Tag: music suggestion

music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 16: Infadels – Universe In Reverse

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Well, last year, it was fellow UK band the Kaiser Chiefs that made this list with their blend of punk-pop-indie rock; but this year, the Infadels are the ones that turned out a more fantastic album in the genre. I mention the Kaiser Chiefs here, because there are many songs on the Infadels’ album, Universe in Reversethat really remind me of what I love about the Kaiser Chiefs; with an additional electronic component, that seems to be oh so hip and cool right now. Initially, it was their single, Free Things for Poor People, that brought me to the Infadels, and it was so catchy that I wanted to see if they had anything else worth listening to. Well, I saw the colorful cover of Universe in Reverse,(it’s almost like a Banksy!) and I knew as soon as I saw it, I had to download it; so I did, and low and behold, the whole album is pretty fantastic.

This is one of those “surprise” albums, which I LOVE, because they come at you from complete left field. Having never heard of the Infadels, and then randomly hearing one of their songs, only to fall in love with their record is one of the best things about discovering new music; there are so many talented musicians out there, that it is really difficult to give everyone a listen. Due to their similarities to other favorites of mine like Melee, Silversun Pickups, and the aforementioned Kaiser Chiefs, I knew that I had stumbled upon something great when I heard Universe In Reverse. If you like great rhythmic pop-rock, catchy lyrics, and the occasional ear worm track (I dare you to listen to Chemical Girlfriend and not have it stuck in your head!!!), then this record is for you. The album’s polished punk-pop-indie rock sound truly took me by storm, and I am definitely glad that I found it, because it only took a couple listens for me to rank it amongst my favorites of the year.

You may have never heard of the Infadels before, but trust me on this one, this is a solid album, and it is full of great tracks. They also remind me a lot of fellow chart members the Script, so if you like them, make sure you give this record a spin (or two). I also like how they use the electronic sounds on the album, coupling them with the marching beats of rock and roll; together, they make for some unexpected goodness. For instance, the song Code 1 has a similar electro riff to Robyn’s Cobrastyle; which is highly unexpected, but wholly fantastic. Overall, this whole album was a surprise; both in the way it was discovered, as well as in what it had in store for me once I listened. I’m glad I found it, because it definitely deserves to be on my list this year.

Sparkle Factor:
Standouts: Chemical Girlfriend [audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_829_infadels-chemicalgirlfriend.mp3]
Free Things For Poor People, A Million Pieces, Make Mistakes, Play Blind.

music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 17: Shiny Toy Guns – Season of Poison

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This is one of those albums that I had such high hopes for, that no matter what was on it, chances are, it would have let me down; except, it didn’t. The news that they had released a new single a few months back made me extremely excited, because there hasn’t been so much as a peep from the Shiny Toy Guns camp since way back in 2006, when they released the THIRD iteration of their amazing debut, We Are Pilots.I LOVED We Are Pilots, and it ended up near the top of my records of the year for 2006, so needless to say, I was pretty excited about a follow up being released this year.

Well, after hearing Ricochet, the lead off single from Season of Poison,I was sort of confused. Having seen them live, I knew that they were much “harder” than their debut record let on, but the song seemed way too “metal” after my initial listen. However, after I gave it a few listens, it really started to sink in, THIS was the essence of Shiny Toy Guns; just more layered, and much more energetic (much like their live show). After listening a couple of times, I was HOOKED to this amazing track, and I saw what I loved in Shiny Toy Guns in the first place; the electronic rock is clear and present on Season of Poison, only they have turned the amplifier up to 11 this time around.

Once it was released, the rest of the album did not disappoint me either, and after only one listen, I was pleased (again, high hopes… whew!). Yet, this is definitely one of those records that you should force yourself to listen to many, many times, because you will discover intricacies and subtleties that you would miss on one passing listen. While I liked it the first time around, it was love after a few more, well focused listens. I have to say, that Shiny Toy Guns will definitely make some new fans with their amped up sound, and while they may alienate a few others that preferred their more pop-centered sensibility, this fan is in for the duration of the ride. There are plenty of songs that are true to the Shiny Toy Guns sound, and the introduction of the newer, volume-at-11 more “metal” sounding stuff is truly a way that they have captured much of what their amazing live show possesses.

