnight train to Georgia and I got her on my mind"?  Answer: there isn't a better way.  It's got a great shuffle beat, some nice sparse guitar licks through the verse and into the chorus.....speaking of which, man that's a good hook.  Some more superb guitar playing, more great lyrics and Billy's unmistakeable quivering vocals.  Hoping, Waiting slows it down again, and yet still is full of great guitar hooks, and sweet lyrics about "hoping and waiting for a girl like you". 

More news to come as Billy and the Senders will be releasing their full length record in April, along with a cd release gig in the D.C. area, which I will be attending of course. 


MY MORNING JACKET: IT STILL MOVES

This record sounds like it was recording in a cave; and I LOVE it.  Just very spacey sounding and cool.  Some amazing instrumentation, and let's face it, I'm also a sucker for great vocal harmonies.  Standout track to me, by far is the last one, One In The Same.  I think it's because it really reminds me of some early Thom Yorke vocal styling from the Pablo Honey or The Bends.  I would say they've listened to those records quite a bit, as well as little Flaming Lips.  One In The Same is stark, simple, beautiful, yet overpowering to me.  It's just acoustic guitar and the lead singer with bits of harmony thrown in at perfect places.  The echo just kills me.  Gorgeous. 


Now for something completely different......

SPIDERMAN:  TURN OFF THE DARK, ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING

I know what you're thinking:  is he really going to review a cast recording?  Does that even count as an album?

Well, it's my blog....so I'll do whatever I like. 

Plus, I'm in theatre....what do you expect?

Ok.  Hmm.  Not a fan.  Look, there a couple of good songs on the album.  Noteably, Boy Falls From Sky and Rise Above; both of which have recurring themes throughout the show/album.  Which is good, because most of the rest of the music is not great. 

My main problem with the music is this:  it sounds like the songs that Bono and The Edge didn't think were good enough to put on an album, so they threw it in this show.  That, and the fact that they make Reeve Carney do his best Bono impression as Peter Parker/Spidey, instead of using the badass voice he was born with. 

Here's another thing; the narrative songs, i.e., the ones that are clearly there to be "hip" and advance the plot are downright terrible.  Musically awkward, lyrically laughable, and just not at all good. 

I wasn't ever planning on spending $300 to see the show, but after hearing the recording, I doubt I'll be willing to spend $30.  Though, you never know. 


So, to wrap up:  Billy is my boy....buy his records on iTunes and stay tuned for more info about his upcoming release.  My Morning Jacket is spacey and cool.  Spidey would be better if it was a little more Achtung, Baby and a little less No Line On The Horizon.  But, listen for yourselves. 

So much music, and so much time....

Hello, all!  Hopefully you aren't sick of my other blog, Scott Moreau On Tour.....if you are, I apologize.  If not.....YAY!!!!  I have a good amount of time on my hands, and I have started buying and listening to a large amount of music.  Being surrounded by extremely talented musicians and songwriters, I started picking their brains as to the music they listen to, their influences, and what inspires them.  In a lot of ways, we have similar musical tastes.  In others, I have been introduced to artists and bands that I never would've found or been interested in on my own.  Now, to give you an understanding of just HOW MUCH music I have gotten while I've been on the road, I will just list a few examples:

Ryan Adams

My Morning Jacket

Tom Waits

Bon Iver

Band Of Horses

The Gaslight Anthem

                                                                                               As in, each of their catologues in their entirety.......Yeah.  So, I'm going to start by reviewing a couple of albums I am currently listening to, or have just listened to.  Pretty much everything I've been playing is available on iTunes or in stores, though there are a couple of exceptions.  Please comment and let me know what you think, or if you are listening to anything you think I would like.  And, as always, check back for more posts!  Now, on to the reviews......

THE BEACH BOYS:  SMILE SESSIONS

A quick word before I talk about the album.  If your knowledge of the Beach Boys is limited to enjoying Surfin' Safari or Surfin' USA....pretty much ONLY Beach Boys songs with "Surfin" in the title, this album is not for you.  If, however, you are one of many who believe that Pet Sounds is one of the most brilliant, artistic and important albums ever written, you will LOVE this. 