These guys have been through a line up change, and have tweaked their sound towards the louder, harder end of their spectrum, but they have turned out another fantastic album with Season of Poison. I am sure that some people were worried about the departure of the lead female vocalist, but her replacement steps in differently, but perfectly, and compliments the male vocalist completely (which was a hallmark of the STG sound). Also, it should be noted, that they did not completely depart from their previous sound; there are plenty of well crafted pop songs on Season of Poisonthat would have fit perfectly amongst the tracks on We Are Pilots (in fact, they included Turned To Real Life, which actually was on one of the three iterations of We Are Pilots).As a fan of the band, I am more than pleased that there was NO “sophomore slump” (er… senior slump?) for Shiny Toy Guns; as they have simply polished their sound, and in the process, came back harder, and just as strong as ever.

Sparkle Factor:
Stand Outs: Ricochet! [audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1024_shinytoyguns-ricochet.mp3]
I Owe You A Love Song, When Did This Storm Begin, Season of Love, Money For That.

music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 18: Same Difference – Pop

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Oh. My. Gay!!11!!1 Seriously, if Same Difference were an inanimate object, they would either be sprinkles or glitter… I can’t decide which. They are gayer than butt sex; and that is why I LOVE them so much.

This is one of only two albums that were released during the first week of December this year that have made my year end list. Unfortunately, for most records released during December, I have already made up my mind, and it takes something stellar to take my attention by storm, and snag a place on this list. Well, Same Difference did just that with their aptly titled debut album, Pop.In case you have never heard of them, this brother and sister duo made a splash on last year’s X-Factor, proving that they were everything that was great about cheesy, bubble gum pop. Show after show, they harnessed their effervescence and bubbly personalities, and sang cheesy hit after hit, making them favorites on the show. Well, they didn’t end up winning, but that doesn’t mean that people like me stopped following them; I had to see what would come up next from this talented pair.

Well, late in November, they released their first single, We R One, and after hearing it, I knew that everything I loved about Same Difference was going to come out strong on their debut. Luckily, I was right; this album is about as far tilt pop as you can possibly go without turning completely over. Have you ever heard of the pop supergroup Steps? Well, if you liked them, you will LOVE Same Difference; they are basically what it would be like if H and Claire were brother and sister, and still making fantastic pop music.

While the album has several covers, all of them are cheesed up, perfectly perked pop renditions, and they completely succeed. Their remake of Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now is EPIC. Other lesser known covers like I Need A House are amazing (even if they sound almost like the original), and their cover of Breaking Free, the duet between Gabrielle and Troy from High School Musical, far outshines the original. While this brother and sister team haven’t really done anything surprisingly new, or earth shatteringly different, they have done something so perfectly well that it begs to be heard; they have created a damn near perfect pop album (there are only a couple of missteps that hold it slightly back). Again, if you were/are a fan of Steps (I KNOW I AM!), and you still can’t believe they aren’t coming back some day, consider Same Difference your salvation; they have a very similar sound, and that same great pop sensibility.

Practically every song on this album is ready for radio; that is, radio in the UK. I doubt anything this poptastic will ever find its way over to our shores, but pop records like this cannot go unheard by pop-o-holics like myself. This record may be the gayest one on my countdown, and be warned: it is just so freaking sugary, that you might want to be careful to brush your teeth after listening to avoid cavities. It is seriously that syrupy, and I love every minute of it. I am really glad that pop albums like this are still being made.

Sparkle Factor:
Standouts: If You Can’t Dance [audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/samedifference-ifyoucantdance.mp3]
I Need A House, Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now, Breaking Free, Still Amazed.

music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 19: The Script – The Script

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The Script are a pop-rock trio from Ireland who made a splash with me when I heard their AMAZING song, The Man Who Can’t Be Moved. When I heard that track, I knew that I had to get their album, because it reminded me of acts that I love, namely Daniel Bedingfield and David Gray. Well, after getting their debut album, also called The Script,and giving it a few listens, I was definitely pleased with what I heard. On the record, there may be some songs about some hard subjects, but the playfulness of the music and the word play of some of the songs make for a lighter, heartfelt listening session, that is propelled by some great pop rock music.

I am sure that they will pull comparisons to fellow pop-rock sets like Maroon 5, One Republic, Jason Mraz, and even The Police (as well as the aforementioned David Gray and Daniel Bedingfield), but these guys definitely put their own polish on their sound, and they made a darn great record in the process. Additionally, like some of the aforementioned acts, these guys are really, really good at turning out a viable single; this CD is definitely filled with radio-ready tracks. Songs like Breakeven just beg to be played on the radio, and recently, BBC 1 is amongst those playing the track in heavy rotation (which makes me happy, because it is one of my favorite tracks on the album, and I love hearing it on the radio).

While these guys aren’t really breaking ground in any “new” realm of pop rock, they are definitely staking claim on their own little corner of the pop-rock island. It’s great to hear well produced pop records like this one, and with as many great single-worthy tracks as there are on this album, I am sure that this is just the first that we have heard from the Script. One thing is for sure; they may be called the Script, but they have definitely written their own musical, and doing a damn fine job of performing it.

Sparkle Factor:
Standouts: The Man Who Can’t Be Moved
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_808_thescript-themanwhocantbemoved.mp3]
Breakeven, Anybody There, Talk You Down.

music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 20: Rachael Yamagata – Elephants… Teeth Sinking Into Heart

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What a breakup record this is!! On Elephants…Teeth Sinking Into Heart, Rachael is musically letting blood from an aching, burning heart, and on this double album, she has made an amazing piece of painful, but beautiful music. Whispers of broken promises, mournful tales of love lost, and embittered warnings to stay weary of love permeate this album, and are all perfectly paired with Rachael’s beautifully acoustic and raw musical style. On some songs, you can practically feel the ache in the way she twists the guitar’s strings to force out the chords, and the accompanying vocals only strengthen the perception that this woman has endured some emotional pain. It isn’t often that emotion is so perfectly expressed in song, so to hear Rachael master it so beautifully is chill inducing at times.

There are many, many amazing songs on this album, and some are epic; like What If I Leave, a song that just jars me to the core. It’s a simple question that she ponders throughout the song, but the way in which it is coupled with the aching cello that backs her ponderous guitar picking, makes it so real and raw that it is just breath taking. Rachael has been a bit more rock and roll in the past, and with this record, she is only proving that she more than comfortable with her softer, more stripped down side as well. She isn’t afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve, and to show you that she bled to get here. Despite the overarching theme of despair, she does offer some glimmer of hope in love, in amazingly beautiful songs like Duet, where she is joined by Ray LaMontagne on one of the most beautiful collaborations of the year. That song is just everything that is beautiful about music.

After being subdued and lulled into a sense of heartbreak with Elephants, Rachael really turns up the dial on the second CD, Teeth Sinking Into Heart, and as the name implies, she really plunges the knife in deep. On this second CD, she has physically separated the ache from the anger (in making it a separate CD), and shows a side of her that indicates that she might have been burned, but she isn’t going to take it lying down. Rachael takes us through the stages of break up throughout the course of this album, and the result is an amazing set of songs that range in emotion and intimacy, but do so beautifully throughout. I will say that I liked Rachael before, but after hearing Elephants…Teeth Sinking Into Heart,that I just might love her now; this album is massive and is full of emotive tracks that really encapsulate love and loss. As much as I love her softer, more acoustic stuff, she loses me a little with the harder stuff (what can I say, I am a softy); hence why this isn’t a 5 star album for me. That being said, I can definitely admit that this album is damn near perfect, and there isn’t anything bad that can be said about it.

Sparkle Factor:
Standouts: What If I Leave [audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1024_rachaelyamagata-whatifileave.mp3]
Elephants, Duet, Faster.

music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 21: The Weepies – Hideaway

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Here’s the most basic thing I can say about the Weepies: basically, if Paul Simon would have teamed with a woman instead of Garfunkel, you would have the Weepies. However, with that being said, they bring a freshness to the sound pioneered by Simon and Garfunkel, and with Hideaway,they have made a fantastic and warming record that is a treat for the listener. The first song on the album, Can’t Go Back Now, instantly captured my unwaivering attention because of the simplicity, and immense beauty of the song; sometimes, the simple things really are the finer things in life.

On Hideaway,the Weepies have crafted a collection of subdued harmonies, which they use to weave an eloquent pattern of sweet and somber folk-pop songs. I read somewhere that their name is a play on one way of describing chick flicks, which I find completely appropriate; seeing as many of their songs would fit snugly within almost any endearing scene in one of those very movies.

I have to say, that I just love that these two are making music, one, because they compliment each other so wonderfully, and two, because it really only makes it more sweet that they are married in real life. Singing sweet love songs to each other, about each other, is utterly sincere and completely speaks to the hopeless romantic in me. It’s like a real life version of the movie Once (except a LOT more upbeat)!