A bit of history (this is just what I know, and have learned over the years);  SMILE was supposed to be the Beach Boy's follow-up to Pet Sounds.  Now, Brian Wilson's mental issues are well-known/documented, so this is what kept SMILE from being released.  In the early 2000's, Brian released a solo version of SMILE.  Basically, he went back to what he had originally written, finished it, and recorded it all himself.  Now, while interesting, and a teaser for fans who had been waiting for this "lost" album to be released, it's not all that good.  Mostly because it's hard to duplicate the full sound of the Boys with overdubs, etc.  And, because Mr. Wilson is getting up there in age. 

That said, the SMILE SESSIONS are essentially just the tapes of what was recorded to become part of the album.  Some are full songs with multiple takes, others are just snippets of songs he was working on.  Overall, it's fantastic.  It includes an alternate take of Good Vibrations, which was originally slated to be on the finished record.  He also sings a lot about vegetables; but again, it's Brian Wilson, so it is to be expected.  The beauty of this record, on every track, is the brilliant harmonies of the Boys.  It illustrates just how amazingly they worked together, and the genius of Brian's arrangements and writing. 

For those who love a cappela singing, there is a TON of it.  To the point where it really reminded me of a group I used to listen to in high school, the King's Singers. 

So, overall, I would have to give this box set a 5 out of 5.  I got the smaller version that has two discs, extensive liner notes, and a poster.  The deluxe version features everything I just mentioned, plus the sessions on vinyl LP, two 45's and a companion book.  Depends on how big a fan you are, or in my case, whether or not you have a place to put it on tour.......

DAWES:  NOTHING IS WRONG

John Michael suggested this band to me.  It also turns out that Lee is good friends with these guys, and has played with them on occasion. 

Great record.  The stand-out track to me is IF I WANTED SOMEONE.  I don't know what influenced this band, but I would say CLEARLY that Crosby, Stills and Nash, Neil Young and ESPECIALLY Jackson Browne have to be foremost in their list. 

Just a good rootsy, stripped down indie record.  And the chorus of IF that has been going through my heads says "If I wanted someone to clean me up, I'd find myself a maid.  If I wanted someone to spend my money, then I wouldn't have to get paid". 

I'll give this one 4 out of 5.  If you dig any of the indie bands out there today such as The Gaslight Anthem, or Wilco, you will dig this record. 

FREDDY AND FRANCINE:  ALL THREE RECORDS

I have to be honest:  It would be very hard for me to review these three records on their own.  My castmate, Lee, is one of the founding members of this now no longer band.  Singer, songwriter, guitarist.  He's so immensely talented, that I HAD to seek this records out and buy them.  And man, am I glad I did.  The albums in chronological order are:  the EP, The Briar Patch, and The Forest and The Sea.  Now, I would have to say that The Forest and The Sea is not only my favorite of the three, but it is also the most solid.  However, each of these is not to be missed.  These albums did something to me that very few albums or artists ever do:  they inspired me to be creative and make MY OWN music.  That is about the biggest compliment I could ever pay an artist. 

Standout track to me on the EP is Over And Over.  Gorgeous.  Amazing songwriting.  Great chorus.  Fantastic hook.  The harmonies are beautiful and flawless.  And the spooky "oohs" in the break are stupifying. 

I love 8 Pages on Briar Patch.  It's like an old-school blues song with a new feel.  Great gospel-y-feeling chorus, and the line "It took her 8 Pages to just to say she don't love me".  This song clearly illustrates the limitless notes in Lee's range, and the soul behind his voice.  Blows me away. 

With The Forest and The Sea, I have a tougher time, because it's....well....and fantastic record.  Mama stuck out to me at first because it's just slow, beautiful and kinda sad.  Striking, really. 

The last song, I Don't Wanna Go is full of indecision and pain in the writing....and the starkness of the vocals and guitar playing is haunting.....it belongs in ANY fantastic movie with a character who is struggling with their decision to walk away from a loved one, or who is going through a breakup; you know what I mean....and as you read this, I hope you can picture it.  "If my heart is a garden, then I need you to rain.  Come on down and pour it over me".  And the last song I will talk about is Anna.  The chorus consists of just that.  Anna.  But with a song like that, who needs more than one word in a chorus?  Besides, again, Lee's voice is flawless, and the addition of the pedal steel makes that song. 

Well, I hope you've liked my insight into a couple of the records I've been listening to.  I can't listen fast enough, so I assure you I'll be back with more and more reviews.  Enjoy!