Overall, being a huge fan of folk-pop music, this record completely delivered for me in every way. Each track is skillfully crafted, and most of these songs would fit perfectly being played behind a real life moment (or, at least the portrayal of one in a film). If you are a fan of great folk-pop, this record is a fantastic contribution to the genre, and one of my favorites of the year. I will say that the super cute cover is what brought my attention to the Weepies, but after hearing their amazing music, I have been all ears, and will definitely be paying attention to them from here on out.

Sparkle Factor:
Standouts: Can’t Go Back Now [audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_725_theweepies-cantgobacknow.mp3]
All Good Things, Orbiting, Wish I Could Forget.

music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 22: Agnes Carlsson – Dance! Love! Pop!

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Cheesy dance pop has always been amongst my favorite styles of music, and Agnes Carlsson’s third album, Dance! Love! Pop!, is everything that a cheesy pop music lover like myself could ever hope for. It is filled with dance tracks, upbeat ballads, and uplifting “I can do this!” tracks that are sure to please any pop lover. Everything about this record is true, unfiltered pop, so it may be to strong for your average lover of pop music; but not for me. From the first moment I heard the blaring disco violins of the MASSIVE first track and dance anthem, Release Me, I knew that Agnes was the real deal.

She rose to prominence by winning Swedish Idol, and she is just another in what seems like an endless stream of amazing pop artists coming from that tiny country. This being her third album, she departed with her record label, and stated that she wanted to do something more fun, and more poppy… the result is an album that is almost over the top with pop greatness. There are so many fun tracks on this album, and even the lower points of the record aren’t half bad. This is one of those albums that really grew on me; see, the first track of the album stands so far and above everything else, that it was hard to get past it. However, after many, many listens, I have definitely come to realize that there are several amazing songs on the record, all of which employ that perfect pop formula; catchy rhythms, upbeat lyrics, and killer vocals.

This is definitely one of the best pop-dance records that came completely out of left field this year; I am sure that very few of you will know of Agnes here in the states. That being said, she exemplifies everything that I love about pop music; not only is it like a sweet, sweet candy for your ears, but you can dance and smile to this decadent treat. This album is exactly what pop should be; fun, entertaining, and very well produced. I have been amazed at how much pop greatness continues to pour out of Sweden, and with Agnes’ third album, I am beginning to realize that there is no chance of that slowing down.

Sparkle Factor:
Stand Outs: Release Me [audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_117_agnescarlsson-releaseme.mp3]
Sometimes I Forget, Don’t Pull Your Love Out, Open Up Your Eyes.

music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 23: The Presets – Apocalypso

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It looks like I am staying “down under” for the next album on this countdown; the Presets hail from Australia, and have produced one of the best electronic albums I have heard in a very, very long time. The hard hitting beats and pulsating rhythms, accompanied by the haunting British-accented vocals, make for a rave-inducing experience that will have you jumping up and down and dancing all night long.

I was lucky enough to see The Presets a few months ago, and they were nothing short of amazing; the whole room literally moved with their music. The music may be a little “hard” for some, but it is magnificent, and the electronic arrangements of this CD are purposeful in their placement, and extremely stimulating. I remember when I first saw the video for the lead single of Apocalypso, My People, and all I could think was, “what the fuck IS this”. Well, regardless of how scary the video is, I know that my ears perked up at what they were hearing, and instantly I found myself in front of my PC, downloading the album. What I ended up discovering, was an album that is really dark, yet upbeat at the same time; almost like you are dancing your way to the end of the world. It’s something that slightly avant-garde, but not so much so that you don’t get it, and you end up questioning its presence.

This album was recently awarded the ARIA album of the year in Australia, and I can definitely see why; this record is great. While there are a few songs that teeter on the brink of making you go completely insane, and want to rip your hair out at the inanity, they never do the deed, and push you over the edge. The repetition and breaking beats paint an apocalyptic landscape of sound, and truly shape an aural experience that must be undertaken to truly appreciate. This is one of those albums that the “cool kids” are likely to tell you about, but you will be able to tell them that you knew all about them, because they are popular enough that more than just those on the edge will have heard their music. This record really isn’t like anything else I heard this year, and the music is unique amongst the rest of the CDs on this list; and it’s that unique quality that is a large part of its awesomeness.

Sparkle Factor:
Standouts: My People, This Boy’s In Love, Anywhere, Talk Like That.

music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2008 – 24: Ladyhawke – Ladyhawke

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It seems that 2008 was definitely the year for electro-indie acts; groups like MGMT, Cut Copy, and CSS (amongst many others) all got lots of exposure, and I keep seeing them popping up on many other year end lists. However, it was one of their fellow electro-indie peers, Ladyhawke, who hails all of the way from New Zealand, that truly captured my attention. Her debut album, Ladyhawke(not to be confused with the 80’s movie from where the band’s name comes), is rooted deeply the type of sound one might expect to hear at a hip late-night 80’s soiree, and it provides the soundtrack for a great night out on the town. The influences of 80s acts like Fleetwood Mac (specifically the songs penned and sung by Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks) are present throughout the album, and the style and swagger of acts like Blondie provides inspiration for some truly great retro-flavored, electro-pop tracks.

Ladyhawke has given us something truly great with her debut; there really isn’t a bad track on the album. Listening to this record makes me want to don way too much mascara, put on some skinny jeans, and head out for the night; not forgetting my fingerless gloves, jelly bracelets, and checkered scarf before heading out. It paints a picture of a smoky club, pulsating with dance-rock beats and cool kids filling the dance floor to dance the night away. The jangly guitars, the tender beats, and the smoky vocals all paint this picture so perfectly, that you can almost close your eyes and transport yourself into the scene. Cue the fog machines!

While this record may not get the same exposure as the efforts released by the aforementioned groups, I feel like it is more than deserving; Ladyhawke has delivered more than just a few singles that everyone will think you are cool for recognizing when they come on the radio. This album is filled with track after track of retrofitted greatness. It’s almost as if she was just teleported 20 years into the future, and made us a nostalgic, yet fully updated and current record for today. Regardless of her true origins, the result of her work is something that definitely deserves its spot on my year end list; I have had lots of fun listening to this album, and it is one of those albums that I know will continue to please my listening senses in the future.

Sparkle Factor:
Standouts: My Delerium, Dusk Til Dawn, Paris is Burning, Love Don’t Live Here.

music musings, music suggestion, show the love, the catch-all-egory, venting

the 31 best of 2008 – 25: Joshua Radin – Simple Times

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Continuing with the acoustic folk-rock, in at number 25 on my countdown this year, is the amazing sophomore disc by Joshua Radin, Simple Times.I first fell in instant love with Joshua after hearing his amazing song Today, from his first album, and I knew that I had to hear more. With this most recent release, Joshua has solidly put himself amongst the artists that I will always follow, and anxiously wait in anticipation for new material from them. This album is a soft, almost whisper-driven folk/pop album, which showcases song after song rooted in the same style as work from other acoustic guitar-picking style artists like Bright Eyes, Nick Drake, and especially Simon and Garfunkel.

The simplicity in each song speaks volumes about his music (perhaps, this is reflective of the album’s title), and I honestly think that it may be the very key to its beauty. I can picture Joshua standing before me with just his guitar in hand, as he sweetly sings each song, and tugs at my heartstrings with each one. I love music like this, because it is the type of music that I really identify with… well, definitely the romantic in me… and it’s how I know that I am a big softy inside.

Joshua’s sophomore album is filled with beautiful love songs, strung together with beautiful harmonies and elegant melodies. The overall theme of the record is upbeat, and loving, and many of the songs would be more than appropriate if played at a wedding; which is just another thing that I love about Joshua’s music and lyrical style. It is romantic, pleasing, peaceful, and it is hard not to smile and feel all warm and fuzzy inside while listening to this record. One of my favorite things that he does, is the way in which he blends his vocals with a soft and beautiful female vocal; making for a beautiful harmony, as well as the imagery of two people singing longing to one another.

If any of what I have said could be considered a bad thing (I’m looking at you, Stu), well, then I don’t want to be good, because everything about this album is wonderfully uplifting, romantic, and lovely. If that isn’t your thing, then I can’t help but wonder where your romantic side is, because this album definitely SHOUTS (well, if you can count a whisper as a shout) at mine. I would be more than honored to have Joshua play at our wedding… that is, if we could afford it…

Sparkle Factor:
Stand Outs: One Of Those Days, They Bring Me To You (this one is the one that could be played at my wedding, and I would be totally teary eyed — this song could totally be used as vows!), Free Of Me, You Got Growing Up To Do.